It was the return of the King.

LeBron James made his anticipated return to the floor, helping the Los Angeles Lakers score a season-high for points in a 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

James missed the Lakers’ first 14 games of the season while dealing with a sciatica nerve issue that dated back to training camp. That health situation appears to be in the past, as James practiced Monday ahead of playing 30 minutes in the Lakers’ victory Tuesday night.

Lakers vs. Jazz highlights

End Q4: Lakers 140, Jazz 125

Feeding off of that momentum in the third quarter, the Lakers put the Utah Jazz away. At one point, early in the fourth quarter, the Lakers were on an extended 41-17 run.

And LeBron James picked up the play-making late in his regular season debut, dishing out six assists in the fourth quarter, all of which came on consecutive made field goals. James finished the game with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, with 12 assists and 3 rebounds. James played 29:37 and even got to see his son, Bronny James, drain a deep 3.

Luka Dončić was also exceptional, dropping 37 points — including 17 in the third quarter — with 10 assists and 5 rebounds.

The Lakers will play the Jazz again in their next game, though it will come after an extended rest, on Sunday, Nov. 23, in Utah.

End Q3: Lakers 104, Jazz 93

Los Angeles came out far more aggressively to start the second half, looking to push pace and be more intentional with its shot selection.

The Lakers swarmed Utah late in the third quarter to take their first lead of the game — a lead they extended behind Luka Dončić’s 17 points in the third quarter. In fact, the Lakers closed the period on an 21-5 run.

Perhaps setting him up to be available for most of the fourth quarter, LeBron James got an extended rest in the middle of the third as the Lakers mounted their run.

Through three, James has 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, with 6 assists and 2 rebounds.

End Q2: Jazz 71, Lakers 67

The disjointed Los Angeles offense continued in the second quarter.

In particular, the Lakers struggled from beyond the arc, where they shot just 6-of-18 (33.3%) in the first half. That inefficiency slowed down the entire operation, as the Lakers are trying to find how to fit in LeBron James, who is making his season debut.

James played 17:05 minutes in the first half and scored 7 points on 2-of-4 shooting. He took on a more complementary role, deferring to Luka Dončić and allowing Dončić to operate with the ball in his hands.

James did create plays for his teammates, however, dishing out 4 assists, which was second to Dončić’s 6 on the team. James also collected a pair of rebounds and went 2-of-3 from 3-point range.

End Q1: Jazz 36, Lakers 27

The Lakers continued to struggle with LeBron James on the floor, though they went on a 16-9 run while he sat on the bench.

As soon as he reentered the game, James pushed the pace in transition off an inbounds, slashed into the paint and kicked out a pass in the corner to forward Jake LaRavia, who knocked down L.A.’s first 3 of the game. That was his second assist of the game.

Los Angeles then continued to struggle to find offensive rhythm, turning the ball over. The Jazz ended the quarter on an 11-5 run, and James finished the period with a plus/minus of -14, lowest in the game.

The Jazz took a 36-27 lead into the second quarter.

Early impressions from LeBron James’ debut

If the Lakers got any emotional boost from having James back on the floor, it wasn’t immediately obvious.

Los Angeles started slowly, missing seven of their 10 shot attempts and all four from 3-point range. James appeared to be patient, looking for ways to factor into the offense. He was mostly deferential to Luka Dončić, passing the ball to him and allowing him to bring it up the floor.

LeBron’s first recorded statistic of the season was a turnover, which occurred when he fired an inbounds pass across the paint in a miscommunication; the ball skipped out of bounds.

James missed his only early attempt before heading to the bench, an open 3 point attempt from the right wing that clanked off the front rim. He also recorded his first assist of the season, after he fired a pass to center Deandre Ayton, who had cut into the paint and put up a push shot.

At the first media timeout, after 5:26 had elapsed in the first quarter, James took his first rest.

Will LeBron James be on a minutes restriction vs. the Jazz?

Lakers coach JJ Redick did not offer any specifics on a potential minutes restriction on James, but the team is expected to monitor James’ condition throughout the game. On Monday, Nov. 17, after his first full practice with the Lakers, James said his lungs “felt like a newborn baby” and added that he would have to work his way back into game shape.

Last season, James averaged 34.9 minutes per game.

Watch LeBron James warm up before his season debut

LeBron James took the court for his regular pregame warmups and all eyes were on the King.

What was LeBron James’ injury?

James had been dealing with a sciatica nerve issue that sidelined him during training camp and forced him to miss the first 14 games of the regular season.

The Lakers, however, behind the stellar play of guards Dončić and Austin Reaves, have been competitive and are 10-4, which ranked fourth in the Western Conference headed into Tuesday’s game.

James was away from the team during its most recent road trip, but he spent the week practicing with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’s G League affiliate. As part of those sessions, James participated in full, five-on-five contact and did not experience any setbacks. James did not play in any G League games, but he rejoined the Lakers when they returned from Milwaukee early Sunday morning, following their 119-95 victory against the Bucks.

Then, on Monday, Nov. 17, for the first time all season, James was a full participant in a practice with the Lakers.

“As expected,” James told reporters Monday after the practice session. “My lungs felt like a newborn baby. I gotta get my lungs back to a grown man and my voice is already gone. One day back and barking out calls and assignments and stuff — getting my voice working again. It will be a lot of tea and rest tonight. It feels good, feels good to be out here with the guys.”

Redick had said after the practice that James was still “TBD” for Tuesday’s game against the Jazz. James added that his availability would depend on how his body responded to the practice session and subsequent treatments he would undergo prior to tipoff.

“We’ve been taking literally one minute, one hour, one step at a time throughout this whole process,” James said. “We’ll see how I feel this afternoon, we’ll see how I feel tonight, when I wake up in the morning — we’ll probably have shoot-around, so we’ve just got to see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus.”

After Monday’s practice, the Lakers had officially listed James as questionable on the injury report.

James, who will turn 41 in late December, has remained one of the most consistent and productive players in the NBA, despite his age. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game in 70 appearances and finished sixth in MVP voting.

‘I would try to find a little scab that you have, something that bothers you, something that you don’t like to admit, or something that … you have a humongous reaction to it,’ Auriemma recently told the ‘Welcome to the Party’ podcast. ‘I like to find what that is, and then I’m all over that for the next four years.

‘That’s a sign of love, because why would you pick on people you don’t like? … If I’m not coming at you, that’s a bad sign.’

UConn freshman Blanca Quiñonez, who Auriemma jokes ‘leads the free world in turnovers,’ is the most recent recipient of Auriemma’s affection. The Ecuador native played in her second collegiate game Nov. 16, scoring 18 points but also turning the ball over five times.

“It’s a little bit slower game here, but in some way it’s a faster game because of how we play,” Auriemma said. “And I don’t think she’s used to being up this much, so that’s why she throws the ball to the other team a lot. But once we fix that, I think we’re going to be OK.”

Quiñonez is aware turnovers are her kryptonite. After UConn’s lopsided victory, 100-68, over Ohio State on Sunday, she and teammate Sarah Strong were looking over the box score. One look at Quiñonez’s line led to a gasp.

“I don’t know if it meant to say five turnovers. I think that was a typo,” Strong said with a laugh, when asked what she and Quiñonez were pointing to. “She’s good.”

Quiñonez said: “I need to just work on less turnovers, because I can do nothing more now. Just working on taking care of the ball.”

The 6-foot-2 forward can actually do a lot more, and that’s why Auriemma is riding her so hard. Quiñonez, who played professionally in Italy, was named Big East freshman of the week after averaging 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 steals in her first two games for UConn.

Auriemma admits he’s figuring out how to use Quiñonez’s talents effectively. He experimented with a big lineup Sunday that included the freshman, Strong (6-foot-2) and Azzi Fudd (5-foot-11).

“We’re bigger, we’re longer. We can match up with other teams’ bigger size, make teams have to match up with us,” Auriemma said. “I did like it. I don’t know that Blanca’s best position is there right now. You know Blanca and Sarah together where, you know they’re interchangeable, so we’re still finding out. But for the time that they were together, those three, I thought it was productive.”

For her part, Quiñonez says she likes to play fast and ‘put some extra energy in the game, play hard and just have fun.’ Her teammates have been impressed with her quick transition to the college game.

“Playing here your freshman year, it is a little daunting with the fans, just a new atmosphere, especially being so far away from home,’ Fudd said. ‘To see her immediately just looking incredible, being comfortable, I’m super proud of her.

‘She’s only going to get better as an individual and (with the) collective unit, so to know that this is kind of the start for her, it’s exciting.”

Auriemma knows it will take some time to harness Quiñonez’s skill set. And while he’s excited about what he’s seen so far, he knows they will have to work together to find common ground.

“She might throw a pass that’s (a) fantastic pass, and I’ll be like, ‘Wow. I didn’t know she could do that.’ Or she can get to the rim and have a finish that’s really, ‘Wow. She looks like a pro, right?’ She’s only 18 years old,” Auriemma said. “(She’s also) … unpredictable in, ‘No human being could possibly throw that pass and think that it’s a good pass.’

“It’s going to be a little bit of a battle like, ‘I know this is how you play, but this is how I coach.’ So, we’re going to have to meet somewhere in the middle, but I wouldn’t take anything away from her. I wouldn’t tell her to stop doing this or stop doing that. Not at all. Just need for her to constantly be aware of what’s a good decision, what’s a bad decision.”

Week 11 didn’t disrupt the NFL hierarchy. Many of the favored teams or those with better records than their opponents finished the week with another victory.

A narrow defeat, thanks to a last-minute field goal, kept the Tennessee Titans from fighting for win No. 2 on the season. Tennessee remains the lone one-win team left in the NFL and on track to hold the No. 1 overall pick for the second year in a row.

The Titans took quarterback Cam Ward No. 1 overall this past April, the team’s first No. 1 overall pick since the days of the Houston Oilers back in 1978. After a decades-long break, they may have the top pick in back-to-back years, becoming the first franchise to do so since Jacksonville in 2021 and 2022.

So what should the Titans do? They have a potential quarterback of the future in Ward and this isn’t a strong enough quarterback class that makes a team trading up immediately obvious. They could have their choice of non-quarterback positions in a draft rife with defensive talent.

Edge rusher is the common choice given the positional value. You have to go back to the 2013 NFL Draft to find the last non-quarterback and non-edge rusher to be taken No. 1 overall. That likely won’t change in 2026.

We’ve compiled what experts at CBS Sports, Athlon Sports and The Draft Network think will happen in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s how they compare:

2026 NFL mock draft roundup

1. Tennessee Titans

CBS Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Athlon Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

The Draft Network: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

CBS Sports: ‘Realistically, the Titans will try their best to move out of the No. 1 spot for a haul of picks. From a player fit perspective, though, Bain feels like the perfect defensive end to pair with Jeffery Simmons on the interior. He’s an enforcer who resets the line in the run game and pushes pockets consistently as a pass rusher.’

2. New York Giants

CBS Sports: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Athlon Sports: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

The Draft Network: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Draft Network: ‘For the New York Giants, this offseason should be all about surrounding Jaxson Dart with the support he needs to mature properly as a quarterback in the NFL… The smart thing to do in this spot is draft another receiver, and when Nabers is completely healthy, Dart now has two explosive, dynamic, versatile weapons to throw the football to.’

3. Cleveland Browns

CBS Sports: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Athlon Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Draft Network: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Athlon Sports: ‘There’s still time for Dillon Gabriel (or Shedeur Sanders) to prove they’re capable of being a franchise quarterback, but the early returns haven’t been encouraging. If things don’t change in a big way down the stretch, the Browns shouldn’t be afraid to move on from those mid-round picks and take another swing on a rookie with a higher ceiling.’

4. New Orleans Saints:

CBS Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona

Athlon Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Draft Network: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: ‘For the Saints, it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. Because of that, they may choose to pass on this year’s quarterback class to give Tyler Shough a little longer leash at the helm. Giving him a No. 1 receiver like Tyson would transform New Orleans’ passing attack with a true every-level route winner.’

5. New York Jets:

CBS Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Athlon Sports: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

The Draft Network: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

The Draft Network: ‘The New York Jets were sellers at the trade deadline, which shows that they are on the brink of dismantling the entire structure—from the front office to the coaches to the quarterback position—and starting in a brand-new direction. And when most franchises are starting over, they begin with the most important position on the field.’

6. Las Vegas Raiders:

CBS Sports: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Athlon Sports: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

The Draft Network: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

Athlon Sports: ‘Geno Smith has looked like a shell of the version we saw in Seattle the past couple of years, leaving the Raiders with a massive question mark at quarterback in the short-term, as well as the future. If they want a poised, precise passer who can win from the pocket and still bring enough athleticism to make plays outside of structure, Moore has proven this season that he can consistently do both.’

7. Washington Commanders:

CBS Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Athlon Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Draft Network: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The Draft Network: ‘If the Commanders want to maximize Jayden Daniels and give themselves the best chance to actually win championships, they need to invest. So with this pick, the Commanders turn to Ohio State—a familiar school for the team since they drafted Terry McLaurin from there—and take Carnell Tate. This should be the start of surrounding Daniels with a formidable set of weapons..’

8. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons):

CBS Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Athlon Sports: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

The Draft Network: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

CBS Sports: ‘The Rams are a nickel-base team through and through. They want as many defensive backs on the field as possible on every play, and Downs is the kind of defender who can keep them strong against the run, even out of those looks.’

9. Cincinnati Bengals:

CBS Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Athlon Sports: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

The Draft Network: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

The Draft Network: ‘The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason goals should be to protect Joe Burrow at all costs. That starts with the draft and selecting an OT in the first round. Spencer Fano is a plug-and-play starter and should help boost this Bengals offensive line.’

10. Arizona Cardinals:

CBS Sports: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

Athlon Sports: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

The Draft Network: OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

CBS Sports: ‘Brazzell is a throwback deep threat at 6-foot-5 with exceptional wheels. The Cardinals have really been missing a vertical element to their passing attack this season, so Brazzell’s 12 deep catches would be a welcome addition.’

11. Miami Dolphins:

CBS Sports: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Athlon Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The Draft Network: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

The Draft Network: ‘The Miami Dolphins moved on from GM Chris Grier, and it appears that this roster is headed in a different direction. One thing this roster has consistently needed over the past few years is a complete overhaul of the trenches on both offense and defense. To begin that process, the Dolphins draft IDL Peter Woods and pair him with Kenneth Grant. This combination of Woods and Grant should solidify the Dolphins in the trenches moving forward.’

12. Dallas Cowboys:

CBS Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Athlon Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

The Draft Network: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Athlon Sports: ‘Replacing Micah Parsons is no easy task, and while the Cowboys are unlikely to find that caliber of player at this spot, that shouldn’t keep them from trying. Faulk would be an ideal candidate, thanks to his rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility that allows him to line up all across the defensive front and wreak having on opposing offenses in a wide variety of ways.’

13. Minnesota Vikings:

CBS Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Athlon Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

The Draft Network: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

CBS Sports: ‘McCoy has still yet to play a snap of football this year after a January ACL tear, but his sophomore tape was still good enough to keep him as CB1. He can be the island-man corner the Vikings defense has been missing this season.’

14. Baltimore Ravens:

CBS Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Athlon Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

The Draft Network: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Athlon Sports: ‘Baltimore’s defense has been a massive disappointment for much of the season so far, and they need to find as many instant-impact players as they can in the offseason. That needs to start up front, where they lack a true game-changing pass rusher off the edge. That’s exactly what Bailey has been for the Red Raiders this year, with the explosiveness and bend to beat opposing tackles off the ball and around the arc to the quarterback on a regular basis.’

15. Kansas City Chiefs

CBS Sports: OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

Athlon Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Draft Network: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Draft Network: ‘If Kenyon Sadiq falls this far in the draft, I think the Kansas City Chiefs make this selection without hesitation. Travis Kelce appears to be at the very end of his career, and Patrick Mahomes needs another tight end he can rely on to work the middle of the field and make big plays when needed. Sadiq has the athletic profile and talent to do just that, giving the Chiefs a top-tier tight end for the next decade.’

16. Houston Texans

CBS Sports: OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Athlon Sports: OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

The Draft Network: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

CBS Sports: ‘Ioane isn’t the left tackle the Texans need, but he’s a high-end pass protector nonetheless, and beggars can’t be choosers. He’d be a Day 1 starter at left guard.’

17. Carolina Panthers

CBS Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Athlon Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

The Draft Network: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

The Draft Network: ‘The Carolina Panthers have spent resources on their offense over the past few drafts to improve their receiver corps and those investments appear to be paying off, as Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense have looked the best since they drafted him. So in this draft, they turn their attention to the defensive side of the football and select LSU CB Mansoor Delane.’

18. Detroit Lions

CBS Sports: OL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

Athlon Sports: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

The Draft Network: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon

CBS Sports: ‘The Lions want to keep their offensive line a dominant unit, and this is how you do it. Pregnon is having a standout year after transferring from USC. He’s only allowed two pressures all season.’

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CBS Sports: LB C.J. Allen, Georgia

Athlon Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

The Draft Network: LB C.J. Allen, Georgia

The Draft Network: ‘The Buccaneers are getting older at certain positions, such as linebacker, and need to inject youth into these groups. CJ Allen is a fast and physical linebacker who should learn a lot from Pro Bowler Lavonte David and give the Buccaneers a highly talented linebacker for the next decade.’

20. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)

CBS Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Athlon Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

The Draft Network: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Athlon Sports: ‘After landing their new franchise passer at the top of the draft, the Browns could go in any number of directions with their extra first-rounder from their draft-day trade back in April. Rebuilding efforts should always start in the trenches, and that’s where Cleveland could invest in a long-term upgrade at tackle with Lomu, who has been a dominant force all year long. Immediately improving Mendoza’s protection would be a great way to start this draft off strong.’

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

CBS Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Athlon Sports: WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Draft Network: QB Darian Mesah, Duke

The Draft Network: ‘Because the Pittsburgh Steelers signed up for the one-year agreement with Aaron Rodgers, they will enter the offseason with a vacancy at the quarterback position. This puts them in a position to have to draft a quarterback. In this spot, the Steelers decide to draft Duke signal-caller Darian Mensah, a highly skilled thrower of the football who could be the future for Pittsburgh at the position.’

22. Los Angeles Chargers

CBS Sports: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Athlon Sports: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The Draft Network: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

CBS Sports: ‘The Chargers’ rotation of defensive tackles has been lacking the depth Jim Harbaugh usually prefers. That changes with the addition of McDonald. He’s the single best run-defending defensive lineman in the country.’

23. San Francisco 49ers

CBS Sports: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

Athlon Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Draft Network: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

The Draft Network: ‘The San Francisco 49ers have been decimated by injuries, but their culture has shown through with the next-man-up mentality offensively. Defensively, they’ve played well, but there are still spots on this roster that need upgrades, and one of those spots is the corner position. Avieon Terrell is a versatile defensive back who can play on the outside and in the nickel at a high level, and he should be a welcome addition to the 49ers.’

24. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)

CBS Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Athlon Sports: DL A’Mauri Washington, Oregon

The Draft Network: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame

CBS Sports: ‘Styles is another infusion of athleticism into the Cowboys’ front seven. He’s the best sideline-to-sideline linebacker in college football. His ability to cover ground at the second level would be a massive value-add in coverage for the Cowboys.’

25. Chicago Bears

CBS Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Athlon Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The Draft Network: Edge LT Overton, Alabama

Athlon Sports: ‘There are more glaring needs on defense, but if the board falls this way, Love is easily the best player available. D’Andre Swift has been solid when healthy, and rookie Kyle Monangai has flashed some potential, but Ben Johnson knows as well as anyone what you can do with multiple impact players in the backfield. Love is a three-down weapon who can make big plays happen on the ground and through the air, and he’s make an instant splash in one of the league’s most exciting offenses.’

26. Buffalo Bills

CBS Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Athlon Sports: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

The Draft Network: WR Chris Bell, Louisville

CBS Sports: ‘Concepcion is the separator the Bills offense has been missing. He’d add a vertical element as well as the ability to be their go-to guy on third downs. He’s caught 47 passes for 787 yards and eight scores this year.’

27. Seattle Seahawks

CBS Sports: DL Christen Miller, Georgia

Athlon Sports: LB C.J. Allen, Georgia

The Draft Network: OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Athlon Sports: ‘Seattle’s defense has been dominant so far this season, but head coach Mike McDonald won’t rest on his laurels and avoid opportunities to make his unit even stronger next year and beyond. That could start with a first-round investment at linebacker, where Allen would bring a strong blend of athleticism, physicality, and football IQ that has made him an every-down force for the Bulldogs.’

28. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)

CBS Sports: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Athlon Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

The Draft Network: Edge Zion Young, Missouri

The Draft Network: The New York Jets offloaded Pro Bowl IDL Quinnen Williams right before the trade deadline, which leaves a hole upfront in the trenches. Zion Young is primarily an edge rusher, but he can also kick inside and rush the passer from the interior. Young should be a welcome addition, giving the Jets some youth and talent along the trenches as they begin to reset their roster and chart a new direction.’

29. Los Angeles Rams

CBS Sports: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Athlon Sports: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

The Draft Network: OT Isaiah World, Oregon

CBS Sports: ‘Golday is a former edge rusher who’s turned into one of the most complete linebackers in college football. He still has that edge size but moves like an undersized linebacker in space.’

30. New England Patriots

CBS Sports: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern

Athlon Sports: Edge LT Overton, Alabama

The Draft Network: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Athlon Sports: ‘As Mike Vrabel rebuilds the Pats’ defense, he’ll continue to put a premium on physicality, toughness, and versatility. That could lead New England to Overton, who checks all of those boxes and then some. He can line up just about anywhere along the defensive front, with a blend of power and athleticism that can beat opposing blockers in multiple ways. Throw in his nonstop motor and leadership ability, and he’s the perfect fit.’

31. Philadelphia Eagles

CBS Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Athlon Sports: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon

The Draft Network: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

Athlon Sports: ‘Even after acquiring Jaelen Phillips via trade from the Dolphins, Howie Roseman should keep taking swings at finding high-impact edge rushers. Uiagalelei has a complete skill set, with the size, length, athleticism and strength to make a huge impact on every down. Adding him to an already dangerous rotation of front-line defenders would ensure Philly keeps their defense one of the league’s most dominant units across the board.’

32. Denver Broncos

CBS Sports: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Athlon Sports: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

The Draft Network: WR Ja’Kobi Lane, USC

The Draft Network: ‘The Denver Broncos’ offense has sputtered this season and lacked consistency in Bo Nix’s second year, which is a reflection of the need to add more talent to the receiver room. So with this pick, I believe the Broncos draft USC WR Ja’Kobi Lane. Lane is a big-bodied receiver who thrives in contested catch situations and gives Nix another reliable target to throw the football to.’

If the Big 12 becomes a two-bid conference for the CFP bracket, then it might be adios for Alabama. Yes, really.
Alabama must win out to be guaranteed a playoff spot. Even making SEC Championship might not be enough.
BYU is perhaps biggest threat to Alabama’s playoff spot. Go figure.

Alabama fell out of favor with the College Football Playoff selection committee and is suddenly vulnerable to missing the playoff entirely if it reaches the SEC Championship game but loses in Atlanta.

That’s right, the SEC runner-up could be rejected from the CFP bracket, while the conference’s third-, fourth- and fifth-place teams make the field.

Yes, I’m serious, and it wouldn’t take anything all that crazy for it to happen. It could just take Brigham Young beating Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship.

Just like that, the Big 12 would move into position to become a two-bid league. Just like that, the SEC’s runner-up makes reservations for the Citrus Bowl.

What a crazy sport.

Next thing you know, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s reviving that old idea of an SEC-only playoff.

How BYU could knock Alabama out of CFP bracket

Follow along, as we unpack this wild, wild twist. Alabama tumbled six spots to No. 10 in the CFP rankings after a two-point loss at home to Oklahoma, a team the committee values enough to rank No. 8.

Alabama is safe for now, but slip even one spot to No. 11, and the Tide would be in danger of missing the playoff. Why? Because, the ACC and Group of Five qualifiers will snatch up two spots via automatic bids, even though they’re likely to be ranked behind Alabama.

In other words, to be safe for an at-large bid, a team needs to be ranked inside the top 10.

The committee almost certainly would prefer to avoid booting Alabama after a loss in the SEC Championship, but if No. 11 BYU reaches the Big 12 Championship and avenges its only loss by upsetting No. 5 Texas Tech, the committee could be left with little choice.

BYU, as the Big 12 champion, would move up in the rankings and be guaranteed a spot with an auto bid. Texas Tech already beat BYU in the regular season. If both the Red Raiders and Crimson Tide lost in conference championship games, there would be little justification to move Alabama ahead of Texas Tech.

So, stay with me, BYU snags a bid, Texas Tech stays ahead of the Tide and grabs an at-large bid, and it’s adios, Alabama, which touts one of the nation’s most robust schedules.

Florida State loss an anchor for Alabama

How would the committee justify booting Bama? By blaming Florida State. Although not specifically listed among selection criteria, this committee is keeping tally of bad losses.

Alabama getting smushed by the Seminoles in the season opener in Tallahassee lingers on the committee’s brain.

Don’t take my word for it.

“Notre Dame has two losses to teams that are within the top 13,” Yurachek said, referencing the Irish’s three-point loss to Miami and one-point loss to undefeated Texas A&M.

“Alabama obviously has the two-point loss at home last week to Oklahoma, but they have that loss, 31-17, at the beginning of the season at Florida State, a team that’s now 5-5. Florida State was up in that game 24-7.”

Considering this committee values good losses so greatly — it’s a key reason Yurachek says the Irish are four spots ahead of Miami, which beat Notre Dame — maybe Alabama could climb in the rankings by securing a good loss in the SEC Championship.

I’m being facetious. Or, maybe I’m not.

The committee has never selected a three-loss team for an at-large bid. Alabama has a chance to become the first. If Texas Tech wins its conference championship and keeps the Big 12 as a one-bid league, Alabama probably would be the first.

Or, Alabama has a chance to become the poster child for why playing and losing in a conference championship game is a booby trap.

Blake Toppmeyer is USA TODAY’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

New College Football Playoff committee chair Hunter Yurachek went straight into the firing line after Tuesday’s new CFP rankings were released. He fielded a variety of questions, with Notre Dame and Miami’s comparisons being a hot topic, considering the Hurricanes’ head-to-head win over the Irish.

He was also asked why Tulane gets the Group of Five nod over James Madison, the committee’s thoughts on Michigan’s case, the jumbled ACC and where USC is.

Here’s a partial transcript of what Yurachek told reporters Tuesday night:

Could you explain reasoning of Oregon being ahead of Oklahoma?

Yurachek: We had significant discussion of the teams 7 through 10, quite candidly, all grouped there together, comparing Oregon, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Alabama and the resumes of those teams.

Oregon, while their strength of schedule metric may not be as strong as an Oklahoma, we felt like they’re a very strong team on both sides of the ball offensively and defensively. They rank in the top 10 in most of the statistical categories that we use in comparison to other teams.

They had a really big win at Iowa two weeks ago. Iowa was ranked in our top 25 previously. They won at Penn State. I know Penn State is not the same Penn State we expected them to be this year. Still it’s a very challenging place to play, as evidenced by Indiana having to have a last-second touchdown to win there a couple weeks ago.

There was significant discussion about that, but Oregon at 9-1 just stayed one spot ahead of Oklahoma at 8.

What is committee’s view on Michigan and Wolverines’ resume this year?

Yurachek: We feel Michigan at 8-2 is a quality team. They’ve got two losses to two teams in our top 25. The loss earlier this year at No. 8 Oklahoma and a loss versus No. 15 Southern Cal. Quite honestly, that Southern Cal game and the Oklahoma game, we felt they were dominated in both of those games.

They’ve got some good wins on their resumes as well, the victory against Nebraska and then against Washington and of course the walk-off this past week against Northwestern. So Michigan is a very strong team in our pool at 8-2 and currently ranked 18th, and the committee has a great deal of respect for them.

Why is Virginia still at No. 19? Did Louisville’s loss and that being one of Virginia’s better wins hurt UVA?

Yurachek: I think you just said it right there. Virginia had an impressive win against a Duke team that’s at the top half of the ACC. Duke is now 5-5, and then Louisville with another loss fell out of our rankings. That was a significant win at the time for Virginia.

So you look at Virginia’s resume, they are 9-2. Their schedule strength lagged behind some of the teams that are in front of them. Then the losses to NC State, and even Wake Forest at 7-3, I think impact where Virginia’s currently ranked.

Compare and contrast Alabama’s resume vs Notre Dame?

Yurachek: I will tell you that we probably spent more time in our committee room comparing two or three teams at that band with Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Alabama. You’re asking specifically about Notre Dame and Alabama, easier to compare because you had the head-to-head matchups last week with Alabama and Oklahoma.

Alabama had that string where they had four really strong wins at Georgia, against Vanderbilt, Missouri and Tennessee. Then you look at Notre Dame, they’ve got a win against Southern Cal and a dominating win last week against a Pitt team that was ranked in our top 25.

Really where you break these teams down in the comparison, Notre Dame and Alabama, Notre Dame has losses to two teams that are within the top 13, a three-point loss against Miami to start the season and then a one-point loss versus Texas A&M.

Alabama actually has a two-point loss at home last week against Oklahoma, but they had that loss at the beginning of the season, 31-17 at Florida State, a team that’s now 5-5. Florida State was up in that game 24-7. They held Alabama to less than 100 yards rushing in that game. That really was a sign of some of the struggles Alabama was going to have rushing the ball. You go back and look at Alabama’s game against South Carolina where they scored two touchdowns late to win that game, and then the next game against LSU where they won both of those but didn’t rush the ball for 100 yards. Then again against Oklahoma was not able to move the ball on the ground.

So you look at the games that Alabama has struggled in, starting the season against Florida State, where they struggled with the ball. That’s two really good 8-2 teams, but I think you look at the losses of Notre Dame versus the losses of Alabama, and that was really one of the defining metrics that we used.

How do you distinguish Notre Dame and Miami when Miami beat Notre Dame?

Yurackek: I think there’s some other factors where you have Utah, BYU, and Alabama in between Notre Dame and Miami. As we set up the pools to do our selection process, Miami and Notre Dame have not been grouped in the same pools to have that direct head-to-head comparison, where you would really use that metric to separate one team from the next.

So I think it’s the separation that you have between those teams, similar to a separation you have right now between a Vanderbilt and Texas, where you have a head-to-head metric as well.

What made Tulane the most deserving Group of Five team to earn a rank?

Yurachek: First and foremost, the American is a really good conference this year, a really top heavy conference. Then you look at Tulane’s schedule, the fact that they have — they went outside of their conference and played three Power Four schools in Northwestern, Duke and Ole Miss, winning two of those three games, then a very impressive win at Memphis and a win against East Carolina, which is really coming on late.

That’s really what the committee saw with regards to Tulane as a team that checks in at 24 this week.

What does Miami have to do to get to that point where it could potentially be in a comparable tier with Notre Dame?

Yurachek: First and foremost, Miami needs to continue to win the football games they have in front of them, and then things will happen. There’s still a lot of football to be played with two more weeks in the regular season and then the championship week.

You look at the teams that are between Notre Dame and Miami right now, you’ve got Alabama that’s got a game against Auburn coming up and then potentially an SEC Championship game. BYU has a couple of games remaining and then potentially a Big 12 Championship game. Then you’ve got Utah with a couple games.

So I would say Miami needs to continue to win, and then hope for some things ahead of them fall their way.

How did Texas A&M and Indiana’s recent comeback wins affect their ranking?

Yurachek: I will tell you the committee, in evaluating the first half of A&M’s game versus South Carolina, it did look very much like a No. 3 team, falling behind 30-3 and having four turnovers in that game. Then in the second half they looked everything like a No. 3 team in the country, dominating the second half with outscoring South Carolina 28-0, out gaining them 371 yards to 76 yards, holding South Carolina to 11 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter.

I mean, what the committee saw in both Indiana and Texas A&M, good teams find ways to win games when they don’t play their best, and that’s what Indiana and Texas A&M both did, Indiana on the road at Penn State and Texas A&M at home this past weekend against South Carolina.

How would a loss in a conference championship games affect the rankings?

Yurachek: We will just use the conference championship games as another data point to use in ranking our teams. It’s hard to say if it will move a team up or down until we really have that data point and are able to compare that against other teams that play that weekend in conference championship games.

So it just becomes an extra point for those teams participating in the conference championship games.

Why Tulane over James Madison as Group of Five highest-ranked?

Yurachek: It’s really their strength of schedule. (JMU) played one Power Four team, and they lost that game at Louisville 28-14. Then you look at the strength of Tulane’s schedule, playing three Power Four teams that they lost to, our sixth-ranked team in Ole Miss, but they beat Duke and beat Northwestern. They’ve got wins also in the league, in the American, a very strong league against Memphis and East Carolina.

The loss versus UTSA is a metric that is on Tulane’s schedule. We have a lot of respect for James Madison and the team that they are, especially they’re really good on the defensive side of the ball. But the strength of schedule is probably the biggest differentiator between Tulane and James Madison at this time.

Why does committee have Utah above Miami?

Yurachek: In regards to Utah being ahead of Miami, I mean, Utah, they’ve lost two games this season, one to No. 5 Texas Tech, the other to No. 11 BYU. Comparatively, Miami’s lost two games, one at home to an unranked Louisville and one on the road against an unranked SMU. So when you talk about two teams that are 8-2 and you don’t really have a common opponent or a head-to-head matchup, you really look at the losses Utah has versus the losses that Miami has.

Utah right now, they are second in the country in their margin of victory in each of their games. They have played really good football moving forward. Obviously there’s a 12 versus 13, that one spot apart, but I think the differentiator is the losses that Utah has versus the losses that Miami has.

What is holding Georgia Tech back right now from moving up?

Yurachek: When you look at Georgia Tech compared to the teams that are ahead of them, you’re looking at Georgia Tech’s strength of schedule, which right now their schedule strength is 88 in the country. They struggled this weekend, kicked a field goal late to win at a 1-10 Boston College.

Their quality wins, as we see them today, is against a Duke team that’s 5-5, a Clemson team that’s 5-5, and a Wake Forest team that’s 7-3. But there was some controversy on the Wake Forest game. It’s a win on Georgia Tech’s side. So I think Georgia Tech, they need to continue to keep winning games and hope some things happen ahead of them that clear a path for them to move up.

How does committee view USC’s CFP case?

Yurachek: The committee had — Southern Cal has continued to climb. They had a big win against Iowa, who is in our top 25 last week. They had a dominating win against Michigan, who is ranked 18th. To go on the road and beat Nebraska, quality wins for them. Their losses were walk-off field goal at Illinois, who’s 21st in the rankings this week, and against Notre Dame.

The committee’s got a lot of respect for Southern Cal. They’re 8-2. They may be playing their best football right now at this point in the season. So they’re in a good spot at 15, and the committee really likes that team.