Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
RandBall: Vikings QB speculation is about to intensify
In a critical offseason for the Vikings, there have been plenty of quarterback rumblings already. The NFL scouting combine could take that to another level.
February 19, 2026
RandBall: FanDuel Sports North layoff notice is another sign sports channel is winding down
Parent company Main Street Sports sent a notice of 20 layoffs starting in April at FanDuel Sports North’s Minneapolis headquarters.
February 18, 2026
She helped USA win gold. Next up: a possible state title
Bemidji High girls hockey standout Bailey Rupp talks on the Daily Delivery podcast about leading her team to its first state tournament appearance since 2007.
February 18, 2026
RandBall: The Twins are trying to be different; Pablo López’s injury will test that.
Every story you hear about the 2026 Twins creates separation from the past. But Pablo López’s health is more important than anything else.
February 17, 2026
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RandBall: As NBA grapples with tanking, Ant’s star continues to rise
Wolves guard Anthony Edwards put on a show this weekend, winning NBA All-Star MVP and hanging out with Barack Obama.
February 16, 2026
RandBall: What is going through J.J. McCarthy’s head right now?
We last heard from the Vikings QB a little over a month ago. So much has happened since then.
February 13, 2026
RandBall: On Jessie Diggins, the Timberwolves and doing the difficult thing
Knowing what you should do and actually doing it are two different things.
February 12, 2026
RandBall: Minnesota pro sports franchise values are soaring
A new franchise value listing from Sportico shows where Minnesota teams rank.
February 11, 2026
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RandBall: Here’s where the Vikings’ recent draft decisions have hurt them the most
The Seahawks are making the Vikings look bad after their draft success powered their win in Super Bowl 60.
February 10, 2026
RandBall: Sam Darnold was an apt Super Bowl-winning QB for this season
In a nondescript NFL season devoid of offensive greatness, a tale of redemption and steadiness was the one that stood out.
February 9, 2026
RandBall: Timberwolves deftly navigated NBA’s complicated, goofy system
It took a lot of work for the Wolves to basically get back to where they started, but they’re here now.
February 6, 2026
![Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly speaks during a press conference to introduce the team's 2022 NBA draft selections Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis. ]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5TJRTEW45B4MW7WV6N7UJSXBU4.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
RandBall: With Rob Dillingham traded, J.J. McCarthy is on the clock
The two players have been living parallel lives on different Minnesota sports teams.
February 5, 2026
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