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Thursday Night Football brings the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers together to kick off Week 8, and new users on Betr can get $200 in bonuses plus four Sweat-Free Picks with promo code FOXSPORTS. With both teams looking to bounce back from tough losses, there’s plenty to watch when the action gets underway.

Green Bay came up just short against Detroit, losing 20-17 despite Jordan Love throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers also missed two field goals, leaving points on the table in a tight divisional matchup. Carolina has even more ground to make up after a 43-13 loss to Tampa Bay, as Bryce Young threw two interceptions and lost a fumble while the Panthers struggled to contain the run.

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How to Watch Panthers vs. Packers

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

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After an offseason gunshot wound, questions swirled around whether Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy would see the field again this season. On Thursday afternoon, Hardy and the Tigers got their answer.

According to a report from ESPN, Hardy will make his season debut on Saturday for the Tigers against the Arkansas Razorbacks. While Hardy isn’t expected to start the game, he is still in line to handle a handful of carries.

Running back Jamal Roberts will keep his starting role while the Tigers gradually integrate Hardy back into the mix. Together, they give Missouri one of the most formidable backfields in college football.

After transferring from UL Monroe in 2024, Hardy made a seamless transition into the SEC. He quickly established himself as one of the premier running backs in college football and a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Last season, Hardy carried the ball 256 times for 1,649 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. He rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-27 win over Mississippi State.

It remains unclear whether Hardy will declare for the NFL Draft or return for another season, despite being projected as a top running back with a potential first-round grade. 

Following his recovery, returning to school for another year could offer him a full season to improve his draft stock. The good news is Hardy has plenty of time to make that decision, as he still has two years of eligibility remaining.

With his return to the field this weekend, all eyes will be on how long it takes Hardy to break off one of the signature long runs we’ve come to expect from him. Simply making it back onto the field this season is an incredible accomplishment for one of the sport’s premier running backs.

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Apparently, the old adage is true: deadlines do spur action. With only one round of games left before Tuesday’s trade deadline, NFL teams are already making moves, including three former All-Pros moving teams this week. 

The Colts traded away guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for a cache of draft picks. Not to be outdone by their conference rival, the Titans shipped off their best player, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, to Chicago for two first-round picks and a fourth. 

If no other deal is made before the deadline, this will already be considered one of the most active trade markets in recent memory. But there’s a lot more to come between now and Tuesday, Nov. 10, with several big names being thrown around as potential trade targets. And with this NFL season so wide open, plenty of contenders will want to add that missing piece before the stretch run.

With that in mind, here are five needle-moving trades I’d like to see before the deadline: 

The Player: Cincinnati should just look to Kansas City for an example of how a star running back can completely transform an offense. 

The Bengals have spent the past few years trying to build a more explosive running game to supplement the Joe Burrow-Ja’Marr Chase-Tee Higgins triumvirate. They poured resources into the offensive line and redesigned the scheme, but none of it has worked. Only three teams have produced fewer 10-plus-yard runs this season. 

Jonathan Taylor, playing in a bad Colts offense, has broken off 17 runs of 10 or more yards. Bengals running backs have combined for 12.

Jonathan Taylor enters Week 8 ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards despite playing for a Colts team that has struggled to move the ball this season. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Without a counterpunch, opponents can just hone in on the passing game with light boxes and two-deep coverages. Adding a piece like Taylor, who requires game-planning attention, would change the math and bring down Burrow’s degree of difficulty. 

If Cincinnati is committed to rebuilding a Gen Z version of the Peyton Manning Colts, they need someone to fill the Edgerrin James role. 

The Cost: The Bengals were awarded a compensatory third-round pick in 2027, which gives them extra firepower to make a deal. The Colts will likely want a first-rounder for a player like Taylor, but they’ve already shown that they’re willing to budge after trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner at a reduced cost. A pair of Day 2 picks should be enough. 

The Players: This is the most off-the-wall trade proposal of the bunch, but this swap makes a lot of sense on paper. 

Both the Chiefs and Jaguars are reportedly interested in adding a receiver at the deadline, and both want one who can help in the deep passing game. 

The Chiefs, who have spent the last few years chasing the ghost of Tyreek Hill by bringing in a bunch of undersized speedsters, could use a bigger receiver who can win 50/50 balls downfield. Thomas can do that in theory, but we haven’t really seen it in practice since his rookie season. 

The Jaguars, meanwhile, need more speed on the field. Parker Washington and Jakobi Myers give Trevor Lawrence two reliable possession options, but there’s nothing stopping defenses from sitting on their routes underneath – not with Thomas on the sidelines, at least. Adding the fastest player in recorded history (literally) should help with that, even if he’s more a decoy than a true threat.

Since gaining 1,282 yards in 17 games as a rookie, Brian Thomas Jr. has just 812 in 20 games since the start of last season. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Neither of these players, both of whom were first-round picks, has lived up to the pre-draft hype, but both have shown flashes. A change of scenery doesn’t always fix things, but a role change, which both players would get, often can. 

The Cost: Player-for-player swaps are rare, but they do happen. And one happened under very similar circumstances. 

In 2013, the Chiefs traded disappointing first-round receiver Jon Baldwin to the 49ers for their disappointing first-round receiver, A.J. Jenkins. Both players were taken in the same draft. 

The same would be true of a Thomas-Worthy trade if it happened, with both drafted in 2024. You may have to go back 13 years to find it, but such a deal has precedent.

The Player: The Cowboys are slowly plugging holes on their defense. They traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has helped shore up the secondary. DeMarvion Overshown’s return from injury last week boosted the linebacker group. Dallas has improved its pass defense over the past few weeks, but it still looks vulnerable against the run. 

Giving Christian Parker, the first-year defensive coordinator, a real nose tackle could fix the problem, and few are as good (or as tradeable) as Vita Vea. 

Parker has had to ask Kenny Clark and Otito Ogbonnia to cosplay as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense, and opponents have had no problem pushing them around. Clark, who’s logged the most snaps at nose tackle for Dallas this season, has been particularly bad when asked to line up over center. 

Vea is a natural in that role, and he’s one of the rare nose tackles who also provides some pass rush along with elite run defense.

Vita Vea could be the run-stopping force that is missing on the Cowboys defense. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Adding him would let Clark and Ogbonnia slide back to their natural positions as ends in a 3-4 front and provide much-needed depth on the defensive line.

The Cost: The Cowboys have been wheelers and dealers over the past few seasons, so they’re not flush with draft capital. Trading away a second-round pick would leave them with just one top-100 pick in the 2027 draft. 

But the NFC East is up for grabs this season, and the Cowboys offense is as good as it will ever be. Also, quarterback Dak Prescott is on the downside of his career at 33 years old, and wide receiver George Pickens is potentially headed to free agency after the season. 

Jerry Jones is desperate for a winner, and you know what they say about desperate times.

The player: At 5-1, the Bills are in a good spot ahead of the trade deadline, but something has to be done to address their defense, which ranks 31st in expected points added allowed. 

The pass defense could use the most work, and while the unit could use another cornerback, a player like Budda Baker would fill in more gaps. 

Baker can line up anywhere on the field. The Cardinals use him as a deep safety, they play him as a linebacker, and they love to send him on a blitz, either as a pass rusher or a gap-plugger in the run game. Buffalo can use more of the versatility in its zone-based scheme. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard played a similar do-it-all role under Rex Ryan with the Jets, so he can appreciate what a player like Baker brings to the table.

Budda Baker has been a mainstay in the Cardinals secondary, but he might be a better fit for a contender like the Bills this season. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Age is a concern. Baker is coming off a subpar 2025 season and hasn’t looked great in 2026 after turning 30 in January. The Bills won’t get the best version of the four-time All-Pro, but it’s better than what they currently have.

The Cost: Even a fourth-round pick might be too steep. Baker is on the wrong side of 30, his play has declined, and he doesn’t play a premium position. He may mean more to Arizona than most teams, given his history with the team and the leadership role he’s played. If the Cardinals demand more, the Bills can add a compensatory fourth-rounder as a sweetener. 

The Player: Josh Downs has already requested a trade out of Indianapolis, and we’re going to grant him one to Carolina. 

The Panthers need more pass protection, but a receiver like Downs, who can get open quickly, can help a quarterback just as much. And Downs can be more than a pressure release valve for Bryce Young. He’s a twitchy route runner and an explosive athlete who, despite his smaller frame, can be difficult to press. That would give Carolina another answer to beat man coverage. 

As things stand, throwing a deep ball to Tetiroroa McMillan or Jalen Coker is really the only option. Downs has already racked up 147 yards against man this season, trailing only six receivers, per Next Gen Stats. He’d fill some voids in this offense, which ranks 12 in expected points added. 

Adding a talent like Downs could propel this Panthers’ offense into the top 10 and make the team favorites in the NFC South.

The Cost: Downs’ production hasn’t matched his talent over the first four years of his career, which will drive down the asking price. A late Day 2/early Day 3 pick should be enough to make the deal. The Panthers own Minnesota’s 2027 fourth-rounder and could package it with their own to close the deal.

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Grades for all the top NFL deals.

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The college basketball coaching carousel was active this offseason.

Will Wade is back at LSU. Michael Malone is bringing NBA championship pedigree to a blue blood. The reigning national champion, Michigan, lost its coach to the pros. And several other top programs are putting their trust in former mid-major coaches.

Those moves will have a major impact on the 2026-27 season. Here’s a look at the coaching changes that could matter most.

Will Wade (NC State → LSU)

Will Wade returned to LSU after being fired from the program in 2022. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

Will Wade is back in Baton Rouge, returning to the program where he previously coached from 2017-22. LSU fired Wade in 2022 following a series of NCAA violations, and after a brief stint away from coaching, he rebuilt his career at McNeese (2023-25) before spending one season at NC State. When former LSU coach Matt McMahon was fired, Wade got the call to return.

This offseason, Wade assembled a roster loaded with transfers and fifth-year players who needed lawsuits to obtain eligibility, including stars Donovan Dent and RJ Luis.

Michael Malone (NBA → North Carolina)

One year after the Denver Nuggets moved on from Michael Malone, he landed at UNC. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)

Following Hubert Davis’ firing in March, North Carolina turned to NBA coaching talent, hiring Michael Malone to lead the Tar Heels. The Denver Nuggets parted ways with Malone after the 2025 NBA season, and he spent the following year as an NBA broadcaster. Now, Malone begins his first stint as a college head coach, bringing more than 10 seasons of NBA coaching experience — including a 2023 NBA championship with Denver — to one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Malone enters his debut season hoping to bring the Tar Heels back to national prominence. 

Mike Boynton Jr. (Promoted)

Mike Boynton Jr. received a two-year deal as Michigan’s official head coach after Dusty May’s departure. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Dusty May was poached by the Dallas Mavericks after leading Michigan to a national championship. Assistant Mike Boynton Jr. was promoted to interim head coach, and eventually signed a two-year deal with the program in July. He retained all but one player — L.J. Cason — during the NCAA-mandated transfer portal window following a coaching change. 

Before being hired as an assistant at Michigan, Boynton was the head coach at Oklahoma State for seven seasons, where he went 119-109, making one NCAA Tournament appearance. Now, after two seasons as an assistant, Boynton will guide a Wolverines team that lost its top three players to the NBA Draft.

Tony Stubblefield (Promoted)

Tony Stubblefield was appointed Oregon’s interim head coach after Dana Altman’s retirement. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Tony Stubblefield was promoted to interim head coach after Dana Altman announced his retirement. In his 11 seasons on Oregon’s staff, Stubblefield has been part of eight NCAA Tournaments, including five Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights and a Final Four appearance. Stubblefield left the program for a brief stint as DePaul’s head coach, where he went 30-66 from 2021-2024, but was let go midway through the 2024 season. 

The coaching change opened a transfer portal window for Oregon’s players, but with the season fast approaching, no one has elected to leave. 

Randy Bennett (St. Mary’s → Arizona State)

Randy Bennett made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances across 25 seasons at Saint Mary’s. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Randy Bennett is back in his home state as he enters his first season leading the Sun Devils. He brings an impressive résumé to Arizona State, including 25 seasons as Saint Mary’s head coach, 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and seven West Coast Conference regular-season titles. After the Sun Devils went 17-16 last season, Bennett will look to get ASU back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023. He replaces Bobby Hurley, who spent 11 seasons as the program’s head coach.

Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State → Cincinnati)

Jerrod Calhoun returned to his alma mater, Cincinnati, to be its next head coach. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Jerrod Calhoun joined the Big 12 to lead the Cincinnati Bearcats, returning to his alma mater after two seasons at Utah State. Calhoun led the Aggies to a 55-15 record and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure. Now, he’ll look to bring that success to Cincinnati after replacing former Bearcats coach Wes Miller. Meanwhile, former Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson takes over for Calhoun at Utah State.

Bryan Hodgson (South Florida → Providence)

Bryan Hodgson spent one season at South Florida before getting hired at Providence. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

Bryan Hodgson took over at Providence following an underwhelming 15-18 finish last year. He joined the Friars after one season at South Florida, where he led the Bulls to an impressive 25-9 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Now tasked with building a roster largely composed of transfers, Hodgson will look to return Providence to the postseason for the first time in three seasons. He also beat out several high-major programs and blue bloods to secure a commitment from 2027 recruit Lewis Uwvo, the No. 7-ranked player in the 247Sports rankings.

Gerry McNamara (Siena → Syracuse)

Gerry McNamara played four seasons for Syracuse and is now the program’s head coach. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A familiar face returns to Syracuse as Gerry McNamara will begin his first season as head coach of the Orange. McNamara played guard for Syracuse from 2002-06. He started 135 games in college, and averaged 35 minutes per game as a freshman on Syracuse’s national championship team with Carmelo Anthony. McNamara returned to his former school after two seasons at Siena, where he won a MAAC conference title and led the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Justin Gainey (Tennessee → NC State)

Justin Gainey played four seasons at NC State in the late 1990s, and will now be the program’s head coach. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

Justin Gainey has returned to NC State, this time as the Wolfpack’s head coach. He played for the program from 1996-2000 before joining Rick Barnes’ staff at Tennessee as an assistant. Now, after Will Wade’s departure for LSU, Gainey will look to lead his alma mater back to the NCAA Tournament.

Casey Alexander (Belmont → Kansas State)

Casey Alexander’s Belmont Bruins led all NCAA Division I teams in 3-point shooting in 2025-26. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

After parting ways with former head coach Jerome Tang, who led Kansas State to an Elite Eight, the Wildcats brought in Casey Alexander ahead of the 2026-27 season. Alexander spent the past seven seasons at Belmont, where he recorded seven consecutive 20-win seasons and compiled a 166-60 record. A former Belmont guard (1991-95), Alexander takes over a Wildcats team coming off a disappointing 12-20 season and will look to get the program back to the postseason.

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Yes, Tom Brady understands the irony behind his disagreements with the roughing-the-passer penalties called in Sunday’s Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions game. That won’t stop him from advocating for defensive players to get some more leeway when it comes to hitting quarterbacks, though. 

In the most recent edition of #AskTom, Brady said that quarterbacks should take some more accountability on certain hits, adding that it comes with the territory of playing the position.  

“On the field, I just think there’s a level of aggressiveness that the defenders need to play with in order to do their job well — whether that’s rushing the passer or closing on a receiver to knock the ball off them. I just think sometimes we’re calling it a little too close,” Brady said. “The quarterbacks, they have every right to get rid of the ball whenever they want. The faster they get that ball out of their hands, the less likely they are to get hit. 

“But if they want to hold the ball, part of the understanding is that you’re gonna get hit.”

There were a handful of penalties that Brady expressed his displeasure with when he was on the call for the Packers-Lions game on FOX. When Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes hit Packers running back Marshawn Lloyd on a pass thrown his way and was called for unnecessary roughness, Brady blurted, “Oh, come on, man.” 

“That’s allowed 99 out of 100 … it’s a bang-bang play,” Brady added of the penalty called on Barnes at the time.

The one that seemed to irk Brady the most, though, was the roughing the passer that was called on Packers defensive tackle Karl Brooks for his hit on Jared Goff during the Lions’ final drive. It appeared that Brooks hit Goff in a split second after he threw it.

“No, my goodness, what is that? There’s no way,” Brady said of the penalty on Sunday’s broadcast. “Brooks on the tackle kind of makes a great play. It’s a bang-bang play. He rolls off his body; it’s a great throw by Goff, that’s definitely not roughing the passer.

“You’re just ripping through the line of scrimmage to try to get the quarterback on the ground,” Brady continued. “Look, I love Goff standing there in the pocket, but you just can’t tack it on 15 yards.”

FOX Sports NFL rules analyst Dean Blandino agreed with Brady’s assessment of the penalty, saying that Brooks’ hit “wasn’t late.”

That penalty helped Detroit get deep into Green Bay territory, allowing it to kick the game-winning field goal as time expired, which led Brady to call the penalty “a little bit controversial” on #AskTom. And as Brady criticized the officiating for calling roughing the passer penalties he thought were weak, he admitted that it’s easier for him to feel that way now that he’s retired. 

“Look, I understand. I’m self-aware,” Brady said as some on social media thought he was a bit hypocritical for him to call out the officiating. “I’m sitting up in that booth. It’s much easier for me to say it now that I’m sitting up in the booth, but that’s what my job is. I’m a broadcaster now, right? I have these types of opinions.”

Brady’s thoughts on some controversial penalty calls weren’t the only thing that went viral from his call during Sunday’s Packers-Lions game. When it appeared the Lions were going to pass the ball on one of the final plays from scrimmage, Brady blurted, “Don’t tell me they’re going to throw this? Oh my God, they’re going to throw this.”

The Lions ended up running the ball on the ensuing play, which allowed them to bleed some more clock before kicking the game-winning field goal. But when Brady was asked about that call and the Lions’ unsuccessful fourth-down attempt from deep in their own territory on #AskTom, he still shared some anxiety he had in those moments.

“At that part, I did,” Brady said when asked if he ever forgets that he’s on a broadcast seen by millions of people. “After a while, you start thinking, ‘Am I the one that is seeing this the wrong way? Did they just go for it in a tie game on their own 20-yard line? Is that what happened with the line? And they didn’t get it? Oh my God.’ 

“When you’re not in on every thought or conversation going on those coaching headsets, a lot of these times, I’m just trying to speak out loud what exactly I’m seeing.”

And Brady thinks that the Lions might have gotten a bit lucky in their win over the Packers. 

“Look, I know they’re an aggressive fourth-down team, but maybe the football Gods were looking after them a little bit this last Sunday, let’s be honest,” Brady said. 

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It’s crazy to think that Micah Parsons hasn’t even played a snap yet for the Green Bay Packers, because they’re starting to look pretty darn good without him. They beat the Carolina Panthers, 27-13, on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.

There were warts. There were issues — particularly in the fourth quarter. But the Packers held on. And it must not feel great that the Packers entered this week as the fourth-ranked team in the NFC North — and the Panthers entered this week first in the NFC South. This helped demonstrate the substantial divide in quality between the two divisions. But there’s no consolation for the Packers, who face a tough schedule to get themselves into the playoffs. 

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves: thinking about the playoffs.

Here are my takeaways from the Packers’ win over the Panthers:

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When Howie Roseman traded away Cam Jurgens, a key piece of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line, he insisted that wasn’t a sign that a fire sale had begun. He still had high hopes for his team this season. He saw the division as very winnable.

Of course, that was three long weeks and three losses ago.

Now, there’s no reason to pretend anymore, or for the Eagles general manager not to raise the white flag on a lost year after his team fell to 2-5 with a disheartening 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at home on Monday night. The roster is crumbling before their eyes. Their starting quarterback might not play again this season. And after a remarkable, five-year run of mostly sustained success, they have hit a rut where absolutely everything is going wrong.

“No one likes that, but smart GMs see that as an opportunity,” one NFL executive told me. “And Howie Roseman is a very smart GM.”

The opportunity is to do more than just tinker with the roster on the fly, which the always-active Roseman has done at the trade deadline during most of his Philadelphia tenure. It’s an opportunity to start purging an aging, crumbling, expensive roster and start assets to help plug current and future holes.

Howie Roseman has made plenty bold moves as Eagles GM in the past. Are there more on the horizon? (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

And if that sounds like “rebuilding” … well, maybe it is. And maybe that’s what the Eagles have to do to become a championship contender again.

“They are a smart, aggressive franchise that knows exactly what they are,” one rival general manager told me. “They’re not going to waste this opportunity just so they can finish 8-9. They won’t accept mediocrity. They want to compete for championships. 

“And they’re not particularly close to doing that right now.”

So, after the Eagles bottomed out on Monday night, how do they begin to get back on top? It will likely start between now and the NFL trading deadline on Nov. 10, when many around the league expect Philly to be among the biggest sellers. 

And that might be just the start of many months of major changes. They’ve got some brewing salary cap issues to sort through after years of pushing cap hits into the future. They need to completely rebuild their once-powerful offensive line. And they’ve even got a head coach and franchise quarterback with questions about their long-term futures in Philadelphia too.

“I have a feeling that the next time the Eagles are a powerhouse, they’re going to look a lot different,” another NFL executive told me. “But I’ll never underestimate Howie Roseman. It won’t take him long.”

How long depends on how fast he moves, and how quickly he can find answers to the Eagles’ biggest questions:

How Much Should Eagles Trade Away?

It’s easy to say, “Everything must go!” And maybe that’s the right approach. The Eagles certainly have plenty of rental players whose contracts will expire after the season, like tight end Dallas Goedert, cornerback Riq Woolen, defensive tackle Moro Ojomo and wide receiver Hollywood Brown. Edge rusher Nolan Smith is thought to be available too, along with veteran guard Landon Dickerson and possibly linebacker Zack Baun.

None of them are likely to bring back a high price, like a first- or second-round pick, but they all could help Roseman stockpile Day 3 picks over the next two drafts, which he could package together to turn into more valuable picks or players.

Landon Dickerson could be the next offensive lineman the Eagles trade.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“They’re not helping the present, so if they’re not part of the future, there’s no reason to keep them around,” the NFL executive told me. “And they can probably get something for most of those guys.”

It’s not a guarantee that Roseman will sell them all off, though. He won’t give them away for nothing. And players like Ojomo and Woolen could benefit the Eagles with a compensatory draft pick if they keep them around and then let them leave as free agents next spring.

“Whatever they do, they have to be aggressive,” the GM told me. “They know you don’t get better by standing pat and just watching players walk away.”

Several NFL sources said the Eagles’ biggest trading chip would be the 29-year-old Barkley, assuming his back and hamstring aren’t long-term concerns. He’s had a fast, steep decline since his 2,005-yard season two years ago, though he’s still an elusive, impact player who can help a contending team.

“His numbers may have dipped, but that’s more the [offensive] line problems than it is him,” an NFC scout told me. “There aren’t many faster, more elusive backs than him.”

“I’m not sure I’d make a big bet on his long-term prospects,” the general manager told me. “But short-term, for a contending team? He could put you over the top.”

If the Eagles decide to completely tear it down, will Saquon Barkley get traded? (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

No one has gotten any indication, though, that the Eagles are willing to trade him. But considering Barkley is signed for two more seasons and has just $2.5 million left in guaranteed money on his deal, he would be incredibly attractive for a contender and could conceivably bring a lot back in return. And given Barkley’s age and decline in numbers, it could make sense for them to acquire assets to start over at that position now.

“I think they could get a second-round pick and more for him, and I don’t know how you say no to that,” the GM told me. “He’s really good and a really good guy, but he’s also about to turn 30 [in February]. They have to see the writing on the wall.”

How Do Eagles Fix Offensive Line?

During their recent dominant run, the line was the Eagles’ biggest strength. But center Jason Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson retired. Cam Jurgens, who was supposed to replace Kelce, was traded. And legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was forced out, and lately the whole unit has been held together by duct tape. It’s gone from strength to weakness in a hurry.

And the future looks … iffy. Beyond 29-year-old Pro Bowl left tackle Jordan Mailata, there are nothing but questions about the future, especially if they move on from Dickerson either at the trading deadline or in the offseason. They have promising players in center Drew Kendall and rookie right tackle Markel Bell. And they could try and re-sign right guard Tyler Steen.

But that group still isn’t nearly what it used to be, and the pipeline of young talent and depth they always had seems to have dried up.

“They don’t have a history of drafting linemen, but I think that’s going to change,” the scout told me. “They always got undervalued, talented players and let [Stoutland] polish them up. But he’s gone and they can’t do that anymore. So they’re going to have to start bringing in talent, not just hoping they can develop it.”

“The biggest reason that their offense has struggled the last couple of years is their offensive line has fallen off,” the executive told me. “They know they have to rebuild from there if they want anything to work at all.”

Hurts is out for the rest of the season after blood clots in his calf spread to his lungs earlier this month. From what the Eagles and Hurts’ agent have said, it seems his long-term prospects are good and he’ll return to playing football.

And when he does, he’ll almost certainly be the Eagles’ starting quarterback for at least the next two seasons, because it would be almost impossible for the Eagles financially to cut or trade him until after 2028.

But that doesn’t mean the Eagles won’t start looking for his eventual replacement now — and not just by drafting a developmental quarterback on Day 3 of the draft. Don’t forget, Roseman drafted Hurts in the second round in 2020, just 10 months after giving quarterback Carson Wentz a four-year, $128 million contract extension. And then, at the first sign that Wentz was struggling, the Eagles gave Hurts his job.

Has Jalen Hurts taken his final snap with the Eagles? Maybe not, but past history suggests that Philly could be preparing for what’s next. (Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

That doesn’t mean it’ll happen the same way again. But the Eagles will likely want to start preparing in case it does.

“I don’t know what they think of the quarterbacks (in the draft) this year, but it wouldn’t shock me at all if they draft Hurts’ eventual replacement early,” the GM told me. “It’s the perfect year to do it. There are a lot of interesting prospects, and one first- or second-round pick isn’t going to fix all of the Eagles’ problems anyway. Using that on a quarterback for help down the road might be pretty smart.”

“Something has seemed off with Hurts anyway,” the scout told me. “He’s had so many offensive coordinators and just hasn’t looked comfortable the last two years. Sometimes that can take its toll on a guy. That doesn’t mean he’s done. But if I were the Eagles, I’d start thinking about what I’m going to do if I can’t get him straightened out.”

Sirianni has had four straight seasons of double-digit wins, five straight trips to the playoffs, and been to two Super Bowls while winning one over the past four years. But there are times when it sure seems like Sirianni’s act is wearing thin in Philadelphia. He’s had more than a few examples of questionable late-game management that cost his team victories. And he’s had a lot of trouble hiring the right assistants, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

And Lurie and Roseman aren’t always the most patient bosses. Doug Pederson was three years removed from a Super Bowl championship and had been to the playoffs three straight years when he was fired after a 4-11-1 season in 2020. Chip Kelly was fired after going 7-9 in 2015 after two straight 10-win seasons. Even Andy Reid was ushered out the door after going 4-12 in 2012, even though it was just his third losing season in a 14-year tenure that included a Super Bowl and five trips to the NFC Championship Game.

Talk of Nick Sirianni being on the hot seat will likely continue to grow if the Eagles’ struggles persist. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

So the idea that Sirianni is safe just because of his stellar record doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, especially since two of those years felt like wasted chances in Philadelphia. And don’t forget, there was some thought he might have been in danger after the Eagles’ first-round exit last year.

“They don’t tolerate failure there,” the NFL executive told me. “It feels like every year they don’t win a title, they’re at least thinking about firing their coach. And if you’re about to start over anyway, this might be the perfect time to change it all.”

“I never got the impression that they loved him there anyway,” the scout added. “You can’t argue with winning, though. But once that’s gone, all bets are off.”

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We remember the Jackson Chourio walk-off against Mason Miller, the back-to-back homers from Jake Bauers and Garrett Mitchell off Blake Snell, the multiple four-run deficits overcome and the eight-run, two-out onslaught at Tropicana Field, but what about the little plays that led to those Brewers wins? 

The Milwaukee Brewers didn’t simply small-ball their way through their dominant postseason run, but their scrappiness and constant pressure did lead to them winning many of the plays that could have gone either way in each series. 

Beyond the obvious home runs, big hits and run-scoring moments, don ‘t forget these plays — one from each of the Brewers’ 11 wins — that helped lead to them winning their first World Series title. 

1.  The Roof Ball

NLDS Game 1 (3-2 W vs. Padres)

(Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

The first sign that this October would belong to the Brewers came immediately. Ask manager Pat Murphy, and there might have been some divine intervention.

When their ace Jacob Misiorowski lasted only four innings, they still pulled out the 3-2 victory against the Padres thanks in part to their stadium. They led by a run with one on and one out in the ninth inning when San Diego first baseman Ty France launched a fastball deep to left field.

It looked like it might have had a chance to get out, but it struck a roof cable at American Family Field. This was not a common occurrence, but Chourio alertly got under the ball — by rule, it’s a live ball if it stays in play — and made the catch to help secure the win. If that ball gets out, maybe the series unfolds differently.

2. The 7th-Inning Swing 

NLDS Game 2 (4-3 W vs. Padres)

(Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Unforced errors tend to come back to bite the Brewers’ opponents.

In the seventh inning, France hit a two-out single to right field to score Fernando Tatis Jr. and build a 3-1 lead, but Manny Machado was thrown out trying to go first to third by Sal Frelick to end the inning. That would make a difference, given the defensive blunder to follow.

In the bottom of the frame, there were two outs and men on the corners when Jake Cronenworth bobbled a soft grounder from David Hamilton and then threw the ball away, cutting the Padres’ deficit to a run.

Two innings later, Chourio walked off Miller.

3. The Catch

NLDS Game 4 (3-1 W vs. Padres)

(Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

After winning Game 3 at home, handing the Brewers their only loss of the postseason until Game 4 of the World Series, there were 47,712 roaring fans at Petco Park who watched Machado connect on a 406-foot fly ball in the eighth inning of Game 4 and thought the Padres had tied the game.

The way the ball sounded coming off Machado’s bat at 106.7 mph out to right-center — and the way the Padres third baseman admired the shot, clearly thinking he got it, too — made it seem like the series might shift on a two-run blast. But Mitchell battled a bunch of Padres fans in the first row to emerge with the ball, stifling San Diego’s last-gasp effort to keep the series alive.

As it turned out, that was as close as any team would get to thwarting the champs. 

4. Triple-Double

NLCS Game 1 (2-1 W vs. Dodgers)

(Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The age of the Dodgers’ lineup — the oldest in MLB — was a popular talking point during the NLCS, and it mattered immediately.

The Dodgers grounded into three double plays in Game 1. The most consequential instance came with bases loaded in the second inning and the Brewers’ ace on the mound. Misiorowski was already grinding at 46 pitches when Kiké Hernández hit a ball to Cooper Pratt’s right.

The rookie shortstop fielded it, turned his body and threw to second quickly in one motion. Brice Turang then completed the double play, keeping Misiorowski’s pitch count at a more manageable level and ensuring the Dodgers’ one-run lead would stay there.

5. No Challenge

NLCS Game 2 (7-4 W vs. Dodgers)

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

This will be remembered as the game with the 12-pitch walk from Bauers and the go-ahead single from Christian Yelich that knocked October star Yoshinobu Yamamoto out of the game in the shortest outing of the 2025 World Series MVP’s playoff career. However, there were smaller parts of that inning and game that also led to the result.

One of the biggest problems for the Dodgers that night: Not every catcher is as good at ABS challenges as William Contreras. In the first inning, Will Smith didn’t challenge what would have been strike three to Turang, who then doubled and came around to score the game-tying run.

Two innings later, in the inning in which Yamamoto got knocked out of the game, the Brewers had one on and one out when a full-count cutter to Turang caught the outer edge of the plate. It was called a ball. The Brewers’ patience at the plate paid off in this one. But had Smith challenged correctly early on, it’s possible the unforgettable Bauers walk, and all that followed, never happens. 

6. Winning The Chess Match

NLCS Game 3 (6-2 W vs. LAD):

(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

This was the performance that sealed the NLCS MVP for Bauers, who followed his 12-pitch walk against Yamamoto in Game 2 with an 11-pitch homer off Blake Snell in Game 3. It was also one of the biggest examples of the panic and urgency that the overpowering Brewers’ bullpen can cause.

Abner Uribe had finally shown a momentary weakness, unable to find the zone with a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning. After he walked the first two batters, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to pinch-hit Andy Pages — who, to that point, had the team’s only two hits with runners in scoring position during the postseason — for Max Muncy, who struck out.

After an RBI double from Smith gave the Dodgers the lead, Roberts tried to go for the kill. He pinch-hit Josue De Paula in place of Miguel Rojas. Murphy countered with lefty DL Hall. Roberts then made another switch, subbing out De Paula for the right-handed Hernandez. It didn’t work. Hernandez struck out, and the Dodgers had nearly emptied their bench. That would matter later in the game, when the Brewers made their nightly comeback.

7. Action Jackson 

NLCS Game 4 (6-4 W vs. Dodgers)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani had finally given the Dodgers the swing they had been waiting for with a three-run home run in the second inning to put them up 4-0. Then the Brewers did their thing, steadily chipping away at their deficit until it was gone.

It seemed like Ohtani might get another chance to be the hero. He was in the on-deck circle in the ninth inning with the Brewers leading by two runs when Hernández scorched a line drive 107.9 mph off the bat — his hardest-hit ball of the season — toward the left-center gap. But Chourio tracked it down, ensuring both that Ohtani would not get another opportunity and that the Brewers would go to the World Series for the first time since 1982. 

8. Catching A Break

WS Game 1 (3-2 W vs. Rays)

(Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Rays stole more bases than any team in the American League this year, a major part of what made them such a stressful offense to face. Sometimes, though, the best move is the one you don’t make.

The Rays were trailing by a run in the fifth inning when Yandy Díaz, who had the highest batting average with runners in scoring position this season, stepped to the plate with Victor Mesa Jr. at second base. Mesa, nonetheless, decided to take off for third.

In a huge game across the board for Contreras, the Brewers’ catcher made Mesa pay for that choice by catching him stealing to end the inning. In a one-run loss, that play loomed large.

9. Sending Thoughts

WS Game 2 (5-4 W vs. Rays)

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Brewers’ constant pressure can cause opponents to make reckless choices. Sometimes, it can yield defensive blunders. Other times, it can lead to imprudent decisions.

The Rays’ four-run lead had dwindled down to one with two outs in the sixth inning when Mesa singled through the left side of the infield. Catcher Liam Hicks, who is not particularly fleet of foot, hadn’t even reached third base by the time Chourio fielded the ball in left field. But Rays third-base coach Brady Williams waved Hicks home anyway. The play at the plate wasn’t close.

The fact that light-hitting Taylor Walls was on deck likely played into the decision, but that’s also an example of the difference in depth between the two World Series lineups. 

10. The Captain’s Slide 

WS Game 3 (10-1 W vs. Rays)

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

This game will go down in the record books.

The Brewers became the first team ever to score eight two-out runs in a single inning of a World Series game. They also became the only team with seven consecutive two-outs in a postseason game. But none of that would have been possible without the hustle from their captain, Christian Yelich.

The Brewers led 2-0 with runners on first and second when Contreras grounded a ball to Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. Rather than go across the diamond as the grounder pulled him toward shortstop, Caminero attempted to get Yelich at second base. He beat the ball. Six batters later, their lead ballooned to 10-0.

The rest was, quite literally, history.

11. Bauers Ball

WS Game 5 (4-1 W vs. Rays)

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The thing about these Brewers is even when they’re not contributing on one side of the ball, they can still find a way to impact the game.

Bauers went just 2-for-21 in the World Series, but without his first-base defense in Game 5, it’s possible things would have unfolded differently. With the Rays trailing by a run, Rays outfielder Ryan Vilade ripped a ball 100.6 mph off the bat that might have gone for extra bases had Bauers not laid out on a diving stop.

Bauers then picked himself up and dove to the bag to beat Vilade and start the third inning with an out. An inning later, Bauers came up with an even bigger play, saving third baseman David Hamilton from disaster by securing Hamilton’s high throw across the diamond with two runners in scoring position.

Had that ball sailed over Bauers’ head, the Rays could have taken the lead. Instead, Tampa Bay never had a chance to get going in Game 5, and the Brewers celebrated their first World Series win. 

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The hope at the beginning of every college football season is that good players will improve to become great and that previously undiscovered talent will make a draft class that much better. 

The reality, however, is that some players regress. And with today’s liberal transfer policy and the allure of NIL dollars, players are more hesitant than ever to enter the NFL before exhausting their college eligibility. 

We won’t know for certain which prospects will make up the Class of 2027 until mid-January. But if the 2027 NFL Draft were to take place tomorrow, here is how I would rank the top prospects. 

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Tytus Howard, Browns

Size, power and positional versatility are awfully important boxes to check when evaluating offensive tackles, and Heard possesses all of those. At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, with vines for arms and experience playing both right and left tackle following tours at Tennessee and LSU, Heard has the frame and game that scream NFL starter. 

(Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: K’Lavon Chaisson, Commanders

NFL teams are hesitant to invest early picks in specialists, but Wilson offers one of the best combinations of burst and bend of this year’s edge rushers. Teams will pry into his reasons for transferring from Georgia to Missouri to Miami over the past three seasons but his production at every stop is undeniable. 

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Quay Walker, Raiders

Say what you will about Oregon’s collective struggles this season, their individual talent will be recognized by the NFL soon enough. A runaway freight train with true knockdown power, Jackson is blessed with an exceptional combination of size and speed and will be one of this year’s flashiest at the Scouting Combine.   

(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Jaylen Waddle, Broncos

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Alexander is significantly slighter than most of the other receivers on my Big Board and has more drops in traffic than I’d prefer. He is lightning fast, however, offering the breakaway element every NFL team is looking for in a deep threat. 

(Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: DeVonta Smith, Eagles

Durability and drops are concerns, but the flashes with Coleman-Williams are so bright that I had to include him on my list. He’s a proven playmaker, averaging 16.4 yards per catch with 18 touchdowns in two and a half seasons of SEC football. He also won’t turn 20 until February. 

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Bradley Chubb, Bills

It has become an annual tradition: I find a pass-rusher I seem to be higher on than my peers. A year ago, it was Gabe Jacas. In 2024, it was Nic Scourton. Uiagalelei has size, agility, power, instincts and eye-popping production. Oh, and he’s just 21 years old. What’s not to like? 

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Mack Wilson, Cardinals

Highlighted a few weeks ago as one of the fastest rising players in this class, Omosigho personifies an unbeaten UCLA squad meriting more attention. The Oklahoma transfer is a runaway freight train as a hitter, generating rare explosive power with a knack for producing fumbles. 

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Alim McNeil, Lions

A double transfer who also spent time at Georgia and USC, Alexander lives up to his nickname, using an exciting blend of initial quickness and long-armed power to rag-doll would-be blockers. His tape features more lapses than I’d prefer, but the talent is there.   

(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Kevin Zeitler, Packers

Smith has played a critical role on the blindside for the defending national champion Hoosiers, but he lacks ideal arm length and has the orneriness and physicality that project really well inside at guard. He is an iron man, having started the past 49 consecutive games (and all of them at left tackle). 

(Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Malik Mustafa, 49ers

He’ll take risky angles in pursuit, but teams looking for a safety who can run the alley and generate collisions like a linebacker will love Bolden, a three-year starter with excellent speed and proven ball skills. 

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Frankie Luvu, Commanders

Viliamu-Asa isn’t the most technically sound defender in this class, but he might just be the most violent, which is an excellent baseline for an NFL linebacker. He is a heat-seeking missile who seems to thrive on contact.

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Kolton Miller, Raiders

At a solid 6-foot-7, 310 pounds, with broad shoulders and a trim middle, Prongos looks the part of a modern NFL tackle. He’s quick, powerful and versatile, having started at guard and right tackle for UCLA prior to transferring to Stanford. His best football may still be ahead, considering he didn’t begin playing football until his senior year of high school. 

(Photo by Zach Del Bello/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Jermaine Johnson, Titans

An FCS transfer from South Dakota with 14.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks over a season and a half in the SEC, Humphrey-Grace is a name to learn. He is surprisingly nimble at 6-foot-4, 271 pounds, and he uses his length and strength well as a bull rusher. 

(Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Robert Hunt, Panthers

Green stars at left tackle for the Tigers, but I like his burly frame and power better inside at guard, where he started 13 games as a true freshman for Oklahoma back in 2024. While he’ll need to learn to play with better knee bend and keep his legs driving through contact, I see a future longtime starter. 

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Keion White, 49ers

A USC transfer some once compared to former Trojan Leonard Williams, Thompkins’ calling cards are his unique blend of size (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) and versatility. Alabama lines him up all over the defensive line and even as a stand-up rusher. As you’d expect with his size, Thompkins is powerful, but he’s also quite agile. 

(Photo by Randy J. Williams/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Milton Williams, Patriots

Echoles has struggled to live up to expectations so far this season, generating just 21 tackles, including four for loss and 1.5 sacks over the first seven games of the year after posting 68 stops, 11.5 TFL and five sacks a year ago. He’s quicker than his square-ish frame suggests and pairs his hands and feet well, but he needs to ramp up the production if he hopes to earn a high grade from the NFL’s Advisory Committee. 

(Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Quentin Johnston, Chargers

Coleman looks the part of a future NFL star, teasing with a rare combination of size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), acceleration and body control. There are some concerning peaks and valleys to his game, however, with ugly drops against Oklahoma and Mississippi raising questions about his concentration. 

(Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Budda Baker, Cardinals

With Caleb Downs now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, I expected there to be a fairly dramatic drop-off for the Buckeyes at the safety position. Instead, McClain has emerged as a legitimate playmaker in his own right while also emerging as one of the nation’s surest open-field tacklers. 

(Photo by The University of Texas Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Rashawn Slater, Chargers

Viewed as a possible top-10 pick prior to the season, Goosby suffered a season-ending knee injury against Mississippi last weekend. He’s a gifted pass blocker when healthy but had extensive medical concerns even prior to this injury, including open-heart surgery in high school. Whenever he chooses to enter the NFL, his medical evaluation will ultimately determine where he’ll be drafted. His talent is undeniable. 

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Jared Goff, Lions

With an FBS-best 81.4% completion rate, 22 touchdown passes and just one interception so far this season, Mensah is my midseason pick to win the Heisman Trophy. He relies more on anticipation than arm strength on outbreaking routes, however, and could struggle to duplicate this success in the NFL. 

(Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Tucker Kraft, Packers

Like a lot of the Ducks, this season has not gone as well as expected for Johnson, but scouts will look past the middling production and recognize his upside. The transfer from Louisville offers an exciting combination of size (6-foot-5, 257 pounds), agility and soft hands that should translate into greater success in the NFL than he’s ever had at the collegiate level. 

(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: De’Von Achane, Dolphins

After leading the country with 335 touches a year ago, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound Lacy has struggled with nagging injuries this season. When healthy, he’s truly dynamic, pairing vision with elusiveness, speed and underrated leg drive. 

(Photo by Randy J. Williams/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Josh Hines-Allen, Jaguars

He isn’t the twitchiest edge rusher of this class, but the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Heldt’s length, strength and tenacity stand out against the run and the pass. He anticipates the snap count well and is surprisingly effective in chasing down ballcarriers from behind, showing great hand-eye coordination to trip up opponents seemingly out of his grasp. 

(Photo by Ella Hall/LSU/University Images via Getty Images}

NFL Player Comp: Nik Bonitto, Broncos

The NFL is willing to pay a premium for speed rushers, and Umanmielen is among the best in this class, generating 17.5 sacks over his past 23 games. He is a legitimate QB stalker with the initial burst and lateral agility to make tackles look silly trying to corral him. 

(Photo by Derick Hingle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Joey Porter Jr., Cowboys

Jones will have plenty of doubters because there just aren’t many 6-foot-4 cornerbacks in the NFL, but four years of impressive tape in the SEC doesn’t lie. Like any long-levered defensive back, Jones can’t change direction quite as fluidly as some of the shorter corners, but his long arms crowd receivers at the stem and the catch point and his lengthy strides allow him to accelerate in a flash. 

(Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Derick Hall, Seahawks

Edge rushers selected in the first round typically have great twitch and bend. Pierre’s game, on the other hand, is power, which he uses to violently beat blockers to impact the run and pass. 

(Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Laiatu Latu, Colts

Complementing his burst and power, Traore is among the more polished edge rushers of this class, incorporating Euro steps and compact spins to leave pass blockers in his wake. He is a big-play magnet with 21.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks over his college career, as well as five forced fumbles, two interceptions and two TD returns. 

(Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Kyle Pitts, Falcons

A knee sprain kept Green out for four games earlier this season, so the lack of production (19 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns) has allowed him to fly somewhat under the radar. When healthy, the 6-foot-6, 237-pounder is a proven mismatch who projects as a dynamic weapon in the NFL. 

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Kenneth Grant, Dolphins

With just half a tackle for loss in seven games this season, some analysts won’t be as high on Washington as NFL teams will. The 6-foot-3, 330-pounder’s value lies with his rare combination of initial quickness and girth. Critics who suggest that he doesn’t impact the passing game fail to recognize his 15 (and counting) career pass breakups, proving his ability to collapse the pocket.  

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Nnamdi Madubuike, Ravens

One of this year’s flashiest breakout stars, Gilliam might have the quickest first step of any DT in the country. He explodes off the ball, wrecking plays with penetration. With 11.5 tackles for loss (including six sacks) so far this season for the Vols, Gilliam has nearly as many stops behind the line of scrimmage as he had total tackles (16) during his first two years at Penn State. 

(Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Olu Fashanu, Jets

A consensus five-star recruit from IMG Academy who started the first 22 games of his college career at Colorado, Seaton has all the traits to eventually become a premium left tackle, including initial quickness, balance and size. He’s 21-years old and while he hasn’t surrendered a sack this season, he needs to get stronger and polish up his technique before making the NFL leap. His upside, however, warrants a first-round investment. 

(Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Jonathan Taylor, Colts

At nearly 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Baugh looks like your traditional downhill runner. But he complements his power with impressive elusiveness and breakaway speed. Baugh is a bit of a throwback as a true workhorse. 

(Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Kirk Cousins, Raiders

It has been 20 years since the last Notre Dame quarterback (Brady Quinn) was selected in the first round. Smart, poised and an accurate deep ball passer, Carr has a chance to end that streak for the Irish. 

(Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Tyler Linderbaum, Raiders

Pieper plays right guard for the Hawkeyes but projects even better to center in the NFL. His initial quickness, balance and hand placement are exceptional. He is among the better zone-blocking interior linemen to come down the pike in years. 

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: C.J. Stroud, Texans

Moore is the most precise passer of this class and that fact may earn him a top-10 selection in the 2027 draft, even if he hasn’t always played his best in big games. But Moore will first need to prove that he is healthy. Oregon coach Dan Lanning recently announced Moore is unlikely to return to the field this season after suffering a concussion following a late hit against USC in late September. The redshirt junior has another year of college eligibility remaining, should he want to use it.

(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Chris Lindstrom, Falcons

Lauck is the latest star left tackle at Iowa, but his short arms may push him inside to guard in the NFL. Regardless of where he ultimately lines up at the pro level, his initial quickness, balance and core strength suggest a long and distinguished career. 

(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Christian Watson, Packers

Hoosiers teammate Charlie Becker, understandably gets much of the hype, but Marsh is a first-round caliber receiver in his own right, boasting an even more exciting combination of size and athleticism. I expect the Michigan State transfer to rise throughout the draft process, as he’ll put up eye-popping numbers at the Scouting Combine. 

(Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Frank Ragnow (retired)

At 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, Johnson offers rare size for a guard and would be among the larger centers in NFL history. He’s starred at both positions over four seasons with the Gophers and will give his future NFL team a lot of flexibility on the inside. 

(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Denzel Ward, Browns

Some cornerbacks just move differently. Robinson is so smooth it almost seems as if his backpedal, transition and acceleration should be naturally paired with music. Cornerbacks with his man-to-man cover skills don’t last long on draft day. 

(Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Justin Herbert, Chargers

No quarterback in this class offers a better blend of traits than Manning, but this position requires more than just physical tools. While Manning’s frequent turnovers in high-pressure situations is an undeniable red flag, it’s one that I believe can be cured with time and patience. 

(Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Patrick Surtain Jr., Broncos

Statistics don’t always tell the story with a prospect, but consider this one: Hampton has forced nearly as many incompletions (30) as he’s given up first downs (36) in his two and a half seasons of action at Clemson. Boasting prototypical size at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Hampton plays a highly aggressive and physical brand of ball that could have him pushing for top-10 consideration. 

(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Josh Allen, Bills

It is easy to get excited by Mestemaker’s dizzying ascent from high school backup to premium NFL prospect. His prototypical size, mobility and live arm will draw plenty of comparisons to Josh Allen in the pre-draft process. It is easy to forget now how raw Allen was coming out of Wyoming, however, and there are similar concerns about how quickly Mestemaker will adjust from the Air-Raid scheme he’s played in with the Cowboys and previously at North Texas. 

(Photo by Ben Liebenberg/Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Ronnie Stanley, Ravens

The top-rated offensive tackle on my board, Paige has dominated blanked pass-rushers over his career, allowing just two total sacks in 27 career starts (all at left tackle). He’s not only quick and agile in pass protection, the 6-foot-7, 315-pounder also shows aggression and leg drive as a run blocker. 

(Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Russell Wilson (retired)

Between his compact frame, mobility, arm and poise, Chambliss possesses everything needed to project as a future franchise quarterback — except height. But NFL teams won’t repeat the mistake they made with Wilson by letting Chambliss slip to the third round. 

(Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Larry Fitzgerald (retired)

I’ll admit, I’m late to the party on Becker, previously typecasting him as “just” a big-red zone target. Upon closer inspection, however, Becker plays with grace and body control uncommon for a receiver with his 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame. He almost hovers with the ball in flight and uses his long arms and strong hands to create quite the catch radius. 

(Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Fred Warner, 49ers

Remember the rise Arvell Reese enjoyed a year ago as a part-time starter at Ohio State before becoming the No. 5 overall selection by the New York Giants? Cole is on a similar trajectory for Georgia. There is still some polishing that needs to happen, but he’s a remarkable athlete at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, with a chance to ultimately become the best defender in this class. 

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Brian Burns, Giants

Stewart promises to be one of the most heavily scrutinized players this year because while his tape is fantastic, the production is lacking. Stewart has 13 sacks in 28 career games with a notable drop in production over each of his three seasons. The traits are worth gambling on, however. Stewart has twitch, bend and underrated strength. If he commits to his craft, he should become an annual 10-plus sack a year player in the NFL.

(Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots

After recording five interceptions during an All-American campaign a year ago, opponents have wisely ignored Moore’s side of the field this season. Moore pairs rare agility and smooth acceleration with prototypical size (6-foot-1, 197 pounds), as well as instincts and physicality. A likely top-10 selection, Moore is among the cleaner cornerback prospects in years. 

(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Micah Parsons, Packers

A recent high ankle sprain might keep Simmons sidelined for weeks, but that won’t stop a lucky NFL team from making him the first defensive player drafted this spring. In two and a half seasons, Simmons has proven himself to be nearly unblockable, recording a staggering 45.5 tackles for loss, 31.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. The current injury and a troubling track record of penalties push Simmons to No. 2 on my board, but the gap between him and No. 1 is razor thin, with the Longhorns defender understandably ranking as the top overall prospect for some. 

(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL Player Comp: Julio Jones (retired)

Far and away the best offensive player in this class, Smith offers a combination of size, speed and strength that only comes around every decade or so. I see a lot of similarities to Julio Jones — except Smith is even further along in his route-running at this point in his career. 

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A college football big dog will enter Week 9 with a new puppy under center.

Here is how I’m wagering the weekend on the college gridiron.

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I will absolutely hate watching USC attempt to cover this game on Saturday night, but it’s the right spot to back the Trojans. 

USC is off an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin, where it scored just seven points with -17 rushing yards. It’s the type of loss that could potentially cost a coaching staff its job. 

There’s motivation to get right this weekend at home, where USC has always played better under Lincoln Riley. USC routinely scores in the upper 20s, into the 30s, and sometimes into the 40s at home. Quarterback Jayden Maiava completes 72% of passes at the Coliseum vs. just 59% on the road. He’s got more touchdowns and the USC ground game is far better at the crib as well. 

USC’s offense is playing an Ohio State defense that’s good but not as good as in years past. It doesn’t hit the quarterback as often and the run defense is just slightly worse. The Buckeyes do allow a decent amount of air yards per target and USC’s pass game can generate those explosive plays. 

I think even the most hardcore Buckeye fan would tell you that USC will score in this game.

Ohio State lost starting quarterback Julian Sayin for the season during its win against Indiana. Now, OSU is starting one of two quarterbacks making their first college football start, on national TV, against a blue blood football program. 

It’s a major game to land under center for the first time. 

Ohio State is off the bye, and it will have some new offense. OSU is healthier on the offensive line, but it has had trouble running the ball with any consistency this season. It is 98th in yards per rush (excluding the quarterback runs) and 125th in yards before contact. That’s just not clean enough for the Buckeyes. 

Still, this offense has the best player in the sport in Jeremiah Smith, who can carry this thing by his lonesome against pretty much any defense, let alone this poor USC group. 

Will Jeremiah Smith be forced to carry the OSU offense this weekend? (Getty Images)

The Trojans’ D is horrendous, sitting 116th in points per drive. It is terrible in the red zone and can’t rush the passer. So Ohio State should be able to score, but I’m not sure how clean it will be with a new quarterback.

When picking a favorite to cover a game, you need to have a number in your head about the final score. Is Ohio State beating USC 28-21? 31-24? 28-20? 

What’s the number where they cover this game? 

To me, 28-24 feels more likely. Or maybe 24-20, or 27-24. 

I like USC and Ohio State to win.

Schwartz’s Pick: USC +6.5

This is an excellent spot to back the Red Raiders — back home after a poor performance at Cincinnati last weekend. 

Texas Tech is not the same team it was last season, but it is also not the team we saw against the Bearcats. The Red Raiders have beaten Houston and Oregon State, as well as Colorado and Arizona State before losing this past weekend. They are 57th in points per drive on offense, but have been poor in the red zone, as they can’t run the ball as efficiently this season. 

The Tech defense is 26th in points per drive and can still rush the passer fairly well. It’s not what it was last year, but it is still one of the better groups in the sport. Arizona’s defense doesn’t tackle well, and it isn’t great on third down either.

Arizona is now ranked and on the road after winning five straight games. The best team it has played during this five-game run is the same Bearcats team that just beat Tech. Even after the win over Tech, the Bearcats rank just 49th in SP+. The other four teams Arizona beat during the streak are all 70th or worse. 

The lone Arizona loss was to BYU, which most closely resembles this Tech team. In that game, BYU was able to pressure Noah Fifita into mistakes, and I’m not sure Arizona’s offensive line is up to the task in this game. 

The Wildcats’ rushing game is 98th in yards before contact and the line allows too many sacks. Arizona’s offense is excellent on third down, but it has a high percentage of third-and-long opportunities.

I just see a difficult spot for the Wildcat offense in this game.

I’m in on Tech in this game.

Schwartz’s Pick: Texas Tech Moneyline (-166)

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