The Miami Dolphins still need cornerback reinforcements after trading away Jalen Ramsey. But if they were planning to sign Asante Samuel Jr. to fill that need, they may want to reconsider.

The Miami Herald reported Monday that the Dolphins have checked in on Samuel, who remains a free agent as he works his way back from neck surgery. Even if Miami likes what it sees, it may have to deal with one other complication.

Samuel’s father, two-time Super Bowl champion cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., harshly criticized the Dolphins and their leadership on a recent episode of his podcast, ‘Say What Needs To Be Said.’

Samuel Sr. said he believes the only reason Miami traded away Ramsey was because the team’s current regime – head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier – are weak leaders who are unable to stand up to outspoken players.

‘The Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey other than they’re sensitive,’ Samuel said. ‘There’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization. Mike McDaniel is a push-over. Chris Grier, the general manager, has no backbone.

‘They are running this team like a little league team. No one can stand up to the players. They’re terrified of their own players, and they have no control over their players.’

Samuel Sr. played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. He won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, was an All-Pro in 2007 and earned four Pro Bowl nods between 2007-2010.

Samuel Jr. is a free agent after his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers expired at the end of the 2024 season. He tallied two interceptions in each of his first three seasons, but his most recent season was cut short by a shoulder injury. Samuel Jr. underwent neck surgery in April and is still waiting to sign with a team as he recovers.

Other notable free agents at the cornerback position are Rasul Douglas, who played with the Bills last year, and Stephon Gilmore, who spent 2024 with the Vikings.

The pace of NBA free agency has eased, with teams mostly settled headed into their summer vacations.

Yet, there are still a few pieces out there, namely some intriguing restricted free agents who could sill move the needle.

Bulls point guard Josh Giddey and Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga are the players who would most impact new teams, though Chicago and Golden State each have the chance to match any offer sheets prospective teams can offer those players. Damian Lillard (Achilles) is another name to watch, though any team that signs him wouldn’t stand to benefit until next season. The biggest issue facing each of these players is that it’s a depressed market, with few teams having adequate cap space to make additional moves.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ post-playoffs, post-draft, post-free agency NBA power rankings:

NBA power rankings, 2025 free agency edition

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The champs return the heart of their roster, and reached a long-term extension with 2024-25 MVP and 2025 Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Plus, the Thunder will get a chance to see how 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topic and 2025 first-round pick Thomas Sorber fit into the rotation.

2. Houston Rockets

The Rockets shoved all their chips to the center of the table. They added Kevin Durant, Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, reached deals to bring back Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate. Yes, they have to give up players (Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore) to make it happen. But it’s obvious the organization thinks a title is doable.

3. Denver Nuggets

Trading Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson, bringing back Bruce Brown and getting Tim Hardaway Jr. elevates the Nuggets. The offseason will look even better if Jonas Valanciunas doesn’t leave for Europe and stays with Denver.

4. New York Knicks

The Knicks reached a deal with Mike Brown to be their new coach, and reached deals with Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, giving Brown and the Knicks much-needed depth for a team that is desperately trying to win its first championship in more than 50 years.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Lonzo Ball adds backcourt depth, Larry Nance is a solid vet and reserve Sam Merrill comes back to Cleveland on a four-year deal.

6. Los Angeles Clippers

Losing Norman Powell’s scoring hurts, but John Collins and Brook Lopez will help offset that, while helping defensively. James Harden and Nic Batum also signed new deal and with Kawhi Leonard the Clippers should again be a quality (though aging) team capable of another 50-win season.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves made sure they retained Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but they did not keep Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It’s a solid team led by Anthony Edwards, but enough to keep pace in the West?

8. Los Angeles Lakers

It’s LeBron James and Luka Doncic — or Luke Doncic and LeBron James if you like reading NBA tea leaves — so that gives the Lakers a chance. They’re hoping to get a motivated Deandre Ayton for a full season.

9. Boston Celtics

The Celtics made financial decisions by trading Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, but let’s see how free agency unfolds and what the Celtics add beyond Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang in trades with Portland and Atlanta.

10. Detroit Pistons

The addition of Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson plus the return of Paul Reed mitigates the departures of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schorder. Detroit is still in the mix for other players, too, including Malik Monk. They’re also hoping to return value on Chaz Lanier, the No. 37 pick in the June draft.

11. Golden State Warriors

It’s a slow start to free agency as Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency lingers. Al Horford, another veteran, might be an addition who provides front-court help and extensive playoff experience.

12. Indiana Pacers

Losing Myles Turner hurts — especially to a conference and division rival in Milwaukee — Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury sustained in the NBA Finals leaves the Pacers down starters.

13. Orlando Magic

Orlando acquired scoring and defense in the trade for Desmond Bane, signed Tyus Jones for backcourt depth, re-signed Moe Wagner and drafted Jase Richardson at No. 25 and Noah Penda at No. 32. The Magic are trying to return to the playoffs — and win a first-round series for the first time since 2010 behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

14. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were quiet in free agency — adding Luke Kornet to bolster front court depth — but they didn’t need to be loud. They have a young and dynamic core, particularly at guard, with plenty of players who can feed Victor Wembanyama.

15. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies changed their roster, adding Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope via trade, and signing Ty Jerome and Jock Landale while giving Jaren Jackson Jr. a long-term extension. They’re hoping 2025 first-round pick Cedric Coward can make an immediate contribution.

16. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks waived Damian Lillard and traded Pat Connaughton, but added Myles Turner, Gary Harris and Vasilije Micic and resigned Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Ryan Rollins, Jericho Sims and Gary Trent Jr. Will that produce enough to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy with the Bucks?

17. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks made solid moves: traded for Kristaps Porzingis, drafted Asa Newell and reached deals to get Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. Is it enough to make a serious push for one of the top seeds in the East?

18. Dallas Mavericks

Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg will be fun to watch, and the Mavs signed D’Angelo Russell to help while Kyrie Irving recovers from a knee injury.

19. Miami Heat

A bland start to free agency indicated the Heat were trying to cook up something and improve the roster. And they did, trading for Norman Powell and his scoring punch.

20. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls traded Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro, re-signed Tre Jones and draft Noa Essengue at No. 12 in June draft. But where does that leave them in the East? Can they get a long-term deal done with restricted free agent Josh Giddey?

21. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers built around the edges, re-signing Eric Gordon and Justin Edwards and signing Trendon Watford. Selecting VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick in the draft should be beneficial now and in the future.

22. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors’ biggest loss in the offseason was losing longtime front office executive Masai Ujiri. But the Raptors should a roster that is more competitive with RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl and 2025 first-round lottery pick Collin Murray-Boyles.

23. Sacramento Kings

Based on their moves so far (bringing in Dennis Schroder), the Kings aren’t ready to start a rebuild.

24. Phoenix Suns

25. Washington Wizards

The Wizards were active as they try to assemble a roster of young players who will be part of the future, and veterans who can help and create financial flexibility that will allow them to go after free agents in the summer of 2026. Washington traded for Cam Whitmore from Houston and drafted Tre Johnson No. 6 and also added C.J. McCollum and Kelly Olynyk.

26. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers certainly are big with three 7-footers (Donovan Clingan, Deandre Ayton, Yang Hansen), and they traded for Jrue Holiday.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are reshaping their roster under executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. Through the draft, they landed Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, and via trades they landed Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole, and via free agency they signed Kevon Looney.

28. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets traded for Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann, re-signed Day’Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams, and drafted five players in the first round, including Egor Demin at No. 8.

29. Utah Jazz

The Jazz are focused on a youth movement, so this free agency was just as much about shedding certain players than adding.

30. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets acquired Collin Sexton in a trade with Utah and Pat Connaughton in a trade with Milwaukee, and added Mason Plumlee, Tre Mann and Spencer Dinwiddie. Charlotte also had a solid draft (Kon Knueppel at No. 4, Liam McNeeley at No. 29 and Ryan Kalkbrenner at No. 34) in an attempt to boost its rebuild.

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Let’s take a quick history lesson – very, very recent history lesson – before trying to peg how the Big 12 will play out in 2025.

Last year’s official preseason poll had the eventual conference champion, Arizona State, ranked 16th out of 16 teams. The preseason favorite, Utah, went 2-7 in Big 12 play. The team picked third last July, Oklahoma State, went winless.

We were promised unpredictability in this expanded, new-look Big 12, and the conference definitely delivered.

Looking ahead to this season, it’s easy to point to six or seven (or more) teams capable of winning the conference and earning a College Football Playoff bid. There is Arizona State, of course, and annual contenders such as Kansas State and Iowa State. Baylor is on the national radar. Brigham Young is fresh off a breakout season, albeit with quarterback questions.

But choosing which team rises to the top of the conference standings still feels like a fool’s errand. With media days set for Tuesday and Wednesday, here’s how USA TODAY Sports picks the Big 12 to unfold:

1. Arizona State

There are 17 returning starters, including a rising star in quarterback Sam Leavitt, and some major momentum after last year’s explosive growth under coach Kenny Dillingham. But there is one huge loss in running back Cam Skattebo, who carried the Sun Devils for much of his final season. How they replace that production will go a long way toward determining whether the Sun Devils can repeat.

TOP 25: Ranking the best college football quarterbacks

2. Kansas State

Avery Johnson has to take the next step in his development for the Wildcats to reclaim the Big 12 title belt. He’ll get a big boost in the backfield from do-everything running back Dylan Edwards. If Kansas State can recapture last year’s pass rush and its receiver corps helps Johnson develop, this could easily be a playoff team.

3. Baylor

The Bears are ready to roll on offense with an experienced front and a top passer in Sawyer Robertson, though the receiver group needs Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice to step up on the outside. Where Baylor could be even better in 2025 is on defense. Five returning starters are joined by a transfer group that include Travion Barnes (Florida International) to form a unit that could be one of the league’s best.

4. Iowa State

Locking in on two or three new receivers for quarterback Rocco Becht will be the biggest key to fall camp for the Cyclones are losing last year’s top targets to the NFL. Transfers Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend are expected to pick up a huge chunk of that lost production. Defensively, Iowa State is extremely well-coached but will not have a ton of room for error given losses up front and in the secondary. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cyclones notch 10-plus wins in back-to-back years for the first time in program history.

5. Utah

The Utes are in a bit of a reboot mode after slumping way down the Big 12 ladder as preseason favorites in 2024. The biggest change comes by way of New Mexico: Kyle Whittingham hired Lobos offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, and then landed quarterback Devin Dampier in the portal. Dampier brings a new dimension to the Utes’ style with his running ability; he’s likely the most impactful transfer in the Big 12. In potentially Whittingham’s final year, whether the Utes rebound will come down to how quickly the offense hits its stride and if the team can avoid another rash of injuries.

6. Texas Tech

An eye-popping transfer class holds the key to Texas Tech’s season. There are some major additions, including maybe the best overall defender in the portal in edge rusher David Bailey (Stanford). He’s part of an overhaul of the defensive front. There are other additions on offense that could help quarterback Behren Morton play with more consistency. That’ll be needed for the Red Raiders to crack through eight wins and become a national factor.

7. TCU

The two big questions ask whether TCU has amassed the help at receiver to offset losses to the NFL and if the Horned Frogs will have the bodies in the secondary to run with Big 12 offenses. If so, this is a definite sleeper team with quarterback Josh Hoover leading the offense capable of making another unexpected march to the playoff. If not, TCU will win its share of shootouts but isn’t built to win the conference.

8. Houston

This is a program on an upswing under second-year coach Willie Fritz. After leaning on the defense last year, the Cougars look to be more offense-focused with new quarterback Connor Weigman (Texas A&M) and new coordinator Slade Nagle, who held the same job under Fritz at Tulane. With the defense expected to take a step back, the other side of the ball will help deliver a bowl berth.

9. Kansas

The Jayhawks look to carry over a really strong second half of last season and get back into the postseason, if not earn a spot in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. One reason for optimism is the health of veteran quarterback Jalon Daniels. The Jayhawks lost a ton of experience, though, and coach Lance Leipold will need to dig into his bag of tricks to get his lineup in order before September.

10. Colorado

The Buffaloes lose some high-profile star power from last year’s nine-wins quad, namely quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. While it will be hard to match that win total, the foundation has been set to win at least six or seven games and factor into the Big 12 race. Sophomore left tackle Jordan Seaton is a likely All-America pick.

11. Brigham Young

The outlook for BYU changed quickly. The Cougars have become much more of a wild card with would-be starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s departure. That changes the complexion of the offense and, combined with a ton of attrition on the defensive side, makes it very hard to picture the Cougars remaining in the playoff picture into November.

12. Cincinnati

While way off the pace set by the league’s best, Cincinnati seems better constructed heading into coach Scott Satterfield’s third year and ready to avoid the extended losing streaks that defined 2023 and 2024. The front six on defense looks good, though transfers will determine the secondary. There’s experience at quarterback and a nice group of tight ends on offense, though the receiver corps looks spotty.

13. Oklahoma State

Who knows what the Cowboys will bring to the table in 2025. After a nightmarish year, Mike Gundy completely rebuilt his coaching staff, brought in a pair of new quarterbacks and basically redid the Cowboys’ roster with transfers. His track record remains strong despite last season’s step back, so maybe Gundy still deserves the benefit of the doubt.

14. Central Florida

Scott Frost is back in Orlando after a failed stint at Nebraska and a few years off the sidelines. He’s clearly very comfortable at UCF and will have the runway to build a Big 12 contender. (In other words, no one is expecting another winless-to-unbeaten jump in two years.) The roster was decimated by the transfer portal and there is no sure thing among a group of potential quarterbacks, so patience will be needed.

15. West Virginia

WVU turned back the clock even farther than UCF by bringing back Rich Rodriguez, the architect of one of the finest stretches in program history before his departure for Michigan. While his return sparks high long-term hopes for the Mountaineers, this team is thin and inexperienced. For now, the roster just isn’t there for Rodriguez to turn things around from day one.

16. Arizona

There’s a pretty negative perception of Arizona’s program just one year into the Brent Brennan era, after last season’s team opened the year in the Top 25 before running aground in league play. There are some things to like, including quarterback Noah Fifita, but the Wildcats were wrecked by attrition and will need multiple Championship Subdivision transfers to hit to avoid another putrid finish.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback told reporters Tuesday, July 8 he is fully recovered from the hamstring surgery he underwent last November. Barring any sudden concerns arising during one last visit with team doctors, Prescott anticipates being a full participant at Cowboys training camp.

Prescott, 31, suffered a partial avulsion to his right hamstring in a Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons last year. In more explicit terms, Prescott’s hamstring tendon tore almost completely off of his thigh bone.

He decided to undergo the season-ending surgery to repair his hamstring about one week later.

Prescott’s Tuesday announcement is not a big surprise. The three-time Pro Bowler had participated in all of the Cowboys’ drills during spring practices, so all signs were pointing toward a full participation in training camp.

Thanks to his injury, the 2023 MVP runner-up was unable to build on a season in which he led the league in passing touchdowns. Prescott finished last year with 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions on a 64.7% completion rate in his eight games played.

He, along with the rest of Dallas’ veterans and rookies, will report to Oxnard, California for the start of the team’s training camp on July 21.

The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and the pieces are mostly in place for the coming men’s college basketball season.

We previously did our too-early Top 25 preseason rankings after Florida finished as national champions in April. Now three months later, we revisit whether the Gators and others have moved up or down in our projections.

Unsurprisingly, the list is mostly filled with teams from the Big 12, Big Ten and SEC but the top half of the rankings have a balanced spread across the five major conferences, portending a wide-open race for who will be crowned national champion in Indianapolis at the end of the season. For reference, the previous rankings are in parenthesis.

1. Houston (1)

The defending national runner-up loses stalwarts L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts but is poised to make another run to the title game behind one of the top recruiting classes in the country, led by five-star forward Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Isiah Harwell. Returning contributors include guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp and frontcourt defensive standout Joseph Tugler.

2. Duke (2)

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are off to the NBA along with Tyrese Proctor, but Jon Scheyer put together another top recruiting class. Next year’s group will be led by wingers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the twin sons of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer. Also arriving are guards Dame Sarr and Sebastian Wilkins. They’ll join several veterans who opted to return, including Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster.

3. Connecticut (3)

Three in a row wasn’t in the cards, but a third title in four years isn’t out of the question for UConn. Liam McNeeley is gone after just one year in Storrs, but reinforcements are coming for Danny Hurley, whose top-five recruiting class features a pair of McDonald’s All-Americans and an international prospect from Down Under. Post man Eric Reibe and guard Braylon Mullins comprise the domestic talent, and Australian wingman Jacob Furphy will arrive in the States this summer. Georgia transfer Silas Demary will provide even more backcourt depth. In addition, veteran forward Alex Karaban and rising junior Solo Ball return.

4. Purdue (11)

The news that rising seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn would be back along with sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer vaulted the Boilermakers into the top spot in the Big Ten projections for 2025-26. The veteran-laden team with league title and Final Four potential also returns C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris, and big man Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) arrives via the portal to provide the low-post presence that was lacking in 2024-25.

5. Florida (8)

All-America guard and Final Four MVP Walter Clayton will be hard to replace. Backcourt mate Elijah Martin and Will Richard are also gone, but the Gators will defend their title with most of their inside players returning. Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu are all back. The arrival of transfers Boogie Fland (Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) means there should be little to no drop-off in perimeter production.

6. Michigan (9)

Despite losing its top three players, things could get even better in year two for coach Dusty May in Ann Arbor thanks to a huge haul in the transfer portal. Yaxel Lendeborg (Alabama-Birmingham) elected to forgo the NBA for another year and should thrive in the Wolverines’ system. The newcomers also include point guard Elliott Cadeau (North Carolina) and frontcourt players Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois) and Aday Mara (UCLA). Michigan also brings in an impact freshman in combo guard Trey McKenney and another top-100 recruit in Winters Grady.

7. Brigham Young (5)

After making the Sweet 16 for the second time since 1981, BYU is poised for a big year with the arrival of hyped freshman AJ Dybantsa. He’ll join a rotation that lost point guard Egor Demin to the NBA but brings back Dawson Baker and forwards Richie Saunders and Mihailo Boskovic. If Dybantsa is as good as expected, the Cougars could be a serious threat for the Final Four.

8. Alabama (6)

The Crimson Tide should again be among the SEC favorites. Losing catalyst Mark Sears puts pressure on the backcourt to replicate his scoring production and leadership, but the return of guard Lebaron Philon for a sophomore season will help. Aden Holloway should take up much of that slack as well, along with Miami (Fla.) transfer Jalil Bethea. Inside additions Noah Williamson (Bucknell) and Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State) should take on big roles.

9. St. John’s (13)

Now that Rick Pitino has instilled the work ethic needed to bring the Red Storm program back to prominence, he hopes the shooters he’s brought in via the portal will improve the team’s accuracy. Bryce Hopkins (Providence) should provide an immediate boost in that regard if he can stay healthy, with Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Ian Jackson (North Carolina) adding back-court depth. Big East player of the year R.J. Luis is gone and Simeon Wilcher transferred out, but Zuby Ejiofor is back to anchor the interior.

10. UCLA (4)

Mick Cronin has put together a transfer class that should make the Bruins one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The biggest addition is point guard Donovan Dent from New Mexico, who led the Mountain West with 20.4 points per game this season and may have been the best overall player in the portal. Another three incoming transfers join a roster headlined by returning starters forwards Eric Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau.

11. Louisville (10)

While several key pieces behind last year’s rebound under coach Pat Kelsey have been lost to graduation, Louisville was a sought-after destination for a strong transfer class. The impact newcomers include Isaac McKneely from Virginia, Ryan Conwell from Xavier and Adrian Wooley from Kennesaw State. The Cardinals will add another perimeter threat in freshman Mikel Brown and will get a boost from the return of big man Aly Khalifa, who redshirted last season after knee surgery.

12. Texas Tech (7)

Texas Tech’s roster has taken shape after reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin and guard Christian Anderson opted to return to Lubbock. This pair will set the pace for another run at the Final Four after coming up one win shy this March. The Red Raiders’ transfer haul includes sharpshooting guards Donovan Atwell (UNC Greensboro) and Tyeree Bryan (Santa Clara) along with forward LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and center Luke Bamgboye (Virginia Commonwealth).

13. Iowa State (14)

A very deep roster took a hit with Eastern Washington transfer Mason Williams needing hip surgery that is likely keeps him out for the season.. But Iowa State has the bodies to replace that projected production and make a March Madness run. Newcomers such as forwards Blake Buchanan (Virginia) and forward Eric Mulder (Purdue-Fort Wayne) and a highly rated recruiting class will join holdovers in Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic to make the Cyclones a national player.

14. Kentucky (16)

Getting leading scorer Otega Oweh back in the fold for another year will keep the Wildcats in the mix for the SEC crown under second-year coach Mark Pope. One huge factor that could determine where Kentucky lands is the health of sophomore transfer Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), one of the top prospects in the nation and a potential difference-maker on the defensive end. Quaintance injured his knee last season but is expected to be ready in the fall. Kentucky also upgraded its backcourt by adding Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida).

15. Tennessee (19)

Tennessee is looking at a roster overhaul with just one returning starter in center Felix Okpara. The Volunteers need to land production in increased action from forwards Cade Phillips and J.D. Estrella while blending in point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Maryland), guard Amaree Abram (Louisiana Tech) and forward Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt). Tennessee will also lean on a really strong traditional recruiting class starring five-star forward Nate Ament.

16. Wisconsin (19)

Wisconsin will build around guard John Blackwell, who took his name out of the draft in favor of another year in Madison. He’ll team with former Florida Atlantic and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd will form one of the top backcourts in the Big Ten. The Badgers also brought in a deep threat in wing Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and a very promising young big man in sophomore Austin Rapp (Portland), the reigning West Coast Conference rookie of the year.

17. Arizona (23)

Guard Jaden Bradley will be one of the best players in the Big 12. Returning role players in forward Tobe Awaka and guard Anthony Dell’Orso add experience and production after last year’s Sweet 16 berth. But the Wildcats are going to be young, with six freshmen among the seven new additions to the roster. Included in this group are prized recruits Dwayne Aristode and Koa Peat.

18. Gonzaga (20)

Even though Mark Few is losing his strong backcourt of Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle, the frontcourt is made up of a group of stars. Graham Ike is back and is a conference player of the year contender. He’ll be paired with Braden Huff, but the real key is the addition of Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, a 25-year-old perennial scorer that could be the playmaker for the Zags. Former Big Sky player of the year Steele Venters will finally suit up after missing back-to-back seasons with injuries, putting the Bulldogs in great position for their final year in the West Coast Conference.

19. Arkansas (12)

The momentum from the Sweet 16 run should continue for John Calipari as he was able to bring back some last year’s core. D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox stayed but the Razorbacks took a hit when Adou Thiero decided to go to the NBA. Still, Calipari brings in another talented recruiting class, headlined by guard Darius Acuff Jr., who has SEC freshman of the year potential. Other incoming freshman Meleek Thomas could provide solid production off the bench.

20. Creighton (21)

Greg McDermott knew replacing Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth was the top priority, and he brought in transfers that should keep the Bluejays among Big East contenders. Iowa transfers Josh Dix and Owen Freeman will assume the leadership, while guard Nik Graves (Charlotte) and forward Blake Harper (Howard) will be X-factors after they each led their previous schools in scoring last season. Plus, you can’t forget the potential from Serbian 7-foot freshman Aleksa Dimitrijevic.

21. Kansas (17)

There were plenty of swings and misses by Bill Self in the transfer portal as he was unable to add a big-time playmaker. He was able to salvage it by bringing Tre White from Illinois and Jayden Dawson of Loyola-Chicago. Still, the Jayhawks await the arrival of top recruit Darryn Peterson. He has top NBA draft pick potential and he will join sophomore forward Flory Bidunga, who saved the offseason by choosing to stay in Kansas. The Jayhawks still feel like a bit of a mystery of whether it’ll be a boom or bust season.

22. Michigan State (15)

The Spartans will have to replace their top production as Jase Richardson’s jump to the NBA means last season’s top three scorers are gone. Michigan State played a deep rotation, so experience isn’t a big issue. Jeremy Fears Jr. will have to assume a bigger role and Carson Cooper will have to be a force down low. They’ll get help in Coen Carr and Jaxon Kohler. The transfer and recruiting haul is promising, but perimeter shooting still appears to be an issue.

23. Illinois (NR)

Illinois jumps into the rankings thanks to the international flair coming to Champaign; Mihailo Petrovic leads the Balkan squad now playing for Brad Underwood. Petrovic is a 22-years-old guard among the best players in the European ABA League. Also joining is Andrej Stojakovic, who had a great freshman season at California, and former Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivišić, who joins brother Tomislav Ivišić to form a terrifying 7-foot duo. Also in the mix is guard Kylan Boswell after he showed maturity in the move to Illinois after leaving Arizona.

24. Oregon (NR)

Another new addition to the rankings, Oregon is looking to maintain success after an up-and-down season. Back are the top two scorers in Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad, who are consistent scorer. But they can’t be the only ones producing, and the Ducks have to replace TJ Bamba. That appears to be answered in the transfer portal. TK Simpkins led Elon in scoring last season and improved his 3-point shooting. Sean Stewart (Ohio State) also could be a breakout player as he finds a more elevated role.

25. Auburn (24)

Experienced stars led Auburn last season, but the entire starting unit is gone following the tough loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to Southern California. Bruce Pearl knew he had to replenish the roster, and he did so with significant recruiting and transfer classes. Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida) and Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) arrive after strong season, and there’s intrigue with the Tigers brining in the top junior college transfer, Abdul Bashir. A new crop of players will join Tahaad Pettiford, the one key returnee that had a big role in the Final Four squad.

Dropped out: Baylor, North Carolina.

Just missed: Texas, North Carolina State and Oklahoma.

President Donald Trump will be in attendance for the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13.

Trump told reporters on Tuesday, July 8 that he planned to go to the match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The president was previously invited by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to attend the final during the organization’s visit to the White House in March, where Trump was given a ‘key’ to the tournament’s trophy.

Watch FIFA Club World Cup games for free on DAZN

Trump has been frequently attending sporting events since his term began in January, including the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and UFC matches.

Meanwhile, Trump and Infantino have publicized a budding friendship.

Infantino has made several trips to the White House, while FIFA opened a new office inside Trump Tower in New York City this week.

“FIFA (is) a global organization (and) to be global, you have to be local, you have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York – not just for the FIFA Club World Cup this year and the FIFA World Cup next year – we have to be in New York as well when it comes to where our offices are based,” Infantino said during an event at the New York office on July 7.