In recent seasons, fantasy football managers have typically gravitated toward one of two draft strategies when selecting quarterbacks.

The first is to take one early to guarantee landing a top, dual-threat quarterback or high-volume passer. In recent years, the average draft position (ADP) of these types of quarterbacks – including Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and the like – has ballooned into the Round 3-4 range.

The other strategy is to simply wait on the position. There are plenty of potential value picks and sleepers at quarterback, so waiting until the mid-to-late rounds of the draft can sometimes pay off.

These sleepers aren’t going to be cut from the same cloth as Allen, Jackson or Jayden Daniels. However, they still have higher ceilings than their ADP indicates, and that can be enough to make them league-winners at bargain prices.

Below are some of the best sleeper quarterbacks to target in fantasy football drafts ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

2025 POSITION RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST | Overall

Fantasy football QB sleepers 2025

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Prescott ranked just 22nd among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game (FPPG) last season before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. Even so, he should be primed for a bounce-back season.

Why? Because the Cowboys had the third-worst rushing offense in the league last season in terms of EPA per play (-0.12) and didn’t discernably upgrade their talent at the running back position.

That may force Prescott to be a high-volume passer in an offense that features a dynamic one-two punch at receiver in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. If that’s the case, he could end up being a steal given his 14th overall ranking in Fantasy Pros ADP among quarterbacks.

Justin Fields, New York Jets

As long as Fields has a starting job, he will be viable across fantasy football formats. He is one of just three quarterbacks in NFL history, along with Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick, to rush for 1,000-plus yards in a season.

In six starts last year, Fields averaged 38.5 rushing yards per game and totaled five rushing touchdowns. He might not have the passing ceiling needed to be a consistent top-end quarterback, but his rushing floor will make him a great, mid-round value pick who can anchor a successful lineup.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Williams got a handful of big-time boosts ahead of his second NFL season. Most notably, the Bears hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to serve as their new coach. Johnson’s offensive system helped Jared Goff finish as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in three consecutive seasons, and there’s optimism the uber-talented Williams can make a similar leap.

Additionally, Chicago overhauled its offensive line after Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie. With better protection, the second-year pro should have more time to get the ball to DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III and improve upon his 24th overall ranking in FPPG.

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Maye is in a similar boat to Williams. His team has upgraded its coaching staff, offensive line and receiver room in an effort to build around its young quarterback. That gives the 2024 NFL draft’s No. 3 overall pick plenty of upside entering his second season.

Maye already showed as a rookie he is a dynamic scrambler, as he racked up 421 yards and averaged 7.8 yards per carry. If he can continue to run at that rate while improving upon his solid passing numbers (66.6% completion rate, 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 12 starts), the UNC product could emerge as a low-end QB1 and high-end streamer.

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

Richardson was a massive bust last season, as he was drafted by many as a QB1 but finished 20th in FPPG and 25th overall at his position. It’s understandable many will want to stay away from him because of that, but few can rival his rushing upside.

Richardson has made 15 career NFL starts and has averaged 42.3 rushing yards across those with 10 rushing touchdowns. That ability gives him one of the best floor/ceiling combinations among the QB2s who could be drafted in 2025.

Of course, Richardson has his warts. He completed a league-worst 47.7% of his passes last season and sports a checkered injury history. Daniel Jones is also lurking in the background and could take over for the 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 4 pick if he should struggle.

Even so, Richardson is worth a flier in deep or SuperFlex leagues. He could end up being a league-winner if he is able to take a leap forward and remain on the field in his third season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter to be a two-way player at the NFL level.

That said, the Jaguars appear more confident in the Colorado product’s offensive ability as he kickstarts his NFL career.

Jacksonville released its first unofficial depth chart of the NFL preseason Monday. Hunter was listed as a starting wide receiver and a backup cornerback on defense.

Here’s what to know about Hunter’s placement on the Jaguars depth chart as the preseason begins.

Jaguars WR depth chart

Hunter is one of three players listed as a starting wide receiver on Jacksonville’s first offensive depth chart, according to the team’s official website. Below is a full look at the top six players at the position:

Brian Thomas Jr.*
Dyami Brown*
Travis Hunter*
Parker Washington
Trenton Irwin
Joshua Cephus

* Denotes starter.

It isn’t clear whether Hunter or Brown – a speedy, free-agent signing – is viewed as Jacksonville’s preferred No. 2 receiver across from Thomas.

Still, it’s noteworthy Hunter appears to be trending toward being a starter on offense ahead of his first NFL season. That aligns with the plan coach Liam Coen outlined after the Jaguars drafted Hunter: to use the rookie ‘primarily on offense’ during the offseason program before gradually allowing him to play more on defense as he learns the system.

Jaguars CB depth chart

Hunter was not listed as a starter on defense. Instead, he appears to be battling with Jarrian Jones for a backup role behind veterans Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis.

Below is a look at how the first- and second-string cornerback groups are currently shaking out in Jacksonville.

Tyson Campbell*
Jourdan Lewis*
Jarrian Jones OR Travis Hunter
Montaric Brown

* Denotes starter.

While Lewis is ahead of Hunter and Jones on the Jaguars depth chart, it’s worth noting 606 of Lewis’ 872 snaps last season with the Dallas Cowboys came in the slot. That may position the Hunter vs. Jones battle to be for the outside cornerback job that would open across from Campbell when Jacksonville is in its nickel package.

All that’s to say that while Hunter appears better poised to have a big role in Jacksonville’s offense to start his NFL career, he may not be far off from earning a critical defensive role.

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A string of injuries has kept Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark sidelined for more than half of the Fever’s games this season, totaling the longest absence of her playing career. That streak is set to get longer.

Clark has been ruled out of the Fever’s road matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, Aug. 5, marking the eighth consecutive game she’ll miss due to a right groin injury suffered in the Fever’s 85-77 win over the Connecticut Sun on July 15. Tuesday will mark the 17th regular-season game Clark has been sidelined this year.

Fever head coach Stephanie White said Clark’s recovery is ‘going well,’ but admitted that she doesn’t ‘know how far we are’ from Clark’s return. White said the team’s priority is making sure Clark is fully healthy before making her way back to the court to avoid any setbacks that could threaten her postseason availability.

‘For us, it’s just staying the course and making sure we’re really diligent about each step we take and that we don’t have setbacks and that we’re patient,’ White said ahead of the Fever’s 78-74 win over the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Aug. 3, which extended the team’s winning streak to five game. ‘I know she wants to be out here on the floor, and we want her out on the floor, but making sure she’s ready is the most important thing. I still don’t know how far we are. We’re going to take it one step at a time and one day at a time and go from there.’

Here’s everything we know about Clark’s status:

Is Caitlin Clark playing today? Injury status for Fever-Sparks

Clark was ruled out of the Indiana Fever’s matchup against the Sparks in Los Angeles on Tuesday with a right groin injury. There is no timetable for Clark’s return.

The game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) and will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

How was Caitlin Clark injured?

Clark suffered a right groin injury in the final minute of the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Sun at TD Garden in Boston on July 15. With 39.1 seconds remaining in the contest, Clark completed a bounce pass to Kelsey Mitchell to put the Fever up 84-75. After the pass, Clark immediately grabbed for her right groin and grimaced as she gingerly walked over and headbutted the stanchion. She did not return to the game. 

How many games has Caitlin Clark missed this season?

Clark, who previously missed time due to a left quad injury and a left groin injury, has missed 16 of the Fever’s 29 games so far this season. Tuesday’s matchup against the Sparks will mark her 17th absence. She also missed the Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win over the Minnesota Lynx on July 1, in addition to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and the 3-point competition held in Indianapolis.

 The team is 8-5 with Clark in the lineup and 9-7 without her on the floor.

Caitlin Clark injury timeline

May 24: Clark suffered a left quad injury during the Fever’s 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty, where she recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. Clark couldn’t pinpoint the specific play that caused her injury, but noted that it happened early in the contest. Clark said, ‘Adrenaline covers up a lot of stuff when you’re in the heat of battle. After the game, I had some pain, and then we got an MRI, and that kind of gave me the result that I didn’t want to see.’ She missed the Fever’s next five games.
June 14: Clark returned to Indiana’s lineup in the Fever’s 102-88 win over the Liberty and dropped 32 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in her first game back. 
June 24: Clark suffered a left groin injury in the Fever’s 94-86 win over the Seattle Storm, which resulted in Clark missing the team’s next four games. Head coach Stephanie White said she learned of Clark’s groin injury the following night after Clark alerted team trainers of discomfort.
July 1: Clark was ruled out of the Fever’s 2025 Commissioner’s Cup win over the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis. That didn’t stop Clark from rightfully celebrating the team’s hardware.
July 9: Clark returned to the Fever’s lineup in the Fever’s 80-61 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. Clark was limited to 10 points, shooting 4-of-12 from the field and 2-of-5 from the 3-point line, in addition to six assists, five rebounds and four turnovers. Following the blowout loss, Clark said it was ‘going to take me a second to get my wind back. … Just trying to get my legs under me.’
July 15: Clark suffered a right groin injury in the final minute of the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Sun at TD Garden in Boston. White later confirmed Clark ‘felt a little something in her groin.’ This marked the last game that Clark suited up for.
July 18: Clark announced that she would sit out the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, where she was named a team captain. Clark was also set to participate in the 3-point contest. She said, ‘I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate… I have to rest my body.’
July 24: The Fever said Clark’s medical evaluations confirmed there’s ‘no additional injuries or damage,’ but the team said it will be cautious with Clark’s rehab and recovery.

Caitlin Clark stats

Clark is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and a career-high 8.8 assists in 13 games this season. Her assists average is the second-highest in the league, behind Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas (9.2).

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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was released from Los Angeles County jail on Monday, Aug. 4 after Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office decided not to file criminal charges following Perryman’s arrest on weapons violation charges, online records show.

Perryman, 32, was stopped Friday, Aug. 1 by South Los Angeles Station deputies for vehicle code violations, authorities said, and during a search deputies discovered five firearms in Perryman’s vehicle, two of which were assault style rifles. 

‘He was arrested and booked on weapons violation charges and was cooperative with deputies,’ Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

Perryman was being held without bail at the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station and was scheduled to appear at Inglewood Court on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

But he was released from jail Monday after the District Attorney’s Office decided not to press charges.

Perryman is in his second stint with the Chargers, having played for them from 2015, when he was a second-round pick by the team when they were in San Diego, until 2020. Perryman also played for the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans before returning to the Chargers for the 2024 season. Perryman started all 11 games he played in last season.

Training camps are in full swing across the NFL. Teams are ironing out their depth charts and making roster moves to get down to 53 active players by the time the regular season rolls around.

This week offers a first glimpse at those depth charts as teams release them ahead of their first preseason games. That includes the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts are entering year three with coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the team selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson’s played just 15 games over his first two seasons and gone 8-7 as a starter.

This offseason, Indianapolis signed veteran quarterback Daniel Jones to provide some depth at the position with starting experience. Given Richardson’s injury history, having Jones in the building could help keep the team afloat should he miss time again.

But Indianapolis made the curious move to not commit to a QB1 in their first depth chart announcement of training camp. Instead, they list the starting quarterback as Richardson or Jones.

“Both have been doing a really good job,” Steichen said earlier this week. “Both of them have made plays at a high level the last couple days, and that’s what you want to see. You want to see growth, you want to see completions, you want to see the offense moving up and down the field.”

Steichen hasn’t indicated which way he’s leaning for the starter in the Colts’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on the road. He stated that both Richardson and Jones will see time but hasn’t specified who will be under center to start the game.

Even then, Steichen’s made it clear that the competition is far from decided.

“They’ll play a good amount,” Steichen said. “I mean, one will play a good amount this game, and the next one will probably play a good amount the next game.”

Riley Leonard, the Colts’ sixth-round pick (No. 189 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft, is behind Richardson and Jones on the depth chart as QB2. Former undrafted free agent Jason Bean rounds out the depth chart.

Indianapolis plays Baltimore in its preseason opener on Thursday, Aug. 7 before facing the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 16 and the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 23.

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The SEC buried the Big Ten in the preseason coaches poll, but that does not add up to a College Football Playoff advantage.
Unranked Oklahoma Sooners among underrated teams in US LBM Coaches Poll.
Nick Saban’s preseason effect gone from Alabama.

After an offseason filled with interconference propaganda wars, thinly veiled shots and public sniping, the 67 coaches who vote in the US LBM Coaches Poll got to offer one last, private word on which conference is strongest.

The ballots are in: It’s the SEC. That’s the preseason perception, anyway.

Nine SEC teams are ranked in the preseason coaches poll, compared to six Big Ten teams. Together, the Super Two conferences account for 60% of the Top 25.

The two highest vote-getters among unranked teams also hail from the SEC. Add it up, and coaches widely perceive the SEC as a deep conference. At the top, Texas ranks as preseason No. 1 nationally for the first time in coaches poll history.

But, a Top 25 logjam won’t necessarily help the SEC’s playoff hunt.

Here are my five hot takes from the poll:

Poll does not give SEC a College Football Playoff advantage

The SEC also put nine teams in the preseason rankings last year but qualified only three teams for the playoff – one fewer than the Big Ten qualified.

Translation: The SEC’s preseason Top 25 blitz does not help its playoff pursuits. It means the conference schedule can become a battle royale filled with land mines. That unfolded last season, when Alabama and Mississippi got taken out by teams from the SEC’s middle or lower tier.

The Big Ten’s cream, like No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Penn State, is as sweet as the SEC’s. The Big Ten’s collective strength tapers off more quickly, though. That can assist the Big Ten’s top playoff contenders.

The Big Ten has fewer ranked teams, but with four positioned inside the top 12, it’s as well positioned – if not better positioned – to produce as many or more playoff qualifiers as the SEC.

Here’s an example of what this looks like in practice: No. 12 Illinois will play two teams ranked in the preseason Top 25. Comparatively, No. 17 Florida will play seven teams ranked in the preseason. You’d rather pursue the spot from Illinois’ position, than Florida’s.

If the playoff doubled in size to 24 teams, the SEC’s depth of ranked teams would position it to claim the most bids. With this 12-team playoff, the Big Ten enjoys solid footing.

Nick Saban factor officially gone from Alabama

Alabama’s No. 8 ranking seems appropriate. The Crimson Tide upgraded at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield ahead of Kalen DeBoer’s second season, but there’s enough question marks to maintain skepticism. Like, will quarterback Ty Simpson go boom or bust?

Nick Saban, because of his track record, could transition to an unproven quarterback without losing the benefit of the doubt. This ranking shows that the rinse-and-repeat respect voters bestowed upon Saban’s Alabama in the preseason already has waned since his retirement. It also shows how quickly a team’s reputation can go from elite to just pretty good after a coaching change.

Alabama’s No. 8 position marks its lowest preseason ranking since it went unranked in 2008, ahead of Saban’s second season.

DeBoer’s mission is to get the Tide back into the playoff – and to restore Alabama’s aura.

Pressure is on … Penn State

There’s pressure on Texas and Arch Manning to live up to the hype. That’s obvious.

But, No. 3 Penn State also faces a momentous season, with its loftiest preseason ranking since being tapped No. 2 in 1997. That year, Joe Paterno’s Nittany Lions kept their No. 2 ranking going into November, until getting trounced by Michigan and finishing 9-3.

Penn State’s ranking reflects its possession of highly acclaimed veteran quarterback Drew Allar, plus one of the nation’s best backfields. Penn State upgraded its wide receivers through the transfer market.

On both sides of the ball, proven veterans fill Penn State’s lineup. Credit James Franklin for elevating the program to this perch. Also, question whether Franklin can take it to the highest perch.

Penn State’s failures in the biggest moments under Franklin are well-documented. He’s 0-6 against Ohio State coach Ryan Day.

Fortunately for Franklin, it’s possible to win a national championship without beating the Buckeyes, just as it became possible for Day to capture his first national title without beating Michigan.

Penn State enjoys a cushy schedule. Franklin assembled a team good enough to win a national championship, but a history that says he won’t.

Big 12 will remain more interesting, but less respected, than ACC

No. 6 Clemson gives the ACC a national championship contender, making the Big 12 the only Power Four league that lacks team in the top 10 – but the conference will be more fun to monitor than the ACC.

The rankings reflect this. Clemson, No. 10 Miami and No. 16 SMU account for the ACC’s only ranked teams. I’d be surprised if a team from outside this trio won the ACC. In the Big 12, I struggle to produce a list of teams that absolutely can’t win the conference.

The Big 12 tucked five teams inside the Top 25, with several more receiving votes. It remains the nation’s most unpredictable conference, after Arizona State won the league last year despite being picked to finish last.

Entertaining though it will be, how much will the selection committee respect the Big 12’s anyone-can-beat-anyone nature? Last year, the committee persistently undervalued the conference.

A parity-filled conference like the Big 12 becomes great for entertainment, but the ACC’s top teams establishing separation is better for its playoff hunt.

Coaches poll’s overrated, underrated teams

Overrated teams include No. 13 South Carolina, No. 17 Florida and No. 19 Indiana.

Underrated teams include No. 6 Clemson, No. 20 Kansas State, No. 24 Texas Tech, unranked Oklahoma and unranked Baylor.

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

The 2025 Little League Softball World Series continues on Day 3 of the tournament following another exciting day of action that included standout play from the likes of Pennsylvania’s Reagan Bills.

It’s onto the elimination games Tuesday, with the losing teams from the previous two days playing with a chance to compete in Wednesday’s slate.

The Southwest regionteam from Tulsa, Oklahoma, edged the Southeast squad from Lake Mary, Florida on Monday, Aug. 4, while the Mid-Atlantic girls from Pennsylvania proved to be a juggernaut in their game against the West region team from Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Pitt County, North Carolina continues to represent for the tournament’s host state, collecting a second consecutive win, while the team from Iwate, Japan showed why their country is a powerhouse in all levels of softball with a victory over the squad from Canada.

The Day 3 schedule features four win-or-go-home games, beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Follow along for live updates on all the Little League Softball World Series action today:

How to watch 2025 Little League Softball World Series

The 2025 Little League Softball World Series will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, with the championship game airing on ABC. Games will also be available to stream on ESPN+.

Dates: Aug. 3-10
TV: ESPN | ESPN2 | ABC
Stream: ESPN+
Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Catch the Little League Softball World Series on ESPN+

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 3 schedule

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Game 9: (Purple Bracket) Northwest region: Mill Creek, Washington vs. West region: Westchester-Del Rey (Los Angeles), 10 a.m. ESPN2
Game 10: (Orange Bracket) Latin America region: São Paulo, Brazil vs. Canada region: Repentigny, Quebec, 1 p.m. ESPN+
Game 11: (Orange Bracket) Europe-Africa region: Prague, Czechia vs. Central region: Floyds Knobs, Indiana, 4 p.m. ESPN+
Game 12: (Purple Bracket) New England region: Guilford, Connecticut vs. Southeast Region: Lake Mary, Florida, 7 p.m. ESPN2

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 2 results

Monday, Aug. 4

Game 5: (Orange Bracket) North Carolina region: Pitt County, North Carolina 5, Central region: Floyds Knobs, Indiana 3
Game 6: (Purple Bracket) Southwest Region: Tulsa, Oklahoma 2, Southeast Region: Lake Mary, Florida, 1
Game 7: (Purple Bracket) Mid-Atlantic: Johnstown, Pennsylvania 9, West region: Westchester-Del Rey Los Angeles 0
Game 8: (Orange Bracket) Asia-Pacific region: Iwate, Japan 6, Canada region: Repentigny, Quebec 1

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 1 results

Sunday, Aug. 3

Game 1: (Purple Bracket) Southeast region: Lake Mary, Florida 9, Northwest region: Mill Creek, Washington 2
Game 2: (Orange Bracket) North Carolina region: Pitt County, North Carolina 4, Latin America region: São Paulo, Brazil 3
Game 3: (Orange Bracket) Canada region: Repentigny, Quebec 5, Europe-Africa region: Prague, Czechia 4
Game 4: (Purple Bracket) Mid-Atlantic region: Johnstown, Pennsylvania 2, New England Region: Guilford, Connecticut 1

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A blowout victory over the Las Vegas Aces came at a cost for the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 2.

With less than a minute left in the third quarter and the Lynx holding a commanding 43-point lead over the Aces, Minnesota star Napheesa Collier collided with teammate Alanna Smith and landed awkwardly on her right foot. The five-time All-Star remained on the floor for a couple of minutes before walking off the court under her power – but with assistance.

Following the game, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said that Collier would undergo further testing to figure out the extent of her injury. Collier has already missed three games this season.

Collier is averaging a career-high 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in her seventh WNBA season. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year is the current favorite to win 2025 MVP honors and was named Western Conference Player of the Month for July.

Here’s the latest on Collier’s injury:

Napheesa Collier injury update

Collier sprained her right ankle with less than a minute left in Minnesota’s 111-58 blowout victory over Las Vegas on Saturday, Aug. 2. She sat out the fourth quarter and was officially ruled out of the game midway through the fourth quarter.

On Sunday, Aug. 3, Collier had further testing to find out the extent of her injury. According to an ESPN report, Collier will be out for two weeks with a right ankle sprain. However, the good news is that Collier avoided a major injury.

The Lynx released an official statement on Collier’s injury on Monday, Aug. 4:

‘After undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Collier was evaluated by team physician Dr. Elena Jelsing at Mayo Clinic Square, where a right ankle sprain was confirmed. Collier will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks and further updates on her progress will be provided when available.’

At the time of her injury, Collier had 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes.

Napheesa Collier stats

Here’s a look at Collier’s stats this season. She has missed three games this year.

2025 regular season: 23.5 points on 53.7% shooting with 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.6 blocks per game in 26 games (26 starts)
2025 All-Star Game: Voted as captain and was named All-Star Game MVP after scoring a game-high 36 points and leading her team to a 151-131 victory over Team Clark.

Matthew Schaefer, the top selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, has signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the New York Islanders, the team announced on Monday, Aug. 4.

Schaefer was on hand at Citi Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in the game between the New York Mets and the visiting Cleveland Guardians. The team announced the signing of the Stoney Creek, Ontario, native just before the pregame ceremony.

‘Feels amazing,’ Schaefer said at Citi Field. ‘Obviously, it’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life and to do it your first year — there’s still a lot of work, but that was my dream and I want to play in the NHL this season. I wanted to really badly. I know there’s going to be a lot of hard work that comes with it, but I think I’m ready.’

The defenseman, who will turn 18 next month, has competed with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League for the past two seasons. He earned first-team all-rookie honors in 2023-24.

His 2024-25 OHL campaign came to a halt when he suffered an injured collarbone as a member of Team Canada in the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa.

To date, Schaefer has amassed 10 goals and 29 assists in 73 games with Erie.

He has returned to the ice, competing at Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase. Schaefer will report to training camp with the Islanders, where he could break camp with the NHL club or be sent to Erie for his third season.

Schaefer won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 U18 World Hockey Championships in Finland.

He is the Islanders’ first No. 1 draft pick since they tabbed John Tavares in 2009 and the fifth overall in franchise history.