2026 Men's NCAA Tournament, B/R Expert Predictions for Second Round
Thursday’s and Friday’s nonstop action has trimmed the 2026 NCAA tournament with 32 programs headed to the second round. This content was brought to you by: Bleacher Report – Front Page
Falcons To Acquire S Sydney Brown
The Eagles and Falcons have agreed on a trade that will send safety Sydney Brown from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The teams will also swap fourth- and sixth-round picks. The Eagles will receive the 114th and 197th choices, while the Falcons will get the 122nd and
Panthers agree to terms with TE Feleipe Franks, OLB Nick Hampton
The Panthers have agreed to terms with tight end Feleipe Franks and outside linebacker Nick Hampton, the team announced Friday night. Both are core special teams players. Franks, 28, will sign a one-year deal. He returns for a second stint with the Panthers, having played 16 games with the team
2026 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact
NFL prospects from major programs get most of the attention, but there are numerous examples of players drafted from small schools who have become difference-makers. Here’s a look at the top small-school prospects entering the 2026 NFL Draft. 1 of 25 Curtis Allen, RB, Virginia Union Kevin Whitlock /
DJ Chark announces his retirement
Wide receiver DJ Chark announced his retirement on Friday. Chark has not played in the NFL since 2024, remaining a free agent all of the 2025 season after the Falcons released him during training camp. “After much contemplation, I have decided to share a proper farewell as I navigate retirement,”
Chiefs Re-Sign LB Jack Cochrane
The Chiefs are bringing back Jack Cochrane for a fifth season. The linebacker announced on Friday that he “just signed back for another year.” Cochrane, undrafted from South Dakota in 2022, has earned two Super Bowl rings in Kansas City during his four-year career. He was also part of an
Brian Flores case moves forward, slowly but inevitably
It’s been more than four years since Brian Flores filed his landmark race discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and various teams. The case remains stuck at square one. The six teams that are the subject of claims made by Flores, Steve Wilks, and Ray Horton — the Dolphins, Giants, Broncos,
Jets linked with two big-name veteran quarterbacks amid Allar whispers
Even after the New York Jets brought veteran Geno Smith back to the organization to serve as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, rumors suggested the Jets also wanted to sign fellow journeyman Carson Wentz. However, Wentz has since returned to the Minnesota Vikings. Thus, some understandably have wondered if
Browns hosting WR Denzel Boston for pre-draft visit
The Browns are meeting with one of the top wide receivers in this year’s draft class on Friday. Field Yates of ESPN reports that Denzel Boston will be visiting with the team. Boston spent the last four years at the University of Washington and played sparingly his first two seasons.
Bucs Made ‘Significantly Higher’ Mike Evans Offer Than 49ers
Mike Evans‘ decorated Buccaneers tenure came to an end last week when he agreed to join the 49ers. His departure was not the result of Tampa Bay losing a bidding war, though. During his first public comments since losing Evans, general manager Jason Licht spoke about the negotiating process in this case.
Ranking Day 1 Men’s NCAA Tournament Cinderella Teams after Big First Day of Upsets
The Upset: 82-78 (OT) vs. No. 6 North Carolina Next Up: Illinois Fighting Illini It’s hard to believe, but Wednesday was the 10-year anniversary of what had been VCU’s most recent victory in the NCAA tournament. And by halftime against North Carolina, we were already formulating this team’s obituary in
Latest Vikings QB reunion another bad sign for J.J. McCarthy’s future
After signing quarterback Kyler Murray earlier in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings double-dipped at the position by reuniting with a former starter. On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that Carson Wentz is re-signing with the organization on a one-year deal after spending the 2025 season in Minnesota. Last year,
NFL blames replacement officials plan on NFL Referees Association
On Wednesday, the league had no comment on the emergence of indications that the league has begun compiling a roster of replacement officials, in the event the NFL again locks out its game officials. On Thursday, the league issued a lengthy comment blaming the development on the NFL Referees Association.
Patriots Notes: Williams, Barmore, Hollins
Terrell Williams was hired by the Patriots last offseason to be the team’s defensive coordinator. He was away from the organization during minicamp while dealing with a medical issue, and it was later revealed that the 51-year-old had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr took over the
Saints re-sign DE Chris Rumph
The Saints have re-signed veteran defensive end Chris Rumph, the team announced Thursday. Rumph initially signed with the Saints in the 2025 offseason, following Brandon Staley after Staley became New Orleans’ defensive coordinator. The two were together with the Chargers from 2021-23. Rumph played 30 percent of the Saints’ defensive
49ers hosting Texas A&M star wideout for top-30 visit
The San Francisco 49ers will host Texas A&M standout wide receiver KC Concepcion for a top-30 visit, college football analyst Ryan Fowler reported Thursday. The top-30 visit could signal San Francisco has serious interest in drafting the electric wideout. The NFL Draft is April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Each year NFL
Dolphins sign LS Taybor Pepper
The Dolphins have added a new long snapper to their roster. They announced the signing of Taybor Pepper on Thursday. It will be Pepper’s second stint with the team as he was also in Miami during the 2019 season. Pepper moved on to the 49ers the next year and remained
Eagles, K Jake Elliott Agree To Revised Contract
Eagles kicker Jake Elliott accepted a revised contract, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, which reduces his 2026 pay by $1MM but ensures he will remain on the roster this season. Elliott, 31, signed a four-year extension with the Eagles in 2024 worth $6MM per year with $9.7MM in guaranteed money.
Jonathan Jones Flies Plane to Sign Eagles Contract, NFL CB Has Pilot License
Jonathan Jones used his own wings to get to Philadelphia and sign a free-agent contract with the Eagles. Speaking to reporters after signing his deal on Wednesday, Jones explained that he earned his pilot license in 2023 and flew himself into Philadelphia. “Found a little passion for aviation,” Jones said
Penn State’s Drew Allar sends message to teams ahead of NFL Draft
It doesn’t feel like it was all that long ago when some legitimately wondered if Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar could eventually emerge as the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, Allar is now trying to prove his worth to interested teams coming off the
Tom Brady would “never say never” to playing Olympic flag football in 2028
This weekend, Tom Brady will participate in a flag football tournament. It could be a precursor to participating in a bigger event two years from now. Via NFL.com, Brady addressed on Tuesday’s episode of Good Morning America whether he’d play Olympic flag football in 2028. “I would never say never,”
Eagles To Acquire QB Andy Dalton From Panthers
The Eagles are trading a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Panthers in exchange for quarterback Andy Dalton, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Dalton, 38, served as the backup to Bryce Young in Carolina for the last three years. He started one game in 2023 but drew five starts in 2024 with
Caleb Williams seeks trademark protection for “Iceman”
As George Costanza learned in his effort to be known as T-Bone, it’s not easy to create your own nickname. That isn’t stopping Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams has applied for multiple trademark protections as to the term “Iceman.” A search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records shows
NFL could be bringing back disastrous ‘replacement refs’
One of the biggest embarrassments of the past few decades of professional football was the NFL using “replacement referees.” In 2012, the league was unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association. That led to a “lockout” that went 110 days and lasted three weeks into
WR Greg Dortch agrees to one-year deal with Lions
Free agent wide receiver Greg Dortch is signing a one-year deal with the Lions, NFL Media reports. Dortch reunites with new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who coached Dortch the past three seasons in Arizona. Dortch, 27, has spent the past five seasons with the Cardinals. In 2025, he played
Lions To Sign WR Greg Dortch
By Sam Robinson | at March 18, 2026 4:22 pm Greg Dortch will complete a quick reunion with Drew Petzing. The new Lions offensive coordinator will once again coach his former Cardinals slot charge. Detroit hosted Dortch on a Wednesday visit, per NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and
Alysa Liu Reveals on Video If She’d Do ‘Dancing With The Stars’ If Offered After Olympic Gold Medal
Don’t expect Team USA star Alysa Liu to swap an ice rink for a ballroom dance floor anytime soon. The two-time Olympic gold medal winner was asked by Entertainment Tonight whether she’d consider competing on Dancing with the Stars. She shook her head no and said nobody from the show
Why Todd Monken may be ‘drawn’ to Sanders over Watson
A recent update indicated that Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are essentially on equal ground as it pertains to the Cleveland Browns’ competition for the starting quarterback job. On Wednesday morning, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US repeated previous claims made by others and noted that “Monken is open to the idea
Dolphins, Jets, Cowboys, Browns, Chiefs have two first-round picks in 2026 NFL draft
The 2026 NFL draft is still more than a month away, but five teams have already accumulated two first-round picks. The Dolphins became the latest team to get a second first-rounder when they agreed to trade wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. Miami will have its own pick (No.
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Addresses Collapsed Ravens Trade
Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby addressed the Ravens’ decision to back out of their trade for him on a recent episode of his podcast, The Rush, offering a detailed timeline of his brief trip to Baltimore. Chatter regarding a potential Crosby trade gained steam in early March, but despite that,
Vikings sign Bills OT Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet
The Vikings have signed Bills restricted free agent Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet. The Bills have five days to match what KSTP reports is a one-year, $4.3 million deal. The original-round tender on the former undrafted free agent was $3.52 million. The Bills will not receive compensation if
Vikings are signing a six-time All-Pro in free agency
The Minnesota Vikings are adding a very decorated free agent (albeit at a less-heralded position). Minnesota announced on Tuesday that they have agreed to sign veteran punter Johnny Hekker in free agency. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds that Hekker is getting a one-year contract from the Vikings. The 36-year-old
Vikings agree to terms with P Johnny Hekker
The Vikings have agreed to terms with punter Johnny Hekker, the team announced Tuesday. Hekker, 36, spent last season with the Titans, who signed Tommy Townsend last week. He played in all 17 games and punted 78 times for a 46.8-yard average and a 40.3-yard net. Hekker had seven touchbacks
Raiders Sign G Spencer Burford
The Raiders remain active into the second week of free agency. The team announced the signing of guard Spencer Burford on Tuesday. It’s a one-year deal, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 first reported an agreement was in the works. Burford, 25, spent the first four
Matt Leinart Explains Rejecting USC’s Multiple Requests to Unretire Jersey, ‘Absolutely F–king Not’
Legendary college quarterback Matt Leinart isn’t letting his legacy at USC be altered in any way. During an episode of his Throwbacks podcast, Leinart revealed that he’s turned down multiple requests from the Trojans to unretire his famed No. 11 jersey. “When I was at USC, I got my number
Kenneth Walker was ‘irked’ with Seahawks before his departure
Kenneth Walker III’s decision to leave the Seattle Seahawks may have been a long time coming. Walker was “privately irked” at having to share the running back job with Zach Charbonnet last season, according to Gregg Bell of The News Tribune. Walker’s exit was largely sealed in late January when
Dolphins trade Jaylen Waddle to Broncos
Jaylen Waddle is heading to Denver. The Dolphins and Broncos have agreed to a trade that has Waddle, the Dolphins’ No. 1 wide receiver, going to Denver and a first-round pick going to Miami. The full deal is reportedly Waddle and the Dolphins’ 2026 fourth-round pick for the Broncos’ 2026
Broncos To Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle From Dolphins
By Adam La Rose | at March 17, 2026 10:19 am The Broncos’ first outside addition of the new league year is certainly a notable one. Jaylen Waddle is heading to Denver. The Dolphins have worked out a trade to send Waddle to the Broncos, as first reported by Tom Pelissero and
College Football Teams With Best Shot to Go Undefeated in 2026
The LSU Tigers didn’t just go out and pay a fortune to steal Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss and then empty the bank on the transfer portal to “take a step forward” from last year’s frustrating 7-6 season that saw Brian Kelly fired. They want to win and win big
‘I’m that piece’: Mike Evans is exactly what the 49ers were missing
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans didn’t ease into his new role — the 12-year veteran declared himself the missing piece. He’s right. “I feel like they were one piece away, and I’m that piece,” the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star said during his introductory news conference, per Nick
‘I’m that piece’: Mike Evans is exactly what the 49ers were missing
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans didn’t ease into his new role — the 12-year veteran declared himself the missing piece. He’s right. “I feel like they were one piece away, and I’m that piece,” the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star said during his introductory news conference, per Nick
Mike Repole wants the UFL to have 32 teams
When billionaire entrepreneur Mike Repole acquired a piece of the UFL last year, he immediately articulated a bold goal: Sixteen teams by 2035. Repole has an even bolder vision for the spring league. In a new interview with Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, Repole says he wants to eventually
Jets To Trade QB Justin Fields To Chiefs
As expected, Justin Fields‘ time in New York is coming to an end. A trade has been worked out which will send him from the Jets to the Chiefs, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This trade will include a late-round pick swap. The Jets are dealing Fields and a
LeBron James Posts IG Photo of Injury From Diving on Court After Viral Video From Lakers’ Win
LeBron James put his body on the line in Saturday’s win over the Denver Nuggets, and he paid the consequences. The Los Angeles Lakers star posted a photo on Instagram of a floor burn from when he dove for the ball in the overtime victory. This article will be updated
The ‘NFL QB season rushing leaders’ quiz
After one season with the New York Jets, quarterback Justin Fields is on the move once again. The former 11th-overall Draft pick is heading to Kansas City for a 2027 sixth-round selection, where he’ll play for his third team in three seasons after being traded to the Steelers ahead of the 2024-25
Troy Aikman plans to continue to work with the Dolphins “in some capacity”
It started as a consulting gig for the hiring of a new General Manager. It continued with the hiring of a new coach. Now, Troy Aikman will be sticking around with the Miami Dolphins. Via Sam Neumann of Awful Announcing, Aikman said in a recent appearance on the Rodeo Time
Dolphins Sign OLB David Ojabo
The Dolphins continue to shape their roster under a new decision-making tandem. David Ojabo is Miami’s latest arrival. Ojabo was signed on Monday, per a team announcement. The fifth-year edge rusher hit the market once his Ravens rookie contract expired. A change of scenery may prove to be a welcomed development in
Demario Davis: I believe in what Aaron Glenn is building, was a no-brainer to get on board
Linebacker Demario Davis had two stints with the Jets early in his career and he’ll be back for a third in 2026. Davis signed a two-year deal to return to the Jets last week and he said at a press conference that the presence of head coach Aaron Glenn was
How Falcons reportedly view Penix after signing Tagovailoa
As had been expected for some time, the Atlanta Falcons were finally able to confirm on Friday that they had signed former Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a team-friendly one-year contract. Before Tagovailoa officially inked his agreement, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham hinted that Tagovailoa and 2025 Week 1 QB1 Michael Penix Jr.
Men’s NCAA Tournament 2026 Chaos Bracket That Could Actually Happen
Biggest First-Round Upset: No. 12 Akron over No. 5 Texas Tech Not only did Akron finish 29-5 and win the MAC tournament, but the Zips also return five players who appeared in March Madness last season. That experience should not be underestimated as the Zips attempt to knock off Texas















































