BUFFALO, N.Y. — When 1-seed Michigan continues its men’s NCAA tournament run, the round of 32 matchup will bring Wolverines coach Dusty May up against a close friend.

May and ninth-seeded Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz, who first connected while coaching at different levels, are close enough to share practice film and playbooks, an uncommon level of trust built through years of exchanging ideas and learning from each other.

“It’s probably very unusual [to share practice footage],” May admitted during his news conference Friday. “There’s a group of us that share — and actually, he and I — we’re close enough where I don’t even call him. I’ll shoot his video guy, or he’ll shoot my video guy a text and say, ‘Can you send me last week’s workouts?’ We’re toying with this, we’re thinking about this concept. It might just spur an idea.”

A Sweet 16 appearance will be on the line when their teams meet Saturday (12:10 p.m. ET, CBS). Both teams topped 100 points in their first-round wins. Saint Louis beat Georgia 102-77, and Michigan rolled past Howard 101-80.

Because of how similarly the coaches think and prepare, May expects the game to feel like “a great chess match.”

May, in his second year with the Wolverines, returned to the court after Michigan’s win Thursday to scout his upcoming opponent and even joked with Schertz about not being up by more points at halftime. The Billikens held a 17-point lead.

“It’s always nice when you have somebody who’s in the same chair as you,” said Schertz, who is also in his second season with his program but is making his first NCAA Division I tournament appearance. “It’s hard. Sometimes being a head coach can be lonely. … [May has] been an incredible resource for me.”

Their connection dates to when Schertz coached at Division II Lincoln Memorial and May was at Florida Atlantic. May was scouting a player leaving Lincoln Memorial and noted how well-coached the team was. The relationship grew from there and includes one stretch where the two spent nearly 10 straight hours in May’s office just talking.

“I loved it when he was at a Division II, we were different levels, and I was down in Boca Raton, because this would never happen where we had to compete against each other,” May said.

But he also added that he’s not wary of going up against someone he’s so close to either.

“If we’re going to lose, I want to lose to a guy that does it at the level that he and they do it. And hopefully we don’t, but if we do, then you want to do it to somebody who you’re going to be better for it.”

Many football watchers will tell you the home viewing experience is ideal for them, but there are still those that love to watch NFL games from the seats at the stadium – truly taking it the experience with their own eyes. 

However, as demand for the sport continues to grow, so have ticket prices just to enter a stadium on gameday. As a result, some fans are simply getting priced out from watching their favorite teams. 

But legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who has represented over 300 professional athletes, especially in football with a record eight No. 1 overall picks and 64 first-rounders under his belt, believes teams and owners should be more “forward-thinking” with their tickets. 

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He has an idea. 

“I think that it would be prudent and forward-looking for them to reserve, like, 10,000 seats for every game for them to distribute to working families and younger people,” Steinberg told Fox News Digital on a recent phone call. “So, at least at the end of the year, you have a team planting the seeds for the future.”

Steinberg believes to “truly enjoy football” you either have played the game, or have seen it live. That, in his eyes, “totally sustains that interest level.”

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Yes, technological advancements have made it easier for fans of all demographics to catch their favorite teams, as well as the rest of the NFL schedule, from their living room. In fact, some may even tell you spending for the highest NFL package is better than going to games live at this rate. 

That’s because tickets are not the only thing to worry about when going to a game live. 

The Action Network did an analysis of the cost of a family of four to attend an NFL game in every stadium across the country. The study included ticket prices, which were primary and resale from Ticketmaster, food and drinks, and parking for said family. They even looked at the child admission policy to see what ages may be free to find out which stadiums were, somewhat, family friendly. 

Fans of the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos support their teams during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on Dec. 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

At the highest was Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions when the season began in 2025. At $2,133.44, with $2,058.44 of that the price of four tickets, the family could enjoy the Eagles. Ford Field (Detroit Lions), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Soldier Field (Chicago Bears) and Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills) round out the top five most expensive stadiums for families. 

The New York Jets and MetLife Stadium were the lowest at $555.94, though the league-wide average was $1,339 for four tickets. 

At the same time, though, Steinberg understands supply and demand, and the latter is through the roof for the NFL. In turn, those with means to pay the expensive ticket prices do so, while others are priced out. 

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“Right now, you have so much excess demand that they can price those tickets [high],” Steinberg added. “I used to say, ‘Look, we need to think about the future. I’m telling you that players could take a little less money if it meant sustaining the sport long-term. That means ticket prices.’ An owner once put his arm around me and said, ‘Son, that’ll never happen.’”

Could it happen one day? Steinberg sure hopes so, but as long as the insatiable appetite for football diminishes, it’ll likely be harder for some to acquire tickets at the current price tag, let alone secondary market upcharges. 

‘Again, my suggestion would be teams plan and build for the future by having a section each week – they wouldn’t be the best tickets, but who cares if you’re a young kid? I used to go to Rams games in the Coliseum back in the ‘50s and you would’ve needed a telescope. But you still create an interest in football. That’s what I would do if I owned a team,” Steinberg said. 

STEINBERG’S COMEBACK

While talking all things football, Steinberg also discussed life and how his fight through adversity led to him writing “The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life’s Setbacks into Victories.”

Leigh Steinberg speaks onstage during the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California.  (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

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Steinberg had built an empire by representing the best athletes in the world, but he also dealt with alcoholism and financial struggles, ultimately bringing him to rock bottom. But he rebuilt himself through those hard times, and with this book, he’s hoping to help others do the same. 

Also, sharing stories of athletes dealing with similar adversities, Steinberg believes all readers should come away with this lesson learned. 

“Internal introspection,” he said. “A realistic understanding of your own values and priorities, whether it’s short-term economic gain, long-term economic security, spiritual values, family. It’s to have clarity internally in terms of what really constitutes a fulfilling life. Then, coming up with a plan to get back to that.”

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Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has extended heartwarming Eid ul fitr wishes to fans across the world, spreading a message of peace and happiness.

Taking to social media, Ronaldo shared warm Eid greetings, posting a heartfelt message, saying: “Eid Mubarak to all! I hope you have a very special day with your family and loved ones. Wishing you all peace and happiness.”

The Portuguese football star, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, posted the message on his Instagram, accompanied by a photo of himself in traditional Saudi attire.

Muslims in the Gulf region are celebrating Eid ul Fitr on Friday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon, which ushers in the month of Shawwal.

Across the Muslim world, Ramadan festivities this year were overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, triggered by the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.