Last week’s SmackDown featured a heinous attack on Jacob Fatu and a chaotic Undisputed WWE Title Match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre that ended in a disqualification win for McIntyre when The American Nightmare blasted The Scottish Psychopath with the championship.
Now, Rhodes and McIntyre prepare for a title clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Nov.
Ilja Dragunov to issue a United States Championship Open Challenge
Last week, Ilja Dragunov returned to SmackDown to defeat Sami Zayn in the United States Title Open Challenge to become the new titleholder.
The triumphant Dragunov will celebrate his success by issuing another Open Challenge for the championship tonight on SmackDown.
Tiffany Stratton will take on Kiana James
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is out to show Kiana James why SmackDown runs on Tiffy Time.
Don’t miss all the action, tonight on SmackDown.
Shinsuke Nakamura & Rey Fenix battle the MFTs in tag team action
Shinsuke Nakamura & Rey Fenix join forces against the MFTs in tag team action, tonight on SmackDown.
Udinese hosts Lecce Saturday, with pertinent milestones set to etched in stone against a side “I Friulani,” are notorious for holding their best home record against.
Should Nigeria Maduka Okoye start in goal in this upcoming match, he will reach 50 appearances for Udinese, while if Sandi Lovric scores a goal, he will hit double figures with the club.
Udinese will face Lecce on Saturday afternoon. It will be the 35th time the two teams square off in Serie A. Udinese hold a record of 20 wins, three draws and 11 losses.
They also hold a record of 12 wins, two draws and three losses at Bluenergy Stadium, making Lecce the team that Udinese have beaten the most at home percentage-wise (70% of the time).
The Bianconeri have lost only once at home against Lecce over the past eight matches (1-2 on 29 September 2020) and have scored in all of the past 12 consecutive games against them.
The last time Udinese did not score against Lecce was on 23 December 2001. The past three games against them have all ended with Udinese winning and conceding no goals.
Udinese are currently in seventh place in the Serie A expected goals table (11.3 xG so far), with only Milan and Inter ahead of them in terms of clear-cut chances created (17).
Together with Napoli, Udinese are the team who have scored the most in the first 15 minutes of the second half so far this season (four goals); they are also the team with the fewest back passes (only 11.7% of their total passes).
Arthur Atta is the player with the most successful dribbles in Serie A this season (18), while Oumar Solet is second only to Luka Modric when it comes to completed passes (401).
Nicolo Zaniolo scored against Cremonese; that was his first Serie A goal since 14 December 2024. Interestingly, he has scored all his past nine goals in Serie A away.
Speaking of goals, Jordan Zemura’s latest goal came against Lecce, a goal that was decisive in the match between the two teams in the first half of the last season.
This matchday too will feature a former player of one of the two teams: Razvan Sava was the goalkeeper of the 2019/20 Lecce U19 team.
Coach Kosta Runjaic delivered a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match against Lecce, kicking off at 15:00 CEST. Below is some of what our boss had to say.
Last time out in Cremona
“Against Cremonese we had some good moments and some less good ones. It was a good draw, and we need to build on what we did well. It’s a question of attitude – we prefer to focus on the positives as a basis for improvement. We learned a lot from the Cremonese match. We went behind after four minutes from a set piece, then around the half-hour mark they had several chances. We didn’t play well in the first half, but we held firm. In the second half we responded, and I’m satisfied with that.
“I want a team that gives everything to win, even if it means taking risks. I see a certain desire in my players which is crucial going into the upcoming matches. I’m sure we’ll do well against Lecce – a positive result would be great for us and the fans. In Serie A every match is tough because teams defend resolutely. We need to improve at the back and learn to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way.”
Karlstrom
“It’s difficult to compare two different seasons. [Jesper] Karlstrom is once again showing consistency in his performances this campaign, though perhaps he hasn’t very good at certain points, such as for Milan’s second goal – he made a certain decision, it didn’t work out, and we conceded. You have to make the right decisions during matches, and sometimes it’s better to take fewer risks. I’m pleased with him – he’s our captain and he needs to improve in that regard, too. Maybe the new responsibilities of the role are unconsciously impacting his performances, but I’m optimistic for him.
“The important thing is that the players’ performances are consistent, and the results can be built from there. It’s to be expected that not everyone is on top form yet, such as Nicolo Zaniolo and others, but they’ve got time to improve.”
The team’s mentality
“I think the team’s mentality is right, but many factors influence a match. Against Cremonese we started with good energy, but then we conceded a goal from a set piece. We talked about it after – we should have defended differently in that scenario. When you go behind the game changes. They had their chances, but I’m satisfied with our reaction away against a team who are not easy to face and who will pick up a lot of points at home.
“There’s a lot of competition in Serie A. In my opinion the league is tougher than last season because there are so many tough matches. One of our aims is to do well at home. We need our fans and we’ve got to harness their energy to make things difficult for our opponents. In 2024/25 we won seven games at home. The record in recent seasons is eight, but we can still improve, and if we do, we’ll be as good as any opponent. The important thing is to have the right energy and the right willpower.”
Competition in midfield
“The situation is positive. We’ve got a lot of options, and when you have so many not everyone can play. We’ve got Karlstrom who can certainly improve, and he knows it. We’ve got [Arthur] Atta, who’s improved a lot and had a chance against Cremonese that he didn’t take – he wasn’t happy about it. We want to press high up the pitch, so it requires a lot of running and cooperation from everyone when not in possession – those are the foundations for this approach.
“All the midfielders at our disposal are suited to our system. Compared to how we’ve played in the past we’re aiming to see more of the ball. However, we also need to understand what to do with the ball. [Sandi] Lovric is experienced and can play well as a central midfielder, even if he’s not at his best in one-on-one situations. [Jurgen] Ekkelenkamp did well in pre-season but then got injured. He’s now coming back to fitness. Let’s not forget [Lennon] Miller as well, who’s a very talented lad.
“Against Cremonese we were on the right track, but we have to ensure the players make the right decisions at the right time, and that’s not always easy, especially against teams that sit back. We’re learning and some of our players still need to integrate. [Jakub] Piotrowski did well in some parts of the game, but he needs to improve with the ball at his feet. The midfielder must act as the glue between defence and attack”
Bravo
“[Iker] Bravo could be a difference-maker, but the same goes for our other forwards. All of our players can make important contributions, but when they get their chances they have to perform up to standard. In Serie A you’ve got to be at a certain level and prove that you deserve your place. Iker is a top guy. He hasn’t been with us for a few weeks and so he hasn’t trained much. However, he’s available and we’ll see if and how much he plays. It depends on many factors, and I don’t even want to give any indications in advance. It takes certain performances to achieve certain results, and in the long run, performing as a team is what counts. I’m satisfied with how things are going in that regard – this team never gives up and always fights to win. We haven’t managed that at home yet, and our aim is to do so tomorrow.”
Lecce
“Lecce have a clear system – they want to see a lot of the ball. However, we’ve got to focus on ourselves. We’re seeking to implement our playing principles, be brave, play on the front foot and win 50/50s right from the start. Lecce have got full-backs who push forward and can be dangerous. We need to defend well, but more importantly, we need to focus on ourselves. We’ve got to put in a good performance and if we succeed in doing this then we’ll get a good result. However, we must also be aware that it won’t be easy.”
Solet
“In order to attack well we need our wingers to be firing on all cylinders, but you need to strike a balance. Me and [Oumar] Solet talked about what needs to be improved in his game, but it’s up to him to make the right decisions during a match. He’s capable of making a huge contribution. Unfortunately against Cremonese he made a mistake late in the game, and I can’t imagine what this press conference would’ve been like had they scored, but he did well at times. The goal is to cut down on those mistakes as much as we can, but it’s not just him. Every game is tough – we need to be less naive and keep things simpler at times on the pitch.”
After matchday two in the Conference League ‘The Eagles’ take stock
By Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace suffered a first league phase loss in the UEFA Conference League after a 1-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca.
Palace dominated the vast majority of the first major European tie at Selhurst Park, but were undone shortly after half-time as AEK Larnaca.
As Oliver Glasner said after the game, “We will learn from it, the players will learn. It’s disappointing, a frustrating night, but maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble.”
So where has that result left us in the league table and what’s next in Europe, let’s take a look….
Where we stand
Palace now sit in 16th position, still in the top half, after the second round of fixtures. The three points secured against Dynamo Kyiv mean the Eagles are still in a good position to push for a top-eight league phase finish.
As a reminder, in the 36-team league the top eight teams qualify automatically for the round of 16. 16th place would mean entry for the play-off round, but as a seeded team.
Teams finishing from 17th-24th will also enter the play-offs, but unseeded.
Italian side Fiorentina are currently in top spot after they secured a second straight win in the league phase, seeing off Rapid Wien 3-0.
They are one of six teams to have won maximum points so far, but sit top courtesy of goal difference which is used as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points in this competition.
What else happened on Thursday night?
As mentioned, Fiorentina eased to a second straight win with Edin Džeko becoming the oldest scorer in Conference League history in their win in Vienna.
Gibraltarian champions Lincoln Red Imps secured their first-ever league phase win after a late goal from Christian Rutjens’ earned them a stunning 2-1 victory at home against Polish side Lech Poznań.
Swedish side BK Häcken earned a second consecutive draw, after a 2-2 draw with Rayo Vallecano thanks to a 103rd minute penalty from the Spanish side.
The biggest win of the night fell to AEK Athens. The 13-time Greek champions put six past Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen to move up to 12th in the league.
As well as Fiorentina and Larnaca; NK Celje, Lausanne-Sport, Samsunspor and Mainz 05 also won to have maximum points after two matches.
RC Strasbourg, one of the tournament favourites and another of Palace’s league phase opponents, were held to a 1-1 draw by Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok, leaving both sides on four points.
Who is next up?
Palace return to Conference League in less than two weeks. Once again Selhurst Park will host European football as AZ Alkmaar visit on Thursday, November 6th for our third league phase tie.
AZ also have three points from their opening two matches. Defeated by Larnaca 4-0 on matchday one, they bounced back on home turf with a 1-0 win over Slovan Bratislava.
Ticketing information for that game can be found here.
Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, as Crystal Palace return to Premier League action (14:00 GMT).
On team news…
It looks like everyone came through physically okay [from the Larnaca game].
For us it is now just about recovery. the weather looks fine, so then we will be on the pitch playing a little bit of head tennis, using all the facilities we have.
The players already started with the recovery, and with the players who didn’t play and keeping them in the rhythm, they’ll do 30, 40 minutes, a little bit of ball work.
It’s just about staying in the rhythm and being best prepared for Arsenal, and this is what I can promise, is that the players will be fit and ready.
On where the squad is at…
Of course, the start was excellent, but I was clear that it doesn’t mean the whole season will be like this, because then we would win all four competitions.
But, again, I have no concerns at all, because the performances are okay.
We are not always on top, and this was our 14th game this season. We can’t always expect to be performing on our top level every game.
And then, sometimes you need to be clinical… score a goal, take a set play and win. We are not that far away at the moment, but we will try to get there, and that we take more wins with the effort that the players show, and the chances we create.
On the challenge of facing Arsenal…
I said before Bournemouth game that I don’t expect a 3-3 and then it happened!
But, to be honest, I think the last result at the Emirates Stadium [for us] was a 2-2. Even there we had great chances before we scored the equaliser, and it was three days before the semi-final of the FA Cup, so we are looking forward to this game.
Of course I watched their game against Atletico Madrid, and you can see they are very efficient, very dangerous in set-plays, and they can always create situations. They make good runs in-behind, with their wingers, and are good in the one-v-ones.
We have many, many strengths. But on the other side, and this will be important there… maybe it makes a click at the Emirates… to be efficient, having one or two chances and scoring one or two goals.
I don’t expect us to have seven or eight big chances. But on the other side, I hope I’m wrong like I was before Bournemouth, and we have seven or eight big chances there.
“I have no concerns at all, because the performances are okay”
Oliver Glasner
On sticking together…
It’s easy to stick together after a 2-1 win over Liverpool at home. When you do that it’s easy to be a team, to stick together.
But now it’s important because everybody is disappointed [after the Larnaca result] and when you go in the dressing room, nobody is speaking, and the players are blaming themselves for different reasons.
It’s part of life, it’s part of football, and for me, I saw that they tried everything until the end, but today it didn’t work.
For me, in this period, the players need support and we get all the support, because they are just great guys.
Magpies to cosoilidate Benfica UCL win in midweek with another Premier League succesful outing at St James’ Park against visiting Cottagers
By Geoff Pruce
🆚 Newcastle United
🏟 St James’ Park
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Saturday 25th October
⏰ 3pm
The opposition
It’s been a mixed bag of results for Newcastle in the Premier League so far, and they currently sit a point and a place above Fulham in the standings.
They have been strong on home soil, with both their wins coming at St James’, while they were also unfortunate to lose their other two home games by narrow margins to Liverpool and Arsenal.
Back in the Champions League this term, the Magpies reacted to a 2-1 loss to Barcelona with comprehensive wins over Union St Gilloise and Benfica, the latter coming in midweek.
Team news
⚫️ Sandro Tonali has been battling illness and is “touch and go” for the weekend, but Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Yoane Wissa are absent.
Marco Silva believes Newcastle United can be very satisfied with how they replaced Alexander Isak in the summer.
The Magpies were loathed to lose their top scorer, but eventually agreed a record deal with Liverpool for his transfer, and turned to imposing German Nick Woltemade to fill his boots.
The 6’6 frontman has proved an immediate hit on Tyneside, finding the back of the net four times in his first five Premier League matches.
“Very good striker, very good striker,” Silva admitted. “Of course, they had, last three seasons, an unbelievable striker, too. It’s not something new for them. It is a good sign, for them as a football club.
“When they lose a great striker – because Liverpool spent that amount of money on him – that means recruitment, and they did it well.
“They went for a slightly different style, but to spend the money they spent on him and the impact that he has had straightaway, I think is very good.
“One is slightly different, probably not so aggressive in the space like Isak was, much more a player that is very good leading the play. And, of course, inside the box he can score.
“He showed already that inside the box he can score in many different ways. The game against Brighton is a good example, the way he was able to finish in that way and score in that way.
“He’s a very good one – the way sometimes he can be the extra midfielder and he’ll come to link their game and support for them to beat the first pressure, for example. And, of course, inside the box his profile is a very good one.”
Team News: Several absent for Newcastle
Fulham will be without a number of First Teamers when we make the trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Antonee Robinson, Samuel Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz all missed the Arsenal defeat last week, and they have been joined in the treatment room by Joachim Andersen and Harry Wilson.
“Some good news, or fresh news. Others is not so good, unfortunately for us,” was Silva’s assessment of the squad fitness.
“Starting from the back, Kenny was already involved in the last game – not 100 per cent, but he was already on the bench. He has had a good week so far and he is going to be in contention for the game.
“Joachim Andersen, as we expected and as I mentioned after the match, has a muscle injury. It’s not so serious, but he is going to be out and not available for the Newcastle match, Antonee Robinson neither, as well. Chukwueze still out, Rodrigo out.
“About Harry Wilson, he got a knock with the national team, a small issue. He made the squad to play against Arsenal, but let’s see if he’s going to be ready or not.
“Yesterday he was not in the condition, today he didn’t train as well. Let’s see tomorrow how he reacts. Nothing really serious, but let’s see how he is going to be tomorrow, and after I will take a decision.”
In more positive news, Saša Lukić and Tom Cairney could be involved on Tyneside after recovering from the injuries picked up in the Bournemouth and Arsenal fixtures, respectively.
“Tom Cairney, nothing special [with the injury] as we expected, is going to be in contention. Saša Lukić is going to be in contention,” Silva confirmed. “The response from him has been very good.
“Top professional, top guy. He takes care of himself in a top way. He trained today again, let’s see how he’s going to be tomorrow.”
As battle for selection for World Cup Qualification playoff gathers steam
By Ed Emeanua
Nigeria manager Éric Chelle had scouts out all over European arenas with eyes set on monitoring Nigerians stars on parade on continental Club fixtures.
It was just as well, as Nigerians used this week’s continental club window to audition for selection for next month’s crucial World Cup Qualification (WCQ) playoff against Gabon’s Panthers.
Nigeria will clash with Gabon in the first semifinal pairing for CAF/FIFA WCQ playoff on November 13 in Morocco.
The winner of that match then takes on the victor in the second semifinal involving Cameroon and DR Congo three days later in the epic final. Both semifinal games take place same day.
As Chelle gears up to announce his selection, probable Super Eagles are already auditioning for these high-stakes games.
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen led Galatasaray to a first ever consecutive Champions League victory against Norwegians Bodø Glimt midweek at Rams Park Stadyumu, Istanbul city, Türkiye.
The lanky forward scored twice in the first half (3′, 33′) helping Cim-Bom to a 3-1 home UCL victory.
His effort offered inspirational spurt for compatriots in UEFA Championship actions accross Europe in preparation for next month’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) playoffs in Morocco.
With no international friendlies lined up before the playoffs, players of countries involved in the mini-championship are forced to audition for international duty selection through Club league and continental matches.
In the current UEFA Champions League season, various Nigerian players are representing clubs across Europe.
Several Super Eagles are part of main Club squads, among them, Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika. Nigerians taking part in the ongoing Champions League are a handful.
Osimhen’s Galatasaray visits Ajax in Amsterdam on November 5 in their next UCL fixture.
Lookman, Atalanta’s reigning African Player of the Year, has played his way into the heart of the Serie A giants, starring in the 0-0 draw with visitors Slavia Prague.
Missing in the away action at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia for Sešívaní (The Sewn-Ups) was Nigeria Center back Igoh Ogbu (Injury sideline: Muscle Strain). Compatriot and Midfielder David Moses, was in the starting lineup for the Czech Republic side. He was substituted in the 68′.
Lookman’s Atalanta next visits Marseilles on November 6 in a scheduled UCL matchup as the Czech side hosts Arsenal at the Fortuna Stadium (Stadion Eden) on November 4.
Club Brugge Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not available (Injury sideline: Hamstring) for selection against Bayern Munich Wednesday, with compatriot, defender Vince Osuji, not in the lineup.
Bayern pummeled the ‘Brugeois’ army to pulp 4-0 at the Allianz Arena Wednesday with goals from Lennart Karl 4′, Harry Kane 14′, Luis Diaz 34′ and Nicolas Jackson 79′. Brugge takes on Barcelona in their next UCL date on November 6.
Nigeria left wing back Bruno Onyemaechi marked his first UCL appearance for Greek champions Olympiacos against Spanish giants Barcelona in an away fixture at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic Tuesday.
The Nigerian featured in the game for 37 minutes. Overall, the match was a nightmarish trip for “Thrylos” (The Legend) with a 6-1 hammering.
Barca goals came by Fermín López – 7′, 38′, 76′, Lamine Yamal – 68′ Pen and Marcus Rashford – 74′, 79′. The visitor’s consolation goal was scored by Ayoub El Kaabi – 53′ Pen with Thrylos’ defensive midfielder Santiago Hezze – 57′ given the marching orders with a red card booking.
The Greek team next hosts PSV Eindhoven on November 4 in another UCL schedule.
Monaco young forward George Ilenikhena failed to score as his French club battled to a 0-0 stalemate against visiting Tottenham Hotspur Wednesday at the Stade Louis II in their UCL date. The next UCL fixture for Ilenikhena’s Monaco comes up at the Norwegian side Bodø Glimt‘s Aspmyra Stadium fortress on November 4.
Nathan Tella was not listed due to a knee injury as his Bayer Leverkusen lost 2-7 to visiting PSG at the Bay Arena with goals from Willian Pacho – 7′, Désiré Doué – 41′, 45’+3′, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 44′, Nuno Mendes – 50′, Ousmane Dembélé – 66′, Vitinha – 90′.
Aleix García – 38′ Pen, 54′ scored twice to reduce the tally for the home side in an encounter the home side’s Robert Andrich – 33′ was red carded and Illia Zabarnyi – 37′ also received the referee’s marching order.
Leverkusen visits Benfica’s Estádio da Luz on November 4 in their upcoming UCL fixture.
As top sports administrators defend their final theses at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State
By Ed Emeanua
Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) hosts final module of 2024/2025 International Olympics Committee (IOC) Advanced Sport Management Course Module (ASMC) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
A statement signed by NOC Public Relations Officer Tony Nezianya stated that the program runs from Tuesday, October 28, to Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
This final activities of the event allows at least 21 high-class attendees to justify their dissertations, bringing to a close a year-long accelerated curriculum crafted to promote high level sports administration in Nigeria, the statement added.
The ASMC is a bellwether drive of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), conveyed on the spirit of Olympic Solidarity in affiliation with national Olympic Committees, in this instance, NOC.
“It aims to equip sports administrators with modern management skills and essential tools to drive positive and sustainable change within their respective sports organisations,” Nezianya’s statement stated.
“This 7th edition of the course began with 25 participants drawn from key sectors, including State Sports Councils, tertiary institutions, and paramilitary organisations.
“The programme, which is based on the IOC’s Managing Olympic Sport Organizations manual, combines in-person and virtual learning sessions conducted over 12 months.
“The final module will be facilitated by IOC-certified Course Directors, Prof. Clement Fasan and Dr Jonathan Dyagas, along with invited external experts.
“Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the NOC, is scheduled to declare the final session open, underscoring the NOC’s institutional commitment.”
Commitment to Excellence
Nezianya’s statement further conveyed NOC’s endorsement of the program, adding that his organization is devoted to sprouting a group of proficient, exceptional sports bureaucrats skillful of boosting Nigeria’s sports system and safeguarding conformity with the IOC’s criteria for administration and control.
“The successful completion of this module will result in a new cohort of leaders being ready to implement these standards across the Nigerian sports landscape,” Nezianya stated.
“The Nigerian Olympic Committee is the national body responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s participation in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and other international sporting events to which the country is affiliated.
“It is also a body dedicated to promoting the values of Olympism and fostering the development of sports in Nigeria.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
By Atalanta
The day after their Champions League clash against Slavia Praha, the Nerazzurri were straight back to the grind this morning at the Centro Bortolotti, already switching focus to their Serie A clash against Cremonese.
For the 2025/26 Serie A Enilive Round 8, de Roon and his teammates will head to the Zini stadium in Cremona on Saturday, October 25, at 20:45 CEST.
Tomorrow, Friday 24, coach Jurić and his staff will keep the engines running in Zingonia with a closed-door afternoon session, drilling tactics and fine-tuning the squad ahead of the trip.
If you’re looking for a one-time under-the-radar Eagles player ready that will take a big leap in 2025, keep your eyes fixed on number 72, Moro Ojomo!
Ojomo is no longer just a developmental stash or preseason fan favorite. He’s got a real shot to be a meaningful part of the Eagles’ defensive line rotation this season. And if Vic Fangio is to be believed, the 7th-round pick out of Texas might be ready to do more than just eat snaps. He might start making noise.
Fangio Praise
“I think he’ll hold up well,” Fangio said when asked about Ojomo during camp. “He did last year when he played in there. He’s a year older, a year of playing significant snaps under his belt, getting reps here in training camp. I think he’ll do good.”
Eagles DC Vic Fangio discussing DT Moro Ojomo
"I think he’ll hold up well. He did last year when he played in there. He’s a year older, a year of playing significant snaps under his belt, getting reps here in training camp. I think he’ll do good." pic.twitter.com/RYFuh5Vz20
That last line might read simple on paper, “I think he’ll do good”, but coming from Fangio, a coach not known for fluff, it carries weight. Ojomo’s trajectory has been building quietly behind the scenes.
After flashing in limited action, his first year was mostly spent learning, working, and waiting. But in a room full of veterans and top picks, Ojomo held his own in 2024 when injuries mounted and depth was tested. He played physically. He stayed gap-disciplined. He didn’t look overwhelmed.
Refining Skills
Ojomo’s college tape at Texas showed traits the Eagles love. A violent strike off the ball, a relentless motor, and active, strong hands. What he lacked in polish, he made up for in effort and leverage. And now, with another year in an NFL weight room, another offseason immersed in Fangio’s system, and more reps against top-level talent, Ojomo is closing the gap between promising project and productive pro.
Football – NFL – Super Bowl LIX – Philadelphia Eagles v Kansas City Chiefs – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States – February 9, 2025 Philadelphia Eagles’ Moro Ojomo and C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrate a turnover on downs REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Eagles may not need him to be a star this season, not with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter in the fold. But they do need someone to emerge as a reliable rotational piece who can spell those guys without a drop-off in physicality or execution. Ojomo, at 6’3″, 295, brings a stout, low-to-the-ground presence that fits perfectly in what Fangio wants from his interior line. Gap integrity, power against the run, and the ability to collapse the pocket without freelancing occasionally.
Training Camp
What’s standing out at camp is the consistency. Whether it’s one-on-ones or 11-on-11, he’s showing up in the backfield. He’s working with a stronger anchor, converting speed to power, and giving the guards fits. Coaches have taken notice. So have teammates. There’s a growing confidence around Ojomo. Not just in how he’s playing, but how he’s carrying himself.
In a summer where eyes are naturally drawn to the big names, Ojomo has become one of those stories that starts quietly and builds into something more. That’s how you go from a depth piece to a trusted rotational player, and more.
Lane Johnson on Moro Ojomo: “Take it from me: He’s the real deal.”
Conclusion
Ojomo doesn’t need to pad a stat sheet to show growth; he just needs to keep stacking reps, doing the dirty work, and earning trust. Moro came into camp with something to prove. And so far, he’s doing just that, one rep at a time. If he continues on this trajectory, the breakout won’t be hype. It’ll be reality.
