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Français (Afrique)Iowa Hawkeyes football, basketball programs complete rare trifecta
The calendar year saw the Iowa Hawkeyes win a lot of games across the board. From football to men's basketball to women's basketball, the Hawkeyes were winners with the best of them. The three programs displayed consistency, toughness, and showed that the athletic program has a certain bit of moxie to it.
After a year that saw Iowa football go 9-4, Kirk Ferentz's program ended the season at No. 17 in the AP Poll. The same sort of sentiment can be passed to the men's basketball program, which capped off a magical season with a March Madness run, catapulting them to No. 15 in the final AP Poll.
Things don't end there. The Iowa women's basketball program once again proved they have staying power, finishing the year 27-7 and a final AP Poll ranking of No. 16.
The three programs finishing as high as they did completed quite a rare accomplishment. It is the first time since 2020-21 that all three programs finished in the top 20 of their respective AP Poll.
Hawkeye Football & MBB 🤝 Top 20 in the AP Poll
— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) April 8, 2026
2025–26
2020–21
1987–88
1986–87
1981–82
1960–61
1953–54@HawkeyeFootball x @IowaHoopspic.twitter.com/2IIkzlF8lR
This rare trifecta has only been accomplished seven times in the history of the University of Iowa, with two coming in the last seven years, while the next most recent occurrence saw it happen in back-to-back seasons of 1986-87 and 1987-88.
This is quite the feather that Beth Goetz can put in her cap early in her career at Iowa, and it should be a sign of things to come with the trajectories of all three programs pointing upward.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa Hawkeyes football, basketball programs complete rare trifecta
ESPN picks Detroit Lions' top three NFL draft needs
There's all sorts of thoughts about which direction the Detroit Lions should go with its first-round 2026 NFL draft pick at No. 17 overall.
In addition to pick No. 17, the Lions also own one day-two pick with their second-round selection (No. 50 overall). The Lions have seven other day-three picks.
While Detroit really needs to nail its first two picks, the Lions have more needs than just two position groups. ESPN took a stab at the Lions' three biggest needs in the draft:
OL, edge, CB. After struggling to adapt to new faces on the line last season and the release of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit can benefit from drafting an O-lineman early. Adding an edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowl player Aidan Hutchinson would also be smart, as Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with Tampa Bay. Plus, the Lions' cornerback room was plagued by injuries the past couple of seasons. - Eric Woodyard, ESPN
The Lions drafting an offensive tackle replacement for Taylor Decker has been a popular mock. Another popular ESPN NFL analyst, Peter Schrager, thinks the Lions will draft one of the top guards in this class to fortify the interior of its offensive line.
Some combination of offensive tackle and EDGE feels like the most likely one-two combination of picks at No. 17 and No. 50 for the Lions.
The 2026 NFL draft gets underway in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN picks Detroit Lions' top three NFL draft needs
CAF president visits Dakar following AFCON trophy reversal
The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was in Dakar Wednesday, nearly a month after the body's shock decision to strip Senegal of its AFCON title and award it to Morocco.
Patrice Motsepe announced the trip at the end of March, stating that he would travel to Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the importance of "working together to grow African football", as his organisation faces considerable criticism.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will receive Motsepe at the presidential palace later in the day, with a press conference to follow.
His visit comes at a particularly tense time for CAF following its surprise decision to overturn Senegal's 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in the Cup of Nations final on January 18.
CAF cited regulations about leaving the field as it recorded a 3-0 victory in Morocco's favour on March 17.
During the match Senegalese players, head coach Pape Thiaw and his staff walked off the pitch in Rabat after Morocco were awarded an added-time penalty, which forward Brahim Diaz ultimately missed.
The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed CAF's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The decision has sparked a strong response by Senegal, whose government has called for an international investigation into suspected corruption within the institution.
Weighing in on the matter late last month, Motsepe said he would "respect and implement the CAS decision. My personal opinion regarding the matter is irrelevant".
sjd/bfm/jc
Dalton Knecht plays 19 minutes for Lakers against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City (63-16) defeated Los Angeles (50-29), 123-87, Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Former Vol Dalton Knecht totaled five points and four rebounds in 19 minutes for Los Angeles. He converted 2-of-6 field goal attempts and 1-of-2 three-point attempts.
Rui Hachimura scored 15 points, while Drew Timme totaled 11 points for the Lakers. LeBron James and Luka Doncic were inactive for Los Angeles.
Knecht was selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft (No. 17) by the Lakers.
He transferred to Tennessee from Northern Colorado and played for the Vols during the 2023-24 season under head coach Rick Barnes.
During his one season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He led the Vols to a SEC regular-season championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight for a second time in school history.
Los Angeles will next play Thursday versus Golden State. Tipoff is slated for 10 p.m. EDT at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Dalton Knecht by the numbers for Lakers in loss to Thunder
Mendy Back at Training as Madrid Gears for Bayern Clash
Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy has returned to full training, striking the same pace as his teammates. The defender’s presence is considered vital for the upcoming quarter‑final at the Allianz Arena, where his one‑on‑one solidity will be key against Bayern’s attack. However, the coaching staff face a dilemma: whether to give Mendy minutes in the upcoming league match against Girona to regain match sharpness or to keep him rested for the crucial European fixture. The decision will be made during tomorrow’s training session, but Madrid supporters can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the “wall” is back for the big night.