Sports
2026 NFL Draft: Arch Manning opens as No. 1 favorite
Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws against the Vanderbilt Commodores during pregame warmups at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Arch Manning has started two career college games and attempted fewer than 100 pass attempts in two seasons, but Texas’ redshirt sophomore quarterback is already the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Manning was installed as the +200 favorite by DraftKings after the conclusion of the 2025 draft, which saw only two quarterbacks selected in the first round. Cam Ward went No. 1 overall to Tennessee, Jaxson Dart No. 25 to the New York Giants, and Tyler Shough to New Orleans with the 40th overall pick was the only other signal-caller to hear his name called in the top 90 selections.
The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to produce more elite quarterback talent. That begins with Manning, who was officially named the Longhorns’ starter next season by coach Steve Sarkisian in February.
The next shortest odds to be selected No. 1 overall belong to a host of other quarterbacks: Penn State’s Drew Allar (+225), LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (+450) and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (+1800). Klubnik’s Tigers teammate, pass rusher T.J. Parker, is the first non-quarterback on the list as a +2500 longshot along with Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk.
Despite his relative lack of experience, Manning has been targeted for NFL stardom for many years.
The oldest son of Cooper Manning, Arch is the nephew of long-time NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning. Arch Manning developed into the No. 1 high school recruit in the country, and ultimately chose Texas.
Despite attempting passes in only six games last season, Manning’s athleticism was on full display as Quinn Ewers’ backup. In addition to completing 67.8 percent of his pass attempts for 9 touchdowns against 2 interceptions, Manning also rushed for 108 yards and four more scores on the ground.
Granted, there is still plenty of time for another quarterback or perceived generational talent to leapfrog Manning on the draft odds board. Consider that this time last year, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was among the favorites to go No. 1 overall in 2025, only to see his stock plummet so far that he had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Sanders’ Buffaloes teammate Travis Hunter continued to rise throughout last season. The two-way star emerged as the Heisman Trophy winner and Jacksonville paid a king’s ransom to move up three spots to land Hunter.
Field Level Media broke down the top names to know entering the 2025 college football season:
1. QB Arch Manning, Texas
Junior in 2025
Bloodlines for days with a pair of uncles in Eli and Peyton who were drafted No. 1 and a grandpa picked No. 2 by the Saints in 1978, the cameo appearances we’ve witnessed at Texas point to potential greatness from the next Manning progeny. He’s the best athlete of them all and shares the QB bloodhound instincts of his famous uncles with athletic traits reminiscent of grandpa Archie. Need we say more? Inexperience stands as the lone question. But we’ll have an answer very soon as Arch Manning replaces Quinn Ewers in Austin. In a nutshell, he can make every throw and run a little, too.
2. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Junior in 2025
“Special” only starts to tell the story with Downs, our top-ranked defensive player in 2026 entering the upcoming season. We can keep up the talk about bloodlines with Downs, too. Dad, Gary, was a running back in the NFL. Caleb is the nephew of former NFL cornerback Dre Bly and younger brother of Colts WR Josh Downs. Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama after a standout freshman season to play at Ohio State. The do-it-all safety grabbed the spotlight. His football IQ and processing are uncanny. He can dominate in single-high with physicality and playmaking or win in the box. He’s a potential top-5 pick.
3. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Junior in 2025
Squarely built right tackle prospect with a blend of explosive power, body control and rare athleticism for a 6-foot-6, 320-pound force of nature. Former five-star recruit has met expectations since starting for the Hurricanes as a freshman. Coaches praise his drive, rapid development and attention to detail. If he’s not the first offensive tackle selected with the No. 1 pick since Eric Fisher in 2013, we’re positive he won’t be waiting long.
4. DL T.J. Parker, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Menacing pass rusher (16.5 career sacks) ended the season with seven sacks in the Tigers’ final six games. Parker gives the Tigers an anchor on one of the best defensive lines in the country. Had he been available in 2025, Parker would’ve been in the conversation as the top pass rusher in the draft. He should reign terror on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
5. DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Junior in 2025
Bain has 11 sacks in his first two seasons and didn’t play four games last season because of a calf injury. His upside is undeniable and practice reps head-to-head with the top-ranked OT on this list won’t hurt his development as a power end with potential to duck inside in some schemes.
6. Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Junior in 2025
Cloaked in huge expectations and already a physically imposing monster for a defensive end, Faulk is listed at 6-6, 275, and is only 20 years old entering the college football season. He had 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2024.
7. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Senior in 2025
Another Clipboard U graduate in the Southeastern Conference, Nussmeier waited for his opportunity for what seemed like ages at LSU. He’ll be 24 in February 2026, which some teams might overplay as a downside. Most of them would’ve loved to have Nussmeier’s predecessor, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels in 2024.
8. CB Ashton Stamps, LSU
Junior in 2025
He’s a do-it-all cornerback the Tigers trust on an island because of his ability to lock down any assignment. Excellent physicality and mirroring ability to handle press or man coverage with the speed and instincts to make plays in zone. Should be highly touted and climbs this list by simply maintaining current trajectory.
9. DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Another force up front for the Tigers, Woods played most of last season at defensive end and was unblockable at times. He weighs over 300 pounds but only the scale knows. Clemson uses him anywhere and everywhere on the front seven, underscoring rare athleticism at his size. His pro potential is through the roof. With Woods playing alongside T.J Parker., Clemson has one of the scariest tandems in football.
10. RB Nick Singleton, Penn State
Senior in 2025
Singleton could have been among the top three at running back in the 2025 draft had he declared, but he stayed to chase a championship. His combination of acceleration and power helps the Penn State offense thrive.
–A couple dozen more intriguing prospects we’ll be studying before the 2026 draft:
DL Aaron Graves, Iowa
Senior in 2025
Film junkies should rewatch the Washington game from 2024. Strong and anchored in the lower half, his background in wrestling is evident in an uncanny ability to maintain ground. Add his name to the long list of hard-nosed and disciplined defenders out of Iowa City.
DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Redshirt Senior in 2025
Massive nose tackle prospect has production and athleticism to ace pre-draft tests. He contributes in the passing game, which means scheme diversity to be a fit for every team. With more refinement, Jackson has the traits to be a playmaker inside.
LB Harold Perkins, LSU
Senior in 2025
Undersized but scrappy player who can win as a pass rusher with the athleticism to make plays in space. One of the most dominant defenders in the FBS with a knack for making an impact. Coming off a torn ACL last season, he should be back healthy and dominant in 2025.
DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Redshirt junior in 2025
Google Corleone to confirm: his hulking arms are nearly the same circumference of his massive legs. Or ask Chat GTP to show you the strongest defensive tackle in college football. Corleone’s name percolated with evaluators for a few years, but he returned to school rather than cash in a Top 100 spot in April. He’s quick with superhero power — squat is over 600 pounds and deadlift of 700 — and he’s faster than you think. Where does he fit in the NFL? Pro teams always check on serious medical matters and Corleone’s blood clot diagnosis in June 2024 will be scrutinized by doctors.
CB Domani Jackson, Alabama
Senior in 2025
After two seasons at Southern California, one year at Alabama made a notable difference in Jackson’s play. He has elite traits, high-caliber athleticism and could get even better with another year of development. Jackson has a chance to go from potential first-round pick to a possible top-10 selection.
DT Bear Alexander, Oregon
Junior in 2025
Georgia to USC to Oregon, Keithian Alexander — known as Bear — was largely in hibernation with the Trojans in 2024. A one-time top recruit, he’s a pass-rushing defensive tackle with can’t-lose traits in one-on-one matchups inside. He has a combination of size and athleticism to be a top-10 pick if he’s locked in during the 2025 season, which will be his first at Oregon.
LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Senior in 2025
Safety convert added some weight and moved toward the line of scrimmage. Instinctual player with the speed to cover running backs and tight ends on passing downs. Fun chess piece could be dangerous as he advances technique-wise.
CB Tacario Davis, Washington
Senior in 2025
Arizona transfer with plenty of hype and three seasons as a starter for the Wildcats. Long-limbed and can erase receivers on the outside but isn’t shy about moving over the middle.
QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Junior in 2025
If you don’t know Sellers’ name, it’s time to get SEC Network. He has a rocket for a throwing arm and enough athletic ability to be much more as he enters his second season as a starter.
S Rod Moore, Michigan
Senior in 2025
If Moore had entered the 2025 draft, he’d likely would have squarely in the first-round conversation. Athletic and intelligent, he can drop down to cover in the slot and handle man responsibilities. High praise regarding his leadership and splash play ability comes from coaches and opponents. He’ll have some proving to do after he was injured in 2024.
DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Senior in 2025
Dennis-Sutton opted to return in the role of Nittany Lions’ star pass rusher. A great run defender with an impressive frame, he has power to get through any blocker. Dennis-Sutton will be out to prove he was more than a beneficiary of playing opposite 2024 No. 3 pick Abdul Carter.
CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Senior in 2025
A key piece of the Ohio State secondary in 2024, he also drew a whopping 13 penalties. Grabby corners get benched in the NFL. Igbinosun has the size, physicality and athleticism teams are looking for if he breaks the handsy habits.
QB Carson Beck, Miami
Grad transfer in 2025
Beck spent years behind 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett IV and took advantage of his opportunity as a starter before injuring his right elbow in the SEC title game. A modern-day pocket passer with good accuracy, quick release and instincts to anticipate windows, he’ll keep himself in the draft mix if health isn’t a setback.
WR Nic Anderson, LSU
Redshirt junior in 2025
Anderson was a stud as a freshman at Oklahoma with 10 TD catches. But he has only six starts (17 games) under his belt. A 6-4 target with a track background, he’ll pair with a pro-caliber QB at LSU with a chance to prove his high ceiling and first-round projection.
TE Tanner Koziol, Wisconsin
Senior in 2025
Ball State transfer is built like a power forward with extremely long limbs. Exciting pass catcher with quick feet and solid awareness. Moving up in competition to the Big Ten will give him a chance to prove he’s the top tight end in college football.
WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Smooth route-runner with 17 career TD grabs. He opted to return for another season with Cade Klubnik.
RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Redshirt Junior in 2025
Hughes’ choice to move up to Oregon from Tulane could make him a highly touted prospect as he replaces Jordan James. Great power and vision make him a true RB1.
DE Damon Wilson II, Missouri
Junior in 2025
Working rotationally at Georgia, Wilson opted to hit the portal after the 2024 season for a chance to be a primary defender in Missouri’s pass rush. The versatile lineman can drop into coverage, set the edge, or break into the backfield on any given snap.
OG DJ Campbell, Texas
Senior in 2025
It was hard to acknowledge all the talent Texas had on the offensive line, but watch a few snaps and No. 52 stands out at right guard. Campbell has a great frame and body control to win at the point of attack and keep his jersey clean.
RB Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State
Senior in 2025
Hankerson is the ideal goal-line back. He runs with energy and contact balance reminiscent of Cowboys RB Javonte Williams.
S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Senior in 2025
An under-the-radar riser in 2024, Taaffe chose to return to the Longhorns to help the team’s chances of claiming a national title. A former walk-on turned second-team All-American, his constant playmaking ability comes up big for the Longhorns.
LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
Junior in 2025
High-motor defender operates all over the field and always finds the football. Utilized as a pass rusher, run stopper, slot defender and much more and never looked out of place.
RB Eli Sanders, USC
Senior in 2025
Sanders lit up the competition at New Mexico and figures to do the same for the Trojans. He currently projects as a second- or third-round pick.
OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
Senior in 2025
Great blend of flexibility and power to match speed or strength on the interior. Tremendous frame with excellent body control. Another year developing his technique could have Reed-Adams as one of the top guard prospects in the class.
TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Junior in 2025
Purdue transfer consistently found ways to contribute in the quick passing attack. With defenses looking to limit Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate downfield, Klare should see opportunities to produce underneath.
TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Senior in 2025
Had high expectations entering 2024 but Brock Bowers left enormous shoes to fill. With another year as the lead guy and a new QB, Delp has the tools to emerge as a top-50 prospect.
–Field Level Media
Sports
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images LAS VEGAS — Entering her eighth season in the WNBA, Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson is poised to build on what was arguably the most dominant individual campaign in league history.
Wilson joined Cynthia Cooper (1997) as the second player in league history to win a unanimous MVP award and joined an exclusive club as the fourth player to win the award three times. She averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game last season and set the all-time single-season mark for points (1,021) and rebounds (451).
Unfortunately for Las Vegas, injuries and fatigue from their two previous championship runs mounted and resulted in the team’s worst regular-season record (27-13) since 2019. The Aces’ three-peat hopes ended with a 76-62 home loss to the New York Liberty to drop their semifinal series 3-1.
It’s that loss on her home floor that served as Wilson’s motivation this offseason.
“Losing sucks, especially on your home court,” Wilson said “It still kind of burns a little bit, but I’ve used that as fuel to help my teammates understand how hard it is to win in this league. Yes, we can celebrate the two championships. They were great. But for us to move forward, we have to understand how hard this league is and value the basketball and the little things. I think that’s what we lacked last season, so we’re going to make sure that we can show up better than we did.”
While the Aces appeared to be on top of the world heading into their potential three-peat campaign in 2024, the reality inside the locker room was that both the internal and external pressure to win another championship had become suffocating. A common theme across media day was the fact that the team feels less pressure entering the 2025 season, a sentiment Wilson shared as the unquestioned leader of the team.
“(Three-peat talks) obviously impacted us, because it’s like, y’all think we don’t want to win? We’re trying as well,” Wilson said.
“I would definitely say it’s refreshing this year. I feel like this is one of my only years where it feels like there’s no weight. There’s a lot of weight to be defending champs. It’s a lot of weight to be trying to win one. We don’t have that. We actually have a clean slate to really dial into getting back to who we are culturally, like, in our system and everything.”
Leading the Aces back to the top of the mountain for a third time in four years is one of a few historically significant achievements Wilson can collect this upcoming season. Wilson could also become the first four-time MVP in league history, though the meaning of that is something she hasn’t quite allowed herself to ponder yet.
“I haven’t given it much thought, but it would be a blessing to have my name in that conversation,” Wilson said. “Every year, I try to be better than I was the year before just to give myself a chance in this league. Because the league is getting better. We’re growing. At this point, you just want to maintain your stamina. You want to maintain your mental, all of that, because the season gets hard. I can’t think too much about that just yet, but I’m definitely going to try to be better than I was last year.”
As Aces coach Becky Hammon put it, fans can expect to see an even better version of Wilson this season.
“What I see is, she went and got better,” Hammon said. “Which is hard to do when you’re already the best, but it speaks to her work ethic, her desire and her mindset this whole offseason. We talked a lot this offseason. She’s a busy lady, but I can tell you what she always does is her workouts. She’s always getting her workouts in. That comes first and foremost, she never gets her priorities jumbled up.”
When Hammon was asked what a player like Wilson would possibly need to improve after last season’s campaign, the coach did not feel like revealing too much.
“There was (something for Wilson to improve), and she did,” Hammon said. “I’m not going to tell you what it was. Actually, there were two things.”
–Will Despart, Field Level Media
Sports
Jacob Wilson joins Aaron Judge in spotlight for Yankees-A's series
May 5, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) throws to first for an out against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images The top two hitters in the majors square off Friday night when the New York Yankees face the Athletics in the opener of a three-game series in Sacramento, Calif.
It’s no surprise to see Yankees star Aaron Judge off to a superb start after winning American League MVP honors last season. He has a major league-best .400 batting average and entered Thursday’s play tied for the big-league lead with 12 homers and 34 RBIs.
But who had Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson ranking second in the majors at .357 as the season nears the quarter pole? Wilson has played in just 64 career games and quickly has solidified himself as a future All-Star, perhaps even this season.
Sharing the marquee board with Judge seems quite surreal for the 23-year-old shortstop who was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2023 draft.
“It’s a great feeling, for sure,” Wilson said of his name being mentioned with Judge. “Obviously, everybody has seen what he is doing. It’s pretty incredible watching him do his thing on a daily basis. To be up there with him is pretty cool for me.
“I’m excited to play against him this week and see what it looks like in person.”
Wilson had his first career four-hit game during Wednesday’s 6-5 home loss against the Seattle Mariners and has six multi-hit outings in the past eight games. He went 8-for-14 with one game-winning hit in the three-game series against the Mariners and is 16-for-34 (.471) with four walks during the eight-game stretch.
The hot hitting led to Athletics manager Mark Kotsay moving Wilson to the leadoff spot on Wednesday. Kotsay indicated Wilson may be sticking at the top of the lineup.
“I think you’ll see Jacob up there now,” Kotsay said. “Jacob’s earned it. … Jacob has shown enough over the last week. He’s walking and taking pitches, and, obviously, swinging the bat really well.”
Judge arrives in Sacramento in the midst of a four-game funk in which he is 2-for-15.
The two-time MVP just went 1-for-10 in a three-game home series against the San Diego Padres, but the one hit was a homer.
Judge grew up 50 miles south of Sacramento in Linden and starred for Linden High but wasn’t highly sought by major league teams. The then-Oakland Athletics selected him in the 31st round in 2010.
Judge instead went the college route and starred for Fresno State. He was chosen in the first round (32nd overall) by the Yankees in the 2013 draft.
Trent Grisham was one of the heroes of Wednesday’s 4-3, 10-inning win over the Padres. He hit a tying two-run pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning.
Grisham had two homers and five RBIs in the series against the Padres — one of his former teams — and already has 10 long balls in just 89 at-bats. He hit just nine last season in 179 at-bats.
“I’m having fun with the guys, I would say that more than anything,” Grisham said. “The clubhouse is really good in here, led by Cap (Judge). So, I would say the guys have been the most enjoyable part.”
New York is starting right-hander Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA) in Friday’s series opener. Right-hander Osvaldo Bido (2-2, 4.71) will be on the mound for the Athletics.
Warren, 25, struck out a career-high eight in 4 2/3 innings while losing to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. He gave up five runs (three earned) and seven hits. Warren hasn’t previously faced the Athletics.
Bido, 29, received a no-decision against the Miami Marlins last Saturday when he gave up four runs on three hits over five innings. He is winless (0-1) over his last three starts. Bido hasn’t faced the Yankees.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao coming out of retirement
Aug 21, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada; Manny Pacquiao (right) fights Yordenis Ugas in a world welterweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao plans to end his retirement and return to the ring on July 19 against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, ESPN reported Thursday.
Pacquiao, 46, will be fighting for the first time since losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
The fight will be for Barrios’ WBC welterweight championship belt. Barrios turns 30 on May 18.
Pacquiao is an eight-division champion who is slated to be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in June. He reportedly will formally announce his return to boxing next week. The report stated that Pacquiao has been cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
In recent years, Pacquiao has been focusing on his political career in the Philippines.
The boxer nicknamed “PacMan” has a 62-8-2 record with 39 knockouts during his career. He won his first major title — the WBC flyweight crown — at age 19 in 1998.
Pacquiao was 54-3-2 prior to turning 33 and 8-5 afterward. One of those losses was to Floyd Mayweather Jr. via unanimous decision in 2015, a bout that reportedly drew nearly $400 million in pay-per-view sales.
Barrios (29-2-1, 18 knockouts) fought to a 12-round, split-decision draw against Abel Ramos last November. This will be his third defense since winning the title by beating Ugas in 2023.
–Field Level Media
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
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