Dargan Southard profiles a reporter whose Iowa beat fuses passion with accessibility. Caitlin Clark anchors his Iowa women's basketball coverage, driving the Hawkeyes into national headlines and fantasy chatter alike. Southard hints at a season of steady content around Clark and the Hawkeyes, while signaling broader Iowa football and women’s hoops coverage as seasons approach.

Off duty, Southard leans into baseball, and his Tennessee roots flavor his storytelling with fan insight and practical angles for fantasy readers. The piece positions his work as a gateway to timely, data-informed coverage that helps fantasy managers pace headlines with on-court value.

Rueben Bain Jr. anchors Chicago’s 2026 seven-round mock, a powerfully built edge who fits the Bears’ need for a long-term rush threat. The plan pairs Bain with a backfield upgrade in Nicholas Singleton, while Keon Sabb shores up safety depth and Gennings Dunker fortifies the tackle spot. Round 5 adds Maurice Westmoreland to boost edge pressure, with Kyle Louis and Kam Shanks providing LB/punt-return upside and dynamic slot potential, respectively.

Indiana's 2025 schedule looks tougher after a CFP berth, but Curt Cignetti reloads the roster with Mendoza at the helm and a promising supporting cast. The opener vs Old Dominion is winnable yet warns of early adversity, while home dates vs Kennesaw State and Indiana State set a confident tone. Midseason tests at Oregon and Penn State loom, Illinois and Iowa figure as sturdy barometers, and IU’s fate could hinge on depth, ball security, and how quickly the defense adapts. A second playoff bid is plausible but far from guaranteed.

Predictions favor a resilient Hoosiers run, with several blowouts at home and a few hard-fought road battles. If Mendoza runs the offense cleanly and the line holds, IU could stay in the hunt for a Big Ten title late, though a December Indy appearance isn’t guaranteed. For fantasy managers, monitoring Mendoza’s efficiency, Hemby’s workload, and the receiving corps will be key as IU navigates a mix of high-ceiling matchups and potential trap games.