Author: Action News 7

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today for BOLD PREDICTIONS about the Big Ten during the 2026 football season. But before we get to those BOLD PREDICTIONS, I want to start with a timid prediction. One that’s almost certain to come true.People will read this and think: “There’s no way that’s going to happen.” They will then turn to a friend, or even a stranger next to them, and ask: “Can you believe what this idiot says is going to happen next year? What an idiot!”These people have no idea what the words BOLD PREDICTION mean, or what they stand…

Brett OkamotoApr 17, 2026, 01:09 PM ETCloseBrett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: “Chuck and Tito,” which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare…

Thanks to the White Sox, there are some exciting rookies on the fantasy baseball waiver wire right now. But while Noah Schultz and Sam Antonacci are intriguing prospects, there are plenty of veterans who may be better options. There are also a few players who are especially valuable for those who need to make a late push in a head-to-head league.Pitchers to addMick Abel, SP, Twins, 20%: After becoming one of the most exciting draft risers during spring training, Abel gave back all that momentum when he allowed nine runs over 7.1 innings in his initial two outings. Fortunately, the…

The final spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs for each conference will be decided on Friday, creating two season-defining games as options to claim the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS, which gives new users $150 in bonus bets if your first wager wins or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your qualifying wager loses, depending on where you live. The Orlando Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Phoenix Suns hosting the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET.The SportsLine Projection Model is backing the Hornets to cover as 3.5-point favorites, as well…

Jesse RogersApr 17, 2026, 07:00 AM ETCloseJesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.Multiple AuthorsWhen Konnor Griffin faced Mason Miller last week, the 19-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates rookie got a clear message that he wasn’t in the minor leagues or playing high school baseball in Mississippi anymore.The star San Diego Padres closer blew away Griffin with triple-digit heat and a pair of nasty sliders. It was a welcome to the big leagues moment — but Griffin, in just his sixth career game, handled it like he belongs here.”That was a tough at-bat, but that was a great…

BENGALURU: Last season, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally snapped their losing streak at home, Josh Hazlewood stood a?t the centre of that turnaround, returning figures of 3/33 in an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals.Nearly a year later, the Australian once again proved his worth at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, playing a pivotal role with 1/20 in RCB’s victory over Lucknow Super Giants. The win helped RCB maintain their unbeaten run at home this season.Hamstring and Achilles tendinitis issues ruled Hazlewood out for 151 days, including Australia’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign. When he returned to competitive cricket against Rajasthan Royals…

The NFL Draft is here, and the Fantasy landscape is about to change dramatically. Some draft picks will work in our favor, while others will cause chaos. It’s the same drill every season, and it’s fun to react to the rookies. Prior to the NFL Draft, we have our wish list for each AFC West team — pros and cons — of what we want to see happen. While the obvious choice is upgraded offensive lines across the board, we won’t get into that here. We also want to avoid as many crowded backfields as possible. Ultimately, we want situations…

Gab MarcottiCloseGab MarcottiSenior Writer, ESPN FC, Sam TigheCloseSam TigheESPNSam is a writer, broadcaster and podcaster for ESPN. He will write on the Premier League, scouting and transfers., Julien Laurens, Sam MarsdenMultiple AuthorsApr 15, 2026, 10:48 PM ETAnd then there were four. The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals wrapped up on Wednesday, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid delivering an all-time classic, while Arsenal secured the clean sheet they needed to hold Sporting CP at bay.On Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed their supremacy over Arne Slot’s wilting Liverpool, while Atlético Madrid got the better of Barcelona in their all-Spanish quarterfinal.So, what to make of it all?…

In looking at the stats from the April 14 match between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Japan – where the U.S. held 67% of possession and recorded 12 shots to Japan’s nine – one would hope that the USWNT would be able to get on the scoreboard. But it was Japan that earned the 1-0 victory in Seattle, scoring following a quick counterattack after the USA turned the ball over in midfield with the game-winner coming from Tottenham Hotspur’s Maika Hamano.The loss snapped a 10-game winning streak for the USWNT and was the first time the U.S. has been shutout…

Mike Trout surely does not want to leave the Bronx. The Angels beat the Yankees on Thursday afternoon (LA 11, NY 4) to earn a split of the four-game series at Yankee Stadium. Trout homered again Thursday and went deep in all four games of the series. He joined George Bell (1990), Darrell Evans (1985), and Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx (1933) as the only players in history to hit five home runs in a regular-season series against the Yankees.”There’s been a lot of great players that played here. It’s awesome,” Trout said following Thursday’s win.All told, Trout went 6…