Could Makai Lemon link up with former Trojan teammate? — and more

It is not likely that the Chicago Bears take receiver Makai Lemon with their first round pick. The Bears' last season set their fans' hearts on fire by taking tight end Colston Loveland with their first-round pick instead of addressing other critical needs. That move panned out to be one of the best picks of last year's draft. Colston Loveland looks like a top five tight end already after his rookie season. Ben Johnson was right, and Loveland fits the offense perfectly. Could Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles take another swing for Caleb Williams?

There have been talks that the Bears are going to move on from D.J. Moore, with his current contract not matching his production, and the Bears being in a bit of a pickle with their current cap. If they move on from Moore, there is a bit of a question which receiver would step up to being that alpha male. The Bears do have loads of talent at that position, just still no clear #1. Rome Odunze was supposed to be that guy, but injuries have set that back from happening, and he has a recurring issue with drops. Luther Burden is an insane playmaker, but it might be too early to expect him to be that #1 guy.

Makai Lemon, a former Trojan teammate of Caleb Williams, listed Caleb as one of his picks for quarterbacks he would want to play with. In 2023, there was not much success between these two together, but there is a great relationship still there. With the player that Lemon is now, he would be dangerous in a Ben Johnson offense and with Caleb Williams.

If the Bears were to trade up and draft Makai Lemon, it would be another move that would be hated, but a move that pays off big dividends. Makai Lemon, as a rookie, I think, would be the best receiver on this team, and he would fit in perfectly. He is a smaller receiver who can dominate in the slot, while Luther Burden and Rome Odunze can dominate on the outside. He is elite at things other than his counterparts, making for a truly special offense.

Now, this would be a fantasy situation, but if it were to actually happen, Colston Loveland, Makai Lemon, Luther Burden, and Rome Odunze would maybe be the best receiving combination in the NFL. All of them are young, too, which would be scary for the rest of the NFL. Allowing Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams to work with that seems like it would be illegal.

As I mentioned, it may be a far-stretched concept, but boy, would it be fun to watch. The Chicago Bears would have the best offense in the NFL, and they could bring back the idea of the greatest show on turf. While it is a very unlikely landing spot for Makai Lemon, I do not think there is a better case scenario for him other than landing in Chicago.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon and Caleb Williams would light it up together in Chicago

Chad Baker-Mazara's collegiate career appears to have come to an unceremonious end on Sunday, March 1.

Southern California announced that the sixth-year and graduate transfer is no longer with the program, following his decision to not re-enter Saturday's 82-67 loss against Nebraska.

REQUIRED READING: Ranking top 10 players in college basketball for conference tournaments

Baker-Mazara's exit from the team comes at an interesting time for the Trojans. The team had been on the first four out in USA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology, but have lost five games in a row.

Here's what you need to know about why Baker-Mazara left USC:

Why did Chad Baker-Mazara leave USC?

In his first year with USC ―and his sixth collegiate season ―Baker-Mazara led the Trojans with 18.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. All of his averages were career highs, as he started 22 of 26 games he appeared in for USC.

However, against Nebraska after scoring 14-first half points, Baker-Mazara exited the game three minutes into the second half after falling hard on the baseline while trying to chase down Nebraska's Pryce Sandfort. He went to the locker room and never re-entered the game.

"He said he couldn’t go," head coach Eric Musselman told reporters after the game.

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje, "it wasn’t any one incident, but an accumulation of issues that led to Baker-Mazara’s departure."

Does Chad Baker-Mazara have any eligibility left?

After playing six collegiate seasons, Baker-Mazara is out of eligibility, effectively ending his college career.

How old is Chad Baker-Mazara?

Baker-Mazara was born on Jan. 27, 2000. That made him 26 years old during the 2025-26 college basketball season.

Chad Baker-Mazara stats

Here's a look at Baker-Mazara's stats in his six collegiate basketball seasons:

• 2020-21 (Duquesne): 9.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game on 43.8% shooting, 41.7% 3-point shooting in 24.4 minutes per game (15 games, 13 starts)
• 2021-22 (San Diego State): 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game on 42% shooting, 39.3% 3-point shooting in 12.8 minutes per game (31 games, 0 starts)
• 2022-23 (Northwest Florida State): Did not play
• 2023-24 (Auburn): 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game on 45.2% shooting, 41.8% 3-point shooting in 21.7 minutes per game (35 games, 9 starts)
• 2024-25 (Auburn): 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game on 44.8% shooting, 38.1% 3-point shooting in 25.6 minutes per game (38 games, 34 starts)
• 2025-26 (USC): 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game on 44.4% shooting, 38.1% 3-point shooting in 29.6 minutes per game (26 games, 22 starts)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did Chad Baker-Mazara depart USC basketball?

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Spring training continues this afternoon, and I've got a pair of moneyline selections for our MLB picks.

See why I like Jameson Taillon and the Chicago Cubs, among other selections, on Monday, March 2.

Spring Training predictions for March 2

Pick	Odds
CHC moneyline	-105
/ Over 7.5	-110
KC moneyline	+125

Pick #1: Cubs moneyline

Jameson Taillon hasn't had the greatest start to spring, surrendering four home runs in 3 2/3 innings of work across two starts, but that's why they play the spring games. It takes time to warm up.

The Chicago Cubs will look to rough up Cincinnati Reds righty Brady Singer, who makes his first appearance this spring. He doesn't miss a ton of bats, and if his command isn't sharp, he'll put Cincy in an early hole.

Pick #2: Marlins/Cardinals Over 7.5

I simply love it when we get spring totals below 10. I know the projected lineups are factored in, and neither the Miami Marlins nor the St. Louis Cardinals figures to be among MLB's best offenses. 

However, Adam Mazur and Andre Pallante have typically pitched to contact over their careers, and that can make things go south in a hurry. There are also some intriguing bats slated to be in the lineups, like Marlins catcher Joe Mack and first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos, and Cardinals second baseman J.J. Wetherholt.

Pick #3: Royals moneyline

I am very curious about what Grayson Rodriguez will bring to the Los Angeles Angels after being acquired from the Orioles this offseason. A former top pitching prospect, the righty missed all of 2025 with injury. Working his way back, he's bound to be shaky, as he showed by issuing three walks in 1 1/3 innings in his previous start.

His upside is through the roof, but I'll take the Kansas City Royals at plus money here, especially if Rodriguez puts the Angels in too deep of an early hole. If the total opens at 10.5 or lower, I'd be all about the Over, as well. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Arsenal Interest Rebuffed as Corinthians Hold Firm on Matheuzinho

Arsenal’s long range scouting network has once again led them to South America. Yet, as reported by RTIESPORTE.COM, Corinthians have drawn a clear line regarding right back Matheuzinho, rejecting two offers including one from the Premier League.

The 25 year old has emerged as a central figure under Dorival Júnior. According to the report, Marcelo Paz believes “It is not the right time to negotiate the defender.”, with the club viewing him as a structural pillar rather than a tradable asset. Arsenal have monitored him since last season, but admiration alone does not shift negotiating positions.

Photo IMAGO

Contract Strength and Internal Priority

Matheuzinho’s contract runs until December 2028. That timeframe alters the dynamic significantly. Corinthians hold leverage, reinforced by a release clause of 100 million euros for international clubs and 50 million euros domestically.

RTIESPORTE.COM outline that the club purchased 60 percent of his economic rights in 2024 for 4 million euros from Flamengo. Since then, he has become a dressing room reference point, described as one of the principal leaders within the squad.

With a congested calendar and Copa Libertadores ambitions, stability has become policy. The report indicates that even proposals offering higher wages abroad have not tempted the player. Corinthians are planning a meeting to discuss salary appreciation and to reinforce the sporting project around him.

Arsenal’s Calculated Watch

For Arsenal, this is familiar territory. Monitoring does not equal immediate escalation. The club have built a reputation for patience, identifying profiles that fit technical and developmental frameworks.

Matheuzinho’s versatility and leadership appeal. Yet with Corinthians signalling that negotiations would only begin at figures approaching the international clause, the pathway is narrow.

At present, the message from São Paulo is unambiguous. Matheuzinho remains central to Dorival Júnior’s plans, and Corinthians have little appetite for compromise.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal supporters, this report reads as both frustrating and encouraging. Frustrating because the profile is compelling. A 25 year old right back with leadership credentials and Libertadores ambition suggests resilience and maturity. Encouraging because it confirms the club’s recruitment radar remains expansive and proactive.

Fans understand that Arsenal rarely rush negotiations where leverage is limited. A 100 million euro clause places Corinthians in command. Even so, the knowledge that the player has not pushed for a move adds nuance. Arsenal supporters tend to favour targets who demonstrate clarity of intent.

There is also strategic patience to consider. If Arsenal view Matheuzinho as long term depth rather than immediate transformation, timing matters. The club’s hierarchy will not be drawn into inflated bidding for symbolic victories.

Supporters will watch closely. South American recruitment has yielded success before. Whether this evolves into a concrete approach may depend less on desire and more on opportunity.