College Sports Hit With Massive Eligibility Shake-Up, While MLB Trade Season Heats Up
There are no major Minnesota teams featured in today's national headlines, as the sports world's attention is largely fixed on looming trade deadlines in baseball and women's basketball. However, the massive NCAA elig...
Quick Hits
- The College Sports Rulebook Just Got Flipped: A federal judge in Colorado just granted an extra year of eligibility to NCAA athletes who recently graduated. This ruling could open a chaotic transfer window in August, completely shifting the landscape of college basketball and football.
- MLB Trade Season is Heating Up: With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching on Monday, big names like Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal and the Brewers' Freddy Peralta are dominating rumors. Meanwhile, the Tigers are calling up top prospect Max Clark for his highly anticipated debut.
- WNBA on the Move: With the WNBA trade deadline hitting this Sunday, the Chicago Sky (listed here as the Tempo) just traded for frontcourt star Aneesah Morrow. Off the court, the league had to apologize for a deleted social media post about a bet between stars Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers.
- QB Turns Down $55 Million: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore revealed he turned down a potential top-five NFL Draft slot—and an estimated $55 million—to play his final college season, choosing to shut off his phone and hit the golf course instead.
- Saints Pay Their Star: The New Orleans Saints made wide receiver Chris Olave one of the highest-paid players at his position, signing him to a four-year extension worth up to $132 million.
Minnesota Teams
There are no major Minnesota teams featured in today's national headlines, as the sports world's attention is largely fixed on looming trade deadlines in baseball and women's basketball. However, the massive NCAA eligibility ruling (detailed below) will undoubtedly impact the Gophers, as college rosters across the country could see sudden, unexpected roster changes in August.
NFL
Training camps are officially open, and the storylines are already heating up. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is publicly "manifesting" a Super Bowl appearance, though he's fighting an uphill battle against some daunting NFL history. Down in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are dealing with some contract tension, as both quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Vita Vea are making headlines over their current deals. Looking ahead to the offseason showcase, the NFL is preparing for Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles this February—a market that has hosted the big game eight times across three different stadiums.
NBA
It's a massive weekend for women's basketball. The WNBA trade deadline hits Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, and moves are already rolling in. The Chicago Tempo (formerly the Sky) acquired frontcourt help via a trade for Aneesah Morrow, and bigger names like Kelsey Plum could be on the move. On the court, the Las Vegas Aces are highly motivated to avoid a home sweep at the hands of the New York Liberty tonight, having already lost to them twice this season. Off the court, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham stated she is unconcerned by recent political rallies surrounding the team's games, calling them a non-distraction. In the NBA, the league is currently enjoying an era of extreme parity, having seen eight different champions over the last eight years.
MLB
The MLB trade deadline is days away, and the rumor mill is in full swing. While bettors are closely watching profitable pitchers like the Nationals' Foster Griffin (who is likely making his final start for Washington before being traded), contenders are looking for major upgrades. The New York Yankees are reportedly hunting for a catcher, the Chicago Cubs are aiming big, and the New York Mets are fielding heavy interest in pitcher Freddy Peralta. Fans should expect a flurry of moves before the deadline officially closes on Monday.
College Sports
Beyond the massive Colorado court ruling that could grant older players an extra year of eligibility, college football media days are providing plenty of drama. The Big Ten and SEC—the sport's two most powerful conferences—jointly threw their support behind the Protect College Sports Act, a piece of landmark federal legislation. During Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, fresh off a national championship, threw some noticeable shade at the SEC. Meanwhile, Nebraska fans are hoping their team can solve a bizarre trend under coach Matt Rhule: they have a great record in the first three months of the season, but an abysmal 2-10 record in November.
NHL
With the hockey offseason winding down, the league's newest rookies are already stepping into the spotlight. ESPN recently sat down with top young prospects like Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone to discuss their playing styles and most embarrassing early hockey moments as they prepare for their NHL debuts.
Other Sports
The UFC is heading to Serbia for the first time for a Fight Night event headlined by Uros Medic. However, the fight world is also talking about some darker news: former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith is facing three felony charges, including first-degree domestic assault, after allegedly attempting to hit his wife with a car. UFC President Dana White has publicly addressed the incident.