Previewing the 2026 NFL season: Bold predictions, strengths and concerns for all 32 teams

Here's everything you need to know for the 2026 regular season, including how all 32 NFL teams rank and key stats ahead of Week 1.

ESPN · NFL · just now

Which teams are all-in on this season, Super Bowl LXI? Five franchises in win-now mode

We stacked the top teams that need to win this season because of aging rosters, contracts, or draft capital.

ESPN · NFL · just now

Giants cut Slayton, team's longest-tenured player

The Giants have released wide receiver Darius Slayton, moving on from their longest-tenured player.

ESPN · NFL · just now

Donald 'feeling good' as Rams' opener approaches

After two seasons out of football, defensive lineman Aaron Donald, 35, has been pleasantly surprised by how his body has reacted since rejoining the Los Angeles Rams last month, telling reporters on Monday that he is "feeling good. Feeling really good."

ESPN · NFL · just now

Cowboys Pro Bowl guard Smith headed for IR

Cowboys starting left guard Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery and is headed to injured reserve, coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday.

ESPN · NFL · just now

Titans LB Gray in protocol after UTV accident

Titans placed LB Cedric Gray under the NFL's concussion protocol after he was involved in a UTV accident in Tennessee over the weekend.

ESPN · NFL · just now

Cardinals optimistic Love will be ready for opener

Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur is optimistic that rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will be able to play Sunday at the Chargers, about four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in a preseason game.

ESPN · NFL · just now

Tua to start, but Falcons mum on QB after Week 1

Tua Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback for the Falcons against the Steelers in Week 1.

ESPN · NFL · just now

'The lights are ON': Miami pokes fun at lights going out at Florida State's home stadium

Florida State's home matchup against SMU was delayed due to a power outage in its stadium, and Miami took advantage to troll its rival.

ESPN · NCAAF · 10 min ago

SMU-FSU game to resume with limited power

The game between No. 19 SMU and Florida State has kicked off after a nearly two-hour delay and will be played with limited power at Doak Campbell Stadium.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

U-M coach gives Underwood tepid backing as QB1

Michigan will continue to start Bryce Underwood at quarterback despite struggles in the season opener, coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

Manning eyes 2nd shot at OSU after 'rough' debut

Arch Manning says he doesn't like to think about his ill-fated debut against the Buckeyes last year as his Longhorns look for redemption this Saturday.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

Belichick: UNC focused on 'doing things properly'

Bill Belichick said Monday he believes UNC "totally" had an atmosphere of following rules amid a school investigation into conduct within his football program.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

Washington loses RBs Carr, Limar to injuries

Washington's running back depth has taken a significant hit as starter Quaid Carr and backup Jayden Limar both will miss extended time with injuries sustained in Sunday's win against Washington State.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

Indiana loses RB Martin until at least midseason

Indiana running back Khobie Martin will be out until midseason with an arm injury, coach Curt Cignetti said Monday.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

Sources: Big 12 drops lawsuit against Texas Tech

The Big 12 has withdrawn the federal lawsuit it filed against Texas Tech in June amid questions of former quarterback Brendan Sorsby's eligibility, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Monday.

ESPN · NCAAF · 55 min ago

Sick 1st-inning catch at wall just the start of 'great Jackson Merrill game'

MLB.com · MLB · 1 hour ago

Judge, out since May 31, activated by Yankees

The New York Yankees activated three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge, 34, on Monday night, paving the way for his return against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday after sitting out more than three months because of a fractured rib.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

Ohtani returns, but Dodgers remaining cautious

Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers' lineup Monday as expected, ending a four-day absence.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

Lara's latest web gem saves Brewers vs. Cubs

Brewers rookie outfielder Luis Lara added to what's already a season's worth of highlights in just two months with a leaping grab at the wall in right-center.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

Luzardo blanks Braves as Phillies salvage split

Jesus Luzardo struck out 12 and tossed two-hit ball in his first career shutout in 150 starts to lead the Phillies to a 1-0 victory over the Braves.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

Twins' Ryan lasts 4 innings in return from IL

Joe Ryan allowed three runs -- two earned -- and three hits, struck out seven and walked one in the Twins' loss to the Tigers.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

Fowl up: O's to fix fan flap involving Ravens WR

The Orioles are offering complimentary tickets to fans in their "Bird Bath" section after the team promoted Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers as a guest splasher, then changed plans.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

🏆 Playoff tracker: Clinching scenarios, matchups

From current playoff matchups to league races to the postseason schedule, we have everything you need.

ESPN · MLB · 1 hour ago

U.S. cruises past Czechia to close out pool play

The United States routed Czechia to close out pool play at the FIBA World Cup and rebound from a tough performance against Italy.

ESPN · WNBA · 1 hour ago

U.S. tops Italy, pushes World Cup win streak to 32

Team USA survived its toughest test in the women's basketball World Cup in two decades with a 55-52 victory over Italy on Sunday in Berlin, pushing its winning streak in World Cup play to 32 games.

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

Tempo's Allemand breaks World Cup assist record

Julie Allemand broke Spain's Laia Palau's mark of 108 assists in the first half of Belgium's 80-68 win over Australia that clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. She now has 111 in her World Cup career.

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

Mali shocks Spain at FIBA Women's World Cup

Mali pulled off the first stunner of the Women's Basketball World Cup by shocking Spain 82-73.

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

Engelbert, who helped transform WNBA, to retire

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who oversaw massive growth in the league while also facing recent scrutiny in her handling of multiple issues, will retire at the end of the year.

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

Sky owner calls Kanter Freedom lawsuit 'meritless'

Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter called a lawsuit filed by Enes Kanter Freedom "meritless and frivolous."

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

Clark, Howard lead U.S. over China in WC opener

Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard had 14 points each in the United States' 33-point win over China to open women's basketball World Cup play.

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

🏀 Power Rankings: Lynx dethroned from No. 1

What should every team be focused on when play resumes after the FIBA World Cup?

ESPN · WNBA · 7 hours ago

What's next for the Bucks? Early look at 2026-27 keys, post-Giannis plan

How will this roster fare in Season 1 without Giannis? We're recapping the offseason and taking an early look at 2026-27.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Offseason recap and early season previews: Team-by-team primers

We're looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the regular season by rolling out team profiles.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Simmons reaches 1-year, $3.5M deal with Kings

Ben Simmons is back in the NBA after reaching one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Kings, his agents Max Wiepking, Sean Tribe and Ryan Arney told Andscape and ESPN.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Sources: Rockets, Thompson agree to $208M deal

Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson has agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension with the franchise, sources told ESPN.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Clippers docked 5 first-round picks, fined $30M

Following an investigation into a Kawhi Leonard sponsorship, the NBA docked the Clippers five first-round picks, fined them $30 million and suspended owner Steve Ballmer for a year. The Clippers plan to challenge the findings "through every avenue."

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

76ers sign 7-foot-6 C Fall to training camp deal

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Tacko Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr. and Saint Thomas to Exhibit 10 contracts.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Oladipo asks for another chance in letter to GMs

Victor Oladipo, who has been out of the NBA since April 2023, has written an open letter to NBA general managers asking for another chance and saying he's now healthy.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Westbrook joins Project B's board of directors

Recently retired Russell Westbrook has joined new men's and women's basketball league Project B as a co-founder and chief strategy officer.

ESPN · NBA · 14 hours ago

Stephen Loman's comeback reveals what three years away can change

It was a highly-anticipated return to action for Filipino mixed martial artist Stephen Loman, and while he didn't get the result at BRAVE CF 108, there is plenty to be optimistic about, writes Nissi Icasiano.

ESPN · MMA · 2 days ago

Parnasse wins in UFC debut, tops Hooker in Paris

During UFC Fight Night in Paris on Saturday, Salahdine Parnasse improved to 24-2 with a knockout of Dan Hooker (24-15) at the 2:35 mark of the opening round at Accor Arena.

ESPN · MMA · 2 days ago

Shevchenko injured; Silva-Wang set for UFC 332

Natalia Silva and Wang Cong will vie for the women's flyweight title at UFC 332 after champion Valentina Shevchenko suffered an injury and vacated the belt.

ESPN · MMA · 2 days ago

Canucks defenseman Buium gets 8-year extension

The Canucks have signed defenseman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract extension worth $9.38 million per season.

ESPN · NHL · 2 days ago

UConn, St. John's, then who? Predictions for every Big East team in 2026-27

Will UConn reign supreme in the Big East? Who's the weakest in the league? Projections for all 11 teams.

ESPN · NCAAB · 3 days ago

Key men's hoops rosters: Players in eligibility limbo, transfers, recruits, more

We're tracking all the player movement across key programs ahead of the 2026-27 season.

ESPN · NCAAB · 3 days ago

Men's Way-Too-Early Top 25: Biggest remaining question for every ranked team

Eligibility questions abound for the top 25 teams, which include new faces Texas Tech and BYU this month.

ESPN · NCAAB · 3 days ago

MMA divisional rankings: Upset KO boosts Song Yadong at bantamweight

Here's a look at every weight class to determine the best of the best in UFC, PFL and beyond.

ESPN · MMA · 3 days ago

MacKinnon? Celebrini? Breaking down the four candidates to go No. 1 overall

Picking first? Here are the players you should consider with the No. 1 overall pick in fantasy hockey drafts.

ESPN · NHL · 3 days ago

Forward tier list: From McDavid to McMichael and every winger and center in between

Use these forward tiers to help you plan out your fantasy hockey draft strategy.

ESPN · NHL · 3 days ago

Dickie V's Dazzling Dozen: Everything to watch this coming season

From storylines to players to early-season games -- plus a bonus top 25! -- here's what's on Dickie V's radar.

ESPN · NCAAB · 3 days ago

La. judge clears pro athletes to return to LSU

Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris have been cleared to return to college football after brief stints in the NFL, according to a judge's orders, setting up a dramatic showdown between the SEC and LSU.

ESPN · NCAAB · 3 days ago

'OOHHHHH!': UConn rewinds, trolls Duke in nonconference schedule unveiling

UConn unveiled its nonconference schedule Thursday and had a bit more fun with a specific opponent.

ESPN · NCAAB · 4 days ago

ASU player collapsed from heat stroke, lawyer says

Matthew Mayich, the Arizona State hockey player and Blues draft pick who collapsed in an offseason workout, suffered exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain, his attorney told ESPN.

ESPN · NHL · 4 days ago

Winners and losers of Cale Makar's $163.2 million contract

The deal for Colorado's franchise defenseman set a new high benchmark for NHL players, with impacts around the league.

ESPN · NHL · 4 days ago

Touted F Crawford picks ASU, new coach Bennett

Carson Crawford, No. 46 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2027, has committed to new coach Randy Bennett and Arizona State.

ESPN · NCAAB · 5 days ago

Vols' Scott to have knee surgery, out 6 months

Tennessee freshman Ralph Scott is set to have surgery on his left knee and will miss at least six months, according to Vols coach Rick Barnes.

ESPN · NCAAB · 5 days ago

Blues name Thomas captain after trade rumors

The Blues have named center Robert Thomas as the 25th captain in franchise history just months after his name was heavily circulated in trade rumors.

ESPN · NHL · 5 days ago

Devils acquire Preds' Evangelista for 2 high picks

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ESPN · NHL · 5 days ago

Stephen Loman inspired by Alex Eala ahead of BRAVE CF return

Stephen Loman is approaching the most crucial point of his career, and, remarkably, the inspiration fueling his comeback comes from outside the world of mixed martial arts.

ESPN · MMA · 5 days ago

Ducks to retire former captain Getzlaf's No. 15

The Anaheim Ducks will retire the number of longtime captain Ryan Getzlaf, who retired in April 2022 after a 17-year NHL career spent entirely with the same organization, during a ceremony Jan. 30.

ESPN · NHL · 5 days ago

Song KO's Nurmagomedov in massive UFC upset

Song Yadong pulled off a massive upset by knocking out heavily favored Umar Nurmagomedov in the men's bantamweight main event of UFC Fight Night in Shanghai.

ESPN · MMA · 9 days ago

Injured Ulberg hopes to return 'early next year'

UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg, who is recovering from an ACL tear, hopes to return to the Octagon "early next year," he says.

ESPN · MMA · 11 days ago

NSAC fines 3 for jumping out of UFC Octagon

Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson were fined $2,500 each Wednesday for jumping out of the Octagon at UFC 329 on July 11.

ESPN · MMA · 12 days ago