David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Athletic QB ‘Freak’ Awaits U Saturday in ‘Barometer Game’

Posted on September 6, 2026September 6, 2026 by David Shama

The Golden Gophers will need to contain multiple quarterbacks this season who not only can scramble from the pocket but also excel on designed runs. None may be more dangerous than Kamario Taylor from Mississippi State who Minnesota plays Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The sophomore Mississippi native ran untouched for a 26-yard touchdown last night in his team’s 62-13 season opening win over ULM. Bigger news was his passing improvement that paid off with four touchdown throws. He showed development in his progressions while passing for 354 yards.

Taylor made two starts last season and played in 11 games during his freshman year. The 6-4, 230-pound athletic freak was third on the team in rushing yards with 458 on just 82 carries while leading the team in touchdown runs with eight. He threw 629 yards and five touchdowns, with one interception on 43-of-77 passing.

The Bulldogs, 5-8 last season, aren’t considered a title favorite in the mighty SEC but could be a dark horse spoiler, partly because of their quarterback. An opposing SEC coach, quoted by Athlon Sports in its college football preview, referred to Taylor as a “phenom.”

“…He can do a lot of things for them this year, not only with his arm, but also with his feet. He can keep plays alive, which turn into big plays.”

Legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban said this at the SEC media gathering this summer: “…This guy could be the truth and the light now. He is really, really good.”

In three of the next four games Minnesota defensive coordinator Danny Collins must deal with quarterbacks who are formidable runners. On September 26 in Seattle Minnesota will see electric quarterback Demond Williams and then on October 3 faces Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood who is expected to be a frequent runner in new coach Kyle Whittingham’s system. The Gophers end the season at Wisconsin where quarterback Colton Joseph figures to be among the Badgers primary ball carriers.

Collins said in training camp the Gophers are “ready” for the challenges presented by scrambling and run by design quarterbacks. The offseason planning started last winter and continued in the spring and summer. Collins talked about having a “menu” of options depending on what the offense presents. Anticipating a designed run, for example, might prompt an additional safety on the field.

The planning gets its first test Saturday in a “barometer game” for the Gophers who are 1-0 like the Bulldogs. The early wagering lines have the Gophers as slight favorites, a couple of points.

After a final nonconference game September 19 at home with Akron, the Gophers face a second “barometer game” against a promising Washington team that will be favored. If Minnesota could enter the Michigan game 4-0 the Bank would be rocking in the battle for the Little Brown Jug.

Worth Noting

The NFL season starts Wednesday night in Seattle where the Seahawks and Patriots play in a rematch from last February’s Super Bowl. Minneapolis-based attorney, sports historian, and Sports Headliners advertiser Marshall Tanick noted in an email that the Vikings and Chiefs opened the 1970 season at Met Stadium after playing against each other in Super Bowl IV in January of that year.

That was an NFL first, matching the Super Bowl teams in the next season opener, and something that has happened only twice (Carolina at Denver in 2016) going into Wednesday’s game.

The Vikings lost 23-7 in the Super Bowl but earned redemption in a 27-10 September win. Chiefs coach Hank Stram had mocked the Vikings during the Super Bowl, so the victory felt like extra revenge for Minnesotans.

Via team voting the Vikings selected eight captains for the coming season:

Offense: Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Sr., Kyler Murray, Brian O’Neill.

Defense: Blake Cashman, Joshua Metellus, Andrew Van Ginkel.

Special Teams: Andrew DePaola.

While Forbes isn’t out yet with its annual valuation of NFL teams, Sportico has done so. The Vikings rank No.23 in the 32-team money machine league. Their valuation is $8.26 billion and ranks ahead of the Packers at No. 24 and Lions at No. 27. Sportico figures the Vikings are worth 32 percent more than last year. https://www.sportico.com/feature/nfl-team-values-ranking-list-1234684165/

The Cowboys at $15.5 billion top Sportico’s valuations. That figure tops the valuation of any other American pro sports franchise.

Gophers hoops player Cade Tyson, image by David Shama — Cade Tyson

No final litigation word yet as to whether players seeking a fifth year of NCAA eligibility like Cade Tyson from Gophers basketball will be eligible this fall and winter. But, if so, Tyson will need to choose a team, and he likely can command seven figures. And $2 million might be the ceiling.

Tyson’s presence might be worth more than a couple of extra wins to Minnesota next season.

Former Gophers point guard Marcus Carr, who recently played professionally in Germany, is a member of the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team this summer and is averaging 16.2 points and eight assists in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.

Former Timberwolves point guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, now with the Hawks, is averaging 15.3 points and 5.3 assists per game for Canada.

It’s stunning to view the late season batting averages of MLB players. There are only eight players hitting over .300, with former Twin Luis Arraez leading at .318. The Twins Luke Keaschall is 30th in the majors at .276.

Arraez, who won the AL batting crown in 2022 with Minnesota hitting .316, could win his fourth batting title in the majors. Now with the Phillies, that would be four with four different teams.

The average MLB batter is hitting .244, per A.I. That reminds baseball historians of 1968, The Year of the Pitcher when the average reportedly was .237.

The dismal hitting in 2026 is a combination of factors including the swing for the fences approach and minimizing bat contact as a priority (Arraez is the opposite). Also, pitching supremacy is fueled by powerful arms, technology (analytics and more), improved body mechanics, and the proliferation of quality pitching available from beginning to end each game.

For those who want to follow the teams in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the MIAC Sports Network offers streaming annually of more than 1,000 contests. The network app is free.

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In Off-Season Byron Buxton & Twins Need to Part Ways

Posted on September 1, 2026September 1, 2026 by David Shama

Byron Buxton has a no-trade $100 million contract with the Twins that runs through 2028. The pros outnumber the cons for huddling during the offseason and figuring out a new home for the long-time fan favorite.

On Sunday Buxton went on the 10-day Injured List with right hip impingement (retroactive to August 27). It’s his third time on the list with a hip-related injury this season.

Over the years injuries have limited Buxton’s playing time like few or any other Twins players. In 12 seasons with the club, he has played in over 100 games only three times. The numbers: 140, 126 and 102.

This season the total stands at 93. Whether he tops 100 in the 162-games schedule is TBD, but what can’t be disputed is the Twins are paying a lot of money for a part-time player and have done so over the years. Buxton turns 33 years old in December and it’s unlikely his durability will change in future summers.

The metrics say he is no longer an elite center fielder, and his glove talent would be better utilized as a corner outfield spot. The Twins are already using elite rookie and recent call up Walker Jenkins in center field. At 21, Jenkins looks like the club’s fixture in center field for a decade or more.

Buxton, although a streaky hitter who only once in his career has topped 70 RBIs, still has considerable value at the plate. In 2026 he has a .254 average, with 18 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, 46 RBI, 65 runs scored, a .511 slugging percentage and an .829 OPS.

He brings value on the base paths, too, and historically has been among the most efficient base stealers in MLB. Last season, he stole 24 bases in 24 attempts. He’s only been thrown out once in 2026 in eight attempts.

The Twins payroll is modest among peers, entering this season reportedly around $100 million. Buxton, at about $15 million in 2026, is second only to sidelined pitcher Pablo Lopez in compensation (nearing $22 million).

Ownership isn’t expected to go on an overly aggressive spending spree in the next couple of seasons. That means two valued players, catcher Ryan Jeffers and starting pitcher Joe Ryan, face uncertainty when their contracts expire after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Freeing up payroll from Buxton’s departure presumably could encourage ownership to retain those players.

While the Twins aren’t approaching World Series ambitions, teams like the Yankees, Phillies and Braves are positioned to compete for championships. Their budgets can afford a contributor like Buxton, who even in a limited playing role could mean the difference in a postseason game or two.

Buxton has been a Twin since being drafted in 2012, the second player selected that year. It’s understood he’s a positive in the clubhouse and on the field, but it sounds like a convincing proposal to suggest he plays his “golden years” chasing a career-first World Series.

A win-win situation could be in the offering, with the Twins not only lightening payroll but receiving quality from a trade partner either in MLB talent or top prospects, or both.

Gophers Notes

Furian Inferrera, a pocket passer, is the lowest ranked player among Minnesota’s 29 verbal commits in the class of 2027, per 247Sports. He also may turn out to be an impactful addition to the program.

That’s the opinion of Minnesota-based recruiting authority Ryan Burns from GopherGazette.com. Inferrera, from Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California and listed by 247 at 6-3 and 210-pounds, was sidelined with a knee injury last season and was a backup quarterback as a sophomore.

“I saw him perform live at Minnesota camp and I watched him do his stuff, and I think he’s got a chance to be special if he can stay healthy. He just needs to play,” Burns told Sports Headliners.

Former Golden Gophers running back Barry Mayer emailed that his friend and former teammate, flanker Terry Addison, passed away last Sunday morning. Terry, a flanker, lettered in 1968 and 1969, and he later was an administrator at Augsburg College and more recently a dean at Brown University. Barry was the best man at Terry’s marriage to Loni. Deep condolences to Loni and others on their loss!

Jeremiah Salem, grandson of former Gophers’ head football coach Joe Salem, is a graduate student reserve quarterback on the Eastern Illinois football team that plays Minnesota on Thursday night in Huntington Bank Stadium. Joe, 88, will travel from his South Dakota residence to see the game and Jeremiah whose father is Brad Salem.

The FCS Panthers, who defeated Murray State 28-14 last week, are about a 42-point underdog.

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Vikings Cutting QB J.J. McCarthy Today? Fuhgeddaboudit

Posted on August 30, 2026August 30, 2026 by David Shama

Enjoy a Sunday notes column.

NFL rosters must be reduced to 53 men tonight (Sunday) by 5 p.m. Minneapolis time. Any speculation the Vikings will cut disappointing third year quarterback J.J. McCarthy from their roster is ludicrous.

McCarthy, who has won six regular-season games as the team’s starter and lost the No. 1 job to Kyler Murray in training camp this summer, could be traded over the weekend or later. Dismiss any speculation, though, the Vikings will give him up for a late round future draft choice, or cut him for the roster with nothing in return.

J.J. McCarthy, Vikings QB, image by David Shama — J.J. McCarthy

The likely scenario is the Vikings won’t receive trade offers that entice them, and it makes sense that decision makers Kevin O’Connell (head coach) and Nolan Teasley (general manager) aren’t giving up so soon on Minnesota’s 2024 first round draft choice. Even if the 23-year-old is going to be replaced for now by Carson Wentz as backup quarterback, it doesn’t mean McCarthy can’t follow a path where he emerges as at least a serviceable NFL starter.

Other predictions about today’s cutdown include a nod here to rookie Brett Thorson winning the punting job from veteran Johnny Hekker, and linebacker Ivan Pace and offensive tackle Walter Rouse, both veterans, being cut. Bubble RB Zavier Scott makes the team but second-year former Golden Gopher QB Max Brosmer does not.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Vikings add a player or two from the Seahawks roster after they make their cuts, partly because Teasley, as a former Seattle executive, worked for the organization for 13 seasons.

Promising Vikings rookie defensive lineman Domonique Orange has potential to have one of the better nicknames in franchise history. Known as “Big Citrus,” he is listed by the team at 6-2 and 322 pounds. If he becomes a mainstay his handle can be up there with “Harry the Hitman” (Harrison Smith), “All Day” Adrian Peterson, Randy “The Freak” Moss, and “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema.

BTW, a source said word inside the Vikings organization is that it’s “highly doubtful” the 37-year-old Smith decides to play another season.

Former Twins general manager Thad Levine talks weekly with prominent sports newsmakers on his podcast Rosters to Rings. It’s the kind of in-depth content you’d expect from the cerebral Levine.

The presumptive sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion this summer is a startling contrast to the historical purchase prices of the NBA franchise, per A.I. The Detroit Gems were purchased for $15,000 and moved to Minneapolis in 1947. Bob Short bought the club for $150,000 in 1957, moved the team to L.A. in 1960 and sold it for about $5 million in 1965.

With the addition of 23-year-old power forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves now have a starting lineup that averages a youthful 26.4 years. Point guard LaMelo Ball, shooting guard Anthony Edwards and small forward Jaden McDaniels are all 25, and center Rudy Gobert is 34. Remove Gobert, and the Wolves have a foursome averaging 24.5 years.

With that youth, the Wolves may be positioned for a long time to compete against two other dominant and youthful teams in the Spurs and Thunder. Those franchises are wagering favorites to win the 2027 NBA title with the Wolves a top 10 bet.

Possibility that the NHL will add an expansion team in Texas (Houston or Austin) could prompt speculation the new team will play in the Western Conference’s Central Division and allow the Wild to join a less competitive division. Minnesota might jump at the chance to escape the Avalanche and Stars.

A big storyline to follow when the Wild heads into training camp and preseason next month will be who establishes himself as the team’s No. 1 goalie. Filip Gustavsson, 28, has the edge in experience but the NHL Network recently gave Jesper Wallstedt, 23, the No. 9 spot on its list of top 10 league goalies.

The Avalanche’s Cale Makar’s new contract extension is expected to prompt a new deal for the Wild’s Quinn Hughes. It’s believed the Hughes camp has been waiting for the Makar signing to set the market for defensemen as they are two of the best in the world.

Makar’s new compensation is reportedly at $20. 4 million in annual average value. Hughes may become the Wild’s highest compensated player, exceeding the $17 million annual average value reported deal of teammate Kirill Kaprizov.

Fordy Leipold, son of Craig Leipold, is director of marketing of his dad’s new Minnesota Forge pro volleyball team based in St. Paul.

New gameday food items will be available at Huntington Bank Stadium for Golden Gophers football and include Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts (Section 121), Cold Stone Creamery (Sections 131, 121), Sushi Flip Pops (Section 143), Salads & Sides (Section 127) and Original Fried Chicken Tenders in the West Plaza. Mini Sloppy Joe’s will be featured at the Game Day Cart (Section 143).

New Spam-inspired offerings include Spam Corn Dogs at Curds & Cakes (Section 123), the Spam Stadium Dog at the Sizzle Stand (Section 135) and Spam Fries in Club Cambria. Dominos Pizza, BBQ Cabin, Maui Wowi, Minnesota’s Original Brat Dog, The Lotus Vietnamese and Parlour Burger locations return this season. Proceeds from Parlour Burger benefit Dinkytown Athletes.

Gophers starting center Ashton Beers attended a media gathering for food sampling at the stadium. Asked what’s the best food option in small town Slinger, Wisconsin, he replied: “Culver’s.”

Linemate Tony Nelson, the right guard who was raised on a family farm near Tracy, got married recently to Amber Findlay.

University of Minnesota athletics lost two extraordinary boosters with the deaths this summer of Kay McReavy and Lee Sundet, both of whom passed away in their 90s. Condolences to friends and family.

Probably safe to say there will be more than a little grumbling among Gopher football fans that want to watch the opener in their homes Thursday night against Eastern Illinois; they need the Peacock platform.

The Gophers are the only Big Ten football program returning their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators, and starting quarterback.

Pickle ball sources say former Gopher basketball player Andre Hollins, 2011-2015, is outstanding at the game.

No details announced yet, but big names are expected for signings at the Minnesota Card Show September 17-20 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Over 600 vendor tables will feature sports cards and other memorabilia.

Quarterback Anthony Policare, the first- year starter who threw the winning touchdown pass in the last minute of the St. Thomas 15-9 season opening win against Winona State last week, is a transfer from Buffalo University where he spent three years.

A certain online sports columnist celebrates 20 years this month!

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