Five Teams That Could Challenge Los Angeles Dodgers This Year | Deadspin.com

Five Teams That Could Challenge Los Angeles Dodgers This Year | Deadspin.com

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Feb 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The rich got even richer this past offseason when the Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered both their starting lineup and their bullpen in moves that caused many of the sport’s aficionados to cry foul.

After a World Series title in each of the last two seasons, the Dodgers appear to be even bigger championship favorites this season with the additions of right fielder Kyle Tucker and right-handed closer Edwin Diaz.

The prohibitive favorite tag suggests that nobody can touch the Dodgers’ combination of unlimited financial resources and immense roster talent. And yet the past two seasons show that the gap might not be as wide as it appears.

In 2024, the Dodgers barely got past the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, needing to win the last two games of the five-game matchup just to advance. The Dodgers then rolled past the New York Mets and had their way with the New York Yankees in the World Series.

In 2025, the Dodgers did not have MLB’s best record in the regular season. That belonged to the Milwaukee Brewers at 97-65, who were operating with a payroll more than $200 million less than the $321 million the Dodgers were spending. The Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays and Yankees also finished with better regular-season records last year.

The Phillies were on the cusp of forcing a deciding game in the division series, which would have been at home, before a befuddling fielding miscue cost them in Game 4. In the World Series, the Blue Jays outplayed the Dodgers in plenty of areas, only to fall in Game 7 when L.A. stuck out its nose at the wire to win it.

Is there a team that can put a similar scare into the Dodgers in 2026? There are 29 options for knocking the king from its throne.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

After almost doing what was believed to be the unthinkable last postseason, the Blue Jays are poised as the team that appears to be the most capable of delivering a change at the top of the MLB hierarchy. 

Vladimir Gurrero Jr. had the Dodgers’ full attention last fall and Ernie Clement’s profile in Los Angeles was raised exponentially after he put a scare into all of Los Angeles. If Addison Barger’s bat continues to emerge and the pitching staff can thrive once Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios return from injuries, Toronto could be poised for another deep October run.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Sep 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn ImagesSep 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

There are no significant departures from a team that was tied with the Blue Jays for best regular-season record in the American League at 94-68. Cody Bellinger is back in the fold and Aaron Judge continues to lead the way with an AVERAGE of 52.5 home runs over the past four seasons. 

Will Giancarlo Stanton, Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon make significant contributions? Jasson Dominguez is poised to be a difference maker. Max Fried will try to hold things together at the top of the rotation while waiting for Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Carlos Rodon (elbow) to return at some point in the first half.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

While the Blue Jays or Yankees can only deliver a knockout blow to the Dodgers in the World Series, the Phillies can take care of business much earlier if they can find their late-season form from a season ago. Sure Philadelphia fell 3-1 to the Dodgers in the NL Division Series, but the matchup was closer than it now appears. 

The Dodgers clinched the series in the 11th inning of Game 4 but only because of a mental blunder on defense by pitcher Orion Kirkering. The Phillies were that close to heading back home for a deciding Game 5 with a full head of steam. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber form a formidable offense.

NEW YORK METS

Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesFeb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

There were big changes in Queens this offseason as Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr. and Marcus Semien all were significant roster additions with departures of the likes of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte. 

The painful departure was Diaz to the Dodgers. Can Brett Baty and/or Mark Vientos deliver the kind of production that has been expected? Like the Dodgers, the Mets have a free-spender in owner Steve Cohen, who is going to figure it out eventually, just as long as his big-spending ways year after year do not make him queasy. The Mets took two games off the Dodgers in the 2024 NLCS but flopped at 83-79 last season.

SEATTLE MARINERS

Unable to advance to the World Series at any point in their history, the Mariners were at the door of the Fall Classic when they lost to the Blue Jays in Game 7 of last year’s ALCS. Cal Raleigh, with his 60-homer season, has supplanted Julio Rodriguez as the team’s offense anchor. 

Perhaps that relief alone will help Rodriguez to get off to an elusive fast start. Josh Naylor is back at first base and Brendan Donovan has arrived to put a charge into the top of the order. Seattle was supposed to have an all-pitch, sporadic-hit personality last season only to have Raleigh flip the script with the most home runs ever from a catcher and a switch hitter. If the Seattle pitchers have their way this season, perhaps baseball will be spending the fall in the Pacific Northwest.

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Deadspin | Reports: Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. agrees to 3-year, 0M deal Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a three-year, 0 million contract extension to make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, multiple media outlets reported on Friday. The deal reportedly includes 4 million in guaranteed money and has a no-trade clause for Anderson, who already was under contract with the Texans through 2027 after the club picked up his fifth-year option. Anderson’s new deal surpasses the previous record extension of fellow edge rusher Micah Parsons, who signed with the Packers after Green Bay acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys in August. Parsons signed a four-year, 8 million extension that included 6 million in total guarantees. Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reports #Texans #Anderson #agrees #3year #150M #dealJan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a three-year, $150 million contract extension to make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

The deal reportedly includes $134 million in guaranteed money and has a no-trade clause for Anderson, who already was under contract with the Texans through 2027 after the club picked up his fifth-year option.


Anderson’s new deal surpasses the previous record extension of fellow edge rusher Micah Parsons, who signed with the Packers after Green Bay acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys in August. Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million extension that included $136 million in total guarantees.

Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.

Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reports #Texans #Anderson #agrees #3year #150M #deal">Deadspin | Reports: Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. agrees to 3-year, 0M deal Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a three-year, 0 million contract extension to make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, multiple media outlets reported on Friday. The deal reportedly includes 4 million in guaranteed money and has a no-trade clause for Anderson, who already was under contract with the Texans through 2027 after the club picked up his fifth-year option. Anderson’s new deal surpasses the previous record extension of fellow edge rusher Micah Parsons, who signed with the Packers after Green Bay acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys in August. Parsons signed a four-year, 8 million extension that included 6 million in total guarantees. Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reports #Texans #Anderson #agrees #3year #150M #deal

The Illinois Fighting Illini reached the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Illinois ended up losing a tight game to the UConn Huskies before Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.

Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.

Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.

Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.

This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.

Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27

I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.

Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.

Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.

Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.

Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.

Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone.

#Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players">Illinois looks like No. 1 in men’s college basketball preseason rankings after retaining top players The Illinois Fighting Illini reached the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Illinois ended up losing a tight game to the UConn Huskies before Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone. #Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players

Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.

Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.

Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.

Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.

This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.

Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27

I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.

Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.

Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.

Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.

Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.

Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone.

#Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players">Illinois looks like No. 1 in men’s college basketball preseason rankings after retaining top players

The Illinois Fighting Illini reached the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Illinois ended up losing a tight game to the UConn Huskies before Michigan cut down the nets in the national championship game. Most programs as successful as Illinois was this past season are scrambling right now to replace the loss of key players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. The Illini are the exception, and it’s setting them up for another big year next season.

Andrej Stojakovic announced he was returning to Illinois for his senior season on Friday afternoon. Stojakovic’s announcement follows commitments to return earlier this week from teammates David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis. The Illini will lose Keaton Wagler to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top-7 pick, but they’re bringing back almost everyone else.

Wagler is a significant loss, but Illinois found what feels like a perfect replacement for him in Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. Like Wagler, Vaaks is a tall (6’7), skinny guard who is at his best shooting threes off the dribble. Vaaks made 35 percent of his threes on 91-of-260 shooting from behind the arc last year as a freshman. More than 35 percent of those shots were unassisted.

Illinois found a winning formula this past season by launching threes at will and hitting the offensive glass hard. The Illini took 49.7 percent of their field goal attempts from three-point range, which ranked No. 15 in DI. They grabbed 39.2 percent of their misses, which ranked No. 3 overall in offensive rebound rate. The offense ended the year at No. 2 in efficiency by scoring an incredible 131.2 points per 100 possessions.

This type of roster retention for an elite team is incredibly rare in the transfer portal era. Last year’s average was 31 percent roster retention, according to Evan Miyakawa. The Illini are bringing back five players who played at least 42 percent of the available minutes last year. Most college teams need to build continuity early in the season. The Illini will already have it.

Illinois could be No. 1 team in college basketball’s preseason poll for 2026-27

I don’t see a team that deserves to be ranked ahead of Illinois right now for the 2026-27 season. I’ll predict the Illini will rank No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason poll when it’s released closer to the season.

Losing Wagler to the NBA and Kylan Boswell to graduation is a big deal, but it shouldn’t matter. Illinois is keeping its ridiculously talented front court in place that features two 7’1 guys who can shoot it and protect the rim in the Ivisic twins, plus a 6’9 brawler in Mirkovic who cleans the glass, stretches the floor, and can even run a little bit of offense with the ball in his hands. Davis is a veteran wing who hits 40 percent of his threes and doesn’t turn the ball over. Stojakovic is a deadly slasher and stout perimeter defender with a big body for a wing.

Add in Vaaks’ pull-up shooting and the addition of incoming freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo, and this Illinois team should be really, really good.

Vaaks will need to take a playmaking leap. Coleman is a four-star recruit with a skinny frame and shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood can develop him in a similar way to Wagler. Morillo is a 6’7 wing with a mean streak defensively who can also run some offense with the ball in his hands. The Illini are still in the mix for Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who we ranked as a top-5 portal player available, and if they get him that would be an embarrassment of riches.

Illinois will have competition for No. 1 in the polls. Florida is bringing back Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as two players who would have been drafted in June if they turned pro. UConn is also crushing the portal by landing Najai Hines and retaining guard Silas Demary. Michigan is expected to lose Aday Mara and Morez Johnson to the NBA, but if they somehow brought both back, the Wolverines would have to be No. 1 in the polls. Louisville deserves consideration after bringing in Flory Bidunga and two other stud transfers.

Most of the traditional powerhouses have work to do. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina have all had a quiet offseason. The balance of power might be shifting in men’s college basketball. At least going into next season, the Illini are as good as anyone.

#Illinois #mens #college #basketball #preseason #rankings #retaining #top #players

Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.

Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.

Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.

The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.

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Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.

The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.

The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.

ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.

Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive">IFL 2025-26: Chanmari thrashes Namdhari to keep top-six hopes alive Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of seasonChanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 drawThe side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive

Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.

The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.

The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.

ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.

Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive">IFL 2025-26: Chanmari thrashes Namdhari to keep top-six hopes alive

Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.

Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.

Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.

The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.

ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.

The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.

The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.

ALSO READ | Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.

Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive

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