UCLA football has dramatically turned its season around, going from a winless 0-4 start to winning its last two games.
Interim coach Tim Skipper and a new staff have been credited with changing the team’s culture and on-field performance.
After averaging just 14.3 points in its first four games, the offense has scored 80 points in its two recent victories.

It was less than two weeks ago that it appeared a wake was taking place at the Rose Bowl. 

UCLA was 0-4 with an interim coach, and its loyal fans were up early on Oct. 4, reminiscing about the good ol’ times of Bruins football. They accepted the fact this was rock bottom, with No. 2 Penn State in town for what expected to be a blowout Nittany Lions win.

“This is, by far, probably the worst I’ve ever seen it,” UCLA alumnus and season ticket holder André Hannie told USA TODAY Sports before the game. “I was telling my wife this morning, we were talking about like, ‘what motivates me to still come?’”

UCLA has provided that motivation since with its season takin a 180-degree turn from one of the laughingstocks of college football to unlikly darlings of the sport. One moment, people are teasing Nico Iamaleava and the likelihood the Bruins have their first winless season in 1924. Next, they’re pondering an unlikely College Football Playoff path.

What the heck happened?

UCLA’s locker room is the beginning of the story

According to interim coach Tim Skipper, it started with a clean locker room.

“A clean locker room makes you a lot happier,” he said. “It shows team discipline and it shows you can win off the field, so now you can go ahead and get on the field.”

Locker rooms haven’t been the only thing cleaned up by Skipper, who took over after and a rebuilt staff that includes play-calling sensation Jerry Neuheisel.

It’s hard to emphasize how disastrous the 0-4 start was. It was averaging just 14.3 points per game – fourth-worst in FBS. If you looked at just about any statistic, good chance you’d find UCLA near the bottom. Skipper was only in charge for one of those games – a loss to Northwestern. He took over after Deshaun Foster was fired after defeats against Utah, UNLV and New Mexico.

The narrative changed in the past two games. A team that scored 57 points in the first four losses has scored 80 in its two victories. The offense is flowing and the defense has cleaned up mistakes, validated in the 38-13 win over Michigan State that came a week after that stirring defeat of Penn State.

What changed for UCLA?

Skipper recalled when he first stepped into the interim role, he was constantly asked about who was going to leave. Given how horrid the start was, no one would have blamed a player for entering the transfer portal, looking for greener pastures. 

It wasn’t an easy task. Skipper knew how critical his first few days in charge were.

Create a vision and players could be intrigued enough to stay. Don’t show promise and you’ll have people jumping off like the program is the Titanic. 

“When you’re taking over something, you’re new, everything you say is important, and you have to get everybody to go in the same direction altogether,” Skipper said.

Turns out, what Skipper said worked. Everyone has stayed, something he said was a major step in finding the right direction. The 30-day window for players to leave ended this week.

“We’ve shown them that, ‘Hey, we can make it a good environment here. Even though we have all this change and stuff, just stick with us and we’re going to be all right,’” Skipper said. 

Players have echoed Skipper’s approach into paving a way for success. Iamaleava said Skipper is someone you want to play for. Defensive lineman Keanu Williams remembered the team’s vibe was uplifting when it was it its lowest moment when Foster was let go.

“We just looked at each other and said, ‘Hey, we can either cry about this and just throw the season away, or you know what? Let’s have fun with it. We have nothing to lose. Let’s go play and do what we got to do,’” Williams said. 

So how has it translated into wins?

According to players, it’s just been about paying attention to those small details. As new coordinators came in to replace old ones, the team assessed what things weren’t working and how to correct them. 

The changes were instantaneous. Kevin Coyle took over the defense before the Northwestern game, and even though it was a loss, UCLA gave up just 17 points, including a second half shutout. When Neuheisel took over play-calling duties, the offense took its first lead of the season and put up a season-high 42 points against Penn State.

Now that both sides of the ball have a better understanding of the playbook, UCLA feels like it has set the stage for a strong second half of the season. 

UCLA … Big Ten contender?

As the Bruins were in the midst of scoring 38 consecutive points against the Spartans in Week 7, college football pundits and fans came to a startling revelation: With a 2-1 conference record, UCLA controls its destiny to a Big Ten title game appearance and is still alive in the playoff race.

No team that starts 0-4 should ever have a shot at a national championship run, but the reality of a 12-team playoff gives the Bruins a window. Albeit that opening is extremely small, as two of the next five games include road trips to No. 3 Indiana and No. 1 Ohio State.

But those games sure sound more compelling than the blowout that might have been expected two weeks ago. Can UCLA keep it rolling against two of the best teams in the nation?

Even if UCLA finishes 6-6, heck even 5-7, it will constitute a successful season. A bowl game, which should at least be the standard, would be a remarkable achievement.

Before the team headed to Michigan State, Skipper’s message was “are you a one-hit wonder?” He challenged his team to prove beating the Nittany Lions wasn’t a fluke and the season still means something. 

After a dominant road victory, UCLA doesn’t look like Vanilla Ice, the Baha Men or Lou Bega. Maybe, a couple of hits are left for the fun team to watch in the Big Ten race.

“We have to keep doing what we’re doing and always be on the rise,” Skipper said. “It’s not time to get off the gas pedal right now.”

We’re nearing the halfway point of the NFL season. As Halloween approaches, teams are assessing their rosters for potential playoff runs or rebuilding efforts.

The 2026 NFL Draft outlook continues to change. We entered the 2025 college football season viewing it as a class defined by multiple quarterbacks with franchise-changing potential, as well as great depth on the offensive line. Texas’ Arch Manning was a near-lock for the No. 1 overall pick as a franchise quarterback for a team needing a savior at the position.

Seven weeks into the season and things look very different. Manning may not declare for the draft after the season he’s having at Texas as the Longhorns struggle up front due to talent lost to the 2025 NFL Draft. The offensive line depth is still there and now we’re seeing more standout players emerge at other positions.

The honor of top prospect in the class is between two players: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. They’re both defenders who could be immediate contributors to their franchises. A wide receiver class that was thought to be a one-player position (Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson) now has multiple prospects vying for first-round consideration.

The big board of the top players in the class continues to change, as does the order for the 2026 NFL Draft. As we approach Week 7 of the NFL season, here’s our latest idea for how the first round will look come April:

2026 NFL mock draft

1. New York Jets: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza played impressively well in a huge 30-20 win over Oregon on the road in Week 7 of the college football season. He extended plays with his legs, made the right throws when needed and overcame a costly interception to lead the Hoosiers to victory against a defense full of NFL talent.

New York is getting a quarterback with an NFL arm, quick release and solid processing to understand defenses in Mendoza. He isn’t an elite athlete with a rocket arm but has a high floor as a prospect.

2. Cleveland Browns: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Yes, the Browns need help at multiple positions on offense. But let’s not overthink this; the best thing the Browns can do is take the best player available.

Bain combines good size (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) with great power and length to attack blockers off the edge. His bull rush will likely hold up in the NFL and he has good enough bend to get to the quarterback. He needs to improve setting the edge to make it at the NFL level and lacks elite explosiveness but he’s more than capable of being a double-digit sack player. He’d make an already dangerous Browns pass rush even more elite.

Bain’s value is enough to keep from considering a quarterback here, for now.

3. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

It still feels weird to see the Ravens in the top five of the NFL Draft order. But that’s what happens when a contender has an injury report longer than a CVS receipt. With Lamar Jackson out, the team is struggling and has the opportunity to take a high-value player like Faulk.

He’s longer than Bain at 6-foot-6 with similar power and better explosiveness. His elite tools and movement skills can give a creative defensive coordinator a versatile piece to be moved around the defensive line. His size and physicality show shades of Calais Campbell in a slightly smaller package.

4. Miami Dolphins: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

The Dolphins have plenty of needs across the roster but desperately need help on defense. Entering Week 6, the Dolphins ranked last in the league in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed on defense, per SumerSports, and last in EPA/play per rush.

Woods is a versatile defensive lineman who operates well on the outside or inside at an explosive 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds. He shows shades of Fletcher Cox in his play and could be a Pro Bowl-level player on his rookie contract. He’s a three-down defender right away and can pair with Kenneth Grant to build the Dolphins’ line out for the future.

Secondary was considered as well but it’s too early for the cornerbacks on the board and too high a pick for a safety.

5. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

New Orleans could go many ways on offense in Round 1 of this draft. We’ve opted for them to address wide receiver with their top pick, considering Rasheed Shaheed will hit free agency next summer and Chris Olave is entering the final year of his contract in 2026.

Tyson is the top wide receiver prospect in the class thanks to his outside-receiver size at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He has a knack for finding spots in zone coverage to exploit thanks to his excellent route-running. He’s not a burner but has good acceleration and speed to get off man coverage.

6. Tennessee Titans: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Tennessee is building around 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback and he needs help up front in protection. It’s hard to find a more outlier talent at the position in the class than Proctor. At 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, there are few humans on Earth who move like this Crimson Tide tackle.

Proctor had a slow start to the season before rebounding against Georgia. He’s allowed just three pressures in his last three games of SEC competition. He could use some improvement in technique and consistency but he could be a left tackle of the future opposite JC Latham.

7. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

This may be a boring pick but boring is what Cincinnati needs to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. They’ve invested in the tackle spot via the draft but Fano may be a better option at right tackle thanks to his mix of athleticism and polish.

Fano stands 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds and could either stay outside at tackle or move inside to guard, given some arm length concerns. In either case, the Bengals would welcome that up front. The team entered Week 6 with the last-ranked line by ESPN’s pass block win rate (PBWR).

8. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

The Raiders have plenty of needs on defense at pretty much every position besides Maxx Crosby. But with the way Geno Smith has been playing so far in 2025, they need to consider quarterback.

In this mock, we have them taking the Oregon passer who looked like a No. 1 pick after the first month of the season. Moore was rattled against Indiana by exotic pressures and that’s an area to develop as the season goes on. He brings an impressive deep ball acumen and good mobility to make it as a scrambler at the next level.

9. New York Giants: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

New York may have a quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart and now they need to protect him. Andrew Thomas has been one of the best left tackles in the league this season and could use a building block on the other side.

Mauigoa’s a standout right tackle in Coral Gables. His NFL-caliber size (6-foot-6, 325 pounds), elite athleticism and powerful hands give him Pro Bowl-caliber potential sooner than later. Miami’s scheme asked a lot of him in both run and pass blocking, and he should be a long-term starter on the right side for the Giants, either at tackle or inside at guard.

10. Arizona Cardinals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

At this point, the best player in the draft cannot fall out of the top 10. Downs is a special talent at the position and is in the running with Bain to be the top talent in the entire class.

Arizona could use help along the offensive line, at wide receiver or other spots on defense. But Downs brings more value to the team than prospects at those positions would at this point. He’s scheme versatile enough to be more than just a safety; he can line up at deep safety, box linebacker, or slot cornerback.

His mix of elite athleticism and ideal football I.Q. makes him a weapon for a creative defensive playcaller.

11. Houston Texans: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Houston has an extension for quarterback C.J. Stroud looming and, after investing in young wide receivers during the 2025 NFL Draft, needs to protect him more. Lomu started at left tackle for Utah opposite Fano and played exceptionally well. He’s allowed just five pressures on 195 pass block reps through six games.

The 6-foot-6, 308-pound tackle has elite athletic tools and exceptional movement skills in space. He needs to develop more technically and consistency-wise but has the means to become a long-term starter along the offensive line.

12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

McCoy is a bit of a question mark in the draft. He suffered an ACL tear in January and hasn’t been on the field since. He may not see the field at all in 2025 which is a shame; he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the class.

McCoy pairs ideal size at 6-foot and 195 pounds with elite athleticism and ball production. His anticipation sets him apart compared to the rest of the class. Dallas enters Week 7 last in the league in EPA per pass allowed.

13. Carolina Panthers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

Carolina’s offense has powered the Panthers to a 0.500 record through six games, especially in the running game. There’s a solid argument to make about giving Carolina another difference-maker on offense but we’re opting to address the other side instead.

Through six weeks, the Panthers rank last in ESPN’s pass rush win rate. Derrick Brown can’t do it all from the interior. Carolina spent resources in the draft and free agency at edge last year but you can never have too many pass rushers. Parker is the last of the all-around edges in the first round.

The Clemson standout has ideal NFL size at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds with impressive explosiveness off the line and refined hand usage for his stage of development. He can line up at multiple spots which could allow the team’s 2025 draft picks to develop.

14. Kansas City Chiefs: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sadiq is far and away the top tight end prospect in this class and should be the first off the board at the position barring injury. He’s got the size to be a factor as a blocker and the athleticism to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

The Chiefs’ offense relied on tight end Travis Kelce for years as the lead receiving threat. Kansas City could maximize Sadiq’s skillset and fit him in nicely alongside Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ weapons for the future. He’s a vertical threat with excellent route-running skills at this stage of his development.

15. Washington Commanders: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Washington’s offensive line seems set for the future in front of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now it’s time to upgrade the skill positions around him and we’re going that route instead of upgrading the defense in Round 1.

Lemon isn’t an elite athlete compared to others at the position but he has an incredible knack to find space against defenses and never lose yards after the catch. He is averaging more than nine targets per game and making the most of them. His average depth of target (ADOT) per Pro Football Focus is 9.9 yards this season, making him more than just a short-yardage possession type of receiver.

He’s reminiscent of Emeka Egbuka with how pro-ready he is as a prospect. Unlike Egbuka, he’s been deployed out wide for nearly a third of his snaps this season at USC, showing his versatility.

16. Chicago Bears: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Chicago could use some depth on the offensive line but Love is too good a value to pass up. The Notre Dame running back is one of the five best prospects in the class and by far the top running back. He’s a true three-down running back at 6-foot and 214 pounds, with the receiving abilities to add another dimension to both Chicago’s run and passing games.

Notre Dame’s offense is deploying him in both gap and zone schemes, offering even more versatility to his profile. He’s not lacking in speed, either; he won a Missouri state title in the 100 meters in high school. He’s the ideal running back for the modern NFL game.

17. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

You could make an argument for other positions at this spot but the reality is Matthew Stafford will be 38 years old by the 2026 NFL Draft. It looked like he may not even start the year healthy with nagging back issues. The Rams need to plan ahead.

Simpson continues to climb up prospect rankings as the Tide rise up the national rankings. The former top recruit is finally getting his shot as the starter this season and impressing with his quick release, pocket mobility and processing abilities despite so few starts. Simpson could spend a year under Stafford and get up to speed at the NFL game before taking over in 2027.

18. Minnesota Vikings: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme works best with good play from the linebacker position. The only downside is that top linebacker Blake Cashman has missed all but one game this season so far due to a stint on injured reserve. It’s not considered a premium position but the Vikings could use an upgrade at linebacker.

Reese is one of the best prospects at the position over the last few years. He’s a near-freak athlete at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds and not limited to his physical gifts. He understands the game well enough to fill multiple roles as a blitzer, spy, drop coverage guy or thumper in run defense. Flores’ defense would be terrifying with Reese roaming around.

19. Buffalo Bills: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

The Bills could use more speed in the second level on defense but with the state of the board, they go with one of the most productive pass rushers in the country. Bailey’s nine sacks are tied for the best in the country, leads the nation in quarterback hits (11), and is third in quarterback hurries (24).

At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Bailey projects as a designated pass rusher early on in his career. His bend off the line and closing speed make him an ideal threat off the edge. He can also drop into coverage if needed. He’ll need to improve his strength and hand usage to stick long-term as a run defender.

20. Denver Broncos: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Denver’s defense continues to terrorize opposing offenses so we’ll help them out on offense in this mock. Courtland Sutton turned 30 earlier this month and the team drafted Pat Bryant in the third round of the 2025 Draft as a potential succession plan on the outside.

In Tate, Denver gets another outside option. The Ohio State product will likely be the latest in a long line of Buckeye first-round wide receivers. His size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) and strong hands helped him lead the country in catches of 40 or more yards through six weeks. He’s an ideal possession receiver with the football IQ to exploit defenses.

21. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

After taking arguably the best prospect overall in the class, Cleveland takes the highest-ceiling quarterback in the class in Sellers. South Carolina’s quarterback is a terrifying threat for opposing defenses in the open field. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Sellers operates like a faster Jalen Hurts in a bigger frame.

His elite physical tools are reminiscent of Cam Newton but there’s a lot of work the passer still needs to do. He has a high floor thanks to his outlier athleticism but his development from the pocket needs work to reach his high ceiling. He’s thrown some bad interceptions and taken too many sacks.

22. Los Angeles Rams: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Delane is the exact kind of prospect Los Angeles will value more than other teams. The LSU cornerback won’t test well at the combine and that’ll take him off the board for many franchises. That’s too bad. There are few cornerback prospects in recent memory with his anticipation and football IQ.

Through six games, Delane’s been targeted 22 times, per PFF. He’s allowed six catches for 77 yards on those targets. When targeted, he’s allowing a 22.7 passer rating. Los Angeles could use more help on the back end to complement their strength in the trenches, and Delane fits the bill.

23. Detroit Lions: Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

Detroit’s dealt with injuries on defense once again this year and their pass rush has suffered the most from it. Despite Aidan Hutchinson playing at an All-Pro level, the team ranks 31st league-wide in ESPN’s pass rush win rate. At this point on the board, there aren’t many edge rushers who fit Detroit’s track record besides Dennis-Sutton.

The Penn State edge rusher measures in at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds with long arms and violent hands. He’s improved each season of college as a run defender and can set the edge at the NFL level. He needs to work on his pass rush plan at the next level but could be an ideal No. 2 edge rusher in Detroit.

24. Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Seattle’s secondary has been hit hard by injuries this season. Luckily, the team’s front seven is playing exceptional football in recent weeks so it’s not as noticeable.

Even when healthy, Seattle’s starters Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe are heading to free agency next offseason. They could use reinforcements at the position, and there’s better value here than at offensive line at this point of the round.

Terrell has NFL bloodlines – his brother is Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell – and has been a bright spot for an underwhelming Clemson team. He’s an endearing competitor with explosive athleticism to back it up on the field. At 5-foot-11, he may be off the board for some teams but would reward a team like Seattle willing to develop him.

25. New England Patriots: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

Quarterback Drake Maye has leveled up in year two in New England. The team invested in left tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft in the first round and they continue to do so with the enticing Brazzell.

The Volunteers wideout stands 6-foot-5 but plays the position like a small-ball center in basketball. He has the speed to stress defenses vertically and the size to make contested catches at a regular rate. He’s also a weapon underneath and in the intermediate areas of the field. A creative play-caller could get the most out of him. There are some concerns about his lean frame at 200 pounds but he has No. 1 receiver potential.

26. Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Outstanding coaching and scheme can only get the Chargers so far on defense. They need more star power, especially off the edge. The pass rush shouldn’t rely this much on Khalil Mack’s health.

Many teams will be out on Howell because of his size at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds. That smaller frame packs elite athleticism that Howell deploys smoothly throughout his rush. He has the first step and speed NFL teams like at the position but he can turn that speed to power against opposing blockers at will. His athleticism means he can drop into coverage as well if needed.

27. San Francisco 49ers: OT Xavier Chaplin, Auburn

It’s hard to determine which position to address in Round 1 for San Francisco due to the litany of injuries the team’s faced in 2025. Depth at six positions isn’t possible, so we’re going with what feels like a glaring need for the future.

San Francisco’s star left tackle, Trent Williams, turns 38 next summer. Right tackle Colton McKivitz is having his best season in the NFL but it would be good for the franchise to think long-term. Chaplin is almost on the level of Proctor as an athlete at 6-foot-7 and 335 pounds but has played inconsistently in 2025. He’ll need time to develop and there are few better tackles to learn from than Williams.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Banks entered the 2025 college football season as a potential first-round pick thanks to his fluid movement skills at 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds. He’s shown flashes as a dominant pass-rushing nose tackle and could be near-unstoppable when paired with Jalen Carter.

A foot injury may take Banks off the board for many teams or drop him out of the first round overall, depending on how he heals. If he’s healthy, this could end up as a steal for Philadelphia. He’d make for a good succession plan for Jordan Davis, who hits free agency in 2027.

29. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon

Dallas’ pass defense needs serious help. We addressed the secondary with their first pick of the first round with McCoy and move up front to the defensive line with their second pick of the round.

Uiagalelei is one of the longer edge rushers in the class at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds. He thrived alongside NFL talent in 2024 and demonstrated his high-floor early in 2025 with a bigger role. He’s raw as a pass rusher, but would be a good addition to the stable of pass rushers Dallas is building with Micah Parsons no longer on the roster.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Pittsburgh can’t rely on Aaron Rodgers to be the quarterback of the future. He turns 42 in December and, even in a bounce-back year with the Steelers, can’t be relied upon for years to come.

Nussmeier could be the answer late in the first round. The son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, the LSU quarterback has shown flashes with his arm talent, layering and processing abilities. But he’s made costly mistakes at times and can be overaggressive when pushing the ball. He can grow into an above-average NFL starter quickly with DK Metcalf and a solid offensive line in front of him.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Eventually, the Buccaneers have to find a successor for Lavonte David, right? The franchise cornerstone turns 36 years old in January and is still playing like one of the best in the league at the position.

Allen packs power in his athletic 6-foot-1, 235-pound frame, with the speed to be an ideal run defender at the NFL level. He has the tools to be an every-down linebacker but needs time to develop in coverage. In time, he could be a serviceable replacement for David long-term.

32. Indianapolis Colts: Edge LT Overton, Alabama

Indianapolis is riding high this week with one of the most prolific and efficient offenses in the NFL. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ll head to the defensive side of the ball for this year’s top investment.

Colts edge rushers Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam hit free agency next offseason. Laiatu Latu has developed well in his second year in the NFL, but the team could use another rusher alongside him for the future. At 6-foot-5 and close to 280 pounds, Overton can kick inside or stay at the edge for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. He’s surprisingly bendy given his size with violent hands and an ideal motor. His run defense abilities give him a very good floor to work with in the NFL.

The WNBA has experienced tremendous growth over the past two seasons, and the ratings for the 2025 Finals continued to bear that out.

The Las Vegas Aces’ sweep of the Phoenix Mercury averaged 1.5 million viewers across four games. It was just under the record-1.6 million from last year, which included a Game 5 between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx that drew 2.15 million viewers.

The full postseason was up 5% from last season, averaging 1.2 million viewers across games. It’s worth noting that is without Caitlin Clark, whose Fever made the postseason while she was sidelined with a right groin injury.

In the past decade, the ratings for the Finals had been as low as 390,000, when the Washington Mystics defeated the Connecticut Sun in 2019. The audience hovered in the 500,000 range for the championship series since 2015, according to Nielsen, before seeing significant growth the past two seasons.

The WNBA now enters perhaps the most significant offseason since its inception in 1997, with the CBA expiring on Oct. 31 and most every player a free agent.

The Carolina Panthers’ 2022 quarterback room is shaping up to be the roster equivalent of the Washington Commanders’ 2013 coaching personnel.

In 2013, Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris – all of whom are current NFL head coaches – were all members of head coach Mike Shanahan’s coaching staff.

This year, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold – both of whom were on Carolina’s roster three years ago – have played like two of the best gunslingers in football.

Mayfield has led the Buccaneers to a 5-1 record, which tops the NFL, amid an MVP-caliber season through six weeks. Darnold, meanwhile, is both PFF’s highest-graded quarterback (93.7) and most efficient quarterback by EPA/play (0.367).

They’re just two of the top five quarterbacks in the Week 7 edition of quarterback power rankings. The other three rounding out the group are two veterans whose positions won’t raise many eyebrows and a second-year rising star whose spot in the top five is more of a surprise.

Here’s how the NFL’s 32 starting quarterbacks rank through six weeks:

NFL quarterback power rankings: Week 7

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Last week: 3

Mahomes’ average depth of target in Week 6 was 5.1, the lowest mark this season by far, and he still threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Mahomes also continues to be the Chiefs’ lead rusher, with his 222 rushing yards ranking third among all quarterbacks.

2. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last week: 6

Through six weeks, Mayfield has led the Buccaneers to a 5-1 record that includes four game-winning drives and four fourth-quarter comebacks. Those marks – record included – all lead the league.

3. Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Last week: 5

Maye finished his day against the Saints with a 92.6 QBR that led all quarterbacks in Week 6 and a 92 PFF passing grade. The Patriots’ second-year quarterback also became the fourth quarterback in history to string together five straight games with more than 200 passing yards and a passer rating above 100 before turning 24.

4. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Last week: 7

Darnold leads all quarterbacks that have started all six games with a 10.1-yard average depth of target, per PFF.

5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Last week: 8

Herbert had 264 yards and two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6. He finished sixth among all quarterbacks in expected points added (EPA) for his performance in Week 6.

6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Last week: 1

Despite losing to the Chiefs, Goff still leads the NFL in completion rate (75.9%) and passing touchdowns (14) after a night with only six incompletions on 29 attempts and two more touchdown throws.

7. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Last week: 2

On Monday night, the Falcons blitzed Allen more than any team has since 2021 – a 56% clip according to Next Gen Stats. The result was a season-low 57.7% completion rate and a season-high two interceptions.

8. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Last week: 4

Stafford still leads the league with 1,684 passing yards this year, but he only managed to throw a season-low 181 yards in Week 6. And that was against a Ravens defense that had been vulnerable to passing attacks all year. Notably, lead receiver Puka Nacua missed some time with a foot injury before returning but only recorded two catches for 37 yards.

9. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

Last week: 12

On Sunday, Love completed two more ‘big time throws,’ which PFF defines as ‘a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window.’ He ranks fifth in the NFL in the category through six weeks with 11 of them so far, and he’s made at least two such throws in all but one game this season.

10. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Last week: 10

Jones leads the NFL with a 79.7 QBR through six weeks. His 212 passing yards against the Cardinals on Sunday extended his streak of 200-yard games to six straight to open the season.

11. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Last week: 9

Prescott ranks second in the NFL in QBR (79.2) this year and ranked second in the metric this week (90.2). He also ranks third in big-time throws, with 14 of them, per PFF, and leads all quarterbacks with 48.5 EPA through six weeks. Notably, Prescott also leads the NFL with 229 pass attempts and 164 completions.

12. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Last week: 15

Penix made two turnover-worthy plays against the Bills Monday night, per PFF, but he didn’t throw any interceptions in the Falcons’ upset of the Bills as Atlanta came out of its early bye. That snapped a two-game stretch of contests with an interception for the second-year quarterback.

13. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Last week: 13

No change for Williams, who also played a turnover-free game coming out of the Bears’ bye week despite also making two turnover-worthy plays. The Bears’ second-year quarterback has made at least one big-time throw in every game so far this year and is sixth in the league in big-time throw percentage (5.2%) when excluding backup quarterbacks.

14. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Last week: 11

Hurts and the Eagles lost a second straight game. The quarterback threw his first interception of the season in the red zone in the fourth quarter on Thursday night, all but sealing a win for the divisional rival Giants.

15. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Last week: 14

Daniels threw a season-high three touchdowns Monday night and extended his streak to four straight 200-yard games in the air. But his interception just outside the red zone on Washington’s first possession and his failed-handoff fumble on the Commanders’ last possession led to six total Bears points in a game Chicago won by one point.

16. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Last week: 16

Lawrence leads the NFL with 16 of his passes dropped by receivers through six weeks, including two more on Sunday. But he continues to look more comfortable in new head coach Liam Coen’s offense, throwing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Lawrence’s 97.1 passer rating in Week 6 was a season high.

17. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

Last week: 18

Despite a 1-5 record, Rattler is tied with the Bears’ Williams with nine big-time throws. He’s also 10th in the NFL among starters with his 78.2 PFF grade and 16th with a 60.2 QBR through six weeks. Rattler’s 72.1 QBR on Sunday ranked eighth in Week 6.

18. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Last week: 24

Dart followed up the worst performance in his short career with his best in an upset over the Eagles on Thursday. His 195 passing yards, 58 rushing yards and two total touchdowns carried him to a 90.0 QBR this week (third in the NFL) with 10.2 EPA (second among QBs). PFF graded his performance as a career-best 89.7.

19. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

Last week: 17

The 49ers had Jones drop back to pass 47 times on Sunday as their run game continues to struggle. He threw for 347 yards but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

20. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Last week: 19

Stroud and the Texans were on a bye this week. Houston’s quarterback got bumped down slightly thanks to Dart’s big day.

21. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week: 21

Rodgers’ outing against the Browns in Week 6 was his first this season without a turnover-worthy play, per PFF. It also included a season-high three big-time throws en route to a 23-9 Steelers win.

22. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Last week: 22

Nix has the second-lowest pressure-to-sack rate (10.3%) of any quarterback with at least 200 dropbacks, per PFF. His ability to avoid sacks contributed to the Broncos securing an ugly win over the Jets in London.

23. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Last week: 25

Young matched a season high with three touchdown passes against the Cowboys. He also led a game-winning field goal drive that included a crucial fourth-down conversion with a bullet pass to squeeze his throw between two defenders.

24. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

Last week: N/A

Brissett threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns while filling in for an injured Kyler Murray. His passing yards total and 65.4 QBR in the game were both higher than Murray’s season-high marks.

25. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Last week: 23

After two games without one, Tagovailoa threw three interceptions. One of them was not entirely his fault – receiver Jaylen Waddle bobbled one pass straight at a Chargers defender – but it was still a performance to forget. Through six weeks, his 11 turnover-worthy plays lead the league, per PFF, though he’s also sixth with 10 big-time throws.

26. Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings

Last week: 28

Wentz and the Vikings were on a bye in Week 6. He moves up the rankings after poor performances from quarterbacks previously ahead of him.

27. Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns

Last week: 30

Gabriel did not get much help from his receivers in a 23-9 loss to the Steelers. Browns pass-catchers tallied five drops on Sunday, per PFF, which made up nearly 15% of Gabriel’s pass attempts. The rookie quarterback also faced 25 defensive pressures in the Week 6 game.

28. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Last week: 26

Ward threw his fourth interception of the season and lost two fumbles on strip sacks against the Raiders on Sunday. His four lost fumbles are the most in the NFL through six weeks. The Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan after the Week 6 loss.

29. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 31

Smith is tied for Tagovailoa with their league-leading 11 turnover-worthy plays, per PFF, but he only has five big-time throws to Tagovailoa’s 10. The Raiders quarterback extended his league lead with a 10th interception on Sunday.

30. Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals

Last week: N/A

Flacco’s first start with the Bengals ended in a loss, but it also featured his highest QBR (68.5) and passer rating (90.9) in a game this season. His two touchdown passes were a season high, and the Week 6 outing against the Packers was Flacco’s first game this year without an interception.

31. Cooper Rush, Baltimore Ravens

Last week: 29

Rush’s performance filling in for the injured Lamar Jackson has been rough enough to earn third-string Tyler Huntley some snaps.

32. Justin Fields, New York Jets

Last week: 27

Fields threw for just 45 yards and lost 55 yards on the nine sacks he took in London on Sunday. That meant he finished the game with -10 net passing yards.

President Donald Trump says he has the authority to ‘take away’ 2026 World Cup soccer matches scheduled in Boston if he feels the city is unsafe.

Suggesting that parts of Boston had been ‘taken over’ by recent unrest, Trump criticized mayor Michelle Wu and said on Tuesday, Oct. 14, that Boston – which is set to stage seven matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough during next summer’s tournament – could have its games relocated with a phone call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

‘If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA who’s phenomenal – and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location,’ and they would do that,’ Trump said. ‘He wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.’

Trump’s remarks came during a White House appearance with Argentine President Javier Milei, days after Boston police reported multiple arrests tied to a late-night street gathering that turned violent. 

Boston was one of 11 U.S. cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada, selected three years ago to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Making changes to plans already in place just eight months before the tournament kicks off June 11 would create severe logistical hurdles.

‘We could take them away,’ Trump said. ‘I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.’

Wu’s office issued a statement that read: ‘Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.’

Trump also suggested that he would consider moving the 2028 Summer Olympics out of Los Angeles for similar reasons.

‘If I thought L.A. was not going to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location if I had to.’

Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari, who’s heading into his second season with the program, offered insight at SEC media day on Monday, Oct. 14 on how much longer he plans to coach.

The 66-year-old coach has been a head coach for nearly 40 years, dating back to his first head coaching gig at UMass from 1988-96. He made a surprising move before the 2024 season by leaving Kentucky — where he won a national championship and reached six Final Fours — after 15 seasons with the program.

‘I want to help 25 to 30 more families,’ Calipari said. ‘The only way you do that is to be transformational as a coach. If you’re not, you’re transactional. If I become transactional — ‘I’m going to pay you this to do this and that’ — then I won’t do this anymore. I don’t need to.’

Calipari mentioned a recent conversation with Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, who along with Calipari are two of the most respected coaches in college basketball. The two agreed that college basketball needs fixing, and that they need to stay in the sport before their children take over as head coaches.

Calipari’s son, Brad Calipari, is a second-year assistant at Arkansas under his dad. Kellen Sampson, who played for his dad at Oklahoma, has been an assistant at Houston since 2014.

‘Part of the reason I’m still doing this, my son’s in coaching,’ Calipari said. ‘Kelvin Sampson and I just talked. I said, ‘We got to fix some of this stuff before we’re out for our own children.”

Like many coaches across the landscape of college sports, Calipari said many of the sport’s problems stem from the transfer portal, specifically players having unlimited portal entries without losing eligibility. He also believes players should receive five years to complete four seasons of eligibility, which means keeping redshirts in order.

Two Vanderbilt football players and eight other former and current college athletes recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA asking for five seasons of eligibility rather than four seasons plus a redshirt.

‘If we get those two things in order, we’re on the path to being better,’ Calipari said.

Arkansas lost a pair of starters from last season to the transfer portal, as former five-star recruit Boogie Fland transferred to Florida, while center Zvonimir Ivisic transferred to Illinois to play alongside his brother, Tomislav Ivisic. Zvonimir Ivisic started his career at Kentucky and followed Calipari to Arkansas.

Calipari tied his argument back to his statement on being a transactional coach, worrying that players who jump around from program to program may fail to build genuine relationships with their teammates and coaches.

He said he has no issues with transfers, just the ones that move schools multiple times in a career.

‘I don’t mind kids transferring,’ Calipari said. ‘You just can’t transfer four times, because it’s not good for you. Four schools in four years, you’ll never have a college degree. But that last place you’ll be at, they’ll really be loyal to you? No, you’re a mercenary.’