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How Arch Manning’s decision impacts NFL Draft in 2026 and 2027

How Arch Manning’s decision impacts NFL Draft in 2026 and 2027

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Arch Manning is heading back to Texas.

The Longhorns are on their way to Florida later this month to take on Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, but ahead of that game the young quarterback confirmed that he would be heading back to college for at least another season. In a text message to Dave Wilson of ESPN, Cooper Manning stated that “Arch is playing football at Texas next year.”

Here’s an updated 2026 NFL mock draft without Manning. His decision impacts the outlook for QB-needy teams in 2026 and 2027.

What Manning’s decision means for the 2026 NFL Draft

What does Arch Manning’s decision to return to school mean for the 2026 NFL Draft?

It means options for teams that need a QB are dwindling.

Manning is the latest quarterback to take his name out of the running for next spring. Earlier this month, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers announced he was also returning to campus for next season, and now with Manning joining him, two quarterback who were at least in the first round discussion are now heading back to school.

The buzz around Manning heading into the season was quickly tamped down after the redshirt sophomore got off to a slow start. Not only did Texas lose their season-opening game against Ohio State, after beginning the year ranked No. 1 in the nation, but Manning struggled in both wins (see his uneven performance in a victory over UTEP) and losses (he threw two interceptions as Texas lost to a Florida team that was on the verge of firing their head coach).

However, over the second half of the season Manning started to shine. His performance against Vanderbilt, a three-touchdown affair that was at that point Texas’ best win of the season, certainly turned some heads. As did a win in the season finale against unbeaten Texas A&M. While the Longhorns missed out on a spot in the College Football Playoff, Manning’s stock began to rise anew. Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports, one of the best quarterback evaluators in the media space, declared in late November that if he were to enter the draft, Manning would be in line for the No. 1 pick.

Now he is heading back to campus.

Where does that leave the current 2026 quarterback class? Still with some questions to be answered. It is widely believed that Fernando Mendoza, fresh off winning both the Big Ten Championship Game and the Heisman Trophy, will declare for the draft, and he could be the first quarterback taken if he does declare.

But he has not confirmed his plans.

Oregon’s Dante Moore is considered another top prospect, but he has eligibility remaining and has also yet to state his intentions.

Even if Mendoza and Moore declare, look at the top of the current draft order. The New York Jets, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Cleveland Browns are just three of the teams currently inside the top-10 that could be in the quarterback game next spring. Beyond those three teams, the Arizona Cardinals face a decision regarding Kyler Murray, with the Cardinals currently sitting at No. 6. Perhaps the New Orleans Saints are content to roll ahead with Tyler Shough, but lurking at No. 10 are the Los Angeles Rams, who own the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick due to the James Pierce trade. Les Snead could be looking to add a quarterback of the future.

Feel free to check my math, but that is more than two teams.

There are, of course, other options. Ty Simpson played himself into the first-round discussion with a strong stretch of play in the middle of the year, but some subpar games as Alabama closed out their regular season have seen his stock fade a bit, and he could return to school. Drew Allar’s injury turned him from a potential Day 1 pick into a Day 2 or Day 3 option, and while Garrett Nussmeier began the year in the first-round mix, he also faded after he and LSU struggled this season.

The major point here? Manning’s decision to return to school turned what was looking like a thin QB class to begin with into an even thinner group.

Of course, some quarterbacks will rise during the pre-draft process, something that has become almost an annual tradition. I’m old enough to remember first-round buzz for both Nathan Peterman and Davis Webb during their respective Senior Bowl runs. But until the pre-draft swing begins, this is a class with more questions than answers.

And as pointed out above, there are several teams that will be asking those questions.

What Manning’s decision means for the 2027 NFL Draft

Let’s spin things forward a bit, and assume that following another year at Texas Manning declares for the 2027 NFL Draft.

What does that potentially mean for the 2027 NFL Draft?

It means that on paper, we have a pretty deep group.

With both Manning and Sellers returning to school, you have two quarterbacks who were at least in the first-round discussion for 2026 getting another year of growth in college.

But they would not be alone in that class.

That class could also feature Julian Sayin, who ended his first year as a starter at Ohio State as a Heisman finalist. It could also feature CJ Carr from Notre Dame, whose strong first season has him among potential Heisman contenders, as compiled by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. Also on that list? Fellow quarterbacks Gunner Stockton from Georgia, Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss (who is seeking another season of FBS eligibility from the NCAA), Marcel Reed at Texas A&M, Drew Mestemaker from North Texas (who could be on his way to Oklahoma State), Jayden Maiava (who could ultimately declare for this year’s draft), and Demond Williams Jr. from Washington.

Then there are other potential names lurking, such as Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, DJ Lagaway, and Dylan Raiola, all of whom have entered the transfer portal.

Finally, there are other quarterbacks being discussed for 2026 that have yet to announce a decision. What does the 2027 class look like if Simpson returns to school? Or even Moore?

So with Manning returning to school and potentially entering the draft for 2027, that QB group looks, right now, very deep. And it could get even deeper.

This is a world that Todd McShay discussed recently. Will teams go all in for the names in this year’s draft, or wait and kick the QB decision to the future, with the 2027 crop looking like a strong class:

But, there is a risk as McShay points out.

It brings us to the notion that development is not linear. While we might sit here in December of 2025 and think the 2027 quarterback class is loaded, things do change. While we can expect quarterbacks to develop over another season in college, that is not always what happens on the field. Again, heading into this year, the QB Class of 2026 looked deep. If you look back at our initial Top 32 from last spring, you’ll see quarterbacks such as Nussmeier, Allar, Cade Klubnik, and Sellers in that group.

The 2027 grass may look greener right now, but things change over the course of a year.

Manning’s decision means the 2027 quarterback class looks much more talented than the 2026 group.

But will teams be willing to play the waiting game?

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Deadspin | Pete Crow-Armstrong homers twice as Cubs outslug Orioles Jul 8, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) is congratulated by infielder Michael Busch (29) after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Pete Crow-Armstrong hit two of Chicago’s five home runs and the Cubs held on to beat the host Baltimore Orioles 9-7 on Wednesday night. Crow-Armstrong’s second long ball of the game and 21st of the season put the Cubs ahead for good, 4-3 in the fifth inning, before the teams combined for nine runs across the last three innings. Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back solo blasts in the fifth, then two batters later, Crow-Armstrong went deep. Crow-Armstrong earlier hit a solo shot in the third inning, and Seiya Suzuki added a three-run homer in the seventh. The Cubs, who will go for a sweep of the three-game series on Thursday, produced their offense with eight hits and four walks. They won for the eighth time in the past 10 games. Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs across the final three innings for the Orioles, and Pete Alonso and Coby Mayo also homered. Jackson Holliday rapped four of Baltimore’s 14 hits, but he never scored a run in what became the team’s third consecutive loss. Right-hander Colin Rea (7-5) won his second start in a row, allowing three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two. Jacob Webb was called upon to pitch the ninth, and the right-hander notched his fourth save by retiring the side in order. Baltimore right-hander Dean Kremer (1-2) gave up four runs on six hits in five innings in his second start after coming off the injury list. He fanned four and walked one. Following Crow-Armstrong’s third-inning home run, the Orioles built a 3-1 lead on Alonso’s two-run homer in the fourth. Chicago’s three-homer fifth inning was followed by a five-run seventh for a 9-3 advantage. O’Neill entered the game in the seventh as a pinch hitter and delivered his first homer of the game. The Orioles tacked on another run on Taylor Ward’s run-scoring single but stranded two runners on base while trailing 9-5. Mayo slugged a pinch-hit homer in the eighth before O’Neill made it back-to-back blasts for the Orioles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrong #homers #Cubs #outslug #OriolesJul 8, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) is congratulated by infielder Michael Busch (29) after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit two of Chicago’s five home runs and the Cubs held on to beat the host Baltimore Orioles 9-7 on Wednesday night.

Crow-Armstrong’s second long ball of the game and 21st of the season put the Cubs ahead for good, 4-3 in the fifth inning, before the teams combined for nine runs across the last three innings.

Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back solo blasts in the fifth, then two batters later, Crow-Armstrong went deep. Crow-Armstrong earlier hit a solo shot in the third inning, and Seiya Suzuki added a three-run homer in the seventh.

The Cubs, who will go for a sweep of the three-game series on Thursday, produced their offense with eight hits and four walks. They won for the eighth time in the past 10 games.

Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs across the final three innings for the Orioles, and Pete Alonso and Coby Mayo also homered. Jackson Holliday rapped four of Baltimore’s 14 hits, but he never scored a run in what became the team’s third consecutive loss.


Right-hander Colin Rea (7-5) won his second start in a row, allowing three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two. Jacob Webb was called upon to pitch the ninth, and the right-hander notched his fourth save by retiring the side in order.

Baltimore right-hander Dean Kremer (1-2) gave up four runs on six hits in five innings in his second start after coming off the injury list. He fanned four and walked one.

Following Crow-Armstrong’s third-inning home run, the Orioles built a 3-1 lead on Alonso’s two-run homer in the fourth.

Chicago’s three-homer fifth inning was followed by a five-run seventh for a 9-3 advantage.

O’Neill entered the game in the seventh as a pinch hitter and delivered his first homer of the game. The Orioles tacked on another run on Taylor Ward’s run-scoring single but stranded two runners on base while trailing 9-5.

Mayo slugged a pinch-hit homer in the eighth before O’Neill made it back-to-back blasts for the Orioles.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrong #homers #Cubs #outslug #Orioles">Deadspin | Pete Crow-Armstrong homers twice as Cubs outslug Orioles Jul 8, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) is congratulated by infielder Michael Busch (29) after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Pete Crow-Armstrong hit two of Chicago’s five home runs and the Cubs held on to beat the host Baltimore Orioles 9-7 on Wednesday night. Crow-Armstrong’s second long ball of the game and 21st of the season put the Cubs ahead for good, 4-3 in the fifth inning, before the teams combined for nine runs across the last three innings. Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back solo blasts in the fifth, then two batters later, Crow-Armstrong went deep. Crow-Armstrong earlier hit a solo shot in the third inning, and Seiya Suzuki added a three-run homer in the seventh. The Cubs, who will go for a sweep of the three-game series on Thursday, produced their offense with eight hits and four walks. They won for the eighth time in the past 10 games. Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs across the final three innings for the Orioles, and Pete Alonso and Coby Mayo also homered. Jackson Holliday rapped four of Baltimore’s 14 hits, but he never scored a run in what became the team’s third consecutive loss. Right-hander Colin Rea (7-5) won his second start in a row, allowing three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two. Jacob Webb was called upon to pitch the ninth, and the right-hander notched his fourth save by retiring the side in order. Baltimore right-hander Dean Kremer (1-2) gave up four runs on six hits in five innings in his second start after coming off the injury list. He fanned four and walked one. Following Crow-Armstrong’s third-inning home run, the Orioles built a 3-1 lead on Alonso’s two-run homer in the fourth. Chicago’s three-homer fifth inning was followed by a five-run seventh for a 9-3 advantage. O’Neill entered the game in the seventh as a pinch hitter and delivered his first homer of the game. The Orioles tacked on another run on Taylor Ward’s run-scoring single but stranded two runners on base while trailing 9-5. Mayo slugged a pinch-hit homer in the eighth before O’Neill made it back-to-back blasts for the Orioles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrong #homers #Cubs #outslug #Orioles

Coco Gauff is a tremendously accomplished young tennis professional. Having defeated Venus Williams when she was just 15 years old in 2019, she has gone on to win two grand slam championships in the subsequent years, and become the 10th-highest earning women’s player of all time. Now 22, she is currently ranked No. 7 in the world, having ranked as high as No. 2 before, with a 308-126 career record on the tour. Most people a decade older than her in the sport would kill for her resumé.

And yet, it always feels like Coco is still a good distance away from what everyone believes she can be. For all of the deep tournament runs she’s made, most of them have felt fraught—fans of Gauff are unaccustomed to dominant, clinical performances. What they’re used to are long sequences of small, escalating heart attacks. Coco does not impose herself in matches so much as let her opponents impose themselves; with her sport-leading defense—powered by speed, athleticism, an unfailing backhand, and mega-deep wells of willpower—she traps them into winding mirror funhouses of themselves. She is the ultimate backstop, fireproof and ever-moving.

It’s worked quite well, obviously, but at the same time, anyone can see that life could be easier for her on the court. If she fully weaponized her physicality, she could take more time away from opponents, and get the ball to more unhittable spots. There is a clear pathway for at least some of her many frantic three-setters to become calm, calculated two-set victories. Like so many players who have captured the tennis world’s imagination, she makes you wonder if that kind of winning will ever be in the cards for her, or if she requires cinematic drama to find her best self.

Coming into this year’s Wimbledon, Gauff hadn’t won a match on grass in two years. Since the tournament started, she’s won five, landing her in a semifinal this Thursday against Czech striker Karolina Muchova. Though—in classic Gauff form—four of those wins have gone the distance, she has gotten here by playing her most confident and assertive tennis ever. She’s displayed real signs of evolution and maturity in her game, potentially giving us a preview of the player she’ll become as her twenties stretch on into her thirties.

In wins against Belinda Bencic and her former doubles partner Jessica Pegula, No. 11 and No. 4 in the world respectively, Coco found a needed new ingredient to success. In the tight spot both players put her in, release was at the net. Gauff has always been good at punishing players who move up too eagerly. Dating all the way back to her scene-exploding win against Venus, she’s known how to lob the ball artfully over a bully. What she’s only starting to do, now, is become the bully herself. Up closer to the dividing line, her quick reflexes, touch, explosive jumping, and ability to back-pedal allow her to press advantages she has historically been content to milk over long rallies. As she realized this late in her match against Bencic, she pulled away; winning, ultimately, just minutes before the 11:00 P.M. London curfew took effect. She tapped her wrist when the match ended, smiling in reference to the timely conclusion.

Years from now, we might look back at the memeable moment as when Coco announced that it’s time for her to play more boldly. In her quarterfinal match against Pegula, the net play came sooner than it did against Bencic, and her serve—a source of great double-fault consternation just a year ago—was a consistent well of power and edge after some first-set nerves. She also took gambles, enough of which paid off, with slicing drop shots. It still required a long, grueling while to beat the always poised and clinical Pegula (who maintains a 5-4 upperhand in the head-to-head matchup), but we saw a fresh new vision of Coco along the way: that of women’s tennis’ best athlete maximizing her risk margins, and becoming more than just a winner. She’s beginning to look unbeatable.

Her next opponent is no joke. Muchova found the limits of Naomi Osaka’s inspiring comeback in her own quarterfinal match, and is ranked just one slot behind Gauff at No. 8 globally. Muchova is both powerful and versatile, and will seize on any lack of strategy or poise that Coco brings to the match. Gauff leads their lifetime matchup, 6-to-1, but they’ve never played each other on grass. While that’s a major variable, Gauff has thus far played the surface at a level that makes her capable of taking down both Muchova and the remaining field (though FanDuel has her as a slight underdog in the semifinal at +100). There’s no question that Coco, further into this tourney than she’s ever been, can grab her first Wimbledon title this weekend. Her biggest remaining battle in pursuit of that goal is with herself, and with the game that she’s still mastering. Time to see who wins.

#dangerous #version #Coco #Gauff #finally #arrived">The most dangerous version of Coco Gauff has finally arrived Coco Gauff is a tremendously accomplished young tennis professional. Having defeated Venus Williams when she was just 15 years old in 2019, she has gone on to win two grand slam championships in the subsequent years, and become the 10th-highest earning women’s player of all time. Now 22, she is currently ranked No. 7 in the world, having ranked as high as No. 2 before, with a 308-126 career record on the tour. Most people a decade older than her in the sport would kill for her resumé.And yet, it always feels like Coco is still a good distance away from what everyone believes she can be. For all of the deep tournament runs she’s made, most of them have felt fraught—fans of Gauff are unaccustomed to dominant, clinical performances. What they’re used to are long sequences of small, escalating heart attacks. Coco does not impose herself in matches so much as let her opponents impose themselves; with her sport-leading defense—powered by speed, athleticism, an unfailing backhand, and mega-deep wells of willpower—she traps them into winding mirror funhouses of themselves. She is the ultimate backstop, fireproof and ever-moving.It’s worked quite well, obviously, but at the same time, anyone can see that life could be easier for her on the court. If she fully weaponized her physicality, she could take more time away from opponents, and get the ball to more unhittable spots. There is a clear pathway for at least some of her many frantic three-setters to become calm, calculated two-set victories. Like so many players who have captured the tennis world’s imagination, she makes you wonder if that kind of winning will ever be in the cards for her, or if she requires cinematic drama to find her best self.Coming into this year’s Wimbledon, Gauff hadn’t won a match on grass in two years. Since the tournament started, she’s won five, landing her in a semifinal this Thursday against Czech striker Karolina Muchova. Though—in classic Gauff form—four of those wins have gone the distance, she has gotten here by playing her most confident and assertive tennis ever. She’s displayed real signs of evolution and maturity in her game, potentially giving us a preview of the player she’ll become as her twenties stretch on into her thirties.In wins against Belinda Bencic and her former doubles partner Jessica Pegula, No. 11 and No. 4 in the world respectively, Coco found a needed new ingredient to success. In the tight spot both players put her in, release was at the net. Gauff has always been good at punishing players who move up too eagerly. Dating all the way back to her scene-exploding win against Venus, she’s known how to lob the ball artfully over a bully. What she’s only starting to do, now, is become the bully herself. Up closer to the dividing line, her quick reflexes, touch, explosive jumping, and ability to back-pedal allow her to press advantages she has historically been content to milk over long rallies. As she realized this late in her match against Bencic, she pulled away; winning, ultimately, just minutes before the 11:00 P.M. London curfew took effect. She tapped her wrist when the match ended, smiling in reference to the timely conclusion.Years from now, we might look back at the memeable moment as when Coco announced that it’s time for her to play more boldly. In her quarterfinal match against Pegula, the net play came sooner than it did against Bencic, and her serve—a source of great double-fault consternation just a year ago—was a consistent well of power and edge after some first-set nerves. She also took gambles, enough of which paid off, with slicing drop shots. It still required a long, grueling while to beat the always poised and clinical Pegula (who maintains a 5-4 upperhand in the head-to-head matchup), but we saw a fresh new vision of Coco along the way: that of women’s tennis’ best athlete maximizing her risk margins, and becoming more than just a winner. She’s beginning to look unbeatable.Her next opponent is no joke. Muchova found the limits of Naomi Osaka’s inspiring comeback in her own quarterfinal match, and is ranked just one slot behind Gauff at No. 8 globally. Muchova is both powerful and versatile, and will seize on any lack of strategy or poise that Coco brings to the match. Gauff leads their lifetime matchup, 6-to-1, but they’ve never played each other on grass. While that’s a major variable, Gauff has thus far played the surface at a level that makes her capable of taking down both Muchova and the remaining field (though FanDuel has her as a slight underdog in the semifinal at +100). There’s no question that Coco, further into this tourney than she’s ever been, can grab her first Wimbledon title this weekend. Her biggest remaining battle in pursuit of that goal is with herself, and with the game that she’s still mastering. Time to see who wins. #dangerous #version #Coco #Gauff #finally #arrived

tapped her wrist when the match ended, smiling in reference to the timely conclusion.

Years from now, we might look back at the memeable moment as when Coco announced that it’s time for her to play more boldly. In her quarterfinal match against Pegula, the net play came sooner than it did against Bencic, and her serve—a source of great double-fault consternation just a year ago—was a consistent well of power and edge after some first-set nerves. She also took gambles, enough of which paid off, with slicing drop shots. It still required a long, grueling while to beat the always poised and clinical Pegula (who maintains a 5-4 upperhand in the head-to-head matchup), but we saw a fresh new vision of Coco along the way: that of women’s tennis’ best athlete maximizing her risk margins, and becoming more than just a winner. She’s beginning to look unbeatable.

Her next opponent is no joke. Muchova found the limits of Naomi Osaka’s inspiring comeback in her own quarterfinal match, and is ranked just one slot behind Gauff at No. 8 globally. Muchova is both powerful and versatile, and will seize on any lack of strategy or poise that Coco brings to the match. Gauff leads their lifetime matchup, 6-to-1, but they’ve never played each other on grass. While that’s a major variable, Gauff has thus far played the surface at a level that makes her capable of taking down both Muchova and the remaining field (though FanDuel has her as a slight underdog in the semifinal at +100). There’s no question that Coco, further into this tourney than she’s ever been, can grab her first Wimbledon title this weekend. Her biggest remaining battle in pursuit of that goal is with herself, and with the game that she’s still mastering. Time to see who wins.

#dangerous #version #Coco #Gauff #finally #arrived">The most dangerous version of Coco Gauff has finally arrived

Coco Gauff is a tremendously accomplished young tennis professional. Having defeated Venus Williams when she was just 15 years old in 2019, she has gone on to win two grand slam championships in the subsequent years, and become the 10th-highest earning women’s player of all time. Now 22, she is currently ranked No. 7 in the world, having ranked as high as No. 2 before, with a 308-126 career record on the tour. Most people a decade older than her in the sport would kill for her resumé.

And yet, it always feels like Coco is still a good distance away from what everyone believes she can be. For all of the deep tournament runs she’s made, most of them have felt fraught—fans of Gauff are unaccustomed to dominant, clinical performances. What they’re used to are long sequences of small, escalating heart attacks. Coco does not impose herself in matches so much as let her opponents impose themselves; with her sport-leading defense—powered by speed, athleticism, an unfailing backhand, and mega-deep wells of willpower—she traps them into winding mirror funhouses of themselves. She is the ultimate backstop, fireproof and ever-moving.

It’s worked quite well, obviously, but at the same time, anyone can see that life could be easier for her on the court. If she fully weaponized her physicality, she could take more time away from opponents, and get the ball to more unhittable spots. There is a clear pathway for at least some of her many frantic three-setters to become calm, calculated two-set victories. Like so many players who have captured the tennis world’s imagination, she makes you wonder if that kind of winning will ever be in the cards for her, or if she requires cinematic drama to find her best self.

Coming into this year’s Wimbledon, Gauff hadn’t won a match on grass in two years. Since the tournament started, she’s won five, landing her in a semifinal this Thursday against Czech striker Karolina Muchova. Though—in classic Gauff form—four of those wins have gone the distance, she has gotten here by playing her most confident and assertive tennis ever. She’s displayed real signs of evolution and maturity in her game, potentially giving us a preview of the player she’ll become as her twenties stretch on into her thirties.

In wins against Belinda Bencic and her former doubles partner Jessica Pegula, No. 11 and No. 4 in the world respectively, Coco found a needed new ingredient to success. In the tight spot both players put her in, release was at the net. Gauff has always been good at punishing players who move up too eagerly. Dating all the way back to her scene-exploding win against Venus, she’s known how to lob the ball artfully over a bully. What she’s only starting to do, now, is become the bully herself. Up closer to the dividing line, her quick reflexes, touch, explosive jumping, and ability to back-pedal allow her to press advantages she has historically been content to milk over long rallies. As she realized this late in her match against Bencic, she pulled away; winning, ultimately, just minutes before the 11:00 P.M. London curfew took effect. She tapped her wrist when the match ended, smiling in reference to the timely conclusion.

Years from now, we might look back at the memeable moment as when Coco announced that it’s time for her to play more boldly. In her quarterfinal match against Pegula, the net play came sooner than it did against Bencic, and her serve—a source of great double-fault consternation just a year ago—was a consistent well of power and edge after some first-set nerves. She also took gambles, enough of which paid off, with slicing drop shots. It still required a long, grueling while to beat the always poised and clinical Pegula (who maintains a 5-4 upperhand in the head-to-head matchup), but we saw a fresh new vision of Coco along the way: that of women’s tennis’ best athlete maximizing her risk margins, and becoming more than just a winner. She’s beginning to look unbeatable.

Her next opponent is no joke. Muchova found the limits of Naomi Osaka’s inspiring comeback in her own quarterfinal match, and is ranked just one slot behind Gauff at No. 8 globally. Muchova is both powerful and versatile, and will seize on any lack of strategy or poise that Coco brings to the match. Gauff leads their lifetime matchup, 6-to-1, but they’ve never played each other on grass. While that’s a major variable, Gauff has thus far played the surface at a level that makes her capable of taking down both Muchova and the remaining field (though FanDuel has her as a slight underdog in the semifinal at +100). There’s no question that Coco, further into this tourney than she’s ever been, can grab her first Wimbledon title this weekend. Her biggest remaining battle in pursuit of that goal is with herself, and with the game that she’s still mastering. Time to see who wins.

#dangerous #version #Coco #Gauff #finally #arrived

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his country can create a surprise at the World Cup and upset ​Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal after finally beginning to show some form.

“Everyone ‌on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have ​a strong squad with qualities that Spain will ⁠have to take into account,” he told reporters ahead of training on Wednesday.

“There are surprises in every tournament … the Champions League, the Europa League, ‌the World Cup.

“There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions ‌would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is ‌there,” ⁠he said after a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the ⁠United States in Seattle on Monday.

Belgium bumbled through the group phase, eventually topping the standings after beating New Zealand 5-1 in its last fixture after being held ​by Egypt and Iran.

The Red Devils then scraped by Senegal, coming back from two goals down with five minutes left to take the game to extra time and then win 3-2 with a last-gasp penalty.

ALSO READ | France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco

“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”

Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain">FIFA World Cup 2026: Courtois sees Belgium getting better and believes his side can beat Spain Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his country can create a surprise at the World Cup and upset ​Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal after finally beginning to show some form.“Everyone ‌on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have ​a strong squad with qualities that Spain will ⁠have to take into account,” he told reporters ahead of training on Wednesday.“There are surprises in every tournament … the Champions League, the Europa League, ‌the World Cup.“There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions ‌would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is ‌there,” ⁠he said after a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the ⁠United States in Seattle on Monday.Belgium bumbled through the group phase, eventually topping the standings after beating New Zealand 5-1 in its last fixture after being held ​by Egypt and Iran.The Red Devils then scraped by Senegal, coming back from two goals down with five minutes left to take the game to extra time and then win 3-2 with a last-gasp penalty.ALSO READ | France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.Published on Jul 09, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain

France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco

“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”

Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain">FIFA World Cup 2026: Courtois sees Belgium getting better and believes his side can beat Spain

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his country can create a surprise at the World Cup and upset ​Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal after finally beginning to show some form.

“Everyone ‌on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have ​a strong squad with qualities that Spain will ⁠have to take into account,” he told reporters ahead of training on Wednesday.

“There are surprises in every tournament … the Champions League, the Europa League, ‌the World Cup.

“There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions ‌would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is ‌there,” ⁠he said after a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the ⁠United States in Seattle on Monday.

Belgium bumbled through the group phase, eventually topping the standings after beating New Zealand 5-1 in its last fixture after being held ​by Egypt and Iran.

The Red Devils then scraped by Senegal, coming back from two goals down with five minutes left to take the game to extra time and then win 3-2 with a last-gasp penalty.

ALSO READ | France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco

“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”

Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain

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