In Driver’s Eye with James Hinchcliffe, the six-time INDYCAR winner will bring you inside the mind of a racer while breaking down the nuts and bolts of the sport for fans.

And just like that, another INDYCAR season is in the books. It seems like we were just unloading in St. Petersburg with the whole season ahead of us to look forward to. 

Now, looking back, it was an unforgettable and historic season for so many reasons, paving the way for a bright INDYCAR future. From new tracks and returning to old ones to making history across the country to five-time INDYCAR champ Alex Palou’s unparalleled dominance, let’s look back at the sport’s amazing 2026.

INDYCAR-NASCAR DOUBLEHEADER DELIVERED

One of the big stories coming into the season was the number — and scale — of new events that the 2026 season had in store for us.

Rinus VeeKay leads INDYCAR during the 2026 Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

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First up was a familiar concept at a new venue: the INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader. We had done this at the Brickyard a few times, to varying degrees of success. Adding Phoenix Raceway back onto the INDYCAR schedule was cause for celebration in and of itself, but finding out that is where we would join forces with the stars of the stock car world was something the whole paddock was buzzing about.

And the weekend didn’t disappoint.

It was INDYCAR’s first time back to the venue since its face lift. It took some drivers — and, admittedly, two of the three boys in the booth — a little time to remember that old Turns 1 and 2 were new Turns 3 and 4. 

But while corner numbers changed, the thrill of racing open-wheel cars at 200 miles an hour around the mile-long track was just as fun as it had always been.

Joey Logano leads NASCAR Cup Series drivers at Phoenix during the 2026 Straight Talk Wireless 500. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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The thing I always loved most about doubling up with NASCAR is the shared admiration each series has for the other. Whether it’s Cup drivers peering into the tight confines of an Indy car cockpit, or INDYCAR drivers comparing lines and stock car driving styles, there is a great appreciation for what each series is and how it challenges the men and women behind the wheel.

TAKING ON JERRY WORLD AND AN NFL STADIUM

Arlington bounced onto the scene in a fittingly Texas way: big, bold and beautiful. The build of the track around the home of the Dallas Cowboys was truly outstanding, and Townsend Bell and I both were so envious that the 25 drivers got to wheel around that unique layout.

The quality and caliber of the event was impressive in every measurable way, and people were quickly talking about how this event, in only its first year, had become the new benchmark against which all INDYCAR races will be measured.

Rumor has it: It was such a success that other NFL team owners took notice and have started thinking, “Well, if Jerry has one….” So here is hoping this isn’t the last NFL stadium we get to whip around!

Alex Palou, Kyle Kirkwood and Will Power celebrate on the podium after the first Java House Grand Prix of Arlington around AT&T Stadium. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)

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And let’s not forget the fans! For a brand-new venue to pull in the kind of crowd we saw at Arlington on race day was so impressive. Hats off to everyone that helped pull off the first of what we hope is many events on those streets.

HISTORY AT THE FREEDOM 250 IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

You can’t talk about new events without recognizing the Freedom 250. 

It was the first — and likely to be the only — race held around the U.S. Capitol. In what was an incredible celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, the whole team at INDYCAR, Penske Entertainment and FOX Sports put together a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who were able to attend.

INDYCAR drivers on the Washington, D.C. track for what will likely be the only Freedom 250. (Photo by Brett Farmer/Lumen via Getty Images)

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Simply pulling off the track build in maybe the most complicated city on Earth to host an event of this magnitude was something to be proud of. But then you saw how good the on-track action was and how amazing the 100,000-fan turnout was, and it elevates this race to a whole new level.

The Indianapolis 500-esque pre-race ceremonies were unlike anything anyone had ever seen, and, again, unlikely to ever see again.

As much as I’d love another opportunity to spend time in D.C. and see cars hit that circuit again, there is something magical about the thought that we will only ever have one memory of an INDYCAR race at the Capitol.

A RECORD-BREAKING INDY 500

No, it’s not a new event, but it’s still INDYCAR’s biggest. And this year’s Indy 500 deserves a shoutout. 

In breaking the record for the closest finish in history, Felix Rosenqvist set himself up to be part of Indy 500 lore for a long time. I wrote plenty about that magical last lap after it happened. I still get goosebumps every time I watch the replay. And I have to admit, that’s concerningly often!

THE DOMINANCE OF A FIVE-TIME INDYCAR CHAMP

After all these incredible events and the many phenomenal venues that hosted us and sent us on our way, the dust settled to reveal our 2026 champion, Alex Palou.

Four titles in a row. Five championships in the last six years. 

He has only NOT won the title twice in his years on the INDYCAR scene. Those numbers are truly staggering. And the most impressive thing is… he’s not done. Not even close.

Alex Palou celebrates on the Championship Podium at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca at the end of the 2026 season. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)

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There is nothing that points to anyone other than Palou being the favorite going into 2027. 

Yes, the competition in the form of Kyle Kirkwood, Christian Lundgaard and Pato O’Ward stepped up in a big way to challenge the 29-year-old Spaniard. But wrapping up the title with one race remaining on the season shows drivers and teams still have a bit of work to do to catch the driver who is as painfully consistent as he is devastatingly quick. 

The competition can hope that 2028 — with the arrival of the much anticipated new car — could reset the field and disrupt the flow of the Chip Ganassi Racing team and its No. 10 car. 

But let’s not forget: CGR is one of the strongest teams in INDYCAR history. There’s just as good a chance that the No. 10 team figures out the new car quicker than the rest of the field, and their advantage only grows!

Through it all, Palou has emerged not just as a generational talent, but a historical one. 

This isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime level of performance. This could very well be the middle of the greatest INDYCAR, motorsport, or, dare I say, sporting performance of all time.

Even the greats, the Mario Andrettis and AJ Foyts of the world, acknowledge that this level of domination in modern INDYCAR — comparable with what we have seen out of Scott Dixon over his 20 plus years on the grid with CGR — is almost more impressive than what they did. 

Of course, they raced in an era where a different level of bravery was required due to the inherent danger, but there was also a much bigger disparity between the front and back of the field. If you were a little off back in those days, maybe it meant third place. Today, two tenths off can leave you fighting just to stay in the top 20.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Who are the sport’s best drivers and where does Alex Palou rank?

Sure, Palou isn’t yet quite spoken about the same way Mario or AJ are, but just give him time. He is far from finished writing the Alex Palou legacy. 

And while some people tire of the same driver winning as much as Palou has, I say: Embrace it. Lean into it. Enjoy the fact that you are witnessing greatness. Appreciate the fact that you’ll be able to say “I was watching when….”

After all, records are meant to be broken. And despite Palou’s pleasant demeanor and cheerful personality, this guy is looking to break some stuff.

MORE DRIVER’S EYE:

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Cowboys. Commanders.

For the better part of NFL history, they’ve been fierce rivals, no matter where they play or what they’re called.

From the Cowboys’ induction into the sport in 1960 to the heyday of both franchises in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s to the present day, these two teams have clashed on and off the field, generating hate between each other and their fan bases. The latest episode of this rivalry comes on Sunday afternoon, as the Cowboys host the Commanders at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.

Here are five things to know about the historic NFC East rivalry:

Dallas Outwits Washington

Tom Landry was the Cowboys’ inaugural head coach, a position he’d hold for 29 years. (Photo by Marvin E. Newman/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

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This rivalry didn’t begin on grass or turf. It began in a courtroom.

In 1958, every franchise in the then-12-team NFL voted in favor of expansion except for one: Washington. Then-owner George Preston Marshall vehemently argued against expansion. At the time, Washington was the southernmost team in the sport and viewed the southeastern portion of the country as a greater target audience.

What could pose a threat to this? An NFL team in Texas.

After a potential sale of the Washington franchise to Clint Murchison Jr. fell through, the Texas oilman continued to try and buy an NFL team, and he chose subterfuge. With Marshall being his biggest obstacle to getting a franchise in Texas (NFL owners had to unanimously approve expansion), Murchison bought the rights to Washington’s rallying cry song from band director Barnee Breeskin, who had a rocky relationship with Marshall at the time. After getting the rights, Murchison pledged to give them to Marshall only if he voted for expansion and therefore, a team in Dallas.

Marshall obliged, and the Cowboys were born in 1960. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Washington’s Anger Builds Over Dallas Titles

The Cowboys won the Super Bowl in the 1971 and 1977 seasons. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)

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Curious why somebody may hate the Cowboys? George Allen, Washington’s head coach from 1971-77, had many reasons.

It took a minute, but once Dallas head coach Tom Landry got his then-transcendent 4-3 defense — which ended up producing Hall of Famers like Bob Lilly, Randy White and Chuck Howley — and a dazzling offensive core in place, the Cowboys were a force to be reckoned with. And they hammered Washington in the process.

After a relatively even start to the all-time series in the early-to-mid-1960s, Dallas swept the season series with Washington from 1968-70 and won eight of 10 games against its rival going through the 1972 regular season.

To make matters worse for Washington, Dallas defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI, winning a title in the Super Bowl era before the team whose owner tried to deny the Cowboys entry into the league.

Now, there was a blip on the radar for Dallas, which was a precious moment for Washington. In the season following the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI triumph (1972), Washington blasted Dallas in the NFC Championship Game 26-3 to advance to Super Bowl VII. Granted, Miami went on to beat Washington to complete the only perfect season in NFL history (17-0).

As for the NFC Championship Game, Washington out-gained Dallas in total yards 316-169, with Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach completing just nine passes. Meanwhile, Washington quarterback Billy Kilmer and Hall of Famer Charley Taylor hooked up for two touchdown passes, with the former completing 14 of 18 passes and posting a 148.6 passer rating. The two teams split the season series against each other from 1973-76.

Billy Kilmer & Co. lost Super Bowl VII to the Dolphins, but they beat the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game to get there. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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During Allen’s tenure from 1971-77, Washington went 7-8 against Dallas. And the head coach seethed. Time and time again, Allen was seen pushing his players to be the aggressor against the Cowboys, as evidenced by the brutal hits they’d lay on each other.

Moreover, another reason this game was a “blip on the radar” is that the Cowboys won the Super Bowl again in the 1977 season, with Staubach and star playmakers Tony Dorsett and Drew Pearson, among others, etching their names in NFL history. Washington didn’t make the postseason that year.

Joe Gibbs Pushes Aside Tom Landry

Washington has won each of its two playoff games against Dallas (1972 and 1982 postseasons). (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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In 1981, Washington hired San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Gibbs as its new head coach, and the franchise commenced its golden era — and ended its bitter rival’s in the process.

After an 8-8 debut year with Gibbs, Washington won its first Super Bowl in 1982, going 8-1 in a season that was truncated due to an NFL lockout. While beating the Dolphins in the Super Bowl — exacting revenge for their 1973 season defeat — and John Riggins’ MVP performance are surely on the shortlist of treasured moments in franchise history, Washington handling Dallas in the NFC Championship Game may have been just as sweet for the fan base.

After losing six consecutive games to Dallas, Washington beat the Cowboys at RFK Stadium to advance to the Super Bowl, intercepting quarterback Gary Hogeboom twice with Riggins rushing for 140 yards and two touchdowns. The following year, Washington won an NFL-best 14 regular-season games but was blown out by the Los Angeles Raiders in the Super Bowl 38-9.

Four years later (1987), though, in another strike-impacted season, Washington won the Super Bowl. And in a Monday Night Football game that year on the road, Washington beat the Cowboys with the majority of its roster being replacement players. Dallas, meanwhile, had roughly half of its regulars on the roster. And in 1991, Washington was on top of the football world again, with its third Super Bowl title, marking the most for a team in the NFC East at the time.

Washington won its three Super Bowls with as many quarterbacks (Joe Theismann in 1982, Doug Williams in 1987 and Mark Rypien in 1991) and had a balanced defense featuring star cornerback Darrell Green, who played for Washington from 1983-2002 and is the franchise leader with 54 interceptions.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, Landry was fired after the 1988 season by new team owner Jerry Jones in the wake of missing the playoffs in four of the previous five seasons. The Cowboys hired Miami Hurricanes head coach and national champion Jimmy Johnson as their new coach and went 1-15 in their first season under him (1989).

After the 1988 season, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) brought in Jimmy Johnson to coach the team and their partnership proved historic. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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Still, the two teams went 12-12 against each other with Gibbs in his initial stint as Washington’s head coach from 1981-92 (he returned for a second stint from 2004-07). But, more often than not, it was Washington playing deep into January and Dallas watching.

And Dallas Pushes Washington Right Back

Led by NFL all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, Dallas ripped off Super Bowl triumphs in the 1992, 1993 and 1995 seasons. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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Being a Cowboys fan in the 1980s and the opening seconds of the 1990s was rough. Why’s that? Well, arguably the Cowboys’ two biggest rivals, Washington (1982, 1987 and 1991) and the New York Giants (1986 and 1990), won half of the Super Bowls in the sport from 1982-91.

But then the Cowboys came of age.

In Johnson’s fourth season as head coach (1992), the likes of NFL all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, star wide receiver Michael Irvin, tight end Jay Novacek and quarterback Troy Aikman sparked one of the NFL’s preeminent offenses, leading Dallas to its first Super Bowl win in 15 years with a 52-17 shellacking of the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII. And the Cowboys ran it back by beating the Bills in the Super Bowl again the following year, 30-13.

Then, Dallas had to weather the storm of Johnson and the Cowboys parting ways after the 1993 season, with former Oklahoma Sooners head coach and national champion Barry Switzer taking the reins. After losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the 1994 NFC Championship Game, Dallas got back on the pedestal in 1995, winning its third Super Bowl in four years and tying San Francisco for the most Super Bowls in league history at the time with five.

Throughout the Cowboys’ run, Washington always met the moment, as the two teams were .500 against each other from 1992-97. At the same time, Washington failed to make the playoffs from 1993-98. The team actually hired former Dallas offensive coordinator Norv Turner as its head coach for the 1994 season, but the Turner era only produced one playoff appearance and just two winnings seasons from 1994 to 2000.

  Washington Has Playoff Edge; Dallas Has The Rest?

The Cowboys swept the 2025 season series with the Commanders. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

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The history of the NFL can’t be told without this rivalry. The way the Cowboys finessed their way to get Washington to let them into the league, the furious matchups, the two teams ending a golden run for the other and the animosity through it all. This rivalry has it all.

Would you rather dominate the all-time series in the win column against a team you despise or struggle in the regular season against a team you despise but beat them in the postseason? That’s the dichotomy regarding the question of who has been the “winner” of this rivalry.

As alluded to earlier, Washington has gotten the best of Dallas in January, winning the two times the teams have squared off in the playoffs, with both years resulting in an appearance in the Super Bowl for Washington. Plus, Washington beat Dallas in a win-or-go-home Week 17 game in 2012 that decided who won the NFC East and whose season was over, with Alfred Morris rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns and Washington intercepting Cowboys QB Tony Romo three times.

At the same time, the Cowboys are 81-49-2 in the all-time series. Dallas won 10 consecutive games against Washington from 1997-2002 and 14 of 15 stretching to 2005, while also winning 11 of 14 games against Washington from 2013-19 and having won eight of the past 10 matchups. And just for good measure, Dallas is 8-2 against Washington in Thanksgiving Day games.

That’s damning!

Dallas vs. Washington

All-Time Series

Dallas

 

81 Wins

Washington

 

49 Wins

Ties

 

2 Ties

These teams are each in their own respective title droughts. In 2024, Washington won a playoff game for the first time in 19 years and reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 33 years, but it has been 25 years since the Lombardi Trophy was hoisted in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Dallas hasn’t reached the NFC Championship Game since winning its last championship (1995).

The Commanders and Cowboys are more alike than different — but they couldn’t hate each other more.

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Kylian Mbappé is trading the Swoosh for the On after two decades with Nike.

The Real Madrid and France star announced Friday that he has joined Swiss sportswear company On, ending a relationship with Nike that began in 2006, when Mbappé was just nine years old.

Mbappé revealed the move in a social media statement titled “Dream On, Football,” reflecting on playing with friends until sunset before football became his career. 

“I have followed this dream for as long as I can remember,” Mbappé wrote.

The move gives On one of sport’s most recognizable stars as it attempts to expand beyond the running and tennis markets that built the Swiss brand. 

The agreement includes both cash and equity, according to Reuters, giving Mbappé a financial stake in On as the company makes its first major push into soccer. The total value of the deal has not been disclosed, and On has not announced its length.

Mbappé will serve as a global ambassador and work directly with On’s product teams to develop and test future football footwear and apparel. The company plans to launch its first soccer cleats in 2027 and has named former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry its director of soccer.

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Not 300 days ago, Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU right before the Rebels began their College Football Playoff run. Since then, the entire sport has waited for his return to Oxford, and it has arrived.

Kiffin will face his former team under the bright lights of Vaught Hemingway Stadium in what could be one of the most hostile environments in college football this season.

But Week 3’s loaded slate extends far beyond LSU-Ole Miss.

Houston and Texas Tech meet as ranked opponents for the first time since 1989, while Dabo Swinney and Bill Belichick face mounting pressure before Clemson-North Carolina. Alabama looks to carry its second-half momentum against Florida State, and Auburn meets Florida in a battle of first-year SEC coaches.

Here are our expert picks for the biggest games of the Week 3 college football season.

2026 College Football Expert Picks Week 3

College football in Week 3 kicks off with No. 5 Miami at Wake Forest (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), followed by No. 22 Houston at No. 13 Texas Tech (8 p.m. ET, FOX) and No. 21 Oregon hosting Portland State (10:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network). 

Joel Klatt reveals his first top 10 of the 2026 season Joel Klatt Show

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Aaron Judge could be finishing the regular season on the injured list. 

The Yankees superstar slugger is headed to the 10-day injury list due to a right calf strain. He appeared to injure his leg on Wednesday against the Twins, grimacing while at the plate. 

Judge has been sidelined for most of the season with a broken rib. His 66 games this season is his lowest since the COVID-impacted campaign in 2020. After back-to-back seasons with at least 50 home runs, the 34-year-old slugger only has 18 this season.

It’s unclear how this new injury would impact Judge’s availability for the playoffs. The Yankees have locked up a postseason spot already but are 4.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings. 

After a three-game series at Arizona, the Yankees take on the Rays next week in a four-game set in the Bronx before wrapping up the regular season against Baltimore.

As things stand, the Yankees will take on the Boston Red Sox in the AL wild-card series for the chance to go against the Rays in the ALDS. 

The three-time American League MVP had one home run and one extra-base hit in the seven games he played before his latest setback. 

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After the Bears and Panthers combined to score 96 points last Sunday, you can imagine how popular these Bears “Overs” will be. 

Go figure — I saw a Friday morning post from BetMGM’s John Ewing saying 87% of bettors have “Over” in Bears-Vikings.

Eight-y-seven-per-cent.

With that, naturally, every bone in my body wants to go “Under.”  

We know you’re here for informed wagers and I assure you I vet everything through multiple handicappers, oddsmakers and betting buddies who know what they’re doing. Those that do well in this racket know the how, what and why, and that’s always my goal.

Also, this will never be the place for a million picks or five-team parlays. These will always be the wagers I love the most and ones that I’m betting with my own money.  

Let’s go to work.

(2026 Record: 3-5-1, -2.5 units)

We talked about the Ohio situation earlier this week. I’m being told QB1 Nick Poulos, currently listed as questionable, is not going to play. There’s also the matter of QB Matt Vezza being banged up, too. This line got smashed from South Alabama -4.5 to -7 on Tuesday and, naturally, some of the +7 was knocked back. I envision Poulos being ruled out tomorrow and that line getting back to -7 or higher. Find a 6.5 and hit it.

Sammy P’s Pick: South Alabama (-6.5)

This Red Raiders team feels panicky. It obviously isn’t as strong on defense as it was last season, and now, head coach Joey McGuire is tinkering with more and more Thomas Castellanos at quarterback. That doesn’t exactly give me a ton of confidence in starter Will Hammond. Former bookmaker Ed Salmons told me he bet Houston +8.5 on the open and there’s plenty of sharp support throughout the week on the Cougars.

Sammy P’s Pick: Houston (+7.5)

I liked Ole Miss as a home dog before the whole charade with LSU’s injury report. In case you missed it, the Tigers surprisingly listed starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as “doubtful” on Wednesday night. Ole Miss was instantly bet from +3 to as low as +1, then it got shoved right back to 3. Now Leavitt is “questionable,” yet most people expect him to play. I still love this Ole Miss offense catching points and think the Rebels defense is good enough to slow LSU down. I also wouldn’t rule out Lane Kiffin going for two to win the game late.

Sammy P’s Pick: Ole Miss (+3)

I know, I know — the Titans stink. But the Philadelphia offense left a lot to be desired last Sunday afternoon. The Eagles only had 10 first downs against Washington. Ten. This game has all the ingredients to make an absolute rock fight and I think Robert Salah can scheme up a solid plan to negate what Jalen Hurts does well. You’ll hate my guts if Philly goes up 14-0 in the first quarter, but I’m plugging my nose and taking the seven here.

Sammy P’s Pick: Titans (+7)

If I heard the conversation at the water cooler correctly this past week, the Chiefs are good enough to make a playoff run and the Colts are missing the playoffs. Overreact much? Sure, Patrick Mahomes looked solid in his first game back from his torn ACL and LCL, but 168 of his 184 passing yards came after the catch. That’s an absurd stat. The Colts got blasted by Baltimore, but if they can get Jonathan Taylor going early, they should hang around on Sunday night.

Sammy P’s Pick: Colts (+6.5)

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Once again, the Yankees have to figure out how to survive without their best player for an indefinite amount of time.

Aaron Judge will be placed on the injured list on Saturday with a right calf strain, the Yankees announced on Friday. It’s a devastating blow for the Yankees, who are publicly saying they have no idea when Judge will return, or even whether he will be a factor for them in the playoffs.

Judge played in just seven games since returning from the IL last week. He was sidelined for 99 days with a fractured right rib, skipped a rehab assignment, and hit .174 (4-for-23) with a home run, two runs scored, three RBI, one walk and 13 strikeouts in 24 plate appearances in his return. Though he looked rusty at the plate after being shut down from any physical activity for more than three months, Judge looked like he was just starting to get his timing back during the Yankees’ series in Minnesota. The lineup around Judge looked complete — and dominant. Things were trending up for the Yankees.

Instead, another Judge injury puts an enormous dent in New York’s chances of going back to the World Series.

(Photo by Andrew Ritter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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The Yankees, including Judge, have remained ominously secretive about his calf strain. When asked what he was dealing with on Wednesday, Judge only said it was “lower body.” The Yankees called it “leg tightness.” All this after they made a dozen social-media posts announcing Judge’s big return from the IL last week. 

“I don’t know,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters in Phoenix, Ariz. on Wednesday when asked if Judge would be back for the postseason. “I’m not going to predict anything.”

The severity of Judge’s calf strain is unclear. Judge did not make himself available to reporters at Chase Field before the Yankees’ series opener against the Diamondbacks on Friday. On Wednesday, after he exited the Yankees’ game in Minnesota in the sixth inning, Judge downplayed the injury and said it’s something he has experienced before during spring training ramp-ups in years past. At the time, Judge did not believe the pain he was feeling warranted any additional tests. 

Good on the Yankees, then, for requesting additional tests on Thursday when Judge’s leg pain did not subside. Boone said he was “concerned” once he learned that there was a need for additional imaging despite Judge already receiving treatment. Eventually, an MRI revealed the calf strain.

(Photo by Andrew Ritter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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Typically, calf strains are tricky injuries with varying timelines to recovery. Most calf strains heal within six weeks, though severe ones can last much longer. Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, for instance, has not played since April 24 after dealing with multiple calf strains, one on each leg, this season. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor missed 56 games with a left calf strain this season, while outfielder Juan Soto missed just 16 games with a right calf strain in April. 

It could not be worse timing for another Judge injury, with the Yankees set to host the Rays in a pivotal four-game series in the Bronx next week. New York (88-64) entered Friday five games behind Tampa Bay (93-59) for first place in the AL East. Since Judge’s IL stint can be backdated, the soonest he is eligible to return is Sept. 27 against the Orioles, the final game of the regular season. But, without knowing the severity of Judge’s injury, calf strains typically take longer to heal than 10–14 days.

That being said, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where Judge misses the Yankees’ playoff run. If the regular season ended today, the Yankees would kick off the playoffs by hosting the Red Sox in a three-game wild-card series at home. Judge has found ways to play and push himself onto the roster before, and even though it’s admirable that the three-time MVP tends to tolerate extreme pain and play through his injuries, that doesn’t always mean it’s in the best interest of the team.

(Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

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In some ways, the Yankees are to blame for Judge’s second trip to the IL. They did, after all, grant Judge’s wishes and allow him to skip a rehab assignment after missing three months with a fractured rib. The tradeoff for skipping the rehab assignment was easing him back into games. A day off here, half a game there. Except… Judge said he was “not happy” about being pulled after the sixth inning of his first game back from the IL, which he uncharacteristically shared with reporters last week. He figured after missing significant time, the more at-bats he could get, the better.

That’s reasonable, since playing in a series against the Rockies is likely equivalent to a minor-league rehab assignment. But look at the rest of the context, and the Yankees have more than enough motivation to stop listening to what Judge wants, and start doing what they think is best. 

(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Judge fractured his rib by diving in a late-April game in Houston. He played hurt without telling the team for over a month, largely because the Yankees were dealing with a myriad of injuries on the position player and pitching side at the time, and Judge did not want to further hurt the team by missing games. But he ended up missing 85 games anyway. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman later publicly admitted that it’s possible Judge made his injury worse by playing through it for over a month. 

Similarly, Judge again played through his calf injury on Wednesday. He said he felt something in the first inning of the Yankees’ 5-4 loss to the Twins. But he didn’t come out of the game until the sixth inning. He was seen grimacing, in apparent pain, in his third inning at-bat, too. Just like last time, isn’t it possible he made his injury worse?

You can argue that Judge could’ve blown out his calf in the minors, too. Judge made that same point on Wednesday, when he was asked about skipping a rehab assignment. But the intensity is always different in the majors, where every game matters for a Yankees team trying to catch the Rays for the division title. 

“Talking it over, I thought it would be the right move to come out so we don’t cost the team on the field or cost the team on the basepaths,” Judge said on Wednesday. “I stuck out there for a couple of innings. Especially going into an off day tomorrow, I didn’t think it was smart to push it too much here. Like I said, I didn’t want to cost the team down the road.”

(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Judge, who is just as competitive as he is talented, is always going to push for more playing time. He’s always going to want to be on the field to help the Yankees win. But it’s up to the Yankees, particularly their upper-management, to be the voice of reason, and stick to it. 

Asked on Friday whether Boone second guessed the decision to bypass Judge’s rehab assignment, knowing what he now knows, the manager said: “Not really.” But he has to wonder whether it will end up costing the Yankees a ring.

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The smile on Aaron Donald’s face said it all, well before he verbalized his expectation that he will play for the Los Angeles Rams in their home opener against the New York Giants on Monday night.

“That is the plan,” Donald said Friday.

“I think that’s all of our plan. We can have a conversation, we’ll figure it out, but I’m feeling really good.”

A three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Pro defensive lineman, Donald had been out of football for two seasons before rejoining the Rams (0-1) last month. However, he was around the organization enough that it never really felt to him like a prolonged absence. The only uncertainty was how long it would take him to feel physically ready to step back on the field in an NFL game.

After skipping the trip to Melbourne, Australia for the season opener, instead remaining in Southern California to continue his preparations, another week of practice seems to have given Donald the answer he wanted.

“Feel a lot better now that I got more practices under my belt instead of one, so kind of getting in a groove of things, understanding everything a lot better,” Donald said. “I’ve been playing a lot more free, a lot more loose, and looking more like myself to me.”

Defensive tackle Kobie Turner called Donald’s likely return an extra jolt of enthusiasm for a team looking to shake off a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

“I mean, AD is AD,” Turner said. “So, excited for him to have the opportunity to go and put it on display on Monday, and excited to be out there with him.”

Donald’s presence would give the defense a great pass rusher to help offset the loss of Myles Garrett for at least four games because of knee surgery. It was the seismic trade for Garrett in June that got Donald thinking about rejoining the Rams, but the 35-year-old will have to wait a little longer to play alongside Garrett.

“He won’t be gone forever, so let him rest up, get healthy, and he’ll be back soon,” Donald said. “So, hold it down while he’s gone, and then when he’s back, we’ll get rolling.”

Donald doesn’t feel any pressure to make up for Garrett’s absence because of teammates such as Turner, Braden Fiske and outside linebacker Byron Young. But not having Garrett could open up Donald to the frequent double or triple teams from opposing blocking schemes he faced while amassing 111 sacks in 154 career games.

The Giants (1-0) came into this week believing Donald would be available.

“Expect him to play like Aaron Donald, which is a game-wrecking type player inside,” New York coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. “Penetrating, active movement player who can wreck the game, really any particular play in a lot of different ways, run and pass.”

Donald is also likely to be on a significantly reduced snap count compared to 2023 when he was used 81% of the time. He expects that to work in his favor, particularly since it should have him being prioritized in obvious situations to go after the quarterback.

“I’m gonna go out there, play hard,” Donald said. “When I need a break, tap out, let the next guy go out there and eat, and I’ll be right back. … So, whatever that role is, I’m ready for it.”

The Rams will welcome whatever Donald can give them as they are already facing mounting adversity.

Star wide receiver Puka Nacua did not practice because of a hip injury, and his backup, Jordan Whittington, was not available due to a quadriceps injury.

Nacua missed practice time leading up to the regular season because of soreness in the psoas muscle that runs from the back through the pelvis to the legs. He sustained the injury during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 11.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes face the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday in a Week 3 college football matchup on FOX.

The Buckeyes are coming off a heartbreaking 24-23 loss at No. 4 Texas. Ohio State led 23-3 in the fourth quarter before allowing 21 unanswered points. Julian Sayin completed 17 of 32 passes for 278 yards, one touchdown and an interception on a desperation heave at the end of the game.

Despite a stellar performance from Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes scored only three points in the second half. Smith finished with eight receptions for 164 yards and caught Sayin’s lone touchdown pass. Ryan Day’s team will now look to rebound against Kent State before beginning conference play.

The Golden Flashes earned their first win of the season last week, defeating Wofford 36-15. Quarterback Dru DeShields produced more than 300 total yards and three touchdowns, including two on the ground, but also threw two interceptions.

Unfortunately for Kent State, a talented Ohio State team coming off a crushing loss is a difficult opponent to face. Expect the Buckeyes to come out motivated and take out their frustration on the Golden Flashes.

Let’s take a look at the odds for No. 6 Ohio State vs. Kent Staterd at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 19.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   Kent State @ Ohio State Odds

Spread 

[–>
• Ohio State -52.5: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)
• Kent State +52.5: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)

Over/Under

• Over 59.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 59.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Kent State @ Ohio State Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

Since Ryan Day became Ohio State’s full-time head coach in 2019, the Buckeyes are 14-0 against non-Power Four opponents, averaging 54.4 points while allowing fewer than 10 points per game.

The three previous meetings between these teams have gone as expected, with Ohio State winning 51-17 in 2001, 48-3 in 2007 and 66-0 in 2014. Saturday could bring another lopsided result for the Golden Flashes.

Ohio State will be motivated to move past last week’s loss, and Kent State stands in its way. Take the Buckeyes to cover the massive spread.

The Pick: Ohio State -52.5

How to Watch No. 6 Ohio State vs. Kent State

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
• Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

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College football’s second international game is heading to Wembley Stadium in London.

The Arizona State Sun Devils face the Kansas Jayhawks to open conference play on Saturday in a Week 3 college football matchup on FS1.

Entering the fourth quarter last week, the Sun Devils trailed Texas A&M just 24-20. But the Aggies scored 24 points in the final frame, including two pick-sixes, to pull away for a 48-20 win.

Despite the 28-point loss, Arizona State outgained Texas A&M 369-255. Transfer quarterback Cutter Boley accounted for 285 of those yards and connected with Reed Harris for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

Kansas is also coming off a Week 2 loss after falling 38-21 to rival Missouri. The Jayhawks allowed nearly 500 yards of offense while gaining just 254 and converting only three of their 15 third-down attempts.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Arizona State vs. Kansas at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 19.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   Arizona State vs. Kansas Odds

Moneyline

[–>
• Arizona State: -205 (bet $10 to win $11.54 total)
• Kansas: +170 (bet $10 to win $57 total)

Spread 

• Arizona State -5.5: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)
• Kansas +5.5: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)

Over/Under

• Over 52.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 52.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Arizona State vs. Kansas Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

The last international college football game to feature more than 50 combined points came in 2022, when Northwestern and Nebraska combined for 59. Between jet lag, a significant time difference and unfamiliar field conditions, international games can present unique challenges for offenses and often produce lower-scoring contests.

Arizona State enters this matchup averaging 525 yards and 45 points per game, ranking third and sixth in the Big 12, respectively. However, those numbers were inflated by a 70-7 win over FCS opponent Morgan State, when the Sun Devils piled up 681 yards of offense.

Kansas, meanwhile, struggled to move the ball against Missouri and committed three turnovers. The Jayhawks could face another difficult test against an Arizona State defense capable of forcing them into uncomfortable situations.

Expecting college athletes to perform at their usual level while adjusting to a major time difference and potential jet lag is a tall order. With both teams navigating unusual circumstances, the under is the play.

   The Pick: Total Under 50.5

How to Watch Arizona State vs. Kansas

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
• Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England

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