Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Showdown to Highlight WNBA’s Must-Watch Rivals Week

Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Set to Ignite WNBA’s Inaugural Rivals Week in Primetime Showdown

The WNBA is turning up the heat this summer with its first-ever Rivals Week, and it’s kicking off in spectacular fashion. Headlining the event? None other than Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese—two of the most electric names in women’s basketball—who will face off under the bright lights of primetime when the Indiana Fever host the Chicago Sky on August 9. The matchup, already generating major buzz, will be broadcast nationally on CBS, ensuring fans won’t miss a second of the action.

 

This clash between rising stars isn’t just about on-court talent—it’s a continuation of a fierce collegiate rivalry that captured national attention and is now reigniting on the professional stage. Clark and Reese bring not only individual brilliance but also massive fanbases and a competitive fire that perfectly embodies the spirit of the newly launched Rivals Week.

But that’s just the beginning. The week-long celebration of high-stakes matchups will feature several other blockbuster games, including a WNBA Finals rematch between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, as well as an electrifying showdown between expected 2025 No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, when the Dallas Wings take on the Fever. Another can’t-miss game sees Brittney Griner of the Atlanta Dream take on her former squad, the Phoenix Mercury, adding more emotional fuel to an already charged event.

Ally Financial is stepping up as the presenting sponsor of Rivals Week, building on its growing investment in women’s sports. The financial company has already made waves by backing the 3-on-3 women’s league Unrivaled and locking in endorsement deals with big names like Breanna Stewart, Sydney Colson, and Paige Bueckers. Their partnership with the WNBA is poised to bring more exposure, excitement, and engagement to the league.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “You can have a great partnership, but you also have to have great activation,” she noted. With a full slate of marquee matchups, Rivals Week promises to be one of the most thrilling stretches of the WNBA season—a celebration of rivalries, athletic excellence, and a new era of women’s professional basketball.

Virginia Tech Lands Second 2026 Commitment as Recruiting Momentum Builds

Virginia Tech Secures Second 2026 Commit as Special Teams Legacy Continues

The Virginia Tech Hokies are gaining early momentum on the recruiting trail for the Class of 2026, and head coach Brent Pry just landed his second commitment of the cycle. Following the February pledge from wide receiver Carnell Warren of South Carolina, the Hokies have now added another talented recruit—this time with strong family ties to the program.

On Sunday morning, kicker Will Love, a rising senior at Spartanburg High School in South Carolina, announced his commitment to Virginia Tech. The decision comes as no surprise to many, considering his older brother, John Love, is already making headlines as the Hokies’ clutch kicker. Family ties proved to be a major factor, as Will chose Virginia Tech over notable programs like Georgia, Wake Forest, and North Carolina.

While Virginia Tech had previously secured a commitment from Class of 2026 quarterback Peyton Falzone, he later flipped to Penn State, leaving a void that Pry and his staff were eager to fill. Will Love’s addition not only fills a need in special teams but continues a growing trend under Pry’s leadership: building a family-centered program that attracts sibling recruits.

This trend hasn’t always guaranteed success—just ask former Hokies cornerback Mansoor Delane, whose younger brother chose Ohio State despite Virginia Tech’s heavy pursuit. Still, the Love brothers are shaping a special teams legacy that could benefit the program for years to come.

John Love has already made a name for himself with a powerful leg and consistent performance. He stunned fans during the 2023 season with a 57-yard field goal against Miami and an eye-popping 60-yarder in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl under tough weather conditions. With his younger brother now on the way, the Hokies’ future in the kicking department looks rock solid.

As Virginia Tech continues to build its 2026 class, this commitment sends a clear message: the Hokies are prioritizing talent, legacy, and culture. And with special teams often being the difference in close ACC matchups, landing another elite leg like Will Love could prove invaluable down the line.

Tom Brady’s Long Game: How His Raiders Strategy Could Shake Up Geno Smith and the NFL Draft… For more details in comment

Tom Brady’s Master Plan: How the Raiders Could Draft Their QB of the Future—and Why Geno Smith Might Be a Short-Term Fix

Tom Brady might not be throwing passes anymore, but he’s still calling plays—just from the front office. As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady has reportedly had a major influence on the franchise’s key offseason moves, including the hiring of head coach Pete Carroll and the acquisition of veteran quarterback Geno Smith. But the Hall of Famer isn’t just thinking about 2025—he’s quietly shaping the long-term future of the Raiders’ quarterback position.

Although Carroll wasn’t the team’s first choice—Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson turned down the gig—Brady helped pivot the search and secured a proven leader. On the quarterback front, Las Vegas had its eyes on Matthew Stafford, but when a trade with the Rams fell through, they quickly turned to Smith. The veteran signed a multi-year deal, making it seem like the Raiders had found their starter for the foreseeable future.

However, that may not be the full story.

According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Brady favors a developmental model: drafting a rookie quarterback and letting him sit for a season to learn and grow before competing for the job. This “apprenticeship year” approach hints that Smith might only be a bridge option, paving the way for a future franchise signal-caller.

The structure of Smith’s contract supports this theory. While he’s locked in for 2025, the Raiders could move on in 2026 with a manageable $18.5 million dead cap hit, freeing up $8 million in salary cap space. That’s not insignificant, but it’s a small price to pay if it means transitioning to a younger, long-term solution at quarterback.

With the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, many are speculating that Las Vegas could take a swing on a high-upside QB like Shedeur Sanders. But the team also has pressing needs at wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, and on the defensive line. A more strategic path? Use the top pick to address one of those immediate needs, then grab a quarterback like Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, or Tyler Shough in the second or third round.

Under Brady’s vision, that rookie would spend 2025 learning behind Smith before potentially taking the reins in 2026. It’s a long game—but with Brady involved, you can bet there’s a plan.

The End of the Road? Panthers Veterans Who Could Depart After This Season

7 Panthers Who May Be Suiting Up for Carolina One Last Time in 2025

As the Carolina Panthers shift gears toward long-term success, a few familiar faces may be heading into their final year with the franchise.

With general manager Dan Morgan steering the rebuild, the Panthers are prioritizing future flexibility and roster balance. Morgan’s offseason strategy focused on revamping a once-porous defense while maintaining a sense of stability on offense. But even with that smart approach, not every veteran is guaranteed a long-term stay in Charlotte.

The front office has made it clear: extensions are only coming for players who are considered foundational to the team’s future. Guys like Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Chuba Hubbard have proven they’re vital pieces of the puzzle. For everyone else, it’s a year-by-year evaluation — and 2025 could mark the end of the line for several contributors.

Whether it’s due to injuries, age, performance inconsistency, or contract situations, some players are clinging to their final shot in Carolina. Others are short-term roster plugs likely to be replaced by younger talent or incoming draft picks. A few may even be nearing retirement altogether.

Among those on borrowed time is offensive lineman Austin Corbett. Once seen as a reliable interior anchor, Corbett initially adjusted well to his move to center after the arrival of right guard Robert Hunt. But just as momentum was building, Corbett was sidelined again — this time with a torn bicep in Week 5, marking his third consecutive injury-riddled season.

Despite the setbacks, the Panthers brought Corbett back on a one-year deal to compete with Cade Mays for the starting center job. It’s a clear sign that while they value his experience, they’re also keeping options open.

If Corbett can stay healthy and recapture his early-season form, he may prolong his stay. But the leash will be short. Mays showed promise late in the 2024 campaign, and the coaching staff won’t hesitate to pivot if Corbett falters.

In the broader picture, Corbett is just one of seven Panthers likely playing out their swan song in Carolina this year. As the franchise leans into a youth movement, expect more shifting tides across the roster — and more emotional farewells when the 2025 season wraps

Virginia Tech Update: Mark Your Calendar, Spring Transfer Portal Alert. Here’s When the Spring Transfer Portal Opens in College Football

Spring Transfer Portal Chaos: Key Dates and Major Moves Set to Shake Up College Football

With Virginia Tech’s 2025 Spring Game officially in the rearview mirror, all eyes now shift to what’s next — and it’s a big one. College football is bracing for the inevitable madness of the spring transfer portal window. Love it or hate it, this short but dramatic window has the power to reshape rosters and shake entire programs to their core.

This year’s game in Blacksburg wasn’t televised, a strategic move by head coach Brent Pry and staff to avoid giving rival programs any scouting or recruiting advantage. Smart? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely — especially with what’s coming.

The spring transfer portal window opens on April 16 and slams shut on April 25. Within this 10-day window, players looking for a fresh start can officially enter their names into the portal. But here’s the key detail: players don’t have to commit to a new school during the window — they just have to enter it before the April 25 deadline. As we saw last year with former UCLA quarterback Collin Schlee committing to Virginia Tech after the window closed, decisions can come later — but entries must be on time.

The buzz this year is already building, especially with major names like Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava expected to hit the portal after reportedly being moved on from by the program. Moves like that don’t happen in a vacuum. A single transfer from a high-profile player can trigger a domino effect across college football — and Virginia Tech could be right in the middle of it.

Last year, the Hokies lost QB Dylan Wittke during this same period. And with Kyron Drones and Pop Watson both missing this year’s Spring Game due to injury and caution, speculation is swirling. Could one of them be on the move? Losing either would be a major setback for Virginia Tech’s depth and 2025 outlook.

So buckle up — the next few weeks promise plenty of drama, unexpected exits, and wild reshuffling across the college football landscape. For fans, it’s part rollercoaster, part heartburn. For coaches and programs? It’s survival mode. The spring portal madness is here — and no team is truly safe.

Vikings RB Aaron Jones Speaks Out on JJ McCarthy as Aaron Rodgers Rumors Swirl

Aaron Jones Breaks Silence on JJ McCarthy as Vikings QB Drama Heats Up Amid Rodgers Rumors

The Minnesota Vikings have had no shortage of quarterback drama over the past year, and things just got even more interesting. With veteran running back Aaron Jones now in the fold, the spotlight is squarely on rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy—especially as whispers continue to swirl around a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers.

Last season brought an unexpected twist for the Vikings when journeyman QB Sam Darnold—fresh off a backup role with the 49ers—shocked the league with a career resurgence. Signed to a modest one-year deal, Darnold delivered Pro Bowl-caliber performances, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He posted a stellar 102.5 passer rating and turned skeptics into believers.

However, the long-term plan always seemed to revolve around McCarthy, whom the Vikings selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Michigan standout was viewed as the natural successor to Kirk Cousins, who left the team in free agency. Hopes were sky-high—until a devastating ACL tear in training camp sidelined McCarthy before he could take a single NFL snap.

With McCarthy sidelined, Darnold seized his opportunity. But his red-hot season didn’t lead to a long-term stay in Minnesota. Instead, he cashed in during free agency and signed with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving the Vikings with a massive question mark at quarterback yet again.

Now, as McCarthy continues his recovery, Aaron Jones—who joined the Vikings this offseason after a storied run with the Green Bay Packers—is speaking out. The former Pro Bowler praised McCarthy’s poise and work ethic, saying, “JJ’s got that quiet fire. You can tell he wants to prove something. He’s locked in. I’ve seen that same look before—in Green Bay.”

That comment alone has set off a new wave of speculation. Could Jones be hinting at another potential Rodgers reunion? The two shared years of success in Green Bay, and with Rodgers possibly on the move again, the rumor mill is churning at full speed.

One thing is certain: The Vikings’ quarterback room is once again the center of attention. Whether McCarthy becomes the face of the franchise or another twist awaits, Aaron Jones has made it clear—he sees something special brewing in Minnesota.

Hokies Heat Up: Four Players Who Dominated Virginia Tech’s Spring Game, your favorite player may be here

Spring Game Standouts: Four Hokies Who Turned Heads in Virginia Tech’s Spring Showcase

The atmosphere at Lane Stadium might have felt different this year, but the excitement was still electric as Virginia Tech wrapped up its Spring Game. Missing their top two quarterbacks—Kyron Drones (out due to a recent medical procedure) and Pop Watson (held out with a soft tissue injury)—the Hokies had to get creative.

With the QB1 and QB2 on the sidelines, the stage was set for three young guns: Davi Belfort, A.J. Brand, and Kelden Ryan. Brand and Ryan, still technically high schoolers, were thrust into the spotlight for a scrimmage that pitted the offense against the defense under a points system designed to favor the latter. Unsurprisingly, the defense came away with a 50–21 win—but several players on both sides made a serious impression. Here are four Hokies who stole the show:

Ayden Greene – WR
Expected to step up as a leader in the wide receiver room this fall, Greene showed exactly why he’s ready. He scored an 11-yard touchdown from Belfort and opened the offensive scoring in style with a trick-play bomb: Brand tossed him a lateral, and Greene fired a perfect pass to Cameron Seldon for a 57-yard score. The versatility? Impressive. The confidence? Even better.

Cameron Seldon – WR
Former Tennessee running back Cameron Seldon has smoothly transitioned into a big-time receiving threat for Virginia Tech. His 57-yard touchdown catch from Greene capped off an eye-opening spring. With his athleticism and playmaking skills, Seldon is shaping up to be a game-changer come fall—no matter who’s throwing him the ball.

Braydon Bennett – RB
Replacing star running back Bhayshul Tuten is no small task, but Coastal Carolina transfer Braydon Bennett looks up for the challenge. Leading all rushers with 74 yards on 11 carries—including a 17-yard burst—Bennett ran with power and purpose. He’ll be a key part of what’s expected to be a running-back-by-committee approach in 2025.

Dante Lovett – DB
On the defensive side, sophomore cornerback Dante Lovett made the play of the day with a 38-yard pick-six off Kelden Ryan. With the secondary in flux after major offseason departures, Lovett’s performance signals that he could be one of the breakout defenders this season.

These four Hokies made the most of their Spring Game spotlight—and might just be the spark Virginia Tech needs this fall.

Key Storylines to Watch as Virginia Tech Gears Up for Spring Game

As the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare to take the field for their annual Spring Game this weekend, there’s more intrigue than ever swirling around Lane Stadium. Unlike in past years, this spring showcase won’t just be a tune-up — it’s a proving ground for a roster riddled with unknowns and fresh faces.

This offseason has been one of significant transition. Between graduating seniors, early NFL Draft declarations, and a handful of players entering the transfer portal, the Hokies are heading into the 2025 season with more question marks than answers. Both sides of the ball are affected, and the Spring Game could be the first real glimpse into how this reshaped squad might look come fall.

Quarterback Quandary

The biggest storyline heading into Saturday’s scrimmage is the quarterback situation. While Kyron Drones had seemingly cemented himself as QB1 last fall, he’s now sidelined due to a medical procedure, leaving his status for the start of the season uncertain. That means all eyes turn to Pop Watson, a promising backup who may suddenly find himself thrust into a leading role. Drones’ injury history has to be a concern, and Watson’s performance in the Spring Game could provide a glimpse into Virginia Tech’s contingency plans.

Running Back Reset and O-Line Overhaul

At running back, the Hokies are looking to fill a massive void left by Bhayshul Tuten’s entry into the NFL Draft and Malachi Thomas’ transfer. Enter Marcellus Hawkins, a transfer from Central Missouri who could see early reps. He’ll run behind a revamped offensive line — another unit in flux. Offensive line coach Matt Moore has work to do rebuilding the front, though the addition of a few former West Virginia players gives the group a hopeful boost.

Defensive Depth Dilemma

Defensively, Virginia Tech must replace stars like Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles on the line and nearly its entire starting secondary. The Hokies dipped into the transfer portal for help, adding experienced pieces like Sherrod Covil (Clemson), Isaiah Brown-Murray (East Carolina), and Tyson Flowers (Rice), but cohesion remains a concern.

Heading into the Spring Game, the Hokies are less focused on flash and more on finding solutions. With several starting roles up for grabs and critical depth pieces still unproven, the next step in Virginia Tech’s rebuild starts this Saturday — and the spotlight will be shining bright.

Future Star? Astros’ No. 1 Prospect Goes Deep in Big League Debut

Cam Smith Launches First Big League Homer in Astros’ Blowout Win Over Angels

Cam Smith officially has liftoff — and with it, his long-awaited arrival on the Major League stage.

In the eighth inning of the Astros’ dominant 14-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night, Houston’s top prospect sent fans into a frenzy with a towering 370-foot home run that just cleared the Crawford Boxes in left field. The moment was a milestone for the 20-year-old phenom, who had been searching for his first big league blast since making the Opening Day roster.

“I thought it was pretty high, so I couldn’t really pimp it,” Smith joked after the game. “But I knew I clipped it well enough for it to have a shot.”

The home run came off a 1-1 changeup that floated over the inner third of the plate — a pitch Smith didn’t hesitate to punish. It was a confident swing, and perhaps more importantly, a glimpse of the offensive potential that made him such a highly touted talent in Houston’s farm system.

Though Smith broke camp with the Astros after just 31 games in the minors, the early going hasn’t been without its growing pains. He struck out in half of his first 18 at-bats and at times appeared overmatched at the plate. But after a brief two-game reset earlier this week to refocus on timing and approach, the former first-round pick looks like he’s turning a corner.

Friday’s home run wasn’t just a feel-good moment — it was a potential turning point. Smith has looked more composed, more confident, and more dangerous with each passing at-bat. His ability to adjust quickly to major league pitching is a promising sign for the Astros, who see him as a cornerstone of their future.

With the offense firing on all cylinders and Smith starting to find his rhythm, Houston fans have plenty of reason to be excited. The win was decisive, but the bigger story might just be the spark from their top prospect — a signal that he’s ready to make some serious noise in the big leagues.

One thing’s for sure: Cam Smith is on the board, and if Friday night is any indication, he’s just getting started.

Spring Game Spotlight: What We Still Don’t Know About the Hokies

Virginia Tech’s Spring Game Spotlight: The Biggest Questions Still Looming Over the Hokies

As the Hokies gear up for their annual Spring Game, set to unfold this weekend at Lane Stadium, there’s a different kind of anticipation in the air. Unlike previous years, Virginia Tech enters this pivotal scrimmage with more questions than answers — and many of them could shape how the 2025 season begins.

The roster has undergone a whirlwind of changes this offseason. Between outgoing seniors, NFL Draft declarations, and the now-constant churn of the transfer portal, both sides of the ball are seeing major overhauls — and Saturday’s Spring Game will be the first real look at how those gaps might be filled.

Offensive Uncertainty Starts Under Center

Virginia Tech fans were already watching Kyron Drones closely as he worked back from late-season injuries. But now, with news that he’s undergoing a medical procedure and will miss the rest of spring camp, concern has escalated. That spotlight now shifts to Pop Watson, who suddenly finds himself as a potential starting option. If Drones isn’t ready by the fall, Watson’s performance this spring becomes even more critical to head coach Brent Pry’s plans.

And it’s not just the quarterback spot that raises eyebrows. With star running back Bhayshul Tuten headed to the NFL and Malachi Thomas transferring out, the Hokies’ backfield is in flux. Central Missouri transfer Marcellus Hawkins will need to prove quickly that he can step up at the FBS level.

Adding to the puzzle is the offensive line, which faces a fast rebuild under new coach Matt Moore. Moore brought in several linemen from West Virginia to jumpstart the process, but cohesion and depth are still question marks.

Defensive Gaps Demand Immediate Answers

The defensive front is in a similar spot after losing Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles to the NFL Draft. This opens the door for younger players to earn meaningful roles — but whether they’re ready remains to be seen.

Then there’s the secondary. With Dorian Strong, Mansoor Delane, and Mose Phillips all gone, the Hokies will rely on a trio of transfers — Sherrod Covil (Clemson), Isaiah Brown-Murray (East Carolina), and Tyson Flowers (Rice) — to bring stability. Still, chemistry takes time, and this unit will be under a microscope all spring.

Virginia Tech may have momentum heading into 2025, but the Spring Game could reveal just how much work still lies ahead.