The top four seeds in the Power 4 conferences will begin their March Madness road Friday

The ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and SEC’s top teams take the court in their respective conference tournaments after earning double byes. South Carolina (SEC), UCLA (Big Ten), Duke (ACC) and TCU (Big 12) each earned No. 1 seeds and double-byes in their respective conferences and have the easiest path to winning their postseason tournaments. All four teams won their conference tournament last season and are looking to repeat.

The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins on March 18 and the conference tournaments will go a long way in figuring who is in and who is out. Conference tournament winners get an automatic an bid. Every other team will have to sweat it out on Selection Sunday on March 15 to see if they received at-large bid.

Thursday saw a boatload of upsets, but none bigger than Maryland’s loss to Oregon and Michigan State’s to Illinois. Both teams had been projected to be in the top 16 seeds and host first- and second-round games. Being upset in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament leaves to door ajar for Kentucky, WVU and UNC to host instead.

USA TODAY Sports is following along with the Power Four conference tournaments. Follow along for live updates, highlights and results here:

Hit the Griddy

Kansas State celebrated becoming the first No. 12 seed to make it into the Big 12 Conference quarterfinals with a dance from coach Jeff Mittie.

No. 9 BYU vs. No. 1 TCU, 2:30 p.m. | ESPNU

BYU Cougars starting lineup

Head coach: Lee Cummard

2 Sydney Benally | G 5-9 – Freshman
11 Delaney Gibb | G 5-10 – Sophomore
13 Lara Rohkohl | F 6-3 – Senior
14 Kambree Barber | G 6-0 – Sophomore
24 Brinley Cannon | G/F 6-1 -Sophomore

TCU Horned Frogs starting lineup

Head coach: Mark Campbell

1 Taylor Bigby | G 6-1 – Senior
4 Donovyn Hunter | G 6-0 – Junior
5 Olivia Miles | G 5-10 – Senior
7 Marta Suarez | F 6-3 – Senior
17 Clara Silva | C 6-7 – Sophomore

No. 5 Oklahoma vs, No. 4 LSU, 2:30 p.m. ET | ESPN

LSU Tigers starting lineup

Head coach: Kim Mulkey

13 Kate Koval | C 6-5 Sophomore
11 ZaKiyah Johnson | G 6-0 Freshman
30 Jada Richard | G 5-7 Sophomore
12 Mikaylah Williams | G 6-0 Junior
4 Flau’jae Johnson | G 5-10 Senior

Oklahoma Sooners starting lineup

Head coach: Jennie Baranczyk

2 Aaliyah Chavez | G 5-10 Freshman
3 Zya Vann | G 5-9 Sophomore
6 Sahara Williams | F 5-11 Junior
12 Payton Verhulst | G 6-1 Senior
15 Raegan Beers | C 6-4 Senior

Halftime: Notre Dame 40, NC State 32

NC State had a much better second quarter, shooting 53.8% in the period. However, nine turnovers were the Wolfpack’s undoing. Khamil Pierre is trying her hardest to keep NC State Close in it with a double-double at the half (10 points, 11 rebounds) on 57% shooting, but she needs some more help. No other NC State player is in double figures.

For Notre Dame, it’s been a one-two punch with Hannah Hidalgo and Iyana Moore. The duo has 33 of Notre Dame’s 40 points. Friday’s matchup is Hidalgo’s 12th 15-point first half of the season. −Meghan L. Hall

Final: Kansas State 74, Oklahoma State 73

Kansas State pulled out another comeback upset win against Oklahoma State on Thursday to become the first No. 12 seed to advance to the semifinals in Big 12 Tournament history.

After going on a 21-0 run to upset Texas Tech on Thursday, the Wildcats used another lengthy run to take down No. 4 Oklahoma State. Kansas State took its first lead since the first quarter after Aniya Foy knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:12 remaining in the game, sparking at the Wildcats’ 9-0 run.

Oklahoma State senior Haleigh Timmer knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to two points with 46 seconds remaining, but then Kansas State freshman guard Jordan Speiser entered the chat. Speiser knocked down a 3-pointer to extend their lead to five with 15.7 remaining.

Chaos ensued. Timmer knocked down two free throws to cut the Cowgirls’ deficit to 73-70 with 14 seconds left. Kansas State then attempted to inbound the ball to Taryn Sides with 12 seconds remaining and a jump ball was called. The Cowgirls got the ball and Timmer knocked down a 3-pointer with five seconds left to tie it up.

As Kansas State was bringing up the ball, Oklahoma State junior Stailee Heard was called for a reach-in foul on Tess Heal. Heal knocked down a free throw to seal the win and intentionally missed the second so time could expire.

Speiser has ben a breakout star for the Wildcats at the Big 12 Tournament, recording a career-high 21 points off the bench, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 5-of-10 from the 3-point line. Speiser is 13-of 25 from the 3-point line through three games at the tournament.

“That was a lot of emotions in a very short period of time. We just stuck together. Never got too high or too low on ourselves,” Speiser said. “It’s a game. … We knew we would come up on the right side. … We’re trying to keep it going as long as we can.” — Cydney Henderson

No. 4 Minnesota vs No. 5 Ohio State, 2:15 p.m. ET | Big Ten Network

Minnesota starting lineup

Head coach: Dawn Plitzuweit

25 Grace Grocholski | F/G 5-10 Junior
52 Sophie Hart | C 6-5 Graduate
3 Amaya Battle | G 5-11 Senior
10 Mara Braun | G 6-0 Junior
14 Tori McKinney | G 6-1 Sophomore

Ohio State starting lineup

Head coach: Kevin McGuff

Jaloni Cambridge | G 5-7 Sophomore
Ava Watson | G 5-8 Sophomore
Chance Gray | G 5-9 Senior
Kennedy Cambridge | G 5-8 Junior
Elsa Lemmila | C 6-6 Sophomore

NC State’s Zoe Brooks beats buzzer

Zoe Brooks dashed to the basket to cut into Notre Dame’s lead just before the first quarter buzzer. The basket was much needed. NC State shot 33% after the first period. −Meghan L. Hall

Final: South Carolina 87, Kentucky 64

Joyce Edwards scored 21 points as the top-seeded Gamecocks defeated the Wildcats in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Friday in Greenville, South Carolina.

Edwards shot 8-of-12 from the floor and also grabbed four rebounds in the 11th consecutive win for South Carolina (30-2). It’s the fifth straight season the Gamecocks have won at least 30 games. The Gamecocks also got 15 points from Tessa Johnson, a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds from Madina Okot, and 11 points and six assists from Ta’Niya Latson.

Amelia Hassett led Kentucky (23-10) with 15 points. The loss for the Wildcats could prevent it from getting a top 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, granting it hosting rights in the opening weekend of March Madness. Kentucky will be watching closely at how North Carolina, West Virginia, Minnesota and Ohio State play in their respective conference tournaments.

Regardless of seeding, Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks remains optimistic in his team reaching their postseason goals.

“We’re going to be the best 5 or 6 seed in the history of 5 or 6 seeds,” Brooks said Thursday. “I think we’re going to be positioned very well as we head into the NCAA Tournament. … We’re going to be very, very confident.”

The Gamecocks never trailed after a 9-0 run in the first quarter. South Carolina shot 19-of-25 from the free throw line and scored 25 points off 19 Kentucky turnovers.

South Carolina will face the winner of No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 4 LSU at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN2. −Mitchell Northam

Final: UCLA 78, Washington 60

Washington kept it close for three quarters, but top-seeded UCLA used a 29-point fourth quarter to pull away in the final minutes.

The Bruins powered through a tough day beyond the arc, shooting 1-of-10 from 3-point range, with 54% shooting from the field. They dominated inside with 52 points in the paint and 35 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards for 12 second-chance points. Lauren Betts led UCLA with 26 points and eight rebounds.

Avery Howell paced Washington with 18 points.

UCLA will play the winner of No. 5 Ohio State/No. 4 Minnesota in the semifinals at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday. – Chloe Peterson

Notre Dame has early 10 point lead against NC State

It’s been all Notre Dame in the first minutes of the opening quarter.  At the 3:46 mark, The Fighting Irish lead 19-9 behind eight points apiece from Hannah Hidalgo and Iyana Moore. Notre Dame is also shooting 73% from the field. −Meghan L. Hall

Clemson makes last pitch to be in NCAA Tournament

Clemson head coach Shawn Poppie hopes the Tigers can make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over 20 years. After Clemson’s 60-46 loss to Duke, he made one last pitch to the selection committee.

‘We’ve won 21 games, 11 conference games, 12 if you count yesterday. We have zero bad losses on our resume. We’re as competitive as anybody,’ Poppie said.

‘So I think we can compete with anybody in the country. I think there’s no doubt when you give us now ― whatever this is going to be ― 10, 12 days of rest to get all the way healthy, we’ll be a team that is very, very hard to beat in the tournament.’ −Meghan L. Hall

Kim Mulkey fit check

As always, LSU coach Kim Mulkey reminds nothing goes together like basketball and sparkles. Her Tigers face Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m. ET at the SEC Tournament on Friday.

No. 5 Notre Dame vs. No. 4 NC State, 1:30 p.m. ET | ACC Network

NC State Wolfpack starting lineup

Head coach: Wes Moore

2 Qadence Samuels | G 6-0 – Junior
3 Zamareya Jones | G 5-7 – Sophomore
12 Khamil Pierre | F 6-2 – Junior
18 Tilda Trygger | F 6-6 – Sophomore
35 Zoe Brooks | G 5-10- Junior

Notre Dame Fighting Irish starting lineup

Head coach: Niele Ivey

3 Hannah Hidalgo | G 5-6 – Junior
2 Vanessa De Jesus | G 5-8 – Senior
23 Iyana Moore | G 5-8 – Senior
8 Cassandre Prosper | G 6-3 – Senior
5 Malaya Cowles | F 6-3- Senior

Final: Duke 60, Clemson 46

Duke’s 14-point win over Clemson was enough to push them into the ACC semifinals to play the winner of No. 4 NC State vs. No. 5 Notre Dame. The Blue Devils didn’t shoot as well in the second half (31% from the field) after building a 25-point lead in the third, but it was enough to move past the Tigers. Kara Lawson’s team forced 20 Clemson turnovers, scoring 14 points off the giveaways. 

The Blue Devils advance with three players in double figures, including Toby Fournier, who had a 17-point and 10-rebound double-double along with three blocks. Fournier’s last block tied her for 10th all-time in single-season blocks in Duke history.

For Clemson, team-leading scorer Mia Moore did most of the heavy lifting Friday, and there weren’t any other Tigers in double figures until just under four minutes remaining in regulation. Moore finished with 17 points and four rebounds. Taylor Johnson-Matthews added 12 points. As a team, Clemson shot 35% from the field. −Meghan L. Hall

Halftime: South Carolina 44, Kentucky 27

South Carolina has a comfortable 17-point lead over Kentucky heading into halftime.

The Gamecocks are shooting a staggering 47% from the field and 57% from the 3-point line, led by a game-high 12-point performance by Tessa Johnson. Johnson is 4-of-8 from the field and 2-of-3 from 3. Madina Okot has already recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, nearly half of South Carolina’s 21 total rebounds.

South Carolina’s defense has been just as active and turnovers are starting to pile up for Kentucky. The Wildcats have surrendered 10 turnovers that have led to 13 points for the Gamecocks.

Clara Stack and Amelia Hassett each have six points for Kentucky, which is shooting 41% from the field and 38% (3-of-8) from 3. −Cydney Henderson

Halftime: Oklahoma State 33, Kansas State 31

Oklahoma State has a two-point advantage over Kansas State following a back-and-forth first half in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal matchup in Kansas City.

Jadyn Wooten has been borderline unstoppable for Oklahoma State, scoring 14 of the Cowgirls’ 33 points while shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 2-of-2 from the 3-point line. Stailee Heard is closing in on a double-double with nine points and seven rebounds, while Amari Whiting added seven points and four rebounds.

The Cowgirls are controlling the boards early, outrebounding the Wildcats 20-13, including six offensive rebounds.

Taryn Sides leads Kansas State with eight points and two rebounds. Nastja Claessens has seven points and three rebounds. The Wildcats are hot from the 3-point line (6-of-15) so far, continuing a trend after setting a Big 12 Tournament record with 17 made 3-pointers in their first round win vs. Cincinnati. −Cydney Henderson

Halftime: UCLA 27, Washington 24

Top-seeded UCLA was in trouble in the first quarter, scoring six points in the first 10 minutes. The Bruins trailed by as many as 12 points but recovered from that slow start to score 21 in the second quarter, going on a 15-2 run over the final six minutes of the half at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis.

Neither team is shooting well from 3-point range so far; UCLA is 0-for-3 from range, while Washington is 2-for-12. The two teams also have 18 combined turnovers.

Big Ten Player of the Year Lauren Betts is leading UCLA with 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting. −Chloe Peterson

Oklahoma State goes on 13-0 run vs. Kansas State

Oklahoma State is settling in. After falling into a 17-11 deficit against Kansas State, the Cowgirls took control of the game and went on an 13-0 run to take a seven-point lead with 8:27 remaining in the second quarter, their largest of the game.  −Cydney Henderson

Duke’s lead is over 20, Ashlon Jackson scores

After Clemson came up empty of the first four possessions of the second half, Duke extended its lead with the help of two timely scores from Ashlon Jackson. Jackson helped extend Duke’s 22 point lead. −Meghan L. Hall

No. 12 Kansas State vs. No. 4 Oklahoma State, noon | ESPNU

Kansas State Wildcats starting lineup

Head coach: Jeff Mittie

3 Brandie Harrod | G 6-1 – Freshman
4 Nastja Claessens | F 6-1 – Junior
6 Gina Garcia | G 5-10 – Freshman
11 Taryn Sides  | G 5-7 – Junior
34 Tess Heal | G 5-10 – Senior

Oklahoma State Cowgirls starting lineup

Head coach: Jacie Hoyt

1 Amari Whiting| G 5-10 – Junior
3 Micah Gray | G 5-8 – Senior
11 Achol Akot | F 6-1 – Junior
13 Haleigh Timmer | G 5-11 – Senior
32 Stailee Heard | G 5-11 – Junior

No. 9 Washington vs. No. 1 UCLA, noon | Big Ten Network

UCLA Bruins starting lineup

Head coach: Cori Close

1 Kiki Rice | G 5-11 Senior
5 Charlisse Leger-Walker | G 5-10 Graduate
8 Gianna Kneepkens | G 6-0 Graduate
11 Gabriela Jaquez | G 6-0 Senior
51 Lauren Betts | C 6-7 Senior

Washington Huskies starting lineup

Head coach: Tina Langley

0 Sayvia Sellers | G 5-7 Junior
1 Hannah Stines | G 5-11 Senior
2 Avery Howell | G 6-0 Sophomore
24 Elle Ladine | G 5-11 Senior
21 Brynn McGaughy | F 6-3Freshman

Halftime: Duke 38, Clemson 19

Duke might have avenging its February 22 loss to Clemson on its mind. The Blue Devils are shooting 47% from the field and 56% from deep at halftime. Duke also has two players in double figures, including standout Toby Fournier. Fournier leads all scorers with 12 points. Surprisingly, 3-point specialist Ashlon Jackson has yet to score.

For Clemson, Duke’s length and size are giving the Tigers trouble. Clemson can’t get past the Blue Devils’ sweltering defense, forcing it to shoot just 36% from the field. The Tigers also have 11 turnovers. −Meghan L. Hall

Duke builds 17-point lead in second quarter

Duke’s clicking on all cylinders as they force Clemson into touch shots and turnovers with its length and size. What’s more, they’ve built their lead all without starter Ashlon Jackson scoring.

No. 9 Kentucky vs No. 1 South Carolina, 12 p.m. ET | ESPN

Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup

Head coach: Kenny Brooks

5 Tonie Morgan | G 5-9 Senior
8 Asia Boone | G 5-8 Junior
7 Teonni Key | F 6-5 Senior
32 Amelia Hassett | F 6-4 Senior
13 Clara Strack | F 6-5 Junior

South Carolina Gamecocks starting lineup

Head coach: Dawn Staley

25 Raven Johnson | G 5-9 Senior
00 Ta’Niya Latson | G 5-9 Senior
5 Tessa Johnson | G 6-0 Junior
8 Joyce Edwards | F 6-3 Sophomore
11 Madina Okot | C 6-6 Senior

Duke’s Toby Fournier shows off shooting skills

Duke’s Toby Fournier has the hot hand early from deep. Fournier had already sank two huge 3-pointers to help Duke go up 20-14 over Clemson.

No. 9 Clemson vs. No. 1 Duke 11:00 a.m. ET | ESPN2

Duke Blue Devils starting lineup

Head coach: Kara Lawson

4 Riley Nelson | G 6-2 – Sophomore
3 Ashlon Jackson | G 6-0 – Senior
12 Delaney Thomas | F 6-3 – Junior
22 Taina Mair | G 5-9- Senior
35 Toby Fournier | F 6-2 – Sophomore

Head coach: Shawn Poppie

10 Taylor Johnson-Matthews | G 5-9 – Senior
11 Rusne Augustinaite | G 6-0 – Junior
14 Rachel Rose | G 5-7 – Senior
25 Demeara Hinds | F 6-2- Senior
32 Raven Thompson | F 5-10 – Senior

ACC Tournament schedule, bracket, scores

March 4

First round

Game 1: No. 12 Miami 83 vs. No. 13 Stanford 76
Game 2: No. 10 Cal 75 vs. No. 15 Wake Forest 52
Game 3: No. 11 Georgia Tech 72 vs. No. 14 Florida State 60

March 5

Second round

Game 4 No. 9 Clemson 63 vs. No. 8 Virginia 50
Game 5: No. 5 Notre Dame 69 vs. No. 12 Miami 54
Game 6: No. 7 Syracuse 70 vs. No. 10 California 59
Game 7: No. 6 Virginia Tech 62 vs. No. 11 Georgia Tech 54

March 6

Quarterfinals

Game 8: No. 9 Clemson vs. No. 1 Duke (11:00 a.m.; ESPN2)
Game 9: No. 5 Notre Dame vs. No. 4 NC State (1:30 p.m.; ACCN)
Game 10: No. 7 Syracuse vs. No. 2 Louisville (5:00 p.m.; ESPN2)
Game 11: No. 6 Virginia Tech vs. No. 3 UNC (7:30 p.m.; ACCN)

March 7

Semifinals

Game 12: Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 8 (Noon ET; ESPN2)
Game 13: Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 10 (2:30 p.m. ET; ESPN2)

March 8

Championship: Winner Game 12 vs. Winner Game 13 (1:00 p.m. ET; ESPN)

SEC Tournament schedule, bracket, scores

Wednesday, March 4 – First round

#9 Kentucky 94, #16 Arkansas 64
#12 Florida 86, #13 Mississippi State 68
#15 Auburn 50, #10 Texas A&M 49
#11 Alabama 65, #14 Missouri 48

Thursday, March 5 – Second round

#9 Kentucky 76, #8 Georgia 61
#5 Oklahoma 82, #12 Florida 64
#7 Ole Miss 73, #15 Auburn 57
#11 Alabama 76, #6 Tennessee 64

Friday, March 6 – Quarterfinals

Game 9 | #9 Kentucky vs. #1 South Carolina | 12 p.m. ET | ESPN
Game 10 | # 5 Oklahoma vs. #4 LSU | 2:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
Game 11 | #7 Ole Miss vs. #2 Vanderbilt| 6 p.m. ET | SEC Network
Game 12 | #11 Alabama vs. #3 Texas | 8:30 p.m. ET | SEC Network

Saturday, March 7 – Semifinals

Game 13 | G9 winner vs. G10 winner | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2
Game 14 | G11 winner vs. G12 winner | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN2

Sunday, March 8 – Championship

Game 15 | G13 winner vs. G14 winner | 3 p.m. ET | ESPN

Big Ten Tournament schedule, bracket, scores

The 2026 Big Ten women’s basketball tournament unfolds over five days during March, with all games played in Indianapolis.

Here’s the daily schedule:

Wednesday, March 4 – First round

#13 Indiana 72, #12 Nebraska 69
#10 Illinois 82, #15 Wisconsin 70
#11 Oregon 71, #14 Purdue 65

Thursday, March 5 – Second round

#8 Washington 76, #9 USC 64
#5 Ohio State 83, #13 Indiana 59
#10 Illinois 71, #7 Michigan State 69
#11 Oregon 73, #6 Maryland 68

Friday, March 6 – Quarterfinals

Game 8 | #1 UCLA vs. #8 Washington | 12 p.m. ET | BTN
Game 9 | #4 Minnesota vs. #5 Ohio State | 25 minutes following Game 8 | BTN
Game 10 | #2 Iowa vs. #10 Illinois | 6:30 p.m. ET | BTN
Game 11 | #3 Michigan vs. #11 Oregon | 25 minutes following Game 10 | BTN

Saturday, March 7 – Semifinals

Game 12 | G8 winner vs. G9 winner | 2 p.m. ET | BTN
Game 13 | G10 winner vs. G11 winner | 4:30 p.m. ET | BTN

Sunday, March 8 – Championship

Game 14 | G12 winner vs. G13 winner | 2:15 p.m. ET | CBS

Big 12 Tournament schedule, bracket, scores

All times Eastern

March 4

First Round

Game 1: No. 12 Kansas State 91, No. 13 Cincinnati 66
Game 2:No. 9 BYU 76, No. 16 Houston 66
Game 3: No. 10 Arizona State 54, No. 15 Arizona 51
Game 4: No. 11 Kansas 56, No. 14 UCF 35

March 5

Second Round

Game 5: No. 12 Kansas State 58, No. 5 Texas Tech
Game 6: No. 9 BYU 70, No. 8 Utah 52
Game 7: No. 10 Arizona State 77, No. 7 Iowa State 68
Game 8: No. 6 Colorado 55, No. 11 Kansas 48

March 6

Quarterfinals

Game 9: No. 12 Kansas State vs. No. 4 Oklahoma State | noon (ESPNU)
Game 10: No. 9 BYU vs. No. 1 TCU | 2:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Game 11: No. 10 Arizona State vs. No. 2 West Virginia | 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Game 12: No. 6 Colorado vs. No. 3 Baylor | 9 p.m. (ESPN+)

March 7

Semifinals

Game 13: Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10 | 4:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Game 14: Winner of Game 11 vs. Winner of Game 12 | 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

March 8

Championship: Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 14 | 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

Taylor Decker will be back in the NFL in 2026 – just not with the Detroit Lions.

Ten days after first announcing he would play again next season, the former Pro Bowl left tackle announced on Instagram on Friday, March 6 that he had requested and would receive his release from the Lions, the team for which he has played for his entire career.

Decker indicated that talks in the last week-and-a-half around a contract restructure had broken down between the two sides. He was due $18.2 million this year, including a $1.5 million bonus if he was on the roster on March 15.

‘I am opting for a clean and amicable close to what has been such a beautiful 10 years going to war as a Lion,’ Decker wrote.

Decker, 32, started all 140 games he played for the franchise and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. After the season, he acknowledged he was considering retirement due to the significant pain he felt after a June shoulder surgery. Ultimately, however, he opted to play for another year.

Prior to Decker’s decision to return, Lions coach Dan Campbell said the organization would need to consider options beyond him for both the short- and long-term benefit of the team.

‘Look, if it’s not (Decker), then we’ve got to find a guy,’ Campbell said Feb. 24 at the NFL scouting combine. ‘But if it is, we’re still going to find a guy. Because as much as I love ‘Deck,’ he’s got some things that are going to need some management. That’s kind of where we’re at. One way or another, we’re going to need somebody that can play over there and that can help us if we need them in a crunch or we need them as a starter. That’s important.’

Decker’s exit is the latest significant shift for the Lions’ once formidable front. Starting center Graham Glasgow was released on Monday in a cap-saving move. Backup offensive tackle Dan Skipper also retired and joined Detroit’s staff as an offensive assistant. Now, All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is the only offensive line starter remaining from the 2024 group that earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

In his latest mock draft, USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis projected Detroit to pick Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the No. 17 overall pick.

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Long-time Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary appeared to announce in a March 6 Instagram post his time with the franchise had come to an end.

But just minutes after Gary’s heartfelt goodbye to Packers fans was posted, it was deleted.

The reason? Gary’s Instagram account was hacked, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky; and the Packers have not yet traded or released the seven-year veteran, as ‘both options remain on the table,’ according to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman.

The 28-year-old’s post had already been widely circulated before it was deleted. Several NFL insiders, including NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, posted screen shots of the veteran’s tribute across social media.

The message posted to Gary’s account started with an acknowledgement he would be leaving the team.

‘When I got the call in 2019, it was one of the greatest moments of my life, and it always will be,’ Gary wrote. ‘The opportunity to represent Green Bay and Packers Nation across the country and around the world is something I will never forget.’

‘Like all chapters in life, this one has come to an end,’ he added.

The post to Gary’s account did not specify in his post whether he would be traded or released. It simply showcased the first-round pick expressing gratitude to the fans that cheered for him across seven years in Green Bay.

‘I want to thank everyone who supported me and my family throughout the years,’ Gary wrote. ‘The love, the energy, and the memories mean more than words can explain.’

‘On to my next stop,’ Gary concluded. ‘Nowhere near done yet.’

It isn’t clear whether the post was crafted by Gary and his representation or if it was created by the alleged hacker.

Rashan Gary contract details

Gary is in the penultimate season of a four-year, $96 million contract extension he inked with the Packers during the 2023 NFL season. He is set to carry a cap hit of $28.1 million in 2026, per OverTheCap.com, while parting with him would net the Packers roughly $11 million in cap space.

Gary has been productive for the Packers – making the Pro Bowl in 2024 and posting at least six sacks in five consecutive seasons – but he has never logged double-digit sacks with the team.

If Green Bay does move on from Gary, it could be related to the disconnect between his pay and sack production. But for now, Gary remains under contract as a Packer through the 2027 NFL season.

In NFL free agency, spending sprees don’t quite elicit the same level of shaming they once did.

Every year, the pool of available talent thins out considerably in advance of the new league year, as extensions and franchise tags prevent elite players from hitting the open market in full. But that doesn’t prevent a handful of teams from using their war chest of available cap space. And with the salary cap continuing to swell annually – this year to $301.2 million – teams can move on from free-agency misses while still finding ways to absorb sizable dead-cap hits.

Still, whiffing on a big contact for an outside acquisition can be a painful setback for a general manager. And more than a handful of notable players this year come with a good degree of caution for any team considering signing them.

Here are eight free agents who could be among the riskiest players to sign on the open market this offseason, with their place on USA TODAY Sports’ top 100 free agent rankings in parentheses:

Rasheed Walker, OT, Green Bay Packers (9)

Any team looking to safeguard its quarterback with free-agent reinforcements is probably going to have to pay the offensive tackle tax. And they’re not going to like it.

At a position where demand always outpaces supply, top players seldom hit the market, and serviceable starters get elevated to priority status for those with room to spend. That setup has led to some of the more surprising – and regrettable – free-agent contracts in recent years, including Dan Moore Jr. (four years, $82 million from the Tennessee Titans) and Jaylon Moore (two years, $30 million from the Kansas City Chiefs) last offseason.

The latest blocker to benefit from this dynamic figures to be Walker. In his three years as a starter at left tackle, the 26-year-old established himself as an average-to-above-average pass protector who hasn’t moved the needle – or people – in the run game. But coming off a year in which he ranked 11th in pass-block win rate at 93.8%, he’s positioned himself as the premier offensive tackle on the market. And accompanying that should be a payday that will catch many by surprise.

Still, Walker has had his fair share of lapses, including surrendering six pressures and committing two penalties in a wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears. Those sort of setbacks were tolerable for a player on a rookie contract, but they’ll be hard to stomach for a team shelling out more than $20 million per year.

Nahshon Wright, CB, Chicago Bears (22)

Credit Wright for finding a way to make things click at the third stop in his career. Signed by the Bears last April as essentially an afterthought, the 6-4, 199-pound cover man tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions, fueling a defense that depended on generating turnovers. He also added three recoveries for a league-high total of eight takeaways while adding two forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed.

That ball production, however, belied his overall performance in coverage. Wright surrendered more yards (696) last season than all but five other cornerbacks. If opposing quarterbacks opt to be a bit more discerning in attacking a player with fairly pronounced strengths as well as weaknesses – Wright’s build makes it difficult for him to stick with shiftier receivers who can redirect suddenly – then much of his appeal will be wiped out. He still could find success in a scheme that allows him to use his length and timing to close in on throws from off coverage, but expecting him to reprise his breakout season seems likely to end in disappointment.

Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks (32)

Since arriving in the NFL, Woolen has been the embodiment of volatility in coverage.

He’s long been chasing the rookie form that allowed him to snag six interceptions and a Pro Bowl nod. And while there’s understandable appeal in trotting out a 6-4, 210-pound cornerback with elite straight-line speed, Woolen has too often been undone by his own lack of discipline. The issue came to a head in the NFC championship game this year, when he followed up a taunting penalty by allowing Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua to burn him for a 34-yard touchdown strike. The Seahawks stood by him, but a change in scenery might be best for all parties.

Woolen allowed the fewest yards per target (2.7) in man coverage of any player targeted at least 20 times this season, according to Next Gen Stats, so a shift from the Seahawks’ zone-heavy scheme would serve him well. Patience will be a necessity for whichever staff ends up with a player responsible for 30 penalties – and a host of other missteps – in the last four years. There’s considerable upside to be tapped into if Woolen can harness his playmaking streak, but it might not take much to send his next arrangement sideways.

Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29)

You might be noticing a theme by now: Cornerbacks tend to be shaky investments, particularly for any team buying high. And pursuing Dean will certainly entail paying for a player coming off several career highs.

The seven-year veteran allowed the second-lowest catch rate (43.1%) of any player with at least 50 targets last season, according to Next Gen Stats. He also posted personal bests with three interceptions and a 41.3 passer rating allowed when targeted.

But Dean, who will turn 30 in October, has been nagged by injuries in the past few years, missing at least three games in each of the last three campaigns. It also might prove difficult for him to recapture his 2025 form, let alone improve on it.

Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars (16)

It’s a good time to be on the hunt for an off-ball linebacker, with a robust set of options at the position both in free agency and the draft. That should create a buyer’s market, but Lloyd still could be poised to cash in.

The 2022 first-round pick finally put things together in a Pro Bowl campaign last year in which he recorded five interceptions. The 6-3, 235-pounder boasts the requisite athleticism to hold up in coverage and make plays as a blitzer. With a dearth of playmakers up for bidding, it’s easy to see why teams might gravitate toward him.

But it’s difficult to say with much certainty that Lloyd was a true catalyst rather than someone who benefited from an opportunistic scheme intent on creating havoc. Chasing traits here can be dangerous, and there’s no need to splurge for players who will only go so far in altering the bottom line for a defense. Lloyd isn’t Fred Warner – who is? – so teams should be wary of approaching the top of the market with a deal heavy on guarantees.

Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles (53)

Between his return from a torn patellar tendon suffered in the 2024 playoffs and a hamstring injury in December, Dean was limited to just eight starts last season. That alone might be enough to give some decision-makers pause in pursuing the talented 25-year-old. But the real concern here is one of fit.

Dean makes a true difference as a blitzer, having generated four sacks and 11 pressures last season on just 27 pass-rush reps, according to Next Gen Stats. But the 6-0, 235-pound remains an uneven coverage presence and can be wild when triggering downhill against the run. Those vulnerabilities could leave him susceptible to breakdowns if not utilized properly. His ideal fit might be with the Dallas Cowboys, whose new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, came over from Philadelphia this offseason.

Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks (10)

Teams will pay a premium for big plays, no matter what form they come in. Shaheed has carved out a distinct place for himself thanks to his ability to deliver on that dynamic. Though his direct contributions to the Seahawks were sporadic after his midseason arrival via trade, he still reeled off punt- and kick-return touchdowns to underscore his game-breaking ability.

Shaheed is a true force multiplier for an offense, as his mere presence as a field-stretching threat forces defenses to approach passing attacks differently. But any potential buyer shouldn’t view him as someone who will single-handedly overhaul the explosiveness of a unit. He had just 18 catches in 12 total games (including the postseason) with the Seahawks, and his 11.6 yards-per-catch average was the lowest of his career. In a so-so market for receivers, his payout could get inflated well past a point that’s proportional to his actual value.

K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB, New England Patriots (77)

Can he be the next Haason Reddick as a former first-round edge rusher who revives his career after a rough start? Chaisson inspired some hope last season as a scrap-heap signing by the Patriots, who were his third stop in six seasons. Beyond logging a career-high 7 ½ sacks, he nearly doubled his previous career high in pressures from 29 to 54, according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s not yet clear, however, if this is a genuine resurgence or an aberration. Teams might be inclined to bet on the former, but the 6-3, 246-pounder has a feast-or-famine style given that he can stall out when bigger blockers lock onto him. He also remains a liability against the run, so earning his keep with splash plays will be essential.

The group of teams on the bubble for the NCAA men’s tournament is considered weaker than in previous years.
Teams like UCLA, Santa Clara, Auburn, and New Mexico are projected as the ‘last four in’ despite having unimpressive records.
Indiana, Virginia Commonwealth, Cincinnati, and California are currently projected just outside the tournament field.

This year’s NCAA men’s tournament bubble leaves much to be desired.

While there are some name brands hovering around an at-large bid, few have compiled the résumé to break out the first-four-out range and into the bracket.

Take the latest USA TODAY Sports stab at bracketology, where teams such as Indiana, Virginia Commonwealth, Cincinnati and California are on the outside looking in despite an unimpressive group in our last four in: UCLA, Santa Clara, Auburn and New Mexico.

The Bruins earned their way back into the field thanks to an impressive home win against current No. 3 seed Nebraska. But UCLA is still a pedestrian 10-10 in games against Quad 1 and Quad 2 competition.

Santa Clara has just one Quad 1 win, against conference rival St. Mary’s, but is 7-1 against Quad 2 teams. New Mexico remains in the bracket despite dropping two of three but it’s hold is precarious. And nothing speaks better to this year’s flimsy bubble than Auburn earning an at-large spot at 16-14 overall, 2-7 on the road and 4-11 against in Quad 1 games.

But that’s still much better than, say, Indiana. The Hoosiers are a miserable 5-12 in Quad 1 and 2 games and lost at home to Northwestern late last month. They do have wins against UCLA, Purdue and Wisconsin, though.

One bubble team to watch is Cincinnati, which seemed to have its tournament hopes extinguished after losing at home to West Virginia on Feb. 5 to fall to 11-12 overall and 3-7 in the Big 12. The Bearcats have since rebounded to take seven of eight, including key wins against Central Florida, Kansas and Brigham Young.

March Madness bracketology: NCAA Tournament projection

March Madness last four in

SMU, Santa Clara, Auburn, New Mexico.

March Madness first four out

Indiana, Virginia Commonwealth, Cincinnati, California.

NCAA tournament bids conference breakdown

Multi-bid leagues: SEC (11), Big Ten (9), ACC (8), Big 12 (8), Big East (3), West Coast (3), Mountain West (2).

The official start of NFL free agency is just days away.

Teams are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Clubs can officially sign free agents once the NFL’s new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.

Currently, two defensive players are at the top of the free agent rankings. Quarterback Kyler Murray has also made his way onto the list after being informed of his release; he is set to become a free agent on March 11. Murray will join a group of free agent quarterbacks that includes Aaron Rodgers and Malik Willis.

All NFL teams have roster needs they must address. Where will the top free agents land? USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon ranks his top 32 free agents for this NFL offseason.

Editor’s note: This ranking is subject to change throughout the free agency period.

Tyler Dragon’s top 32 NFL free agents for 2026

1. LB Devin Lloyd (2025 team: Jaguars)

Lloyd garnered Defensive Player of the Year consideration in 2025. His five interceptions were tied for second in the NFL. Pro Football Focus gave him the second-highest grade (88.4) among qualified inside linebackers. Lloyd has produced at least 113 tackles in three of the last four seasons.

2. Edge Trey Hendrickson (2025 team: Bengals)

Hendrickson has been Cincinnati’s best defensive player for the past few seasons. He possesses strong technique and plays with a high motor. He was limited to seven games in 2025 due to injury, but he had 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons in 2023-2024. His 17.5 sacks in 2024 paced the NFL.

3. C Tyler Linderbaum (2025 team: Ravens)

Linderbaum is an anchor in the middle of the offensive line. He allowed only two sacks and 26 pressures last year with the Ravens. The three-time Pro Bowler was Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest-graded player among centers with at least 900 snaps last season. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said the team has already extended a “market-setting offer” to Linderbaum.

4. WR Mike Evans (2025 team: Bucs)

Evans’ streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons came to an end in 2025 after a concussion, hamstring injury and broken collarbone limited him to eight games. Were the injuries a sign of Father Time catching up? Evans will turn 33 in August. However, he’s still a legitimate X receiver when healthy.

5. RB Kenneth Walker III (2025 team: Seahawks)

Walker proved his value during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl 60 run. He gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. It will behoove the Seahawks to keep the Super Bowl 60 MVP, but he’ll have some suitors. Walker thrived in Seattle’s outside zone run scheme. 

6. QB Kyler Murray (2025 team: Cardinals)

Murray will officially be a free agent at the start of the league year. The dual-threat quarterback has struggled with consistency and playing within structure but the talent is there. Murray can still be a good starting quarterback if placed in the right situation, with the right pieces around him.

7. Edge Jaelan Phillips (2025 teams: Dolphins/Eagles)

The Eagles acquired Phillips at the 2025 trade deadline for a third-round pick. Phillips’ 44 pressures ranked fourth on the Eagles despite him only playing in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips likes playing in Philly, but star DT Jalen Carter is eligible for a lucrative extension. The top edge rushers in the open market typically receive massive paydays.

8. Edge Odafe Oweh (2025 teams: Ravens/Chargers)

Oweh’s productivity surged when he was traded to the Chargers. His 7.5 sacks ranked second on the team, and he registered three sacks in LA’s playoff loss to New England. His 81.6 pass rush grade was a Chargers team-high, per Pro Football Focus.

9. OT Rasheed Walker (2025 team: Packers)

Walker is the top-rated offensive tackle entering free agency after starting 48 games the past three seasons for Green Bay. He allowed five sacks and 40 pressures during the regular season and playoffs in 2025.

10. QB Aaron Rodgers (2025 team: Steelers)

There are rumblings that Rodgers could be back for a 22nd season. If Rodgers does return, it’ll likely be to reunite with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The four-time MVP isn’t the QB he once was, but he’s still a capable starter who helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs.

11. WR Alec Pierce (2025 team: Colts)

Pierce enjoyed career-highs in catches (47) and receiving yards (1,003) last season. The 6-foot-3 receiver is a good vertical threat. He averaged 21.3 yards per reception, the highest among qualified players.

12. QB Malik Willis (2025 team: Packers)

Willis is in line for a starting opportunity after successful spot duty with the Packers.  Willis had an underwhelming two years in Tennessee, but he deserves another chance to be a starting quarterback after his time as a backup in Green Bay. Teams are rumored to be interested in Willis as QB1.

13. OT Braden Smith (2025 team: Colts)

Smith gave up one sack and 26 pressures in 766 snaps at right tackle last year. He was placed on Injured Reserve in December due to a concussion and neck injuries. The right tackle will be 30 years old at the start of next season.

14. RB Travis Etienne Jr. (2025 team: Jaguars)

It’ll seem strange if Etienne isn’t in the backfield with his college and Jaguars teammate Trevor Lawrence. Etienne is a versatile running back who can catch passes. He’s topped 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four NFL seasons. He’s also tallied at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage in three of his four seasons.

15. WR Rashid Shaheed (2025 teams: Saints/Seahawks)

Shaheed ignited Seattle’s special teams as soon as he arrived. He was the only player in the NFL in 2025 with both kick and punt return touchdowns. Shaheed told USA TODAY Sports that he “absolutely” wants to re-sign with the Seahawks.

16. LB Quay Walker (2025 team: Packers)

Walker has led the Packers in tackles for four straight seasons. The inside linebacker has compiled more than 100 tackles in every year since Green Bay selected him in the first-round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

17. Edge Khalil Mack (2025 team: Chargers)

Mack is 35 and entering his 13th NFL season. His age is the only reason why he’s this low on this free agent list. The veteran is still a proven edge rusher and a stout run defender. He produced 5.5 sacks and 42 pressures for the Chargers last season.

18. WR Romeo Doubs (2025 team: Packers)

Doubs showed the potential to be a team’s No. 1 wide receiver. He led the Packers in receptions and receiving yards last season. The outside receiver has struggled with consistency during his time in Green Bay, but he could be paid like a No. 1 wideout this offseason.

19. TE Isaiah Likely (2025 team: Ravens)

Likely appeared poised to take the tight end mantle from Mark Andrews in Baltimore, but the Ravens re-signed Andrews to a three-year extension in December. Likely and Andrews have been an excellent combo for the Ravens, but another club could offer the top tight end in free agency more money and a chance to be the bona fide starter.

20. Edge Bradley Chubb (2025 team: Dolphins)

The Dolphins informed Chubb in February that they would be releasing him. Chubb led Miami in sacks in two of the last three seasons (2023, 2025). He suffered a torn ACL in 2024. He will turn 30 years old at the start of next season and has recorded 48 career sacks.

21. LB Nakobe Dean (2025 team: Eagles)

Dean started the 2025 season on the PUP list due to a knee injury he suffered during the 2024 postseason. He compiled a career-high 128 tackles in 2024. The 5-foot-11 inside linebacker might be a little undersized but he has a nose for the football.

22. WR Tyreek Hill (2025 team: Dolphins)

The NFL’s most explosive receiver over the last decade. Hill has legitimate track speed but was among Miami’s cap casualties as the Dolphins enter a rebuild. The speedy wide receiver is recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL that he suffered in Week 4 of the 2025 season and will likely miss a large chunk of the 2026 season. The injuries and Hill’s age will likely impact his vaunted speed.

23. OG Wyatt Teller (2025 team: Browns)

A top free agent guard. Teller allowed three sacks and 24 pressures in 765 snaps for the Browns last season. He started in 13 games in each of the past two seasons. The 31-year-old offensive lineman is a three-time Pro Bowler.

24. CB Riq Woolen (2025 team: Seahawks)

At 6-foot-4, Woolen has the length that teams covet at cornerback. Woolen occasionally has lapses in coverage that result in big plays, but he does possess the skills to be a starting outside cornerback.

25. LB Tremaine Edmunds (2025 team: Bears)

The Bears decided to release Edmunds ahead of the new league year, a person close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Edmunds compiled a team-high 112 tackles last year. He’s registered at least 100 tackles in each of his eight seasons. He’s a sure tackler at linebacker and will only be 28 years old at the start of next season.

26. CB Alontae Taylor (2025 team: Saints)

Taylor has the versatility to play in the slot or outside corner. He’s also an effective blitzer. His seven career sacks rank first in Saints history by a cornerback. He’s started 31 games the past two seasons.

27. CB Jaylen Watson (2025 team: Chiefs)

Watson’s role steadily increased in Kansas City. He started a career-high 15 games last season. He was the Chiefs’ second-best cornerback in 2025, leading the team with two interceptions.

28. S Jaquan Brisker (2025 team: Bears)

Brisker displayed his versatility, lining up in the box and at free safety for Chicago. He tallied one interception and eight pass deflections for a Bears defense that led the NFL in takeaways last year. He has produced at least 93 tackles in three of his four seasons.

29. WR Jauan Jennings (2025 team: 49ers)

Jennings provided steady production at wide receiver for the injury-riddled 49ers. He led all San Francisco wideouts in catches (55) and receiving yards (643). His nine touchdown receptions were a team and career-high.

30. S Coby Bryant (2025 team: Seahawks)

A key member of Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense. Bryant tallied four interceptions, which was tied for second on the team. The free safety started in 15 games this season. He allowed a 59% completion percentage when targeted.

31. C Connor McGovern (2025 team: Bills)

McGovern has position versatility along the offensive line. He started as a guard in Buffalo in 2023, switched to center and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Pro Football Focus gave McGovern a 73.4 pass blocking grade in 2025, which ranked sixth among centers.

32. Edge K’Lavon Chaisson (2025 team: Patriots)

K’Lavon Chaisson led New England with 74 pressures and his 7.5 sacks were second on the squad. The athletic edge rusher is a former first-round pick and has upside at 26 years old.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.