More than ever, successful players from D-II, FCS or HBCU schools are finding homes at Power 4 programs before they're on an NFL radar.
But that doesn't mean there aren't any potential hidden gems out there.
My small-school sleepers in the 2026 Draft:
37 wins. 5 starting transfers. 4 different leading scorers in the NCAA Tournament. 45 assists for Elliot Cadeau en route to the Most Outstanding Player award.
Breaking down Michigan's run to the title by the numbers⤵️
Last year, all four No. 1 seeds made the Final Four in March Madness. Chances are, that won't happen again.
Ranking the four 2026 top seeds by which is most likely to fall first:
Star NFL players, or even just solid starters, getting overpaid on the open market has just become part of the annual cycle.
Here are my 8 "overpaid" contracts in 2026 free agency with the potential to hurt teams later on:
There's a case to be made that Kyler Murray is the most gifted quarterback Kevin O'Connell has worked with yet.
One way or another, Murray is joining what's becoming a lineage of Vikings QB reclamation projects for O'Connell:
The 2026 Winter Olympics featured breakout stars, historic hockey success and plenty of dominant performances for the United States.
But there were also some disappointments.
My U.S. winners and losers in Milan:
Football took Malcolm Butler from undrafted DII corner to Super Bowl hero, All-Pro and 6-year NFL starter.
Now, he's "giving back to the universe," including coaching high school ball in Houston.
On Butler's journey since Super Bowl 49:
Questionable trade on the Sixers' end outside of the financial benefits, but Jared McCain in OKC is textbook "rich get richer."
Not much pressure for him to perform now in a deep rotation, but long-term, an elite shooter around SGA and Jalen Williams:
www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/...
Two years ago, the Patriots had no direction at quarterback in the NFL's cellar. One year ago, they were a 4-13 team that had some more optimism, but primarily held long-term upside.
How New England built a Super Bowl contender in the 2025 offseason:
The Broncos' Jarrett Stidham situation has, naturally, earned some comparisons to the 2017 Eagles with Nick Foles.
Regardless of result, I'd argue Stidham faces a much tougher path -- and that the two scenarios are drastically different:
Indiana, of all teams, can join one of college football's most exclusive clubs tonight: Unbeaten champions.
The Hoosiers can join 2023 Michigan, 2022 Georgia, 2020 Alabama, 2019 LSU and 2018 Clemson as teams to run the table in the CFP era ⬇️
A near-upset of Team USA. Titles at four levels. Top 10 draft pick.
Butch Lee's distinguishing feat? Becoming "El Primero," the NBA's first Hispanic player and a Puerto Rican pioneer.
“If you know the history, you know who Butch Lee is.”
With Penn State's double-OT loss yesterday, the Nittany Lions' struggles in big games continued. The narratives surrounding James Franklin won't be going away any time soon.
I broke down his career record against top-10 ranked teams:
It was unfathomable just weeks ago, but the Guardians have a real shot to win the AL Central. Cleveland's series against the Tigers will virtually decide the division winner.
What are each team's chances, and what's Detroit's magic number?
Justin Herbert has thrown 5 touchdown passes with no turnovers, 63 rushing yards and a completion percentage over 70% through two Chargers wins.
It's (very) early -- but could he enter the upper echelon of quarterbacks this season by winning MVP?
Thursday’s Micah Parsons deal will be one of the most consequential moves ever made by the Cowboys and Packers.
While Green Bay eyes Super Bowl contention, Dallas eyes the future, acquiring multiple first-round picks.
How did each team do in the blockbuster trade?
Kyle Schwarber's four-HR game was the fourth in Phillies history, the 21st in MLB history and the third of 2025 alone.
A breakdown of his night against the Braves, including the shot he had at the first-ever 5-homer performance:
On Saturday, Julian Sayin steps into the spotlight for the defending national champions. But originally, he was tracking to become a star much further south, in Tuscaloosa.
Looking back on Sayin's quick transfer out of Alabama ahead of his starting debut:
Two nights, two Sixers draft breakdowns.
Daryl Morey and company selected Johni Broome in Round 2 tonight -- the former Auburn star is set to bring inside scoring, rebounding and size to Philadelphia.
On Broome's fit in Philly:
In V.J. Edgecombe, the Sixers will be adding an athletic, defensive-minded guard to their rotation, something they've lacked in recent seasons.
On Edgecombe's fit in Philly:
For the 10th time in the past 25 years, LSU is in the College World Series.
The Tigers have seen plenty of future MLB stars come through Baton Rouge — I ranked the best LSU players that went on to the pros, from Paul Skenes to Alex Bregman:
The NBA’s worst-kept secret this summer: Kevin Durant will be on the move.
But which team is the best fit for the future Hall of Famer?
I ranked the top seven candidates to win the KD sweepstakes, including the Knicks, Spurs and Rockets ⬇️
Aaron Rodgers is (finally) heading to Pittsburgh in what will likely be the final chapter of his career.
On the fit between the legendary QB and the Steelers, his career numbers and more⬇️
Only one player has won NBA Finals MVP while losing the series. Only one rookie has ever claimed it.
I looked back at every Finals MVP, from MJ's dominance to Jaylen Brown last year
There are plenty of stars from Power 4 programs that will hear their names called at this week’s NFL Draft.
But what about the FCS and Division II stars?
Here are 10 sleeper draft prospects from smaller schools ⬇️
“[Recruits were] like, ‘Man, like, Penn State is an awesome university. … I just don't want to lose for four years.”
Tonight, Penn State men’s hockey embarks on its first Frozen Four.
The bright lights could have lasting effects on Guy Gadowsky’s program
Tyler Warren’s 104 receptions in 2024 set a Penn State single-season record. All 104 of those are up for grabs in 2025.
With a young tight end room and new group of wide receivers, James Franklin is in the early stages of finding his next go-to targets
Should Auburn prevail over Michigan State, all four No. 1 seeds in the men’s NCAA Tournament would advance to the Final Four — which has only happened once before.
How the madness has been absent this March ⬇️
