Talent and coaching will take you places in college football, but only so far. The best programs in the Bowl Subdivision play for conference and national championships in part because of mesmerizing home-field advantages that have etched many Power Four and Group of Five venues into the very fabric of the sport.

While home teams have won about 60% of games during the past 20 years, some programs are nearly unbeatable on their home field. As examples, think of the reception visitors receive at Death Valley (LSU or Clemson), or the intimidation factor at Big Ten icons such as Ohio Stadium and Beaver Stadium.

But let’s try and tackle this controversial debate: Which Bowl Subdivision stadium is the unfriendliest?

With no shortage of options, USA TODAY Sports tracked records, traditions and environments to list the 25 most inhospitable stadiums in the FBS. The list begins with LSU’s version of Death Valley and is stocked with the biggest names in the Big Ten, SEC and elsewhere:

1. Tiger Stadium, LSU

Former Arkansas running back and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist Darren McFadden once said of Death Valley: ‘The fans are relentless.” That’s especially true for night games, when ‘the sun has found its home in the western sky,’ as the public address announcer says inside Tiger Stadium. After LSU fans spend the day sucking down hooch, they’re in no mood to take prisoners.

2. Beaver Stadium, Penn State

Few sights are more intimidating to visitors than Penn State’s annual ‘White Out’ games, when fans dress up in white tops to provide visitors with an unsettling, eye-popping backdrop. Combined with the deafening roar provided by 100,000-plus fans, this makes Beaver Stadium one of the elite settings in the FBS.

3. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State

The Buckeyes have long made the Horseshoe one of the most hostile venues in the FBS. (Unless you’re Michigan, which has won two in a row in Columbus.) Since the stadium opened in 1922, OSU has been dominant at home, including a remarkable 55-3 record (94.9%) since 2016.

4. Autzen Stadium, Oregon

While Autzen’s official capacity of 54,000 makes it cozier than most Power Four stadiums, it became an utter house of horrors for opponents in the late 1990s before reaching a peak during the Chip Kelly era, when the Ducks rolled off a 21-game winning streak. Oregon has lost just once at home since hiring Dan Lanning in 2022 and gone unbeaten the past two years.

5. Memorial Stadium, Clemson

To some, this is the ‘other’ Death Valley. That’s way underselling how Memorial Stadium can wobble the knees of any visiting opponent. Clemson recently had a 40-game home winning streak, the longest in ACC history, before it was snapped late in the 2022 season. The program also has a memorable tradition of running down The Hill toward the field and rubbing Howard’s Rock to gain ‘the mystical powers it is supposed to give Clemson players,’ the school says.

6. Neyland Stadium, Tennessee

In a conference with no shortage of nasty environments, Tennessee fans are seen as particularly ruthless. Neyland Stadium is ‘a different type of loud,’ described former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. And when “Rocky Top” plays on a loop, it’s pure psychological torture.

7. Sanford Stadium, Georgia

The environment ‘Between the Hedges’ has made the Bulldogs nearly unbeatable at home under coach Kirby Smart. While the literally barking from Georgia fans doesn’t always rattle your eardrums, Sanford Stadium can rumble when challenged.

8. Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama

Alabama fans don’t always roar as fiercely as others listed above. But last season’s game against Georgia showed how Tide fans can bring the noise when they feel they must. Alabama is nearly unbeatable at home the past 20 years.

9. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida

As former coach Steve Spurrier aptly said, “only Gators get out alive” from The Swamp. Florida has won 71.4% of its home games against SEC opponents the past 10 years, compared to 47.6% on the road in conference games. That’s the definition of home-field advantage.

10. Kyle Field, Texas A&M

Yeah, there are some odd chants, routines and hand signs from the school’s Aggie Yell Leaders. But don’t be mistaken: Kyle Field towers like no other and literally shakes when the noise swells (as it often does). The Aggies entering to “POWER” is one of college football’s best intros.

11. Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Oklahoma

A touch smaller than other SEC colossuses with a capacity of 80,126, the ‘Palace on the Prairie’ still more than holds its own. (Seven national title banners hanging inside help deliver that message.) The Sooner Schooner cruising the field paints a scene fit for one of the nation’s premier football conferences.

12. Michigan Stadium, Michigan

The largest venue by capacity in college sports? Check. But that’s selling Michigan Stadium short: This is the largest stadium by total seating in the Western Hemisphere and the third-largest in the world. Though their current digs were completed in 1927, the Wolverines are 662-154-21 at home since 1883.

13. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn

Some say Jordan-Hare uncorks a strange voodoo magic on opponents. (See the ‘Prayer in Jordan-Hare’ and the 2012 Iron Bowl, held just two weeks apart, for one example.) It may also just be that Auburn fans create a tough environment that lends itself to late-game meltdowns or heroics. Find someone who loves you the way Auburn fans love to “Swag Surf.”

14. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame

‘The House that Rockne Built’ is iconic enough to essentially be a pictorial stand-in for college football itself. There’s the ‘Touchdown Jesus’ mural. Lines and lines of some of the sport’s most memorable coaches and players. National championships galore. While the vibe might be different than that seen at some of the larger SEC fields, no one can deny that Notre Dame Stadium occupies a special place in the NCAA landscape.

15. Husky Stadium, Washington

When things are going right for Washington, Husky Stadium easily counts among the loudest spots in the FBS. It also may be the most picturesque venue as well: There may be no more aesthetically pleasing scene in college football than a packed, rocking-and-rolling Husky Stadium with sailboats dotting Lake Washington – what locals call “sailgating.” (While in Seattle, former Washington coach Steve Sarkisian named his boat ‘Noah Sark.’)

16. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Texas

Admittedly, the Texas fans at DKR (often derided by detractors as a ‘wine and cheese’ crowd) don’t always produce a decibel level to match the 100,119-person capacity. But you have to also admit that the Longhorn faithful can turn it up for big games. Texas has won 14 of 15 at home.

17. Williams-Brice Stadium, South Carolina

The Gamecocks peck above their weight at Williams-Brice, long one of the SEC’s and broader college football’s most underrated venues. The place roars to life when Darude’s “Sandstorm” plays and fans wave white towels chanting, “U-S-C! U-S-C!”

18. Rice-Eccles Stadium, Utah

The beautiful panorama in the background belies the electric game-day atmosphere inside Rice-Eccles. On a pound-for-pound (or decibel-for-decibel) level, RES is tough to beat. Utah won 18 home games in a row before losing to Oregon in 2023

19. Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin

Don’t leave your seat at the end of the third quarter. That’s when Wisconsin fans ‘Jump Around” to the 1992 House of Pain classic of the same name, often causing Camp Randall to shake and vibrate. The tradition started in 1998, took a very brief, highly controversial hiatus in 2003 and became a rallying cry during the Badgers’ development into a Big Ten powerhouse under former coaches Barry Alvarez and Bret Bielema.

20. Doak S. Campbell Stadium, Florida State

Doak can be listless, as during last year’s dismal 2-10 finish. But it’s also been the site of several legendary wins against some of the most high-profile opponents in the country and continues to rank among the unfriendliest venues for visitors when the Seminoles are rolling. Overall, FSU is 322-109-4 at Doak Campbell (74.5%).

21. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech

Start with the best introduction in college football: Virginia Tech takes the field to Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman,’ quickly setting the tone for what can often be the scariest place to play in the ACC. While the home-field advantage has taken a hit this decade, the edge provided by Lane Stadium helped put Tech on the map under legendary coach Frank Beamer.

22. LaVell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young

Provo’s towering mountaintops gives LaVell Edwards Stadium some of the most beautiful scenery in college football this side of the Rose Bowl. A noisy, intense and intimidating home crowd is supported by the nearly mile-high elevation that can wear down opponents. BYU is 25-6 at home since 2020.

23. Albertsons Stadium, Boise State

The bane of opposing coaches and defenders for decades, the program’s legendary blue turf is enough to land Boise on this list. But don’t forget the Broncos have gone 212-45 at home since installing the turf in 1986, developing the finest home-field advantage in the Group of Five and helping the program establish itself among the most consistently successful in the sport.

24. Kinnick Stadium, Iowa

The environment at Kinnick has helped Iowa go 22-6 at home since 2021. It’s also home to the best new tradition in the sport: Since 2017, players and fans turn at the end of the first quarter and wave to the patients at Stead Family Children’s Hospital. “The Hawkeye Wave” is already an indelible part of the college football fabric.

25. Boone Pickens Stadium, Oklahoma State

The oldest stadium in the Big 12 and one of the few in the country to run in an east-west direction received a major facelift and reboot with Oklahoma State’s development into a regional and national player in the 2000s, resulting in all 10 of the most-attended games in program history occurring since 2011. While things ran off the rails last season, Mike Gundy’s teams dropped only three home games from 2020-23. (The stadium gets bonus points for having the nicest press-box restroom experience in the Power Four.)

A few deals have come together in the past week, notably Josh Naylor (Mariners) and Ryan McMahon (Yankees) finding new homes. Some of the other top players who have surfaced in trade rumors are Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez and Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Suárez is in the midst of a spectacular season, on pace for 55 home runs and 133 RBIs, while former Cy Young winner Alcantara has struggled after missing all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery.

Top contenders will be jockeying to add to their lineups, rotations and bullpens for the stretch run with the ultimate goal of playing deep into October.

Follow along on Monday for the latest news and rumors:

Dodgers in market for closer?

The biggest surprise at the trade deadline would be if the Dodgers don’t come up with another closer, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale writes. Even though they just activated Blake Treinen, who led the team with four saves in last year’s playoffs, the Dodgers have checked in with virtually every team for bullpen help.

Among the most intriguing closers who could be moved at the deadline: Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals, Raisel Iglesias of the Braves, David Bednar of the Pirates, Pete Fairbanks of the Rays and Jhoan Duran of the Twins.

The Dodgers also are looking to upgrade their outfield with Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles. Nightengale says they have expressed interest in Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan.

Braves’ pitching overhaul continues

Even after adding veteran starter Erick Fedde, the Atlanta Braves still have more holes to fill in their rotation.

He has been pitching with New York’s Class AAA affiliate in Scranton-Wilkes Barre (Pa.), where he was 4-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 52 1/3 innings.

Hot corner a priority in Houston

The Houston Astros would like to find a third baseman while Isaac Paredes recovers from his hamstring tear but have no interest in reigniting talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for third baseman Nolan Arenado, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale writes.

The two teams agreed to a trade during the winter, and the Astros had permission to speak to Arenado, but they couldn’t convince him they were still going to contend this year. ‘We tried to convince him that we’re not rebuilding, that the window is always open with our owner,’ GM Dana Brown said. ‘We planned to compete in 2025 and beyond. He misunderstood the plan.’

The Astros could make a play for slugging third baseman Eugenio Suarez of the Diamondbacks. However, the team could also use a left-handed bat to balance out the lineup. Switch-hitting utilityman Willi Castro of the Twins might fit the bill – and he could help out elsewhere if/when Paredes returns, The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reports.

Braves acquire veteran SP Erick Fedde

With all five members of their opening day rotation now on the injured list, the struglging Atlanta Braves have added a veteran starter. Erick Fedde, who was designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals last week, fills the void in Atlanta’s rotation after Grant Holmes hit the injured list with elbow inflammation. He joins fellow rotation mates Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez and A.J. Smith-Shawver on the 60-day IL.

The Braves acquired Fedde (3-10, 5.22 ERA this season) in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Seth Lugo, Royals agree to extension

Royals right-hander Seth Lugo was considered one of the top pitching names on the trade market, but Kansas City put that to rest late Sunday night. The Royals on Monday announced Lugo has agreed to a two-year contract extension with a vesting option for 2028 with the team. Lugo is 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 19 starts this season after finishing second in the AL Cy Young voting in 2024 with 206⅔ innings pitched, a 16-9 record and a 3.00 ERA in 33 starts.

Diamondbacks trade rumors continue

“Do I think there’s a chance we make more trades? Yes, I do,” Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen said. “I think there’s going to be enough interest that we probably will have to look at — think long and hard about what we’re doing. I just don’t know the extent to which that’s going to happen and how many that’s going to be.”

Yankees add depth with Amed Rosario trade

The New York Yankees acquired Amed Rosario in a trade with the Washington Nationals, providing depth as a player who has the versatility to play all around the infield. Rosario has started 20 games at third base and 13 games at second base for the Nationals this season.

He’s also proven to be trouble for left-handed pitchers. He’s batting .299 with an .816 OPS against lefties in 2025.

Should Detroit Tigers trade Tarik Skubal this winter?

Sandy Alcantara trade interest picking up?

After tossing seven strong innings in his last start, Sandy Alcantara’s name is back atop deadline wish lists, with USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale reporting that trade interest has soared. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner has struggled this season after missing all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery.

When is MLB trade deadline 2025?

Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31.

Marcus Morris Sr., the longtime NBA player and occasional ESPN commentator, was arrested Sunday, July 27 in South Florida on a felony fraud charge for writing a check with insufficient funds, according to online arrest records in Broward County, Florida.

Morris remains in jail as of Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. ET and his online booking documents state that in addition to the bad check, he’s in custody on an out of state hold related to another case outside Florida.

Morris’ twin brother, Markieff, wrote on social media Sunday night that the arrest happened at an airport and indicated the situation was not as serious as it may appear based on the felony charge.

‘The wording is crazy. Damn for that amount of money they’ll embarrass you in the airport with your family,’ Markieff Morris wrote on X. ‘They got y’all really thinking bro did some fraud (expletive). They could have came to the crib for all that. When y’all hear the real story on this … All I can say is Lesson learned.’

Marcus Morris is a 13-year NBA veteran with stints on eight different teams. He last appeared in an NBA game with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He served as a guest NBA commentator with ESPN in recent months, with frequent appearances on ‘Get Up’ and ‘First Take.’

Morris has also played for the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers during his NBA career.

Yony Noy, the agent who represents both Morris brothers, also came to Marcus Morris’ defense after his arrest became public and noted on social media that the charges were gambling related.

‘Just so everyone understands this is zero fraud here or whatever crap outlets have said regarding fake checks or whatever the hell,’ Noy wrote on X. ‘This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino. Apparently if you have over $1,200 they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity!’

Hall of Fame boxer Dwight Muhammad Qawi, who took up the sport in prison and won world titles in two different weight classes, has died at age 72.

Qawi’s sister, Wanda King, said he died on Friday, July 25, after a five-year battle with dementia.

‘He was a great father, a great Pop-Pop to his grandchildren,’ King told BoxingScene. ‘He had a heart of gold, and he fought his dementia illness just like he was fighting in the ring.’

Born Dwight Braxton and raised in Camden, New Jersey, he learned to box at Rahway State Prison while serving a sentence for armed robbery. He turned pro after he was released in 1978 and later changed his name after converting to Islam in 1982.

Nicknamed ‘The Camden Buzzsaw,’ Qawi won his first world title in 1981, defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad for the WBC light heavyweight crown. After winning a rematch with Saad Muhammad the following year, he lost to WBA champion Michael Spinks in a unification bout in March 1983.

Despite being just 5-7, the compactly built Qawi moved up to cruiserweight in 1985 and dethroned champion Piet Crous before facing Evander Holyfield in what experts regard as one of the weight class’s best fights of all time.

Holyfield won the 15-round split decision in Atlanta on July 12, 1986, and then defeated Qawi in a rematch the following December.

Qawi would have one more high-profile fight, a March 1988 loss to heavyweight George Foreman before retiring later that year with a career record of 41-11-1 and 25 knockouts.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004, and spent a large part of his retirement as a youth advocate and drug and alcohol counselor in New Jersey.

Lionel Messi and his wife get the Coldplay spotlight, not like that other couple.

Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, were briefly serenaded by Coldplay during a concert in Miami on Sunday, July 27. 

Messi and his wife attended the show at Hard Rock Stadium, and found themselves in the spotlight – far from that one viral Coldplay moment. 

‘Well, Leo, my beautiful brother. You and your wife are looking so fine,’ Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sang. ‘Thanks for coming today, to see our band play. The No. 1 sports person of all time.’

Messi, who doesn’t speak English, appeared to understand Coldplay’s tribute. He smiled, waved and clapped in response with his arm around his wife. They attended the concert with their three sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. 

Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion playing with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, returns to action on Wednesday, July 30, when his team begins the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament against Mexican club Atlas at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

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

There is no bigger honor in EA Sports’ Madden franchise than earning the 99 overall rating.

Fans of the NFL video game now know who will be earning that exclusive honor ahead of the 2025 NFL season, as EA Sports released the members of The 99 Club for Madden 26.

There will be a total of seven players included in The 99 Club this year. That’s about on par with recent expectations in the game, as no more than seven players have earned the honor in a single season since Madden 2002.

Which players received the initial 99 rating for the video game, and how does it compare to the list of players to earn the honor last season? Here’s what to know about Madden’s 99 Club for 2025.

Madden 99 Club 2025

Below is a look at The 99 Club for Madden 26 – which is being released ahead of the 2025 NFL season:

• Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
• Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles
• Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
• Josh Allen, QB, Bills
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Who was in Madden 99 Club 2024?

The 99 Club in Madden 25 – which was released ahead of the 2024 NFL season – was comprised of five players. They were as follows:

• Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Artificial flavoring. Artificial sweeteners. Artificial plants. Artificial intelligence (AI).

Technology has taken artificial to the forefront, making it so even a square peg can fit into a round hole, bridging the gap in all situations. Don’t know what song to listen to? The algorithm will figure it out. Don’t know how to find your destination? The self-driving car can handle that. Don’t understand what you just read? AI can summarize it.

Society soaks up everything artificial because it’s more convenient or tastes better. Laziness or convenience? You be the judge.

No matter how popular those fake things become, nothing can ever replace the original. As we embark on the early days of NFL training camp, it’s important to have some fun, even if the robots continue to conquer more and more in some sort of ode to imperialism.

Will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rebound after a Super Bowl beatdown? Which NFL team will surprise? Who will be the league’s best and who will be the worst?

While many speculate and debate how each NFL team will perform in 2025, we decided to get Google Gemini’s artificial thoughts by having it predict every team’s record. Here are the results.

2025 NFL record predictions: AI projections for all 32 teams

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: 12-5
• New England Patriots: 9-8
• Miami Dolphins: 8-9
• New York Jets: 7-10

Gemini isn’t forecasting any surprises in the AFC East, predicting Buffalo to win the division for the sixth straight year. The chatbot noted that they have a strong foundation in place as the team dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Josh Allen’s crew should keep rolling without much resistance.

Google’s artificial intelligence is buying stock, however, in the Patriots next season. It’s a big fan of Drake Maye and believes Mike Vrabel can get the team back to their winning ways. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots are poised for a better season. Gemini subscribes to that line of thinking as well.

Miami finds itself settling into the third spot in this division race, primarily because of concerns about consistency and health. Can Tua Tagovailoa avoid injury all season? Is there enough depth on the roster? The chatbot isn’t sure of either, saying results for the Dolphins are mixed this season.

Returning to the bottom of the AFC East is the Jets, who are certainly no stranger to being there. However, it’s a 7-10 season for New York in what profiles as a significant question mark-style season, according to Gemini. The team has limited upside in its imaginary eyes, but likes the defense and is unsure about Justin Fields. Maybe the intelligence isn’t that artificial after all.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: 11-6
• Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-8
• Cleveland Browns: 5-12

The Ravens are locked and loaded for another run in 2025, hoping this will be the year they get over their playoff woes to reach the big game in February. Gemini is forecasting another division-winning season for John Harbaugh’s team, with a sprinkling of regression despite their all-in approach to the offseason. Regardless, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens lead the way here as Lamar Jackson looks to build off another MVP-caliber season.

Cincinnati is a logical entrant for the second spot in the AFC North, but the Bengals are a wild card in the jungle. The contract situations for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart have been a dark cloud hanging over the offseason in Cincinnati. That is in addition to a team that has underachieved each of the last two seasons. The Bengals have a wide range of outcomes, but Gemini lands on the more optimistic side of the spectrum.

The Steelers also know a thing or two about a wide range of outcomes, especially after signing the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. After adding DK Metcalf to upgrade the receiver room, it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh is better in 2025. The chatbot has taken Mike Tomlin’s ability to avoid losing seasons into account, predicting a 9-8 record.

In the AFC North basement, it’s the Cleveland Browns. That comes as no surprise considering the state of their rebuild and the lack of a clear quarterback solution. Cleveland’s defense can steal some games thanks to Myles Garrett, but don’t expect a miracle in The Land.

AFC South

• Houston Texans: 11-6
• Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-8
• Indianapolis Colts: 7-10
• Tennessee Titans: 4-13

It’s been all chalk for Gemini in the early going, sticking with the favorite to capture the division crown. The Texans may have a few problems on their hands come playoff time, especially if C.J. Stroud is wounded behind that offensive line. However, the defense is good enough to carry them through a division that doesn’t figure to have much resistance, leaving them as the clear team to beat.

Liam Coen lived a life of luxury coordinating an experienced Tampa offense loaded with talent in 2024. Now for his next trick, he heads to the opposite coast of Florida to guide Jacksonville back to NFL relevancy. It’s a much younger offense for the Jaguars, giving the rookie head coach a blank canvas to mold the roster as he sees fit. With that in mind, Gemini believes they can contend for a playoff spot this year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to form, Jacksonville is a frisky team that can be a threat.

Everything for the Colts is tied to their quarterback situation, and the chatbot agrees. Anthony Richardson has to take a step in the right direction, but his shoulder injury is already dominating the conversation. There is still talent on this team that should keep them from bottoming out. However, the ceiling isn’t particularly high and seven wins feels pretty close to it.

The Titans hope they have their quarterback in Cam Ward, but it’s unlikely that wins will follow in 2025. Tennessee has plenty of other issues that will hold them back next season, which is to be expected in a rebuild. An infusion of talent will continue in the coming years, but this year is all about making sure Ward is the answer going forward. Wins would be a bonus.

AFC West

• Kansas City Chiefs: 12-5
• Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7
• Denver Broncos: 9-8
• Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11

The Super Bowl seemed to show some cracks in the armor for Kansas City, but the Chiefs remain inevitable in an AFC West desperate to dethrone them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing and Andy Reid is coaching, this is the Chiefs’ spot until it’s not. Gemini agrees, highlighting their consistency and top-end talent.

Jim Harbaugh’s first season back in the NFL was a resounding success, remaking the identity of the Chargers while still securing a playoff spot. Following an early playoff exit, Harbaugh now needs his team to take the next step. The chatbot has them finishing with one less win, but considers Los Angeles a serious contender if things break right.

Gemini believes the Broncos will challenge for a playoff spot again this season, calling them a potential surprise in the AFC. The AI must’ve forgotten that Denver was the surprise of 2024 with Bo Nix delivering in a big way. It especially likes the addition of Trent Sherfield. Regardless, the Broncos will again be a pesky bunch next season.

Perhaps the most surprising prediction in the AFC, Gemini isn’t buying whatever the Raiders are selling. Vegas checks in at 6-11, which would be a disappointing win total after its offseason makeover. They’ve stabilized the organization by bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to work with a roster infused with young talent like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Gemini considers the division too tough for them to compete right away, but that won’t make anyone in Sin City feel good if it comes to fruition.

NFC East

• Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6
• Dallas Cowboys: 10-7
• New York Giants: 8-9
• Washington Commanders: 6-11

We’ve yet to see a team reach the 13-win mark and that won’t happen here either with the Eagles. Maybe it’s a Super Bowl hangover for the defending champions, but Gemini isn’t going out on a limb for this prediction. However, this would also be the first time an NFC East champion was able to defend its crown since the Eagles last did so from 2001-2004.

The Cowboys are a surprise entrant in the second spot, primarily because they profile as a team in transition. Dak Prescott is returning from a hamstring injury that ended his 2024 season. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach and the offensive line will have to operate without the veteran presence of Zack Martin, who retired. The acquisition of George Pickens should take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Gemini likes the revamped running back room. Either way, Dallas is a wild card with a big gap between the floor and the ceiling.

Surprises continue in the NFC East as the Giants check in at 8-9. Despite a new-look quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, the Giants don’t profile as a team prepared to make such a vast improvement in 2025, considering the challenging schedule that lies ahead. Gemini is higher on them than most, but an offense led by Malik Nabers coupled with a pass rush featuring Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can certainly make even the most pessimistic see a ray of sunshine in the future.

No matter what, Washington has always been a city that disappoints 50% of people at a given moment in time. In the case of the Commanders, this might be closer to unanimous – an unheard of conclusion in the district. Barring an injury to Jayden Daniels, it seems impossible for the Commanders to finish 6-11 after making the trip to the NFC championship a season ago. The chatbot pointed out that Washington is going all-in and could struggle to integrate those pieces. Color us skeptical.

NFC North

• Green Bay Packers: 11-6
• Detroit Lions: 10-7
• Chicago Bears: 9-8
• Minnesota Vikings: 7-10

The Packers finished four games behind the NFC North champions in 2024 after totaling 11 wins. According to Gemini, that same win total will be enough to grant them a home playoff game in 2025. The chatbot is expecting a big year for Jordan Love and likes the Matthew Golden draft pick, adding that improving on a 1-5 record in division games will be enough to put them in the top spot.

Detroit, on the other hand, is primed for a setback this season. That is thanks in large part to the staffing changes following the departures of both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. After injuries claimed many roster players last year, this will be a Lions group that faces some new challenges in a division that provides no soft landing spot.

As if losing the coordinators wasn’t bad enough, the Lions will have to watch as Johnson takes over for their rivals in Chicago. The Bears are a popular breakout candidate with the expectation of a second-year leap from Caleb Williams and now they are also armed with a capable offensive line. Protecting Williams is key, but the quarterback must also step up his play. If both things come true, the Windy City is in for an exciting fall.

The Vikings bet on J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. It would’ve been easy to stick with what worked last year while the quarterback was sidelined. After all, 14-win seasons don’t grow on trees. Yet Minnesota is making the move to the former Michigan man, hoping he can deliver the goods in the Twin Cities. Gemini isn’t a believer, calling it a season of transition for the Vikings. Depending on McCarthy’s season, decision-makers in Minnesota could end up wondering if Sam Darnold is the one that got away.

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons: 10-7
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-8
• Carolina Panthers: 7-10
• New Orleans Saints: 4-13

Talent has never been the question for the Falcons. Atlanta’s woes seem to be more a citywide sports issue, but Gemini is predicting the football team will respond in a big way this season, winning the division for the first time since 2016. They are loaded on offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, while the defense tries to catch up with a much-improved pass rush. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both enter the fold, representing the youth movement in the ATL. A big step forward from Michael Penix Jr. could be all they need to make some serious noise.

The Buccaneers have become a factory for producing offensive coordinators in recent years, losing Dave Canales and Coen to head coaching jobs. Now it’s Josh Grizzard’s turn, but that lack of continuity can also be a problem. That is also Gemini’s primary concern, suggesting that turnover could lead to a slow start. Tampa remains the team to beat in the NFC South, but the chatbot predicts they will fall short in 2025.

Much like how Johnson left Detroit to join the division foes in Chicago, Canales did the same to Tampa Bay by leaving for Carolina. His Panthers are looking to turn a corner this year and Bryce Young is a big reason for that. He made strides in 2024, giving Carolina a reason to be optimistic. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Panthers can be frisky in 2025.

Unless some higher power intervenes, the Saints won’t be winning many games this year. There is talent on the roster, even if it’s often injured, but the quarterback spot is a complete unknown. Derek Carr retired, leaving Tyler Shough as the apparent starter in New Orleans. Kellen Moore, the team’s new head coach, has his work cut out for him in what should be a year that isn’t defined by wins and losses.

NFC West

• San Francisco 49ers: 12-5
• Los Angeles Rams: 10-7
• Arizona Cardinals: 8-9
• Seattle Seahawks: 7-10

After a short stay at the bottom of the NFC West, Gemini has the 49ers back on top in 2025. Last year was ruined by injuries for San Francisco, leading to some new players emerging in different spots. Now they are loaded up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. Gemini has them tied for the league lead in wins, staving off tough competition from their Southern California neighbors.

The Rams lost the snow globe battle in the playoffs against the Eagles, but proved they are Super Bowl contenders. It wasn’t a guarantee that would remain the case after the offseason. Matthew Stafford was involved in trade rumors, but he is now back for another run in Hollywood. They made a big splash by signing Davante Adams. On paper, this should be a top team in the league. Gemini has them finishing second in the NFC West, but this is a squad no one will want to play in January.

Gemini didn’t specify how the Cardinals’ season will play out, but we can only assume it expects a hot start followed by a limp to the finish line. Arizona’s defense should make some significant strides; however, this team goes as far as Kyler Murray takes them. That is evidenced by the extreme highs and lows that the Cardinals seem to experience every year. If he can find some consistency, this team can be in the hunt.

Our last stop on our tour around the NFL and the NFC West is Seattle. The Seahawks will have a new look in 2025, highlighted by the arrivals of Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It remains to be seen if Darnold can replicate the magic he found in Minnesota last season, leaving the Seahawks as an unknown. They are remaking the team with Mike Macdonald’s vision in mind, turning the page from the Carroll era. The chatbot expects flashes, but not a lot of consistency. We tend to agree.

EA Sports is soon set to release Madden 26, the latest edition of its popular NFL video game franchise. As fans and gamers alike look forward to its release, one question will be on their collective minds.

Who will be the top-rated players in the game?

Madden only gives a handful of NFL players the top mark in its game every year. The franchise announced in advance of its release that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley would be a part of the exclusive ’99 Club’ after logging the NFL’s ninth-ever 2,000-yard rushing season.

What exactly is Madden’s 99 Club? Here’s what to know about the honor and how many times the 99 rating has been doled out by the game’s developers and ratings adjusters.

What is the 99 Club in Madden?

The 99 Club is a nickname given to the NFL players who achieve the highest possible rating in EA Sports’ ‘Madden’ video game franchise. The honor is an exclusive one, as Madden developers chose only a handful of players to get the game’s top rating – which has been capped at 99 since the release of Madden 2002 – each year.

Since Madden 2002, no more than seven players have qualified for The 99 Club in a single season. There have been at least three players each year to earn an initial 99 rating in the game over that same period.

Madden 99 Club full list, history of 99 ratings

Madden has issued 129 total 99 overall ratings since the release of Madden 99. They are as follows:

Madden NFL 99

• Larry Allen, G, Cowboys
• Morten Andersen, K, Falcons
• Tony Brackens, DE, Jaguars
• Ben Coates, TE, Patriots
• Dermontti Dawson, C, Steelers
• Randall McDaniel, G, Vikings
• Ken Norton Jr., MLB, 49ers
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Willie Roaf, OT, Saints
• Mark Schlereth, G, Broncos
• Jason Sehorn, CB, Giants
• Bruce Smith, DE, Bills
• Neil Smith, DE, Broncos
• Reggie White, DE, Packers

Madden 2000

• Dermontti Dawson, C, Steelers
• Barry Sanders, RB, Lions
• Matt Turk, P, Redskins

Madden NFL 2002

• Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
• Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Warren Sapp, DT, Buccaneers

Madden NFL 2003

• Larry Allen, G, Cowboys
• Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Warren Sapp, DT, Buccaneers
• Michael Strahan, DE, Giants

Madden NFL 2004

• Derrick Brooks, OLB, Buccaneers
• Brian Dawkins, FS, Eagles
• Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Terrell Owens, WR, 49ers
• Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots

Madden NFL 2005

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Mike Vanderjagt, K, Colts

Madden NFL 06

• David Akers, K, Eagles
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Randy Moss, WR, Raiders
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots

Madden NFL 07

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Walter Jones, OT, Seahawks
• Shane Lechler, P, Raiders
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Lorenzo Neal, FB, Chargers
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens

Madden NFL 08

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens
• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
• Brian Urlacher, MLB, Bears

Madden NFL 09

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Peyton Manning QB Colts
• Randy Moss WR Patriots
• Bob Sanders, SS, Colts
• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers

Madden NFL 10

• Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders
• Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
• Albert Haynesworth, DT, Redskins
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens

Madden NFL 11

• Jared Allen, DE, Vikings
• Drew Brees, QB, Saints
• Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
• Patrick Willis, MLB, 49ers

Madden NFL 12

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets

Madden NFL 13

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
• DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys

Madden NFL 25 (a.k.a. Madden NFL 14)

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 15

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 16

• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 17

• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 18

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Aaron Donald, DE. Rams
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos

Madden NFL 19

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

Madden NFL 20

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans
• Khalil Mack, OLB, Bears
• Bobby Wagner, MLB, Seahawks

Madden NFL 21

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers
• Michael Thomas, WR, Saints

Madden NFL 22

• Davante Adams, WR, Packers
• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Jalen Ramsey, CB, Rams

Madden NFL 23

• Davante Adams, WR, Raiders
• Aaron Donald, DL, Rams
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Madden NFL 24

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Zack Martin, G, Cowboys

Madden NFL 25

• Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Madden NFL 26

• Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
• Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles
• Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
• Josh Allen, QB, Bills
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Since 1999, only one game has had no players with a rating of 99 or better. That was in 2001, when no player exceeded a rating of 96.

Most 99 ratings in Madden history

Aaron Donald has the most 99 overall ratings in Madden history with seven. The eight-time All-Pro earned a 99 in every edition of the game from Madden 18 to Madden 24, which was the last one in which he appeared before his retirement.

A total of 29 players have had multiple 99 ratings since the 1999 edition of the game. Below is a full list of those players:

• Aaron Donald: 7
• Peyton Manning: 6
• Ray Lewis: 5
• Tom Brady: 4
• Calvin Johnson: 4
• Patrick Mahomes: 4
• Jonathan Ogden: 4
• J.J. Watt: 4
• Champ Bailey: 3
• Antonio Gates: 3
• Travis Kelce: 3
• Von Miller: 3
• Ed Reed: 3
• Darrelle Revis: 3
• Davante Adams: 2
• Larry Allen: 2
• Dermontti Dawson: 2
• Marshall Faulk: 2
• Rob Gronkowski: 2
• Luke Kuechly: 2
• Christian McCaffrey: 2
• Randy Moss: 2
• Troy Polamalu: 2
• Aaron Rodgers: 2
• Warren Sapp: 2
• Richard Sherman: 2
• LaDanian Tomlinson: 2
• Adam Vinatieri: 2
• Trent Williams: 2

Has Madden ever issued a 100 rating?

Yes, it has. In both Madden 99 and Madden 2000, the top-rated players in the game had a rating of 100. A total of seven players earned the coveted eight 100s handed out during the game’s early years. They are as follows:

Madden NFL 99

• Tony Boselli, OT, Jaguars
• Mark Chmura, TE, Packers
• Jerry Rice, WR, 49ers
• Barry Sanders, RB, Lions
• Deion Sanders, CB, Cowboys
• Shannon Sharpe, TE, Broncos

Madden 2000

• Mike Alstott, FB, Buccaneers
• Deion Sanders, CB, Cowboys

Deion Sanders is the lone player to receive multiple 100 overall ratings.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter is perhaps best known for his ability to break NFL – and, as of recently, some golf – news. But he’s also an outspoken advocate for Type 1 diabetes.

As training camp ramps up across the NFL, Schefter joined USA TODAY Sports for a one-on-one interview where he discussed the latest news out of camps and the importance of screening for Type 1 diabetes.

Schefter’s wife, Sharri, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and he said seeing her experience managing the disease led to a partnership with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to raise more awareness around screening for it.

‘It’s so important to take that first step and make a plan,’ Schefter said. ‘Make that plan today. Advocate for yourself, for your family, and talk to your doctor about screening.’

Adam Schefter discusses training camp contract disputes

Through less than a week of training camp practices, there has been no shortage of intriguing storylines to keep an eye on.

Some of the biggest ongoing stories involve contract disputes between some star players and their respective teams. Schefter mentioned the talks between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders as well as edge rusher Micah Parsons’ negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys as two storylines he’s keeping an eye on.

But perhaps the most notable disputes have been those occurring in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have struggled to finalize deals with two of their defenders. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left the state of Ohio rather than showing up to camp, and incoming rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart was one of the last remaining unsigned draftees in the entire 2025 class until he agreed to terms Friday.

The reason for each dispute is different, but the result has been the same: neither player has been practicing at training camp.

‘Most every contract dispute is resolved eventually,’ Schefter said. ‘It’s very rare that a full year goes by and a player doesn’t play. Now, when they get resolved and how they get resolved are entirely different questions.

‘All I know right now is Trey Hendrickson is in Florida. The Bengals have offered him one year of guaranteed money. He wants at least three years of guaranteed money like the other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt – have gotten. He hasn’t gotten that.’

Meanwhile, Stewart was holding out because he wanted the language in his rookie deal to reflect that of the previous rookie contracts the Bengals have given out.

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway reported that the Bengals wanted the option to void future guarantees for their first-round pick. Stewart contested that it would be unfair to accept a deal like that after other recent Cincinnati first-rounders’ rookie contracts did not include that language.

Said Schefter: ‘To me, that doesn’t make sense for either side to prolong this and make him sit any longer. Figure out the language, get in the room, get it done. Somebody’s got to give up something to get that young man in camp and to begin to get him the reps that he needs.’

On Friday, USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon confirmed Schefter’s report that Stewart and Cincinnati had finally agreed to terms on his rookie deal.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart agreed to accept the new language in his contract in exchange for an additional $550,000 in signing bonus money he’ll receive upon signing the deal.

Even with Stewart’s negotiations in the rearview mirror for the Bengals, their issues figuring out an extension for Hendrickson still loom large.

Schefter couldn’t say which contract dispute may get resolved first between Hendrickson’s issues with the Bengals or Parsons and McLaurin with Dallas and Washington, respectively. Things could change in a day, he said, so it’s very hard to predict.

Adam Schefter on the Browns’ quarterback battle

Evaluating rookie quarterback performances and their first-year outlooks is an annual training camp and preseason tradition.

This year features an extra bit of intrigue with Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders – Deion Sanders’ son – fighting for the starting job in Cleveland. He has his work cut out for him in a crowded quarterback room: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, are also battling for the Week 1 starting job.

‘Could Shedeur Sanders win (the starting job)? Yes. Is that the most likely scenario? No,’ Schefter said. ‘I think it’s more likely that Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will be the opening day starter.’

That came with the caveat that either of those players would have to ‘play winning football…to keep that job.’ Should Flacco or Pickett falter, the leash on either quarterback likely won’t be long with Sanders (and Gabriel) waiting in the wings.

The odds may be long, but Sanders still does have a chance to win the starting job in the preseason. Schefter pointed to Cowboys starter Dak Prescott and Giants (former Seahawks) starter Russell Wilson as examples of late-drafted rookie quarterbacks who stole the show in training camp.

‘If Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is going to find a way to win the opening day starting quarterback job of the Cleveland Browns, you’re going to have to see that particular quarterback light it up in the preseason. Like you’re going to have to watch them and say, ‘I don’t know how they’re going to keep this guy off the field.’ That’s what it’s going to take,’ Schefter said.

‘Is one of them going to do that? We’ll see. Probably not, but not out of the question.’

Who are other rookie quarterbacks to watch?

Outside of the Browns’ rookie quarterback situation, two other first-year quarterbacks are looking to make their mark in 2025: Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough and Giants first-rounder Jaxson Dart.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already announced Dart will start the year backing up the aforementioned Wilson, but Schefter thinks Shough’s got a good chance to start Week 1.

‘Their (the Saints’) other quarterbacks are Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler,’ he said. ‘Neither one of those is proven or established. So Tyler Shough clearly is going to have an opportunity to win that starting quarterback job. That is well within his reach.’

As for Dart, Schefter said there’s a high expectation that he’ll get an opportunity to play at some point during the 2025 season. The bigger question is when, exactly, that might happen.

Schefter said, ‘I think you could look at the schedule and you just never know. If the Giants defense is as good as they think it can be, and they can find a way to surprise and keep things competitive, maybe Russell Wilson’s leash is extended. If it’s not, and they’re struggling and they’re 0-3, 0-4, then maybe it’s shortened. I think a lot will be dependent upon their win-loss production early in the year.

‘I think that they feel really happy and confident and comfortable on the quarterback that they got in Jaxson Dart. But obviously Russell’s going to get the first opportunity and we’ll see what he winds up doing with it.’

Another big question for the Giants and Dart is whether Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen earned themselves more job security by drafting the rookie first-rounder.

John Mara, one of the co-owners of the G-Men, said after the 2024 season that he’d ‘just about run out of patience’ with the coach and GM, yet they still got the runway to stick around and draft a young gunslinger.

Schefter said it’s still too early to predict whether the decision to draft Dart has truly saved either person’s job just yet.

‘If (the Giants) come out, they’re flat, another disappointment, fans are angry, planes are flying more banners – ‘Fire Daboll,’ ‘Fire Schoen’ – then yeah, then the (owners are) going to be forced to make a move,’ he said.

Schefter discusses Travis Hunter, J.J. McCarthy expectations

As the 2025 season approaches, two players with the most uncertain expectations are Jaguars rookie two-way player Travis Hunter and Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

For Hunter, the biggest question is how Jacksonville – led by offensive-minded rookie head coach Liam Coen – will deploy the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. The Colorado product played both wide receiver and cornerback in college, but will he be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball in a similar way in the pros?

According to Schefter, the Jaguars likely will allow Hunter to play both offense and defense, but they’re prioritizing Hunter’s contributions as a receiver first.

‘They told me around the draft that they want to onboard him as a wide receiver, so it certainly sounds like he’s going to start out as a wide receiver,’ he said. ‘They’ll mix in defensive back, but maybe then they start shifting the scale and he’s more defensive back than wide receiver. It’s a lot for him to pick up and get adjusted to, but yeah, I think he’s definitely gonna have a role as a wide receiver.’

And as for McCarthy, he hopes to enter the 2025 season healthy after a knee injury during last year’s preseason robbed him of making his regular-season debut as a rookie. In his absence, veteran Sam Darnold stepped up and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season, nearly clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the process.

Minnesota’s decision to then let Darnold walk in free agency – therefore sticking with McCarthy instead – seems to say a lot about how highly the Vikings think of their 2024 first-round pick. However, last year’s results may also mean elevated expectations for the young quarterback in his first real season.

Those expectations get boosted higher when considering the rest of the talent in a stacked draft class for quarterbacks last year. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix were all fellow first-round quarterbacks last year who showed flashes of excellent potential in their 2024 rookie seasons.

Schefter said he expects McCarthy will ‘fit right into that group’ of young quarterbacks who have proven they can play.

The ESPN insider pointed out that McCarthy is in a great situation in Minnesota – he’s surrounded by offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson and coached by quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell.

Schefter also said that McCarthy’s father, whom he spoke to earlier this week, is ‘over the moon about how things are going’ in Minneapolis.

‘Clearly there are a lot of people that feel really good about the way J.J. McCarthy looks and the potential he has for the future and what’s ahead for him this season,’ Schefter said. ‘So, I think the arrow’s pointed up.’