Scheffler leads PGA start; NFL sets 2026 slate; Cavs win OT

Sports fans saw a busy Thursday on May 14, 2026, as the PGA Championship teed off with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the spotlight. The NFL released its full 2026 regular-season schedule, adding more international dates and significant travel demands. In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Detroit Pistons in overtime to move within one win of the Eastern Conference finals. College football leaders also advanced discussions to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams.

The PGA Championship opened as the year’s second men’s major with Scheffler headlining a deep field. Early scoring trends and first-round pacing were seen as tone-setters, with Scheffler’s iron play and short game highlighted as advantages after a consistent run that includes three runner-up finishes in 2026. Rory McIlroy enters with momentum and is viewed as capable of mounting an early charge.

PGA Championship tees off with Scheffler in focus

World No. 1’s form and early-round emphasis

Beyond the top names, several contenders have drawn attention on course fit and recent form. While major championships are unpredictable, observers suggest a strong opening round could prove decisive for the world No. 1, who has broken 70 in two opening rounds this season and converted one of those starts into a victory.

With the tournament under way, players are weighing aggressiveness against risk management as they look to position themselves for the weekend. Shot-making in changing conditions and par-5 scoring are expected to differentiate the leaders by Friday evening.

NFL releases full 2026 schedule with global slate

49ers’ record travel and new Thanksgiving Eve game

The 2026 slate features an expanded international footprint and unprecedented travel for some teams. The San Francisco 49ers are slated to cover more than 38,000 miles, with fixtures listed in Australia and Mexico City. The league also scheduled its first Thanksgiving Eve game, with the Los Angeles Rams hosting the Green Bay Packers on Netflix.

International staging continues with the Cincinnati Bengals heading to Spain to face the Atlanta Falcons, adding to a growing list of overseas destinations. Teams are preparing for time-zone swings and condensed recovery windows that can influence roster management and competitive balance across the regular season.

Cavaliers take Game 5 in overtime

One win from East finals; late-game scrutiny

Cleveland secured its first road win of the series by edging Detroit in overtime in Game 5, moving within one victory of an Eastern Conference finals matchup with the New York Knicks. The finish drew scrutiny after a late sequence that could have resulted in free throws for the Pistons but did not produce an attempt from the line.

The Cavaliers’ depth and closing execution proved decisive in the extra period. Detroit’s inability to capitalize on late possessions heightens the pressure heading into Game 6, where tempo control and foul discipline are expected to be focal points.

College football developments to monitor

Playoff expansion momentum and program headlines

The push to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams gained momentum after the ACC aligned with the Big 12 and Big Ten, leaving the decision in the SEC’s hands to finalize the format. A broader postseason would alter selection dynamics, scheduling priorities and roster management across the sport if approved.

In program news, Ohio State sits atop a comprehensive set of 138 team rankings following spring practice. Nebraska and head coach Matt Rhule finalized a $5 million Name, Image and Likeness agreement that allows the university’s athletic department to benefit from his podcast and related merchandise, marking a notable development in administrative–NIL arrangements.

With the PGA Championship underway, the NFL schedule set and the NBA postseason tightening, the coming days will bring clarity on major-title contenders, travel implications for NFL teams and whether the Cavaliers can close out their series.