MBA AND A HEISMAN? THE "GENIUS" FACTOR MAKING FERNANDO MENDOZA THE PERFECT NFL LEADER
Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana to the National Championship, solidifying his status as the Las Vegas Raiders' likely No. 1 pick.
It already looked like the Las Vegas Raiders had their sights set on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. After his lights-out performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal, that pick feels almost locked in. The Heisman winner completed 17 of 20 passes and tossed five touchdowns—he made it look easy.
Mendoza didn’t just beat Oregon’s Dante Moore; he outclassed him. Moore was the only other quarterback really in the conversation for the top spot. Unless Mendoza completely unravels in the National Championship, the Raiders can pretty much stop worrying about their future at quarterback.
No one’s going to be happier about this than the receivers. The Raiders haven’t had solid quarterback play in years, so the wideouts haven’t exactly been racking up catches. Phillip Dorsett, who just signed a Reserve/Future contract, even chimed in after seeing a highlight of Mendoza torching Oregon. Safe to say, the players are paying attention. Sure, the draft process isn’t over yet, but Mendoza keeps acing every challenge.
Here’s something people aren’t talking about enough: Mendoza’s star turn makes the Raiders’ head coaching job way more attractive. If this draft class were weak at quarterback, Vegas might have the least appealing coaching vacancy in the league. The team keeps firing coaches, and, honestly, the roster needs a lot of work. Still, the chance to draft and shape a guy like Mendoza is probably turning some of the top offensive minds’ heads.
And it’s not just the talent—coaches and teammates love this guy. He’s sharp, too; he’s working on his MBA at 22. Any coach would be thrilled to work with someone like him.
Now, is Mendoza-to-Vegas a done deal? Raiders GM John Spytek was there in person for the Oregon-Indiana game, so he saw Mendoza dominate up close. After that kind of performance, it’s tough to picture Spytek thinking about anyone else.
Sure, the pre-draft circus always brings twists and surprises. But Mendoza doesn’t come off as the type to flop in interviews or workouts. If anything, he’s making the Raiders’ decision easier. As things stand, Las Vegas really has two paths: draft Mendoza or trade down for a monster return. But let’s be real—outside of maybe the Jets, no one is as desperate for a quarterback as the Raiders. Nothing’s official until draft day, but Mendoza should probably start picturing himself in silver and black.
CARLOS RODóN POISED FOR MID-MAY ROTATION RETURN FOLLOWING STELLAR SOMERSET PERFORMANCE
"I'm ready," says Carlos Rodón after a 75-pitch gem in Double-A. Get the latest injury updates on the Yankees' dominant staff.
The Yankees have been tearing it up early this season. Sitting at 20-11, they’re leading the American League, and their starting pitchers are a big reason why.
Max Fried and Cam Schlittler have really stepped up at the front of the rotation. Thanks to them, New York’s starters own the best ERA in baseball, 2.74, and that’s with some key arms still missing.
But on Thursday in Somerset, one of those missing pieces finally made progress.
Carlos Rodon Shows He’s Ready
Carlos Rodon took the mound for Double-A Somerset and immediately made an impact. He struck out eight over 5.1 innings, gave up just one run on five hits, and threw exactly 75 pitches, which is right where the Yankees wanted him. It’s another strong performance from a guy who looks closer and closer to coming back with every outing.
After the game, Rodon didn’t hide how he felt.
“I’m ready when they tell me they need me,” he said.
It sounds like he’s waiting for the call. The Yankees will check how his arm feels after this start, and he’ll probably get another rehab game before he comes back. Judging by Thursday, he could be back in the rotation by mid-May.
What Rodon’s Return Means
The Yankees have been winning without Rodon, which makes this even more exciting.
Last year, Rodon had his best season in pinstripes. Thirty-three starts, a third All-Star nod, and a 3.09 ERA. Bringing that version of Rodon back to a rotation already this good? That gives the team a whole new gear.
And it’s not just him; Gerrit Cole is on his way back from Tommy John surgery, aiming for late May or early June. On Wednesday, Cole made his third rehab start in Somerset, pitching 5.2 innings with zero walks. His command has been spot-on.
Put Rodon and Cole together with Fried and Schlittler, and suddenly the Yankees’ starting pitchers are as good as any in the game.
The Bottom Line
It’s hard not to be optimistic if you’re a Yankees fan right now. The rotation is thriving, help is coming, and Rodon looks ready to rejoin the team. He made it clear after his latest start that he wants back in.
The timeline is finally coming together. Once Rodon and Cole are back, the Yankees will be even tougher for the rest of the league.
That moment isn’t far off.
LAKERS OPEN AS 3.5-POINT UNDERDOGS FOR GAME 6 CLOSEOUT ATTEMPT IN HOUSTON
The Los Angeles Lakers face a pivotal Game 6 in Houston as 3.5-point underdogs, with Luka Doncic still sidelined by injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers are just one win from moving on to the second round, but if you look at the betting lines, you’d never know it.
Even though Kevin Durant is still out for the Rockets, the Action Network has the Lakers as 3.5-point underdogs on the road for Game 6. The moneyline puts LA at +150 and Houston at -180. So, even with the Lakers up 3-2 in the series, Game 6 in Houston still tilts toward the Rockets.
It makes sense, honestly. Houston’s managed two straight elimination wins, including a 99-93 victory in LA in Game 5. Jabari Smith Jr. dropped 22 points, Tari Eason chipped in 18, and Alperen Sengun nearly had a triple-double. The series heads back to the Toyota Centre, and there’s some real momentum on the Rockets’ side.
Now the Lakers get a third shot at closing things out. Austin Reaves is back and healthy, which helps, but Luka Doncic remains out with his hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Houston has pieced together enough offence (and just tough defence) without Durant to turn this into a real fight.
Austin Reaves Is Back
Getting Reaves back is probably the best news the Lakers have had in a while, even if it didn’t stop the Rockets from forcing Game 6.
Reaves came off the bench in Game 5 and scored 22 after missing the last five games of the regular season and the first four playoff games thanks to that oblique injury back in early April. And let’s be real, the Lakers desperately needed another creator to help out LeBron. During the regular season, Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. His ability to break down defenders, hit open shots, and attack off the dribble adds important structure to their offence, especially late in close games.
But you could tell he wasn’t quite 100% yet. Yes, he scored, but the Lakers still only put up 93 points. They missed a bunch of good looks down the stretch, which let Houston sneak away with the win. LeBron led the way with 25, and DeAndre Ayton had a monster game with 18 points and 17 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough.
Reaves raises the Lakers’ floor. Game 6 will be a big test to see if he can help them reach another level because that’s what they need.
Kevin Durant Is Still Out for Houston
On paper, Durant’s absence should tip things in the Lakers' favour. He led Houston with 26 points per game this season and is one of the best at creating a shot against tough defences. But Houston’s won the last two games without him, and the oddsmakers still make the Rockets the favourites for Game 6.
Why? Depth, energy, and balance. Houston managed to hold LA under 100 in Game 5, forced mistakes, and got some big fourth-quarter plays from Reed Sheppard after the Lakers had clawed back to within three.
So, no, Durant being out isn’t enough. The Lakers still have to break the Rockets' pressure, punish them for helping on LeBron, and avoid the sluggish stretches that killed them in Game 5.
Luka Doncic Update: Still Out
There’s still no timeline for Doncic's return, and that’s the cloud hanging over the Lakers’ playoff run.
He’s dealing with a hamstring injury, hasn’t gotten back to real on-court work, and probably won’t be available for at least the start of the next round if the Lakers get there.
That means LA needs to finish the Rockets as soon as possible. Win Game 6, and you get valuable rest. Lose, and you force a Game 7 in LA, but you’re just adding more wear and tear to LeBron, Reaves, and everyone else while Luka continues to sit.
The Lakers have survived without Doncic before, remember? They jumped out to a 3-0 lead without him and got Reaves back before Houston could fully rally. Getting past Houston without Luka is one thing; making a real run in the West is something else entirely.
Doncic being out shrinks the Lakers’ margin for error. Reaves’ return helps, and Durant’s absence gives them an opening, but the Rockets have already proven they don’t need Durant to win. Oddsmakers are still siding with Houston at home.
Here’s where the Lakers stand: They need to finish this thing in Houston. Otherwise, what’s already a complicated situation could only get messier.
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