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AP Sports Digest

Posted 8/25/26

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. …

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AP Sports Digest

Posted

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.

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UPCOMING

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FBC--CFP-PREDICTING THE PLAYOFF

DESCRIPTION: The playoff that everyone wanted is now a fixture in college football. How will it shake out this year? Notre Dame, snubbed last season, has all the makings of a top seed when the tournament starts. So do Ohio State, Oregon, Texas and last year’s runner-up, Miami. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 7:10 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--PICK SIX-TOP 25 JOURNEY

DESCRIPTION: Mapping out a dream college football road trip for the 2026 season, with stops to see each team in the AP Top 25 at least once. By Noah Trister. Text, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-TEXAS-CATCHING COLEMAN

DESCRIPTION: AUSTN, Texas — Cam Coleman was maybe the biggest catch of the transfer portal after last season. Texas landed their man, adding an elite wide receiver target for Arch Manning. By Jim Vertuno. AP Photos

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--SOUTH CAROLINA-SELLERS

DESCRIPTION: LaNorris Sellers path was crystal clear a year ago -- another stellar season as South Carolina’s starting quarterback, a spot in the College Football Playoffs and a likely first-round NFL pick the following spring. But a 4-8 season by the Gamecocks along with Sellers’ inconsistent play canceled those dreams. Sellers has shrugged off the blip and, with new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, says he’s poised to improve his play and make South Carolina a factor in the Southeastern Conference this season. By Pete Iacobelli. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 2:16 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL OWNERS

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA — NFL owners hold a one-day meeting in Georgia. A key item on the agenda is expected to be the sale of the Seahawks to the Khosla family. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Meeting expected to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

    1. WITH: TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

      2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the US Open in New York

      3. UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

    4. WITH: TEN--US OPEN-MIXED DOUBLES

      5. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The first round and quarterfinals of the U.S. Open mixed doubles championship are played, leaving four teams in the running for the $1 million prize.

      6. UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

    7. WITH: TEN--US OPEN-SERENA AND ALCARAZ

      8. DESCRIPTION: Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz team up in mixed doubles at the U.S. Open, looking to add another title at a Grand Slam event each has won multiple times in singles play. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

      9. UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC-EUROPEAN-ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: GENEVA - Bodo/Glimt and Celtic are in Champions League action taking clear leads into second-leg games in the qualifying playoffs. In the English League Cup, Nottingham Forest hosts Leeds for the second time in four days. By Graham Dunbar UPCOMING: 500 words, photos EXPECTED: 2130 gmt

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-MENDOZA

DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision on when to start rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza not only comes down to whether he’s ready, but also how ready is the offense to support him.

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CYC--SPANISH VUELTA

DESCRIPTION: The Spanish Vuelta, the final Grand Tour event of the year, continues with Tadej Pogacar trying to win the race for the first time.

UPCOMING: By 08/25/2026 6:49 a.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--MARINERS-RALEIGH

Cal Raleigh hits career-high 3 homers for the Mariners against the Phillies

SUMMARY: Cal Raleigh has busted out of a season-long slump with the first three-homer game of his career. The switch-hitting catcher capped a five-run first inning Monday night with a two-run shot off struggling Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler. Raleigh added a leadoff homer against Wheeler in the fifth and a solo drive off reliever Chase Shugart in the seventh to give him 17 home runs this season. It was the first multihomer game of the year for Raleigh, who finished 3 for 3 with a walk in a 9-2 victory and raised his batting average from .159 to .167. Raleigh was runner-up for the AL MVP award last year, when he led the majors with 60 home runs and added 125 RBIs.

WORDS: 428 - MOVED: 08/25/2026 1:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:11195376db113263794cf51a8b0dbc55&mediaType=text

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BKL--DREAM-REESE’S REBOUNDS

Angel Reese breaks WNBA record with 26 rebounds against Sparks, sets single-season record as well

SUMMARY: Angel Reese rebounded her way into the record books not once, but twice in one night. Reese set a WNBA record with 26 rebounds in the Atlanta Dream’s 78-71 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday, pushing her past the season record in the same game. Reese surpassed Chamique Holdsclaw’s record of 24 rebounds, set on May 23, 2003 for Washington. She now has 458 rebounds on the season, seven more than A’ja Wilson’s mark set in 2024. Reese secured her WNBA-leading 27th double-double of the season on a basket with 13.9 seconds left in the game that gave her 11 points.

WORDS: 246 - MOVED: 08/25/2026 12:53 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b1f7c4a86b683daf84c498203219f10&mediaType=text

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BKL--DREAM-SPARKS

Angel Reese breaks WNBA single-game and season rebounding records as Dream beat Sparks 78-71

SUMMARY: Angel Reese broke the WNBA single-game rebounding record with 26 while also breaking the league’s season record for rebounds as the Atlanta Dream beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-71. Reese surpassed Chamique Holdsclaw’s record of 24 rebounds, set on May 23, 2003 for Washington. The Dream star has 458 rebounds this season, seven more than A’ja Wilson’s mark set in 2024. Reese finished with 11 points. She secured her WNBA-leading 27th double-double of the season on a basket with 13.9 seconds left in the game. The Dream have beaten the Sparks nine straight times.

WORDS: 260 - MOVED: 08/25/2026 12:50 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e630bb91bfe0f2eeba3f3d744f23395e&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-DIAMONDBACKS

Conforto and Kelly hit back-to-back HRs, lift the Cubs over the Diamondbacks 7-0

SUMMARY: Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back homers, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. The Cubs are now 5 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead. Kevin Gausman gave up just three hits over seven innings, striking out six in his best outing since joining the Cubs. Conforto’s two-run shot and Kelly’s solo homer broke open the game in the sixth inning. Pedro Ramírez and Seiya Suzuki also contributed with key hits. Arizona managed just five singles, while Merrill Kelly gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings.

WORDS: 315 - MOVED: 08/25/2026 12:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:519f67ff350dce3164666fe98c570080&mediaType=text

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BKC--LSU-LUIS-ELIGIBILITY

RJ Luis Jr. cleared by judge to play for LSU after spending time with 2 NBA teams

SUMMARY: Former St. John’s standout RJ Luis Jr. has been cleared by a court to start practicing with LSU and potentially play for the Tigers this season. Luis recently signed with LSU after spending time with two NBA clubs. He never appeared in an NBA game. After a hearing Monday in Baton Rouge, District Court judge Ronald R. Johnson granted Luis a preliminary injunction against the NCAA. Luis’ attorneys argued that players from overseas with far more professional experience had been cleared by the NCAA to play college basketball. Luis hugged LSU coach Will Wade after Monday’s hearing.

WORDS: 463 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 11:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:47db4ed5e5f0de1c06422639987a28a6&mediaType=text

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BKL--VALKYRIES-LYNX

Zandalasini scores 18 as the Valkyries beat the Lynx for 1st time in franchise history, 80-66

SUMMARY: Cecilia Zandalasini scored eight of her 18 points in the fourth quarter, Gabby Williams added 15 points, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Minnesota Lynx for the first time in franchise history, 80-66. Golden State (26-11) entered 0-9 against Minnesota in the regular season and playoffs since joining the WNBA in 2025. Golden State led 63-57 early in the fourth quarter before going on a 14-1 run to make it 77-58. Zandalasini made her first 3-pointer of the game with 4:39 left in the frame and she added another on Minnesota’s next possession for a 16-point lead. Veronica Burton had 14 points and nine assists, and Tiffany Hayes also scored 14 for Golden State. Janelle Salaun added 12 points off the bench. Minnesota was without starting guard Courtney Williams.

WORDS: 251 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 10:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9516d8c547ef111c029d02acbdc98068&mediaType=text

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BBO--REDS-TOGLIA-SURGERY

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia to have season-ending right shoulder surgery

SUMMARY: Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder after he was injured Friday making a diving catch against Arizona. Manager Terry Francona made the announcement Monday before the opener of a three-game series at San Francisco. Team orthopedist Dr. Tim Kremchek will perform the surgery to repair a torn labrum and Toglia will do his rehabilitation in San Diego to be close to family, according to Francona.

WORDS: 226 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 10:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d8710c33d13ff84974289ae8aa2de1ac&mediaType=text

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FBC--WRIGHT-LSU

After a stop in the NFL, Dae’Quan Wright could be heading back to LSU thanks to court order

SUMMARY: Former Mississippi tight end Dae’Quan Wright is heading to LSU if he clears waivers after being released by the Cleveland Browns, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles following the NFL draft and joined the Browns after he was released on Aug. 11. Wright played two seasons for LSU coach Lane Kiffin in 2024 and 2025. He caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns for the Rebels last season. If he joins LSU, Wright would be the first known player to return to college after playing in the NFL.

WORDS: 905 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:224284124289eda409f96422feef4210&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-YORK ARRESTED

49ers owner Jed York pleads no contest to two misdemeanor charges in Ohio

SUMMARY: San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested over the weekend in Ohio and pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. York was arrested in East Palestine, Ohio, and was released after posting a $5,000 bond. He was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses to be served concurrently and was credited with one day served when he pleaded no contest. He also was fined $1,150. Court records show that York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution but prosecutors amended that to disorderly conduct. York was charged with possessing criminal tools for using his phone to respond to an undercover online prostitution advertisement, according to prosecutors.

WORDS: 527 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 9:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e8b72b47841e50760dfa9c4713d4267e&mediaType=text

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BBO--DIAMONDBACKS-MARTE

Ketel Marte could return to Diamondbacks roughly 2 weeks after strange disappearance

SUMMARY: The Arizona Diamondbacks hope Ketel Marte will return to their lineup next week. Marte disappeared unexpectedly before a game in Boston recently and was placed on the restricted list, then moved to the 10-day injured list with mild knee inflammation. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo says the plan is for Marte to return for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies starting August 31. Marte began taking batting practice Monday, and the team is encouraged by his progress. This is the second straight year Marte has gone AWOL from the team. Lovullo emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for Marte’s return.

WORDS: 428 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 8:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4dfece5cad7f0fff5ce61f975efe6c63&mediaType=text

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FBC--ELIGIBILITY LAWSUITS-WHAT TO KNOW

An NFL player coming back to college? Yes, it could happen. Here’s why

WORDS: 1015 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48a2f33c85746e3a8f2024a4ec9fb22c&mediaType=text

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FBN-BILLS-OLIVER-SON’S-DEATH

Texas police reveal no criminal findings and close case into death of Bills’ DT Ed Oliver’s son

SUMMARY: A police investigation into the death of Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver’s 1-year-old son has resulted in no criminal findings and the case is now considered closed. The announcement Monday from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas comes after the child’s death on June 28 was first confirmed by the Bills on Saturday. Police say the toddler, who was a few days shy of his second birthday, was found unresponsive in the swimming pool of a home of a neighborhood community just north of Houston. The boy was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Oliver has asked for privacy and prayers for his son, also named Ed.

WORDS: 322 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 7:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb223107473f6e5fd2f575988497116d&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA ELIGBILITY

Minnesota’s kicking competition muddied by NCAA eligibility court ruling

SUMMARY: The eligibility chaos across college football has complicated the competition at Minnesota for the place kicking job. Brady Denaburg handled that job last year for the Gophers and was out of the picture until a federal judge in Denver ruled on July 31 that high school class of 2022 athletes were eligible for a fifth year. The appeals court ruling since then has put him back in the lurch. Minnesota also added New Mexico transfer Luke Drzewiecki after he benefited from a Louisiana state court ruling challenging the NCAA’s exclusion of class of 2022 athletes who had begun pro careers.

WORDS: 858 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 7:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c0fc0292457a4f5c2cd6d776cb5d6068&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-QUARTERBACKS

Deshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders

SUMMARY: Deshaun Watson has won the competition for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job ahead of the Sept. 13 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Todd Monken made the announcement after informing Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson, a 10-year veteran, won the competition over Sanders as both split reps with the first unit throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason. The decision will not be popular with Browns fans, who have booed Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland.

WORDS: 998 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 7:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:078db0e378eb5e30f914ad9ce8f78e75&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-PATRIOTS TRADE

Texans acquire WR Kayshon Boutte from Patriots to fill void after Jayden Higgins’ injury

SUMMARY: The Houston Texans have acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots. Boutte confirmed the deal on social media before either team announced it. According to multiple reports, Houston sent safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick to the Patriots. The move comes after No. 2 receiver Jayden Higgins tore an ACL in a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders Tuesday. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, had 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns last season. The Patriots had a logjam at wide receiver after trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs.

WORDS: 177 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 6:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:80aed90c99d086630c2e1da0be9544db&mediaType=text

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HKW--WALTER CUP FOUND

Montreal Victoire’s missing PWHL championship Walter Cup trophy found and reunited with team

SUMMARY: The Montreal Victoire’s missing Walter Cup championship trophy has been found after being lost during shipment and reunited with the team. The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Monday that the trophy had been found, while providing few details. The trophy went missing last week when it failed to arrive in Lethbridge, Alberta. A container did arrive, but not the one the PWHL shipped with the trophy inside. The league said it was working with its shipping company. The trophy is named after league founder Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra. Walter recently agreed to sell his controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.

WORDS: 310 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 6:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:374c44004e6af9ad5a3a0c9adb4b0e68&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-TRANSGENDER DEBATE

Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible for the WNBA draft, AP source says

SUMMARY: Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible for the WNBA draft, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. The person did not elaborate on the reasons for declaring the two men ineligible. Freedom and White have said they’ve declared for next year’s draft, but the WNBA has not publicly addressed their eligibility. The league’s collective bargaining agreement says the league is restricted to women, but it contains no more specific language. When they announced their intention to join the league, Freedom and White said they identified as women.

WORDS: 466 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 6:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4b23db1f7817caa2a5de018fa7c94b86&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-THE FOOTBALL FLOWERS

One is making his name in tackle football, the other in soccer: Meet the Flowers brothers

SUMMARY: Football is a family affair for the Flowers brothers. It’s just that they differ on the definition. Aaron Flowers plays American football for No. 2 Oregon, while younger brother Benji was developed by the vaunted FC Dallas soccer academy and just signed a deal with Premier League team Chelsea. The 15-year-old Benji will join Chelsea when he turns 18. Aaron, meanwhile, broke out in 2025, starting all 15 games for the Ducks as they made a run to the national semifinals.

WORDS: 832 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 4:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b41aa48ec6234ad48fc27106307438d5&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-FEDERER

Roger Federer is coming back to play at the US Open, but not interested in coming back to pro tennis

SUMMARY: Roger Federer is actually nervous about his tennis. The man who won five straight U.S. Open championships during the height of his dominance of the sport is set to play again in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time since 2019. And he’s not quite sure how the game that perhaps nobody ever made look more elegant will appear now. It’s only one set of singles in an exhibition against Andy Roddick and one set of doubles with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi. The winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles should be fine for those, but he isn’t interested in a true tennis comeback.

WORDS: 689 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 3:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0fb8a7036f8189db5c29ca6f8568b66&mediaType=text

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FBC--PICK SIX-FRESHMEN TO WATCH

AP’s list of top freshmen to watch includes quarterbacks at Vanderbilt and Tennessee

SUMMARY: There’s a realistic possibility that each of the Southeastern Conference programs in the state of Tennessee could open the season with a freshman starting quarterback. Freshman Faizon Brandon beat out sophomore George MacIntyre at No. 20 Tennessee in a decision announced Monday. At Vanderbilt, Jared Curtis is competing with senior Blaze Berlowitz for the right to replace 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia. Those two quarterbacks from the Volunteer State head the AP’s list of freshmen who could make an immediate impact this season.

WORDS: 1019 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 3:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6ff12dabf1195a183601d739bd1b6f62&mediaType=text

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CAR-NASCAR-CHASE-LOOKAHEAD

As Chase’s top seed, Denny Hamlin is optimistic about NASCAR title bid against surging Team Penske

SUMMARY: With a seventh place Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin clinched the top seed in the 10-race title run that begins next month at Darlington Raceway. Hamlin will enter the 16-driver Chase as the favorite with a 25-point lead and the best record on the tracks that make up the bulk of the playoff. Six of the 10 Chase tracks are at least 1.366 miles long, and Hamlin’s four victories this season have been at Las Vegas (1.5 miles), Nashville Superspeedway (1.333 miles), Michigan International Speedway (2 miles) and Pocono Raceway (2.5 miles).

WORDS: 764 - MOVED: 08/24/2026 3:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d0e6d51faace7b258794f0ef05f9814c&mediaType=text

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