Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. makes strong statistical case as top 5 NFL …

Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. makes strong statistical case as top 5 NFL cornerback originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Is Joey Porter Jr. a top five cornerback in the NFL? During a recent appearance on the Blueprint Podcast, the Pittsburgh Steelers' rising star made that exact claim, noting that while critics often focus on his penalties, his ability to erase an opponent's top receiving threat remains among the league's elite.

While the shutdown corner label is a frequent debate for fans in Pittsburgh and across the league, a look at the 2025 advanced metrics shows that Porter Jr. has the numbers to back up his talk.

3rd down forced incompletion rate

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The hallmark of a high-level cornerback is the ability to get the defense off the field when the stakes are highest. In 2025, among 63 NFL cornerbacks with at least 115 third-down coverage snaps, Joey Porter Jr. ranked 2nd in the NFL with a 35.3% forced incompletion rate. In critical "money down" situations, Porter Jr. disrupted more than a third of the passes thrown his way, according to PFF's 2025 season analysis.

Porter is suppressing opposing passer rating

This dominance on third down is a direct driver of his overall coverage efficiency. According to the team's official 2025 position review, Porter Jr. finished the campaign allowing a 56.2 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks, a mark that ranked 3rd in the NFL among qualified starters.

The link between these two stats is vital for understanding his value. By forcing incompletions on high-leverage downs, he effectively neutralizes the opponent's passing rhythm for the entire game. Even without a high volume of interceptions, his ability to prevent completions -- and his remarkable streak of not allowing a touchdown in primary coverage -- renders him a statistical black hole for wide receivers.

Top 5 or not, Porter is essential to the Steelers defense

For the Steelers, Porter Jr.’s emergence as a premier perimeter defender is an essential piece of the evolving defensive puzzle. By traveling with top receivers and maintaining elite coverage metrics, he provides the Steelers' pass rush with a force multiplier: time.

When Porter Jr. locks down a primary target, it forces quarterbacks to move through their second or third progressions. That extra half-second in the pocket is the exact window TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith et al need to collapse the pocket.

In an AFC North division defined by elite quarterback play, having a corner who statistically transforms an All-Pro passer into a sub-par backup is the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason.

A look back at the most bewildering moments of the weekend from all corners of the football world.

Yamal loses his cool

Yamal at his majestic best

Goal of the weekend

Usain Bolt has changed a lot...

Usain Bolt lookalike at Lou

The special Easter coin toss in Lithuania

Overstepping his role

Bosnia celebrates the ball boy who swiped Donnarumma's cheat sheet

Bayern's last-gasp comeback

.... and the comeback that was all for nothing!

Cherki is at it again

The viral parody of the Lego ad

Bonus: Bakambu slams Portugal

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Kentucky Wildcats pursue Syracuse transfer as potential solution in portal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kentucky Wildcats will be busy in the transfer portal this offseason. That's how modern college basketball works.

One player they might pursue is a steadying presence from the Syracuse Orange.

Kentucky reporter Wyatt Huff wrote on X that the Wildcats are "expected to be involved" with SU point guard Nait George, whose intention to enter the transfer portal was reported a few days earlier.

NEWS: Kentucky is expected to be involved with Syracuse transfer PG Naithan George, a source tells Kentucky Wildcats On SI

One of the best passers out of the ACC pic.twitter.com/niLRKuP9yx

— Wyatt Huff (@Wildcat_wave) April 5, 2026

George is a 6-foot-3 point guard from Canada.

He just played his first season at Syracuse after two collegiate seasons elsewhere in the ACC at Georgia Tech.

In 2024-25, George led the ACC with 6.5 assists per game and also averaged 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

This season for Syracuse, George put up 10.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

His outside shooting has left a bit to be desired in his college career, at just 31.8% from 3-point range.

Still, George can lead a team as a floor general, and with talent around him, he probably can be a winning player.

Kentucky will surely pursue other point guards, too, but the early inkling of a George pursuit suggests that he might be a priority.

All the moving parts in college basketball can make it tough to keep up, but Kentucky is going to do its best to have an improved roster for next season.

MORE: Alex Karaban in NCAA hoops history with Bill Russell, Lew Alcindor

Texas women's basketball fans may be sad about the Longhorns' Final Four loss, but there are reasons to be happy about the future.

Two future Longhorns raised some eyebrows last week at the high school level. Class of 2026 signees Aaliah "Lizzy" Spaight and Brihanna Crittendon teamed up for the McDonald's All-American challenge Tuesday. Even though their West team didn't win, those two looked like some of the best players on the court.

Crittendon had a team-high 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting. She made a 3-pointer and several shots in the paint. On one touch, she corralled the ball in traffic and finished a layup while being fouled. She made 2 of her 3 foul shots on the night. The 6-foot-3 native of Thornton, Colo. led her school to its first state title and was a finalist for Team USA's U17 squad.

RELATED: Rori Harmon dishes one last assist, but it wasn't on the court

ESPN #8 Brihanna Crittendon is one of THEM‼️🔥 #KeepDoubtinpic.twitter.com/9xuFC6e6R8

— RareFootage (@RareFootageNews) April 2, 2026

"We had a definite need at the power forward position and we feel like Bri with her size, athleticism and skill set will really be able to be that monster big guard that can play multiple positions for us," head coach Vic Schaefer has said.

The five-star recruit also had offers from UCLA, Tennessee and Oregon, among others. Earlier this year, she broke the Colorado state record for career points.

Spaight scored eight point on of 3-for-5 shooting. The 5-foot-7 guard added five rebounds and three assists. She flashed an ability to shoot off the dribble and finish around the rim. Schaefer has described her as "very dynamic" with the ability to score at all three levels.

Aaliah “Lizzy” Spaight is the GOODS‼️🔥 #KeepDoubtinpic.twitter.com/Tq2eRxgbMQ

— RareFootage (@RareFootageNews) April 1, 2026

"I'm really excited about her athleticism and quickness that she can bring to the floor both offensively and defensively," he said after she signed "She sees the floor well and can run a team. A fierce competitor, she will defend with pressure with her quickness, speed and athleticism."

She won a Nevada state championship at Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman High while averaging 19.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and four steals per game. Spaight was also named Nevada's player of the year as a sophomore. LSU and South Carolina were among several programs interested in Spaight.

Texas lost to UCLA in the Final Four on Friday, ending a 35-4 season that including an SEC Tournament title-game win. The Longhorns will lose rotational players Teya Sidberry and Kyla Oldacre as well as star guard Rori Harmon, who started over 150 games for the Longhorns dating back to 2021. But Texas will return sophomore Jordan Lee and freshman Aaliyah Crump as well as All-American forward Madison Booker.

Crittendon is ranked the No. 8 player in the class by ESPN and Spaight is No. 20. Addision Bjorn, the No. 10 player, is committed to the Longhorns for 2026, too. She's the all-time leading scorer at her high school and she earned a goal medal, alongside Crump, as part of Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Each of these teens has been named the Gatorade Player of the Year in their state.

Also joining the Longhorns in 2026 is Amalia Holguin, a 5-foot-9 guard ranked 57th among the prospects in her recruiting class. According to UT, Holguin is on pace to become the all-time leading scorer at California's Sage Hill High School.

Szoboszlai Speaks Amid Real Madrid Speculation

Dominik Szoboszlai has moved swiftly to quieten the noise linking him with Real Madrid, delivering a firm and composed response that underlines his commitment to Liverpool. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the Hungarian midfielder has become one of the most talked-about names ahead of the summer transfer window, with interest from Spain’s elite refusing to fade.

Yet, rather than allowing speculation to gather momentum, Szoboszlai has taken ownership of the narrative. In a football landscape often driven by rumour and agent whispers, his words cut through with clarity and intent.

“I love being here,” he said. “My family is happy, I love the club, I love the fans, I love to play for this club and that is it.”

It is a statement that lands with weight. Not vague, not rehearsed — simply direct. At a time when Liverpool are navigating an inconsistent campaign, Szoboszlai’s stance offers a rare sense of certainty.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Reliance on Szoboszlai Grows

If anything, Liverpool’s difficult season has only heightened Szoboszlai’s importance. Amid a faltering Premier League title defence and domestic setbacks, he has emerged as one of the few players consistently delivering quality and drive.

His performances have not gone unnoticed. Real Madrid’s reported interest is rooted in his ability to dictate tempo, carry the ball through midfield and contribute decisively in the final third. For a club always looking to refresh its engine room, Szoboszlai fits the profile.

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However, Liverpool are not operating from a position of weakness. His contract runs until 2028, and with squad restructuring expected — particularly with major wage shifts looming — the club are well-placed to secure his long-term future on improved terms.

That financial flexibility could prove crucial. Rewarding Szoboszlai with a new deal would not only reflect his influence but also send a message about Liverpool’s direction under evolving leadership.

Real Madrid Interest Driven by Midfield Evolution

Real Madrid’s admiration for Szoboszlai is part of a broader strategic shift. With the gradual transition away from stalwarts like Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, the Spanish giants are actively reshaping their midfield.

While younger options have begun to step forward, the club continue to monitor elite-level talent across Europe. Szoboszlai’s profile — technically refined, physically robust and tactically versatile — aligns with their recruitment philosophy.

Still, as the original Sports Illustrated report suggests, the links remain speculative rather than concrete. Madrid are casting a wide net, and several midfielders have publicly expressed admiration for the club.

That context matters. Interest does not equate to inevitability, and Szoboszlai’s own words suggest that any potential move is far from imminent.

Future Outlook Points to Stability at Liverpool

For now, the trajectory appears clear. Szoboszlai is settled at Liverpool, both professionally and personally, and his focus remains fixed on helping the club navigate a challenging period.

There is also a broader cultural dimension at play. Liverpool’s identity has long been built on players who buy into the collective, who understand the weight of the shirt and the expectations that come with it. Szoboszlai’s comments reflect that alignment.

Of course, football rarely stands still. Transfer windows bring unpredictability, and Real Madrid’s interest will not simply disappear overnight. But in this moment, the balance of power sits firmly with Liverpool.

Szoboszlai is not agitating for a move. He is not leaving the door ajar. Instead, he is reinforcing his place within the project — a player not distracted by outside noise, but anchored in the present.

And in a season where clarity has often been in short supply, that may be as valuable as any performance on the pitch.