North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick says transitioning to college football has been a consta...

<p>North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick says transitioning to college football has been a constant learning experience for him.</p><p>"I learn every day, and I've learned so much being back in the college environment, whether it be recruiting, the college game, the rules, the hashmarks, some strategy, and just putting a team together. I've learned a lot," Belichick said Friday during an appearance on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6UOjoTVLZA">Good Morning America</a>" to promote his new book, "The Art of Winning."</p><p>Belichick's relationship with 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson has attracted much scrutiny, but the 73-year-old coach reiterated Friday - echoing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3285380" href="https://thescore.com/news/3285380">comments</a> made earlier this week - that she "doesn't have anything to do with football."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"She's been terrific through the whole process, and she's been very helpful to me," Belichick said. "She does the business things that don't relate to North Carolina that come up in my life, so I can concentrate on football, and that's really what I want to do."</p><p>Belichick declined to get into further details, saying he didn't want to discuss personal relationships but confirmed that he's happy.</p><p>North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham praised Belichick earlier this week following a report refuted by the school that it had banned Hudson from its facilities, calling him "an incredibly focused person."</p><p>Belichick, who won six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and racked up 333 NFL victories, took the Tar Heels coaching job in December.</p>

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 12: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels coaches at Kenan Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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Belichick: 'I've learned so much' being back in college football

A representative for former New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr spoke with at least two tea...

<p>A representative for former New Orleans Saints quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/22061" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/22061">Derek Carr</a> spoke with at least two teams in need of a passer to gauge their interest prior to free agency, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45126722/new-orleans-saints-derek-carr-retirement-injury-questions-contract">ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Katherine Terrell</a>.</p><p>Though one league source deemed the contact as indirect, a Saints source said no permission was given in writing to Carr to speak to other teams, according to Fowler and Terrell. Another Saints source said the team was aware of Carr reaching out to other clubs but didn't consider it a major issue, partly due to the belief that his longevity had earned him the right to evaluate his future, per Fowler and Terrell.</p><p>The discussions with other teams reportedly never became serious.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Carr <a href="http://Derek%20Carr%20retires%20due%20to%20shoulder%20injury">announced</a> his retirement last week after medical scans revealed he was dealing with a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. The 34-year-old and the franchise were weighing their options, including the possibility that Carr could miss the entire 2025 season, before the quarterback decided to retire.</p><p>Carr's shoulder issue was reported in April, though there was a lack of clarity about the specifics of the injury until his retirement. The quarterback experienced pain in his right shoulder in late March while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season, according to the team's statement on his retirement.</p><p>Some within the Saints told Fowler and Terrell they learned about the injury in late March, but one New Orleans coaching source reportedly said he learned about the issue when the initial report from April surfaced.</p><p>Carr's final season with the Saints was plagued by injuries, including an oblique ailment and a fractured left hand that ended his season. He missed seven games overall.</p><p>The Saints drafted <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210047">Tyler Shough</a> in the second round last month due to the lack of clarity surrounding Carr. Shough will compete with <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199980">Spencer Rattler</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188302">Jake Haener</a> for the starting quarterback job.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 1: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints plays against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of a game at the Caesars Superdome on December 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Report: Carr gauged interest from other teams during offseason

Welcome to the first edition of our Formula 1 driver rankings for the 2025 season. Here's how eac...

<p><em>Welcome to the first edition of our Formula 1 driver rankings for the 2025 season. Here's how each driver stacks up after a quarter of the season. Retirements not counted for worst finish.</em></p><h3>1. Oscar Piastri, McLaren</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785108/cropped_GettyImages-2212932055.jpg?ts=1746970099" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785108/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212932055.jpg?ts=1746970099 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785108/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212932055.jpg?ts=1746970099 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785108/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212932055.jpg?ts=1746970099 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785108/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212932055.jpg?ts=1746970099 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785108/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212932055.jpg?ts=1746970099 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Podiums</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>131</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 1st</td>
<td> 9th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Piastri didn't just step up, he's grown by leaps and bounds. The 24-year-old finds himself leading the championship after taking four wins and five podiums from the first six races.</p><h3>2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Podiums</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>99</td>
<td> 3</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 1st</td>
<td> 6th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The reigning world champion is dragging his Red Bull into title contention. While the car hasn't been able to keep up on race day, Verstappen's staked his worth in qualifying, with his three poles besting both McLaren drivers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>3. George Russell, Mercedes</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Podiums</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>93</td>
<td> 4</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 2nd</td>
<td> 5th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Russell's start to 2025 has been largely impeccable. He has qualified and finished in the top five in every competitive session, has more podiums than all non-McLaren drivers, and sits just six points behind Verstappen.</p><h3>4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Podiums</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 3</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 3rd</td>
<td> 8th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ferrari has been a disappointment, but Leclerc has barely left any meat on the bone. When the team isn't costing him points with disqualifications, the eight-time race winner makes the most of a dire situation.</p><h3>5. Lando Norris, McLaren</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785109/cropped_GettyImages-2212870383.jpg?ts=1746970150" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785109/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212870383.jpg?ts=1746970150 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785109/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212870383.jpg?ts=1746970150 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785109/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212870383.jpg?ts=1746970150 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785109/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212870383.jpg?ts=1746970150 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785109/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212870383.jpg?ts=1746970150 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Podiums</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>115</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 1st</td>
<td> 4th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This probably isn't how Norris thought his season would go. He's been overmatched by his teammate as he struggles to adapt to his new car. The good news? Even with his troubles, he's only 16 points back of Piastri.</p><h3>6. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 5th</td>
<td> 10th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Can we time travel back to January in Maranello when Hamilton and Ferrari had F1 in the palm of their hands? Although he sprinkled in an incredible sprint win, Hamilton hasn't looked as revitalized as some may have hoped, and Ferrari's SF-25 has been a dud.</p><h3>7. Alex Albon, Williams</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 5th</td>
<td> 12th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Williams is off to its best start in years, and Albon is due a ton of credit for that. He's finished in the points in five of six races and is closer to Hamilton in the standings than the drivers behind him.</p><h3>8. Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>48</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 4th</td>
<td> 11th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>There have been some growing pains, but Antonelli has done exactly what Mercedes desired: prove there is generational potential in this 18-year-old rookie.</p><h3>9. Carlos Sainz, Williams</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td> 8th</td>
<td> 14th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It took Sainz a bit to find comfort inside his new Williams, but he seems to have turned a corner with two straight points finishes and three consecutive Q3 appearances.</p><h3>10. Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785110/cropped_GettyImages-2210515733.jpg?ts=1746970254" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785110/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210515733.jpg?ts=1746970254 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785110/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210515733.jpg?ts=1746970254 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785110/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210515733.jpg?ts=1746970254 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785110/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210515733.jpg?ts=1746970254 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785110/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210515733.jpg?ts=1746970254 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 8th</td>
<td> 13th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hadjar's raw pace has almost completely erased the memory of his formation lap crash in Australia. He's been perhaps the most unexpected rookie bright spot this season.</p><h3>11. Esteban Ocon, Haas</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 5th</td>
<td> 18th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Arguably no driver has looked better in a new environment than Ocon, who sits ninth in the drivers' standings. </p><h3>12. Pierre Gasly, Alpine</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td>7th</td>
<td> 13th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gasly has steered the ship during another inconsistent year from Alpine. His terrific weekend in Bahrain was another example of the French driver developing into one of the most underrated pilots on the grid.</p><h3>13. Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 9th</td>
<td> 16th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Tsunoda's momentum took a hit after his move to Red Bull curbed his hot start at Racing Bulls. He slowly seems to be finding his footing again.</p><h3>14. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 11th</td>
<td> 15th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Alonso's had a few uncharacteristic slipups, which might be a sign of age finally catching up to him. However, he could also be pushing an Aston Martin car that simply has no pace to give.</p><h3>15. Oliver Bearman, Haas</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785111/cropped_GettyImages-2213399443.jpg?ts=1746970306" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785111/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213399443.jpg?ts=1746970306 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785111/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213399443.jpg?ts=1746970306 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785111/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213399443.jpg?ts=1746970306 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785111/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213399443.jpg?ts=1746970306 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785111/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213399443.jpg?ts=1746970306 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Clive Rose / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
<td> 8th</td>
<td> 14th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's been a mix of highs and lows from Bearman. He's finished in the points in half of the races this season, but he's also qualified 20th in half of the races.</p><h3>16. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 7th</td>
<td> 16th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's been a largely invisible season for the Sauber drivers, but Hulkenberg still seems to have a slight edge over his rookie teammate.</p><h3>17. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 6th</td>
<td> 20th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>While Stroll's been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism over the years - most of it warranted - he's single-handedly carrying Aston Martin in the standings.</p><h3>18. Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 14th</td>
<td> 19th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bortoleto had the best showing of his rookie year in Miami by qualifying 13th. Maybe that'll serve as a turning point after an uneventful beginning to his F1 career.</p><h3>19. Jack Doohan, Alpine</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 13th</td>
<td> 17th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Doohan's start to 2025 was unremarkable, and Alpine elected to drop him after six races as a result. While harsh, it's tough to argue against seeking out other options.</p><h3>20. Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785112/cropped_GettyImages-2211174227.jpg?ts=1746970372" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785112/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211174227.jpg?ts=1746970372 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785112/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211174227.jpg?ts=1746970372 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785112/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211174227.jpg?ts=1746970372 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785112/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211174227.jpg?ts=1746970372 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785112/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211174227.jpg?ts=1746970372 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Top 5</th>
<th>Top 10</th>
<th>Best Finish</th>
<th>Worst Finish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 12th</td>
<td> 17th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>While Alpine ended the Doohan experiment after six races, it took Red Bull only two races to pull the plug on Lawson. The Kiwi driver has struggled to consistently outpace his rookie teammate, Hadjar, since the move.</p>

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F1 Power Rankings: How drivers stack up early in season

Caleb Williams and his family tried finding ways to avoid being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2...

<p>Caleb Williams and his family tried finding ways to avoid being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2024 due to concerns about the franchise, according to the book "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback" by <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45161794/caleb-williams-sought-way-going-chicago-bears">ESPN's Seth Wickersham</a>.</p><p>Williams' father, Carl, was worried his son wouldn't be in an optimal environment for support due to the Bears' track record, the state of the offense under former head coach Matt Eberflus, and the uncertainty surrounding the Bears' stadium. Carl also told Wickersham prior to the 2024 NFL Draft that "Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die" and told multiple agents he didn't want his son playing for the Bears.</p><p>The quarterback's father also met with labor lawyers and agents to see if there was a way around the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. He pondered whether Williams could sign with the United Football League and move to the NFL in 2025 as a free agent so he could sign anywhere. Carl also spoke with Archie Manning, the father of Eli, who famously refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers before the 2004 draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams apparently told confidants that he was unsure whether he could work with former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, even telling his father he needed to play for the Vikings after meeting with head coach Kevin O'Connell at the NFL combine.</p><p>However, Bears general manager Ryan Poles was adamant the franchise would select Williams "no matter what." Despite considerations about publicly bashing the club and Chicago to force the team's hand, Williams changed his tune after a positive pre-draft visit to the team's facility. He told Wickersham he "wasn't ready to nuke the city."</p><p>Williams had a turbulent rookie season after being picked first overall by the Bears. He completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions but was sacked a league-high 68 times. Chicago struggled to a 5-12 record and fired Eberflus after 12 games, marking the first time the franchise has ever terminated a coach midseason. Waldron was also fired after nine games.</p><p>Williams revealed he sometimes wouldn't receive instructions on what film to watch during his rookie campaign, leading to solo study sessions.</p><p>The 23-year-old passer enters the 2025 season paired with new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was renowned for his work as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator.</p><p>Chicago's new sideline boss downplayed Williams' comments from Wickersham's book. </p><p>"I don't know what's gone on prior to him joining the organization, but he is very proud to be a Chicago Bear," Johnson said during an appearance on "The Herd", according to <a href="https://x.com/JABergman/status/1923087752666440144">Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com</a>. "He's really excited to get to work right now and be the best version of himself for 2025."</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 25: (L-R) Caleb Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Williams tried avoiding getting drafted by Bears, wanted Vikings

Track position has been a key factor early in the 2025 Formula 1 season, making qualifying more i...

<p>Track position has been a key factor early in the 2025 Formula 1 season, making qualifying more important than ever. With a quarter of the schedule in the books, it's time to analyze which drivers are making the difference in qualifying.</p><p>Below are a wide assortment of stats that help distinguish F1's fastest drivers over a single lap.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784955/cropped_GettyImages-2213249304.jpg?ts=1746879100" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784955/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213249304.jpg?ts=1746879100 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784955/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213249304.jpg?ts=1746879100 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784955/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213249304.jpg?ts=1746879100 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784955/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213249304.jpg?ts=1746879100 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784955/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213249304.jpg?ts=1746879100 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bryn Lennon - Formula 1 / Formula 1 / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pole Position" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-dFpzk" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dFpzk/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Q3 Appearances" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-HRJFr" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HRJFr/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Average qualifying position</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784956/cropped_GettyImages-2209926300.jpg?ts=1746879205" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784956/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209926300.jpg?ts=1746879205 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784956/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209926300.jpg?ts=1746879205 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784956/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209926300.jpg?ts=1746879205 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784956/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209926300.jpg?ts=1746879205 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784956/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209926300.jpg?ts=1746879205 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bryn Lennon - Formula 1 / Formula 1 / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Methodology: All drivers' qualifying results are added up and then divided by the number of grands prix they participated in. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Average Qualifying Position" aria-label="Range Plot" id="datawrapper-chart-bf8UY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bf8UY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Best &amp;amp; worst qualifying result" aria-label="Range Plot" id="datawrapper-chart-DpgpL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DpgpL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Qualifying H2H between teammates" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-d5zDJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d5zDJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Pace difference between teammates</h3><p>Methodology: Calculated by taking the best times from the qualifying sessions both drivers participated in at each track. The average difference between drivers is then converted to a percentage.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rJ9Gt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rJ9Gt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Average gap to pole for top drivers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784958/cropped_GettyImages-2209926114.jpg?ts=1746879296" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784958/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209926114.jpg?ts=1746879296 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784958/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209926114.jpg?ts=1746879296 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784958/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209926114.jpg?ts=1746879296 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784958/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209926114.jpg?ts=1746879296 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784958/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209926114.jpg?ts=1746879296 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Sutton - Formula 1 / Formula 1 / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Methodology: Calculated by adding all pole times and getting an average pole time. The best Q3 times for each driver are added up and divided to get an average. Only if a driver did not make Q3 will their best time from a previous session be used. The difference between the drivers' average time and the average pole time is then converted to a percentage.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-neCDp" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/neCDp/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Qualifying positions above expected</h3><p>Methodology: Calculated by combining every driver's best three sector times to create their best ideal lap. The drivers are then ranked using their best ideal laps. The difference between their ideal lap rank and actual qualifying position produces their qualifying positions above or below expected. These are tallied up for every grand prix qualifying session to put together a leaderboard.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oDqHc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oDqHc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>

SUZUKA, JAPAN - APRIL 05: Second placed qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Third placed qualifier Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren looks on during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 05, 2025 in Suzuka, Japan.

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Who are F1's top qualifiers so far in 2025?

The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2025 regular season Wednesday evening.  Follow the...

<p>The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2025 regular season Wednesday evening.</p><p>Follow the links below to see team-by-team schedules.</p><p><strong>NFC</strong><br><a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/schedule/">DAL</a> | <a href="https://www.giants.com/schedule/2025/">NYG</a> | <a href="https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/schedule/">PHI</a> | <a href="https://www.commanders.com/schedule/2025/">WAS</a><br><a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/schedule/">CHI</a> | <a href="https://www.detroitlions.com/schedule/2025/">DET</a> | <a href="https://www.packers.com/schedule/">GB</a> | <a href="https://www.vikings.com/schedule/2025/">MIN</a><br><a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/schedule/2025/">ATL</a> | <a href="https://www.panthers.com/schedule/2025/">CAR</a> | <a href="https://www.neworleanssaints.com/schedule/2025/">NO</a> | <a href="https://www.buccaneers.com/schedule/2025/">TB</a><br><a href="https://www.azcardinals.com/schedule/">ARI</a> | <a href="https://www.therams.com/schedule/2025/">LAR</a> | <a href="https://www.seahawks.com/schedule/2025/">SEA</a> | <a href="https://www.49ers.com/schedule/">SF</a><br><strong>AFC</strong><br><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/schedule/2025/">BUF</a> | <a href="https://www.miamidolphins.com/schedule/">MIA</a> | <a href="http://www.patriots.com/schedule/2025/">NE</a> | <a href="https://www.newyorkjets.com/schedule/">NYJ</a><br><a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/schedule/2025/">BAL</a> | <a href="https://www.bengals.com/schedule/2025/">CIN</a> | <a href="https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/schedule/">CLE</a> | <a href="https://www.steelers.com/schedule/2025/">PIT</a><br><a href="https://www.houstontexans.com/schedule/2025/">HOU</a> | <a href="https://www.colts.com/schedule/2025/">IND</a> | <a href="https://www.jaguars.com/schedule/">JAX</a> | <a href="https://www.tennesseetitans.com/schedule/">TEN</a><br><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/schedule/">DEN</a> | <a href="https://www.chiefs.com/schedule/">KC</a> | <a href="https://www.chargers.com/schedule/2025/">LAC</a> | <a href="https://www.raiders.com/schedule/">LV</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2025 season will officially begin Thursday, Sept. 4 with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles playing host to the Dallas Cowboys in a divisional rivalry game.</p><p>Seven international games will include three in England along with one each in Brazil, Germany, Spain, and Ireland. The first NFL regular-season game in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3285186" href="https://thescore.com/news/3285186">Ireland</a> will feature the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers.</p><p>Three games will be played on Christmas Day with the Denver Broncos traveling to take on the Chiefs serving as the 8:15 p.m. ET <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284966" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284966">headliner</a> on Prime Video. Netflix will also carry two games on the holiday with the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings set for 4:30 p.m. ET.</p><p>Black Friday will also feature a matchup between the Chicago Bears and Eagles, putting <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> and a new-look offense up to the test against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> and the reigning champs.</p><p>A Super Bowl <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3285726" href="https://thescore.com/news/3285726">rematch</a> is also slated for Week 2 with the Chiefs hosting the Eagles at 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 14.</p><p>The Chiefs lead the way with seven prime-time games while the Cleveland Browns, New Orlean Saints, and Tennessee Titans are the only teams with zero prime-time contests.</p><h3>Thursday night schedule (Prime)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Week</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Sept. 4</td>
<td>Cowboys at Eagles*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Sept. 11</td>
<td>Commanders at Packers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td> Sept. 18</td>
<td>Dolphins at Bills</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td> Sept. 25</td>
<td>Seahawks at Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td> Oct. 2</td>
<td>49ers at Rams</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> Oct. 9</td>
<td>Eagles at Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td> Oct. 16</td>
<td>Steelers at Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td> Oct. 23</td>
<td>Vikings at Chargers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> Oct. 30</td>
<td>Ravens at Dolphins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Nov. 6</td>
<td>Raiders at Broncos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td> Nov. 13</td>
<td>Jets at Patriots</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td> Nov. 20</td>
<td>Bills at Texans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td> Nov. 27</td>
<td>Bengals at Ravens*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> Dec. 4</td>
<td>Cowboys at Lions</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td> Dec. 11</td>
<td>Falcons at Buccaneers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td> Dec. 18</td>
<td>Rams at Seahawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td> Dec. 25</td>
<td>Broncos at Chiefs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>* SNF on NBC broadcast</p><h3>Monday Night Football (ESPN, ESPN+, ABC)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Week</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Sept. 8</td>
<td>Vikings at Bears</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Sept. 15</td>
<td>Buccaneers at Texans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Sept.15</td>
<td>Chargers at Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Sept. 22</td>
<td>Lions at Ravens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Sept. 29</td>
<td>Jets at Dolphins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Sept.29</td>
<td>Bengals at Broncos**</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Oct. 6</td>
<td>Chiefs at Jaguars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Oct. 13</td>
<td> Bills at Falcons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Oct. 13</td>
<td>Bears at Commanders**</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Oct.20</td>
<td>Buccaneers at Lions</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Oct. 20</td>
<td>Texans at Seahawks***</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Oct. 27</td>
<td>Commanders at Chiefs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Nov. 3</td>
<td>Cardinals at Cowboys</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Nov. 10</td>
<td>Eagles at Packers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Nov. 17</td>
<td> Cowboys at Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Nov. 24</td>
<td>Panthers at 49ers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Dec. 1</td>
<td>Giants at Patriots</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Dec. 8</td>
<td>Eagles at Chargers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Dec. 15</td>
<td>Dolphins at Steelers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Dec. 22</td>
<td>49ers at Colts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Dec. 29</td>
<td>Rams at Falcons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td> Jan. 3</td>
<td> TBD Doubleheader</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>** ABC exclusive<br>*** ESPN+ exclusive</p><h3>Sunday Night Football (NBC)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Week</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Sept. 7</td>
<td>Ravens at Bills</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Sept. 14</td>
<td>Falcons at Vikings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td> Sept. 21</td>
<td>Chiefs at Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td> Sept. 28</td>
<td>Packers at Cowboys</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td> Oct. 5</td>
<td>Patriots at Bills</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> Oct. 12</td>
<td>Lions at Chiefs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td> Oct. 19</td>
<td>Falcons at 49ers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td> Oct. 26</td>
<td>Packers at Steelers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> Nov. 2</td>
<td>Seahawks at Commanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Nov. 9</td>
<td>Steelers at Chargers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td> Nov. 16</td>
<td>Lions at Eagles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td> Nov. 23</td>
<td>Buccaneers at Rams</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td> Nov. 30</td>
<td>Broncos at Commanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> Dec. 7</td>
<td>Texans at Chiefs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td> Dec. 14</td>
<td>Vikings at Cowboys</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td> Dec. 21</td>
<td>Bengals at Dolphins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td> Dec. 28</td>
<td>Bears at 49ers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td> Jan. 4</td>
<td> TBD vs. TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Strength of schedule</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Opp. 2024 record</th>
<th>Opp. 2024 win %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Giants</td>
<td>166-123</td>
<td>.574</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-2</td>
<td> Bears</td>
<td>165-124</td>
<td>.571</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-2</td>
<td> Lions</td>
<td>165-124</td>
<td>.571</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
<td>162-127</td>
<td>.561</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td> Cowboys</td>
<td>161-128</td>
<td>.557</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td> Packers</td>
<td>161-128</td>
<td>.557</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td> Vikings</td>
<td>161-128</td>
<td>.557</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td> Commanders</td>
<td>159-130</td>
<td>.550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> Ravens</td>
<td>154-135</td>
<td>.533</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Steelers</td>
<td>152-137</td>
<td>.526</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-11</td>
<td> Chiefs</td>
<td>151-138</td>
<td>.522</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-11</td>
<td> Chargers</td>
<td>151-138</td>
<td>.522</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td> Browns</td>
<td>150-137</td>
<td>.519</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> Bengals</td>
<td>147-142</td>
<td>.509</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td> Broncos</td>
<td>146-143</td>
<td>.505</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td> Raiders</td>
<td>145-144</td>
<td>.502</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td> Rams</td>
<td>142-147</td>
<td>.491</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-18</td>
<td> Buccaneers</td>
<td>139-150</td>
<td>.481</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-18</td>
<td> Texans</td>
<td>139-150</td>
<td>.481</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td> Falcons</td>
<td>138-151</td>
<td>.478</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-21</td>
<td> Dolphins</td>
<td>137-152</td>
<td>.474</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-21</td>
<td> Seahawks</td>
<td>137-152</td>
<td>.474</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-23</td>
<td> Bills</td>
<td>135-154</td>
<td>.467</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-23</td>
<td> Jaguars</td>
<td>135-154</td>
<td>.467</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td> Colts</td>
<td>134-155</td>
<td>.464</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26</td>
<td> Jets</td>
<td>133-156</td>
<td>.460</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-27</td>
<td> Panthers</td>
<td>132-157</td>
<td>.457</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-27</td>
<td> Cardinals</td>
<td>132-157</td>
<td>.457</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td> Titans</td>
<td>130-159</td>
<td>.450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td> Patriots</td>
<td>124-165</td>
<td>.429</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td> Saints</td>
<td>121-168</td>
<td>.419</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>32</td>
<td> 49ers</td>
<td>120-169</td>
<td>.415</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: A general view of Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo before the game between the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on November 17, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Illinois has agreed to a new six-year contract with head coach Bret Bielema that runs through the...

<p>Illinois has agreed to a new six-year contract with head coach Bret Bielema that runs through the end of the 2030 season, the program announced Tuesday.</p><p>"I want to thank Bret for his exceptional leadership and bold vision for the future of Fighting Illini Football," athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. "... Under Bret's guidance, our program has gained national relevance and is steadily rewriting the Illinois record books. As a former player, it is a privilege to partner with him to develop and execute a plan aimed at achieving sustained success. The future of our program has never been brighter. I value Bret's friendship and look forward to accelerating our upward trajectory in the years to come."</p><p>Bielema added that "the best is yet to come."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Illinois won 10 games under Bielema in 2024, tying the football program's record for most wins in a season. The Fighting Illini ended their campaign with a victory over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.</p><p>Bielema has a record of 28-22 since joining the Illinois sideline in 2021. In addition to his 10-3 campaign in 2024, he also went 8-5 in 2022. His two other seasons with the Fighting Illini had identical 5-7 records.</p><p>His 28-22 mark trails only Mike White's 30-19-1 record for best start through 50 games by a head coach in Illinois history.</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the second half of the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Camping World Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

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Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight championship against Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 31...

<p>Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight championship against Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 319 main event Aug. 16 in Chicago, UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday.</p><p>Du Plessis is coming off a successful title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February, winning the fight by unanimous decision. That was the 31-year-old's second title defense since winning the belt off Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024. He defeated Israel Adesanya by submission at UFC 305 in his first title defense.</p><p>Du Plessis is 9-0 in the UFC since making his debut for the company in 2020.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chimaev has also not lost in the UFC and holds an overall MMA record of 14-0. Six of his victories have come via knockout with another six coming by submission and the final two via decision.</p><p>The Russian fighter has defeated Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, Kevin Holland, and Gilbert Burns since 2022.</p>

South Africa's Dricus du Plessis celebrates his victory over Sean Strickland of the US during their men's middleweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 312 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 9, 2025.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders isn't letting his draft slide affect his confidence,...

<p>Cleveland Browns quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210099" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210099">Shedeur Sanders</a> isn't letting his draft slide affect his confidence, saying he'll carve out a career akin to the greatest of all time - Tom Brady.</p><p>"My story is going to be similar as a late-round draft pick," Sanders said Saturday about Brady, according to <a href="https://x.com/JJCoop25/status/1921232611382370708">Justin Cooper of ESPN Cleveland</a>. "But we're here now, so none of that stuff matters. ...I'm just excited to be here and ready to work."</p><p>Sanders' comment was in response to being asked what he could take away from Brady's message after the seven-time Super Bowl champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282047" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282047">revealed</a> he texted the Browns quarterback to use his draft slide as motivation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I said, 'Dude, whatever happens, wherever you go, that's your first day. Day 2 matters more than the draft. I was 199,'" Brady said on Logan Paul's "Impaulsive" podcast Tuesday. "Who could speak on it better than me, like what that really means? Use it as motivation. You're gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it."</p><p>Sanders, who at one point was discussed as a potential top-three pick, fell to the fifth round before Cleveland selected him with the 144th overall pick. The Colorado product was even the second passer chosen by the Browns, who took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209984">Dillon Gabriel</a> in the third round.</p><p>Sanders added that he's not letting criticism get to him, stating, "My job isn't to prove people wrong, it's to prove myself right," per <a href="https://x.com/AndrewSiciliano/status/1921235689825259895">NFL reporter Andrew Siciliano</a>.</p>

BEREA, OHIO - MAY 09: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 09, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is retiring due to a shoulder injury, the team announce...

<p>New Orleans Saints quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/22061" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/22061">Derek Carr</a> is retiring due to a shoulder injury, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>Carr experienced pain in his right shoulder in late March while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season. Medical scans determined the 34-year-old sustained a labral tear and had significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff, the Saints said in a statement.</p><p>After considering surgery, which might have wiped out the entire 2025 campaign, Carr decided to retire, as there was no guarantee he'd return to the level of strength and performance that he was accustomed to, the Saints added.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with (my wife) Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr said. "For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special."</p><p>Carr's uncertain status dominated recent headlines in New Orleans after it was reported in April a shoulder injury threatened his 2025 season. Details of the issue were unclear until Saturday's announcement.</p><p>His decision will give New Orleans $30 million in cash and cap relief, and in exchange, the team will not seek reimbursement of his $10-million roster bonus, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1921214187893616919">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a>.</p><p>The Saints selected quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210047" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210047">Tyler Shough</a> in the second round of the 2025 draft due to the lack of clarity surrounding Carr. Shough was the first quarterback taken by the franchise in the first two rounds since Archie Manning in 1971.</p><p>With Carr gone, the Saints' quarterback room is now filled by the rookie Shough, second-year pro <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199980" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199980">Spencer Rattler</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188302" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188302">Jake Haener</a>, who's entering his third season.</p><p>Head coach Kellen Moore signaled a three-way competition for the starting job, saying Saturday he was "going to let all three of these guys roll," according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1921265734765760555">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>A second-round pick of the then-Oakland Raiders in 2014, Carr spent the first nine years of his career with the AFC West franchise. He made four Pro Bowls during that span and compiled a 63-79 record with 217 touchdowns against 99 interceptions.</p><p>Carr put up a 12-3 record as a starter in 2016, leading the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since 2002, though he didn't play due to a fractured fibula suffered in Week 16. Carr finished third in MVP voting that season, passing for 28 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He led the Raiders back to the playoffs in 2021, but the Cincinnati Bengals defeated him in his first and only postseason start in the wild-card round.</p><p>Carr signed a four-year, $150-million deal with the Saints after the Raiders released him following the 2022 season. He produced a 14-13 record over two campaigns in New Orleans with 40 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He missed seven games in 2024, first with an oblique injury and later with a fractured left hand that ended his year.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints looks on from the field during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome on December 29, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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A middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder will serve as the main event f...

<p>A middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder will serve as the main event for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, the promotion announced Saturday.</p><p>Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, lost his last UFC appearance by submission to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024.</p><p>Meanwhile, De Ridder has been riding a hot streak since signing with the UFC in September 2024. He's won all three of his fights, including a TKO victory over Bo Nickal earlier in May. His previous two wins came via submission.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Whittaker holds a 26-8 MMA record, while De Ridder owns a 20-2 mark.</p>

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand prepares to face Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill underwent a second operation on his wrist, he shared on ...

<p>Miami Dolphins wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83498" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83498">Tyreek Hill</a> underwent a second operation on his wrist, he shared on his <a href="https://x.com/DavidFurones_/status/1920138725570257202">Snapchat</a> on Wednesday. </p><p>Hill had screws from his first procedure removed during the operation, which had been planned from the start, a source told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45040148/source-dolphins-tyreek-hill-screws-removed-wrist">ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old was slated to be sidelined for most of the offseason after having an initial surgery to repair ligament damage in his wrist earlier this year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hill played through the injury during the 2024 campaign, catching 81 passes for 959 yards and six touchdowns. He briefly hinted at leaving Miami after their middling 8-9 season before walking it back and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3200268" href="https://thescore.com/news/3200268">attributing</a> it to frustration. </p><p>The eight-time Pro Bowl receiver has two more years under contract. </p>

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Tight end Dallas Goedert and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a reworked contract that will...

<p>Tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82025" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82025">Dallas Goedert</a> and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a reworked contract that will keep him with the team in 2025, <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1920128526713323610">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a> reports.</p><p>The Eagles were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242191" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242191">reportedly</a> open to shopping Goedert, who was set to enter the final season of a four-year, $57-million extension he signed in 2021. The 30-year-old was slated to make $14.25 million in 2025.</p><p>Goedert has been a key fixture of the Eagles' offense since his 2018 rookie season. He's caught 349 passes for 4,085 yards and 24 touchdowns over seven years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Goedert slowed down during the 2024 campaign, playing a career-low 10 games as he battled injuries. His two receiving touchdowns were also a career worst, while his 42 receptions and 496 yards were his lowest outputs since his rookie year.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 09: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs across the field during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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The Dallas Cowboys finally made a big move to land a high-profile wide receiver Wednesday, acquir...

<p>The Dallas Cowboys finally made a big move to land a high-profile wide receiver Wednesday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282027" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282027">acquiring</a> George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a third-round draft selection and a late-round pick swap.</p><p>Here's how both teams made out.</p><h3>Cowboys</h3><p>Let's start with the good part: On paper, Pickens fills a big roster hole. Dallas <em>really</em> needed to add another talented wide receiver option opposite All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb after not selecting a WR in this year's draft. Pickens, just 24, has already established himself as a solid playmaker with standout ability for contested catches. The 2022 second-round pick's explosiveness could be huge for the Cowboys' offense if new head coach Brian Schottenheimer can get the most out of him. Pickens led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch in 2023 and has posted 16.3 yards per reception across his career. He's also averaging 62 catches, 1,006 yards, and four touchdowns per 17 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Yes, Pickens fills a major need. But at what cost? Dallas gave up a 2026 third-round pick (and a 2027 fifth-rounder) to acquire a receiver who may end up being just a one-year rental. If the Cowboys decide to reward Pickens with a long-term extension, good luck with that. There's a big risk in committing to a receiver as volatile as Pickens, who could become a problematic distraction as the clear No. 2 guy behind Lamb.</p><p>Pickens also had six drops last year and notably <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/stats/receiving#average-separation">struggled</a> to create separation, an issue that plagued the Cowboys' offensive unit in 2024. Granted, Pickens is undoubtedly more talented than any other Dallas pass-catcher not named CeeDee Lamb, but this trade comes with more questions than answers for Jerry Jones.</p><p><strong>Grade: C+</strong></p><h3>Steelers</h3><p>A strange offseason for the Steelers gets even stranger. Let's be clear, the value of return for Pickens is anywhere from acceptable to good. There's nothing wrong with getting a Day 2 draft pick from a desperate team for a volatile but talented player who likely wasn't in your long-term plans. However, this trade is ultimately more about what Pittsburgh is losing rather than gaining, and what it signals about the franchise's direction - or misdirection.</p><p>The reality is this Steelers team has a considerably worse roster than the one from the day prior. Pittsburgh traded from one of its few - if not only - positions of strength on offense and made it a weakness. The depth chart behind DK Metcalf is pretty daunting now, with names like Calvin Austin, the recently signed Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson, among others. The Steelers find themselves in the same situation that plagued them last year: Having an entire receiving room dependent on one alpha. But the problem was self-created this time.</p><p>Considering rumors that Pittsburgh was shopping Pickens during the 2025 NFL Draft, it's also puzzling that there wasn't a better contingency plan other than signing the over-the-hill Woods. The Steelers didn't take a single wide receiver during the recent draft.</p><p>The Pickens trade is the latest development in a Pittsburgh offseason that has felt like the front office is steering in two different directions. With the deal done, it seems the Steelers are stockpiling picks for a run at a quarterback in 2026, and the return for Pickens should help in that regard. But buckle up, the road to get there may be a very turbulent and unfamiliar ride for Steelers fans.</p><p><strong>Grade: C</strong></p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 21: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Gabe Davis after just one season, the team announ...

<p>The Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115240" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115240">Gabe Davis</a> after just one season, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Davis signed a three-year, $39-million contract with the Jaguars last offseason. As a result of the release, Jacksonville will incur a $20.3-million dead cap charge, per <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/gabriel-davis/8868">Over The Cap</a>.</p><p>The 26-year-old's tenure with the Jaguars ends with a disappointing total of 20 catches, 239 yards, and two touchdowns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Davis was signed as a free agent by the previous Jaguars front office under Trent Baalke, who the club dismissed in January.</p><p>Jacksonville has moved on from Davis and wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/93483" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/93483">Christian Kirk</a> this offseason, with the receiving room expected to be led by 2024 first-round pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199743" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199743">Brian Thomas</a> and 2025 second overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209912" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209912">Travis Hunter</a>.</p><p>A fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2020, Davis recorded 2,730 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns with the AFC East club. He produced his best year in 2022 when he caught 48 passes for 836 yards and seven scores.</p>

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Gabe Davis #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs across the field during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned from his position of team principal effective imm...

<p>Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned from his position of team principal effective immediately, the constructor announced Tuesday.</p><p>Executive advisor Flavio Briatore will cover Oakes' duties moving forward.</p><p>The decision comes on the heels of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281056" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281056">rumors</a> that Alpine is slated to replace rookie driver Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Oakes has served as team principal of Alpine for less than a year before his decision to step down. He was given the job in July 2024 and helped guide the French team to a sixth-place finish in the constructors' championship.</p><p>Alpine has had numerous team principal changes over the years. Since 2022, the team has had Oakes, Bruno Famin, and Otmar Szafnauer serve in that role.</p><p>Briatore was at the helm of Renault's back-to-back world championships in 2005 and 2006 in the team principal role. He resigned from the position in 2009 and was initially given a lifetime ban from the FIA after the Crashgate scandal, which saw former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. purposely crash to help Fernando Alonso win. However, his ban was later reversed.</p><p>Briatore joined Alpine in May 2024.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 02: Oliver Oakes, Team Principal of Alpine F1 in the Team Principals Press Conference prior to Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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The Big 12's board of directors and commissioner Brett Yormark agreed to a three-year extension t...

<p>The Big 12's board of directors and commissioner Brett Yormark agreed to a three-year extension that runs through 2030, the conference announced Tuesday.</p><p>Yormark's extension stems from his work in moving the conference forward following the departures of Oklahoma and Texas in 2021, <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/45021233/sources-big-12-gives-commissioner-brett-yormark-extension">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a> reports.</p><p>In addition to securing a six-year, $2.28-billion TV deal with ESPN and Fox in October 2022, Yormark expanded the conference by adding Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah from the Pac-12.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In July 2024, Yormark <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2937765" href="https://thescore.com/news/2937765">called</a> the Big 12 the "deepest football conference in America," adding there's "never been a better time than right now to be part of the Big 12."</p><p>Yormark was hired in 2022 to succeed Bob Bowlsby.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 20: Big XII commissioner Brett Yormark watches action during Big XII conference championship game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Iowa State Cyclones on December 6, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.

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Big 12 agrees to 3-year extension with commissioner Yormark

We'll offer our takeaways following each race weekend this year. Here are our thoughts after the ...

<p><em>We'll offer our takeaways following each race weekend this year. Here are our thoughts after the Miami Grand Prix.</em></p><h3>Moments that decided the race 👀</h3><p><strong>McLaren crushes Verstappen's valiant effort</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784078/cropped_GettyImages-2213405660.jpg?ts=1746407255" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784078/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213405660.jpg?ts=1746407255 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784078/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213405660.jpg?ts=1746407255 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784078/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213405660.jpg?ts=1746407255 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784078/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213405660.jpg?ts=1746407255 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784078/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213405660.jpg?ts=1746407255 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Hector Vivas / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 57-lap spectacle in Miami likely would've been forgotten faster than it happened had it not been for Max Verstappen starting from pole position.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The reigning world champion stole pole position from the grasps of both McLaren drivers Saturday and did his mightiest to hold them off for as long as he could Sunday. Unfortunately, his valiant race craft could only keep Oscar Piastri at bay for 13 laps and Lando Norris for 17, and his aggressive defense ultimately came at the cost of valuable seconds.</p><p>It confirmed what many already suspected: McLaren is in another league. Piastri would go on to win with a 4.6-second gap to his teammate and a whopping 37.6-second lead on Mercedes' George Russell in third place. Verstappen wound up nearly 40 seconds off the lead.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Biggest gaps from winning driver to closest rival in different car since 2022" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ggglX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ggglX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="331" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The drivers' championship is appearing more and more like a McLaren-only battle, but Piastri is creating some separation from Norris. The victory in Miami made Piastri the first McLaren driver to win three straight since Mika Hakkinen in 1998 and gives the Australian more career wins than his teammate.</p><p>Verstappen is sliding out of the championship picture but remains the measuring stick for all drivers, and Piastri clearly seems best fit to usurp the Red Bull driver. Piastri, held up for a few laps, eventually cleared Verstappen without issue, while his teammate lost positions on a Lap 1 squabble with the reigning champion and then had to momentarily hand the position back to Verstappen on his second go-around before passing him shortly after.</p><p>While Norris benefitted from Verstappen potentially spoiling his own race in the wheel-to-wheel combat, Norris lost the bigger battle to his teammate because of it. One McLaren driver has handled Verstappen without hurting himself in the process, and it's no surprise that's the driver leading the championship.</p><p><strong>Ferrari melts down in Miami heat</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784079/cropped_GettyImages-2213417787.jpg?ts=1746407411" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784079/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213417787.jpg?ts=1746407411 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784079/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213417787.jpg?ts=1746407411 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784079/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213417787.jpg?ts=1746407411 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784079/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213417787.jpg?ts=1746407411 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784079/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213417787.jpg?ts=1746407411 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mario Renzi - Formula 1 / Formula 1 / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"Have a tea break while you're at it."</p><p>No, that wasn't the radio message a happy Lewis Hamilton sent to his Ferrari pit wall because he and Charles Leclerc were cruising to a positive result in Miami. It was a statement of frustration as the team found itself coming undone at the seams.</p><p>Perhaps Hamilton should have suggested a nice cup of espresso as the Italian team's indecisiveness left the seven-time world champion clearly annoyed in the cockpit.</p><p>Hamilton found himself stuck behind Leclerc after the duo passed Carlos Sainz on Lap 34 for seventh and eighth place, respectively. The only problem: Hamilton was on the faster medium tires. In Ferrari's defense, a swap was difficult with Sainz still behind them, but the decision to let him pass Leclerc could have likely come at least a lap earlier than at the end of Lap 39.</p><p>To make matters worse, Hamilton struggled to stretch a gap on Leclerc, and now the latter was complaining about his tires overheating due to being stuck behind his teammate. All this while Sainz was still within striking distance behind them. The dilemma came to an end on Lap 52 when Hamilton gave the place back to Leclerc, but not without sarcastically asking his pit wall if he should let the Williams driver ahead of him as well.</p><p>Say what you will about the comical nature of McLaren's "Papaya Rules" team orders, but at least those swaps had race victories at stake. The frustration between the Ferrari pilots and their team was over seventh and eighth, worth a combined 10 points.</p><p>Ferrari was unable to handle the heat in Miami, much like it hasn't handled expectations for 2025. Leclerc finished 57 seconds off the victory as the Scuderia were comfortably the fifth-fastest car, falling behind even Williams. It might be time to ring the alarm for a crisis in Maranello.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784080/cropped_GettyImages-2211109334.jpg?ts=1746407658" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784080/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211109334.jpg?ts=1746407658 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784080/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211109334.jpg?ts=1746407658 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784080/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211109334.jpg?ts=1746407658 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784080/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211109334.jpg?ts=1746407658 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784080/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211109334.jpg?ts=1746407658 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Williams not messing around</strong></p><p>Williams has been the best of the rest for most of 2025, comfortably distant from the top four constructors in race pace. In Miami, Williams was determined to crash the party.</p><p>Not only did the team score 12 points - its highest total in a race this season - it went blow-for-blow with some front-runners. It looked like 1997 on the track as Williams battled Ferrari for the title of fourth-best team in Miami, and it won the war.</p><p>Alex Albon tied his best result of the season, finishing fifth. More importantly, he ended up ahead of Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and both Ferrari drivers. Sainz finished just behind the two Ferraris in ninth but made life extremely difficult for them.</p><p>Only last year, team principal James Vowles reckoned 2025 could be a difficult season. So far, it seems anything but. Williams has already produced its best season of the ground-effect era, and it only needed six races and two sprints to do so.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4JFPk" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4JFPk/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="185" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>There's no telling how long this good fortune will last, as Sainz revealed last weekend the team is choosing not to invest in 2025 and instead go all-out on the 2026 regulations. It's a shame if that ultimately stalls Williams' progress, as it looks like the FW47 could be its best car in a very long time.</p><h3>Driver of the Day 🙌</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784081/cropped_GettyImages-2213413254.jpg?ts=1746407686" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784081/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213413254.jpg?ts=1746407686 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784081/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213413254.jpg?ts=1746407686 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784081/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213413254.jpg?ts=1746407686 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784081/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213413254.jpg?ts=1746407686 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784081/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213413254.jpg?ts=1746407686 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kym Illman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Alex Albon</strong>: Neither of the McLaren front-runners had a perfect day: Piastri gets docked for qualifying fourth, while Verstappen toyed with Norris again. That leaves us with Albon, who went from seventh on the starting grid to fifth. He's been the engine of a rejuvenated Williams squad.</p><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><p><strong>Norris on going wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen:</strong> "What can I say, if I don't go for it, people complain, if I go for it, people complain, so you can't win. But that's the way it is with Max, it's crash or don't pass - unless you get it really right and put it in the perfect position. But I paid the price for not doing a good enough job today, but I'm still happy with second."</p><p>He later added, "(Verstappen is) fighting hard. You know, he's ruined his own race, not racing very smart, and he probably could have finished third today, and he didn't because of that."</p><p><strong>Verstappen on whether he's unpredictable for other drivers: </strong>"Why, is that a problem? (I'm trying to defend) like everyone else."</p><p><strong>Piastri on McLaren's rapid ascension: </strong>"I remember two years ago here in Miami we were genuinely the slowest team - I think we got lapped twice - and to now where we've won the grand prix by over 35 seconds to third is an unbelievable result." </p><p><strong>Hamilton on voicing frustrations with strategy over team radio: </strong>"In that moment, for sure I was like, 'Come on, let's make a concise decision, really quick, let's not waste time.' I'm sure people didn't like certain comments, but you gotta understand people say way worse things than I say, so it was more sarcastic than anything. I'm not frustrated now."</p><h3>What's next?</h3><p>F1 takes a weekend off to travel to Italy for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, May 18 at 9 a.m. ET.</p><p>Verstappen's won the last three races in Imola, with Hamilton winning the inaugural event in 2020. Leclerc finished third last year, marking Ferrari's only podium in four attempts at the Emilia Romagna GP. Norris has finished on the podium the last three races held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Drivers' Standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XpfeY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XpfeY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="946" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Constructors' Standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-F9afj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/F9afj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="664" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
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Miami GP takeaways: McLaren in another world, Ferrari in crisis

Another driver swap appears to be in the works as Alpine is ready to replace Jack Doohan with Fra...

<p>Another driver swap appears to be in the works as Alpine is ready to replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for the next grand prix in Imola, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cx2w8y04np2o">Andrew Benson of BBC</a> reported Monday.</p><p>The switch is close to being finalized, and Doohan is slated to stay with Alpine in a new role if he's dropped from his race seat, Benson adds.</p><p>Doohan's long-term future with Alpine has been subject to speculation since the French team signed Colapinto from Williams during the winter break. Doohan has done little to silence the buzz, as he's just one of four drivers yet to score points this season. He retired on the opening lap of the Miami Grand Prix due to a collision with Liam Lawson.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Colapinto made nine race starts with Williams last season, collecting five points. He flashed early with an eighth-place finish in Baku, his second start with the team.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 4: Jack Doohan of Australia and Alpine F1 Team exits the FIA garage during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4, 2025 in Miami, United States.

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Report: Alpine expected to drop Doohan for Colapinto

Max Verstappen put up a hard fight Sunday against Lando Norris at the Miami Grand Prix, which the...

<p>Max Verstappen put up a hard fight Sunday against Lando Norris at the Miami Grand Prix, which the McLaren driver believes was not "very smart."</p><p>Norris lost several positions at the start of the race after ending up off the track while trying to pass Verstappen for the lead at Turn 2. The McLaren driver later caught back up to Verstappen and eventually passed him for second place, though it was not without another off-track excursion that had Norris momentarily give the position back to the Red Bull pilot.</p><p>"It was fine," Norris said about his clashes with Verstappen in the post-race news conference. "I mean, he's fighting hard, but it's up to him to do that. You know, he's ruined his own race. He's not racing very smart. He probably could have finished third today and he didn't because of that. He's fighting hard, that's always expected, but that's the way it is."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Norris finished second with his teammate Oscar Piastri taking the victory. Piastri also had to clear Verstappen and did so without issue, though it took him a few laps.</p><p>Verstappen, who started in pole position, finished fourth, a little more than two seconds behind Mercedes' George Russell for the final podium spot. The Red Bull driver also lost time when a virtual safety car was called shortly after his lone pit stop of the race.</p><p>"Honestly it's not frustrating at all," Verstappen said, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c14x3ngl0evo">BBC's Andrew Benson</a>. "We are here to win and today we were miles off that, so it doesn't really matter if you are a P3 or P4.</p><p>"I had nothing to lose, so I also just wanted to have a bit of fun out there."</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 04: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Norris: Verstappen was 'not racing very smart' at Miami GP

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Daniel Valente

News Editor

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