The Hurricanes have been a consisten playoff threat, but have not played for the Cup since 2006. This years X-factor looks to change that.

The Illini defense has struggled situationally the last two weeks, and it is up to defensive coordinator Aaron Henry to right the ship

Martinez has a 4.72 ERA as a starter this season and a 2.89 ERA as a reliever. He has saved the Reds’ pitching staff multiple times this year with his ability to shift roles on the fly with the snap of a fingers, and he has been at his best in high-leverage September opportunities.

Florida State football will aim to redeem itself from the Virginia upset. But has No. 3 Miami on deck, leading to this x-factor.

Not long ago, kicker Ethan Sanchez had one of the games of his life. He gave all the credit to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and thanked the University of Houston, as well as the City of Houston, for embracing him in the way they have.

Giannis Antetokounmpo says Cole Anthony will be Milwaukee’s X-factor and “the surprise of the year” for 2025-26.

The Chiefs need one position group to come through if they want to get a road win against the Jaguars on Monday.

The Lakers made two high-profile signings this summer in Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and Deandre Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick. But it's the under-the-radar signing of Jake LaRavia that might have the most significant long-term impact.

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 season.In this instalment, we identify each team's X-factor for the upcoming campaign.Jump to:ANA | BOS | BUF | CAR | CBJ | CGY | CHI | COL | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA | LAK | MIN | MTL | NJD | NSH | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SEA | STL | SJS | TBL | TOR | UTA | VAN | VGK | WPG | WSH1.

The Phoenix Mercury have one particular X-factor in the 2025 WNBA Finals vs. the Las Vegas Aces, and it's none other than Kathryn Westbeld.

Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook “X-Manhunt” has come to X-Factor with the book’s eighth issue, by Mark Russell and Bob Quinn. However, instead of kicking the book off with X-Factor ...