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A one-time Olympic snowboarder was charged by federal prosecutors for running an international drug trafficking ring that shipped hundreds of pounds of cocaine into the United States and was involved in ‘orchestrating multiple murders.’

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California announced the charges Thursday for 43-year-old Ryan James Wedding, a Canada native who is believed to be in Mexico and a fugitive. The eight charges include murder, criminal enterprise, as well as conspiring to possess, distribute and export cocaine.

Prosecutors allege Wedding’s operation shipped cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and the Los Angeles area before it was delivered throughout the United States and Canada via long-haul semi-trucks. With aliases that include ‘El Jefe,’ ‘Giant’ and ‘Public Enemy,’ Wedding’s organization ‘resorted to violence – including multiple murders – to achieve its aims,’ officials said.

Wedding and partner Andrew Clark allegedly directed the murders of two people in Ontario, Canada, in November 2023 in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment. Another person was injured in the shooting and left with physical injuries. It is also alleged the pair ordered the murder of another person in May 2024 over a drug debt.

“(Wedding) chose to become a major drug trafficker and he chose to become a killer,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said during a news conference. ‘They were killers. Anyone who got in their way they would target with violence, including murder.’

Wedding competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in the parallel giant slalom. He is one of 16 people charged in connection with the drug trafficking ring. Clark was arrested in Mexico in October, but four people remain fugitives, including Wedding. During its investigation into the ring, law enforcement has seized more than one ton of cocaine, as well as firearms, ammunition, $255,400 in U.S. currency and more than $3.2 million in cryptocurrency.

The Olympian also faces drug charges in Canada. He previously was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to prison in 2010, according to The Associated Press. Estrada said after he was released from prison, Wedding continued to participate in drug trafficking and was protected by the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Wedding’s apprehension, arrest and extradition.

Follow Jordan Mendoza on social media @jordan_mendoza5

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Los Angeles Clippers will be without All-Star Kawhi Leonard to start the season.

Leonard will be sidelined indefinitely as he continues to rehab his right knee, a person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. There is no timetable on Leonard’s return.

In late September, Clippers president Lawrence Frank announced that the ‘swelling has significantly gone down’ in Leonard’s knee and that the inflammation is ‘almost gone.’ Although Leonard felt ‘great’ ahead of training camp, he said he and the team are ‘taking it day-by-day.’

‘Everything has been going great for the past month, but they are being very cautious,’ Leonard said at media day. ‘I haven’t been able to finish some playoff runs, so making sure I stay healthy for those important moments.’

The two-time Finals MVP didn’t appear in any of the Clippers’ preseason games and was held out of training camp to ensure he’s 100% for the regular season and postseason.

All things Clippers: Latest Los Angeles Clippers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Leonard had surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his right knee in July 2021. Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season as a result of injury. He suffered a torn meniscus in the same knee in April 2023, resulting in Leonard missing the final three games of the Clippers’ first-round series loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Leonard played 68 games last season — the most games he’s played since a career-high 74 games in the 2016-17 season for the San Antonio Spurs — but he missed the final eight games of the regular season due to knee pain. He was limited to only two games in the Clippers’ first-round series loss to the Dallas Mavericks due to right knee inflammation.

Leonard was selected to be part of the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, but ultimately withdrew from the roster ahead of the 2024 Paris Games to prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

‘Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas,’ USA Basketball said in July. ‘He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.’

The Clippers open the 2024-25 season against the Suns on Oct. 23 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and are preparing without Leonard, who signed a three-year extension worth $152.3 million in January.

‘He has not been a part of what we’ve been doing on a daily basis,’ Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw said Wednesday following practice. ‘I know the company line has been that we’re going to be patient with him, so he’s doing everything that he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own with our medical staff. And we’re just dealing with the guys that we have (available).’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Hours after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces, Iran remembered Sinwar as a martyr whose vision for a liberated Palestine would be carried forward. 

Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which prompted the ongoing war between the Jewish state and terror group in the Gaza Strip, was killed Thursday by Israeli forces in Rafah. 

‘He told you he was a lion, but in reality, he was hiding in a dark den, and he was killed when he fled in a panic from our soldiers,’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised message announcing Sinwar’s death. 

In a statement, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations compared Sinwar’s demise to the hanging of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was captured by U.S. forces in 2003 and subsequently convicted of crimes against humanity.  

‘When U.S. forces dragged a disheveled Saddam Hussein out of an underground hole, he begged them not to kill him despite being armed. Those who regarded Saddam as their model of resistance eventually collapsed,’ the statement said. 

‘However, when Muslims look up to Martyr Sinwar standing on the battlefield — in combat attire and out in the open, not in a hideout, facing the enemy — the spirit of resistance will be strengthened,’ the mission said. ‘He will become a model for the youth and children who will carry forward his path toward the liberation of Palestine. As long as occupation and aggression exist, resistance will endure, for the martyr remains alive and a source of inspiration.’

Hamas is considered a proxy of Iran, similar to Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, and other terrorist groups with American blood on their hands. Both groups receive funding and training from Tehran. 

Israel has killed top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, which began launching airstrikes targeting Israel’s north more than a year ago in solidarity with Hamas. 

Israel vowed to kill Sinwar at the start of its military campaign against Hamas. Before Sinwar was elevated to the top leader of the group, his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an apparent Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran. 

In response, Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel. The Jewish state has vowed to respond. For more than four decades, the Iranian regime has meticulously constructed a ‘Ring of Fire’ around Israel, employing various terror groups to extend its influence across the Middle East. 

Amnon Sofrin, former head of the Intelligence Directorate at Mossad, told Fox News Digital, ‘In central Tehran, there is a huge clock that was set up in 2015, showing how much time is left for Israel, indicating that, by 2040, Israel should no longer exist. They have been preparing for this moment. Some of the Iran-backed militias conducted reconnaissance with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and claimed they would assist once the [Israel Defense Forces] IDF entered Lebanon. 

‘However,’ Sofrin added, ‘we are already inside Lebanon, and no pro-Iranian militia has yet provided help. Iran isn’t giving the order to its other proxies in the region to join the ground war — at least not yet.’

On Thursday, Netanyahu vowed to bring an end to ‘the reign of terror that the Iranian regime has imposed on its own people and on the peoples of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.’

Earlier this month, drones loaded with explosives were launched by pro-Iranian militias from Iraq against an Israeli military base in the Golan Heights, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring 24. 

Fox News Digital’s Efrat Lachter contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Soccer great Lionel Messi has no intention of declaring he will play in World Cup 2026 or setting a retirement date. Instead, the Argentina World Cup champion and Inter Miami star is enjoying the twilight of his legendary career with greater appreciation.

Messi accepted the MARCA America Award during a ceremony at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Thursday. The award, given by the largest sports publication in Spain, celebrates Messi’s dominance in the sport with 46 titles for club and country, and 57 individual honors he’s earned in his career.

Although Messi has his eyes set on helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup later this year, his return to form has not slowed inquiries about his participation in the next World Cup – jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada – when he will be 39 years old.

“I was able to fulfill all my dreams and achieved many more than I dreamed of as a kid. I was able to achieve the biggest dream of a player, which is a World Cup. I won many titles in the club of my life, which is Barcelona. I also won in Paris and now with Inter. I’m fighting to continue to achieve many more things,” an introspective Messi said.

“I don’t get ahead of myself. I try to enjoy day by day. When the time comes, we’ll see. I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy. When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.”

Messi acknowledged a difficult summer, where he was sidelined from a right ankle ligament injury he sustained during the Copa America final. Messi watched from the bench as Argentina was able to win its second straight Copa America title in Miami on July 14.

Messi had his strongest performance of the year Tuesday when he scored a hat trick with two assists in a 6-0 win for Argentina against Bolivia.

Since Messi’s return to action on Sept. 14, he’s played in seven matches and scored eight goals. He helped Inter Miami win the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the league’s best record and can help the club set the MLS points record on Saturday in the regular-season finale against the New England Revolution.

“The truth is that it was a long year where I had to go through important injuries, I have lost many games where I was out for almost [two] months, which was very difficult. The truth is that it is very hard for me and even harder now to train alone or not being able to do anything,” Messi said.

“That’s why today I can come back for the final stretch. I feel good, I feel strong, I feel good physically and to be able to arrive, to finish in this way.”

Messi cherished his last match in Argentina earlier this week, acknowledging he doesn’t have many more matches to play with the national team in his home country.

He also made a point to declare his move to Inter Miami, which occurred in July 2023, was not one where he intended to ride off into the sunset.

Messi still has plenty left in the tank. He just doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself in his final years.

“I have fought a lot and I have gone through a lot of bad times in Argentina, and today I enjoy it more than ever because when you get closer to the end, you get older, you get much more excited and you realize much more about many things,” Messi said of his career.

“I always try to be at my best, and the step I wanted to take here did not mean a retirement – far from it,” Messi added. “We came to continue making this club great …  to help with the growth [and] winning titles.”

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The State Department on Thursday said the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli troops presented an ‘opportunity’ for a potential cease-fire and an end to the yearlong war.  

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said until Sinwar’s death, ‘there’s been no path to ending this war because Sinwar has refused to talk about releasing the hostages.’

‘We now see an opportunity with him having been removed from the battlefield, being removed from the leadership of Hamas. We wanted to seize that opportunity,’ Miller said. 

Sinwar was a chief architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in which Hamas militants stormed into Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and kidnapping 250 others in an attack that stunned the country. As of October 2024, Hamas militants are still holding around 100 hostages. 

Israeli forces hailed Sinwar’s death as a major victory, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that his country will keep fighting until all hostages are free. He said Israeli forces will control Gaza long enough to ensure that Hamas does not rearm.

It’s not clear who will succeed Sinwar. While his death is a crippling blow to Hamas, the group has proven resilient to past losses of its leaders. 

‘One thing we do know for certain is that the world is a better place with Sinwar gone from it, and it gives us an opportunity that we didn’t have as long as he still called the shots for Hamas,’ Miller said. ‘Now what that will mean, we’ll have to wait and see in the days ahead.’

In the 12 months of fighting, Israeli forces have killed more than 42,000 Palestinians and destroyed much of the Gaza Strip. The figures come from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says half of those who were killed were women and children. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

When the market is rallying in full swing, it can sometimes be difficult to select which stocks, among the hundreds, might present the best case to buy. For spotting the strongest stocks on a technical basis, the StockCharts Technical Rank (SCTR) can be an essential tool.

There are many ways to use the SCTR Report. One would be to pull the top-performing stocks. Another strategy is to view the Top Up tab in the SCTR Reports panel on Your Dashboard to find the stocks with the biggest SCTR moves. 

Dell Technologies (DELL) may not be leading the top 10 pack, but it’s beating hundreds of stocks that happen to be rallying as of this writing. Note: this can change during the trading day.

FIGURE 1. SCTR TOP UP REPORT. Despite DELL occupying 7th place at the moment of writing, it’s still among the top stocks gaining more technical strength in the US stock market.Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Dell Stock’s Price Action

Dell’s upward run is a continuation of the bullish reversal that started in August, as you can see in this weekly chart.

FIGURE 2. WEEKLY CHART OF DELL. Besides the dip in August, DELL’s uptrend, however volatile, remains unbroken.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Dell’s stock price uptrend remains intact despite the volatility and dip from February through August. The stock bounced back at the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement line, which, for many investors, served as a favorably low entry point.

Note the SCTR line above the chart. You should keep an eye on a crossover above the 70 line, which marks a bullish threshold for me (more on this later).

What  Conditions Might Trigger a Buy?

Let’s switch to a daily chart.

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF DELL STOCK. Watch those swing points for potential entry points.

The following are important points to note on the chart:

The swing points illustrate an almost textbook uptrend (blue trendline) of higher highs (HH) and higher lows (HL).The green arrows mark areas of support. If an uptrend consists of consecutive HHs and HLs, then support, and potential stop loss levels, would be right below each swing low.The horizontal dotted blue lines mark potential resistance levels (and, for swing traders, multiple opportunities to close out with a profit). Dell’s stock price is currently breaking above the first resistance level marked on the chart.

The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) below the chart is above the zero line (magenta rectangle), meaning buying pressure is a dominant factor in DELL’s momentum. You would want it to remain there if you were to go long.

So, when might you consider going long?

If you’re not already in the position, look at the SCTR line above the chart. Wait for the SCTR line to break above 70—that’s your first signal.Ensure its CMF reading remains strong and does not show signs of weakening.If DELL breaks the HH>HL pattern, then the short-term uptrend is in question and may trigger a stop loss below the swing point you’ve chosen as an ideal exit (where you place your stop loss will vary according to your risk tolerance).

How To Set a SCTR Alert

On Your Dashboard, click the Charts & Tools dropdown menu.

Select Advanced Alerts.From Alert Components, select symbol from the TICKER PROPERTIES dropdown menu.Select SCTR in the PRICE, VOLUME, & SCTRS dropdown menu.

The screenshot below displays the alert.

Save your alert and choose how you you’d like to be notified.

To learn more about setting alerts, visit the Technical Alert Workbench support page.

At the Close

When picking stocks in a rally, tools like the SCTR report make life easier. Dell (DELL) might not be sitting at the top spot right now, but it’s climbing fast, showing some serious technical strength. Keep an eye on that SCTR line—once it crosses 70, paired with a strong CMF reading, it could be your signal to go long. Set a SCTR alert on your dashboard to catch this market opportunity.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation or without consulting a financial professional.

With the NFL trade deadline almost three weeks away, the most consequential in-season swaps might already be in the books.

On Tuesday, two AFC East teams made major splashes to acquire marquee wide receivers, as the New York Jets reunited Aaron Rodgers with Davante Adams before the Buffalo Bills brought aboard Amari Cooper. With those moves, two of the most high-profile figures believed to be on the market had already been accounted for.

But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be action ahead of the Nov. 5 cutoff. Still, with few teams likely to truly embrace a fire sale, this year might not feature many more stars changing places. The potential dynamic was captured well by Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, who on Tuesday seemed to quell any notion that his team would make an all-out pursuit for the likes of the Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby or Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson – both seeming to be long shots to be moved – to replace Aidan Hutchinson after the Pro Bowl defensive end suffered a broken tibia and fibula on Sunday.

‘I think if anything you’re looking for really a role player,’ Campbell said.

With that said, there are still several notable names who could be on the trading block ahead of this year’s deadline. Here are 16 players who could be in consideration for a swap leading up to the deadline:

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

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona signaled a forthcoming changing of the guard in its backfield when it selected Trey Benson in the third round of April’s NFL draft. With the Cardinals standing at 2-4 and Conner set to become a free agent after the season, why not make the transition now? Conner, 29, might not have a robust market, but he’s a physical runner who can handle a heavy workload. 

Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

With owner Shad Khan having given this regime a vote of confidence prior to Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears in London, the Jaguars don’t seem inclined to make sweeping changes. That mentality filters down to the lineup, where Etienne has remained the lead back despite second-stringer Tank Bigsby outgaining him by 67 yards (297-230) this season on 15 fewer carries. Etienne isn’t always the most reliable ball carrier, but he’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and offers significant value as a receiver. A hamstring injury that coach Doug Pederson called ‘week-to-week’ likely hurts his chances to be moved, as does his $6.1 million in guaranteed salary for 2025 after his fifth-year option was exercised.

Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers

The widespread problems with the Panthers’ aerial attack – which prompted the benching of Bryce Young and installation of Andy Dalton as the starter after just two weeks – can’t be pinned on Johnson, who has 24 catches for 306 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the four games since the quarterback switch was made. Carolina therefore might resist any inquiries into acquiring the figure who, outside of Dalton, has played the biggest role in helping the offense establish a baseline of competence. Coach Dave Canales also seemed to throw cold water on rumors in early October, saying ‘I don’t see that happening’ when asked about a potential trade. But Johnson, 27, could be of great interest to a playoff-caliber team as a half-season rental. If the Panthers aren’t confident that he’ll be a franchise fixture beyond this year, they should try to boost their draft capital by moving him to the highest bidder.

Christian Kirk, WR, Jaguars

While the initial shock of Kirk’s four-year, $72 million deal signed in 2022 has worn off thanks to the explosion of the wide receiver market and the veteran pass catcher’s solid contributions, rookie standout Brian Thomas Jr. should be the focal point of the passing attack for years to come. With tight end Evan Engram returning from a hamstring injury to serve as Trevor Lawrence’s primary safety valve, Kirk could be expendable for the right price. With $14.5 million in base salary this season, the slot target might need to work out a contract restructure similar to what Adams did with the Jets, though Kirk has no guaranteed money in the final year of his contract next season. 

Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants

Parting with one of the scant few weapons for Daniel Jones might seem like an odd move for the Giants. But with rookie wide receiver and new offensive centerpiece Malik Nabers trending toward a return in the near future as he advances in the concussion protocol, New York could recoup some draft capital for a player who likely has far greater value for a contender. An eight-catch, 122-yard performance against the Seattle Seahawks helped showcase Slayton’s solid skill set, and his downfield ability has never been fully unlocked by an offense still grappling with Daniel Jones’ deep-ball woes. While he likely will remain a secondary or tertiary option even if dealt, Slayton is a relatively cheap ($2.5 million base salary for 2024, the final year of his deal) solution for a team looking to add a big-play spark.

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Giants

If the Giants are reluctant to send off Slayton, perhaps they’d be willing to give up Hyatt as a low-cost alternative. The 2023 third-round pick has just one catch on seven targets this season, and opportunities likely will remain scare with Nabers, Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson ahead of him in the pecking order. Yet the speed that Hyatt exhibited in posting an 18.9 yards-per-catch average in his final season at Tennessee might still be attractive to any organization hoping to find someone to stretch the field.

Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets

Quite a week for the 6-4, 218-pound target. On Monday, Aaron Rodgers blamed Williams for running the wrong route on the game-sealing interception in a 23-20 loss to the Bills. The following day, the Jets drastically reshaped their receiving corps with a trade for Adams. By Wednesday, amid multiple reports that Williams would be shopped as an extraneous piece, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said the glut of pass catchers was ‘an exciting and good problem to have.’ Regaining Rodgers’ trust at this point in a 2-4 season seems like a tall task, so Williams and Gang Green might be better off splitting, though the notion of sending him to an AFC contender might give the Jets pause. But even at 30 and coming off a torn ACL, he could be worth a shot for a team that needs a midseason pick-me-up for its passing attack. 

Cam Robinson, OT, Jaguars

While Robinson’s future with the Jaguars has seemed to be an annual riddle, the left tackle is now the team’s longest-tenured starter as he continues in his eighth season with the organization. But with 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison looming as a potential successor if he flips over from the right side, re-signing Robinson after this season might not be in the cards for Jacksonville. Capable pass protectors are among the rarest and most desired assets on the trade market, so there should be no problem finding a buyer if the Jaguars make it known that they would be willing to move on.

Walker Little, OT, Jaguars

A second-round pick in 2021, Little hasn’t managed to entrench himself on the Jaguars’ front outside of starting 11 games last season as a fill-in. But while the bulk of Little’s work has come at left tackle, he also has slid in at left guard and done spot work at right tackle. That versatility could be a major selling point, particularly if a team that gets hit with an injury or two along its offensive line comes calling. 

Emmanuel Ogbah, OLB/DE, Miami Dolphins

Though coach Mike McDaniel expects Tua Tagovailoa to return at some point this season after the quarterback’s third documented concussion, the 2-3 Dolphins’ campaign could slip away in short order. If it does, Miami should investigate what it can do to help recalibrate a roster dotted with stars but lacking for depth. Ogbah, who turns 31 in November, is one of the few reasonable candidates to be flipped for a pick. The 6-4, 275-pounder is a better bet to generate consistent pressure than pile up gaudy sack numbers, but he’s stout against the run and can be slotted into any defensive scheme.

Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Giants

Maybe the timing is off, as the Giants are counting on Ojulari to fill in for Kayvon Thibodeaux, who landed on injured reserve with a wrist injury, for at least the next three games – the last of which lands two days prior to the deadline. But this is a chance to sell high on a player who might be a luxury for a defense that leads the NFL with 26 sacks and has a set long-term plan on the edge in Thibodeaux and two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. Ojulari, 24, had two sacks and six pressures on 26 pass rushes against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Next Gen Stats, and he could be an incredibly cost-effective option at a position where demand always outpaces supply.

Haason Reddick, OLB/DE, Jets

On talent alone, the two-time Pro Bowl selection is easily the best player on this list after collecting 27 sacks in the last two years. Yet there’s a defining question still left unanswered for Reddick, the Jets and possibly any team interested in acquiring the standout pass rusher: What would it take to end his holdout and get him back on the field? After being acquired by Gang Green in a March trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reddick hasn’t budged amid his pursuit of a long-term extension, losing $4.8 million in game checks and racking up millions more in fines. With both newly hired agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Jets expressing their desire to patch things up, maybe a long-awaited resolution between the two sides is finally feasible. But owner Woody Johnson acknowledged he has given Reddick’s side permission to seek a trade, and surely several teams will want to poke around on this given the potential payoff.

Josh Uche, OLB, New England Patriots

Uche was the subject of trade deadline speculation last season, but New England held onto him and re-signed the 6-1, 240-pound pass-rushing specialist to a one-year, $3 million deal this offseason. But maybe the new regime that brought him back will be more open to moving him given the franchise’s focus on the future. Uche, 26, still is playing only 38% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, and he’ll likely never reclaim the highs of his 11½-sack season in 2022. But his modest salary and proven ability in hassling quarterbacks make him a potential bargain-bin option for teams who can’t afford a splashier move for a premium role.

Jonathan Jones, CB, Patriots

At 31 and on the last season of his contract, Jones simply doesn’t seem to be operating on the same timeline as the rebuilding Patriots, who now count on budding second-year star Christian Gonzalez as their top cover man. But there should be no shortage of teams drawn to an experienced and savvy coverage asset.

Budda Baker, S, Cardinals

Sending off one of the few staples on the Cardinals’ severely undermanned defense surely would cause a stir. But general manager Monti Ossenfort has repeatedly taken the long view in reworking Arizona’s roster, and listening to offers for Baker, 28, seems like a shrewd move given how expansive the team’s needs are. The six-time Pro Bowl selection (with one coming as a special teams choice) still has plenty of playmaking range on the back end, making him an intriguing piece for any team willing to go big with an in-season reshaping of its secondary.

Andre Cisco, S, Jaguars

It seems that Cisco might be reaching his breaking point with the Jaguars after he said the team exhibited ‘a lot of quit’ in its latest loss. If his message wasn’t well received in the locker room or by higher-ups, it would make sense for him to play out the final year of his deal elsewhere. Though the fourth-year safety’s play has taken a step back this season amid Jacksonville’s widespread defensive collapse, his ball-hawking skills (eight turnovers since the start of the 2022 season) might come in handy for a contender. 

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

There are 11 unbeaten college football teams in the Bowl Subdivision as the regular season crosses over the midway point, down from the 22 teams still perfect heading into October. The number dwindles every week; this past Saturday saw Ohio State lose for the first time in an epic Big Ten bout against Oregon.

What’s interesting is this: Of these 11 unbeatens, just two are scheduled to play this season — Army and Navy in that annual rivalry, set to be held on the Saturday after the release of the final College Football Playoff rankings.

That leaves the possibility of multiple unbeaten teams, most in the Power Four, heading into conference championship weekend. In part as a result of conference expansion, you could see unbeaten teams meeting in early December to decide the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten.

History tells us that won’t happen. Michigan, Washington and Florida State were the only perfect teams heading into last year’s postseason. In 2022, it was only the Wolverines and Georgia.

So look for the list of 11 teams to get trimmed down to normal size in the coming weeks. Here’s where each team is slated to see a perfect run come to end:

No. 1 Texas (6-0)

First loss: Sometime in the playoff. (If at all.)

The lone unbeaten team in the SEC, Texas has often looked dominant in rising to the top of the US LBM Coaches Poll. Most recently, the Longhorns picked apart Oklahoma in a 34-3 despite getting Quinn Ewers’ struggles getting back on track after missing two games to injury. The biggest test comes next in a Georgia team that hasn’t quite rebounded from an earlier loss to Alabama. Texas is the favorite against the Bulldogs, and for good reason.

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No. 2 Oregon (6-0)

First loss: Big Ten championship game vs. Ohio State, Dec. 7.

It may be too early to pencil both teams into a rematch in Indianapolis, especially since Ohio State needs to get past Penn State on the road early next month. But after a thrilling game this past Saturday, the Ducks and Buckeyes have to be favored to play again in under two months with a first-round playoff bye on the line. This time, here’s betting on Ohio State making the most of this second chance.

No. 3 Penn State (6-0)

First loss: vs. Ohio State, Nov. 2.

Not to say the Nittany Lions won’t or can’t beat the Buckeyes. One reason for major optimism is the growth of an offense finding its groove under new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. But history can’t be ignored: Penn State has dropped seven in a row in this series, three coming in State College, even if more than half of those losses have come by single digits.

No. 6 Miami (6-0)

First loss: at Georgia Tech, Nov. 9.

Recent close calls against Virginia Tech and California have raised some doubts about Miami’s ability to run the table even against a very manageable ACC schedule. On the other hand, these are close games the program probably would’ve lost earlier in coach Mario Cristobal’s tenure, which has to stand for something. Let’s bet on the Hurricanes passing this Saturday’s test at Louisville and winning against Duke and Florida State at home before dropping a road trip to Georgia Tech next month. The Yellow Jackets have won three of five in the series.

No. 12 Iowa State (6-0)

First loss: vs. Texas Tech, Nov. 2.

The schedule plays out in a way that Iowa State could be unblemished heading into the finale against Kansas State in late November. The team’s week-to-week improvement and high ceiling makes that a realistic scenario, especially given that Iowa State misses Brigham Young, Arizona State and Colorado. Instead, the second-half schedule consists of Central Florida, Texas Tech, Kansas, Cincinnati, Utah and the aforementioned K-State game. While admitting the possibility of an 11-0 start, let’s roll the dice on the Cyclones losing at home to a Texas Tech team that has won four in a row after a slow start.

No. 13 Brigham Young (6-0)

First loss: vs. Oklahoma State, Saturday.

BYU continues to fly under the radar despite very good wins against SMU and Kansas State. This runs ends on Saturday. Oklahoma State has dropped off the map with three losses in a row but will rebound coming off an open week to kick off another second-half surge for Mike Gundy and the Cowboys.

No. 18 Indiana (6-0)

First loss: vs. Nebraska, Saturday.

Indiana has been one of the great success stories in the Power Four under new coach Curt Cignetti. Nebraska presents a different test than what the Hoosiers have faced to date because of the Cornhuskers’ elite defense, which hit a brief snag in the loss to Illinois but still ranks sixth nationally in yards allowed per play.

No. 20 Pittsburgh (6-0)

First loss: vs. Syracuse, Saturday.

The Panthers probably should’ve lost at least twice already — though you have to give some credit to a team that won just three times last year but has found a way to remain unbeaten through the midseason mark. Kyle McCord and the Orange present a very tough test for a defense that ranks 101st nationally in passing yards allowed per game, though Pittsburgh is a slightly more impressive 62nd in yards allowed per attempt. Syracuse ranks second in the FBS in yards through the air per game and first by a wide margin with 47.8 throws per game.

No. 24 Army (6-0)

First loss: at North Texas, Nov. 9.

That Army hasn’t played anybody of consequence makes it a hard team to peg down, though you have to admire the way the Black Knights have dismantled teams such as Rice, Temple and Alabama-Birmingham. Look for that trend to continue against another two overmatched opponents – East Carolina and Air Force – before the North Texas high-powered offense proves too much for them to handle. The Mean Green one of six teams in the FBS and just two in the Group of Five averaging more than 500 yards of offense per game.

Liberty (5-0)

First loss: vs. Jacksonville State, Oct. 30.

Liberty’s unbeaten record could last all the way to a home date with Western Kentucky on Nov. 23, if not all the way into the postseason. But the Flames could get stomped by a Jacksonville State squad that has rebounded to win three games in a row, the last two in Conference USA action. Those three wins have come by a combined score of 161-44 and seen the Gamecocks run for a total of 991 yards with a remarkable 18 rushing scores.

Navy (5-0)

First loss: vs. Notre Dame (in East Rutherford, N.J.), Oct. 26.

Unlike Army, the Midshipmen have some national credibility due to a win against Memphis on Sept. 21. A strong run to open this season will continue with a win Saturday against Charlotte, but Navy would need to put together a herculean effort to upset Notre Dame a week later on a neutral site.

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Football Bowl Subdivision schools shelled out more than $125 million in buyout payments to departed head coaches last season, led by the $77 million that Texas A&M paid to fire Jimbo Fisher without cause.

And the potential buyouts in coaching contracts are getting more exorbitant every year, according to USA TODAY Sports’ annual look at college football head coaches’ compensation.

A whopping 29 public-school coaches in the FBS would be owed $20 million or more if they were fired without cause this year, as of Dec. 1 − more than triple the number of coaches who cleared that bar when USA TODAY Sports started tracking coaches’ buyouts in 2017. Five of the 29 would be due what once seemed like an unfathomable payout of $60 million or more, including Kirby Smart, whose buyout at Georgia is $118.1 million.

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Week 8 in college football will be a busy one, with four showdowns of ranked teams on tap and a plethora of other key conference contests involving the US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25.

The SEC takes center stage with a trio of matchups of squads all within a game atop the standings. No. 1 Texas hosts fourth-ranked Georgia in prime time, No. 7 Alabama visits No. 10 Tennessee in a must-win affair for both, and No. 8 LSU hopes to avoid a road trap at Arkansas.

There is also a pair of unlikely ranked matchups in the Big Ten as No. 18 Indiana puts its unblemished record on the line hosting No. 25 Nebraska and No. 21 Illinois welcomes No. 22 Michigan. It will be an early start to the weekend with No. 2 Oregon and No. 13 Brigham Young in action on Friday night.

Our panel of prognosticators weighs in on who will hold serve and who will be bitten by the upset bug.

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