DRAFT LIST:

QB: Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams is getting picked around the 7th or 8th round. This is crazy-good value for a franchise-level QB who finished as one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in 2025.

Williams put up an impressive stat sheet: 3,942 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 388 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. That gave him 30 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground. I have high hopes for Caleb and this Bears offense centered around #18, with targets like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.

I’m calling it: Chicago will make the NFC Championship Game this year. Williams will have his best season yet.

RB: Omarion Hampton

Omarion Hampton showed a lot of promise in his rookie year. In 2025, the Chargers running back rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns in just nine games. He also caught 32 passes for 192 yards and another touchdown.

In an injury-plagued year, Hampton stayed consistent when he played. Now with a new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, expect Hampton to thrive. McDaniel is entering his first season as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator after four years as Miami’s head coach, and his 2023 Dolphins offense led the NFL in total offense.

Just look at what McDaniel did with De’Von Achane in Miami. Now he’s assigned to a second-year running back who has a chance to become one of the most explosive backs in football.

I expect Hampton to reach at least 1,000 rushing yards if he stays healthy. He’s primed to have a top-10 running back campaign for 2026.

RB: Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty showed promise as a rookie. The first running back selected in the 2025 draft class, the sixth overall pick finished with 975 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He also caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns, giving him 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns.

Now with a better head coach, defense and improved offensive line, the former Boise State back will have the ball upwards of 300 times this year.

Expect over 1,200 rushing yards and up to 10 rushing touchdowns alone for Jeanty. He has a bunch of upside in both the passing and rushing game.

WR: Ladd McConkey

Ladd McConkey was one of the best rookies in the 2024 class, putting up 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2025, he took a major step back, finishing with 789 yards and six touchdowns on 66 catches.

Now, like Omarion Hampton, McConkey is playing under one of the best offensive minds in the game. Mike McDaniel is the perfect coordinator for this Chargers offense. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the duo will hope to utilize McConkey, as well as Hampton, in more ways than LA did in 2025.

McConkey is poised to have a career year. I believe he’ll hit 1,000 yards again and connect with quarterback Justin Herbert just like he did in his stellar rookie campaign.

WR: Jalen Coker

The Panthers now have a legit roster. Coker is a third-year man out of Holy Cross. Finishing with 394 yards and three touchdowns last season, the Panthers now have him listed as the wide receiver two next to second-year receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Coker had a career game in Carolina’s NFC Wild Card matchup vs. the Los Angeles Rams, putting up nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Was this just a breakout game that we won’t see in 2026? Nope. I expect Coker to finish with 600-700 receiving yards and be your draft-day steal.

This is a player who is only rostered in less than 40% of leagues. Grab him late to secure good value, but make sure he’s on your radar heading into the draft.

TE: Harold Fannin Jr.

Harold Fannin Jr. was one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season. The Browns tight end caught 72 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 13 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, showing promise in many ways.

Fannin was especially good late in the season, averaging about 16 points a game in the last 5 games of the season.

He already showed that he can handle a big workload, and that’s exactly what I want from a fantasy tight end. He finished as the Browns’ leading receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions, as only a 3rd-round rookie.

You think this would be his ceiling? Wrong. I expect Fannin to go nuclear in 2026.

He’s my favorite fantasy tight end heading into this year. I’m expecting him to easily push for 800-plus yards and seven or eight touchdowns.

He’ll finish as a top 3 fantasy tight end when it’s all said and done by January.

FLEX: Parker Washington Jr.

Parker Washington is one of my favorite receivers in fantasy this year.

Washington broke out in 2025, catching 58 passes for 847 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. He also returned two punts for touchdowns.

The Jaguars clearly trust him, and he finished the season on an absolute tear. In December and January, Washington caught 22 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns.

He also showed up in the playoffs, catching seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo.

Washington is exactly the type of player I want in my flex spot: explosive, young and coming off a breakout season. I think he can push for 1,000 receiving yards in 2026, especially with a receiving core like Jacksonville’s. Who knows whether Brian Thomas Jr. will come back from Earth, if Jakobi Meyers can be the reliable WR1 on the team, and if Travis Hunter is still a two-way player?

D/ST: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams defense is one of the easiest picks for me this year.

In 2025, Los Angeles recorded 47 sacks and 16 interceptions while wreaking havoc on opposing QBs every game.

Already an elite fantasy defense just numbers-wise, the Rams brought in the best defensive end and two top 20 cornerbacks in the same offseason. Myles Garrett joins after breaking the NFL’s sack record in a season with 24. In place of young cornerstone Jared Verse, Garrett is the best player in football. Pair that with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and that’s an elite offseason. McDuffie and Watson both come over from Kansas City, known for being an unstoppable duo in the AFC.

Not to mention an already elite secondary full of top players like Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, and Kam Curl, and top defensive forces like Byron Young, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske.

And even with all of that, this is still an underrated defense according to ESPN Drafts. Somehow.

Get this value now, because it surely won’t be available like this for years to come.

K: Harrison Mevis

Harrison Mevis was one of the most accurate kickers in football when he played in 2025. He made 12 of 13 field-goal attempts, good for a 92.3% conversion rate, and was perfect on all 39 extra-point attempts. All that in half a season.

The Rams offense should give him plenty of opportunities again, and I’m comfortable taking him late as my kicker.

AVOID LIST:

QB: Trevor Lawrence

This one is going to get some people mad.

Trevor Lawrence had a very good 2025 season, throwing for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 359 yards and nine touchdowns, giving him 38 total touchdowns.

So why am I avoiding him?

Because I think you’ll have to pay too much for him compared to other quarterbacks. Lawrence was excellent last year, but I don’t want to draft him expecting another 38-touchdown season.

He can absolutely have another great year, but I’d rather wait and grab a quarterback later. Expect the Jaguars to have a falloff. I have them finishing 8-9. Their ceiling is about a 13-4 record, but injuries will surely come into play.

RB: Jeremiyah Love

Jeremiyah Love was one of the best running backs in college football last year, rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 280 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns for Notre Dame. That’s 1,652 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns in 12 games.

The problem is simple: he’s a rookie.

Love has incredible talent, but in my 15 fantasy leagues so far, I haven’t drafted him once.

And there’s one issue: He’s put into the same place Ashton Jeanty was in 2025. Love, in Arizona, is being picked from 12-15 at the latest in drafts. Jeanty was going for around the same value.

Don’t waste your second-round pick on a rookie running back who will flop. I guarantee you.

Love is a great player. Unfortunately for him, he won’t be feeling great in any game next year. Why? Look at the offensive line. He’ll get beat up and given the ball way too much.

Your opponents are valuing him way higher than what he truly is. Handing the keys to a rookie running back is an awful idea.

RB: Kyren Williams

Kyren Williams is a very good running back. That’s not the question. The problem is the workload.

Williams had 259 carries for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, while adding 36 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns.

That’s a productive season, but coach Sean McVay is open about playing young backup Blake Corum as a 1B kind of back. This used to be Kyren’s run-game. Now, it’s shared.w

WR: Rome Odunze

Rome Odunze is one of the most talented young receivers in the NFL, but I’m not convinced the fantasy production is coming yet.

In 2025, Odunze caught 44 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games.

Those numbers are solid, but he’s still coming back from a foot injury that sidelined him for a while. Is he the #1 option? Yes. But I think there are other pieces in this Bears offense that Caleb Williams values a lot too. From backup tight-end Cole Kmet to starter Colston Loveland, and promising receiver Luther Burden III, among other weapons.

I love the talent. I just don’t love the price. I’d rather get Loveland as my tight end, or Burden III as a bench piece towards the end of the draft.

WR: Jerry Jeudy

Jerry Jeudy went from 1,229 yards in 2024 to just 602 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. He caught 50 passes in 17 games.

That is a massive drop-off.

I still believe Jeudy is talented, but I don’t see enough consistency to trust him as a player on my team. If he falls extremely late, sure, take the shot. But I’m not going out of my way to draft a potential wide receiver 4 on one of the worst teams in football.

TE: George Kittle

This one is entirely about the injury.

Kittle still produced when healthy in 2025, catching 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games.

But he suffered a torn Achilles in January, and he’s now 32 years old. He was recently activated from the PUP list, which is a great sign, but there’s still a lot of uncertainty coming off that injury.

Kittle can absolutely still be one of the best tight ends in football. I just don’t want to spend an early pick on him and hope everything goes perfectly.

FLEX: Davante Adams

Davante Adams had 60 catches for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games for the Rams last season.

The touchdowns were great. The yardage wasn’t.

At this point in his career, I’m not expecting the 1,500-yard Davante Adams we saw in Green Bay or Las Vegas. He’s still an elite red-zone weapon, but I think the name is going to make people draft him earlier than they should. Adams is currently looked at as one of the best WR2 options on fantasy teams. Sure, he’s got the touchdowns to back that up — but if you want to win, this is not the player to trust to hit 1,000 receiving yards and produce at a high-level every game.

D/ST: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks defense is talented. I’m not denying that.

But D/ST is one of the positions where I refuse to spend an early pick. Defenses can change dramatically from one season to the next, and I’d rather wait until the end of the draft to get an up-and-coming defense.

Seattle could absolutely finish top 3 in fantasy, yet I just don’t want to grab them before a backup RB or position player.

K: Jason Sanders

Jason Sanders missed the entire 2025 regular season because of a hip injury and is now taking over as the Jets’ kicker. He was excellent in his last full season, making 37 of 41 field goals in 2024.

But that’s exactly the problem.

We haven’t seen him play a regular-season game since 2024, and now he’s joining a Jets roster that I don’t expect to score a ton of points.

I’m higher on younger kickers like Cameron Dicker or Harrison Mevis.

DRAFT OR SKIP?

Bucky Irving:

SKIP

Bucky Irving was fantastic as a rookie, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 392 receiving yards in 2024. But in 2025, he played only 10 games and dropped to 588 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

The talent is still there, but I’m not willing to pay for his 2024 upside after the disappointing 2025 season. Especially with Kenny Gainwell expected to get a lot of the touches in the Tampa Bay offense.

Jonathan Taylor:

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK

Jonathan Taylor is still Jonathan Taylor. When healthy, he can win you fantasy weeks by himself.

But the workload, age, and injury history are enough to make me nervous.

Taylor is going way too high for his injury history. The Colts’ entire offense is focused around him, meaning he’s destined to get injured. JT is just about always hurt, and out for plenty of weeks every other year.

We saw a healthy Taylor in 2025.

2026 may mean injuries and a large workload are coming.

J.K. Dobbins:

SKIP

Dobbins rushed for 772 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games for Denver in 2025, averaging a ridiculous 5.0 yards per carry.

The efficiency is great, but the availability is the concern. He has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and I don’t want to rely on him as a weekly starter.

If he gets hurt, Denver gives more chances to second-year player RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman. That would put Dobbins’ starting job in danger, as though he is a great player himself, the Broncos could be more satisfied with their second and third stringers.

D’Andre Swift:

SKIP

Swift is a decent running back. He is one that plays well during the season and gives you hope when you start him. The problem is he is now an older back, and Kyle Monangai looks to be the future lead running back. This is Swift’s last year of a productive season — before Monongai gets more of the reps.

I still believe in D’Andre Swift, but he’s simply overvalued.

Zay Flowers:

DRAFT

Zay Flowers broke out in a massive way in 2025, catching 86 passes for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns while adding 62 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

That was good enough for his second straight 1,000-yard season.

He’s one of the easiest “draft” picks on this list. The Ravens are going to keep getting him the ball, and Flowers has become one of the top young receivers in fantasy.

Terry McLaurin:

DRAFT

Terry McLaurin’s 2025 season was weird.

He only played 10 games and finished with 38 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns.

But look at what he did the year before: 82 catches, 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.

If McLaurin is healthy, I’m betting on the bounce-back. Jayden Daniels knows to get him the ball plenty of times each game. Watch out for “Scary Terry”, because if you don’t draft him, you’ll be sorry.

Mark Andrews:

SKIP

Mark Andrews caught 48 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.

Those numbers aren’t terrible, but they’re nowhere near what we used to expect from Andrews.

I don’t think he’s finished in the league yet, but there are too many tight ends I’d rather take ahead of him.

Cam Ward:

ABSOLUTELY DRAFT

Cam Ward had a rookie season that was rough for him, but he still showed promise throwing for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 159 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Ward has the chance to go nuclear, taking a massive second-year jump.

I’m high on the Titans this season. Draft their QB to solidify a ton of wins in your league.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 fantasy football season is starting soon. By the end of the year, we’ll see if these takes aged well. Can Dobbins and Taylor stay healthy? Can the Titans and Cam Ward be successful? Will Davante Adams produce at a level that he hasn’t since 2023? Will the Cardinals give Jeremiyah Love the keys right away?

Who knows now…

Here’s how I think the entire 2026/27 Premier League season will play out.

1. Manchester United

Photo credit: Getty Images

I’ve had this prediction for months now — and I hate it even more every day.

Sure, Manchester United is a very good team, but Arsenal looked so strong in the Community Shield against Manchester City that I’m starting to wonder if I’m completely insane for putting United first. Arsenal won 3-0, scored after just 25 seconds, and dominated the entire game. That was not exactly the performance you want to see from the team you’re predicting to finish behind you.

BUT: I’m not going to lie and just put Arsenal first because they’re probably the safer pick. Up until about a week ago, I genuinely believed Manchester United would win the Premier League. So I’m sticking with it.

And honestly? There is at least a case.

United are coming off a third-place finish in 2025/26, and they were one of the strongest teams in the league down the stretch. They also scored 69 goals last season while conceding 50.

They haven’t reached their glory days for about 15 years, and there have been plenty of seasons where they’ve looked miles away from challenging for the title. But this feels different.

Bruno Fernandes is still the engine of the team. Last season, he created 136 chances in the Premier League — the most by any player in Europe’s top five leagues. He also broke the Premier League assist record during the season.

Then there’s the attack.

Benjamin Šeško scored 11 Premier League goals in his first season with United, while Bryan Mbeumo also scored 11. Matheus Cunha added 10. That gives United three players who already proved they can produce at this level.

And now I’m expecting even more.

With a more confident Rashford, Bruno controlling the midfield, Mbeumo creating problems on the right, and Šeško continuing to develop up front, this Manchester United squad is scary.

I’m expecting Rashford and Fernandes to score at least 10 goals, Mbeumo notching in 12, and Šeško to reach 15.

Is this the safest prediction I could make? Absolutely not. Do I believe it? I did a week ago. I still have some hope. And you have to realize: Arsenal is Arsenal. Anything can happen. We’ve seen major chokes to blow their title chances away before.

Safe to say the United Strand will be quite happy with my prediction — and if I’m right, his hair will most likely be shaved by the end of the season.

2. Arsenal

Photo credit: Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

The team to beat gets beaten for the title.

Arsenal are the obvious pick to go back-to-back, and honestly, I completely understand why. They just won their first Premier League title in 22 years, finishing with 85 points — seven ahead of Manchester City.

And then they went out and absolutely demolished City 3-0 in the Community Shield.

That is not a bad way to start your title defense.

Mikel Arteta’s team also came painfully close to winning the Champions League. Arsenal reached their first final in 20 years, only to lose to PSG on penalties after crucial misses late in the shootout.

So why am I putting them second?

Because repeating as Premier League champions is incredibly difficult, and I think United have just enough firepower to edge them out.

But make no mistake: Arsenal are probably the team I’m least comfortable putting second.

3. Manchester City

Photo credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Manchester City are coming off a 78-point season in which they couldn’t do enough to beat out the Gunners.

Now, Pep Guardiola is gone, and former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken over. If the Community Shield was any indication, there is going to be a season that goes wrong for many reasons.

City just lost 3-0 to Arsenal in Maresca’s first match in charge. Arsenal scored inside the opening minute and never really allowed City to establish control.

Still, this is Manchester City. Erling Haaland, an elite squad, and years of winning experience don’t simply disappear. Even now, with former Ballon d’Or winner and the heartbeat of the team, Rodri, leaving to join Spanish side Barcelona in a huge deal.

I expect them to bounce back — just not enough to win the league or get the runner-up spot.

4. Liverpool

Photo credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images (jersey swap by me)

Liverpool finishing fourth would be considered great for them. And that sounds crazy. But look at the transfers: Bradley Barcola comes in with an almost entirely new squad. No more Mo Salah, Van Dijk is older, and even young players like Curtis Jones are gone. With a new manager in Iraola, I expect the team to feel freed from a disastrous season with Arne Slot.

Expect Barcola to finish as the main man with about 18 goals and 3 assists. If the transfer even happens. Because let’s be real, this transfer hasn’t officially gone down; it is in its final stages.

I also expect that with Barcola joining the team, Florian Wirtz will have a better season in his second year. Wirtz had a terrible campaign in 2025-2026 for a player of his caliber. Finishing with 5 goals, having a new system with Iraola will certainly benefit him.

Liverpool may have another disaster season due to so many players leaving, but expect them to be a Champions League-level club.

5. Chelsea

Photo credit: Chelsea website

Chelsea are one of the hardest teams for me to predict.

There is ridiculous talent throughout the squad, but talent doesn’t automatically equal consistency.

A 69-point season feels about right: good enough to finish comfortably inside the European places, but not quite ready to challenge the top four.

Cole Palmer now has an extra chip on his shoulder, seeing his nation (England) finish as a top 4 nation in the world without him.

I expect Palmer to bounce back with a career year, and new signing Morgan Rodgers will have a stellar first season with his new English club.

I should also note that with a new manager in Xabi Alonso, Chelsea will be better than ever. Alonso knows how to lead his clubs to titles, and though he had a rough time with Real Madrid before parting ways early on in the season, the Premier League, while no easy task, will be good for Alonso to coach in.

6. Aston Villa

Photo credit: Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Aston Villa have become one of those teams that you simply can’t ignore anymore. No more Morgan Rodgers, and Ollie Watkins is probably out to Saudi. Villa is ready for a new era.

They’ve already established themselves as a legitimate European-level club, and I expect another strong season from Unai Emery’s side.

I don’t quite see them breaking into the top five, but about 66 points would still represent an excellent campaign even without two top players.

7. Brighton

Photo credit: Glyn Kirk / AFP via Getty Images

Brighton are my favorite team to make a jump into the European picture.

They’re one of the best-run clubs in England, and they consistently find ways to develop young talent to compete in the league.

New players include loan player Promise David and transfer Luka Vušković. Both players are young talents ready to make Brighton an even better squad.

The club is also keen on keeping Yankuba Minten. The young talent from The Gambia is eyed by Liverpool; however, Brighton has rejected the recent proposals.

This shows how Brighton has a vision of keeping their young talents in the squad. They are not ready just yet to compete for the top spot, but this year will announce them to the whole world.

8. Brentford

Photo credit: Getty Images

Brentford is trending up as a rising Premier League team. Finishing last year in 9th place and the year before in 10th, I expect the club to finish in 8th this season.

No more Bryan Mbeumo, no more Jordan Henderson; this club now ranks as the 2nd youngest roster, only behind Chelsea.

Young talents such as Fábio Carvalho and Kevin Schade will be the club’s main stars this season. I predict Carvalho scoring 5 goals and 4 assists in more action, and Schade finishing his campaign with over 10 goals and 3 assists.

It’ll be an exciting season for the Bees, as they will be buzzing through the league. This is not a contender just yet, but Brentford has the tools to finish even higher.

9. Newcastle

Photo credit: Getty Images

This might be one of my more controversial predictions.

Newcastle have enough talent to finish higher than ninth, but I think the Premier League’s top eight will be incredibly difficult to break into.

This club has had plenty of recent success in the league, but I’ve sensed a down year has been coming ever since their 5th place finish two years ago. And well, they did finish 12th in 2026 due to a new roster, but I still think the years of being average will continue for some time.

Newcastle needs to sign older players. It’s not like they’re only signing 18- to 20-year-olds, but Dedić being your oldest signing of the year is not something to brag about. He’s 24 with potential, but he has not had the experience of being a leader in his career. Newcastle needs more leaders.

10. Tottenham

Photo credit: Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Tottenham are another team where I could see almost anything happening.

They have enough quality to finish much higher, but they’ve also been inconsistent enough that I can’t confidently put them in the European places.

Finishing with around 54 points and 10th feels reasonable.

They’ve made plenty of quality signings such as Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, Andy Robertson from Liverpool, and Mateus Fernandes from the club that I support, West Ham, but you can’t forget that this team was one loss away from being in England’s second division just months ago.

11. Everton

Photo credit: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Everton has been middle of the pack for years now — and it’s gotten to the point where things need to change. Even with one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Everton hasn’t been relevant for the longest time.

Since 2021, 6 managers have been in charge of the team. Now, it is up to David Moyes, who is ready to lead his team comfortably clear of relegation.

And though Everton will stay in the league for some time, you have to realize that if you’re the club, being okay doesn’t bring excitement or good to the whole organization, players, and fanbase.

12. Bournemouth

Photo credit: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Bournemouth have quietly become one of the more interesting teams outside the traditional big clubs. I don’t expect them to challenge for Europe this year, but I also don’t see them getting dragged into a serious relegation battle.

They’ll finish with around 40-50 points. 48 is my guess.

13. Nottingham Forest

Photo credit: Visionhaus/Visionhaus/Getty Images

After the highs of the last few seasons, I think Nottingham Forest take a small step backward.

Even with players such as Ibrahim Sangaré, who played well with the Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) national team during the World Cup, Forest is just like plenty of these other teams this year.

Nottingham Forest is middle of the pack. Again, still above the relegation zone. However, this is not a contending squad whatsoever.

14. Crystal Palace

Photo credit: Getty Images

Crystal Palace are another team I expect to be safely above the relegation fight without making much noise near the top.

42 points should be enough for a relatively comfortable season.

15. Fulham

Photo credit: Getty Images (jersey swap by me)

I am actually very excited about Fulham this year. I don’t think they’ll be super successful, but they have made plenty of new signings to start the year. Bringing in interim Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa was a great move. Someone who’s played in the Premier League himself with Liverpool and West Ham, as well as Real Madrid in La Liga, Arbeloa now continues his career as a full-time manager with English side Fulham.

The club has also brought in Madrid talents such as Gonzalo García and César Palacios, who were coached under Arbeloa last year.

Expect Fulham to make some noise this campaign. I’m high on the club and this year will be a start to hopefully for them, many quality seasons in the near future.

16. Leeds

Photo credit: Ben Peters/MB Media/Getty Images

Not much to say here…

Leeds have enough quality to survive, but I think it’s going to be a fight all season. About 40 points gets them over the line.

Look out for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 29-year-old has scored 3 goals in 3 friendlies so far. It looks as if he is in shape to begin the Premier League season.

17. Sunderland

Photo credit: Getty Images

Sunderland survives — but will they have a season of quality? Nope.

Régis Le Bris is an up-and-coming manager who definitely has shown he can manage his club during the hard times, and he will need to do that a lot this season.

18. Coventry City

Photo credit: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

This is where the bottom three begins.

Coventry are good enough to compete, but I don’t think they’ll have enough quality across 38 games to survive.

This club is not ready to stay in the league. A “promoted” photo above doesn’t have much meaning. Coventry is the best worst team if you understand what I mean.

19. Ipswich Town

Photo credit: SNS

I think Ipswich are going to have a really difficult time.

The Premier League is brutal, and if they can’t consistently turn good performances into points, they could get stuck near the bottom very quickly. They’ll finish with under 25 points. I’m thinking 23.

Ipswich Town hasn’t stayed up a season in the Premier League since the 2000-2001 season. They’ve been sent up from the EFL Championship league to the Prem plenty of times recently, but have failed to stay in the top division of English footy.

20. Hull City

Photo credit: Getty Images

Unfortunately, I think Hull City are going straight back down. They’ll have their moments, but are currently 6 million pounds over their spending. If they don’t sell some players soon, they can potentially face a point deduction. And even then, I still have them finishing last no matter what.

The gap between the Championship and the Premier League is massive. Hull already came into this season as one of the biggest relegation candidates, and their projected, underlying numbers for the season don’t exactly inspire confidence. I just don’t see them having enough quality or consistency to survive over 38 games. 21 points, 20th place.

Final Thoughts

There are probably a few predictions in here that will look absolutely ridiculous by May. That’s kind of the point.

Putting Manchester United above Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool is certainly the biggest gamble, but I’m sticking with the prediction I made months ago. I could easily regret it by October — especially after Arsenal’s Community Shield performance — but I’d rather make a prediction I genuinely believe in than change it just because the safer pick looks more obvious.

At the other end of the table, I think the relegation battle could be just as interesting. Leeds and Sunderland surviving while Coventry, Ipswich, and Hull go down.

And then there are the teams in the middle. Brighton, Brentford, Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton, and Bournemouth could all realistically finish several places higher or lower than where I have them.

That’s what makes predicting the Premier League so difficult.

You can spend months analyzing squads, transfers, managers, statistics, and form — and then one injury, one breakout player, or one completely unexpected run can flip the entire table.

Manchester United win the title. Arsenal finish second. Hull City finish last.

By May, we’ll find out just how wrong I was — or if I really am a genius.

For starters, Yan Diomande is set to join the biggest club in the world for over $100 million. His stardom didn’t start in Europe, interestingly enough. It started in a semi-pro league in the United States. That league, the UPSL, has hundreds of clubs competing across the country, all chasing the same goal: a national championship.

And yesterday, that championship came down to Deportivo Rose City and Miami United FC at Wallis Annenberg Stadium at UCLA.

From former USA soccer stars, to fans, to the great Jack Zucker, the atmosphere was incredible. Even from a semi-pro league, the fans truly cared about the game.

But first, thank you to the UPSL for letting me sit pitchside for the National Championship and the semi-finals. Being that close to the action, seeing the players, and fans, and everything happening around the field made the experience completely different from watching a game from the stands.

For the semi-finals, I got the chance to watch two great matches. The first was Miami United vs. New York Renegades. Both teams fought hard, but Miami was clearly the better team. They breezed past the Renegades 3-1.

Photos and videos:

Atmosphere rating: 1/10

Game excitement: 6/10

Intensity: 8/10

Overall: 15/30

Pretty bad. I’m not going to lie to you. As you can hear by the videos, few people were in attendance for a semi-final. Seriously? The game was decent and the players certainly cared. Some were talking trash (or worse, but I couldn’t translate what they were saying because I don’t speak Spanish), but you could tell the game mattered to the players.

Deportivo Rose City vs. Central Kansas

The second semifinal game was a thriller. Definitely the best soccer game I’ve ever watched.

DRC made it a tough battle for Central Kansas, scoring in the first minute. However, Central Kansas was able to match the score later on. It all came down to the final minute of the game, in stoppage time. DRC ended up taking the victory on a Richard Stewart header.

The atmosphere, as you will tell by the clips below, was 100x better than the first semifinal. Truthfully, I didn’t have the highest of expectations after the crowd turnout with the first match, but this game, though it wasn’t as exciting for most of the second half, was truly a highlight.

The fans were electric in every way. The game, of course, ended up as a classic.

Unfortunately, I was too excited to record when Stewart won the game, but footage of the goal, from the UPSL Instagram, is shown below:

Photos and videos:

And of course, the man, Richard Stewart:

Atmosphere rating: 8.5/10

Game excitement: 9/10

Intensity: 9/10

Overall: 26.5/30

Waaaay better than Miami United vs. New York Renegades. This game didn’t have an incredible amount of highlights, but because there was a game winner, and the atmosphere and intensity was awesome, it earns a respectable score.

Championship Sunday

Both Deportivo Rose City and Miami United came into the final with incredible runs through their national tournaments. In sports, not all finals include the most deserving teams. This match sure did.

With a lot on the line, the game didn’t disappoint.

Deportivo Rose City came out with confidence, while Miami United tried to match their intensity. The game had the physicality and competitiveness you would expect from a national championship, but there was also a lot of quality on the field.

Then came the goals:

Tristin Evans (DRC): ‘7

Own goal (MIA): 21’

Dustin Corea (DRC): 57’, 77’

Deportivo Rose City eventually pulled away and finished the job, beating Miami United FC 3-1 to become the UPSL Spring 2026 National Champions.

One of the biggest names throughout the tournament was Dustin Corea, who finished as one of Deportivo Rose City’s top scorers during the championship run. Another was the man, Tristin Evans. Evans scored to put Rose City in the lead in the 7th minute. Even Richard Stewart, who didn’t score in the final, is the main man to thank for bringing his team the trophy. Carrying the team on his back in the semi-final ended up being the crucial moment to win the whole thing.

*Make sure to specifically check out the post-game clips, and stick around to watch my two interviews!!

Gametime Clips:

Miami United preparing for the game

Miami United holding a sign of “Fuerza Matias!!”, telling their player, Matias Alejandro Pourrain, who is currently in ICE custody, to “stay strong”

Tristin Evans scoring for Rose City

Evans celebrating the goal

Evans (#19), post-backflip, continuing to celebrate the goal

Miami United with the ball

Post Game Clips:

Deportivo Rose City are your 2026 National Champions!

Me and Richard Stewart

Me with league VP, Nick Webster

Me next to Deportivo Rose City head coach and owner

Me with a player’s gold championship medal

Me with the trophy

Another photo of me with the trophy

Interviews with Richard Stewart and Tristin Evans:

Overall Thoughts

Atmosphere rating: 9.5/10

Game excitement: 7.5/10

Intensity: 8/10

Overall rating: 25/30

Obviously, the UPSL is not the Premier League. It isn’t La Liga. It isn’t MLS. That’s exactly what makes it so interesting. Players are fighting for opportunities. Clubs are fighting for any sort of recognition. Somewhere in all of that, you can find the next Yan Diomande.

That’s what makes the UPSL worth watching.

Because you never really know who is going to be the next player to go from a league most people have never heard of to playing on the biggest stages in the world.

And after seeing the UPSL National Championship in person, I can say this:

This league deserves a lot more attention.

So make sure to check out your local clubs, and support them for free. Because who doesn’t love to watch some free soccer? Especially while knowing you’re supporting one of the most underrated leagues in the entire world!

But which move was actually the best?

To answer that question, I reached out to some of the brightest baseball writers and analysts across Substack. Each contributor picked the one trade they believe will have the biggest impact, explaining why it stood above the rest. From the Rays adding catcher Liam Hicks, the Cubs drastically improving their pitching for the second-half of the season, and several other big-time deals, you’ll find a variety of perspectives below.

Jack Zucker — Jack’s Thoughts

My favorite move of the deadline has to be the Tampa Bay Rays acquiring Liam Hicks. Sure, as a Dodgers fan, now that we have Tarik Skubal, you’d probably expect me to pick the move that gave Los Angeles a new ace. But I’m not going to let my fandom get in the way.

Tampa Bay already made a statement by acquiring Freddy Peralta, but following it up with Hicks showed just how serious the Rays are about making a World Series run. While they surrendered three top-30 prospects to land him, the price was justified. Catchers with Hicks’ combination of power, offensive consistency, and long-term upside are incredibly difficult to find.

Hicks has been one of the biggest breakout players in baseball this season. After emerging with the Marlins, he arrived in Tampa Bay with 14 home runs and immediately made an impact, homering once in his first two games as a Ray. He’s already up to 15 home runs, and I’m sure more are coming.

The Rays didn’t just add another bat—they added one of the most impactful catchers in the American League. In a postseason race where everything matters, Hicks gives Tampa Bay another dangerous hitter and further strengthens a roster that already looks capable of reaching the World Series. When it’s all said and done, this may go down as the smartest move of the entire trade deadline.

Andrew Steele — Steele Sports Bar

My favorite move of the Trade Deadline was without doubt the Red Sox pushing their chips into the middle of the table by trading for Adley Rutschman from the Orioles. Okay, sure, the price may have been a little steep, but I’m sick and tired of teams finding excuses not to win. You never know how a prospect may turn out, as the Red Sox found out with Marcelo Mayer. The bottom line is that Boston looks to be a legitimate contender, and Rutschman helps them to win now. I’ve always loved Rutschman as a player, and I think there’s more potential to be untapped there. Plus, the Red Sox needed a show of faith from the front office after a record-breaking July, and adding an elite defensive catcher with offensive pop in Rutschman certainly ticks that box. More teams should have gone for it like the Red Sox did.

Painting Corners

The Cubs acquired multiple arms this deadline, but Gaus is my favorite addition. They did part with their #10 prospect in the org, SS Ty Southisene, but it’s well worth it to push the chips in with multiple important players in walk years. Gausman had a 3.62 ERA over five seasons in Toronto, along with plenty of down ballot Cy Young votes. Sure, he’s having a down year, but his FIP (3.50) is an 88 point delta from his ERA (4.38). With Cabrera, Brown, Horton, and Steele on the shelf, this trade was an absolute must for Jed Hoyer and FO.

Sean Beney — Beyond the Score

My favorite move of the deadline was not the splashiest, but might make the most impact over the remainder of the season. The Chicago Cubs have been carried by their offense so far in 2026. Heading into Deadline Weekend, the Cubs ranked 3rd in baseball in wRC+ (110), 4th in wOBA (.331), and 4th in Runs Scored (564), per FanGraphs. However, their pitching has greatly lagged. At that point, the team was 13th in MLB in ERA (4.13), 12th in Runs Allowed (477), and a whopping 27th in Pitching WAR (3.6), per FanGraphs.

Chicago added SPs Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, along with RP Ryan Zeferjahn, to address this imbalance. Gausman, while underperforming a bit relative to his standards this season, is a quality veteran arm and shows promise with an xERA 0.43 points better than his ERA. Holmes, with a 2.39 ERA in nine starts for the Mets, will help bolster the rotation as well. Ryan Zeferjahn will add meaningful depth to the bullpen, as he boasts a 12.8 K/9 and a .160 opponent batting average.

In return, the Cubs did not give up too much prospect value and also added Braxton Garrett, who is likely a play for next season as he returns from injury. The Cubs made the best moves of any team at this trade deadline, setting themselves up to be among the few clubs capable of competing with the Dodgers.

The Clutch Report

In my opinion, this was one of the best deadlines in a while, and it’s certainly the best since I’ve started covering baseball. From Skubal to the defending champs to Adley Rutschman to Fenway, I had a hard time choosing my favorite move this deadline.

If you read my publication, you may think I’m biased due to my support for the Philadelphia Phillies, but Dave Dombrowski made my favorite move this deadline. On the morning of deadline day, reports came out that the Phillies were acquiring second baseman Luis Arraez from the Giants.

The Phillies have the team to make a deep playoff run, but they’ve struggled at times. While the offense explodes on certain nights, the bats would tend to go silent on others. This is partially due to the Phils’ having a power-hitting lineup with a lack of contact hitters. However, Dombrowski has fixed that problem, landing Arraez and RP Caleb Kilian in a deal for 2 prospects.

Arraez is the best contact hitter in the sport today, being called the “Modern-Day Tony Gwynn”. I feel like Arraez completely changes this offense for the better. He can get on base when he needs to, drive runners in, and place the ball where it needs to be placed according to the situation. Call me crazy, but I truly believe Luis Arraez gives the Phillies a real shot to bring a championship back to Philadelphia in 2026.

Nate Kosher — Runs Produced Fantasy Baseball

I really liked what the Rays did in adding Freddy Peralta and Liam Hicks. I think Tampa helps Peralta to turn it around and Hicks adds another bat to the lineup. He is having a great year and gets on base at a high clip.

Baseball Scoops

Favorite Move: the Cubs as a whole

Is this cheating in the subject? Sure. But the Cubs went into the deadline with a critical need, and they addressed that need in plenty. The pitching has been decimated by injury and also poor performance. This is a team with World Series aspirations, and they are very in the mix for a spot. They have the offense, especially as it performs to its potential. They need the arms.

Kevin Gausman brings veteran presence and leadership. He’s having a bit of a down year, but a guy who got it done in the playoffs last season and can lead a rotation. Clay Holmes has been a strong starter since making the jump to the rotation. He’s been hurt, but had a sub-3.00 ERA this season when healthy.

The Cubs need relievers. Adding Zefrajahn is huge. Bringing team control and also good strikeout ability. No team has used more closers than the Cubs, so they get a bit more certainty in higher-leverage spots.

Palencia coming back is huge. Edward Cabrera will also return. This team has depth now, and they are going to make a hard push.

The Data Dugout

One of the biggest moves of the deadline sent Luis Arraez from the Giants to the Phillies. The three-time batting champ is having another great year at the plate and brings a welcomed boost to Philly’s offense.

Arraez silenced doubters with a bounce back year the plate. He currently sits 2nd in the MLB with a .324 average to go along with a career-best 11 outs above average (ranking in the 99th percentile). I think he will fit right in the Phillies lineup — but fitting in the field is a different story.
Philadelphia has created a log jam in their infield, with the current solution of pushing Bryce Harper to the outfield for the first time in a few years. Arraez used to be a super-utility player — a jack of all, master of none if you will. For years he was one of the worst qualified defenders. Now, he’s one of the best and isn’t coming off second base.

Philly has one of the best rotations in baseball, one that will be the backbone of a playoff run. Arraez will provide a boost to their offense that has been lacking this season, helping their chances of being competitive among the top teams in the NL.

At just 29 years-old, and on a one-year deal, Arraez is playing for his next contract. It’s a great move for his potential earnings next season, and for the Phillies chances in 2026.
On the other side of the trade, the Giants received two pitching prospects, Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair. Two young arms who aren’t a bad get for San Francisco, dealing away a rental.

Baseball Nerd

My favorite move was Adley to Boston. They have needed help in the backstop slot, and Adley, when he’s healthy, can certainly provide it. BOS gave up a little, but the ultimate return potential is strong. I think Adley benefits from a change of scenery as well.

Philly Sports Central

My favorite deal has to be the Blue Jays trading for star Angels pitcher Jose Soriano.

Soriano has pitched to a 9-6 record with a 3.29 ERA while racking up 127 Ks in just 123 innings. With Toronto trading away veteran workhorse Kevin Gausman, Soriano slots into the rotation to form an elite one-two-three with Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage. Add in Soriano’s elite fastball and ground ball ability, not to mention that he’s under team control until the end of 2028? The Jays have added a talented frontline starter who might help them jump right back into the Wild Card race.

This, however, is a rare trade where BOTH teams made out extremely well. The Angels acquired Arjun Nimmala, who instantly becomes the Angels #2 prospect and slots in as the #43 prospect in all of MLB with elite contact and defensive ability. Los Angeles also brought in outfielder Eddie Micheletti Jr, who has hit .251 while slugging 14 home runs in Double-A and looks close to MLB-ready. And as the final piece in the deal, the Angels got 19-year-old lottery ticket Angel Rivero, who put up a strong 2.36 ERA in rookie ball.

I love this trade for the Jays to get back into the playoffs, and this trade is also amazing for the future of an Angels team that might finally be choosing to fully rebuild.

Will Manzi — Will Manzi’s Baseball Empire

My favorite move at the Trade Deadline is the Cubs acquiring Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays. They gave up a pair of light-hitting top 20 prospects, a modest sacrifice for a high-level pitcher like Gausman. The Blue Jays aren’t fully rebuilding, but perhaps didn’t plan on renewing his contract and wanted to cash in. In that case, it’s a nice opportunistic deal for Chicago. The Cubs deadline approach worked perfectly to fit their needs, and I appreciated the aggressiveness to secure starting pitching as Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and Ben Brown are all on the 60 Day Injured List.

Gausman has struggled at times this season, and his surface-level numbers don’t quite match up to the kind of pitcher he is. The ERA is over four for the first time since 2019, but with such a long track record of success, he’s somebody you don’t worry about. He’s been a model of consistency and health. The last time he missed time was due to COVID-19 in 2021. That’s it. He takes the ball every five days and gives you a chance to win.

The underlying data indicates he isn’t regressing and still has virtually the same skills. His expected ERA this season (3.95) is actually below his career number (4.14), and his xFIP is right around career norms as well. He should be able to rein in that inflated ERA and thrive with the new, more competitive environment. With Gausman, it’s all about his splitter and four-seam working together to get chases and keep hitters off balance. The chase rates on those two offerings have been the same, if not better than in previous seasons.

Those two offerings in tandem are still dominating hitters, and his slider has come back to being a really nice third offering for him the last couple of seasons. As long as his splitter and four-seamer are at the same caliber, there’s nothing to fear about him. His skills have rebounded quite nicely since they dipped in 2024, showing he’s at the point of his career where he knows himself well enough to adapt and survive long-term adversity.

If the Cubs are going to challenge the Dodgers for a pennant in the playoffs, they will be leaning on the Postseason experience of a guy like Gausman. He’s made eight playoff starts in his career, and last year made five for Toronto in their run to the World Series and won two of them, posting a 2.93 ERA.

A change of scenery has also benefited him well over his career. In 2018, Guasman and his 4.43 ERA with Baltimore were traded to the Braves, where he went 5-3 with a 2.87 ERA the rest of the way. He was dealt again a year later and changed a 6.19 pre-trade ERA to a 4.03 with a 3.27 FIP afterward.

He’s had a hell of a career in both the National and American League, has been traded a handful of times, owns a lot of rare postseason experience, and has stayed pretty much the same consistent staple in whatever rotation he’s in. Hats off to Chicago for scooping him up.

Smayan Srikanth — Sports Square

Give me Foster Griffin.

DFA’d by the Royals. Two innings in Toronto, then released. Three years rebuilding himself in Japan with nobody watching. Signs a one-year, $5.5 million flier with the Nationals and turns into a first-time All-Star. 12-3, 3.06 ERA.

Here’s the why. Cleveland’s rotation was already the strength of the team, eighth in the MLB in ERA, with the Opening Day Rotation making all but one start on the year. They didn’t need pitching. Griffin slots in behind Messick and Williams. Their real weakness was the lineup, and they fixed that same day with Adell and Lowe. One afternoon, two problems solved.

That’s why I like it more than Skubal. The Dodgers adding a two-time Cy Young Award winner to an already-stacked staff is the obvious move. Griffin is a team taking a real swing on a guy who was out of the sport three years ago, giving up four players, and landing a genuine difference-maker. Higher degree of difficulty, better story.

Does Mason Miller Get Traded?

Photo credit: AP

Prediction: No

Despite being the most coveted reliever in baseball, I don’t believe Mason Miller is dealt at this year’s trade deadline. The asking price will simply be too high for most contenders to meet. This is a guy who was recently traded just last season (at the deadline) to the Padres, who gave up the #2 prospect in baseball. Expect contenders like the Phillies, Yankees, Pirates, and Cubs to check in, but unless a team is willing to part with multiple top prospects and young MLB talent, Miller stays put. If he does become available, he’ll instantly become one of the biggest names on the market.

What Happens to Tarik Skubal?

Photo credit: Zach Belsky/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Prediction: Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers

Traded. I believe there is close to a 100% chance of Tarik Skubal being traded. With many teams interested, it really is a matter of days until he is dealt to a new team. Reports say the Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs, Braves, Yankees, Rays, and more are interested. I expect Los Angeles to get the deal done on the final day. Skubal can also sign an extension with the Tigers. The chance of that happening is slim. Again, still possible, but very, very slim.

Who Will Be the Biggest Buyers?

Several contenders are expected to be aggressive as the deadline approaches, but a few stand above the rest.

Los Angeles Dodgers:

The Dodgers never shy away from blockbuster moves, and with another World Series in their sights, they’ll continue searching for more pitching depth, with players such as Tarik Skubal and possibly a player like Clay Holmes or a shortstop like Zach Neto.

New York Yankees:

After another AL pennant-caliber first half, New York desperately needs pitching depth and could also pursue another big bat. Expect the Yanks to go after players such as Zach Neto, Ryan Jeffers, Hunter Goodman, CJ Abrams, Lars Nootbar, Mickey Moniak, and pitching depth like Adrian Morejon, Luis Castillo, and even the big prize: Mason Miller.

Milwaukee Brewers:

The Brewers have one of baseball’s strongest rosters but could use another starter or a few relievers to help them come second half of the year. Look out for Clay Holmes, a potential reunion with Freddy Peralta, Hunter Greene, and even Tarik Skubal.

Tampa Bay Rays:

Tampa Bay possesses one of the deepest farm systems in baseball (arguably top 5), giving them the flexibility to pursue almost any player available. With star players like Ketel Marte unhappy with their organizations, the Rays can persuade these teams to make a deal. The days of Marte on the DBacks are limited, and the Rays clearly have lingering interest. Both parties are serious about coming together for a deal. Make sure to watch out for the shortstop. He may go from wearing teal and red to navy and light blue.

Atlanta Braves:

Atlanta is expected to aggressively pursue offensive upgrades, especially in the outfield. ATL can potentially look at a move for Daulton Varsho, Jo Adell, and possibly shortstops Jeremy Peña and Washington’s CJ Abrams.

Who Will Be the Biggest Sellers?

San Francisco Giants:

The Giants are an easy one here. San Francisco is reportedly ready to sell guys such as Heliot Ramos and Luis Arraez, Tyler Mahle, Robbie Ray, and Rafael Devers. I expect Ramos to go to the Yankees or Mariners. Arraez will most likely go to the Rangers. Mahle, Ray, and Devers are all potentially Chicago Cubs. It will all come down to team legend, Buster Posey and the front office. Will he make the smart decision this time? Or the wrong one?

Toronto Blue Jays:

The Toronto Blue Jays are an interesting case here. This is a team that made the WORLD SERIES less than 12 months ago, and now? Toronto faces many challenges as they are placed at the bottom of the AL East. I can see the Blue Jays trade away tons of talent at the deadline. They are not desperate enough to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. yet, but Varsho, George Springer, Jeff Hoffman, Shane Bieber, and possibly their ace, Kevin Gausman, may all be on different teams by the time August 3rd at 6:00 PM EST (3:00 PM PST) hits.

New York Mets:

The Mets have been baseball’s disaster for years now. The second-highest-grossing payroll in the league, and yet they are 47-63 (dead last) in one of the weaker divisions in the entire MLB. New York will almost certainly trade away Clay Holmes, Freddy Peralta, Francisco Alvarez, Luis Torrens, and possibly Bo Bichette. I expect Bichette to head back to the Blue Jays if he is traded. The other players can go anywhere. Peralta is a proven ace who simply hasn’t had his groove back since leaving the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade just months ago.

Miami Marlins:

The Miami Marlins are a team that will either sell everybody on their team, or keep everybody. No other option. Miami has had struggles lately, and most recently, got over their 12-game losing streak. The Marlins lost to the Mets 2-4 in a game that puts them even. The hottest MLB team in all of June can turn around in just a month. 55-55 is not great. The Marlins will be open to calls for the shortstop duo of Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez, as well as pitchers, and Liam Hicks. The Marlins are another case of how a bad organization can never recover from a few terrible mistakes.

Athletics:

The Athletics will absolutely sell this deadline. The team has not hit the panic button yet. But they might enter the mode if this inconsistency continues. Jonah Heim has been on three teams in the past 2 seasons, and might be on his 4th very shortly. After starting catcher Shea Langeliers went down with a torn meniscus just days ago, his MVP-caliber season has officially come to an end. Heim certainly needs to prove himself in this next series vs. Detroit in order to keep his spot on the roster. If not, he, plus talents such as Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs, will be gone. I don’t expect Heim to finish the year on a third team. I do expect Springs, and possibly McNeil, to be traded.

Likely to Stay Quiet

- Washington Nationals

Washington is still alive in the NL wildcard hunt. No need to trade CJ Abrams and more, all of a sudden.

- Los Angeles Angels

You never know with Arte Moreno. The Angels won’t make a big splash. They won’t trade away their best players either.

- Seattle Mariners

Seattle can trade some of their pitchers for good value. Their division is wide open. If I’m Jerry Dipoto, I am not blowing things up this season.

Trade Predictions

Ketel Marte → Tampa Bay Rays

Other Teams Interested: Mariners, Red Sox

The Rays land arguably the best position player available by acquiring three-time All-Star Ketel Marte. One of baseball’s premier switch-hitters, Marte continues to be one of the most complete offensive players in the game. Tampa Bay’s deep farm system allows them to outbid both Seattle and Boston

This is the exact move that immediately makes the Rays the runaway favorite in the American League. Marte is a two-time Silver Slugger and owns a career .280 batting average with nearly 200 home runs. Tampa Bay needs to get the deal done.

Tarik Skubal → Los Angeles Dodgers

Other Teams Interested: Brewers, Yankees, Rays

The biggest blockbuster of the deadline sends Tarik Skubal to Los Angeles. The Dodgers are never afraid to pay premium prices for elite talent, and Skubal gives them another Cy Young-caliber arm capable of dominating any postseason series. A two-time Cy Young Award winner and one of baseball’s top 50 strikeout leaders in 2026, Skubal already has the teams calling.

Milwaukee, New York, and Tampa Bay will all make offers, but Los Angeles ultimately wins the bidding war with one of the strongest farm systems in baseball. If healthy, Skubal could become the final piece of another championship rotation.

Jeremy Peña → Atlanta Braves

Other Teams Interested: Yankees, Red Sox

Atlanta continues to build around its main core by acquiring dynamic shortstop Jeremy Peña. One of the fastest players in Major League Baseball, Peña brings game-changing speed and hits that can go out of the ballpark any day of the week. Atlanta can also go after a better option with CJ Abrams; however, the Nationals may not be able to give him up just yet. If Washington does? Atlanta will need to pay a hefty price. The Yankees and Red Sox are also teams to watch. However, Atlanta needs to be in a better spot for the second half of the year. If they are serious about contending, Peña is their guy. However, if he goes to NY or Boston, watch out for CJ Abrams. He may make his way back to his home state.

Sandy Alcántara → Milwaukee Brewers

Other Teams Interested: Mets, Rockies, Reds

Milwaukee makes one of the deadline’s biggest pitching additions by acquiring former National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara. After returning from injury, Alcántara will most likely be on the trade block. The Marlins should’ve traded him to the Chicago Cubs last year, from what I predicted, but interestingly stuck with him. Now, will they most likely trade him? No. Should they? Yes. The Marlins are not WS contenders yet. They aren’t close either.

If Alcántara heads to the Brew Crew, expect Otto Lopez or Xavier Edwards to follow his footsteps. Miami has big decisions to make this year. It may mean trading their ace, a player with a 3.86 ERA this season.

Mickey Moniak → Philadelphia Phillies

Other Teams Interested: Angels, Astros

Sometimes the best stories are full-circle moments. Philadelphia reunites with former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak, adding a versatile left-handed outfielder who has developed into a reliable major league contributor since leaving the organization. The Angels, another old team of his, and the Astros are in the mix. I expect Philadelphia to ultimately bring Moniak back to where his professional baseball journey first began. 1 homer in 2.5 years with the franchise isn’t so great. That wasn’t his swan song there. He’ll be returning if all things go to plan.

Tiermaker list:

Deals I expect to happen:

A.J. Minter → Twins

Brooks Raley → Astros

Clay Holmes → Phillies

Jeff Hoffman → Phillies

Luis Arraez → Yankees

Luke Weaver → Tigers

Robbie Ray → Cubs

Adrian Morejon → Pirates

Brady Singer → Cubs

Brian Abreau → Mariners

Christian Walker → Twins

Daulton Varsho → Phillies

Foster Griffin → Red Sox

Francisco Alvarez → Yankees

Freddy Peralta → Brewers

Jose Soriano → Brewers

Kevin Gausman → Padres

Luis Robert Jr. → Braves

Michael King → Astros

Miguel Andujar → Cardinals

Nathaniel Lowe → Guardians

Shane Bieber → Rays

Xavier Edwards → Mariners

Liam Hicks → Red Sox

Emerson Hancock → Red Sox

George Springer → Astros

Pete Fairbanks → Orioles

Final Thoughts

The MLB trade deadline never unfolds exactly the way anyone expects. Every year, a few superstars unexpectedly stay put, a handful of under-the-radar players become difference-makers, and at least one blockbuster happens.

Whether it’s the Dodgers landing Tarik Skubal, the Rays making a splash for Ketel Marte, or Mason Miller remaining in San Diego, one thing is certain: the next few days will reshape the playoff picture.

When the dust settles, we’ll find out which contenders truly went all-in, which rebuilding clubs committed to the future, and which front offices decided staying the same was their best move. Either way, baseball’s biggest week is here. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

Let me know your thoughts down below!

I wanted to start off by thanking everyone for sending me their thoughts before I went into surgery. Luckily, I am fine now and able to live my normal life again. All is good. Other than that, this is my 200th edition of Jack’s Thoughts. What a run it’s been. Thank you all.

With that being said, sorry for the time I took off. Now that I am close to fully recovered, I have some more awesome stuff to be sent out soon 👀…

Here’s the mailbag…also please let me know if I should do more of these in the future:

Dark Horse Championship Contenders for the Upcoming NFL, NBA, and MLB ()

If you had asked me this question last August, my answers would have been the New York Knicks for the NBA, the Seattle Mariners for MLB, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFL.

Interestingly enough, the Knicks ultimately won the championship, the Mariners came close, and the Buccaneers...well, injuries completely derailed their season.

A year later, my answers have changed.

NBA

The biggest story in the NBA right now is Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Miami Heat. While Miami instantly becomes a contender, I don’t think they’re my dark horse.

The Heat have plenty of talent in the frontcourt, but their backcourt still leaves a lot to be desired. Davion Mitchell is an excellent defensive guard, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations that came with being selected in the 2021 NBA Draft. Pelle Larsson has developed into a valuable role player, and I think he has the potential to become a quality starting shooting guard. Still, I don’t believe that’s enough to win a championship.

Instead, my pick is the team just north of Miami: the Orlando Magic.

Orlando has one of the brightest young cores in basketball, but I still believe they’re one major move away from truly contending.

Paolo Banchero has shown flashes of superstardom, but I don’t think he’s ready to be the unquestioned No. 1 option on a championship team. He was outstanding in stretches during the playoffs, but the league’s elite superstars rarely disappear for long periods in the postseason.

If Orlando can acquire another star—someone like Donovan Mitchell if he ever becomes available—they could immediately vault into championship contention.

Right now, I don’t think there’s a true dark horse capable of winning the NBA Finals as currently constructed. Orlando is my pick because I believe they’re the closest team to making that leap.

NFL

My dark horse picks are the Chicago Bears and, if you’re looking for a true long shot, the Tennessee Titans.

The Bears had an excellent offseason. I loved their draft, especially selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round. Another pick I really liked was Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad at No. 124. I think he’ll end up being remembered as one of the steals of this draft class.

Chicago also improved its offensive line by acquiring Garrett Bradbury from New England. Trading D.J. Moore to Buffalo for a second-round pick was a bold move, but one that could benefit them in the long run.

If we’re talking about a true dark horse, though, I’ll go with Tennessee.

The Titans still have plenty of work to do, but I think they’re better than many people expect. I don’t see them competing for a Super Bowl this season, but I could absolutely see them finishing with a winning record and surprising many teams.

That said...

Neither of these teams is winning the Super Bowl.

I’m sticking with my prediction.

The Los Angeles Rams are winning another Lombardi Trophy.

MLB

As a lifelong Dodgers fan, they’re still my pick to win the World Series.

But that’s not exactly a dark horse.

Instead, my three dark horse contenders are:

• St. Louis Cardinals

• Tampa Bay Rays

• Baltimore Orioles

The Cardinals haven’t enjoyed much postseason success over the last several seasons outside of their 93-win campaign in 2022, but they’re beginning to build around exciting young talent like Jordan Walker. If those players continue developing, St. Louis could become a dangerous October team.

The Rays have consistently found ways to compete despite operating with one of baseball’s smallest payrolls. They reached the 2020 World Series before falling to my Dodgers, and they’re once again loaded with young talent led by Junior Caminero.

They’re currently battling in one of baseball’s toughest divisions, making their path difficult, but nobody should want to face Tampa Bay in October.

Finally, there’s Baltimore.

The Orioles have quietly started to heat up at the perfect time.

They recently defeated the Angels 6-1 and took two of three from the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Momentum heading into the trade deadline is incredibly valuable, and if Baltimore adds another impact player, they could make a legitimate World Series run.

If I had to choose one dark horse from the three, I’d go with the Tampa Bay Rays.

What do you think the top five picks in the 2026 and 2027 NBA Drafts will be? ()

Back in November 2025, this was my projected top seven for the 2026 NBA Draft:

1. A.J. Dybantsa — Utah Jazz

2. Darryn Peterson — Washington Wizards

3. Cameron Boozer — Charlotte Hornets

4. Nate Ament — Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)

5. Tounde Yessoufou — Brooklyn Nets

6. Jayden Quaintance — Phoenix Suns

7. Mikel Brown Jr. — Chicago Bulls

Right before the draft, my final mock looked like this:

1. A.J. Dybantsa → Wizards

2. Darryn Peterson → Jazz

3. Cameron Boozer → Grizzlies

4. Caleb Wilson → Bulls

5. Keaton Wagler → Clippers

6. Mikel Brown Jr. → Nets

7. Darius Acuff Jr. → Kings

Looking ahead to the 2027 NBA Draft, here’s my projected top five:

1. Jordan Smith Jr. → Kings

2. Bruce Branch → Grizzlies

3. Tyran Stokes → Nets

4. Caleb Holt → Clippers

5. Tounde Yessoufou → Pelicans

What is the most idiotic sports moment you’ve ever seen? ()

The Luka Dončić trade.

Not even close.

I never imagined there would be a world where the Dallas Mavericks would trade arguably the best basketball player on the planet.

The fact that he ended up on my favorite team, the Lakers, made it even crazier.

As a Lakers fan, it was unbelievable.

As a basketball fan, it was shocking.

I also hated seeing Anthony Davis leave Los Angeles. He was one of my favorite players to watch, and now he’s in Washington. It’ll be interesting to see whether he stays there or gets moved again before the season begins.

Nothing else really compares.

The Luka trade is easily the craziest sports move I’ve ever witnessed.

Thoughts on the Ja Morant Trade ()

I absolutely love this trade for Portland.

I hate it for Memphis.

Portland is acquiring a superstar-caliber player at a discounted price due to all of the off-court concerns.

Memphis, meanwhile, receives Jerami Grant, an aging veteran, and Kris Murray, who hasn’t developed into the player many expected.

I’ve never understood why rebuilding teams prioritize older veterans over additional draft capital. Sure, Grant brings leadership and experience, but that’s about it.

Personally, I’d rather have another first-round pick than veteran leadership.

Grades

Portland: A

A core featuring Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Jrue Holiday is incredibly intriguing.

The biggest question now is whether Henderson or Holiday eventually becomes the odd man out.

Memphis: D-

It’s not quite an F because moving on from Ja was becoming inevitable.

Still, I think they could have received a much stronger return.

Three Favorite Candidates for Most Improved Player ()

Last year, my three picks were:

• Jalen Johnson

• Brice Sensabaugh

• Scoot Henderson

Instead, Nickeil Alexander-Walker took home the award, which definitely surprised me.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, my top three candidates are:

1. Moussa Diabaté

2. Brice Sensabaugh

3. Matas Buzelis

I think all three are poised for breakout seasons, but my prediction is that Moussa Diabaté ultimately wins the award on a Charlotte team that can’t compete just yet — especially after trading their franchise player, LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Thoughts on the Giannis Trade ()

I honestly think this trade is a win for both franchises.

Milwaukee officially begins a new era by landing Nate Ament, along with several talented young players and valuable draft capital. It’s exactly the type of package you hope to receive when moving a franchise superstar.

For Miami, the championship window is officially open.

Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have built title teams before, and while Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo aren’t LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, they’re still more than talented enough to compete for an NBA championship.

Grades

Miami Heat: A-

They landed one of the five best players in basketball. The only reason it isn’t an A+ is that I still have questions about their backcourt depth.

Milwaukee Bucks: A-

It’s never easy trading away a generational player, but Milwaukee received a strong return and now has a clear direction moving forward.

What do the Pistons do to reshape their team after this disappointing collapse this season? ()

NBA free agency is just about over, and the Pistons made some very good signings. Detroit agreed to a deal with John Collins and traded for Taurean Prince, Gary Harris, and Isaiah Joe. If Detroit wants to win now, they need to make a couple more moves to bolster their roster. However, without the cap space to do so, the team will likely wait a year before starting to contend. Let’s be real: Detroit can’t win an NBA championship with this roster. It’s a very good roster; I’m not downplaying that, but it’s not experienced. Arguably the most important part of championship teams is the experience. You need championship-level players to build a championship-level team.

The main headline for the Pistons is whether Jalen Duren picks up the qualifying offer or not. If he does, he will sign a massive extension next summer, whether that’s with Detroit or in a sign-and-trade with another team. A possible trade for Detroit this season would look like this

Both teams win the deal. However, Detroit is very unlikely to make this acquisition as they trade away high-potential players such as Ron Holland II, and Duren.

Where Will LeBron Land? ()

LeBron James is the best free agent on the market, and he’ll be off the market very soon. I originally thought that “The King” would head home for the third time (Cleveland), but the Cavs are not willing to give up players in a sign-and-trade scenario. As a diehard Lakers fan, I honestly believe LeBron should’ve stayed with us. Signing a minimum one-year deal to help with cap space would make LA the championship contenders they were at the start of the decade. Think of it: Luka, Reaves, LeBron, Mamukelashvili, and Kessler. That’s a top starting lineup in the NBA.

However, the Lakers are out of the books. My prediction has stayed the same for weeks now. Miami. LeBron to South Beach. I’m calling it.

Yes, over Philly, over Golden State, over Minnesota, and over Cleveland. LeBron James is headed to the place he called home for years, and no, that is not Cleveland; it’s the Miami Heat.

Jaylen Brown Trade Thoughts ()

I absolutely love this trade for the Sixers and hate it for Boston.

In Boston’s case, you trade away the former NBA Finals MVP, multi-time All-Star, and someone who was in MVP talks just months ago, in return for an old former star, plus 2 likely late first round picks, and some second rounders.

In Philly’s case, you trade away a former star in Paul George, plus multiple firsts and seconds, but in return you receive Brown, a player with over a dozen accolades across his career.

Two teams that despise each other made a trade. One got a lot better, one got a lot worse.

Grades

Boston: D

This isn’t the worst trade of all-time, but oooohhhh it’s up there. No more explanation needed.

Philadelphia: A+

Now they are a power forward away from a title? cough cough does this lure LeBron? I mean, the last time LeBron played with D. Wade on a great team, they won multiple championships.

Does this Knicks core win another title? ()

Nope. Not a chance. Hot take? Possibly. The Knicks lost out on Mitchell Robinson, and him heading to the Celtics is huge. Sure, being paired with Jayson Tatum and Paul George isn’t as scary as JT and Jaylen Brown, but it’s still something. NY will also break up more of their championship core in the coming years, because that’s what all teams do. No chance New York wins a championship again for years.

Odds on Lonzo returning to the Lake Show? ()

0% chance this happens. Although I sure hope it does. Lonzo still has greatness left in him. Maybe not much, but he deserves another chance. Would he sign the contract? No. His relationship with the Lakers is gone of course.

I don’t see Lonzo playing another minute in the NBA, unfortunately. And this is coming from a diehard Bruins and Lakers fan. Ball may sign with the Wolves one day, but that’s his only potential offer.

I’d like to see him back in the league, especially so my signed jersey of his can gain some more money.

For anyone who loves football recruiting, high-level quarterback play, and seeing the next generation of stars before most people know their names, there aren’t many places better. The talent on display was ridiculous. Everywhere you looked, there were Division I prospects making plays and competing against some of the best players in the country.

Beyond the football, though, what I enjoy most about these events is getting the chance to meet the players, talk with them, and learn more about who they are off the field.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to interview the two top quarterbacks in the Class of 2027, Trae Taylor and Israel Abrams, along with one of the most exciting receivers in the country, Michael “Kiko” Farinas.

All three impressed me—not just because of how they played, but because of the way they carried themselves.

Interviewing Trae Taylor

Trae Taylor entered the OT7 Finals as the most talked-about quarterback in the country, and it’s easy to understand why.

The #8-ranked player in the country consistently showed confidence, leadership, and poise throughout the event. Whether his team was rolling or facing adversity, he remained composed and continued making plays in tight games.

What stood out most to me was his maturity in our conversation. He understands the spotlight that comes with being the nation’s top quarterback, but he also talked about his neutral detachment from the haters.

Watching him compete, you can see why so many people are high on his future. He throws with confidence, processes quickly, and has the kind of presence that already sets him apart from the rest.

Interviewing Israel Abrams

Israel Abrams is another quarterback who left a strong impression on me.

As the #2-ranked quarterback in the 2027 class behind Taylor, Abrams has already established himself as a player to look out for in the future. During the OT7 season, he showcased the arm talent and playmaking ability that have earned him so much attention. Izzy’s squad, Midwest Boom, did not qualify for the finals weekend. That shows the kind of person Israel is. He may not be playing, but every day, he was there in support of his friends and, as he said, a recruiter for Miami.

What I appreciated most about our interview was how genuine he was. He spoke confidently but stayed humble, which isn’t always easy when you’re one of the top players in the country.

He’s a player whose recruitment and development will be worth following over his career, which will eventually involve the NFL.

Interviewing Michael “Kiko” Farinas

One of the most exciting players I got the chance to speak with was Michael “Kiko” Farinas.

Receivers always seem to bring energy, and Farinas was no exception.

Throughout the event, he showed why he’s considered one of the top pass-catchers in his class. His ability to separate from defenders and make plays in space consistently stood out.

During our conversation, he came across as someone who genuinely loves the game. You could tell he takes pride in his craft and enjoys competing against the best, even though he may not be as highly rated.

My Thoughts on the OT7 Finals

The biggest takeaway I had from the weekend is just how much talent exists in high school football right now.

Every year, people say the next generation is special, but after spending time at the OT7 Finals, it genuinely feels true. The speed, athleticism, and skill level these players possess at such a young age are incredible.

What also stood out was the competitive atmosphere. Every game felt important. Every player seemed eager to prove themselves against elite competition.

Events like OT7 have become a major part of the football landscape because they allow fans, coaches, and media members to see future stars before they reach college.

A few years from now, many of the freshman, sophomore, and junior players competing this weekend will be making headlines on Saturdays—and eventually Sundays.

Photos + Videos (Me with 5-star recruits + game clips)

Miami DB, Donte Wright

Miami QB, Israel Abrams

UCLA DB, Juju Johnson

Nebraska QB, Trae Taylor

Uncommited QB (2028), Chris Vargas

Nation’s #1 recruit, uncommitted 2028 wide receiver, Brysen Wright

One of the best parts of the weekend was getting the chance to capture photos and moments with players, coaches, and people around the event.

Those memories are always special because years from now, it’s fun to look back and remember where players were before they became bigger household names.

The football was great, but the people and experiences are what make events like OT7 memorable.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the OT7 Finals delivered exactly what football fans hoped for.

Elite competition, future stars, incredible games, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to attend, get interviews, and meet some of the best young players in the country. A huge thank you to Trae, Izzy, and Kiko for taking the time to speak with me.

Unfortunately, my team, the Trillion Boys, did not win the championship. They made it all the way to the final game. They lost 45-28 to a Las Vegas and island-based team, Lo-Pro. This squad has won back-to-back titles and 4 championships in the 5 seasons of OT7.

If you had told 11-year-old me that before turning 15, I’d be featured on CBS talking about my work, I probably would’ve laughed and said there was no chance. Yet here we are.

Over the past few years, this Substack has opened doors I never could have imagined. It has helped me grow as a writer, interviewer, entrepreneur, and person. Most importantly, it has connected me with all of you.

Because of that, I wanted to take you behind the scenes and share what the experience was really like.

My Expectations

Going into the filming process, I honestly expected a somewhat scripted production with retakes and edits.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The entire shoot felt natural and authentic. We spent about two hours filming. Remarkably, we didn’t have to redo or rerecord anything. Not once.

What you saw on television was genuinely me.

That was one of the coolest parts of the experience. Nothing felt staged. I was really just having a recorded conversation the whole time.

I was honored to have the opportunity to share my story and discuss a dream I’ve spent years working toward.

A huge thank you goes to the incredible CBS crew, especially cameraman Dan and interviewer Jill Painter-Lopez. They made the experience comfortable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Behind-the-Scenes Photos

The Final Product

Sunday afternoon, around 3:45 PM, my feature aired for the first time.

What made it even cooler was the timing. The segment aired immediately following the PGA Tour broadcast, which had just gone to a playoff hole. Sitting there watching and then suddenly seeing my own story come on television was surreal.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

Later that night, around 10:45 PM, the feature aired again locally on KCAL 9, giving even more people the chance to see it.

Since the broadcasts, I’ve received countless messages, calls, texts, and words of encouragement. Every single one has meant more than I can express.

To everyone who has subscribed, read my articles, listened to my interviews, shared my work, or simply supported me along the way—thank you.

None of this happens without you.

With that being said, here’s the clip, including the Twitter…X post

*Courtesy of CBS SportsCentral (Night show)

1. Jermod McCoy Goes Before Mansoor Delane

McCoy, missing last season with a torn ACL, has quietly worked in his favor—people forgot how good the tape actually is. When you go back to it, he’s more consistent and arguably better than Delane. Teams looking for a projection pick at corner could prioritize McCoy’s upside over Delane’s speed and overall talent.

2. Ty Simpson Goes Much Higher Than Expected — or Slips

Simpson is one of the toughest evaluations in the class. There’s no elite trait that jumps off the screen, but there also aren’t many weaknesses. That profile tends to split teams. Some will view him as a safe, system-dependent starter worth reaching for, while others won’t see enough ceiling to justify a first-round investment. That’s how you get a wide range—from mid-first to a potential slide.

The Jets and Steelers stand out as teams where the timeline and structure make sense, but it only takes one unexpected push for him to go earlier than projected, with a potential landing spot being Arizona via a trade down from #3, to even selecting him that high.

3. Another Proven Player Gets Moved for Picks

One major trade has already shaken up the draft, and that was Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the 10th selection. It likely won’t be the last trade of such a proven player getting moved. Contending teams are more aggressive than ever when it comes to moving established players for draft capital.

Edge rushers and young offensive weapons like Alex Highsmith, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and even Brian Thomas Jr. can see their names on the move during these three days.

4. Reuben Bain Falls Out of the Top 10

Bain’s tape says top-five talent. The measurements of his arm length say something else. If I’m the Ravens, Dolphins, Chiefs, or Commanders, I’m either trading up (or down if that’s how tomorrow plays out to be) to pick the Hurricanes’ most prolific edge we’ve seen in a while.

5. Jeremiyah Love Lands At Pick #4

If Arizona moves off the third pick—as they should—it opens the door for Love to go to Tennessee at four.

He fits the need of another elite running back able to lead an offense with the Titans. Love is explosive, versatile, and capable of impacting the game single-handedly, as shown at Notre Dame during his three incredible years there.

6. Jordyn Tyson Slips Further Than His Talent Suggests

Multiple knee injuries are going to push Tyson down boards, regardless of how teams feel about his ability. That’s just how the league operates.

The interesting part is where someone finally decides the value outweighs the risk. Late first-round teams with stable rosters make the most sense—they can afford patience and don’t need immediate production.

I can see Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Buffalo, or New Orleans selecting the Arizona State wide receiver.

The Browns are the ideal and best spot for Tyson. His brother plays for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, and with the Cleveland Browns, the Tyson brothers can make headlines together in the same city, playing different sports.

7. Philadelphia Prepares for a Major Shift at Receiver

Philadelphia has consistently shown a willingness to plan a year ahead rather than late. If there’s even a possibility of a future move at wide receiver, they’ll position themselves now.

That could mean targeting a receiver earlier than expected, even if it doesn’t look like an immediate need.

A.J. Brown will very likely be a Patriot post-June 1st. Philly prepares for life after him.

8. Denzel Boston Falls Out of Round One

Boston has the traits, but not the same level of polish or certainty as others in the 2026 class.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get taken in the early second round, where the value becomes much more appealing for teams that were hesitant in the first.

9. Five or More Offensive Linemen Go in Round One

This class is deep, and teams across the league need offensive line help. That combination usually leads to a run of tackles, centers, etc., to be taken in the first picks.

Even if not all of them are immediate starters, the positional value alone will push multiple tackles into the first round. Once the first few come off the board, it tends to accelerate into 4-5+.

• Francis Mauigoa

• Spencer Fano

• Monroe Freeling

• Vega Ione

• Kadyn Proctor

• Caleb Lomu

• Blake Miller

• Gennings Dunker

These 8 guys are first-round level talents.

10. 3 Teams Make Some Noise

Don’t be surprised if the Bills get Carnell Tate, the Ravens get Reuben Bain, and the Chiefs get Arvell Reese. Now, no, I don’t mean Tate falls to 26, Bain falls to 14, and Reese falls to 9, but these three teams have the potential to trade for stars like these three guys. Tate is destined to play for a great team like the Bills. He needs a quarterback like Allen. Bain should be a Raven. No Crosby? You thought Hendrickson was the replacement? How about Bain? Reese to the Cardinals? What about if the Cowboys trade up? KC is another intriguing team Arizona could look at for a trade partner.

So don’t be surprised if these teams and players make some noise. Loud noise.

And don’t be surprised if these 10 bold outcomes occur during the 2026 NFL Draft. Tomorrow is a big day, and day two and three are huge too!

Basically, OT7 (Overtime 7-on-7) is an elite high school football league that runs from early spring into the start of summer, built around a fast-paced, non-contact 7v7 format that puts quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs in the spotlight. The league features 16 teams split into two conferences—Gold (AD 2Tenths, Cali Power, Five Stars, Level82, Lo-Pro, Midwest Boom, Team Puka, Trillion Boys) and Diamond (C1N, Cold Hearts, Hellstar, RG3, Raw Miami, SFE, Team Uno, Wunna Warriors).

This league is loaded with top-tier recruits from across the country, primarily 4- and 5-star prospects. Many teams are tied to well-known figures such as Ja’Marr Chase (Team Uno), Puka Nacua (Team Puka), Aaron Donald (AD 2Tenths), Gunna (Wunna Warriors), Cam Newton (C1N), Torrey Smith (Level82), among others. More than anything, OT7 has become a proving ground—where elite prospects compete, build their names, and separate themselves before heading into their high school seasons and eventually college and professional careers.

In early October, I interviewed the Trillion Boys’ owners, Jack and Josh Stupin, who added more context on what OT7 represents and how competitive the environment really is.

Week 1 Takeaways

Top 10 (In order)

Trillion Boys (5-0)
SFE (5-0)
Cali Power (4-1)
AD 2Tenths (4-1)
C1N (2-3)
Cold Hearts (1-4)
Raw Miami (2-3)
RG3 (2-3)
Team Uno (0-5)
Level 82 (0-5)

Yet to Play

Lo-Pro
Five Stars
Midwest Boom
Team Puka
Hellstar
Wunna Warriors

Overall Standings:

Trillion Boys
SFE
Cali Power
Lo-Pro
AD 2Tenths
C1N
Midwest Boom
Five Stars
Hellstar
Cold Hearts
Raw Miami
Team Puka
Wunna Warriors
RG3
Team Uno
Level 82

Best Game: Trillion Boys vs. C1N

As a Trillion Boys fan, this was easily the most entertaining game of Week 1. On Day 1 of opening week in Dallas, the Trillion Boys faced off against former MVP and #1 overall pick Cam Newton and his squad, C1N. A 39–38 finish lived up to the hype—tight, back-and-forth, and exciting.

For Trillion Boys, quarterback Ryan Rakowski delivered one of the most composed performances of the week. His timing, accuracy, and decision-making stood out throughout the game, especially on scoring drives. He consistently found USC 4-star commits Quentin Hale and Eli Woodard in key moments, allowing the offense to stay efficient under pressure.

On the C1N side, the talent was just as evident. Miami-committed receivers Nick Lennear and A’Mari Stevens were consistently involved and made plays throughout the game. Trayvis Hunter, the younger brother of two-way star and Jacksonville Jaguars player Travis Hunter, also showed flashes with his athleticism and competitiveness. Led by Tennessee commit Derrick Baker at QB, C1N proved they have the roster to compete with anyone, even in a close loss.

Week 1 MVP: Ryan Rakowski (Trillion Boys)

Rakowski was the most consistent quarterback I watched on Day 1 and Day 2. His timing, accuracy, and composure showed up in a game where every possession mattered. In a format that exposes hesitation, he didn’t show any. The 39–38 win over C1N doesn’t happen without him controlling the offense possession after possession.

During both days, the Trillion Boys also handled their other matchups effectively, including impressive wins over rival Raw Miami and Team Uno. In those games, the offense operated efficiently, with Rakowski distributing the ball and wide receivers dominating.

Week 2 Offensive Player: Quentin Hale (Trillion Boys)

The USC 4-star looked like a mismatch every time he was targeted. Physical against the DBs, smooth route running, and consistently able to make crucial plays, Hale looked much better than every player he faced.

Week 2 Defensive Player: Jalen Flowers (Trillion Boys)

Flowers showed up in key moments when Trillion Boys needed stops. He was sticky in coverage and not afraid to challenge top receivers in one-on-one situations. His consistency helped stabilize the defense in important positions. Flowers had a momentum-shifting interception vs. RG3, even scoring a receiving touchdown as well.

Most Complete Team: Cali Power

Undefeated, balanced, and disciplined on both sides of the ball, Cali Power looked like the most complete team during Week 1. Led by running back Kemon Spell and quarterback Dane Weber, both highly ranked in the 2027 class, they showed flashes of what they’ll look like when dominating collegiate and NFL teams.

Most Surprising Team (Positive): AD 2Tenths

Even without Aaron Donald coaching on the sideline, AD 2Tenths put together a strong opening week, going undefeated on Day 1 and only losing a single game on Day 2. This is a very well-coached and organized team. The group played with physicality and confidence, and the results suggest they belong among the more competitive teams early on.

Most Surprising Team (Negative): Raw Miami

Raw Miami entered the weekend with expectations of being one of the more dominant programs, but Day 1 didn’t reflect that. They finished 1–2 and struggled in their three games. Day 2 wasn’t much better. As a team that’s always been an elite OT7 program, focusing on developing and winning with some of the best players in the nation, this is very unusual to see them lose important games.

Raw Miami doesn’t deserve to be in contention as a top team in my rankings, and that’s why, due to their 1–2 start, they are placed at the 7 spot.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is not some usual overreaction of mine (coming from someone who unfortunately wrote an article on Dalton Knecht early last year, comparing him to Klay Thompson). Yeah, we all know how that went. But hey, as confident as I am, I am usually right. Usually. Emphasizing that part.

That said, it’s only Week 1, and there are many more games to be played. Still, they’ll need to play well and will need to win their games against teams like the Trillion Boys and C1N moving forward.

Additional Thoughts

What stood out most from Week 1 wasn’t just talent—it was how quickly some teams separated themselves standings-wise. The teams that performed best weren’t always the most hyped rosters, but the ones with a clear offensive identity and consistent play.

Quarterback play, in particular, made the biggest difference. The gap between undefeated teams and those that struggled often came down to timing, decision-making, and the ability to sustain drives rather than raw athleticism at the skill positions.

Another major theme was margins. Games like Trillion Boys (the eventual winners of Season 5…yes, you heard it first) vs. C1N showed how one or two possessions can define an entire day. In OT7, there is little room for extended scoring droughts, and teams that can consistently finish drives tend to separate themselves.

Defensively, the most successful units weren’t necessarily shutting teams down completely, but they were generating key stops at critical moments—especially in red zone situations. In a format designed for offense, even a single disruption can change the momentum of a game.

Overall, both Day 1 and Day 2 were competitive, entertaining, and revealing. While undefeated teams lost and star-studded squads earned their positions at the top, several programs have yet to play, and the rankings will continue to evolve as the season progresses into Week 2 and beyond.