What happened: The NFL reshared the Carolina Panthers congratulating BY9 after a Top 100 announcement tied to the 2026 list. The Carolina Panthers are still in the offseason, so this is about perception entering the upcoming 2026 season, not a game result.

Why it matters: A No. 98 placement is real leaguewide respect, but it is also near the back of the list. That makes the debate simple: Carolina has momentum, but Top 100 attention should not be treated like proof the roster is already in contender territory.