Sports
How the new kickoff rules opened doors for some of the league’s most dynamic players
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NFL wanted to add excitement to the game.
As a result, on a list that is represented by some of the league’s premiere players like Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and Christian McCaffrey, it’s Tennessee Titans rookie Chimere Dike that sits on top.
Dike and the Dallas Cowboys‘ KaVontae Turpin are among the NFL’s top five in all-purpose yards thanks to the kickoff rules changes in 2024 before they were slightly tweaked in 2025 — an incentive to bring back the return game. It gave players like New York Jets return man Isaiah Williams a better chance of making the roster. It has also helped increase the value for veterans like Turpin, who signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract extension in March.
The 2024 rule changes introduced the new dynamic formation to increase returns and boost safety (43% reduction in concussion rates) because players are aligned closer to each other to reduce high-speed collisions. The league also moved the touchback spot from the 20-yard line to the 30. However, the leaguewide return rate of 32.8% was still the league’s lowest since at least 2000, and the touchback rate of 64.3% was the league’s highest over the same period.
So the league moved the touchback spot to the 35-yard line in 2025, and data has shifted. Teams have elected to put the ball in play rather than drill it deep in the end zone for a touchback. Through Week 14, the kick return rate has surged to 77.4%, more than doubling last season’s 32.8% rate, and through the first four weeks, the league saw its highest rate (78.3%) in 19 years at the time.
For players like Dike and Turpin, they are being asked to handle kick and punt return duties while also being a part of the offense. Having such an involved role is demanding for any player.
Dike has had to step up at times as a receiver, where he has 34 receptions for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Turpin has done the same, with 21 catches for 286 yards and a touchdown.
“Not many people can do kick return, punt return and [play] receiver too,” Titans special teams coordinator John Fassel said. “[Dike] gets the ball thrown to him, punted to him and kicked to him. He’s an incredibly valuable weapon because he can do all of that.”
Entering Week 15, Dike was leading the league in all-purpose yards (1,984), kick return yards (1,323) and yards per punt return (19.9). He’s on pace to pass Lionel James (2,535 in 1985) for fourth in all-purpose yards in a single season since 1941, and he has an outside shot at the all-time record (2,696) set by Darren Sproles and to pass former Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason’s number of 2,690, which is second all time.
“His all-purpose yards are all earned,” a surprised Fassel said when informed of Dike’s record pace.
Although the kick return average is down from last season (25.9 yards from 27.6), the change has resulted in more total return yards (42,613 and counting from 25,385). The league has also seen 91.4% of the returns go beyond the 20-yard line, the most over the past 25 years.
“[Dike’]s really excelled as a returner, and I think he has done some really good things as a wide receiver,” Mason told ESPN. “He’s learning how to play the game from a special teams standpoint, how to see the field as a returner. So he’s going to be able to operate on offense in spaces that would be hard for some of the other wide receivers to do. He’s used to finding holes and isn’t afraid of contact.
“He’s a strong runner. He breaks tackles, which is why he’s a good returner. All those things are good for him. He may end up being the steal of the draft [Round 4, pick 103] because he’s coming on as a receiver. With his return skills, he’s going to be a guy that, to me, will be a weapon like Percy Harvin.”
AS FOR WILLIAMS‘ path, he was signed off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on Sept 10. Williams had a nightmarish game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. It was a Monday night game where he fumbled on a kickoff, and he fielded a punt at his own 3-yard line at the end of the game, ruining any chance of a long drive and comeback.
The Jets cut Williams a few days later, but they re-signed him to the practice squad on Oct 6. He was saved by first-year Jets coach Aaron Glenn, who crossed paths with Williams when he signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in April 2024 before the Bengals claimed him off the practice squad that November. Glenn always had an affinity for Williams, who was promoted to the active roster on Oct 18.
Glenn called Williams’ return to the team, “A great redemption story.” Since his second chance with New York, Williams has two touchdowns on punt returns, becoming the third Jet in history to do so in the same season. He and Dike are the only two players to have a 70-yard return on a punt and kickoff.
“I feel like all of it was really a blessing,” Williams told ESPN. “Looking back at it, I learned and grew from it, but I found out on Friday [that I was cut]. You go through that [Miami] game and you practice the next three days — Wednesday, Thursday, Friday — and you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m about to have an opportunity to redeem myself.’ Then you come out of practice on a Friday, realizing you got cut.
“In my head, I’m like, ‘Dang, I might be done for the year. I might be on somebody’s practice squad.’ When I signed back, my biggest thing was, ‘I’m going to come back and just compete, work. Whatever happens, happens.’ Then I ended up getting an opportunity.”
Williams joined Dike, New England Patriots returner Marcus Jones, and Jacksonville Jaguars returner Parker Washington as the only players to have at least two punt returns for a touchdown. This is the first year since 2019 in which at least one player has had multiple punt returns for a touchdown in a season.
TURPIN FORCED HIS way onto the Cowboys’ roster as a return man in 2022 after toiling in the Indoor Football League, Fan Controlled Football League, Spring League and European Football League from 2019 to 2021. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he was named the USFL’s Most Valuable Player in its inaugural season.
“He came in and tried it out,” said Fassel, who was Turpin’s special teams coordinator with the Cowboys at the time. “We signed him, and he was at practice that same day.”
Turpin scored two touchdowns in the second preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The first was on a 98-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, and the second was on an 86-yard punt return in the second quarter.
“It was like, ‘Well, he’s a returner. Get him out of the game,'” Fassel said. “He made the team in like two weeks.”
Fassel said Turpin’s vision made him one of those returners he gave the freedom to veer away from the direction the play was called. For instance, if there was a return right and Turpin saw a lane open to his left, he had the green light to cut it back and make a play.
“I learned a lot from him, where I had to make sure I don’t ever tell Turp where to run,” Fassel said with a smile.
At 5-foot-9, 173 pounds, Turpin’s toughness and courage stood out to Fassel and his assistant special teams coach, Rayna Stewart, when they were in Dallas. Dike (6-1, 196 pounds) is bigger than Turpin, and Stewart sees the same traits in the Titans’ returner.
“It takes a lot of courage to go back there and be willing to run through the smoke or to the ring of fire,” Stewart told ESPN.
Rookie returner Myles Price‘s 1,548 all-purpose yards rank seventh in the league, and his Minnesota Vikings are set to face Turpin and the Cowboys on Sunday.
Price will try to keep pace with Dike and Turpin (1,620 yards), as the three are the only players who’s primary yardage in the top 10 for all-purpose yards comes from returns, but unlike Dike and Turpin, Price is solely a return man at this point in his career.
“It’s pretty cool to think about [leading the NFL], but as [Fassel] puts it, ‘Stats don’t matter until the end of the year,'” Dike said. “At the end of the year, it would be a cool moment because coming into the league, you try to make an impact.”
NFL Nation reporters Rich Cimini and Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.
Hassan says move from Europe could impact the Liverpool striker’s global standing
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah shoots at goal. Photo: REUTERS
LONDON:
Egypt’s national team director Ibrahim Hassan has cautioned Mohamed Salah against moving to Major League Soccer after he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season as it would see the forward fade into obscurity.
Salah, 33, has yet to decide his next move after he ends a hugely successful nine‑year spell at Liverpool, where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has said he would love to see Salah in the league, though it is unclear whether any MLS teams will attempt to sign him.
“Personally, I would prefer him to stay in Europe,” Hassan told On Sports. “I have heard about offers from Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs in the Italian league.
“A move to the Major League? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won’t remember Salah any more than I remember (Lionel) Messi now, I don’t even try to watch him.”
After trophy‑laden stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain, Argentina captain Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, months after lifting the World Cup, and became the club’s all‑time top scorer.
Hassan said the Saudi Pro League would be a suitable option if Salah chose not to stay in Europe.
“If he does not receive offers from Europe, then a move to the Saudi league would be a good option, especially with big names such as Cristiano (Ronaldo)”, Hassan, twin brother of Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, added.
Salah is currently sidelined by injury and will miss Egypt’s ongoing training camp as they prepare for the World Cup in North America.
Egypt face Spain in a friendly in Barcelona on Tuesday after a 4‑0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday.
The seven-times African champions are in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran at the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
The 2026 men’s Final Four is set!
UConn will open the national semifinal action against Illinois after mounting a successful comeback against Duke in the Elite Eight, followed by a battle of No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan in Indianapolis on Saturday. Who do ESPN’s college basketball experts see advancing to the national championship on April 6?
Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf break down how each team reached the final weekend of the NCAA tournament — and their keys to advancing to the title game. Find their predictions below.
FINAL FOUR PREVIEW
8:49 p.m. ET, Saturday
What to know about Arizona
No. 1 factor that helped Arizona reach the Final Four: The Wildcats’ relentlessness in the paint has been unparalleled, and it carried them when it mattered in the NCAA tournament.
For the season, Arizona ranked fifth in the country in paint points, averaging more than 42. It also led the nation in free throw attempts with nearly 20 points per game at the line. Against another dominant paint team in Arkansas in the Sweet 16, Arizona had perhaps the most efficient interior performance ever seen in March: The Wildcats had 60 paint points and 30 points from the free throw line, the most combined points in an NCAA tournament game in the past 20 years. Then, after Purdue matched them down low in the first half of their Elite Eight showdown, the Wildcats played with an increased urgency and imposed their will in the second half. The Wildcats finished with 40 paint points and 20 points from the free throw line, outscoring the Boilermakers by a combined 28 points in those areas.
It’s not just the post scoring from Koa Peat or Motiejus Krivas, or the offensive rebounding from Tobe Awaka — it’s also the relentless attacking from Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov. Coach Tommy Lloyd preaches paint points, and it’s reflected in every part of his team’s offense. — Borzello
0:20
Brayden Burries’ hustle play punctuates Arizona’s Elite Eight win
Brayden Burries dives on the floor and gets the ball to Ivan Kharchenkov for a layup to help send the Wildcats to the Final Four.
Arizona’s keys against Michigan: This will be the ultimate strength on strength battle in the paint, but Arizona is more reliant — and better — at dominating the glass and finishing at the rim. That’s the key here. The Wildcats are top five nationally in paint points per game and offensive rebound percentage, and lead the nation in free throw attempts per game. Michigan, meanwhile, is top five in 2-point defense, block rate and average 2-point attempt distance defensively. The Wolverines also limit their fouling. Can Arizona continue to control the paint against a team that can match them from a size and physicality perspective?
It’s the same situation at the other end of the court. Michigan shoots better than 61% inside the arc and ranks in the top 20 in paint points and second-chance points per game. Arizona will have to win the interior battle on both ends. — Borzello
What to know about Michigan
No. 1 factor that helped Michigan reach the Final Four: The Wolverines can quickly shift gears and reach a level few teams are able to match. Their Elite Eight win over Tennessee was arguably the most complete game we’ve seen by any team in the NCAA tournament. They outscored the Vols 48-26 in the first half and held them to just 85 points per 100 possessions — nearly 23 fewer points than the scoring clip of the Brooklyn Nets, the worst offensive team in America. With 10:52 to play in the first half, Tennessee had a 16-15 lead over Michigan, then the Wolverines launched a 33-10 rally to end the half. Rick Barnes had his head in his hands; what can anyone do when Michigan plays like that?
The Wolverines are big, have stars, play great defense, and when it’s time to stand its ground and battle, no team is better. That’s why they’re going to Indianapolis. — Medcalf
0:25
Yaxel Lendeborg gets sweet and-1 to fall for Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg drives and gets a smooth reverse and-1 layup to fall for Michigan vs. Tennessee.
Michigan’s keys against Arizona: The Wolverines will have to force the Wildcats to take shots outside the paint and neutralize all paths to the rim. Arizona is a really difficult team to compete against when it can get downhill, penetrate and attack teams in the lane. The Wildcats are top-10 nationally in drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line — that’s been their bread-and-butter, and they’re better at that tactic than any team in Indianapolis.
On offense, Michigan has to extend Arizona’s defense by shooting well from the 3-point line. The Wildcats’ four NCAA tournament opponents struggled from beyond the arc but the Wolverines have made 40% of their 3-point shots since March 1. If Arizona is forced to focus on what Michigan is doing on the perimeter, it will just create more room for Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. to operate in the lane.
Still, against this strong of an Arizona team, Michigan may need Lendeborg to be a hero with a monster performance comparable to the 27-point effort he had against Tennessee in the Elite Eight. — Medcalf
Arizona vs. Michigan Predictions
Borzello’s prediction: Arizona, 82-80
Medcalf’s prediction: Michigan, 78-76
6:09 p.m. ET, Saturday
What to know about UConn
No. 1 factor that helped UConn reach the Final Four: Tarris Reed Jr. and the experience to maintain the type of patience the Huskies needed to deal with a Duke team that had a 19-point lead in the first half has gotten them here. Three players in the starting rotation have been in Dan Hurley’s system for at least two years, a rarity in the current landscape. Illinois will be the only team in Indianapolis that can match that.
Hurley is as great at recruiting as he is at retention. Freshman Braylon Mullins has had an up-and-down season, seemingly never hitting his stride consistently, but he was a five-star recruit for a reason. When Hurley turned to Mullins, he hit the biggest 3-pointer of his life with 0.4 seconds left on the clock to send UConn back to the Final Four.
The Huskies also held Duke to a 100 points per 100 possessions clip in the second half after the Blue Devils had scored at a 147 points per 100 possessions clip in the first half. The difference in their Elite Eight win was that UConn kept fighting and won. — Medcalf
UConn’s keys against Illinois: Illinois has been the best offensive team in the country, but it also played elite defense against Houston in the Sweet 16 and Iowa in the Elite Eight. UConn will have to solve that. The Huskies have size that allows them to play a restrictive zone that has stifled their opponents. Houston and Iowa both made less than 40% of their shots inside the arc against Illinois, so UConn’s gameplan has to begin with Tarris Reed Jr., who has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games. The Huskies big man was dominant against Duke and will have to be great against Illinois in the post so the Illini can’t get comfortable in that zone. The Huskies will also have to exploit the pockets in that Illinois defense; Reed’s production will be the key to achieving that.
On defense, it all starts with guarding Keaton Wagler. The Huskies have multiple guards they can throw at the 6-foot-5 projected NBA draft lottery pick. They can’t allow him to put up big numbers against them.
Protecting the rim against one of the biggest teams in Indianapolis will matter, too. — Medcalf
0:19
Keaton Wagler loses the defender then splashes a 3 for Illinois
Keaton Wagler loses the defender then splashes an open 3-pointer for Illinois.
What to know about Illinois
No. 1 factor that helped Illinois reach the Final Four: The Illini’s offense is one of the most efficient in KenPom history, but it was their defense that sparked this run to Indianapolis. They held VCU to 55 points and 0.83 points per possession in the round of 32, Houston to 55 points and 0.94 points per possession in the Sweet 16 and then Iowa to 59 points and 1.08 points per possession in the Elite Eight. They have protected the rim and the paint at an incredibly high level, limiting all three of the aforementioned opponents to below 48% inside the arc. Iowa had just seven 2-pointers Saturday.
It’s a dramatic improvement from their defensive performance late in the regular season, when the Illini allowed six of their last nine opponents to score at least 1.17 points per possession, suffering five of their eight losses over that stretch. Their offense hasn’t missed a beat, but their defense suddenly looking like a top-10 unit has been a season-changing development for Brad Underwood’s team. — Borzello
Illinois’ keys against UConn: The biggest key will be to limit Tarris Reed Jr. — or get him into foul trouble. Reed has been one of the most dominant big men of this NCAA tournament, and his ability to score at the rim in single coverage has bailed out the Huskies’ inconsistent perimeter shooting. But with Eric Reibe not nearly as effective as he was earlier in the season, UConn takes a massive hit at both ends of the floor when Reed isn’t on it.
The other key will be the 3-point battle. The Huskies have made double-digit 3s once since Feb. 18, but they haven’t allowed double-digit made 3s over that same span. Illinois attempts 3s at a higher rate than almost any team in the country, while UConn’s shotmakers — Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins — have been inconsistent. The Illini could outshoot the Huskies. — Borzello
UConn vs. Illinois Predictions
Borzello’s prediction: UConn, 74-72
Medcalf’s prediction: UConn, 77-73
Sports
UConn’s Braylon Mullins hits game-winning 3-pointer to shock Duke, advance to men’s Final Four
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The UConn Huskies needed to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high-percentage scoring, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback victory to advance to the Final Four.
The Huskies were able to effectively pressure the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds left. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball got into Mullins’ hands.
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UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, celebrates his game winning basket with guard Malachi Smith (0) during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The freshman was well beyond the 3-point line when he chucked up the ball. His prayer was answered as the ball went through the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped in jubilation.
UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times over the course of the game and for nearly half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6-of-9 from the free-throw line.
MICHIGAN ROUTS TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL, ENTER NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR
Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Duke was up three points with 28 seconds to go. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free-throw line for two shots. He missed the first and made the second. The second free throw enabled UConn to set up its press defense and force the turnover in the end.
The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after being down 44-29 in the first half.
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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UConn is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will be looking to get back to the national championship after winning two titles in the last three years. UConn will take on Illinois and Michigan will go up against Arizona in the Final Four.
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