Find out what Sam Darnold, Drake Maye, Cooper Kupp, TreVeyon Henderson and others were like before the NFL.

American Ryan Cochran-Siegle laid down a marker

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On The Sports Reporters, Jeremy Schaap is joine

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Kenza Dali #10 of San Diego Wave FC applauds fans after winning the NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium on March 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
San Diego Wave midfielder Kenza Dali isn’t sure she’ll ever quit football.
Heading into her 17th professional season, the 34-year-old carries the same love for the game she felt on Day One.
“You know what, it’s funny, because I’m the fittest on the team,” Dali said.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 9: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles is dunked with Gatorade by teammates during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of the great traditions of the Super Bowl began, well, as payback.
During the 1984 season, the New York Giants and their head coach, Bill Parcells, were under a great deal of pressure.

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 25: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before kickoff against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Not everyone has been watching the NFL all season long, especially when it comes to a Super Bowl party. Unless you’re deeply invested in the Seahawks or Patriots it’s often just a chance to get together, have some food and drinks, watch the commercials, and be a part of a cultural moment.

Former USC Trojan Nikola Vučević is now on the move to another destination after his up-and-down time with the Chicago Bulls. The former Trojan is headed to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick swap. It seems like both sides are getting exactly what they want in this trade, and both sides benefit greatly.
Nikola Vučević has been a Chicago Bull since the 2020-2021 season, and he has been very solid with his production. During his time in Chicago, he has averaged at least 17 points, 10 rebounds per game, and at least 47% shooting from the field.

Former USC Trojan Nikola Vučević is now on the move to another destination after his up-and-down time with the Chicago Bulls. The former Trojan is headed to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick swap. It seems like both sides are getting exactly what they want in this trade, and both sides benefit greatly.
Nikola Vučević has been a Chicago Bull since the 2020-2021 season, and he has been very solid with his production. During his time in Chicago, he has averaged at least 17 points, 10 rebounds per game, and at least 47% shooting from the field.

Barcelona and Arsenal scouting 20-year-old Belgian winger at Ajax
Barcelona have made a strong effort to pursue emerging young talents in the last couple of years under Director of Football Deco, and the latest name to be associated with the Blaugrana is Ajax winger Mika Godts. It was a quiet window for Barcelona, but Barca Atletic brought in Juwensley Onstein, Hamza Abdelkarim and Patricio Pacifico during the winter transfer window.
Godts seems to be a player that would come into the first team rather than be brought in to develop at Barca Atletic.

Liverpool fail to resolve limbo status of creative midfielder
Harvey Elliott’s Aston Villa Loan Leaves Liverpool in Limbo
Elliott’s Unchanged Status at Villa

Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa remains one of Liverpool’s most uncertain situations this season. As Andy Jones reported, “Elliott’s situation… remained unchanged in the end”, despite speculation over a possible recall.

Although he “started their most recent Europa League fixture”, Jones noted that Elliott has “rarely been in Unai Emery’s matchday squads”.

Barcelona winter signing’s agent reveals how transfer came about: ‘Following him since he was 17’
Patricio Pacifico joined Barcelona in the recently concluded January transfer market to reinforce the Barça Atletic defence and possibly serve as a long-term option for the first team.
A left-footed defender and full-back by trade, his profile is very valuable for the Catalans.
The youngster arrived on loan with no direct obligation to buy, but a clause tied to his involvement with the club. Barcelona can secure up to 80% of his rights in exchange for a maximum of €3.

Liverpool fail to resolve limbo status of creative midfielder
Harvey Elliott’s Aston Villa Loan Leaves Liverpool in Limbo
Elliott’s Unchanged Status at Villa

Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa remains one of Liverpool’s most uncertain situations this season. As Andy Jones reported, “Elliott’s situation… remained unchanged in the end”, despite speculation over a possible recall.

Although he “started their most recent Europa League fixture”, Jones noted that Elliott has “rarely been in Unai Emery’s matchday squads”.

Barcelona winter signing’s agent reveals how transfer came about: ‘Following him since he was 17’
Patricio Pacifico joined Barcelona in the recently concluded January transfer market to reinforce the Barça Atletic defence and possibly serve as a long-term option for the first team.
A left-footed defender and full-back by trade, his profile is very valuable for the Catalans.
The youngster arrived on loan with no direct obligation to buy, but a clause tied to his involvement with the club. Barcelona can secure up to 80% of his rights in exchange for a maximum of €3.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Natasha Dowie, Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on March 21, 2025 in Kirkby, England.

World Cup 2026: The trophy tours Côte d’Ivoire

World Cup 2026: The trophy tours Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the original 2026 World Cup trophy on February 3, as part of the global trophy tour launched by FIFA and its partners.
The original 2026 World Cup trophy paraded through the streets of the capital on February 3. According to Fraternité Matin, the trophy arrived at 9 a.m. at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan-Port Bouët.

Former Liverpool captain praises Jacquet move
Jacquet Transfer Sparks Debate as Jamie Redknapp and Dugarry Clash Over Liverpool Deal

Liverpool’s decision to secure Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth up to £60 million has triggered a sharp divide among former players and pundits, with Jamie Redknapp and Christophe Dugarry offering contrasting verdicts on one of the club’s most significant recent investments.

John Virgo won four non-ranking titles as a player [BBC]
Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died aged 79.
Virgo enjoyed an 18-year professional career, winning the UK Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1979.
He is perhaps best known for his post-playing career, presenting popular snooker TV show Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
Following his retirement from playing in 1994, Virgo became a BBC commentator.
His last commentary for the BBC came 17 days ago when Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins in the Masters final.

MILAN (AP) — It’s the message no figure skater wants to get. At any time, an email could block them from using the music they’ve built their Olympic programs around.
As the skating world grapples with a music standoff involving the lovable, mischievous Minions, U.S. champion Amber Glenn is gripped by “this Minions saga.”
It’s a relatable problem for any skater, and Glenn has a promise to keep.
“I told people they were going to see the Minions at the Olympics. I don’t want to be a liar,” she said Wednesday.

How Tonali transfer situation could change in the summer after Arsenal interest
Following reports of interest from Arsenal in Italy international Sandor Tonali towards the end of the January transfer window, there have since been suggestions that several top sides across Europe could be poised to make a move for the Newcastle United midfielder.

Is February’s National Signing Day dead?
Technically, no.
Technically.
The first Wednesday in February remains a date on the recruiting calendar, but for the vast majority of FBS programs that’s about all it is. Another date.
The importance of National Signing Day started a downhill slide once the early signing period was introduced in 2017.
The NCAA changing rules this year, allowing for just one two-week window for players to enter their name into the transfer portal has further minimized the February date.

Motorsport photo
Williams Formula 1 team boss James Vowles says the jump from fifth to fourth will be “exponentially more difficult” as he rules out the squad fighting at the front in 2026.
Williams vaulted from ninth to fifth in 2025 with a much-improved car in the midst of a wide-ranging overhaul of its factory, while still concentrating almost all of its in-season development efforts on the 2026 project. Alex Albon and new signing Carlos Sainz combined for 137 points, up from 17 a year prior.

ELMONT, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 03: The New York Islanders celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 during overtime at UBS Arena on February 03, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat scored twice on Tuesday night, including his game-winning goal 52 seconds into overtime, as the Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 and Pittsburgh dropped its second straight game.

Glendale, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goddell at the the NFC Championship between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport) | Getty Images
One interesting piece of news getting chatter this week is a vocal push back by the NFLPA regarding adding an 18th game to the NFL season.
The NFL wants 18 games. The NFL also wants more international games. Preseason games are boring.
Dropping one preseason game for an extra regular-season game seems like a no-brainer at first glance.

​​Good morning, New York Giants fans!

Arsenal “seriously interested” in out-of-contract Bayern star Leon Goretzka
Arsenal were “seriously interested” in signing Leon Goretzka from Bayern Munich towards the end of the winter transfer window, according to Bild’s head of football, Christian Falk.
However, when the Gunners made their move for the 30-year-old, he had already informed Bayern Munich of his desire to remain for the rest of the season.
A move to London could instead happen in the summer.

ISTANBUL (AP) — Fenerbahce has completed the transfer of World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté after his arrival at the Turkish club was delayed by administrative problems.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday “for the significant support he provided in ensuring the positive conclusion of this process.”
Kanté joined from Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad.
The deal had looked all but dead on Tuesday when Fenerbahce blamed Al-Ittihad for making the transfer collapse.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 23: Curtis Robinson #59 of the San Francisco 49ers returns an interception for a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Baldy names 49ers’ top offseason priority to close the NFC gap “Defensively, you have to get a lot better,” Baldinger said. “Seattle’s defense is the number one defense in football (in points allowed).

When the Washington Commanders mutually parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, most assumed he’d quickly land on his feet. If Kingsbury didn’t get a head coaching job, he’d likely be the top offensive coordinator candidate available.
Here we are, on February 5, one month after he departed Washington, and Kingsbury still doesn’t have a home for 2026. He had a couple of head-coaching interviews but was never a serious candidate for either job.

Brendon McCullum took over England’s Test team in 2022 and their white-ball sides in 2025 [Getty Images]
England head coach Brendon McCullum has defended Harry Brook, the off-field behaviour of his Ashes squad and his own leadership style, describing some of the criticism they have received in the last few months as a “pile on”.
Speaking after England’s 3-0 T20 series victory over Sri Lanka, McCullum argued the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had handled the fallout from their challenging winter tours “pretty well”.

[Getty Images]
Chelsea forward Fran Kirby says the evidence of the players “buying into” Liam Rosenior’s methodology was clear in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.
The Blues lined up with three centre-backs and restricted the Gunners to very few chances before a double attacking substitution on 59 minutes, with Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian replacing Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap, to move back to a more familiar shape and push for an equaliser.

[Getty Images]
Chelsea forward Fran Kirby says the evidence of the players “buying into” Liam Rosenior’s methodology was clear in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.
The Blues lined up with three centre-backs and restricted the Gunners to very few chances before a double attacking substitution on 59 minutes, with Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian replacing Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap, to move back to a more familiar shape and push for an equaliser.

The 25th Winter Olympics is taking place in Milan and Cortina in Italy and will feature a record 116 medal events.
There are 16 sports at this winter’s Games, eight on ice and eight on snow. Can you name them all?
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The 25th Winter Olympics is taking place in Milan and Cortina in Italy and will feature a record 116 medal events.
There are 16 sports at this winter’s Games, eight on ice and eight on snow. Can you name them all?
After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.

[BBC]
Last week I wrote that, too often, Aberdeen have been the perfect opponent for a side in desperate need of a victory and more evidence of this was presented to the court last weekend.
17 games and almost four months had elapsed since Kilmarnock last enjoyed any sort of win. They had lost 13 of those 17, scored just eight times and hadn’t managed more than one goal in a game since that last success at the start of October.
Step forward the Dons bearing gifts.
An insipid performance from the off at Rugby Park saw them lose 3-0.

[BBC]
Last week I wrote that, too often, Aberdeen have been the perfect opponent for a side in desperate need of a victory and more evidence of this was presented to the court last weekend.
17 games and almost four months had elapsed since Kilmarnock last enjoyed any sort of win. They had lost 13 of those 17, scored just eight times and hadn’t managed more than one goal in a game since that last success at the start of October.
Step forward the Dons bearing gifts.
An insipid performance from the off at Rugby Park saw them lose 3-0.

James Harden averages 25.4 points per game for the Los Angeles Clippers this season [Getty Images]
James Harden is set to join the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers, with Darius Garland moving in the opposite direction after the sides agreed a trade.
Harden, 36, is an 11-time NBA All-Star and regarded as one of the greatest guards in history, but he has never won an NBA title.
Although the deal is yet to be confirmed by the NBA, Harden said the opportunity to win a first championship was key in deciding to move.

James Harden averages 25.4 points per game for the Los Angeles Clippers this season [Getty Images]
James Harden is set to join the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers, with Darius Garland moving in the opposite direction after the sides agreed a trade.
Harden, 36, is an 11-time NBA All-Star and regarded as one of the greatest guards in history, but he has never won an NBA title.
Although the deal is yet to be confirmed by the NBA, Harden said the opportunity to win a first championship was key in deciding to move.

Troy Deeney names two players as reason why Chelsea lost to Arsenal
Former Premier League star Troy Deeney has blamed Chelsea’s Carabao Cup exit against Arsenal on the club’s recruitment policy.
The Blues crashed out of the competition at the semi final stage after a 4-2 defeat over two legs, and failed to create any meaningful chances over the 90 minutes.
Chelsea trailed 3-2 from the first leg, but couldn’t find the breakthrough and Kai Havertz scored with the final kick of the game.

It stands to reason that the Washington Commanders will use their first-round pick on a defensive player in April’s 2026 NFL Draft. Even if Washington spends big in free agency, it needs young, fast defenders all over the defense. The Commanders‘ primary need is a game-changing edge rusher.
Most mock drafts have Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. heading to Washington at No. 7 overall. However, Lance Zierlein has a different idea in his first mock draft. Zierlein has Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk going to the Commanders.

KITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA – JANUARY 25: Konrad Laimer signs autographs for fans during the Men’s Slalom of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup at the Streif Hahnenkamm ski course on January 25, 2026 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Konrad Laimer does not stop. Currently in his third year at Bayern Munich, he has firmly established himself as a key part of a title winning team, but, fitting for his play style, he is not slowing down at all.

Real Madrid face potential tension due to overcrowding in key position
At Real Madrid, getting players back from injury should ease problems, not create new ones. 
Yet under Alvaro Arbeloa, the club is now staring at a complicated internal challenge that has little to do with fitness and everything to do with balance, hierarchy, and expectation. 
The right-back position, in that regard, has suddenly become one of the most sensitive areas in the squad.
Over the past months, Federico Valverde has established himself as the most reliable option on the right side of defence.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 24: Sean O’Malley of the United States celebrates after defeating Song Yadong of China by unanimous decision during their bantamweight bout in UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former UFC Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has seen his share of ups-and-downs inside the Octagon.
“Suga” started his UFC career hot with a stellar debut appearance on Contender Series that grew his star tremendously (the Snoop Dogg co-sign surely helped).

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: James Garner of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Your daily dose of Everton news and rumours
A recap of Everton’s January Transfer Window. [RBM]
Get to know new signing Tyrique George.

Aston Villa were reportedly keeping a close eye on James Garner before he signed a new contract.

Nothing’s certain. But there’s a chance that Draymond Green played his last game for the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night. 
Green’s name has been bandied about in trade rumors as the Warriors are believed to be seeking a high-level player (Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps?) to pair with Stephen Curry for a run at another championship at the end of Curry’s prime.
If Green’s 13 1/2-season run with the Warriors is over, he’s at peace with it.

SDSU forward Jeremiah Oden (25) shoots the ball during an NCAA basketball game against Wyoming, Tuesday February 03, 2026 in San Diego, California.
SAN DIEGO – SDSU defeated Wyoming, 72-63, at Viejas Arena on February 03, 2026. The Sporting Tribune’s Aaron Brenner was there to capture the following TST Images. 

Wyoming players huddle up before an NCAA basketball game against SDSU, Tuesday February 03, 2026 in San Diego, California.

Liverpool to hold further talks with star this week
Liverpool Running Out of Time as Konate Talks Reach Defining Moment

There is a familiar tightness to this story, the kind Liverpool supporters have learned to recognise a little too quickly. According to Caught Offside, representatives for Ibrahima Konate are due to sit down with Liverpool officials on Friday, talks that feel less like routine contract housekeeping and more like a last opportunity to steady something already swaying.

Coupe de France: Gouiri makes history as OM outclass Rennes (3-0)
Marseille triumph over Rennes: Gouiri scores and assists

Amin Gouiri / @x.com/Sofianeodi31218
Algerian striker Amine Gouiri left his mark on the clash between Olympique de Marseille and Stade Rennais, played Tuesday night at the Vélodrome, in the Coupe de France round of 16.
According to the specialist site Stats du Foot, Gouiri has become the fastest player to score a goal for OM in the Coupe de France since Senegalese forward Mamadou Niang, who found the net in the very first minute against Vannes back in 2007.

A Wolverhampton Wanderers footballer has visited a school to support a project by the club to help children with speech and language needs.
Joao Gomes, who has a stammer, is supporting Wolf Words, which is offering more than 30 school children in Wolverhampton mentoring and activities to build confidence, club charity Wolves Foundation said.
The midfielder, who has spoken about challenges he has faced due to his stammer, met several pupils at Warstones Primary School who are part of the project.
“This is so special and you can really see the impact the project is having,” he said.