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Toluca vs Tigres: The Rivalry, the History, and the 2026 Champions Cup Final

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Toluca vs Tigres

Few matchups in Mexican football carry as much recent drama as Toluca vs Tigres. These two Liga MX clubs have met dozens of times over the years, but their most recent meetings have raised the stakes even higher, culminating in a penalty shootout for a continental championship. If you’re searching for information on this matchup, you’re likely trying to understand either the historical rivalry between these clubs or the outcome of their latest high-profile meeting.

This article covers both. It walks through who Toluca and Tigres are, their head-to-head history, and a detailed breakdown of their 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, one of the most closely contested finals in the tournament’s recent history.

Direct Answer

Toluca and Tigres UANL are two of Liga MX’s most successful clubs, and their rivalry reached a new level in 2025 and 2026 after meeting in back-to-back finals. In the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, Toluca claimed its first international title in 23 years by defeating Tigres 6-5 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Historically, Toluca also holds the advantage in the rivalry, recording 34 wins compared to Tigres’ 20 across 73 previous meetings.

Who Are Toluca and Tigres?

Deportivo Toluca FC

Toluca, often nicknamed Los Diablos Rojos, or the Red Devils, is one of the most decorated clubs in Liga MX history. The team plays its home matches at Estadio Nemesio Díez in the city of Toluca, located just west of Mexico City. Toluca has built a reputation for strong, well-organized teams under head coach Antonio Mohamed, and the club had already claimed two Liga MX league titles, along with the Campeón de Campeones and Campeones Cup, in the twelve months leading up to their 2026 Champions Cup run.

Tigres UANL

Tigres UANL, based in Monterrey and closely tied to the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, is another of Liga MX’s most consistently competitive clubs. Long-time star forward André-Pierre Gignac has been central to the team’s identity for years, and Tigres has built a reputation as a club capable of reaching finals across multiple competitions, even in seasons when the league title doesn’t come with it.

The Head-to-Head History

Before their 2026 Champions Cup meeting, Toluca and Tigres had faced off 73 times across Liga MX and Copa MX competition. Toluca holds a clear historical advantage, with 34 wins compared to Tigres’s 20, along with 19 draws. That edge becomes even more pronounced when the location narrows to Toluca’s home stadium, Estadio Nemesio Díez, where Toluca has won 29 of their meetings to Tigres’s nine, with eleven draws.

That history matters context-wise, but recent meetings between these two clubs have been unusually tight given the stakes involved. The clubs met in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final, where they drew 2-2 on aggregate before Toluca advanced on penalties, 9-8, in a sudden-death shootout. That result set the stage for an even bigger meeting just months later.

The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final

How Both Teams Got There

Toluca qualified for the Champions Cup by winning the 2024-25 Liga MX season, while Tigres qualified based on their regular-season standings. Both clubs advanced through the knockout rounds with strong records. Toluca defeated the LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals and eliminated San Diego FC, a Champions Cup newcomer, in the Round of 16, before beating LAFC 4-0 to advance 5-2 on aggregate in the semifinals. Tigres, meanwhile, took down MLS sides Seattle Sounders and FC Cincinnati, along with Canadian Premier League club Forge FC, before defeating Nashville SC 2-0 on aggregate in the semifinals.

Because both finalists finished the knockout rounds with identical four-win, two-draw records, the tiebreaker came down to goal difference. Toluca’s plus-11 mark across the rounds beat Tigres’s plus-3, which meant Toluca hosted the single-leg final at their own stadium under CONCACAF’s current hosting format.

Setting the Stage

The final carried extra weight beyond the trophy itself. It marked the first time the two clubs had ever met in CONCACAF competition, despite their long domestic rivalry. It was also the first Champions Cup final since 2021 contested entirely between two Mexican clubs, and it came on the same day Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal on penalties to retain the UEFA Champions League title, giving the day an unusual double dose of shootout drama in world football.

Both teams entered the final with some key absences. Toluca’s head coach had already rested several regular starters in the Liga MX quarterfinals against Pachuca, prioritizing the Champions Cup final, and the club was without Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo, both away on international duty with the Mexico national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

How the Match Played Out

The final at Estadio Nemesio Díez ended scoreless after 90 minutes, with both sides playing cautiously in the first half before Tigres pushed more aggressively as the match wore on. Neither team found a breakthrough despite several close chances, including saves from Toluca goalkeeper Luis García that kept the match level.

In extra time, Toluca finally broke through when Jorge Díaz scored to put the hosts ahead. Tigres responded through Joaquim Henrique to level the score at 1-1, and the match went to penalties still tied.

The Penalty Shootout

The shootout ran the full distance before Toluca came out on top, 6-5. Several players missed or had chances saved along the way, including a slip from Ángel Correa that still found the net for Tigres, and Luis García ultimately produced the decisive save against José Sanchez Purata to seal the win for Toluca. Fernando Arce Jr. and Sebastián Córdova were among the Toluca players who converted key penalties in the closing rounds of the shootout.

Why This Result Mattered

Toluca’s win secured the club’s third Champions Cup title overall, following previous wins in 1968 and 2003, giving the team its first international trophy in 23 years. The victory also earned Toluca direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and a spot in the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, both firsts for the club.

For Tigres, the loss extended a difficult stretch that included elimination from the Liga MX playoffs by Guadalajara, along with the tough news that forward Marcelo Flores would miss the upcoming World Cup due to injury after being called up by Canada. Some post-match analysis suggested Tigres were arguably the better side across the 120 minutes, given the number of chances they created, but they were unable to convert those opportunities into goals when it mattered most.

Key Concepts: How Champions Cup Hosting Works

For readers unfamiliar with the format, a few details help explain why the final was played at Toluca’s home stadium rather than a neutral site or a two-leg tie.

Since a rule change introduced in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the tournament’s final is played as a single match rather than a home-and-away series. The host is determined by comparing each finalist’s cumulative results across the knockout rounds, excluding the very first round of the tournament. Whichever club has the better overall record earns the right to host. In 2026, both Toluca and Tigres finished the knockout stage with identical win-draw-loss records, so the decision came down to goal difference, where Toluca’s stronger showing gave them home advantage.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Mistake: Assuming Toluca vs Tigres is a routine Liga MX matchup. While the two clubs do meet during the regular Liga MX season, their recent encounters, including back-to-back finals in late 2025 and mid-2026, have carried championship stakes rather than standard league points.

Mistake: Thinking the team that dominates possession or chances always wins. Post-match analysis of the 2026 final noted that Tigres arguably created the better chances across the match, yet Toluca still came away with the title, largely thanks to strong goalkeeping and a stronger penalty shootout.

Mistake: Confusing this Champions Cup meeting with a past Liga MX final. Toluca and Tigres had met in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final just months before the Champions Cup final, and it’s easy to mix up the two results since both were decided on penalties, with a different exact scoreline.

Mistake: Assuming missing national team players always weakens a squad. While Toluca were without Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo due to Mexico’s World Cup preparation, the club still managed to win, showing that squad depth and other players stepping up can offset key absences.

Real-World Example: The Penalty Shootout Pattern

One notable pattern in this rivalry is how often big matches between these two clubs have gone to penalties. Both the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final and the 2026 Champions Cup final ended in shootouts, with Toluca winning both times at their own stadium. That repetition suggests these are two evenly matched sides when it comes to regular play, with the difference in recent finals coming down to composure and goalkeeping in the shootout itself.

Key Facts

  • Toluca and Tigres had met 73 times in Liga MX and Copa MX competition before their 2026 Champions Cup meeting, with Toluca holding 34 wins to Tigres’s 20 and 19 draws.
  • Toluca won the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup final 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through extra time.
  • The win gave Toluca its third Champions Cup title, following previous wins in 1968 and 2003, and its first international trophy in 23 years.
  • Toluca and Tigres previously met in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final, which Toluca also won on penalties, 9-8.
  • The 2026 final marked the first time the two clubs had ever met in CONCACAF competition.
  • Toluca’s Champions Cup win earned direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who won the 2026 Toluca vs Tigres Champions Cup final? 

Ans: Toluca won 6-5 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time, securing the club’s third CONCACAF Champions Cup title.

Q2: Is there a rivalry between Toluca and Tigres? 

Ans: Yes. While not a traditional geographic rivalry, the two clubs have developed a heated competitive relationship after meeting in consecutive major finals, the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final and the 2026 Champions Cup final.

Q3: Where was the 2026 Champions Cup final played? 

Ans: The match was played at Estadio Nemesio Díez in the city of Toluca, Mexico, since Toluca earned hosting rights based on a superior goal difference during the knockout rounds.

Q4: How many times have Toluca and Tigres played each other? 

Ans: Before the 2026 Champions Cup final, the two clubs had met 73 times across Liga MX and Copa MX competition, with Toluca holding the historical edge.

Q5: What does Toluca’s Champions Cup win mean going forward? 

Ans: The victory qualifies Toluca directly for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, both firsts in the club’s history.

Q6: Did Tigres have a weaker squad due to national team call-ups? 

Ans: No, it was actually Toluca who was missing key players, Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo, due to Mexico’s World Cup preparations. Tigres had no players away with a national team for the final.

Q7: Has this rivalry always gone to penalties? 

Ans: Not always, but the two most recent high-stakes meetings between these clubs, the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final and the 2026 Champions Cup final, were both decided by penalty shootouts, with Toluca winning both.

Key Takeaways

  • Toluca holds the historical head-to-head advantage over Tigres, both overall and especially at Toluca’s home stadium.
  • Toluca won the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup final 6-5 on penalties, claiming its first international title in 23 years.
  • The two clubs had already met in the Apertura 2025 Liga MX final, which Toluca also won on penalties.
  • Toluca’s Champions Cup win earned qualification for both the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
  • Despite the result, some analysis suggested Tigres created the better chances across the final, highlighting how closely matched these two clubs have become.

Conclusion

Toluca vs Tigres has grown from a solid Liga MX rivalry into one of Mexican football’s most closely watched matchups, driven largely by back-to-back finals decided on penalties. Toluca’s win in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup final adds another chapter to a rivalry that already leaned in the Red Devils’ favor historically, while giving the club new opportunities on the international stage. 

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Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL Timeline: Every Meeting So Far

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inter miami vs tigres uanl timeline

Two clubs, two different footballing worlds, and two matches that have already produced enough drama to make this one of the more closely watched fixtures in North American soccer. Inter Miami and Tigres UANL have only met twice, but both games ended 2-1, both were decided late, and both carried real stakes in the Leagues Cup. Here’s the full timeline of what’s happened so far.

Direct Answer: What Is the Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL Timeline?

The Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL timeline covers two competitive matches, both played in the Leagues Cup, the annual tournament pitting MLS clubs against Liga MX clubs. Tigres won the first meeting 2-1 in the 2024 group stage, while Inter Miami won the rematch 2-1 in the 2025 quarterfinal. The overall head-to-head record stands at one win apiece, with no draws, making it one of the most evenly balanced young rivalries in the sport.

Background: Why This Matchup Draws Attention

Inter Miami and Tigres UANL come from very different footballing traditions, and that contrast is part of what makes their meetings compelling. Inter Miami, an MLS club owned by an ownership group led by David Beckham, had limited international profile before Lionel Messi’s arrival in July 2023 fundamentally changed the club’s visibility overnight.

Tigres UANL, based in the Monterrey metropolitan area and playing home matches at Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza, carries a very different kind of weight. With eight Liga MX championships and a 2020 CONCACAF Champions League title, Tigres entered this rivalry as an established continental heavyweight, not a club still building its reputation.

The Leagues Cup, which brings every MLS and Liga MX club into a shared mid-season tournament, has become the primary stage for this dynamic to play out, turning a fixture between two clubs with no traditional rivalry into a genuine measuring stick for MLS ambition against Liga MX’s tactical depth.

Match One: 2024 Leagues Cup Group Stage

The first official meeting between the two clubs took place on August 3, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, during the Leagues Cup group stage.

Tigres controlled much of the early tempo, and that patience paid off in the 18th minute, when Juan Brunetta opened the scoring with a composed finish. Inter Miami responded in the 74th minute, with Leonardo Campana converting from the penalty spot to level the match at 1-1. The equalizer didn’t hold. In the 84th minute, Juan Pablo Vigón restored Tigres’ lead, and the match finished 2-1 in Tigres’ favor.

Notably, Lionel Messi did not feature in this match due to an ankle injury, and Luis Suárez remained on the bench throughout. The absence of Inter Miami’s biggest attacking names shaped how the match unfolded, with Tigres able to control large stretches of the game against a Miami side missing key attacking options.

Match Two: 2025 Leagues Cup Quarterfinal

The rematch came roughly a year later, in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinal, played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami’s home ground.

This match swung several times. Inter Miami took an early lead in the 23rd minute, when Luis Suárez converted a penalty to make it 1-0. Tigres answered in the 67th minute, with Ángel Correa beating goalkeeper Óscar Ustari to level the score at 1-1, continuing a strong individual tournament for Correa, who had scored four goals across the earlier phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup.

The decisive moment came in the 89th minute. Tigres pushed for a late equalizer, and a header from Edgar López in stoppage time struck both posts without going in, allowing Miami to hold on for the win.

As in the first meeting, Lionel Messi didn’t play, this time due to a muscle injury rather than the ankle issue from 2024. The victory sent Inter Miami through to the Leagues Cup 2025 semifinals and ended Tigres’ run in that year’s tournament.

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on both official meetings to date, the record between the two clubs is closely balanced:

  • Total meetings: 2
  • Inter Miami wins: 1 (2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinal, 2-1)
  • Tigres UANL wins: 1 (2024 Leagues Cup group stage, 2-1)
  • Draws: 0
  • Competition: Both matches played in the Leagues Cup

Key Players in the Rivalry So Far

A few individual performances have defined both matches played to date.

Luis Suárez (Inter Miami)

Suárez has been the decisive figure in the head-to-head so far, scoring both of Inter Miami’s goals in the 2025 quarterfinal, both converted from the penalty spot under pressure in a knockout-stage match.

Ángel Correa (Tigres UANL)

Correa has established himself as one of Tigres’ most dangerous attacking threats in these meetings, scoring the equalizer in the 2025 match as part of a broader strong run of form in that tournament.

Juan Pablo Vigón and Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL)

Both players were directly involved in Tigres’ 2024 win, with Brunetta opening the scoring and Vigón netting the eventual match-winner.

Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami)

Campana scored Miami’s lone goal in the 2024 meeting, converting from the penalty spot to briefly level the match before Tigres retook the lead.

One recurring storyline worth noting: Lionel Messi has missed both matches between these two clubs, first due to an ankle injury in 2024, then due to a muscle issue in 2025, meaning a Messi appearance against Tigres remains something fans of both clubs haven’t yet seen.

What’s Next for This Matchup

As of the most recent Leagues Cup cycle, no future match between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL has been formally scheduled. Because the Leagues Cup runs annually and both clubs have consistently qualified for the tournament, another meeting between the two is a realistic possibility in a future edition, though the specific timing depends on tournament seeding and results in earlier rounds.

Good to Know

Both matches have been decided by narrow, late margins. Neither game has been a comfortable result for either side, both finished 2-1, and both featured a decisive goal in the final 15 minutes or stoppage time.

Penalties have played an outsized role. Three of the four total goals scored across both matches have come from the penalty spot, a detail that’s shaped how each match’s turning points unfolded.

The rivalry predates a long shared history. Unlike longstanding regional rivalries, this matchup has only existed since 2024, meaning the “timeline” is still in its early chapters, with plenty of room for the head-to-head record to develop further.

Key Facts

  • Inter Miami and Tigres UANL have met twice, both times in the Leagues Cup.
  • The 2024 group stage match, played August 3, 2024, in Houston, ended 2-1 to Tigres.
  • The 2025 quarterfinal, played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, ended 2-1 to Inter Miami.
  • The head-to-head record stands at one win each, with no draws.
  • Lionel Messi has missed both matches due to injury.
  • Luis Suárez has scored both of Inter Miami’s goals in the head-to-head so far, both penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who has won more matches between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL?

Ans: The record is even, with one win for each club across two total meetings, both decided by a 2-1 scoreline.

Q2: Has Lionel Messi ever played against Tigres UANL?

Ans: No. Messi missed both meetings due to injury, an ankle issue in 2024 and a muscle injury in 2025.

Q3: What competition have Inter Miami and Tigres UANL played each other in?

Ans: Both matches have taken place in the Leagues Cup, the annual tournament featuring clubs from MLS and Liga MX.

Q4: Who scored the winning goal in each match?

Ans: Juan Pablo Vigón scored the decisive goal for Tigres in the 2024 meeting, while Luis Suárez scored the winning penalty for Inter Miami in the 2025 quarterfinal.

Q5: Is there a traditional rivalry between these two clubs?

Ans: No long-standing rivalry existed before 2024. The current dynamic has developed specifically through their Leagues Cup meetings since then.

Q6: Will Inter Miami and Tigres UANL play again?

Ans: No future match is currently scheduled, but since both clubs regularly qualify for the Leagues Cup, another meeting is considered likely in a future edition of the tournament.

Key Takeaways

  • Inter Miami and Tigres UANL have played twice, both in the Leagues Cup, with each side winning once by a 2-1 scoreline.
  • Tigres won the first meeting in 2024; Inter Miami won the rematch in the 2025 quarterfinal.
  • Luis Suárez has been the decisive figure for Inter Miami, scoring both of the club’s goals in the head-to-head via penalties.
  • Lionel Messi has missed both matches to date due to injury.

In Short

Two matches, two 2-1 results, and one win apiece, the Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL series has managed to pack plenty of drama into a short history. With Messi yet to feature in either match and both clubs likely to keep crossing paths in future Leagues Cup editions, this remains a rivalry very much in its opening chapters.

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Missouri vs Howard: Inside the 2025-26 Season Opener

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Missouri vs Howard

When people search “Missouri vs Howard,” they’re usually looking for the men’s college basketball matchup between the Missouri Tigers and the Howard Bison, played on November 3, 2025, at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C. It was the season opener for both programs, and it turned into a historically strong road win for Missouri.

This article walks through what happened in the game, why the result mattered, and how each team performed individually.

Direct Answer

Missouri defeated Howard 88-67 on November 3, 2025, at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C., to open the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season for both teams. Shawn Phillips Jr. led Missouri with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Howard’s Bryce Harris scored a game-high 27 points. The win marked Missouri’s largest road victory in a season opener in 84 years.

Background: A Notable Road Trip for Missouri

Missouri came into the game fresh off a 22-12 season under head coach Dennis Gates, a campaign that included a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the program’s best seeding since 2012. Rather than opening at home, as most programs do, Missouri chose to open on the road at Howard, marking the second straight year the Tigers started their season away from Columbia.

The trip carried some extra weight. Missouri had not won a season-opening road game since 2003, and the program hadn’t posted this large of a road win to open a season in 84 years, dating back to a 52-29 victory over Saint Louis in the 1941-42 season. It also marked the first time in the two programs’ history that Missouri played a true road game against Howard; 20 of the previous 21 meetings between the schools had been played in Columbia, with one additional neutral-site game at an NCAA Tournament.

Missouri also had to manage some early-season injury concerns. Forwards Trent Pierce, Annor Boateng, and Trent Burns were all ruled out with lower-body injuries, meaning the Tigers opened the year without three players who had been expected to contribute.

How the Game Unfolded

Missouri Takes Control Early

Missouri won the opening tip and got on the board quickly, with Sebastian Mack finding Shawn Phillips Jr. inside for an early basket. Howard answered on its first possession, but Missouri responded with a burst of scoring, including a dunk from Mark Mitchell and a three-pointer from Jevon Porter, to push the lead to 11-5 early in the first half.

From there, Missouri kept building. A 16-5 scoring run stretched the Tigers’ lead further, and by the halfway point of the first half, Missouri had extended its advantage into double digits and kept adding to it through good ball movement and efficient shooting.

Howard Mounts a Second-Half Push

Missouri carried its lead into the break and came out of halftime looking to extend it, stretching the margin to 20 points early in the second half at 46-26. Howard wasn’t finished, though. The Bison put together a 20-9 run, shooting an efficient 7 of 9 from the field, including all six of their three-point attempts during that stretch, to cut Missouri’s lead down to nine points at 55-46.

That was as close as Howard would get. Missouri answered immediately with a 14-3 run of its own, shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 2 of 3 from three-point range, to push the lead back out to 21 points at 72-51. From that point forward, Missouri controlled the pace and cruised to the finish, closing out an 88-67 win.

Key Individual Performances

Shawn Phillips Jr., playing his first game in a Missouri uniform after transferring in, led the Tigers with a double-double: 16 points and 11 rebounds. He was remarkably efficient, making 8 of 9 field-goal attempts.

Jayden Stone added 13 points for Missouri, connecting on 3 of 4 attempts from three-point range, while Jacob Crews chipped in 10 points off the bench. T.O. Barrett paced the Tigers with four assists, and Anthony Robinson II led the team defensively with three steals.

As a team, Missouri shot an efficient 55.7 percent from the field, including 52.6 percent (10 of 19) from three-point range. The Tigers also dominated the boards, out-rebounding Howard 47-28, and controlled the interior with a 46-16 advantage in points in the paint.

For Howard, Bryce Harris put together the best individual performance of the night, scoring a game-high 27 points on 4-of-9 shooting from three-point range, while adding four rebounds and four assists. Alex Cotton also had a strong offensive night, scoring 20 points on 6-of-12 three-point shooting. Despite those individual performances, Howard shot just 35.5 percent from the field as a team, which made it difficult to sustain any long stretch of offensive success against Missouri’s defense and rebounding advantage.

Why the Game Turned Out the Way It Did

A few factors explain the final margin:

Missouri’s three-point shooting was extremely efficient. Making 10 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc gave Howard’s defense little room to key in on any single area of the floor.

Rebounding and interior scoring created a wide gap. Missouri’s 47-28 rebounding advantage, paired with a 46-16 edge in points in the paint, meant Howard had to work far harder for each possession while Missouri generated easier looks close to the basket.

Missouri answered every Howard run. When Howard cut the deficit to nine points in the second half, Missouri immediately responded with its own scoring run rather than letting the game stay close, which shut down any real chance of a comeback.

Depth mattered for Missouri. With four different players in double figures and contributions spread across the roster, Howard couldn’t focus its defensive game plan on stopping just one or two scorers.

Common Misconceptions About This Matchup

Misconception: This was a typical, low-stakes season opener. While season openers are often unremarkable, this particular result set records. It was Missouri’s largest road win in a season opener in 84 years and the program’s first road win in a season opener since 2003.

Misconception: Howard didn’t compete in the game. Howard actually mounted a real second-half push, cutting a 20-point deficit down to nine points with an efficient shooting run. The game only pulled away again after Missouri answered that run directly.

Misconception: This was a “normal” road game for Missouri against Howard. Historically, the two programs had met almost exclusively in Columbia. This was the first true road game between the schools, making the size of Missouri’s win even more notable given the unfamiliar environment.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Missouri 88, Howard 67
  • Date: November 3, 2025
  • Location: Burr Gymnasium, Washington, D.C.
  • Occasion: Season opener for both teams
  • Missouri’s record after the game: 1-0
  • Howard’s record after the game: 0-1
  • Leading scorer: Bryce Harris, Howard, 27 points
  • Missouri’s double-double: Shawn Phillips Jr., 16 points and 11 rebounds
  • Missouri shooting: 55.7% from the field, 52.6% from three-point range
  • Rebounding margin: Missouri 47, Howard 28
  • Points in the paint: Missouri 46, Howard 16
  • Historical note: Missouri’s largest road win in a season opener in 84 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What was the final score of Missouri vs Howard? 

Ans: Missouri won 88-67 in their November 3, 2025 season opener at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C.

Q2: Who led all scorers in the game? 

Ans: Howard’s Bryce Harris led all scorers with 27 points, while Missouri’s Shawn Phillips Jr. recorded a team-high double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Q3: Where was the game played? 

Ans: The game was played at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C., Howard’s home arena, marking Missouri’s first true road game in the series.

Q4: Why was this considered a historic win for Missouri?

Ans: It was Missouri’s largest road win in a season opener in 84 years, dating back to a 1941-42 victory over Saint Louis, and the program’s first road win in a season opener since 2003.

Q5: Did Howard have any chance in the game? 

Ans: Yes. Howard cut a 20-point deficit down to nine points in the second half with an efficient shooting run before Missouri answered with a run of its own to close out the win.

Q6: Was Missouri at full strength for this game? 

Ans: No. Forwards Trent Pierce, Annor Boateng, and Trent Burns were all ruled out with lower-body injuries heading into the season opener.

Q7: What came next for each team? 

Ans: Missouri returned home to Columbia for its home opener, while Howard continued its home slate at Burr Gymnasium against UDC.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri defeated Howard 88-67 on November 3, 2025, in the season opener for both teams.
  • The game was played at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C., marking Missouri’s first true road game in the series history.
  • Shawn Phillips Jr. recorded a double-double for Missouri with 16 points and 11 rebounds in his Tigers debut.
  • Howard’s Bryce Harris led all scorers with 27 points, but the Bison shot just 35.5% from the field as a team.
  • Missouri shot 55.7% from the field and out-rebounded Howard 47-28.
  • The win marked Missouri’s largest road victory in a season opener in 84 years.

Conclusion

The 2025-26 season opener between Missouri vs Howard delivered a historically strong result for the Tigers, who overcame a late Howard push to secure an 88-67 road win. Efficient shooting, rebounding dominance, and a balanced scoring effort defined Missouri’s performance, while Howard’s Bryce Harris and Alex Cotton provided bright spots in an otherwise difficult night for the Bison. For Missouri, the result set an early tone for a season that began on the road with one of the program’s most impressive opening-night performances in decades.

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Maxx Crosby Contract: Terms, Value, and What’s Next

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Maxx Crosby Contract

Introduction

Maxx Crosby has spent his entire career with the Las Vegas Raiders, and his contract has become one of the more closely watched deals in the NFL, partly because of its size and partly because of how much drama has surrounded it since it was signed. Readers searching for details on the Maxx Crosby contract usually want to know the numbers, how it compares to other pass rushers, and whether recent injury and trade rumors put his future with the Raiders in question.

This article breaks down the terms of his current deal, the history behind it, and where things stand heading into the 2026 season.

Direct Answer: What Is Maxx Crosby Contract?

Maxx Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2025, including $91.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $35.5 million. The deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league at signing. His base salaries for 2025 and 2026 were fully guaranteed at $32.5 million and $30 million, while his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed only if he’s on the roster early in the 2026 league year.

Background: How Crosby Got Here

The Raiders drafted Crosby in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Eastern Michigan, a relatively low-profile pick who developed into one of the league’s most productive edge rushers. His first extension came in March 2022, a four-year deal worth just under $99 million. That contract still had two years remaining when the Raiders decided to renegotiate again in 2025, largely because Crosby’s production had outpaced his existing salary.

Before the 2025 extension, Crosby had two years left on his 2022 deal, with base salaries of $22.2 million in 2025 and $18.8 million in 2026, but none of that remaining money was guaranteed. The new deal changed that significantly.

Contract Terms Explained

Total Value and Guarantees

The March 2025 extension is a three-year deal worth $106.5 million, with $91.5 million fully guaranteed. That guarantee level was notable at the time because it gave Crosby long-term security rather than year-to-year risk, which is unusual for a player already several years into his career.

Average Annual Salary

Crosby’s contract carries an average annual value of $35.5 million, which briefly made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. That distinction didn’t last long, since other top pass rushers around the league, including Myles Garrett, signed even larger deals within days of Crosby’s extension.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

In 2026, Crosby is set to earn a base salary of $30 million, fully guaranteed, with a salary cap hit of roughly $35.8 million. That cap number represents close to 12 percent of the Raiders’ total salary cap for the season. His 2027 salary of $29 million is currently guaranteed only for injury, but it becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the Raiders’ roster on the third day of the 2026 league year.

Why This Contract Matters

Crosby’s deal matters for a few reasons beyond the raw dollar figures. First, it reflects how the market for elite pass rushers has shifted, with teams increasingly willing to offer near-full guarantees to keep top defensive talent rather than let them approach free agency. Second, it ties directly into the Raiders’ broader roster planning, since a cap hit this large limits flexibility elsewhere on the roster.

There’s also a performance angle. Some analysts have pointed out that Crosby’s sack totals dipped in the two seasons before signing the extension compared to his 2022 and 2023 peak, which has led to debate over whether the deal will age well. Others argue that sacks alone don’t capture his value, noting his consistently high tackles-for-loss numbers as a better measure of his overall impact.

Recent Developments: Injury and Trade Speculation

Crosby’s contract situation became more complicated during the 2025 season. He played through a left knee injury starting in October, and the Raiders placed him on injured reserve in late December to end his season early, a decision Crosby reportedly disagreed with at the time. He underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in early January 2026.

In March 2026, the Raiders and Baltimore Ravens reportedly agreed to a trade sending Crosby to Baltimore, but the Ravens pulled out of the deal after Crosby did not pass their physical, with reports citing durability concerns tied to his knee. Following the collapsed trade, Crosby returned to the Raiders organization, and both sides have since described the situation as resolved, with Crosby stating he wants to remain in Las Vegas. By mid-2026, Crosby reported that his recovery was ahead of schedule, with an expected return to full participation in time for training camp.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Assuming the entire contract is guaranteed. Only $91.5 million of the $106.5 million total is guaranteed. The 2027 salary is currently guaranteed for injury only, and full guarantee depends on roster status early in the 2026 league year.

Confusing his 2022 extension with his 2025 extension. Crosby has signed two separate extensions with the Raiders. The 2022 deal was worth roughly $99 million over four years; the 2025 deal replaced the remaining years of that contract with new, larger terms.

Assuming the failed Ravens trade voided his contract. The trade falling through didn’t change the terms of Crosby’s existing deal with the Raiders. He remains under contract with Las Vegas under the same 2025 extension terms.

Believing cap hit and salary are the same number. Crosby’s 2026 base salary is $30 million, but his cap hit is higher, around $35.8 million, because cap accounting spreads signing bonus money and other contract elements across multiple seasons.

Real-World Example: How the Deal Affects Roster Building

When the Raiders signed offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum and other free agents during the 2026 offseason, Crosby’s $35.8 million cap hit was already factored into how much room the team had left to spend. Because his number represents such a large share of the total cap, decisions about extending or trading other players often get discussed in relation to Crosby’s contract, since it’s the single largest commitment on the roster.

Key Facts About the Maxx Crosby Contract

  • Three-year extension signed March 5, 2025, worth $106.5 million total.
  • $91.5 million of the deal is fully guaranteed.
  • Average annual salary of $35.5 million, briefly the highest among non-quarterbacks in NFL history.
  • 2025 and 2026 base salaries were fully guaranteed at $32.5 million and $30 million.
  • 2027 salary of $29 million is currently guaranteed for injury only.
  • Crosby’s 2026 cap hit is approximately $35.8 million, close to 12 percent of the Raiders’ total cap space.
  • A March 2026 trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through after Crosby did not pass a physical related to his knee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much is Maxx Crosby contract worth? 

Ans: His current deal with the Raiders is a three-year extension worth $106.5 million, including $91.5 million guaranteed.

Q2: Is Maxx Crosby the highest-paid defensive player in the league? 

Ans: He was briefly the highest-paid non-quarterback by average annual value when he signed in March 2025, but several other pass rushers have since signed larger deals, moving Crosby down the rankings.

Q3: Why did the Ravens trade for Maxx Crosby fall through? 

Ans: Reports indicate the Ravens backed out after Crosby did not pass their physical, with concerns tied to durability issues connected to his knee injury and subsequent surgery.

Q4: Is Maxx Crosby still with the Raiders? 

Ans: Yes. Following the collapsed trade, Crosby returned to the Raiders organization and has stated he intends to remain with the team.

Q5: What happens to his contract if he gets traded in the future? 

Ans: If traded, Crosby’s existing contract terms would generally transfer to the new team, though trade agreements can sometimes include restructured terms depending on what both teams negotiate.

Q6: Is his 2027 salary guaranteed? 

Ans: Only for injury at this time. It becomes fully guaranteed if Crosby is on the Raiders’ roster on the third day of the 2026 league year.

Key Takeaways

  • Crosby’s current deal is a three-year, $106.5 million extension signed in March 2025, with $91.5 million guaranteed.
  • The contract made him briefly the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
  • His 2026 cap hit of about $35.8 million represents a significant share of the Raiders’ total cap space.
  • A trade to the Ravens in March 2026 fell through due to physical concerns related to his knee.
  • Crosby has since returned to the Raiders and expects to be ready for the 2026 season.

Conclusion

Maxx Crosby’s contract reflects both his standing as one of the league’s top pass rushers and the financial risk teams take on when committing significant guaranteed money to a player in his late twenties. Between the size of the deal, the injury history, and the trade speculation that followed, his situation offers a clear look at how modern NFL contracts are structured and how quickly circumstances around them can shift.

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