Before NFL free agency begins, teams have some in-house business to address.

March will no doubt give rise to some notable spending sprees, with a host of marquee players set to hit the open market – assuming they don’t receive the franchise tag. But before that point arrives, coaching staffs and front offices will have to examine their rosters and determine whether some notable veterans need to be released before the new league year begins.

For some franchises, that process has already begun, with some scattered transactions already becoming official not long after the Super Bowl. Others – such as the perpetually cap-strapped New Orleans Saints – might try to resist parting ways with key figures and instead try to delay the issue for another day via contract restructures and extensions. But financial realities will assuredly prompt some significant splits throughout the league.

Here are 17 notable candidates to be roster cuts in the coming weeks (cap and contract figures courtesy of Over The Cap):

Arizona Cardinals OT D.J. Humphries

Would a team with one of the NFL’s most talent-starved rosters really cast off one of its few veteran mainstays? Humphries, 30, is a four-time captain and has anchored the Cardinals’ line since being selected in the first round in 2016. His recovery from a torn ACL suffered in Week 17, however, could extend well into the regular season, making his cap hit of almost $22.9 million hard to swallow. Arizona could save $9 million by cutting him. If it does so, the team could either move 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson over from right tackle or target a blindside protector in the draft – potentially at either No. 4 or 27 in the first round.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Buffalo Bills CB Tre’Davious White

The Bills trail only the Saints in currently standing $55 million over the cap. That outlook could necessitate some difficult departures. Possibly the toughest move for the locker room would be parting ways with White, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime tone-setter for Sean McDermott’s defense. But he’s coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also tore his ACL two seasons prior. After acquiring Rasul Douglas at the trade deadline, the Bills might have enough flexibility at cornerback to move on from White and save $6 million.

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon

To stay in Cincinnati, Mixon last year agreed to a revised contract that amounted to a $4.39 million pay cut for 2023. With his name again being floated as someone whose time with the Bengals could be coming to an end, Mixon railed against the notion his dismissal could be forthcoming. Still, his $8.85 million cap hit currently stands as the sixth-highest for any back in 2024, and there are much cheaper alternatives elsewhere – including 2023 fifth-round rookie Chase Brown.

Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup

The six-year veteran hasn’t recorded 40 catches or 500 yards in a single season since 2020. Not great for a player who signed a five-year, $57.5 million contract after a torn ACL ended his 2021 campaign. A post-June 1 cut designation would likely be necessary, as it would provide $9.5 million in cap room while spreading out a $13 million dead cap hit to a franchise in a tricky bookkeeping spot.

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson

Standing in stark contrast to the rest of the entries on this list, Wilson offers no savings as a potential release but rather a historic $85 million dead cap hit – even if spread out over two years as post-June 1 cut – for Denver. While Sean Payton has maintained no final decision has been made on the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback’s future, the two sides might have reached a point of no return after Wilson’s benching. The contract issue that precipitated that move could come to a head soon, as Wilson will be guaranteed $37 million for 2025 if he remains with the team on the fifth day of the new league year in March.

Green Bay Packers OT David Bakhtiari

At $40 million, Bakhtiari has the largest 2024 cap figure of any non-quarterback. That’s obviously untenable for a 32-year-old left tackle who has played in just 13 regular-season contests in the last three seasons, including one in 2023 before he was shut down due to a cartilage issue in his left knee. Bidding farewell and netting nearly $21 million in space is the reasonable outcome for Green Bay.

Jacksonville Jaguars OT Cam Robinson

With breakout pass rusher Josh Allen a likely candidate for the franchise tag and leading receiver Calvin Ridley seemingly bound for free agency, the Jaguars might need to free up some space to keep their most vital offensive pieces. That could leave Robinson on the outs. The left tackle was a vital part of the initial support plan for Trevor Lawrence, and he agreed to a three-year, $52.75 million deal in April 2022 after receiving the franchise tag in consecutive offseasons. Now, however, Robinson might be expendable for a team that has younger alternatives in Walker Little and Anton Harrison. But Jacksonville could always opt for a restructuring or extension to ease their immediate fiscal commitment.

Kansas City Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The deep threat’s connection with Patrick Mahomes hasn’t coalesced in his two seasons since arriving from Green Bay, with the six-year veteran posting career lows of 21 catches and 315 yards in a 2023 campaign that was largely defined by miscues. Kansas City can recoup $12 million of his $14 million cap hit for next season. For a receiving corps that looks due for an overhaul, this looks like a fairly easy call.

Las Vegas Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow

Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams

The cap pruning that began this week with C Corey Linsley’s contract restructure could turn into a full-on shearing. While Keenan Allen could also be on the chopping block given his $34.7 cap hit, setting loose Justin Herbert’s go-to target would be a significant setback to the Year 1 outlook for Jim Harbaugh. Williams, who will turn 30 in October, is coming off a torn ACL and is set to count $32.5 million against the cap – second only to Allen among all wideouts. Given the potential for the Bolts to add a top-flight receiver with the No. 5 overall pick – and 2023 first-round selection Quentin Johnston attempting to bounce back from a rocky rookie season – a youth movement certainly makes sense for this receiving corps.

Chargers OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa

The Chargers’ two star pass rushers warrant a separate mention here. Mack, 33, is coming off a career season with 17 sacks but would eat up $38.5 million in cap space. Bosa, meanwhile, has played in just 14 games in the last two seasons and will carry a $36.6 million hit. Restructuring might be the preferred route for the Bolts, but there could be some tough calls ahead for a franchise that still needs to find $35.5 million in spending space.

Miami Dolphins DE Emmanuel Ogbah

Sitting at more than $51 million over the cap, the Dolphins have plenty of work to do to get their financial outlook in order. Despite Jaelan Phillips facing recovery from a torn Achilles and Andrew Van Ginkel hitting free agency, moving on from Ogbah seems like a necessity. Allotting $17.7 million in cap space for a depth piece who has totaled just 6 ½ sacks the last two seasons is a luxury that Miami can’t afford.

New York Jets G Laken Tomlinson

The Jets’ future up front is already unclear with a new left tackle likely needed to bolster Aaron Rodgers’ protection. Would Joe Douglas create further uncertainty by releasing Tomlinson? With just under $2 million in spending room at its disposal, Gang Green needs more flexibility if it is going to be in the mix to aid its win-now cause by securing veterans. Tomlinson hasn’t lived up to the three-year, $40 million deal he signed in 2022, and the Jets could free up more than $8 million by parting ways.

Philadelphia Eagles S Kevin Byard

The move to acquire the two-time All-Pro safety at the trade deadline hardly had the desired effect for Philadelphia, which saw its pass defense undergo a late-season nosedive. Though Byard was serviceable, his $14.4 million cap hit is extremely difficult to justify given the state of the Eagles’ secondary. Moving on would open up $13 million.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Allen Robinson II

The Steelers already dropped QB Mitchell Trubisky, OT Chuks Okorafor and P Pressley Harvin III earlier this month, and they likely aren’t done clearing room. After Pittsburgh took a flier on Robinson last offseason in a trade with the Rams, the 10-year veteran posted just 34 catches for 280 yards. The $10 million in cap savings his release would create can be better utilized elsewhere.

Seattle Seahawks S Jamal Adams

Changes are coming to Seattle’s defense as it pivots from the Pete Carroll era to new coach Mike Macdonald’s leadership. There’s little reason to believe Adams will be one of the figures to provide a bridge between the two regimes. Keeping a safety who is a liability in coverage and carries a $26.9 million price tag is a dicey proposition, and Adams’ injury history further solidifies the case against him.

Before NFL free agency begins, teams have some in-house business to address.

March will no doubt give rise to some notable spending sprees, with a host of marquee players set to hit the open market – assuming they don’t receive the franchise tag. But before that point arrives, coaching staffs and front offices will have to examine their rosters and determine whether some notable veterans need to be released before the new league year begins.

For some franchises, that process has already begun, with some scattered transactions already becoming official not long after the Super Bowl. Others – such as the perpetually cap-strapped New Orleans Saints – might try to resist parting ways with key figures and instead try to delay the issue for another day via contract restructures and extensions. But financial realities will assuredly prompt some significant splits throughout the league.

Here are 17 notable candidates to be roster cuts in the coming weeks (cap and contract figures courtesy of Over The Cap):

Arizona Cardinals OT D.J. Humphries

Would a team with one of the NFL’s most talent-starved rosters really cast off one of its few veteran mainstays? Humphries, 30, is a four-time captain and has anchored the Cardinals’ line since being selected in the first round in 2016. His recovery from a torn ACL suffered in Week 17, however, could extend well into the regular season, making his cap hit of almost $22.9 million hard to swallow. Arizona could save $9 million by cutting him. If it does so, the team could either move 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson over from right tackle or target a blindside protector in the draft – potentially at either No. 4 or 27 in the first round.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Buffalo Bills CB Tre’Davious White

The Bills trail only the Saints in currently standing $55 million over the cap. That outlook could necessitate some difficult departures. Possibly the toughest move for the locker room would be parting ways with White, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime tone-setter for Sean McDermott’s defense. But he’s coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also tore his ACL two seasons prior. After acquiring Rasul Douglas at the trade deadline, the Bills might have enough flexibility at cornerback to move on from White and save $6 million.

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon

To stay in Cincinnati, Mixon last year agreed to a revised contract that amounted to a $4.39 million pay cut for 2023. With his name again being floated as someone whose time with the Bengals could be coming to an end, Mixon railed against the notion his dismissal could be forthcoming. Still, his $8.85 million cap hit currently stands as the sixth-highest for any back in 2024, and there are much cheaper alternatives elsewhere – including 2023 fifth-round rookie Chase Brown.

Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup

The six-year veteran hasn’t recorded 40 catches or 500 yards in a single season since 2020. Not great for a player who signed a five-year, $57.5 million contract after a torn ACL ended his 2021 campaign. A post-June 1 cut designation would likely be necessary, as it would provide $9.5 million in cap room while spreading out a $13 million dead cap hit to a franchise in a tricky bookkeeping spot.

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson

Standing in stark contrast to the rest of the entries on this list, Wilson offers no savings as a potential release but rather a historic $85 million dead cap hit – even if spread out over two years as post-June 1 cut – for Denver. While Sean Payton has maintained no final decision has been made on the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback’s future, the two sides might have reached a point of no return after Wilson’s benching. The contract issue that precipitated that move could come to a head soon, as Wilson will be guaranteed $37 million for 2025 if he remains with the team on the fifth day of the new league year in March.

Green Bay Packers OT David Bakhtiari

At $40 million, Bakhtiari has the largest 2024 cap figure of any non-quarterback. That’s obviously untenable for a 32-year-old left tackle who has played in just 13 regular-season contests in the last three seasons, including one in 2023 before he was shut down due to a cartilage issue in his left knee. Bidding farewell and netting nearly $21 million in space is the reasonable outcome for Green Bay.

Jacksonville Jaguars OT Cam Robinson

With breakout pass rusher Josh Allen a likely candidate for the franchise tag and leading receiver Calvin Ridley seemingly bound for free agency, the Jaguars might need to free up some space to keep their most vital offensive pieces. That could leave Robinson on the outs. The left tackle was a vital part of the initial support plan for Trevor Lawrence, and he agreed to a three-year, $52.75 million deal in April 2022 after receiving the franchise tag in consecutive offseasons. Now, however, Robinson might be expendable for a team that has younger alternatives in Walker Little and Anton Harrison. But Jacksonville could always opt for a restructuring or extension to ease their immediate fiscal commitment.

Kansas City Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The deep threat’s connection with Patrick Mahomes hasn’t coalesced in his two seasons since arriving from Green Bay, with the six-year veteran posting career lows of 21 catches and 315 yards in a 2023 campaign that was largely defined by miscues. Kansas City can recoup $12 million of his $14 million cap hit for next season. For a receiving corps that looks due for an overhaul, this looks like a fairly easy call.

Las Vegas Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow

Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams

The cap pruning that began this week with C Corey Linsley’s contract restructure could turn into a full-on shearing. While Keenan Allen could also be on the chopping block given his $34.7 cap hit, setting loose Justin Herbert’s go-to target would be a significant setback to the Year 1 outlook for Jim Harbaugh. Williams, who will turn 30 in October, is coming off a torn ACL and is set to count $32.5 million against the cap – second only to Allen among all wideouts. Given the potential for the Bolts to add a top-flight receiver with the No. 5 overall pick – and 2023 first-round selection Quentin Johnston attempting to bounce back from a rocky rookie season – a youth movement certainly makes sense for this receiving corps.

Chargers OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa

The Chargers’ two star pass rushers warrant a separate mention here. Mack, 33, is coming off a career season with 17 sacks but would eat up $38.5 million in cap space. Bosa, meanwhile, has played in just 14 games in the last two seasons and will carry a $36.6 million hit. Restructuring might be the preferred route for the Bolts, but there could be some tough calls ahead for a franchise that still needs to find $35.5 million in spending space.

Miami Dolphins DE Emmanuel Ogbah

Sitting at more than $51 million over the cap, the Dolphins have plenty of work to do to get their financial outlook in order. Despite Jaelan Phillips facing recovery from a torn Achilles and Andrew Van Ginkel hitting free agency, moving on from Ogbah seems like a necessity. Allotting $17.7 million in cap space for a depth piece who has totaled just 6 ½ sacks the last two seasons is a luxury that Miami can’t afford.

New York Jets G Laken Tomlinson

The Jets’ future up front is already unclear with a new left tackle likely needed to bolster Aaron Rodgers’ protection. Would Joe Douglas create further uncertainty by releasing Tomlinson? With just under $2 million in spending room at its disposal, Gang Green needs more flexibility if it is going to be in the mix to aid its win-now cause by securing veterans. Tomlinson hasn’t lived up to the three-year, $40 million deal he signed in 2022, and the Jets could free up more than $8 million by parting ways.

Philadelphia Eagles S Kevin Byard

The move to acquire the two-time All-Pro safety at the trade deadline hardly had the desired effect for Philadelphia, which saw its pass defense undergo a late-season nosedive. Though Byard was serviceable, his $14.4 million cap hit is extremely difficult to justify given the state of the Eagles’ secondary. Moving on would open up $13 million.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Allen Robinson II

The Steelers already dropped QB Mitchell Trubisky, OT Chuks Okorafor and P Pressley Harvin III earlier this month, and they likely aren’t done clearing room. After Pittsburgh took a flier on Robinson last offseason in a trade with the Rams, the 10-year veteran posted just 34 catches for 280 yards. The $10 million in cap savings his release would create can be better utilized elsewhere.

Seattle Seahawks S Jamal Adams

Changes are coming to Seattle’s defense as it pivots from the Pete Carroll era to new coach Mike Macdonald’s leadership. There’s little reason to believe Adams will be one of the figures to provide a bridge between the two regimes. Keeping a safety who is a liability in coverage and carries a $26.9 million price tag is a dicey proposition, and Adams’ injury history further solidifies the case against him.

The reigning Olympic all-around champion returns to competition at this weekend’s Winter Cup for the first time since last year’s national championships. Lee had to skip the world team selection camp last fall because of a kidney condition that limited her training. She’s only been able to train full time for about a month, longtime coach Jess Graba told Olympics.com.

The Paris Games are still a long way off. But Lee is one of the world’s most captivating gymnasts when she’s healthy, and Winter Cup is the first chance to see what kind of form she’s in. Here’s all you need to know:

What is the Winter Cup? Why does it matter?

Winter Cup serves as both a qualifier for the national championships and, for the men, a selection meet for the national team. The U.S. championships are the first step in the Olympic selection process. There are a few exceptions, but you have to compete at nationals in order to get a spot at Olympic trials.

Is Simone Biles competing in the Winter Cup?

Simone Biles won’t be competing at Winter Cup. She’s already qualified for this year’s national championships as a member of the team for last year’s world championships, where Biles won, well, just about everything.

After leading the U.S. women to the team gold, Biles won her sixth all-around title and golds on floor exercise and balance beam. She also was the silver medalist on vault. The five medals give her 37 at the world championships and Olympics, making her the most-decorated gymnast of all time, male or female. Biles is likely to begin her competitive season in mid-May, at the U.S. Classic.

What happened to Gabby Douglas?

Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic champion, was to return to competition for the first time in almost eight years at Winter Cup. But she announced Thursday afternoon that she’s tested positive for COVID and won’t be able to compete.

‘I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID :(,’ Douglas wrote in part in an Instagram post. ‘… I’m crushed but I’ll see you guys soon!’

In order to compete at nationals, Douglas still has options. She can go to a selection camp April 1-4. She also could do the American Classic, April 25-28, or the U.S. Classic, May 17-19.

How can I watch the Winter Cup 2024?

All events can be watched on USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel.

Winter Cup 2024 schedule

The women’s competition is Saturday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. ET. The first day of the men’s meet is Friday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and it wraps up Sunday, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The complete schedule, including junior events, is here.

Winter Cup gymnastics lineup: Who to keep an eye on

Lee’s presence gives Winter Cup some serious star power. She’s the reigning Olympic champion, and dazzled during her NCAA career at Auburn. Skye Blakely, a member of the United States’ gold medal-winning team at the last two world championships, also plans to compete. So does Kayla DiCello, the all-around champion at the Pan American Games last fall.

Katelyn Jong and Tiana Sumanasekera, who were in the top 10 at last year’s national championships, are in the field, as is Hezly Rivera, last year’s U.S. junior champion.

For the men, all eyes will be on Brody Malone, the two-time U.S. champion who has not competed since injuring his knee on high bar during the DTB Pokal Team Challenge in March 2023. Malone tore his meniscus and two ligaments, and also had a tibial plateau fracture.

Malone will only do pommel horse, still rings, parallel bars and high bar at Winter Cup as he works his way back to full fitness. But he says he plans to do all six events at nationals and Olympic trials.

‘It feels pretty good, so the plan is to be back doing floor and vault by (nationals),’ Malone said Thursday. ‘That’s the goal.’

What is the Winter Cup format? How does it work?

For the senior women, Winter Cup is a one-day meet on Saturday afternoon. Gymnasts can choose to do the all-around, or compete on two or three events. Lee plans to do uneven bars and beam, and she’ll need to score 26.40 or higher to qualify for nationals, which are May 30 to June 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.

For the senior men, Winter Cup is a two-day competition, on Friday and Sunday. A national team will be named at the end of the event, and those gymnasts are qualified for the U.S. championships. There’s also a points list that will be updated after Winter Cup, but it’s confusing and, with several other events between now and nationals, is best not worried about until later.

For both the men and the women, results at Winter Cup also will help determine assignments for international meets this spring.

What else to watch this weekend? The Nastia Liukin Cup

There are also three lower-level meets. There’s a Winter Cup for the junior women, an Elite Team Cup for junior men, and the Nastia Liukin Cup for Level-10 gymnasts, which is the last level before they go elite.

The reigning Olympic all-around champion returns to competition at this weekend’s Winter Cup for the first time since last year’s national championships. Lee had to skip the world team selection camp last fall because of a kidney condition that limited her training. She’s only been able to train full time for about a month, longtime coach Jess Graba told Olympics.com.

The Paris Games are still a long way off. But Lee is one of the world’s most captivating gymnasts when she’s healthy, and Winter Cup is the first chance to see what kind of form she’s in. Here’s all you need to know:

What is the Winter Cup? Why does it matter?

Winter Cup serves as both a qualifier for the national championships and, for the men, a selection meet for the national team. The U.S. championships are the first step in the Olympic selection process. There are a few exceptions, but you have to compete at nationals in order to get a spot at Olympic trials.

Is Simone Biles competing in the Winter Cup?

Simone Biles won’t be competing at Winter Cup. She’s already qualified for this year’s national championships as a member of the team for last year’s world championships, where Biles won, well, just about everything.

After leading the U.S. women to the team gold, Biles won her sixth all-around title and golds on floor exercise and balance beam. She also was the silver medalist on vault. The five medals give her 37 at the world championships and Olympics, making her the most-decorated gymnast of all time, male or female. Biles is likely to begin her competitive season in mid-May, at the U.S. Classic.

What happened to Gabby Douglas?

Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic champion, was to return to competition for the first time in almost eight years at Winter Cup. But she announced Thursday afternoon that she’s tested positive for COVID and won’t be able to compete.

‘I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID :(,’ Douglas wrote in part in an Instagram post. ‘… I’m crushed but I’ll see you guys soon!’

In order to compete at nationals, Douglas still has options. She can go to a selection camp April 1-4. She also could do the American Classic, April 25-28, or the U.S. Classic, May 17-19.

How can I watch the Winter Cup 2024?

All events can be watched on USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel.

Winter Cup 2024 schedule

The women’s competition is Saturday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. ET. The first day of the men’s meet is Friday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and it wraps up Sunday, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The complete schedule, including junior events, is here.

Winter Cup gymnastics lineup: Who to keep an eye on

Lee’s presence gives Winter Cup some serious star power. She’s the reigning Olympic champion, and dazzled during her NCAA career at Auburn. Skye Blakely, a member of the United States’ gold medal-winning team at the last two world championships, also plans to compete. So does Kayla DiCello, the all-around champion at the Pan American Games last fall.

Katelyn Jong and Tiana Sumanasekera, who were in the top 10 at last year’s national championships, are in the field, as is Hezly Rivera, last year’s U.S. junior champion.

For the men, all eyes will be on Brody Malone, the two-time U.S. champion who has not competed since injuring his knee on high bar during the DTB Pokal Team Challenge in March 2023. Malone tore his meniscus and two ligaments, and also had a tibial plateau fracture.

Malone will only do pommel horse, still rings, parallel bars and high bar at Winter Cup as he works his way back to full fitness. But he says he plans to do all six events at nationals and Olympic trials.

‘It feels pretty good, so the plan is to be back doing floor and vault by (nationals),’ Malone said Thursday. ‘That’s the goal.’

What is the Winter Cup format? How does it work?

For the senior women, Winter Cup is a one-day meet on Saturday afternoon. Gymnasts can choose to do the all-around, or compete on two or three events. Lee plans to do uneven bars and beam, and she’ll need to score 26.40 or higher to qualify for nationals, which are May 30 to June 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.

For the senior men, Winter Cup is a two-day competition, on Friday and Sunday. A national team will be named at the end of the event, and those gymnasts are qualified for the U.S. championships. There’s also a points list that will be updated after Winter Cup, but it’s confusing and, with several other events between now and nationals, is best not worried about until later.

For both the men and the women, results at Winter Cup also will help determine assignments for international meets this spring.

What else to watch this weekend? The Nastia Liukin Cup

There are also three lower-level meets. There’s a Winter Cup for the junior women, an Elite Team Cup for junior men, and the Nastia Liukin Cup for Level-10 gymnasts, which is the last level before they go elite.

Caitlin Clark had a week to celebrate breaking Kelsey Plum’s all-time women’s NCAA basketball scoring mark.

After a school-record 49-point outburst vs. Michigan in a win last Thursday, Clark passed Plum’s mark of 3,527 points. Clark now has 3,569. Unfortunately for Clark, that milestone likely seems far in the past after Thursday night. 

Going into Thursday’s showdown at No. 16 Indiana, Clark needed just 99 points to pass Pete Maravich for the all-time NCAA scoring mark (3,667). She got closer to that mark, scoring 24 — but her team took the loss. And it wasn’t that close, as the Hoosiers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 86-69. 

Indiana built as much as a 16-point lead, led by Sara Scalia (25 points) and Mackenzie Holmes (24 points), and handed the No. 4 Iowa its third loss of conference play. The loss drops the Hawkeyes into a tie for second with Indiana. Meanwhile the Hoosiers remain perfect (14-0) at home. 

Clark had a rough shooting night in Bloomington, going 8-of-26 from the field and a miserable 3-of-16 from 3. She scored just four points the second half. 

Still, at her current pace of 32.8 points per game, Clark should top Maravich’s record before March Madness. The Hawkeyes have three regular-season games remaining before the Big Ten tournament and then the NCAA tournament.

Indiana vs. Iowa highlights

Caitlin Clark and Iowa had a night to forget in Bloomington, Indiana, where the Hoosiers rolled to an upset victory on Thursday night.

Final: Indiana 86, Iowa 69

Living well is the best revenge, but if you ask Indiana, I’m thinking the Hoosiers would say hitting nine 3s is actually the best revenge. 

Indiana got 25 points Sara Scalia and 24 points (plus nine rebounds and four blocks) from Mackenzie Holmes and the Hoosiers held Caitlin Clark to just four points in the second half — the reigning national player of the year finished with 24 — as the No. 16 team in the country ran away with a 86-69 win. 

Known as a program that prides itself on defense, Indiana held Iowa to just 18% from 3, as the Hawkeyes shot 5-of-278from long-distance. The Hoosier were also great on the glass, out rebounding Iowa 42-33.

Rough shooting night or not, Clark was her usual spectacular self, finishing just one rebound shy of what would have been her 16th triple double. She grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out nine assists in the loss. 

End of 3Q: Indiana 62, Iowa 54

Iowa did exactly what it needed to do the last few minutes of the third quarter, and that’s close the margin — and draw a foul on Indiana. (Yes, Caitlin Clark turned the ball over in the last five seconds, but Indiana didn’t score, and right now you’ve gotta take your wins where you can get them.)

If Iowa is going to get all the way back, the Hawkeyes have to figure out a way to pick up the pace. This is a team that typically scores 93 points per game. They’re a long way from that. 

But with a player like Clark, who can get hot at any time, Iowa could get rolling (and running) at any time. And that’s exactly what Indiana will be trying to keep in check. The Hoosiers did a good job of that in the third, as Clark scored just two points that period.

3:21, 3Q: Indiana 59, Iowa 46

LaChina Robinson, Peacock’s color analyst, put it best: “Caitlin Clark’s having to do so much to manufacture offense for Iowa.” 

Right now it’s a one-woman show — and there’s no question that Clark would prefer it otherwise. She’s doing everything she can to create for her teammates and get them open looks, but they’re not knocking down much. 

The same can’t be said for Indiana though. All the Hoosiers want to score — and in fact, all of them have, save for Lilly Meister, who’s only played four minutes. Everyone else for Indiana has at least one bucket, led by Sara Scalia (18) and Mackenzie Holmes (14). 

8:07, 3Q: Indiana 49, Iowa 33

Is Iowa … about to get run off the floor? 

Indiana has a 16-point lead, its largest of the game, and Iowa is all out of sorts. Caitlin Clark missed a look at the rim, she had an uncharacteristic turnover and her teammates just can’t get anything going.

Indiana looks like the best team in the Big Ten right now, and the Hoosiers’ commitment to defense is clear: Iowa is shooting just 36% from the field. Clark is 6-of-16 from the field. The rest of the Hawkeyes are just 6-of-19. Yikes.

Will Caitlin Clark join Aliyah Boston in Indiana? 

This winter, former South Carolina All-American Aliyah Boston, decided to stay in the states — instead of playing pro overseas — and work as a Big Ten analyst. She has done a tremendous job explaining the game to viewers, and it’s clear she has a career in media whenever she’s done playing. (She also always has great hair.)

In the summer, of course, Boston plays for the Indiana Fever — AKA the team that has the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft. This comes after the Fever picked Boston No. 1 in the 2023 Draft; Boston was a WNBA All-Star her first year and won Rookie of the Year honors.

It can’t be lost on Boston that she does halftime analysis on a lot of Caitlin Clark games, and it’s very possible they’ll be teammates in a few months. But every time I watch Boston during halftime all I can think about is, what if Clark decides to go back to Iowa for a fifth year? How heartbroken will Boston be? 

Halftime: Indiana 44, Iowa 33

Well, well, well, isn’t this interesting. 

Caitlin Clark has 20 points, but is just 5-of-8 from the free throw line. Is this the first sign of the apocalypse? (She typically shoots 86% from the line.) 

Clark is being her usual excellent self, but she could use some help from her teammates. If Iowa is going to win this game, Hannah Stuelke (five points) will have to do more in the post. Only four Hawkwyes have scored, which isn’t going to get the job done. 

Meanwhile — there’s a reason Indiana is 13-0 at home so far this season. Sara Scalia continues to score at will, leading her team with 15 points. Mackenzie Holmes has 12, along with six rebounds. 

The biggest stat that jumps out: Indiana is winning the rebounding battle, 22-17 and has turned seven offensive rebounds into 10 points. They’ve also score nine points off five Iowa turnovers, whereas Iowa has only scored two points off Indiana’s five turnovers. The Hoosiers are known for defense, and they know how to get back and defend their basket even if they cough it up on offense. 

4:55, 2Q: Indiana 30, Iowa 27

Lions and Hawkeyes and Hoosiers, oh my, we’ve got some trash talk! 

This game is getting chippy … and I love it. 

A quick recap: Clark drove to the rim and drew a foul on Yarden Garzon, who complained to the official. Clark responded by telling Garzon she definitely fouled her. No one seemed to like that much, and players were chirping at each other. 

Then Clark missed two free throws (when was the last time Clark missed two free throws?), Indiana went inside to McKenzie Holmes to score and Clark responded with a deep 3. 

Peacock analyst LaChina Robinson, who rerferred to the all the words exchanged as “just a little competitive conversation” put it best after Clark drained her 3: “I wouldn’t want to make her mad.” 

Consider the bear poked. Clark is up to 16 points. 

End of 1Q: Indiana 23, Iowa 22

I think we might be in for a(nother) epic Indiana-Iowa game. 

As a refresher, this is what happened when they played last year. 

Clark is already up to 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting, though she’s only 1-of-5 from deep. She got two free throw attempts with six seconds left after baiting her defender into a foul — one of her specialities — and will use those attempts at the charity stripe to get her stroke right so she can start launching from the logo again. Trust me. 

On the other end, Sara Scalia leads Indiana with eight points. The Hoosiers are winning the rebounding battle 12-10; that’s another important stat to keep an eye on. 

Also of note: Iowa has eight made shots, but only three of those makes have been assisted. That’s unusual for a team that moves the ball well, and you can bet Lisa Bluder is talking about it in the huddle. 

4:47, 1Q: Indiana 13, Iowa 9 

So many developments and we’re only five-ish minutes in! 

Indiana guard Chloe Moore-McNeil, one of the best on-ball defenders in the country, already has one foul. That’s something to keep an eye on, as Moore-McNeil will mostly be responsible for guarding Clark tonight. 

But on the foul trouble note, Addison O’Grady already has two for the Hawkeyes. O’Grady only averages 4.2 points and 2.0 rebounds, but she spells Hannah Stuelke in the paint and gives Iowa a big body that other teams have to block out. This is a key development to keep an eye on.

What time do Caitlin Clark, Iowa play Indiana? 

The women’s college basketball game between the No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes and No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET in Bloomington, Indiana.

How can I watch/stream Caitlin Clark, Iowa play Indiana?

The game between No. 4 Iowa and No. 16 Indiana will be broadcast and streamed on Peacock.  

How tall is Caitlin Clark?   

Clark is 6-foot. Big guards have become more common in women’s basketball the last decade or so, and Clark’s size absolutely helps her because she’s able to see over defenders on the break and helps her get vertical separation when she goes up for a shot.   

Also of note: Clark, who’s pretty thin, worked hard last summer to put on eight pounds of muscle and that has made a huge difference in her game, particularly when she drives to the rim.  

Clark-mania: A look at how much Caitlin Clark fans travel and spend to watch Iowa star  

By now you’ve probably heard that Iowa All-American Caitlin Clark, the reigning national player of the year, has a tendency to sell out any arena she plays in. Fans in Bloomington, Indiana, arrived hours early in a line that stretched around Assembly Hall to watch Clark and the Hawkeyes take on the Hoosiers Thursday night.

For a closer look at #Clarkonomics — as ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli has termed it — USA TODAY reporter Jim Sergent worked up a graphic look at just how much Iowa fans will spend and how far they’ll travel to see Clark in person. The numbers are telling, to say the least. 

Is Caitlin Clark a senior?   

Yes, Clark is a senior … but she could come back next year and be a super senior if she wants.   

Though she’s projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she could return to Iowa City next season. Because Clark was a freshman in the 2020-21 season, she has a COVID year (basically, that season didn’t count toward anyone’s eligibility).

What is Caitlin Clark’s highest-scoring game?   

Clark’s highest-scoring game was also her record-breaking performance on Feb. 15 against Michigan in the 2023-24 season, when she scored 49 points. Clark shot 16-for-31 that game, including 9-for-18 from 3. She also grabbed five rebounds and handed out 13 assists in the 106-89 win.

Caitlin Clark stats

Caitlin Clark has 3,569 career points after scoring 49 in Iowa’s 106-89 win against Michigan last week

Caitlin Clark game-by-game points this season

Here’s a breakdown of Clark’s scoring this season for the Hawkeyes:

vs. Michigan, 2/15/24: 49 points (season-high, school record for single game)
at Nebraska, 2/11/24: 31 points
vs. Penn State, 2/8/24: 27 points
at Maryland, 2/3/24: 38 points
at Northwestern, 1/31/24: 35 points
vs. Nebraska, 1/27/2024: 38 points
at Ohio State, 1/21/2024: 45 points
vs. Wisconsin, 1/16/2024: 32 points
vs. Indiana, 1/13/2024: 30 points
at Purdue, 1/10/2024: 26 points
at Rutgers, 1/5/2024: 29 points
vs. Michigan State, 1/2/2024: 40 points
vs. Minnesota, 12/30/2023: 35 points
vs. Loyola Chicago, 12/21/2023: 35 points
vs. Cleveland State, 12/16/2023: 38 points
at Wisconsin, 12/10/2023: 28 points
at Iowa State, 12/6/2023: 35 points
vs. Bowling Green, 12/2/2023: 24 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/26/2023: 32 points
vs. Florida Gulf Coast, 11/25/2023: 21 points
vs. Purdue Fort Wayne, 11/24/2023: 29 points
vs. Drake, 11/19/2023: 35 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/16/2023: 24 points
at UNI, 11/12/2023: 24 points
vs. Virginia Tech, 11/9/2023: 44 points
vs. FDU, 11/6/2023: 28 points

Should Caitlin Clark stay at Iowa or go to WNBA? It’s complicated. 

The Greatest Show in Sports is humming along, barnstorming the nation, hitting logo threes and breaking records as February works its way to the madness of March, bringing us closer to the answer to two intriguing questions: 

Will Caitlin Clark stay at Iowa for her fifth COVID year or will she go to the WNBA? And, is she going to represent the United States at the Olympics this summer in Paris? 

The first question is totally in her control and all hers to answer. Does Clark, a fourth-year senior who gets a COVID year if she wants it, come back to Iowa to sink three-point shots and thread no-look passes and pack arenas around the Big Ten and the nation, which will be basically one and the same by the time the 2024-25 season begins? 

Or does she go to the WNBA, where she will be the No. 1 pick in the draft and immediately become the best-known pro in the women’s game, even if there will be the inevitable learning curve playing with and against the best players in the world? — Christine Brennan 

Can anyone challenge Caitlin Clark’s new NCAA scoring record? 

Kelsey Plum’s record stood for seven years. Iowa coach Lisa Bluder thinks Caitlin Clark’s could stand even longer. 

Clark has 3,569 points, and still has the rest of this season to play. Maybe next year, too. Clark is eligible to play a fifth COVID year and has not yet said whether she plans to return to Iowa or go to the WNBA. 

“This record is going to stand for a long time and I’m just glad she’s wearing black and gold,” Bluder said. 

Bluder also said she loved that Clark set the record with a logo 3, the shot that’s become her signature. Clark also set a career-high with 49 points. 

“You do it, you do it well, girl,” Bluder said. — Nancy Armour 

What type of Caitlin Clark fan are you? Take the quiz. 

Do you love Caitlin Clark or do you LOVE Caitlin Clark?  

Love her, hate her, like her or think she’s overrated, one thing is for sure: The senior guard from Iowa has serious game.  

Not sure exactly where you stand? We can help you out. This USA TODAY Sports quiz will reveal the answer to a crucial question as we prep for March Madness: What kind of Caitlin Clark fan are you? — Lindsay Schnell 

WNBA legend Sue Bird: Caitlin Clark will have ‘success early’ in league 

Four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird believes Caitlin Clark’s game will translate well into the WNBA. 

‘I do think she has a chance at having a lot of success early,’ Bird said during an appearance on ’The Sports Media Podcast’ with Richard Deitsch, which airs in full on Thursday. 

Bird cites the Iowa star’s range as the key weapon to her success. (Clark did break the women’s all-time NCAA scoring record last week on a 35-foot logo shot, after all.) ‘I think a lot of it comes down to her long-distance shooting. That is her separator. You’re not really used to guarding people out there,’ Bird explained.  — Cydney Henderson 

Sheryl Swoopes speaks with Caitlin Clark after viral comments 

After making a controversial dig at Caitlin Clark as she neared the women’s all-time NCAA scoring record, Sheryl Swoopes said she spoke to the Iowa star about her comments − thanks to LSU’s Angel Reese. 

The three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player was on the broadcast for Sunday’s game between Baylor and Texas Tech, where she said Reese helped facilitate a conversation between her and Clark. 

‘A couple of weeks ago, I reached out to Angel and had a really good conversation with Angel over the phone and sent a message to Caitlin. She responded. She and I went back and forth,” Swoopes said. ‘I won’t share what she said, I’ll leave that to her if she wants to share. But I will say, what I said to her was, ‘I made a mistake in saying it was your fifth year when it is your fourth.’ “  — Jordan Mendoza 

Caitlin Clark had a week to celebrate breaking Kelsey Plum’s all-time women’s NCAA basketball scoring mark.

After a school-record 49-point outburst vs. Michigan in a win last Thursday, Clark passed Plum’s mark of 3,527 points. Clark now has 3,569. Unfortunately for Clark, that milestone likely seems far in the past after Thursday night. 

Going into Thursday’s showdown at No. 16 Indiana, Clark needed just 99 points to pass Pete Maravich for the all-time NCAA scoring mark (3,667). She got closer to that mark, scoring 24 — but her team took the loss. And it wasn’t that close, as the Hoosiers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 86-69. 

Indiana built as much as a 16-point lead, led by Sara Scalia (25 points) and Mackenzie Holmes (24 points), and handed the No. 4 Iowa its third loss of conference play. The loss drops the Hawkeyes into a tie for second with Indiana. Meanwhile the Hoosiers remain perfect (14-0) at home. 

Clark had a rough shooting night in Bloomington, going 8-of-26 from the field and a miserable 3-of-16 from 3. She scored just four points the second half. 

Still, at her current pace of 32.8 points per game, Clark should top Maravich’s record before March Madness. The Hawkeyes have three regular-season games remaining before the Big Ten tournament and then the NCAA tournament.

Indiana vs. Iowa highlights

Caitlin Clark and Iowa had a night to forget in Bloomington, Indiana, where the Hoosiers rolled to an upset victory on Thursday night.

Final: Indiana 86, Iowa 69

Living well is the best revenge, but if you ask Indiana, I’m thinking the Hoosiers would say hitting nine 3s is actually the best revenge. 

Indiana got 25 points Sara Scalia and 24 points (plus nine rebounds and four blocks) from Mackenzie Holmes and the Hoosiers held Caitlin Clark to just four points in the second half — the reigning national player of the year finished with 24 — as the No. 16 team in the country ran away with a 86-69 win. 

Known as a program that prides itself on defense, Indiana held Iowa to just 18% from 3, as the Hawkeyes shot 5-of-278from long-distance. The Hoosier were also great on the glass, out rebounding Iowa 42-33.

Rough shooting night or not, Clark was her usual spectacular self, finishing just one rebound shy of what would have been her 16th triple double. She grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out nine assists in the loss. 

End of 3Q: Indiana 62, Iowa 54

Iowa did exactly what it needed to do the last few minutes of the third quarter, and that’s close the margin — and draw a foul on Indiana. (Yes, Caitlin Clark turned the ball over in the last five seconds, but Indiana didn’t score, and right now you’ve gotta take your wins where you can get them.)

If Iowa is going to get all the way back, the Hawkeyes have to figure out a way to pick up the pace. This is a team that typically scores 93 points per game. They’re a long way from that. 

But with a player like Clark, who can get hot at any time, Iowa could get rolling (and running) at any time. And that’s exactly what Indiana will be trying to keep in check. The Hoosiers did a good job of that in the third, as Clark scored just two points that period.

3:21, 3Q: Indiana 59, Iowa 46

LaChina Robinson, Peacock’s color analyst, put it best: “Caitlin Clark’s having to do so much to manufacture offense for Iowa.” 

Right now it’s a one-woman show — and there’s no question that Clark would prefer it otherwise. She’s doing everything she can to create for her teammates and get them open looks, but they’re not knocking down much. 

The same can’t be said for Indiana though. All the Hoosiers want to score — and in fact, all of them have, save for Lilly Meister, who’s only played four minutes. Everyone else for Indiana has at least one bucket, led by Sara Scalia (18) and Mackenzie Holmes (14). 

8:07, 3Q: Indiana 49, Iowa 33

Is Iowa … about to get run off the floor? 

Indiana has a 16-point lead, its largest of the game, and Iowa is all out of sorts. Caitlin Clark missed a look at the rim, she had an uncharacteristic turnover and her teammates just can’t get anything going.

Indiana looks like the best team in the Big Ten right now, and the Hoosiers’ commitment to defense is clear: Iowa is shooting just 36% from the field. Clark is 6-of-16 from the field. The rest of the Hawkeyes are just 6-of-19. Yikes.

Will Caitlin Clark join Aliyah Boston in Indiana? 

This winter, former South Carolina All-American Aliyah Boston, decided to stay in the states — instead of playing pro overseas — and work as a Big Ten analyst. She has done a tremendous job explaining the game to viewers, and it’s clear she has a career in media whenever she’s done playing. (She also always has great hair.)

In the summer, of course, Boston plays for the Indiana Fever — AKA the team that has the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft. This comes after the Fever picked Boston No. 1 in the 2023 Draft; Boston was a WNBA All-Star her first year and won Rookie of the Year honors.

It can’t be lost on Boston that she does halftime analysis on a lot of Caitlin Clark games, and it’s very possible they’ll be teammates in a few months. But every time I watch Boston during halftime all I can think about is, what if Clark decides to go back to Iowa for a fifth year? How heartbroken will Boston be? 

Halftime: Indiana 44, Iowa 33

Well, well, well, isn’t this interesting. 

Caitlin Clark has 20 points, but is just 5-of-8 from the free throw line. Is this the first sign of the apocalypse? (She typically shoots 86% from the line.) 

Clark is being her usual excellent self, but she could use some help from her teammates. If Iowa is going to win this game, Hannah Stuelke (five points) will have to do more in the post. Only four Hawkwyes have scored, which isn’t going to get the job done. 

Meanwhile — there’s a reason Indiana is 13-0 at home so far this season. Sara Scalia continues to score at will, leading her team with 15 points. Mackenzie Holmes has 12, along with six rebounds. 

The biggest stat that jumps out: Indiana is winning the rebounding battle, 22-17 and has turned seven offensive rebounds into 10 points. They’ve also score nine points off five Iowa turnovers, whereas Iowa has only scored two points off Indiana’s five turnovers. The Hoosiers are known for defense, and they know how to get back and defend their basket even if they cough it up on offense. 

4:55, 2Q: Indiana 30, Iowa 27

Lions and Hawkeyes and Hoosiers, oh my, we’ve got some trash talk! 

This game is getting chippy … and I love it. 

A quick recap: Clark drove to the rim and drew a foul on Yarden Garzon, who complained to the official. Clark responded by telling Garzon she definitely fouled her. No one seemed to like that much, and players were chirping at each other. 

Then Clark missed two free throws (when was the last time Clark missed two free throws?), Indiana went inside to McKenzie Holmes to score and Clark responded with a deep 3. 

Peacock analyst LaChina Robinson, who rerferred to the all the words exchanged as “just a little competitive conversation” put it best after Clark drained her 3: “I wouldn’t want to make her mad.” 

Consider the bear poked. Clark is up to 16 points. 

End of 1Q: Indiana 23, Iowa 22

I think we might be in for a(nother) epic Indiana-Iowa game. 

As a refresher, this is what happened when they played last year. 

Clark is already up to 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting, though she’s only 1-of-5 from deep. She got two free throw attempts with six seconds left after baiting her defender into a foul — one of her specialities — and will use those attempts at the charity stripe to get her stroke right so she can start launching from the logo again. Trust me. 

On the other end, Sara Scalia leads Indiana with eight points. The Hoosiers are winning the rebounding battle 12-10; that’s another important stat to keep an eye on. 

Also of note: Iowa has eight made shots, but only three of those makes have been assisted. That’s unusual for a team that moves the ball well, and you can bet Lisa Bluder is talking about it in the huddle. 

4:47, 1Q: Indiana 13, Iowa 9 

So many developments and we’re only five-ish minutes in! 

Indiana guard Chloe Moore-McNeil, one of the best on-ball defenders in the country, already has one foul. That’s something to keep an eye on, as Moore-McNeil will mostly be responsible for guarding Clark tonight. 

But on the foul trouble note, Addison O’Grady already has two for the Hawkeyes. O’Grady only averages 4.2 points and 2.0 rebounds, but she spells Hannah Stuelke in the paint and gives Iowa a big body that other teams have to block out. This is a key development to keep an eye on.

What time do Caitlin Clark, Iowa play Indiana? 

The women’s college basketball game between the No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes and No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET in Bloomington, Indiana.

How can I watch/stream Caitlin Clark, Iowa play Indiana?

The game between No. 4 Iowa and No. 16 Indiana will be broadcast and streamed on Peacock.  

How tall is Caitlin Clark?   

Clark is 6-foot. Big guards have become more common in women’s basketball the last decade or so, and Clark’s size absolutely helps her because she’s able to see over defenders on the break and helps her get vertical separation when she goes up for a shot.   

Also of note: Clark, who’s pretty thin, worked hard last summer to put on eight pounds of muscle and that has made a huge difference in her game, particularly when she drives to the rim.  

Clark-mania: A look at how much Caitlin Clark fans travel and spend to watch Iowa star  

By now you’ve probably heard that Iowa All-American Caitlin Clark, the reigning national player of the year, has a tendency to sell out any arena she plays in. Fans in Bloomington, Indiana, arrived hours early in a line that stretched around Assembly Hall to watch Clark and the Hawkeyes take on the Hoosiers Thursday night.

For a closer look at #Clarkonomics — as ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli has termed it — USA TODAY reporter Jim Sergent worked up a graphic look at just how much Iowa fans will spend and how far they’ll travel to see Clark in person. The numbers are telling, to say the least. 

Is Caitlin Clark a senior?   

Yes, Clark is a senior … but she could come back next year and be a super senior if she wants.   

Though she’s projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she could return to Iowa City next season. Because Clark was a freshman in the 2020-21 season, she has a COVID year (basically, that season didn’t count toward anyone’s eligibility).

What is Caitlin Clark’s highest-scoring game?   

Clark’s highest-scoring game was also her record-breaking performance on Feb. 15 against Michigan in the 2023-24 season, when she scored 49 points. Clark shot 16-for-31 that game, including 9-for-18 from 3. She also grabbed five rebounds and handed out 13 assists in the 106-89 win.

Caitlin Clark stats

Caitlin Clark has 3,569 career points after scoring 49 in Iowa’s 106-89 win against Michigan last week

Caitlin Clark game-by-game points this season

Here’s a breakdown of Clark’s scoring this season for the Hawkeyes:

vs. Michigan, 2/15/24: 49 points (season-high, school record for single game)
at Nebraska, 2/11/24: 31 points
vs. Penn State, 2/8/24: 27 points
at Maryland, 2/3/24: 38 points
at Northwestern, 1/31/24: 35 points
vs. Nebraska, 1/27/2024: 38 points
at Ohio State, 1/21/2024: 45 points
vs. Wisconsin, 1/16/2024: 32 points
vs. Indiana, 1/13/2024: 30 points
at Purdue, 1/10/2024: 26 points
at Rutgers, 1/5/2024: 29 points
vs. Michigan State, 1/2/2024: 40 points
vs. Minnesota, 12/30/2023: 35 points
vs. Loyola Chicago, 12/21/2023: 35 points
vs. Cleveland State, 12/16/2023: 38 points
at Wisconsin, 12/10/2023: 28 points
at Iowa State, 12/6/2023: 35 points
vs. Bowling Green, 12/2/2023: 24 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/26/2023: 32 points
vs. Florida Gulf Coast, 11/25/2023: 21 points
vs. Purdue Fort Wayne, 11/24/2023: 29 points
vs. Drake, 11/19/2023: 35 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/16/2023: 24 points
at UNI, 11/12/2023: 24 points
vs. Virginia Tech, 11/9/2023: 44 points
vs. FDU, 11/6/2023: 28 points

Should Caitlin Clark stay at Iowa or go to WNBA? It’s complicated. 

The Greatest Show in Sports is humming along, barnstorming the nation, hitting logo threes and breaking records as February works its way to the madness of March, bringing us closer to the answer to two intriguing questions: 

Will Caitlin Clark stay at Iowa for her fifth COVID year or will she go to the WNBA? And, is she going to represent the United States at the Olympics this summer in Paris? 

The first question is totally in her control and all hers to answer. Does Clark, a fourth-year senior who gets a COVID year if she wants it, come back to Iowa to sink three-point shots and thread no-look passes and pack arenas around the Big Ten and the nation, which will be basically one and the same by the time the 2024-25 season begins? 

Or does she go to the WNBA, where she will be the No. 1 pick in the draft and immediately become the best-known pro in the women’s game, even if there will be the inevitable learning curve playing with and against the best players in the world? — Christine Brennan 

Can anyone challenge Caitlin Clark’s new NCAA scoring record? 

Kelsey Plum’s record stood for seven years. Iowa coach Lisa Bluder thinks Caitlin Clark’s could stand even longer. 

Clark has 3,569 points, and still has the rest of this season to play. Maybe next year, too. Clark is eligible to play a fifth COVID year and has not yet said whether she plans to return to Iowa or go to the WNBA. 

“This record is going to stand for a long time and I’m just glad she’s wearing black and gold,” Bluder said. 

Bluder also said she loved that Clark set the record with a logo 3, the shot that’s become her signature. Clark also set a career-high with 49 points. 

“You do it, you do it well, girl,” Bluder said. — Nancy Armour 

What type of Caitlin Clark fan are you? Take the quiz. 

Do you love Caitlin Clark or do you LOVE Caitlin Clark?  

Love her, hate her, like her or think she’s overrated, one thing is for sure: The senior guard from Iowa has serious game.  

Not sure exactly where you stand? We can help you out. This USA TODAY Sports quiz will reveal the answer to a crucial question as we prep for March Madness: What kind of Caitlin Clark fan are you? — Lindsay Schnell 

WNBA legend Sue Bird: Caitlin Clark will have ‘success early’ in league 

Four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird believes Caitlin Clark’s game will translate well into the WNBA. 

‘I do think she has a chance at having a lot of success early,’ Bird said during an appearance on ’The Sports Media Podcast’ with Richard Deitsch, which airs in full on Thursday. 

Bird cites the Iowa star’s range as the key weapon to her success. (Clark did break the women’s all-time NCAA scoring record last week on a 35-foot logo shot, after all.) ‘I think a lot of it comes down to her long-distance shooting. That is her separator. You’re not really used to guarding people out there,’ Bird explained.  — Cydney Henderson 

Sheryl Swoopes speaks with Caitlin Clark after viral comments 

After making a controversial dig at Caitlin Clark as she neared the women’s all-time NCAA scoring record, Sheryl Swoopes said she spoke to the Iowa star about her comments − thanks to LSU’s Angel Reese. 

The three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player was on the broadcast for Sunday’s game between Baylor and Texas Tech, where she said Reese helped facilitate a conversation between her and Clark. 

‘A couple of weeks ago, I reached out to Angel and had a really good conversation with Angel over the phone and sent a message to Caitlin. She responded. She and I went back and forth,” Swoopes said. ‘I won’t share what she said, I’ll leave that to her if she wants to share. But I will say, what I said to her was, ‘I made a mistake in saying it was your fifth year when it is your fourth.’ “  — Jordan Mendoza 

Gabby Douglas’ comeback is on hold.

The 2012 Olympic all-around champion announced Thursday afternoon that she won’t compete at Winter Cup this weekend after testing positive for COVID. Winter Cup was to be Douglas’ first meet since the Rio Olympics, almost eight years ago.

‘I’m so sad to say that I won’t be competing this weekend. I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID :(,’ Douglas said in part of an Instagram post.

‘Thank you so much for all of your support and positive energy — it really does mean the world to me,’ she added. ‘I’m crushed but I’ll see you guys soon!’

Winter Cup is a qualifier for the national championships, which are May 30 to June 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. In order to compete at nationals, Douglas still has options. She can go to a selection camp April 1-4. She also could do the American Classic, April 25-28, or the U.S. Classic, May 17-19.

Douglas is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, winning team titles in 2012 and 2016 in addition to her all-around gold. She also was the silver medalist at the 2015 world championships, finishing second to Simone Biles in the all-around.

Most gymnastics fans figured Douglas, who turned 28 on Dec. 31, had retired when the Tokyo Olympics came and went and she wasn’t in the gym. But Douglas said watching the national championships in 2022 inspired her, and she confirmed her return last summer.

She went to a national team training camp in November, but has not competed since the uneven bars final in Rio.

Follow Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour

Gabby Douglas’ comeback is on hold.

The 2012 Olympic all-around champion announced Thursday afternoon that she won’t compete at Winter Cup this weekend after testing positive for COVID. Winter Cup was to be Douglas’ first meet since the Rio Olympics, almost eight years ago.

‘I’m so sad to say that I won’t be competing this weekend. I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID :(,’ Douglas said in part of an Instagram post.

‘Thank you so much for all of your support and positive energy — it really does mean the world to me,’ she added. ‘I’m crushed but I’ll see you guys soon!’

Winter Cup is a qualifier for the national championships, which are May 30 to June 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. In order to compete at nationals, Douglas still has options. She can go to a selection camp April 1-4. She also could do the American Classic, April 25-28, or the U.S. Classic, May 17-19.

Douglas is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, winning team titles in 2012 and 2016 in addition to her all-around gold. She also was the silver medalist at the 2015 world championships, finishing second to Simone Biles in the all-around.

Most gymnastics fans figured Douglas, who turned 28 on Dec. 31, had retired when the Tokyo Olympics came and went and she wasn’t in the gym. But Douglas said watching the national championships in 2022 inspired her, and she confirmed her return last summer.

She went to a national team training camp in November, but has not competed since the uneven bars final in Rio.

Follow Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour

The disapproval of MLB’s new uniforms continues, this time focused on the pants.

With spring training games officially getting underway Thursday, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark expressed more concern about the uniforms to ESPN after he said he visited various spring camps in Arizona, where there were more complaints about the on-field attire.

‘A lot of the rhetoric is confirmation that the pants are see-through,’ Clark said. ‘It’s been an ongoing conversation where each day has yielded something new that doesn’t seem to make as much sense as you would like it.

‘Universal concern is the pant,’ Clark said.

Much has been said from fans and players about the new uniforms, which are Nike’s new Vapor Premier uniforms that are manufactured by Fanatics. Despite MLB saying the uniforms are ‘engineered to improve mobility, moisture management and fit,’ they’ve received criticism over the cheap look, small lettering and limited customization options.

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But another layer — or lack thereof — was added when players began to sport the full uniform for photo days, where it was easy to see the tucked in part of the jersey. As a result, Clark is disappointed that there is still concern with the uniforms as games begin.

‘It’s disappointing that we’ve landed in a place where the uniforms are the topic of discussion,’ he said. ‘Each conversation with the guys is yielding more information with what we’re seeing.’

Clark had addressed the jersey situation earlier in the week, as he said the Major League Baseball Players Association to resolve the jersey issue ahead of opening day on March 28. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has defended the new jerseys, previously saying while there is likely to be some negative feedback with them, he believes ‘they’re going to be really popular.’

Despite the overall distaste for the uniforms, some players are indifferent about it.

‘As long as I’m wearing a uniform, I really don’t care,’ the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.