​Just over a month after Maize and Blue confetti filled Lucas Oil Stadium following their national championship win, Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines have turned their attention to next season, announcing their Big Ten opponents for the 2026-27 campaign. Michigan will play 20 conference games in 2026, with home-and-home matchups against Minnesota, Ohio State and Michigan State. The Wolverines’ home slate features a group of Big Ten contenders, including Illinois, Purdue and Maryland. On the road, Michigan is set to face Wisconsin, UCLA and Indiana. Below are Michigan's Big Ten opponents for the 2026-27 season: Home Opponents: 2025-26 Record: 28-9 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Stefan Vaaks Key Returners: Andrej Stojaković (testing NBA Draft waters), Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis 2025-26 Record: 24-13 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Ty’Reek Coleman, Andrew McKeever Key Returners: Kael Combs, Cam Manyawu and Cooper Koch 2025-26 Record: 12-21 Key Transfer Portal Additions: DJ Wagner, Tomislav Buljan Key Returners: Andre Mills, Pharrell Payne 2025-26 Record: 27-8 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Anton Bonke Key Returners: Jeremey Fears Jr. (testing NBA Draft waters), Coen Carr, Jordan Scott 2025-26 Record: 15-18 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Malachi Palmer, Kyan Evans Key Returners: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Isaac Asuma 2025-26 Record: 15-19 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Jack Karasinski, LA Pratt Key Returners: Angelo Ciaravino, Jake West 2025-26 Record: 21-13 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Andrija Jelavic, Justin Pippen Key Returners: John Mobley Jr., Amare Bynum 2025-26 Record: 12-20 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Dwayne Aristode, Tyrone Riley Key Returners: Sean Stewart 2025-26 Record: 30-9 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Caden Pierce Key Returners: C.J. Cox, Daniel Jacobsen 2025-26 Record: 16-17 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Ryan Beasley, LeJuan Watts Key Returners: Wesley Yates III, Lathan Sommerville Away Opponents: 2025-26 Record: 18-14 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Markus Burton, Aiden Sherrell Key Returners: Trent Sisley 2025-26 Record: 27-8 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Anton Bonke Key Returners: Jeremey Fears Jr. (testing NBA Draft waters), Coen Carr, Jordan Scott 2025-26 Record: 15-18 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Malachi Palmer, Kyran Evans Key Returners: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Isaac Asuma 2025-26 Record: 28-7 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Damon Wilkinson, Sam Orme Key Returners: Pryce Sandfort, Braden Frager 2025-26 Record: 21-13 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Andrija Jelavic, Justin Pippen Key Returners: John Mobley Jr., Amare Bynum 2025-26 Record: 12-20 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Brant Byers, Thomas Allard Key Returners: Ivan Juric 2025-26 Record: 14-20 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Christian Gurdak, Dorin Buca Key Returners: Tariq Francis, Darren Buchanan Jr. 2025-26 Record: 24-12 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Jaylen Petty, Filip Jovic Key Returners: Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. 2025-26 Record: 18-14 Key Transfer Portal Additions: KJ Lewis, Eric Reibe Key Returners: Jacob Cofie (testing NBA Draft waters), Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice 2025-26 Record: 24-11 Key Transfer Portal Additions: Eian Elmer, Trey Autry Key Returners: Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp Read More

​Forward Cristo Fernandez, the actor who portrayed Dani Rojas on the Apple TV series "Ted Lasso" has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship to play soccer professionally. Terms of the deal announced Tuesday, which still must be approved by the second-tier league and soccer federation, were not disclosed. Fernandez earned the deal after a two-month trial with the team, appearing in a preseason match against New Mexico United. He played soccer at the youth level before an injury at the age of 15 led him to acting. "No matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart," Fernandez said. "I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC — the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates — for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one." Locomotive coach Junior Gonzalez said Fernandez is a great addition, giving them another attacking threat while bringing passion and leadership to the locker room. The USL Championship acts as the second tier of the American soccer pyramid, sitting directly below MLS. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Read More

​Joe Gomez has cast doubt over his long-term future at Anfield by admitting he is unsure if he will remain a Liverpool player beyond the current campaign. With the versatile defender out of contract at the end of next season, he acknowledged that the upcoming summer transfer window could bring a permanent end to his 11-year stay. Competition mounts at Anfield Gomez finds himself at a crossroads as he approaches the final 12 months of his contract. Despite his status as a senior figure, the 28-year-old has seen his playing time diminish significantly under Arne Slot, starting just six Premier League games in each of the last two campaigns. The club has also proactively sought successors, securing deals for young defenders Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet to bolster a defensive unit already featuring Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Uncertainty in the window Speaking about the prospect of a summer exit, the versatile defender adopted a philosophical approach regarding his tenure at the club. "I think anything can happen. I don't know is the honest answer. I've only got a year left so I don't know but whatever is meant to be will be," Gomez said. "But I'm so grateful to have had this time here at this club. I'll always be grateful to have had 11 years at a place like this. All I can do is be thankful and we'll see." A trophy-laden legacy Since joining from Charlton in 2015, Gomez has become a decorated figure at Anfield, amassing 272 appearances and winning every major honor available. His trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups. While his versatility across the backline remains an asset, past interest from Newcastle United and Aston Villa suggests there would be no shortage of suitors should Liverpool decide to cash in before his contract expires in 2027. Decision time for Slot Liverpool face a crucial decision on whether to offer their longest-serving player an extension or facilitate a transfer to avoid losing him for free. The squad will likely rely on his experience during the final weeks of the season as they manage a heavy domestic workload. However, with Konate nearing a new deal and Jacquet arriving from Rennes, Gomez must demonstrate his continued value to remain part of the first-team rotation during a busy summer of transition. Read More