Lane Kiffin gets key to New Orleans after serving as co-grand marshal at Endymion

The stakes are clear for Lane Kiffin at LSU:It's championship or bust. But he'senjoying his first offseason in Baton Rouge for now.

Indeed, Kiffin isn't just representing Louisiana State in Baton Rouge. He's representing Louisiana, as evidenced by him receiving the key to the city of New Orleans after serving as the co-grand marshal for the Krewe of Endymion Parade, part of Mardi Gras.

Kiffin was at the parade wearing an LSU Odell Beckham III jersey, a backwards hat, and beads. And while he seemed to be enjoying himself, the message being conveyed to him was clear: The fun will last if he's successful. If he isn't, he isn't going to appearing on floats any time soon.

REQUIRED READING:Lane Kiffin attempts to extend olive branch between Ole Miss, LSU after Jeff Landry chirp

Indeed, councilman Matt Willard explicitly said the expectation for Kiffin is to bring a championship to Baton Rouge.

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As controversial as Kiffin's arrival to LSU was, he's clearly being embraced, at least officially. Endymion is the largest of the Mardi Gras parades, and Kiffin was joined by Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy.

In a speech to the crowd, Kiffin said he'd never been to Mardi Gras and ended with the traditional "Geaux Tigers."

The float he stood upon was as extra as one might expect: A giant tiger commemorating the LSU mascot.

Kiffin was also awarded a key to the city of Boca Raton during his time at FAU.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:LSU coach Lane Kiffin gets key to New Orleans as expectations build

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February 15, 2026

Lane Kiffin gets key to New Orleans after serving as co-grand marshal at Endymion

The stakes are clear for Lane Kiffin at LSU:It's championship or bust. But he'senjoying his first offseason ...

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Landon Donovan predicts Noahkai Banks will start for USMNT at World Cup

Noahkai Banks may be young and still looking for his first U.S. men's national team cap, but that hasn't stopped Landon Donovan from predicting the defender will start at the 2026 World Cup.

Banks has become a regular starter this season for Augsburg, despite only recently turning 19. The 6-foot-4 defender is considered one of the best American center-back prospects in many years and has earned one USMNT call-up.

But the defender did not see the field last fall during his only USMNT camp, making next month's camp massive for his World Cup hopes.

If he is to make a late charge toward a World Cup spot, Banks will likely need to earn a call-up for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal – the team's last two games before Mauricio Pochettino names his World Cup squad.

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USMNT all-time leading goal scorers

Donovan is feeling bullish on the young defender's chances. On his "Unfiltered Soccer" show, the USMNT legend explained why he believes Banks won't just make Pochettino's World Cup squad, but will start this summer.

"Tim Ream is locked and going to play. Chris Richards is more than locked and going to play. I think Pochettino wants this team to have the ability to play in a back three," he said. "I think the team performs best in a back three.

"So your options become (Mark) McKenzie, Miles Robinson and even Noahkai Banks. You can maybe move Joe Scally if he makes the team. Alex Freeman can play there, maybe Antonee Robinson can play on the (right).

"But I think (Banks is) a kid who's played on the right side of a (back) three earlier this season, played on the left side of a (back) three. So he's clearly comfortable. He's playing in the Bundesliga every week as an 18-year-old. And I just think when push comes to shove, Pochettino might go, 'OK, yeah, he's young. But what are the alternatives?'"

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February 15, 2026

Landon Donovan predicts Noahkai Banks will start for USMNT at World Cup

Noahkai Banks may be young and still looking for his first U.S. men's national team cap, but that hasn't stopped...

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NFL offseason calendar 2026: Important dates, free agency, draft, more

The league that never sleeps.

If you thought theNFLwas about to slow down and go into hibernation for a few months before the offseason kicks into high gear, think again. The league might only play meaningful games for just over five months a year, but the offseason is a different beast.

Unlike the on-field games, there is no time limit to what happens off the field.

The NFL world is constantly spinning in preparation for the next season, so they have crafted a calendar that clearly outlines what the next seven or so months will look like before kickoff in September.

It's a whole new game now.

Here's what to know about all the important dates on the NFL's offseason calendar in 2026.

NFL offseason calendar 2026

Feb. 17: Franchise tag window opens

Teams can choose to place the franchise tag or transition tag on players who are set to hit free agency. The window is open until 4 p.m. ET on March 3. NFL teams can use the franchise tag only once per offseason, which essentially serves as a one-year deal to keep a player from departing in free agency.

Feb. 23 to March 2:NFL combine

The NFL invited 319 prospects to the pre-draft event in 2026, which is slated to take place at the home of the Indianapolis Colts – Lucas Oil Stadium.

March 3: Franchise tag window closes

It's deadline day for the franchise and transition tag. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to make a decision.

March 9: NFL legal tampering begins

The NFL tampering period is the pregame to free agency and it begins at Noon ET on March 9. Teams can talk with agents and agree to terms, but there will be no pen-to-paper or finger to the tablet from the player to make the deal official.

March 11: NFLfree agency, new league year

The new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, meaning all signings and trades can become official.

March 29 to April 1: NFL league meetings

Rule changes and other matters will be discussed when the league convenes in Phoenix for the annual meetings.

April 6: Offseason workouts begin (for teams with new HCs)

Nearly a third of the league will be able to begin offseason workouts this year after the coaching carousel saw 10 coaching changes.

April 17: Restricted free agent offer sheet deadline

Restricted free agents have until this day to sign offer sheets.

April 20: Offseason workouts begin (for teams with returning HCs)

The remaining 22 teams can officially begin offseason workouts.

April 23 to April 25:NFL draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh.

May 1: Fifth-year option deadline for 2023 first-round picks

Every first-round pick in the NFL draft has a "fifth-year" option built into their initial four-year contract after being drafted. Teams may elect to exercise the option to keep the player for another season, but that decision must be made by May 1 for 2023 first-round picks.

May 1-4 or May 8-11: Rookie minicamps

Teams can choose between these dates for their three-day rookie minicamp after the draft.

Mid-May: NFL schedule release

The NFL has traditionally released the schedule for the upcoming season in mid-May.

May 19 to May 20: Spring league meeting

The spring league meetings will be held in Orlando, where everyone will gather again to discuss potential rule changes and related matters.

June 1 cuts

This is akey date for managing salary cap spacewhen it comes to trades, releases or retirements.

July 15: Franchise tag extension deadline

Players on a franchise tag have until 4 p.m. ET on July 15 to sign a contract extension. After that time, the player will have to wait until after the team's last regular-season game to ink an extension of any kind.

Mid-to-Late July: Training camp opens

Training camps officially open, signaling that football season is just around the corner.

Early August: NFL preseason begins

There are about four weeks of preseason action, which traditionally begins with the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. The two teams participating in that game will play four preseason contests, while the remaining 30 teams will play only three.

Late August: NFL roster cutdown

Rosters must be reduced to 53 players ahead of the regular season.

When does the 2026 NFL regular season begin?

The 2026 NFL regular season is expected to begin on Thursday, Sept. 10, if previous seasons are any indication. However, the league could break tradition and open on Wednesday, Sept. 9, according toPuck's John Ourand.

A scheduling quirk created by the significant time difference has the league exploring its options ahead of the Week 1 matchup between theLos Angeles Ramsand San Francisco 49ers.

If the game is scheduled for Wednesday, it would mark the first time since 2019 that the NFL's kickoff game didn't feature the defending Super Bowl champion. The league elected to feature theGreen Bay Packersand Chicago Bears to open its 100th season, rather than the defending champion New England Patriots.

Traditionally, the Super Bowl winner hosts the first game of the season on Thursday night after Labor Day, with the remaining teams playing over the weekend.

The schedule announcement is expected to come in mid-May.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL calendar: Season start date, free agency, draft, more

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February 15, 2026

NFL offseason calendar 2026: Important dates, free agency, draft, more

The league that never sleeps. If you thought theNFLwas about to slow down and go into hibernation for a few mo...

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JT Toppin puts on low-post masterclass in No. 16 Texas Tech's OT win over No. 1 Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Texas Tech's JT Toppin had already scored three baskets in overtime so the next time he got the ball, Arizona's defense collapsed, trying to make anyone besides thepreseason All-America selectionbeat them.

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Toppin obliged.

The 6-foot-9 forward whipped the ball back out to the perimeter where Donovan Atwell was waiting. The guard made a 3-pointer that was crucial toNo. 16 Texas Tech finishing a 78-75 road victory over No. 1 Arizonaon Saturday.

"I knew he was going to be over there," Toppin said. "We work on that every day."

The pass to Atwell capped a sensational day for Toppin, who had arguably his best all-around performance of the season with 31 points on 13 of 22 shooting, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. While the Red Raiders (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) have been slightly inconsistent this season, Toppin has been unshakable, scoring at least 10 points in 21 straight games.

Texas Tech beat the No. 1 team for just the third time in school history. The last time was a 65-62 win over Baylor on Jan. 11, 2022.

Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland said Toppin's pass was indicative of the team's dedication as they navigate a difficult conference schedule. Texas Tech has won three straight.

"We're not guessing — this isn't luck," McCasland said. "These dudes practice hard and put themselves in position every day. There's no shortcuts to this. It's a grind and you've got to love it. These dudes love it."

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Toppin finished with his 16th double-double of the season and 47th of his career and is now averaging 21.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. He played all but 41 seconds in Saturday's win, showing incredible stamina in a rugged game between two of the most physical teams in the country.

He was at his best during the opening minutes of overtime, scoring on an array of tip-ins and low-post moves that Arizona couldn't defend.

The Wildcats had nothing but good things to say about him postgame.

"He has a really quick second jump," Arizona forward Tobe Awaka said, who had 16 points and 12 rebounds. "He has great body placement, in terms of the ball and tracking it down. He seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Just kudos to him and the type of player he is."

Texas Tech wasn't a one-man show Saturday. Christian Anderson scored 19 points after making six 3-pointers. Atwell finished with 11, including the clutch 3 in overtime and another from behind the arc with 25 seconds left in regulation that capped a 9-0 Red Raiders run and helped push the game to overtime.

Still, Toppin is the team's All-America selection for a reason. He lived up to the billing on a huge stage in a raucous road environment.

"JT Toppin was not going to be denied at the end of this game," McCasland said.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphereandhere(AP News mobile app). AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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February 15, 2026

JT Toppin puts on low-post masterclass in No. 16 Texas Tech's OT win over No. 1 Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Texas Tech's JT Toppin had already scored three baskets in overtime so the next time he got the...

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No matter the stage, Anthony Kim's first win in 16 years is a comeback story we can all get behind

Put aside, just for a moment, the LIV Golf-PGA Tour's subtext of perpetual scuffling. Try not to think about the posturing and skepticism that accompanies virtually every LIV story. Focus, just for a second, on the simple facts:

Anthony Kim won a golf tournament. Against Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. In 2026.

Kim, one of sports' true prodigal sons, claimed LIV's Adelaide event in Australia on Sunday, riding a final-round, nine-birdie 63, turning a five-shot deficit into a three-shot victory. If nothing else — if Kim's story goes no further than this right here — it's a pretty incredible comeback for a guy who briefly ruled the golf world, then literally disappeared for more than a decade.

Every so often, golf produces one of these back-to-the-mountaintop stories, when a name from the past has a late-career week of their lives. Think Jack Nicklaus at the Masters in 1986, Tom Watson (almost) at the Open Championship in 2009, Tiger Woods at the Masters in 2019, Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship in 2021. Everything comes together for one weekend, past meeting present, and it's remarkable to see.

Obviously, Kim's victory doesn't have anywhere near that historical resonance; about the only thing Adelaide and Augusta National have in common is a starting letter. But Kim's first professional win in nearly 16 years is an impressive story of facing down the demons of addiction and injury.

It's tough to remember now, but for a brief moment, Kim's popularity in golf was second only to Woods — and Woods' personal scandals erupted right as Kim was playing his best golf. Before Scottie Scheffler, before Brooks Koepka, before Jordan Spieth, before Rahm and DeChambeau, before Rory McIlroy had won a single tournament, there was Kim. He went toe-to-toe with Tiger, he hung with Michael Jordan, he was a SportsCenter darling back when SportsCenter was, well, the center of the sports universe.

Scanning leaderboards from Kim's prime 2009-10 era feels like looking at faded family pictures in a scrapbook. There's only one player from Kim's most recent win, the 2010 Shell Houston Open, still in the top 20: ageless wonder Justin Rose. The tee sheet at Kim's most recent Masters, 2011, included Ernie Els, Mark O'Meara, Craig Stadler and Watson.

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But after suffering an Achilles injury in 2012, Kim stepped away from the game. And not in the "showing-up-on-NBA-sidelines-and-ESPN-red-carpets" kind of way. No, he flat-outvanishedfor more than a decade. Rumors of Kim surfaced here and there — he was playing golf with buddies in Oklahoma, he was keeping in shape in California, he hadn't touched a club in five years — but no one managed to get even a picture of Kim, much less his story.

"I was around some bad people," Kim said in 2024. "People that took advantage of me. Scam artists. When you're 24, 25, even 30 years old, you don't realize the snakes that are living under your roof."

That's why Greg Norman'sdramatic 2024 reveal of Kimas a new LIV addition caused such a ripple in certain segments of golf fandom. Kim was once the coolest dude possible, the heir to Woods, the herald of a new era of golf. What would he have left after so many years away from the game?

Not much, to start. He failed to earn even a single point in his first two seasons on the tour, and was relegated. That could have been the end of his story, but he managed to place third in LIV's Promotions Event, posted a T22 in the first tournament of the season … and now this. A win is a win, especially when two of the world's best are in your final grouping.

It'll be interesting to see how the golf establishment views this victory. LIV players, as expected, haveralliedaroundKim. European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald was one of the first non-LIV players to praise Kim's achievement, unsurprising given that it occurred in the middle of the night for America:

For LIV, this is undoubtedly the most significant victory in the tour's history. This story will break wide in a way that, say, Rippers GC's latest team victory at Adelaide won't. The presence of Rahm and DeChambeau legitimizes the win, and LIV's challenge now is transforming this burst of fans' attention into longer-term connections.

For Kim, the takeaway is much more simple. Yes, he'll rise up to around 200th in the world rankings, but that's not the real story here. Kim picked himself up from life's floor, got his life back together, and returned to the top of the leaderboard. Right now, that's more than enough.

byAdministrator

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February 15, 2026

No matter the stage, Anthony Kim's first win in 16 years is a comeback story we can all get behind

Put aside, just for a moment, the LIV Golf-PGA Tour's subtext of perpetual scuffling. Try not to think about the pos...

Read More