Super Bowl 2026: See who Matthew Schaefer, Rick Pitino and other NY sports figures are picking to win

Seahawks or Patriots?

From the Islanders' Matthew Schaefer to St. John's men's basketball coach Rick Pitino and more, see who New York sports figures are picking in Super Bowl LX.

Islanders

Matthew Schaefer

Patriots 26, Seahawks 24

“I know [Tom] Brady played for the Patriots and I got to watch him with the Patriots growing up. So I have to say Patriots," said Schaefer, who has an endorsement deal with Tom Brady’s NOBULL athletic training brand. "I feel like everyone’s going with Seattle so I’m going to go with the Patriots.”

Mathew Barzal

Seahawks 31, Patriots 17

“I was in Seattle for a few years," said Barzal, who was born in Coquitlam, British Columbia, outside Vancouver, and played four seasons of junior hockey for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Ryan Pulock

Patriots 21, Seahawks 17

“Just a little friendly wager on the line so I’ve got the Patriots in a pool. That’s what I’m hoping for.”

Bo Horvat

Seahawks 35, Patriots 27

“I’ve been saying the Seahawks just because I was over there on the West Coast and [went to] a couple of the games," said Horvat, who played for the Vancouver Canucks from 2014-2023.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Seahawks 31, Patriots 17

“Because me and Casey [Cizikas] have Seattle in our team pool.”

Casey Cizikas

Seahawks 24, Patriots 21

“Two good defenses going up head to head. I’m just going to go with who I think might have the better offense.”

Marc Gatcomb 

Patriots 27, Seahawks 24

“Analytics. The Pats have the best QB and an elite defense. I think they’ve got it," said Gatcomb, who was born in Woburn, Massachusetts. "This is the year. A big bounce back.”

St. John's men's basketball

Coach Rick Pitino

Seahawks 21, Patriots 17

“I’m rooting for New England because of my [fondness] for Boston," the former Celtics coach said, "but I think Seattle is the better team.”

Zuby Ejiofor

Seahawks 21, Patriots 18

"I have to go with the Seahawks. I just like their odds a little bit more."

Dillon Mitchell

Seahawks 21, Patriots 17

"I like their defense. I mean, New England's got a good offense, but I think the defense will win a championship."

Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert

Seahawks 23, Patriots 17

Knicks guard Josh Hart

Seahawks 27, Patriots 24

"I played for Portland and they have the same owners so I'm picking them."

Rangers

Spencer Martin

“Patriots because [Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft] got snubbed by the Hall of Fame. I think that's gonna push them over the edge.’’

Sam Carrick

“I was rooting for the Bills, but I guess I'm rooting for the Pats.’’ 

Jonny Brodzinski 

“I want the Seahawks to win so the Vikings look [bad] for getting rid of Sam Darnold," said Brodzinski, a Vikings fan from Minnesota. "That's all I want.’’

Matt Rempe

“Calgary Stampeders," he said with a laugh. "Nah, Seahawks. I lived in Seattle for four years when I was in Junior so I'd say Seahawks.’’

Brennan Othmann

“Seattle. I’m a Vikings fan and I’m rooting for Sam Darnold.’’

Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe

"I think the Seahawks are going to do it," said O'Hoppe, who played high school baseball at St. John the Baptist.