Winning the Big Ten regular-season crown and then capturing the conference tournament is nothing new for Purdue, which did just that a year ago and seemed poised to make the program’s first Final Four appearance since 1980 and third overall.

Then came Fairleigh Dickinson. Purdue’s shocking first-round exit marked just the second loss by a No. 1 seed to a No. 16 since the tournament expanded nearly 40 years ago, joining Virginia’s loss to Maryland-Baltimore County in 2018.

One year later, the Cavaliers rebounded to capture the national championship. The Boilermakers’ quest to follow in UVA’s footsteps is the biggest national storyline heading into the Big Ten tournament.

Big Ten tournament schedule, bracket, scores

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First round

Wednesday March 13

Maryland vs. Rutgers, 6:30 p.m.

Penn State vs. Michigan, 9 p.m.

Second round

Thursday, March 14

Minnesota vs. Michigan State, noon

Wisconsin vs. Maryland-Rutgers winner, 2:30 p.m.

Ohio State vs. Iowa, 6:30 p.m.

Indiana vs. Michigan-Penn State winner, 9 p.m.

Quarterfinals

Friday, March 15

Purdue vs. Minnesota-Michigan State winner, noon

Northwestern vs. Wisconsin vs. Maryland-Rutgers winner, 2:30 p.m.

Illinois vs. Ohio State-Iowa winner, 6:30 p.m.

Nebraska vs. Indiana-Michigan-Penn State winner, 9 p.m.

Semifinals

Saturday, March 16

Purdue-Minnesota-Michigan State winner vs. Northwestern-Wisconsin-Maryland-Rutgers winner, 1 p.m.

Illinois-Ohio State-Iowa winner vs. Nebraska-Indiana-Michigan-Penn State winner, 3:30 p.m.

Championship

Sunday, March 17

Semifinal winners, 3:30 p.m.

The Big Ten tournament favorites

Purdue dominated the regular season behind another banner year from 7-foot-4 senior Zach Edey, the favorite to claim national player of the year honors for the second year in a row. The Boilermakers’ biggest threat should come from Illinois, which should land among the top four NCAA tournament lines but could contend for a higher seed by winning the conference tournament. Third-seed Nebraska has been one of the big success stories in the Power Six and did beat Purdue earlier this year, so don’t sleep on the Cornhuskers, either.

Big Ten tournament top players

Zach Edey, C, Purdue – The numbers are outstanding (24.2 points, 11.7 rebounds per game) and should make Edey just the third male to be named the Naismith College Player of the Year multiple times, joining Bill Walton and Ralph Sampson.
Boo Buie, G, Northwestern – The fifth-year senior has averaged double figures every season but saved his best for last, ranking fourth in the Big Ten in points per game (18.9) with 5.2 assists per game and an 87.4% mark from the line, fifth in the conference.
Terrence Shannon, G, Illinois – Shannon (21.6 points per game) is the best pure scorer in the conference and one reason why high-scoring Illinois could make a run into April.
Keisei Tominaga, G, Nebraska – Nebraska’s long-range bomber leads the team in scoring (14.6 points per game) while chipping in 2.3 rebounds and just under a steal per game.
Clifford Omoruyi, C, Rutgers – Omoruyi leads the Big Ten in blocks per game (2.9, good for third nationally) and is a key scorer for the Scarlet Knights, who are 10-5 when the senior cracks double digits.

NCAA tournament bubble storylines in the Big Ten

Six teams appear locked into the tournament: Purdue, Illinois, Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Two teams that could play their way into the tournament with multiple wins this week are Iowa and Ohio State. After firing coach Chris Holtmann in February, the Buckeyes have climbed to 54th in the NET rankings thanks to four wins in a row to end the regular season at 19-12 overall and 9-11 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes (18-13) and Buckeyes meet in the second round, with the winner advancing to play the Illini.

Indiana has also won four in a row to get to 18 wins but are hampered by a 3-8 mark in Quad 1 games and an 0-6 record against ranked competition. Anything less than a trip to the conference championship would leave the Hoosiers on the outside of the field.

The SEC tournament will begin on Wednesday in Nashville with five teams separated by just one game at the top of league standings. This group is led by Tennessee, which can lock down a No. 1 seed by winning the conference tournament for the second time in three years.

Keep an eye on the Volunteers, and also on the scoreboard. No Power Six league does scoring quite like the SEC, home to three of the seven highest-scoring teams in Division I in Alabama (first at 90.8 points per game), Kentucky (second at 89.5) and Florida (seventh at 84.9). Auburn (83.5) and the Volunteers (80.2) also rank in the top 45 nationally.

With such high-quality depth at the top of the standings, the SEC tournament should have a profound impact on how the committee lays out the top four lines of the men’s tournament on Selection Sunday.

SEC tournament schedule, bracket, scores

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First round

Wednesday March 13

Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt, 7 p.m.

Georgia vs. Missouri, 9:30 p.m.

Second round

Thursday, March 14

LSU vs. Mississippi State, 1 p.m.

South Carolina vs. Arkansas-Vanderbilt winner, 3:30 p.m.

Texas A&M vs. Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Florida vs. Georgia-Missouri winner, 9:30 p.m.

Quarterfinals

Friday, March 15

Tennessee vs. LSU-Mississippi State winner, 1 p.m.

Auburn vs. South Carolina-Arkansas-Vanderbilt winner, 3:30 p.m.

Kentucky vs. Texas A&M-Mississippi winner, 7 p.m.

Alabama vs. Florida-Georgia-Missouri winner, 9:30 p.m.

Semifinals

Saturday, March 16

Tennessee-LSU-Mississippi State winner vs. Auburn-South Carolina-Arkansas-Vanderbilt winner, 1 p.m.

Kentucky-Texas A&M-Mississippi winner vs. Alabama-Florida-Georgia-Missouri winner, 3:30 p.m.

Championship

Sunday, March 17

Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

The SEC tournament favorites

Tennessee holds opponents to just 38.5% shooting from the field, good for third in Division I. This combination of scoring and stingy defense is why the Volunteers seem built for success in March. UT will be challenged by Kentucky, winners of five in a row to crack the top 10 of the USA TODAY Men’s College Basketball Poll. Alabama could ride a potent offense to the conference championship but has been undone at times by a defense that has given up at least 75 points in each of its last nine games, including 117 points in a loss to Kentucky in February.

SEC tournament top players

Dalton Knecht, F, Tennessee – Knecht is the biggest threat to Purdue center Zach Edey’s quest to become the two-time national player of the year after leading the Volunteers and the SEC with 21.4 points per game.
Zyon Pullin, G, Florida – A senior transfer from UC Riverside, Pullin has orchestrated one of the top offenses in the country from his spot at point guard while averaging 5.0 assists per game making 44.4% of his attempts from deep.
Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky – The freshman has provided a huge spark for the Wildcats off the bench with 12.7 points, 4.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and an SEC-best 2.5 steals per game.
Johni Broome, F, Auburn – The Morehead State transfer has continued to be a force inside for Auburn (2.3 blocks per game) while blending in a 3-point game that makes him one of the most well-rounded big men in the conference.
Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina – Murray-Boyles averages just over 22 minutes per appearance for the surprising Gamecocks but the freshman makes the most of his opportunities with 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and a steal and a block per game.

NCAA tournament bubble storylines

Mississippi was a bracketology favorite amid an 18-3 start but cratered in the second half, losing eight of 10 games with the only two wins coming against woeful Missouri. Now the Rebels need to run the table in the conference tournament to book a seat in the 68-team field.

Another team that dropped off the map is Texas A&M, which had a similarly tough run through the heart of the SEC before scrambling to win three in a row to enter the conference tournament on a high note. Now 18-13 overall and 9-9 in the league, the Aggies need to beat the Rebels in the second round and Kentucky in the quarterfinals to get in.

One team that seems safe as of now is Mississippi State, though a loss to LSU in the second round could make things a little dicey for the Bulldogs.

March Madness means more than just exciting NCAA tournament games.

It’s also a chance to get a closer look at the next group of NBA rookies.

While the first three projected picks in the 2024 NBA draft are playing internationally this season, there are several lottery picks and first-rounders who will play in the tournament including players on familiar teams: Kentucky, Baylor, UConn, Duke and Kansas, among others. Those five schools each have at least two projected first-round picks.

It’s not just all freshmen either. Multiple projected first-rounders will be at least 22 years old with at least four years of college experience by the time the June draft arrives.

Let’s take a look at USA TODAY Sports’ March Madness NBA mock draft. (Draft order based on standings after games played March 10.)

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2024 NBA mock draft

1. Detroit Pistons: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)

Forward, 6-feet-8, 200 pounds, 18 years old

2023-24 stats: 10.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 51.2% FG, 38% 3PT

Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well.

2. Washington Wizards: Alexandre Sarr, Perth (Australia) Wildcats

Forward-center, 7-1, 216, 18

2023-24 stats: 9.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 52.6% FG, 71.7% FT

A strong defender and shot-blocker who plays with force on both ends; has good hands, uses his body well and though he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he gets it to go in. His brother player, Olivier, is on two-way G League contract with Oklahoma City.

3. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topic, KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 18

2023-24 stats: 18.6 ppg, 6.9 apg, 3.7 rpg, 52.4% FG (for KK Mega Basket before transfer)

The Serbian point guard, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, has great size for his position; loves to drive to the rim and can finish with either hand; can shoot the 3 but will need to improve his percentage. Strong passer, not flashy, but sees the court and can make the right pass.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Cody Williams, Colorado

Forward, 6-8, 190, 19

2023-24 stats: 13.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 59% FG, 45.7% 3PT, 70.8% FT

Williams’ perimeter defense and scoring ability make him a prime candidate for a top-five pick. Can get to the rim with ease, and finishes with power although listed at 6-8, 190 lbs. Has 3-point range, and his mid-range game is solid at the college level.

5. Portland Trail Blazers: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite

Forward, 6-10, 209, 19

2023-24 stats: 13.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 bpg, 45.3% FG, 26.9% 3PT, 70.3% FT

Good leaping ability, surprises with his dunks, soft shooting touch, plays through contact.

6. Memphis Grizzlies: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky

Guard, 6-3, 176, 19

2023-24 stats: 15 ppg, 3.8 apg, 2.8 rpg, 48.2% FG, 44.5% 3PT, 77.8% FT

As a smaller guard, he is elite at creating own shot, through spot-up shooting or dribble penetration because of his speed. Lacks strength and could improve shooting and shot selection. Could be a liability on defense.

7. San Antonio Spurs: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Guard, 6-3, 187, 19

2023-24 stats: 12.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 54% FG, 52.6% 3PT, 84.1% FT

Can flat out score, especially off screens, using floaters or pulling up in transition. Lacks elite athleticism but handles ball well enough to warrant look at point guard. Will compete defensively, and rebounds well for his size.

8. Houston Rockets: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor

Guard, 6-5, 195, 19

2023-24 stats: 14.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 38.2% FG, 33% 3PT, 82.3% FT

Typical 3-and-D player who will fit NBA teams looking for a shotmaker. Will need to make up deficiencies, such as questionable ball-handling skills. He competes defensively and rebounds well for a two-guard.

9. Utah Jazz: Ron Holland, G League Ignite

Guard, 6-8, 206, 18

2023-24 stats: 19.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.4 spg, 45.5% FG, 23.7% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Sustained season-ending thumb injury but showed his potential as a high-flying wing who flourishes off the dribble and in transition and likes to score; solid shot-blocker for his size; good body control while in the air. His 3-point shot needs improvement.

10. Atlanta Hawks: Stephon Castle, UConn

Guard, 6-6, 215, 19

2023-24 stats: 11.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 47.4% FG, 30.2% 3PT, 75.3% FT

While his stats don’t jump out, he is a big guard, who can slide in at the 4 when a situation dictates. Can create own shot but will be most useful on the defensive end to start career.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France)

Forward, 6-9, 205, 18

2023-24 stats: 8.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.1 spg, 36.6% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 72.1% FT

Another athletic and lengthy wing from France who has immense offensive potential as a scorer. Can handle the ball and is focused on making the right play. The success of NBA rookies Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly this season has put a spotlight on these young French players.

12. Chicago Bulls: Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Center, 7-0, 248, 20

2023-24 stats: 16.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 bpg, 50.5% FG, 35.3% 3PT, 66.4% FT

A low-post big who uses his size, strength and athleticism. As the screener on pick-and-rolls, he can step outside and hit 3s and go to the bucket for dunks and layups.

13. Portland Trail Blazers: Isaiah Collier, Southern California

Guard, 6-5, 210, 19

2023-24 stats: 16.6 ppg, 4.2 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.5 spg, 48.8% FG, 32.9% 3PT, 67.8% FT

Should be healed from hand injury suffered during season. Has an NBA-ready frame and gets to the rack and finishes. Still needs to work on inconsistent jump shot and can be a shut-down defender if he puts his mind to it.

14. New Orleans Pelicans: Donovan Clingan, UConn

Center, 7-2, 280, 19

2023-24 stats:12.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 1.4 apg, 62.8% FG, 56.1% FT

A strong big man with capable hands who is tough to defend in the low post; a worker on the glass, especially offensively and can operate in pick-and-rolls as the screener going to the basket. Has rim protecting skills. Playing away from the basket on both ends will be his challenge in the NBA.

15. Miami Heat: Yves Missi, Baylor

Center, 7-0, 235, 19

2023-24 stats: 10.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 62.4% FG, 60.8% FT

Good athlete and is an effective rim protector and rebounder, but must work on offensive game, especially establishing post moves, to justify lottery pick. Has trouble at free throw line and could add pounds to body to boost draft stock.

16. Toronto Raptors: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee

Guard, 6-6, 213, 22 (fifth season)

2023-24 stats: 21.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 47.4% FG, 40.5% 3PT, 75.8% FT

Strong on catch-and-shoot 3s, can drive to the basket with power and finesse and is athletic. Will need work defensively, and yes, he’ll be 23 years old by the draft, but that shouldn’t be a detractor.

17. Philadelphia 76ers: Johnny Furphy, Kansas

Guard, 6-9, 202, 19

2023-24 stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 50.6 FG%, 36.9% 3PT, 77.1% FT

Has skyrocketed up draft boards, especially with his play in Big 12 games. Runs the court well, finishes in transition and can knock down spot-up 3s.

18. New York Knicks: Tyler Smith, G League Ignite

Forward, 6-11, 224, 19

2023-24 stats: 13.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.0 bpg, 47.5% FG, 35.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Definition of a stretch 4 and as a lefty, he can pick his spots and extend shooting range beyond free-throw line. Ability to space floor, but improvement on defensive end could set him apart from other bigs in this draft class.

19. Orlando Magic: Devin Carter, Providence

Guard, 6-3, 195, 21

2023-24 stats: 19.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.0 bpg, 47.7% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 72.3% FT

Strong, physical guard who can score from multiple spots on the court and will post-up smaller guards. Provides outstanding rebounding and shot-blocking from his position. Son of former NBA guard Anthony Carter.

20. Atlanta Hawks: Jared McCain, Duke

Guard, 6-3, 197, 20

2023-24 stats: 13.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.1 spg, 45.8% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 87.3% FT

An efficient scorer on a talented team, McCain has range from 3 and can shoot it off the dribble or on the catch.

21. New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn, Virginia

Guard, 6-8, 216, 21

2023-24 stats: 8.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 1.3 spg, 54.8% FG, 21.9% 3PT, 53.4% FT

Dunn excels in transition but will need to improve his outside shot. Outstanding defender on the ball and as a shot-blocker using his length, strength and athleticism.

22. Phoenix Suns: Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas

Guard, 6-7, 212, 22 (graduate student)

2023-24 stats: 18.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 45.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 80.5% FT

Injury concerns aside, McCullar is an outstanding defender and productive scorer. One of oldest prospects in draft class (he turns 23 on March 15), can also be a playmaker, and is slotted at a 2 or 3 at the next level.

23. New Orleans Pelicans: Bobi Klintman, Cairns Taipans (Australia)

Forward, 6-8, 225, 21

2023-24 stats: 9.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 44% FG, 79% FT

Likes to run the court, can score in transition or on drives to the bucket; does not have a textbook jump shot, but gets it to go down. Played one season at Wake Forest before going to Australia to start his pro career.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tyler Kolek, Marquette

Guard, 6-3, 195, 22

2023-24 stats: 15.0 ppg, 7.6 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 48.6% FG, 40% 3PT, 88% FT

A playmaker and scorer, especially off the dribble, Kolek sees the court well, operates with savvy in the pick-and-roll and is clever with his finishes at the rim. He has six double-doubles in points and assists this season.

25. Milwaukee Bucks: Kel’el Ware, Indiana

Center, 7-0, 242, 19

2023-24 stats: 16.1 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.5 apg, 59.9% FG, 44.7% 3PT, 62.7% FT

Solid defender and rebounder and runs the floor well for a 7-footer. Has tendency to disappear in games but is effective on pick-and-rolls and pick-and-pops. Tends to struggle defensively against bigger, stronger foes, but has an offensive game that can translate.

26. Washington Wizards: Zach Edey, Purdue

Center, 7-4, 300, 21

2023-24 stats: 24.2 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 61.9% FG, 71.8% FT

Edey is a bear to defend in the low post, and he may just win the college player of the year award. But in the NBA, is he mobile enough, especially defensively, to keep up with style and pace?

27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyshawn George, Miami

Guard, 6-8, 205, 20

2023-24 stats: 7.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43% FG, 41.7% 3PT, 77.8% FT

Born in Switzerland, George is inconsistent as a scorer and playmaker, but has the ability to knock down 3s. Has shown enough as a scorer and rebounder with his size to attract first-round attention.

28. Denver Nuggets: D.J. Wagner, Kentucky

Guard, 6-4, 192, 18

2023-24 stats: 10.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, 1.8 rpg, 41.6% FG, 30.7% 3PT, 76.2% FT

The son and grandson of former NBA players, Dejuan and Milt, Wagner attacks the rim and can finish with both hands. Can be a playmaker with his passing and his 3-point percentage should improve with more repetitions.

29. Utah Jazz: Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa

Center, 6-11, 225, 18

From Cameroon, Chomche is a strong, active big man who is developing an inside and outside offensive game. Runs the court well and protects the rim.

30. Boston Celtics: Jaylon Tyson, Cal

Guard, 6-7, 215, 21

2023-24 stats: 19.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 47% FG, 35.8% 3PT, 79.9% FT

Can score, sees the court well and moves well without the ball. A solid rebounder who can also initiate offense as a playmaker either passing or creating shots for himself and knows how to utilize his size in pick-and-rolls as a ball-handler.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt and Scooby Axson @ScoobAxson

It’s the last dance for the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament.

For a brief period in the late 1980s and since 2002, the ‘Conference of Champions’ has sent its tournament winner to the NCAA tournament, but this year will be the most sentimental edition yet with the conference essentially ceasing to exist after this season. So as of now, all 12 teams will vie to be known as the team to win the 26th and final Pac-12 tournament.

There have been plenty of teams worthy of making the NCAA tournament in the more that two decades, but this year the conference doesn’t present many teams qualified to hear their name called on Selection Sunday. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a team capable of stealing an automatic bid (look at Oregon in 2019 and Oregon State in 2021). Even with the lack of contending teams, the Pac-12 still has squads capable of making noise in March with Washington State and defending back-to-back Pac-12 tournament champion Arizona, who could boost their tournament résumés with wins. So, expect anything to happen when the Pac-12 meets in Las Vegas one last time.

Pac-12 tournament bracket, schedule, scores

At T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

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First round

Wednesday March 13

Southern California vs. Washington, 3 p.m.

UCLA vs. Oregon State , 5:30 p.m.

Stanford vs. California, 9 p.m.

Arizona State vs. Utah, 11:30 p.m.

Quarterfinals

Thursday, March 14

Arizona vs. Southern California-Washington winner, 3 p.m.

Oregon vs. UCLA-Oregon State winner, 5:30 p.m.

Washington State vs. Stanford-California winner, 9 p.m.

Colorado vs. Arizona State-Utah winner, 11:30 p.m.

Semifinals

Friday, March 15

Arizona-Southern California-Washington winner vs. Oregon-UCLA-Oregon State winner, 8 p.m.

Washington State-Stanford-California winner vs. Colorado-Arizona State-Utah winner, 10:30 p.m.

Championship

Saturday, March 16

Semifinal winners, 9 p.m.

Pac-12 tournament favorites

Arizona is the clear favorite to win its third consecutive conference tournament as the Wildcats have national championship aspirations after finishing first in the regular season standings. But lurking behind them is resurgent Washington State who is the only team to complete a season sweep of Arizona in the Tommy Lloyd era.

Pac-12 tournament top players

Caleb Love, G, Arizona − The North Carolina transfer has made Arizona an even bigger national title contender, averaging 18.7 points per game for the regular season conference champions.

Myles Rice, G, Washington State − Rice has done it all for Washington State in its resurgent year, averaging 15.3 points per game while ranking top five in the conference in assists (3.9) and steals (1.5) per game.

KJ Simpson, G, Colorado − Simpson carried the Buffaloes into a hot end of the regular season. He’s second in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.6 ppg), but he averaged 23.2 in the last six games.

Branden Carlson, C, Utah − An elite scorer, rebounder and 3-point shooter, the 7-foot Carlson was hurt in the regular-season finale and will need to be healthy to come up big if Utah wants to be among the last four teams in the tournament.

Isaiah Collier, G, Southern California − The Trojans could be a surprise team as the offense has been in sync in recent weeks. The No. 1 recruit in 2023 has been part of that, averaging 16.6 points and 4.2 assists per game.

NCAA tournament bubble storylines for the Pac-12

The Pac-12 has two locks in the NCAA men’s tournament, but that could be the only teams it sends with only a couple of teams on the bubble. Colorado caught fire recently and heads into the tournament as the No. 3 seed with a six-game winning streak, and winning another in Las Vegas likely would guarantee a spot on Selection Sunday. Its fellow Mountain school Utah has been shaky after a great start to the season, and likely needs a championship game appearance to boost its chance of making the tournament.

Jonathan Owens is staying in the NFC North.

Owens, the husband of four-time Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles, and the Chicago Bears have agreed to terms on a two-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the deal publicly.

A member of the Green Bay Packers last season, the safety registered 84 tackles and three pass breakups in 17 games (11 starts). He scored a touchdown on a fumble return and also recorded a sack.

Owens, who tied the knot with Biles in 2023, spent his first four seasons with the Houston Texans. He seldom played the first three years of his career, but became a starter in 2022, recording career highs in tackles (125) and passes defended (4).

The Bears are attempting to fortify their secondary this offseason. The team re-signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a four-year deal, worth $76 million, and agreed to terms with veteran safety Kevin Byard.

All things Bears: Latest Chicago Bears news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Chicago had the NFL’s 25th-ranked pass defense in 2023.

Owens, 28, has 227 tackles, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble and one interception in 48 career games.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

On Monday, the Houston Texans lost edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Minnesota Vikings as NFL free agency negotiations opened. On Tuesday, the Texans answered back by grabbing the Vikings’ marquee free agent to replenish their pass rush.

Danielle Hunter agreed to a two-year, $49 million contract with the Texans on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

Hunter, 29, lands one of the biggest paydays in free agency after he tallied a career-high 16 ½ sacks. The four-time Pro Bowl selection’s deal includes $48 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

Hunter missed the entire 2020 season due to a neck injury and played in just seven games in 2021 before being sidelined by a torn pectoral.

He will slide into a Texans front four led by reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., who recorded seven sacks in 2023.

All things Vikings: Latest Minnesota Vikings news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Houston also added former Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Denico Autry in free agency.

While promoting his latest children’s book, ‘I Am Extraordinary,’ Tuesday on CBS Mornings, national correspondent Jericka Duncan asked Curry if he would be open to a political career post-basketball. Curry, 35, didn’t rule it out.

‘Maybe, I have an interest in leveraging every part of my influence for good in the way that I can,’ Curry said. ‘So, if that’s the way to do it, then – I’m not going to say the presidency but if politics is a way that you can create meaningful change, or if there’s another way outside of politics.’

BABY ON BOARD: Ayesha and Steph Curry announce they are expecting their fourth child

All things Warriors: Latest Golden State Warriors news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Although Curry showed no interest in running for president, he has rubbed elbows with several of them. The Warriors paid a visit to the White House in celebration of their 2015 NBA championship with former President Barack Obama and also visited with the Biden Administration following their 2022 title. (The Warriors won titles in 2017 and 2018, but didn’t visit the White House during President Donald Trump’s years in office.)