This past year in sports featured a number of unforgettable moments. From Shohei Ohtani’s postseason heroics, to the possible end of the Chiefs’ NFL dynasty—and a new one starting in the NBA. The year saw some incredible highs—but what about 2026?
Welcome back. I'm Tiffany Meyer. The
past year in sports featured a number of
unforgettable moments from Show Otani's
postseason heroics to the possible end
of the Chiefs NFL dynasty and maybe a
new one starting in the NBA. The year
saw some incredible highs, but what
about 2026? Entities Dave Martin takes a
look ahead.
2026 has already started off with a bang
in college football with defending
champion Ohio State getting knocked out
of the playoffs by Miami. The 10-seated
Hurricanes meanwhile need two more wins
to add an improbable championship to
their already crowded trophy room. Over
in the pros though, the playoff picture
will have a new look with the Chiefs out
of the postseason for the first time in
a decade. What happens next is anyone's
guess. Will the Eagles repeat as
champions? Or will teams like the Bills
and 49ers, who were repeatedly denied by
the Chiefs, finally break through? And
while the NFL is sorting out their
champion, the Winter Olympics will be in
full swing. This year's games will
feature a number of thrilling
storylines. Can 41-year-old Lindsey
Vaughn become the oldest to win gold?
Will Michaela Shiffron add to her medal
collection? And for the first time in a
dozen years, the hockey competition will
feature NHL stars as the US and Canada
look to renew their albeit one-sided
rivalry. On the hardwood, March Madness
is less than three months away with
Florida looking to repeat as champions.
The always entertaining event features
buzzer beaters and Cinderella upsets
while spawning bracket competitions in
offices all across the country. But
while the college game rarely sees
repeat winners, the Oklahoma City
Thunder look primed to extend their
dynasty in the pros. Sheay Gilgis
Alexander and company are off to the
best start in the league, but may have
trouble with the Spurs if they want to
repeat as champions. Meanwhile, this may
be the final season for Lakers star
LeBron James, who turned 41 on Tuesday.
And speaking of aging legends, Tiger
Woods, who shares the same birthday as
James, just turned 50, making him
eligible for golf's senior circuit, the
PGA Tour champions. But though Woods is
at the half century mark, another major
title isn't totally out of the question,
especially after Phil Mickelson turned a
trick in 2021, just a month shy of age
51. But while Woods is hoping for a
return to the course next spring, the
soccer world will be gearing up for the
World Cup and waiting for word from
Lionel Messi over whether he'll suit up
for defending champion Argentina. And
finally, on the baseball diamond, Show
Otani and the Dodgers have three peing
on their minds for 2026. The game's
first $700 million player has delivered
so far for LA with two World Series
titles, not to mention two MVP awards
since signing there two off seasons ago.
If the Dodgers are going to get a third
in 2026 though, Otani may have to win a
Sai Young as well. This is Dave Martin
for NTD News.
