Sports
Way-Too-Early men’s Top 25 rankings: Every team’s top awards candidate
School is back in session, temperatures are dropping and summer is over everywhere but on your calendar. Sure, football has taken center stage — but more importantly, that means college basketball is just around the corner.
It was another quiet month for college hoops, with the only real personnel news coming from international prospects making commitments. Practices are underway, but most of the roster-building focus will be on the 2026 recruits making campus visits over the next several weeks.
As a result, the top 25 from the July and August editions remains the same. And much like July’s impact newcomer debate or August’s best nonconference game picks, we’re picking a theme for September. This time, we’re focusing on one candidate from each Top 25 team — whether a returning star, incoming freshman or coach — who could be in the awards and individual honors conversation by the end of the season.
Previous ranking: 1
Braden Smith: Among the players returning to men’s college basketball, Smith is arguably the best bet for the Wooden Award. He’s coming off a season in which he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. He was second nationally with 8.7 assists per game and averaged nearly 16 points. Matt Painter has improved the options around him this season, which should help his case.
Projected starting lineup
Braden Smith (15.8 PPG)
C.J. Cox (6.0 PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1 PPG)
Oscar Cluff (17.6 PPG at South Dakota State)
Braden Smith is the obvious choice.
🏆 Big Ten Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/WQqDu2tdFN
— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 11, 2025
Previous ranking: 2
Thomas Haugh: The Gators have a lot of viable options for all of the awards, but we’re leaning toward a big breakout from Haugh. He started just seven games during his first two seasons in Gainesville, but his 6-foot-9 size, combined with his playmaking off the dribble or shooting from the perimeter, poses a matchup problem. Watch his 20-point, 11-rebound effort against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament if you need a refresher.
Projected starting lineup
Boogie Fland (13.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Xaivian Lee (16.9 PPG at Princeton)
Thomas Haugh (9.8 PPG)
Alex Condon (10.6 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (6.1 PPG)
Previous ranking: 3
Joseph Tugler: Given that he won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award last season and was one of the most dominant defensive players in the country, odds are that Tugler will be in prime contention to repeat for this award. One interesting dynamic is the likelihood he’s starting next to incoming freshman Chris Cenac Jr., a 6-10 center with a long wingspan who has shown flashes of making a huge impact defensively.
Projected starting lineup
Milos Uzan (11.4 PPG)
Emanuel Sharp (12.7 PPG)
Isiah Harwell (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Joseph Tugler (5.5 PPG)
Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 6 in ESPN 100)
Previous ranking: 4
Solo Ball: Braylon Mullins will be one of the best freshmen in the country, but we’re calling it: Ball is right in the mix for All-American honors. He’s an elite shooter who was one of the breakout stars of last season, and should have more space to operate with Mullins and Silas Demary Jr. flanking him on the perimeter.
Projected starting lineup
Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 PPG at Georgia)
Solo Ball (14.4 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (No. 17 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG)
Tarris Reed Jr. (9.6 PPG)
Previous ranking: 5
Zuby Ejiofor: The returning senior might be the best center in the country. Ejiofor was a first-team All-Big East selection last season after making a jump from 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds to 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds. He’s a versatile defender, while also getting points in different ways offensively. He’s also an elite offensive rebounder, gets to the free throw line at a high rate and can finish effectively.
Projected starting lineup
Ian Jackson (11.9 PPG at North Carolina)
Joson Sanon (11.9 PPG at Arizona State)
Oziyah Sellers (13.7 PPG at Stanford)
Bryce Hopkins (15.5 PPG at Providence in 2023-24)
Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 PPG)
Previous ranking: 6
A.J. Dybantsa: The No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class enters college with outsized hype and the expectation of potentially being the top pick in the NBA draft — after possibly leading BYU on a deep run in the NCAA tournament. If that all happens, he’ll be in the mix for All-America and Big 12 Player of the Year honors. He’s an absurdly talented scorer, and Kevin Young’s offense, one of the most efficient in the country, will only amplify his numbers.
Projected starting lineup
Robert Wright III (11.5 PPG at Baylor)
Kennard Davis Jr. (16.3 PPG at Southern Illinois)
Richie Saunders (16.5 PPG)
A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Keba Keita (7.4 PPG)
2:10
AJ Dybantsa: Sweet 16 is the bare minimum goal for BYU
AJ Dybantsa joins Skubie Mageza to discuss BYU, his favorite thing about Utah and his NBA comps.
Previous ranking: 7
Pat Kelsey: If Louisville is as good as the ranking indicates, Kelsey will be in the Coach of the Year discussion. He led the Cardinals on a remarkable turnaround in Year 1, from eight wins to 27 wins. This season, they’re a legitimate Final Four contender with one of the elite perimeter groups in the country. We’re predicting Kelsey gets his first career NCAA tournament win this season — and also reaches Indianapolis.
Projected starting lineup
Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 8 in ESPN 100)
Isaac McKneely (14.4 PPG at Virginia)
Ryan Conwell (16.5 PPG at Xavier)
J’Vonne Hadley (12.2 PPG)
Kasean Pryor (12.0 PPG in seven games)
Previous ranking: 8
Yaxel Lendeborg: One of the best transfer pickups of the offseason, Lendeborg was a likely first-round pick before withdrawing from the draft and heading to Ann Arbor. Will his production from UAB (15.8 points and 11.0 rebounds over two seasons) translate to the Big Ten? If it does, expect all-conference and All-America honors discussions.
Projected starting lineup
Elliot Cadeau (9.4 PPG at North Carolina)
Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 PPG)
Nimari Burnett (9.4 PPG)
Yaxel Lendeborg (17.7 PPG at UAB)
Morez Johnson Jr. (7.0 PPG at Illinois)
Previous ranking: 9
Otega Oweh: The Oklahoma transfer broke out last season at Kentucky, emerging as the Wildcats’ go-to scorer — and a clutch player with multiple game-winning baskets against his former team. He earned second-team All-SEC honors, and is one of two players on the first two all-conference teams returning to college. He’ll receive preseason All-America votes, too.
Projected starting lineup
Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt)
Denzel Aberdeen (7.7 PPG at Florida)
Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG at Alabama)
Jayden Quaintance (9.4 PPG at Arizona State)
0:54
Kentucky survives on winner with 0.5 seconds left
Otega Oweh wins it with 0.5 seconds left to help Kentucky avoid a heartbreaker against Oklahoma.
Previous ranking: 10
JT Toppin: Outside of Cooper Flagg and then Walter Clayton Jr. in the NCAA tournament, there wasn’t a player performing better late last season than Toppin. He was named the Big 12 Player of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, including double-doubles in all four NCAA tournament games, and stat lines such as 41 points and 15 rebounds, 32 and 12, 30 and 14.
Projected starting lineup
Christian Anderson (10.6 PPG)
Donovan Atwell (13.3 PPG at UNC Greensboro)
LeJuan Watts (13.7 PPG at Washington State)
JT Toppin (18.2 PPG)
Luke Bamgboye (3.8 PPG at VCU)
Historic night from JT Toppin, who poured in 41 points and added 15 rebounds
🔥 A season-high by any Big 12 player
🔥 Most by a Red Raider since Mike Singletary in 2009 pic.twitter.com/Rqm6slunjO— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) February 13, 2025
Previous ranking: 11
Darius Acuff: If Arkansas is going to be ranked in the top-10 nationally this season, it might be because Acuff is the most productive freshman in the SEC. He’ll have the ball immediately, and he plays an attacking brand that should set the tone for a Razorbacks team looking for more consistency.
Projected starting lineup
Darius Acuff (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
D.J. Wagner (11.2 PPG)
Karter Knox (8.3 PPG)
Trevon Brazile (6.8 PPG)
Malique Ewin (14.2 PPG at Florida State)
Previous ranking: 12
Cameron Boozer: He does nothing but win awards and lift trophies; should we really expect that to change in college? Boozer is one of the most decorated high school players in the modern era, and consistently among the most productive players in the 2025 recruiting class. He’s relentless on the glass at both ends of the floor and can score either in the post or facing the basket — or grabbing a rebound and leading the break.
Projected starting lineup
Caleb Foster (5.1 PPG)
Isaiah Evans (6.8 PPG)
Nikolas Khamenia (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Cameron Boozer (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba II (3.9 PPG)
0:38
Duke commit Cameron Boozer and BYU commit A.J. Dybantsa trade buckets in the second quarter.
Duke commit Cameron Boozer and BYU commit A.J. Dybantsa trade buckets in the second quarter.
Previous ranking: 13
Tommy Lloyd: There’s a world in which three returning starters from a 4-seed combined with two top-12 recruits form one of the best teams in the country, especially when you throw in Motiejus Krivas and incoming freshman Dwayne Aristode as legitimate depth. If all the players can fit and everyone stays healthy, we’re likely underrating the Wildcats. And that would get Lloyd into the Coach of the Year discussions.
Projected starting lineup
Jaden Bradley (12.1 PPG)
Brayden Burries (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Anthony Dell’Orso (7.2 PPG)
Koa Peat (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
Tobe Awaka (8.0 PPG)
Previous ranking: 14
Tahaad Pettiford: He started only one game, but few players in the country last season were more electric than Pettiford. The left-handed freshman was at his best in big games: 23 points vs. Creighton, 21 vs. Kentucky, 20 vs. Michigan, 24 vs. Georgia, 18 vs. Purdue, 20 vs. Duke, 21 vs. Houston. With five starters gone from a Final Four team, Pettiford will be the guy for Bruce Pearl.
Projected starting lineup
Tahaad Pettiford (11.7 PPG)
Kevin Overton (7.8 PPG at Texas Tech)
Elyjah Freeman (19.3 PPG at D-II Lincoln Memorial)
Keyshawn Hall (18.8 PPG at UCF)
KeShawn Murphy (11.7 PPG at Mississippi State)
Previous ranking: 15
Donovan Dent: UCLA entered the offseason knowing it needed to upgrade its perimeter playmaking, and it landed an elite point guard in Dent. He averaged 20.4 points at New Mexico last season, earning Mountain West Player of the Year honors. His usage rate might drop with the Bruins because he’s surrounded by more talent, but he’ll remain among the best point guards in America.
Projected starting lineup
Donovan Dent (20.4 PPG at New Mexico)
Skyy Clark (8.5 PPG)
Eric Dailey (11.4 PPG)
Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 PPG)
Xavier Booker (4.7 PPG at Michigan State)
Previous ranking: 16
Brad Underwood: This Illinois lineup could take some time to figure out, but it’s also as offensively skilled a group as any other in the Big Ten — in a system that has produced back-to-back top-15 offenses. Can Underwood get this new roster dialed in defensively, as well? That will be the difference between whether the Illini are pushing toward the top of the league or making a first-weekend exit.
Projected starting lineup
Mihailo Petrovic (14.3 PPG for Mega Superbet)
Kylan Boswell (12.3 PPG)
Andrej Stojakovic (17.9 PPG at California)
Zvonimir Ivisic (8.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Tomislav Ivisic (13.0 PPG)
Previous ranking: 17
Labaron Philon: A shocking decision from Philon to withdraw from the NBA draft just before the deadline gave Alabama renewed optimism for the upcoming season. Philon had his moments last season when he looked like one of the best freshmen in the country, including recording 21 points against Kentucky in the SEC tournament and 16 points and nine assists against Illinois earlier in November. Without Mark Sears, Philon will carry a bigger offensive load — and should push for all-league honors.
Projected starting lineup
Labaron Philon (10.6 PPG)
Aden Holloway (11.4 PPG)
Jalil Bethea (7.1 PPG at Miami)
Taylor Bol Bowen (8.0 PPG at Florida State)
Aiden Sherrell (3.4 PPG)
Previous ranking: 18
Tamin Lipsey: A mainstay on the Big 12’s All-Defensive team the past two seasons, Lipsey was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2023-24. His usage rate dropped significantly last season, but with Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones both gone, Lipsey might be forced to shoulder more responsibility this campaign. His two-way ability — in T.J. Otzelberger’s system — lends to an all-conference (or better) season.
Projected starting lineup
Tamin Lipsey (10.6 PPG)
Nate Heise (5.1 PPG)
Milan Momcilovic (11.5 PPG)
Joshua Jefferson (13.0 PPG)
Blake Buchanan (5.7 PPG at Virginia)
Previous ranking: 19
Graham Ike: One of the most dominant big men in the country for four years, Ike had his best statistical season at Wyoming in 2021-22. He has averaged 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in two seasons at Gonzaga, and should be on track to win his first conference Player of the Year award this season. He will have to adjust to playing without assist king Ryan Nembhard at point guard, though.
Projected starting lineup
Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG at Colgate in 2023-24)
Adam Miller (9.8 PPG at Arizona State)
Tyon Grant-Foster (14.8 PPG at Grand Canyon)
Braden Huff (11.0 PPG)
Graham Ike (17.3 PPG)
Previous ranking: 20
John Blackwell: Wisconsin played much faster and more efficiently offensively last season. Assuming that carries over, Blackwell should take a step forward in his production. He was excellent as a second option to John Tonje a season ago, but Tonje is now gone, taking his 20 points per game with him. Blackwell finished 2024-25 on a tear, scoring at least 18 points in four of his final five games of the season.
Projected starting lineup
Nick Boyd (13.4 PPG at San Diego State)
Andrew Rohde (9.3 PPG at Virginia)
John Blackwell (15.8 PPG)
Austin Rapp (13.8 PPG at Portland)
Nolan Winter (9.4 PPG)
Previous ranking: 21
Darryn Peterson: Expect Peterson to challenge A.J. Dybantsa to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft — and also push for All-America honors and potentially Big 12 Player of the Year (although JT Toppin and Dybantsa could have the edge in the latter due to projected team success). Peterson is an elite offensive player, as a scorer at all three levels and a playmaker. Bill Self will need him to do it all offensively, but Peterson is good enough to handle it.
Projected starting lineup
Darryn Peterson (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Melvin Council Jr. (14.6 PPG at St. Bonaventure)
Jayden Dawson (13.9 PPG at Loyola Chicago)
Tre White (10.5 PPG at Illinois)
Flory Bidunga (5.9 PPG)
0:59
Will Wade: NC State will get ‘best version of me’
Will Wade makes his introductory speech as NC State’s new basketball coach and says he’ll turn the Wolfpack into a consistent winner.
Previous ranking: 22
Jackson McAndrew: This is another case in which there might be easier awards or honors picks (Owen Freeman, Josh Dix, among others). But buying stock in a breakout player is just more fun at this point in the offseason. McAndrew has an intriguing profile: 6-10, shot 35.4% from 3, took 195 3s and just 48 2s last season. He reached double figures in five of his final seven games as a freshman, and if he can take a step forward, he’ll be a problem in the Big East.
Projected starting lineup
Blake Harper (19.5 PPG at Howard)
Josh Dix (14.4 PPG at Iowa)
Jackson McAndrew (7.8 PPG)
Jasen Green (4.9 PPG)
Owen Freeman (16.7 PPG at Iowa)
Previous ranking: 23
Nate Ament: Much like the impact newcomer debate we had two months ago, we’re going with Ament over his teammate, Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie, due to the freshman’s sky-high potential — and not wanting to miss the boat if it all comes together for Ament this season. He’s a projected top-five NBA draft pick and could be the favorite for at least SEC Freshman of the Year.
Projected starting lineup
Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.7 PPG at Maryland)
Amaree Abram (12.3 PPG at Louisiana Tech)
Nate Ament (No. 4 in ESPN 100)
Jaylen Carey (8.0 PPG at Vanderbilt)
Felix Okpara (7.1 PPG)
Previous ranking: 24
Will Wade: Darrion Williams would have been the player honors pick, but if the Wolfpack go from a 12-win season to a Top 25 campaign, as we’re predicting, Wade will be a strong Coach of the Year candidate. He did a tremendous job rebuilding the roster via the transfer portal and also signing a pair of ESPN 100 recruits, and he has shown at previous stops that he’s not the type to take a year before turning around a program.
Projected starting lineup
Tre Holloman (9.1 PPG at Michigan State)
Terrance Arceneaux (6.5 PPG at Houston)
Quadir Copeland (9.2 PPG at McNeese)
Darrion Williams (15.1 PPG at Texas Tech)
Ven-Allen Lubin (8.7 PPG at North Carolina)
Previous ranking: 25 Caleb Wilson: There are plenty of questions surrounding Carolina, entering a make-or-break season for coach Hubert Davis. But Wilson being one of the best freshmen in the country and among the most productive players in the ACC would take some of the pressure off the blue-blood program. Davis will give Wilson, a two-way player with tremendous open-court ability, every chance to produce. Side note: We also love Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar as a breakout candidate. Projected starting lineup Kyan Evans (10.6 PPG at Colorado State) San Diego State Aztecs
Seth Trimble (11.6 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (14.9 PPG for SC Derby)
Caleb Wilson (No. 5 in ESPN 100)
Henri Veesaar (9.4 PPG at Arizona)
Next in line
Ohio State Buckeyes
Texas Longhorns
Oregon Ducks
Michigan State Spartans
Every Friday I will pick the best or most exciting upcoming games that are not to be missed in the world of football. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other or other interesting tactical battles, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
This week, we take you to Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Scotland and the U.S. across men’s and women’s football, with a final, a top-of-the-table clash, a derby and more!
– Lindop: A week to save his job? Is Liverpool boss Slot under pressure?
– Dawson: Man United must improve if they want Champions League place
– Karlsen: One thing to know about the 42 confirmed 2026 World Cup teams
French Première Ligue, Matchday 9
Kick off: Friday, 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT
These two clubs have one of the biggest rivalries in France, and for the Paris Saint-Germain men’s team this is the biggest domestic game of the season. For the women, they are not there yet due to Marseille still being in a development phase, but the game will still be huge.
PSG are in transition under manager Paulo Cesar and have moved away from big signings to focus on youth development and their academy, building around experienced captain, left back/midfielder Sakina Karchaoui. They have struggled massively in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with four defeats from four games, but have won their last five league matches and are only three points behind leaders OL Lyonnes, who inflicted their only loss of the domestic season so far — 6-1 back in September.
For Marseille, this is probably the biggest game so far in the history of their women’s team. They were in the French second division last season and are trying to grow, guided by manager, and France legend, Corinne Diacre. They are currently ninth in the table, four points above the relegation zone, and have just one win in their last four matches, but the emotion and scale of the occasion could bring out the best in them. Of course, they will rely on their best player and top goal scorer Mathilde Bourdieu (four goals in eight games so far) to write a new great chapter in the history books. But it’s unlikely they will win.
Prediction: Marseille 1-3 PSG. The Parisiens will be too strong, even in a hostile environment like Marseille. This game arrives a little too early for l’OM against a side who are in good form domestically.
Mourinho’s first Lisbon derby for 25 years
Benfica vs. Sporting CP
Liga Portugal, Matchday 13
Kick off: Friday, 3.15 p.m. ET / 8.15 p.m. GMT
It’s one of the biggest derbies in European football, and José Mourinho’s first Lisbon derby since he returned to Benfica.
Mourinho loves to have bragging rights in his city. But both teams are behind his former side FC Porto in the table — Sporting are three points adrift; Benfica, six — which means neither can afford to lose on Friday as Porto will likely beat lowly Vitoria de Guimaraes at home.
This will also be an encounter between two top strikers: Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, who has 10 goals and three assists in 12 league games so far, and Sporting’s Luis Suárez (not that one) who has nine goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the battle in midfield between Benfica’s Richard Ríos (who is back from suspension for this derby) and Sporting captain Kasper Hjulmand will be fascinating given their differing styles of play.
The game will also be a great tactical encounter between two different managers. Mourinho is a legend, full of experience and mind games; Rui Borges is only 44 years old (18 years younger than Mourinho), but has shown some good qualities since he took over in December 2024.
Prediction: Benfica 2-2 Sporting CP. This will be fun! Both teams [yes, even a Mourinho team] will attack and score. Sporting have energy to burn, but Benfica have the home advantage.
Spanish LaLiga, Matchday 15
Kick off: Saturday, 12.30 p.m. ET / 5.30 p.m. GMT
Stream LIVE on ESPN+ (U.S.)
Four days after facing Atlético Madrid in a huge game, there is another potential tricky one for Barcelona away against Real Betis on Saturday. The LaLiga champions go into it one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table after they beat Diego Simeone’s Atlético side 3-1 in midweek, a result that has given them tons of confidence.
Despite losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League last week, Barcelona’s league form has been great and they’ve managed five wins in a row since their 2-1 Clasico loss to Madrid at the Bernabéu. Raphinha and Pedri are both back from injury and will bring more magic to support star winger Lamine Yamal who looks pain free and is playing well.
There are some big worries defensively, with Hansi Flick’s high line, and they might struggle against such a fluid Betis attack, but their attack is so flamboyant that they will fancy themselves to outscore the opposition.
What a game this is for Betis though. Manager Manuel Pellegrini and his players are having a great season. They are fifth in the table; Manchester United loanee Antony, whose form was one of the best stories of last season, is even better than he was then; Cucho Hernández has had a big impact since arriving in the summer; and things will get even better once midfielder Isco is back from injury soon.
Betis, who won the derby over Sevilla 2-0 last weekend, have drawn too many games this season (six, as many as their wins, with two defeats), which explains why they are 13 points behind Barcelona (with a game in hand). But this will count for nothing on Saturday.
Prediction: Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona. Betis have the pace and talent up front to cause the leaders all sorts of problems and it should be very exciting. Can defender Valentín Gómez cope with Yamal though?
0:47
Lionel Messi reacts to praise from a young Pep Guardiola
Lionel Messi watches an old video of a young Pep Guardiola praising his ability for the first time.
MLS Cup
Kick off: Saturday 2.30 p.m. ET / 7.30 p.m. GMT
You might not remember much from the 2014 World Cup final, depending on your age. But Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller faced each other for Argentina and Germany over a decade ago in Brazil, as Müller came out on top. The MLS Cup final is obviously not the World Cup final, but it is the first time the two legends of the game will compete directly again for another trophy. And it should be a great final, full of goals.
Miami has the home advantage of sorts, as the final will be played at the Chase Stadium, and is of course led by the unstoppable Messi. MLS is definitely too easy for him, even at 38, and the side has been on fire in the playoffs with four huge wins: 3-1 and 4-0 vs. Nashville; 4-0 vs. Cincinnati away; 5-1 vs. NYCFC!
Vancouver qualified on penalties against LAFC in the Conference final after an absolute crazy game, and 36-year-old Müller has been amazing since he arrived at the club, with eight goals and three assists in 10 starts in just 868 minutes played! Vancouver finished second in the West behind San Diego and fifth in the Supporters Shield, just two points behind Miami in third. However, Vancouver has beaten Miami twice already this season — including in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and a 3-1 win at Chase Stadium.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3-2 Vancouver. Messi will add another trophy to his long list as his Inter Miami side is flying right now. Watch out for in-form winger Tadeo Allende, as the Vancouver defense won’t be able to stop him.
Celtic out to break Hearts
Celtic vs. Hearts
Scottish Premiership, Matchday 15
Kick off: Sunday, 10 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. GMT
Let’s be honest: after years of domination from Celtic and Rangers, none of us saw this coming in the Scottish Premiership. After 15 league games, Hearts are top of the table in Scotland, just ahead of second-placed Celtic on goal difference. Nine points clear of the chasing pack, these two have been the best teams in the league by far — something we expect from Celtic, but clearly not from the Edinburgh side, who finished seventh last season before topping their relegation group in postseason.
It’s all credit to Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who has done an amazing job after arriving mid-season last year, and Portuguese summer signing Cláudio Braga has been incredible (six goals and one assist already). But their form has been patchy in recent weeks as they have had two draws from their last three games.
Meanwhile, Celtic went on a great run under interim boss Martin O’Neill and now Wilfried Nancy has taken over permanently they will be keen to keep up the momentum. It is a big job for the former Columbus Crew head coach, who found so much success in Major League Soccer and won an MLS Cup in 2023 and Leagues Cup in 2024, but he has all the tools to succeed. His intense and vertical brand of football should excite the Celtic fans.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Hearts. Hearts have been a great story so far, but think Nancy will have an immediate impact and, after this win, Celtic will take the momentum into the rest of their season.
Napoli’s chance to hurt Juve
Napoli vs. Juventus
Serie A, Matchday 14
Kick off: Sunday, 2.45 p.m. ET / 7.45 p.m. GMT
It’s all about the managers. Antonio Conte lifted three Scudetti with Juve (2012, 2013, 2014) and now manages Napoli, where he won the title last season. Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti made the Napoli champions of Italy again in 2022-23 (some 33 years after Diego Maradona had guided them to their previous title on the pitch), and is now in charge of Juve. How times have changed for both.
It’s also the second huge Serie A game in a row for Napoli after their 1-0 win at Roma last weekend; a game in which they showed their solidity defensively and where Conte showed again what a great tactician he can be. Not only did he match Roma’s system and man-to-man marking, but playing star midfielder Scott McTominay in a deeper role and Brazilian winger David Neres (who scored the winning goal) in an “inside No. 10” position had a huge impact on the outcome.
It will be a different kind of challenge on Sunday. Napoli are very much in the title race and are only behind leaders AC Milan on goal difference, but Juventus are seventh and five points behind their hosts. Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor five weeks ago and is slowly putting his stamp on the team, following a disappointing run of results under the former manager. His 3-4-2-1 formation is not surprising given its success when he was at Napoli and though playing defensive midfielder Teun Koopmeiners at center back is a bit more unusual, the Netherlands international has been great.
Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic, clearly the No. 1 choice at center forward, got injured last weekend and will miss three months of action. This means the club will have to rely even more on their Turkish prodigy Kenan Yildiz, still only 20, but already one of the best players in Italy.
Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Juventus. It could be close, but I think there will be a few goals. Napoli are still unbeaten in Serie A so far this season, and that won’t change on Sunday.
Olympiacos teenager Christos Mouzakitis has Real Madrid and Manchester United among his admirers, while Tottenham Hotspur could move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
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– Arsenal sign Quintero twins, 16, from Ecuador
TRENDING RUMORS
– Real Madrid could rival Manchester United to sign Olympiacos wonderkid Christos Mouzakitis, The Sun reports. The 18-year-old midfielder recently impressed in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid, leading Los Blancos manager Xavi Alonso to sing his praises after the game. As such, the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also tracking his development. The Greece international could be available for transfer at around €45 million as things stand, although that may increase by January.
– Tottenham Hotspur could launch a £40 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026, according to TEAMtalk. Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Netherlands center back and even considered formally bidding to sign him last summer, before turning their attention elsewhere. Van Hecke has continued to impress for Brighton this term, playing 14 times for the club in the Premier League to date, and with his current deal expiring in June 2027 a transfer next year remains a distinct possibility.
– Arsenal are keeping an eye on Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, according to Sky Sports News. The Spain U21 international is one of several talented youngsters being tracked by the Gunners, following a strong start to the LaLiga season. Primarily used as a central midfielder, Mendoza has played 10 times in the league this term, scoring once.
– Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has opened the door to a potential departure from Crystal Palace in January amid continued interest from Manchester United, says TEAMtalk. Mateta is reported to have communicated his desire to test himself at a higher level, prompting his team to explore possible options this winter. The France international has been in good form for Palace this season, scoring seven Premier League goals already, and bids in excess of £40 million could be enough to prize him away from Selhurst Park.
– AC Milan have agreed a deal to sign 20-year-old full back Juan Arizala from Deportivo Independiente Medellin, Fabrizio Romano has revealed. A €3 million fee, plus a future transfer clause, are reported to be part of the deal after the youngster turned down proposals from England and Belgium. Arizala has been capped 22 times by Colombia U20s, making his debut for the side at the beginning of 2025, and was part of the side that finished third at the U20 World Cup.
EXPERT TAKE
1:45
Has Bruno Fernandes been forced to play deeper by new signings?
The ESPN FC team discuss whether they think Bruno Fernandes should be playing higher up for Manchester United, and if new signings have caused him to drop back.
OTHER RUMORS
– The Saudi Pro League is ready to fund a huge bid to sign Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah if he is open to leaving. (Telegraph)
– Brighton & Hove Albion are monitoring Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogarde, as they target a long-term replacement for Carlos Baleba (Telegraph)
– A host of European clubs are tracking West Ham United teenage sensation Emeka Adiele. The 18-year-old left back is entering the final six months of his contract. (Football Insider)
– Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Under-17 World Cup star Mohamed Zongo from Burkina Faso side Tenakourou Academy. (Daily Mail)
– Santos are pushing to try and extend the contract of Neymar, as it expires at the end of the year. (Nicolo Schira)
– Newcastle United are ready to trigger Palmeiras midfielder Allan Elias‘ €100 million release clause. (Ekrem Konur)
– Chivas are finalizing a deal to sign Brian Gutiérrez from the Chicago Fire, in a deal worth a reported €5 million. (Tom Bogert)
– Nantes have entered the race to sign Deiver Machado from Lens, with talks having progressed over a January move in the last few hours. (Rudy Galetti)
England were dismissed for 334 in their first innings of the day-night second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane on Friday, with Joe Root remaining unbeaten on 138.
The visitors resumed day two on 325-9, with Root guiding England from a precarious 5-2 early on.
This marked his first century on Australian soil and 40th overall in Test cricket.
Root and Jofra Archer added nine more runs for the final wicket before Archer fell for a career-best 38, caught brilliantly by Marnus Labuschagne off Brendan Doggett.
Their 70-run 10th-wicket partnership set a new record for England at the Gabba.
Earlier, opener Zak Crawley scored 76 and Harry Brook added 31 to England’s total.
For Australia, veteran Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler, taking 6-75, and in the process, surpassed Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history.
Australia won the first Test in Perth by eight wickets inside two days.
Elon Musk’s X fined €120m over ‘deceptive’ blue ticks
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