Daniel Mader

Where is Malcolm Butler now? The story of Patriots Super Bowl 49 hero turned Texas football coach | Sporting News One Super Bowl play made Malcolm Butler a household name. Now, he's giving back to football.

Football took Malcolm Butler from undrafted DII corner to Super Bowl hero, All-Pro and 6-year NFL starter.

Now, he's "giving back to the universe," including coaching high school ball in Houston.

On Butler's journey since Super Bowl 49:

Thunder projected lineup with Jared McCain: How newest OKC guard fits with SGA, Jalen Williams | Sporting News The Thunder have added a talented young guard to their rotation at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Questionable trade on the Sixers' end outside of the financial benefits, but Jared McCain in OKC is textbook "rich get richer."

Not much pressure for him to perform now in a deep rotation, but long-term, an elite shooter around SGA and Jalen Williams:
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How Patriots built Super Bowl 60 roster, from Stefon Diggs signing to Mike Vrabel hire | Sporting News New England's turnaround was no accident after a busy 2025 offseason.

Two years ago, the Patriots had no direction at quarterback in the NFL's cellar. One year ago, they were a 4-13 team that had some more optimism, but primarily held long-term upside.

How New England built a Super Bowl contender in the 2025 offseason:

Jarrett Stidham vs. Nick Foles: How Broncos backup QB situation compares to 2017 Eagles Super Bowl run | Sporting News Denver is hoping that Stidham can become the second quarterback in a decade to step in as a backup, then win a Super Bowl.

The Broncos' Jarrett Stidham situation has, naturally, earned some comparisons to the 2017 Eagles with Nick Foles.

Regardless of result, I'd argue Stidham faces a much tougher path -- and that the two scenarios are drastically different:

Undefeated teams in college football history: Here's a list of every perfect national champion all time | Sporting News It's extremely difficult to win every game in a season, but these teams have done it.

Indiana, of all teams, can join one of college football's most exclusive clubs tonight: Unbeaten champions.

The Hoosiers can join 2023 Michigan, 2022 Georgia, 2020 Alabama, 2019 LSU and 2018 Clemson as teams to run the table in the CFP era ⬇️

From Puerto Rico to Los Angeles, how Butch Lee became the NBA's first Hispanic player and a basketball pioneer | Sporting News Basketball took Butch Lee to Rucker Park, Marquette, the Olympics and more. Along the way, he quietly became a trailblazer for Hispanic players.

A near-upset of Team USA. Titles at four levels. Top 10 draft pick.

Butch Lee's distinguishing feat? Becoming "El Primero," the NBA's first Hispanic player and a Puerto Rican pioneer.

“If you know the history, you know who Butch Lee is.”

James Franklin record vs. top 10 teams: How Penn State coach has struggled against ranked opponents | Sporting News The Nittany Lions' head coach has a history of big-game struggles that has haunted him over the years.

With Penn State's double-OT loss yesterday, the Nittany Lions' struggles in big games continued. The narratives surrounding James Franklin won't be going away any time soon.

I broke down his career record against top-10 ranked teams:

AL Central standings, explained: Updated Tigers, Guardians playoff chances and tiebreakers for 2025 MLB bracket | Sporting News The AL Central is coming down to the wire. How can Detroit or Cleveland clinch the division?

It was unfathomable just weeks ago, but the Guardians have a real shot to win the AL Central. Cleveland's series against the Tigers will virtually decide the division winner.

What are each team's chances, and what's Detroit's magic number?

Justin Herbert has thrown 5 touchdown passes with no turnovers, 63 rushing yards and a completion percentage over 70% through two Chargers wins.

It's (very) early -- but could he enter the upper echelon of quarterbacks this season by winning MVP?

Micah Parsons trade grades: Packers acquire All-Pro defender in his prime, Cowboys eye future with multiple first-rounders | Sporting News How did each team do in the blockbuster deal involving star pass rusher Micah Parsons?

Thursday’s Micah Parsons deal will be one of the most consequential moves ever made by the Cowboys and Packers.

While Green Bay eyes Super Bowl contention, Dallas eyes the future, acquiring multiple first-round picks.

How did each team do in the blockbuster trade?

Kyle Schwarber 4-HR game: Phillies star becomes 21st player in MLB history with four home runs in single game vs. Braves | Sporting News The Phillies star was locked in on another level Thursday night, mashing four homers against Atlanta.

Kyle Schwarber's four-HR game was the fourth in Phillies history, the 21st in MLB history and the third of 2025 alone.

A breakdown of his night against the Braves, including the shot he had at the first-ever 5-homer performance:

Why did Julian Sayin transfer from Alabama to Ohio State? Explaining the QB's 2024 decision to leave Tide | Sporting News The Buckeyes' new starting quarterback was once a prospect with the Crimson Tide.

On Saturday, Julian Sayin steps into the spotlight for the defending national champions. But originally, he was tracking to become a star much further south, in Tuscaloosa.

Looking back on Sayin's quick transfer out of Alabama ahead of his starting debut:

Two nights, two Sixers draft breakdowns.

Daryl Morey and company selected Johni Broome in Round 2 tonight -- the former Auburn star is set to bring inside scoring, rebounding and size to Philadelphia.

On Broome's fit in Philly:

76ers roster projection with V.J. Edgecombe: How No. 3 overall pick fits with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey | Sporting News Philadelphia has added a lengthy, athletic guard with its 2025 first-round pick. Here's how Edgecombe fits with the 76ers.

In V.J. Edgecombe, the Sixers will be adding an athletic, defensive-minded guard to their rotation, something they've lacked in recent seasons.

On Edgecombe's fit in Philly:

Best MLB players from LSU ranked, from Paul Skenes and Alex Bregman to DJ LeMahieu | Sporting News The Tigers have a rich history of future MLB stars, from pitching aces to World Series champions.

For the 10th time in the past 25 years, LSU is in the College World Series.

The Tigers have seen plenty of future MLB stars come through Baton Rouge — I ranked the best LSU players that went on to the pros, from Paul Skenes to Alex Bregman:

Kevin Durant landing spots: Rockets, Timberwolves among 7 best trade fits for Suns superstar | Sporting News Durant is widely expected to be on the move this summer. Here are the seven teams he would fit best with via trade for the 2025-26 season.

The NBA’s worst-kept secret this summer: Kevin Durant will be on the move.

But which team is the best fit for the future Hall of Famer?

I ranked the top seven candidates to win the KD sweepstakes, including the Knicks, Spurs and Rockets ⬇️

Aaron Rodgers contract details: Steelers saga finally ends with veteran QB agreeing to one-year deal | Sporting News After coming into the offseason without a starting QB set in place, Pittsburgh chose to sign the former Packer and Jet. Here's why.

Aaron Rodgers is (finally) heading to Pittsburgh in what will likely be the final chapter of his career.

On the fit between the legendary QB and the Steelers, his career numbers and more⬇️

Every NBA Finals MVP in history: Complete list of Bill Russell Award winners, from Kobe Bryant to Jerry West | Sporting News Just one player from each NBA Finals goes down in the record books as the MVP. Here's the full list of Bill Russell Award winners.

Only one player has won NBA Finals MVP while losing the series. Only one rookie has ever claimed it.

I looked back at every Finals MVP, from MJ's dominance to Jaylen Brown last year

NFL Draft sleepers: The best FCS, HBCU & small-school players you should know in 2025 | Sporting News Every year, there are small-school players who fall down draft boards but wind up excelling in the NFL. Here are some potential sleepers for the 2025 NFL Draft.

There are plenty of stars from Power 4 programs that will hear their names called at this week’s NFL Draft.

But what about the FCS and Division II stars?

Here are 10 sleeper draft prospects from smaller schools ⬇️

How Penn State Hockey’s Run From ‘Rock Bottom’ to Frozen Four Could Fuel Its Future Nittany Lions coach Guy Gadowsky wants to turn Penn State's first Frozen Four into a recruiting pitch for the program.

“[Recruits were] like, ‘Man, like, Penn State is an awesome university. … I just don't want to lose for four years.”

Tonight, Penn State men’s hockey embarks on its first Frozen Four.

The bright lights could have lasting effects on Guy Gadowsky’s program

Penn State Is Auditioning for Tyler Warren's 104 Receptions This Spring The Nittany Lions made Warren the centerpiece of their passing game last season. 'Those catches have to go somewhere,' James Franklin said.

Tyler Warren’s 104 receptions in 2024 set a Penn State single-season record. All 104 of those are up for grabs in 2025.

With a young tight end room and new group of wide receivers, James Franklin is in the early stages of finding his next go-to targets

Have all four 1 seeds ever made the Final Four? The history behind men's NCAA bracket in 2025 | Sporting News March Madness' four No. 1 seeds have avoided upsets over the first three rounds. Could they make history by becoming the 2025 Final Four squads?

Should Auburn prevail over Michigan State, all four No. 1 seeds in the men’s NCAA Tournament would advance to the Final Four — which has only happened once before.

How the madness has been absent this March ⬇️

What to Expect From Penn State's Linebackers Under Jim Knowles The Nittany Lions are relatively inexperienced at linebacker, which coach James Franklin said could lead to a defensive shift.

Penn State has a lot of talent in its 2025 linebacker room, from Tony Rojas to Lavar Arrington II. But a significant portion of the room is inexperienced.

Why the Nittany Lions are planning on using a 4-2-5 base defense in Year 1 under Jim Knowles:

Penn State Football Begins Spring Practice With an Intriguing Transfer Class The Nittany Lions signed six players from the transfer portal, including one who returned after spending a year at Alabama.

Penn State’s group of six winter transfers have now had a few months to get acclimated to the program.

Muscle mass and body composition have been the focuses for new Nittany Lions — with “powerful” WR Devonte Ross specifically impressing coaches ⬇️

Penn State Football: Where Drew Allar Trained His Focus This Winter Penn State's strength coach details his offseason plan for the Nittany Lions' starting quarterback.

Drew Allar showcased some improved footwork and mobility in Year 2 as Penn State's starter. So what's his offseason focus now, ahead of a highly anticipated senior season? More of the same.

"I still think we’ve got some more developing to go with it."

Penn State Football: What to Watch When the Nittany Lions Begin Spring Practice College football has high expectations for Penn State in 2025. The Nittany Lions begin addressing those this spring.

The upcoming weeks will be Penn State's first stepping stones toward its 2025 national championship aspirations.

Ironing out the wide receiver room & assessing the new recruiting class are among the spring priorities for the Nittany Lions ⬇️

Most overpaid players of NFL free agency: Sam Darnold, Chase Young lead list of risky contracts in 2025 | Sporting News As NFL teams spend millions of dollars in free agency, here are some deals they might wind up regretting.

Every year, there are a number of NFL free agent contracts dished out that wind up hurting teams later.

I took a look at some of the deals made so far that could fall under the “overpaid” umbrella:

Chris Godwin back to Bucs 3 years 66M chance to make 24 deal done by tory dandy. 44M guaranteed at signing.

When is the NHL trade deadline? Date, end time, top targets and more to know in 2025 | Sporting News As the NHL trade deadline approaches, some notable faces could be on the move. Here's what to know.

The NHL deadline is looming, with rumors surrounding significant pieces and upcoming free agents that could help out title contenders.

Here's everything to know about the deadline, including 10 players that could be dealt in the coming days:

After Tyler Warren, Tight End Luke Reynolds Looks to Raise His Profile at Penn State Tight end Luke Reynolds made an impact in Penn State's offense as a true freshman and might have delivered the Nittany Lions' play of the season.

Tyler Warren is off to the NFL after a Heisman-level 2024 season.

He leaves a void in Penn State's tight end room -- but it's one that a young group led by Luke Reynolds is ready to step into.

"We’ve got big shoes to fill."