Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

BKW--T25-WOMEN’S POLL AT 50-GREATEST PLAYERS

DESCRIPTION: As the women’s college basketball poll marks its 50th season, the AP releases its choices of the greatest players of the poll era of 1976 through 2024. By Doug Feinberg. 700 words, photos, graphics.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, Alternate Headlines, Photo, Interactive, Graphic, Audio

___

FBC--T25-ALABAMA’S CLOSEOUTS

DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- No. 6 Alabama sure knows how to finish. The Crimson Tide have closed out all three of their Southeastern Conference games with big plays in crunch time. It’s the kind of repeated resolve that could bode well against 11th-ranked Tennessee at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--SEC THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: A top 10 Georgia and Ole Miss battle headlines SEC action this Saturday. Ole Miss looks to keep its undefeated record alive after a shaky win against Washington State. Georgia could use a ranked win on its resume after falling to Alabama. The Crimson Tide face Tennessee in another key SEC game. Alabama has been strong against ranked opponents, but Tennessee’s offense, led by quarterback Joey Aguilar, poses a challenge. By Maura Carey, 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--BIG 12 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: The Big 12 has a couple of interesting rivalry games this week. No. 23 Utah plays at No. 15 BYU in the Holy War matching instate rivals located only about 50 miles apart. The nation’s top two passers will be on the same field for the 121st meeting in the most-played rivalry game in the state of Texas when Baylor plays at TCU. By Stephen Hawkins. 640 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 7:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN--BUCCANEERS-LIONS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — It has been nearly three years since the Detroit Lions lost consecutive games in the regular season. Detroit’s run will be put to a test against the streaking Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night at Ford Field. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 7:40 a.m. EDT, Text

___

BKC--EXHIBITION SHOWDOWNS

DESCRIPTION: The last weekend of October now looks like the second week of March Madness even though the games don’t count. The NCAA recently changed rules to allow more exhibitions without requiring proceeds to go to charity. This has led to more high-profile matchups between top programs before the season officially starts. The games provide a chance to test chemistry with rosters being overhauled every season because of transfers. They also provide a new revenue source for cash-hungry schools sharing revenue with athletes.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BKN--NBA TEAM CAPSULES

DESCRIPTION: Preview capsules for the 30 NBA teams

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBC--T25-OREGON-RUTGERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Dante Moore and No. 8 Oregon (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) look to rebound from a loss at home to Indiana as they prepare to visit Rutgers (3-3, 0-3) in a conference matchup on Saturday.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--EAGLES-VIKINGS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: MINNEAPOLIS — The Philadelphia Eagles have a lot to fix and no easy time to do it with a daunting stretch of the schedule starting with a game at the Minnesota Vikings this week. By Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBC--BAYLOR-TCU-PASSING SHOWDOWN

DESCRIPTION: FORT WORTH, Texas — Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson and TCU’s Josh Hoover, both former Texas high school standouts who had to wait for their turn in college, are now ranked 1-2 nationally in passing yards and touchdown passes. They will be on the same field Saturday in the 121st meeting of the most-played rivalry in Texas. By Stephen Hawkins. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BKC-IOWA-MCCOLLUM

DESCRIPTION: IOWA CITY, Iowa -- New Iowa men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum has worked since his hiring in March to sell his program to the Hawkeyes’ fan base. The results, he said, have been positive, and now it’s up to his players to deliver. 700 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--ON-FOOTBALL-WITH-ROB-MAADDI-WEEK-7

DESCRIPTION: New England Patriots backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs talks about his role in helping develop star quarterback Drake Maye and coach Mike Vrabel’s impact on the team.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Audio

___

BKN--NBA-BETTING

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — The odds as another NBA season is about to begin are on the Oklahoma City Thunder to repeat as champions. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos, by 5 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--BILLS BYE

DESCRIPTION: Bills coach Sean McDermott isn’t flinching amid sky-is-falling concerns in Buffalo following two losses and issues on offense and defense. This isn’t McDermott’s first time entering a bye week with a loss or in the midst of a two-game skid over his nine seasons. Buffalo has had one two-game skid in each of the past six seasons, but hasn’t lost three in a row since 2018. By John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 5 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

DESCRIPTION: Arsenal aims to get its Champions League defense back on track with a win at Benfica following its opening loss to OL Lyonnes. Juventus visits a Bayern Munich team which is trying to recover from a 7-1 demolition by Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain plays Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid hosts Manchester United.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BBO--NLCS-BREWERS-DODGERS

DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — Tyler Glasnow tries to extend the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dominant run of starting pitching in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, who trail 2-0. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Begins 6 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--FALCONS-49ERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Christian McCaffrey has long been the standard when it comes to dual-threat running backs in the NFL with his ability to run routes like a receiver on the outside as well as being able to thrive as a runner for the San Francisco 49ers. McCaffrey has been surpassed early this season by his offseason training partner Bijan Robinson, who is off to a record-setting start this season for Atlanta headed into the Falcons’ game on Sunday night against McCaffrey and the 49ers. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 7:39 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--PENN ST-GRUNKEMEYER

DESCRIPTION: STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — With quarterback Drew Allar done for the season, it’ll be up to Ethan Grunkemeyer to help salvage Penn State’s season. He’ll make his first career start for the Nittany Lions as they visit Iowa trying to halt a three-game slide that forced the program to fire longtime coach James Franklin. By Travis Johnson. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 8:09 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

LPGA SOUTH KOREA

DESCRIPTION: The first round of the LPGA event in South Korea, the second of five consecutive tournaments on the so-called Asian swing.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2025 5:00 a.m. EDT, Text

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

BBO--ALCS-BLUE JAYS-MARINERS

Guerrero, Springer sparks Blue Jays, who hit 5 HRs and cut Mariners’ ALCS lead to 2-1 with 13-4 rout

SUMMARY: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer woke up Toronto’s offense as the Blue Jays hit five home runs to rebound from an early deficit, routing the Seattle Mariners 13-4 and closing to 2-1 in the AL Championship Series. Julio Rodríguez’s two-run, first-inning homer off Shane Bieber put Seattle ahead and stirred thoughts of a possible sweep, but Andrés Giménez sparked the comeback with a tying, two-run homer in a five-run third against George Kirby. Springer, Guerrero, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger went deep as the Blue Jays totaled 2,004 feet of homers among 18 hits.

WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 10/16/2025 1:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6570267298c6ae793b98c09d418623e5&mediaType=text

___

BBO--ALCS-TORONTO’S BIGGEST STARS

Springer and Guerrero deliver for Toronto in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series

SUMMARY: Two of Toronto’s biggest stars led the way for the Blue Jays in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series. Springer and Guerrero each hit a solo shot as Toronto finished with five homers overall. Springer had three hits, and Guerrero went 4 for 4 and scored three times in a 13-4 victory over the Mariners. The Blue Jays dropped the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Toronto, ramping up the pressure on the AL East champions for Game 3. Springer went 2 for 8 with a solo homer in the first two games, and Guerrero was 0 for 7 with a walk. The two stars played a major role in a fast start for Toronto in Seattle.

WORDS: 508 - MOVED: 10/16/2025 12:52 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82b702b0613f5b1521ac454308d4ef8e&mediaType=text

___

FBN--LIONS-BRANCH-SUSPENDED

Suspension of Lions safety Brian Branch for postgame fight vs. Chiefs is upheld on appeal

SUMMARY: The one-game suspension of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was upheld on Wednesday by a hearing officer appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association. Jordy Nelson, the hearing officer, denied the appeal by Branch, who was suspended for a game without pay by the league on Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City. Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a postgame melee. Detroit (4-2) will host NFC South-leading Tampa Bay (5-1) without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary.

WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 10/16/2025 12:23 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c3121758abd604015dc220a9a884d17&mediaType=text

___

BBO--NLCS-BREWERS-DODGERS PREVIEW

Dodgers’ starters dominate Brewers. Glasnow, Ohtani will try to continue the trend in NLCS

SUMMARY: Dave Roberts has found a way to navigate the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen struggles by leaning heavily on starting pitching. The Dodgers have taken a 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Championship Series. Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered standout performances, allowing just one run over 17 innings. Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani are set to start the next two games. Ohtani, despite a postseason slump at the plate, remains a key contributor. The Brewers, facing a nine-game road playoff losing streak, need to win in Los Angeles to extend the best-of-seven series.

WORDS: 932 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 10:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:51a6015d6ea42d44c0bf3bc7b29f16b7&mediaType=text

___

ENT--ANGEL REESE-VICTORIA’S-SECRET

Angel Reese becomes first pro athlete to walk in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

SUMMARY: Angel Reese has taken her talents from the basketball court to the fashion runway. The Chicago Sky forward made history on Wednesday as the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Reese joined the high-profile “Wings Reveal” lineup in New York. She expressed excitement about the opportunity and even hired a modeling coach to perfect her walk. The show, which was livestreamed on several platforms, featured a mix of music and celebrities. Reese, known for her confidence and charisma, continues to bridge the gap between sports, fashion, and pop culture.

WORDS: 492 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 10:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8be470576ca4f6fab484e40a4beb5f1e&mediaType=text

___

FBN--PRO PICKS-WEEK 7

Pro Picks: Eagles will get back on track with a victory at Minnesota

SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles had a few extra days off to seethe and regroup after a humiliating loss to the Giants. The Minnesota Vikings (3-2) had an extra week off to rest, prepare and let their ailing quarterbacks heal up. Critics were bashing Philadelphia (4-2) after a 4-0 start because an offense featuring Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown looked stagnant and predictable. The defending Super Bowl champions are hearing even more criticism following losses to Denver and New York. It won’t get easier for Hurts and Co. against Minnesota’s defense.

WORDS: 1451 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 7:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3911b12b7eb55eb571f0cbb2ea077636&mediaType=text

___

US--SKAGGS-DEATH-TRIAL

Ex-Angels official says employee convicted of pitcher’s fatal overdose struggled with mental health

SUMMARY: A former Los Angeles Angels official has testified that an employee convicted of providing drugs leading to the death of one of the team’s star pitchers had been taking prescription medication to deal with depression and bipolar disorder. Tim Mead, who oversaw communications at the Angels, said he was aware of the mental health struggles employee Eric Kay had faced. The testimony came in a civil trial to determine whether the Angels should be held responsible for the 2019 overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Kay was convicted of providing the drugs that led to Skaggs’ death on a team trip to Texas. The trial is expected to take weeks and could include players’ testimony.

WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 6:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9c700b054c359dc694d89c5954bcd803&mediaType=text

___

BKN--NBA-FAN CONDUCT

NBA memo targets fan behavior, reminding teams to address unruly acts proactively

SUMMARY: The NBA has reminded teams to focus on addressing inappropriate fan behavior at games this season. In a memo sent to all 30 clubs, the league emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This move comes after several incidents last season, including ejections of fans in Dallas and Minnesota for misconduct. The memo, obtained Wednesday, highlights the importance of training arena staff to identify and respond to rule violations. The NBA season opens Tuesday with games featuring Houston at Oklahoma City and Golden State visiting the Los Angeles Lakers.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ad4f54e1396f3899ec0ba679e9b3baf&mediaType=text

___

FBC--KANSAS-LEIPOLD-POCKETKNIFE

Big 12 fines Kansas $25,000 for Lance Leipold’s statement that a knife was thrown at Texas Tech game

SUMMARY: The Big 12 fined Kansas $25,000 for coach Lance Leipold’s statement that a pocketknife was thrown at his staff during the Jayhawks’ game at Texas Tech last weekend. The conference said Wednesday the allegation was inaccurate and Leipold’s comments after the 42-17 loss to the Red Raiders were “disparaging.” Speaking about Tech fans’ tradition of throwing tortillas onto the field, Leipold said a pocketknife was also thrown in the third quarter of the game. Leipold apologized for what he called “an emotional reaction” and thanked the conference for reviewing the allegation.

WORDS: 370 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 6:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a1d2ea1f7a31a75bad6baeb8c0ebd75&mediaType=text

___

US-TRUMP-WORLD-CUP-WHAT TO KNOW

What to know about President Trump’s threat to take World Cup matches from Boston

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has threatened to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston, but it’s not really up to him. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who Trump decried as part of the “radical left,” says she’s looking forward to hosting the matches and questioned how he could take the matches away. FIFA officials maintain that they decide where the matches will be held. Trump is tight with FIFA head Gianni Infantino, and that relationship might become a factor. Seven matches are scheduled to be played in the Boston suburb of Foxborough.

WORDS: 996 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 6:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d1393f412fbb295ae1d2958fa5e6e3d&mediaType=text

___

FBN--DOLPHINS-TAGOVAILOA

Tua Tagovailoa apologizes for postgame comments calling out teammates

SUMMARY: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa apologized for comments he made following Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in which he revealed some teammates were showing up late to player-led meetings. Tagovailoa opened his news conference Wednesday with an apology to his teammates for the comments, which have drawn widespread criticism over the past few days. After the Dolphins fell 29-27 to the Chargers, Tagovailoa was asked how to keep up team morale. He questioned the leadership and said players were showing up late to meetings.

WORDS: 631 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 5:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0eb05c7b811a85a9a8298c0fdcb6b380&mediaType=text

___

FBC--AP MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Alabama’s Ty Simpson edges out Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza for AP midseason All-America first-team QB

SUMMARY: Alabama’s Ty Simpson edged out Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza for first-team quarterback on The Associated Press midseason All-America team. Ohio State and Texas A&M lead with three players each on the top unit. Nine players from the Big Ten and seven from the Southeastern Conference are on the first team. Simpson has completed 76% of his passes for 285 yards per game, 14 touchdowns, and one interception since Alabama’s season-opening loss to Flrodai State. Mendoza has led unbeaten Indiana to its highest ranking at No. 3. Texas Tech holds two of the three first-team linebacker spots.

WORDS: 670 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 4:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:95193a89eba9e5e58a74f94c37b31ff4&mediaType=text

___

FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

College football picks: Top 25’s 5 losses to unranked teams last week run counter to season’s trend

WORDS: 1112 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 3:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f1ba6c2acea75fa42d8385ca3f85216f&mediaType=text

___

BKN--KINGS-WESTBROOK

Russell Westbrook is joining the Sacramento Kings for his 18th NBA season, AP source says

SUMMARY: Former MVP Russell Westbrook is joining the Sacramento Kings, a person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press. The team hasn’t officially announced the deal. Westbrook’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed the move to ESPN earlier Wednesday. The 36-year-old Westbrook is entering his 18th NBA season. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles and ranks high in points and assists in NBA history. Westbrook began his career with Oklahoma City and won the MVP award after Kevin Durant’s departure. He has since played for several teams, including Houston, Washington, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

WORDS: 253 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 3:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f078fd0faca27bfda99c02cd4bd8973d&mediaType=text

___

BE WELL--BACKWARD WALKING

Walking is good for you. Walking backward can add to the benefits

SUMMARY: Backward walking, also known as retro walking or reverse walking, may add variety and value to an exercise routine when done safely. Turning around not only provides a change of view, but also puts different demands on your body. While taking a brisk walk can have impressive mental and physical benefits, hoofing it for your health may feel repetitive and even boring after a while. Backward walking can be done on or off a treadmill, solo or with a partner. It can serve as a warmup or a mini form of cross-training. Experts say the key is to start off slowly.

WORDS: 866 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 2:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:26cb7374dedb2f01cdb4993cc77dd08c&mediaType=text

___

FBC--T25-WHAT TO WATCH

College football Week 8: No. 5 Mississippi-No. 9 Georgia tops list of five Top 25 matchups

SUMMARY: College football fans have a packed weekend with a season-high five Top 25 matchups on Saturday. The action kicks off with No. 10 LSU visiting No. 17 Vanderbilt followed by No. 5 Mississippi at No. 9 Georgia. In the evening, No. 11 Tennessee faces No. 6 Alabama, No. 20 Southern California takes on No. 13 Notre Dame and No. 23 Utah visits No. 15 BYU. Unbeaten UNLV looks to knock off Boise State on the road. Quarterbacks Carson Beck of Miami, Ty Simpson of Alabama and Fernando Mendoza of Indiana have separated themselves in the Heisman Trophy race.

WORDS: 862 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 2:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:99549c31826eb5271414e3247188e72e&mediaType=text

___

HKN--SENATORS-TKACHUK OUT

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is getting a 2nd opinion on his injury

SUMMARY: Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer says captain Brady Tkachuk is seeking a second opinion to see if surgery is needed for his injury. Tkachuk appeared to injure his right arm/wrist Monday night after being cross-checked into the boards by Nashville’s Roman Josi. Coach Travis Green had said Tkachuk will be out for a significant amount of time with what the team is calling an upper-body injury. Andlauer says more information will be available Thursday after further evaluation.

WORDS: 240 - MOVED: 10/15/2025 2:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19e656dc41e6f69d46d2b08f703fa270&mediaType=text

___