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.

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UPCOMING

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FBC--NCAA ELIGIBILITY

DESCRIPTION: The Southeastern Conference is scheduled to explain to a judge why it should be able to punish schools that play professional athletes, a decision that will impact No. 11 LSU as it prepares to open the season this weekend. By Brett Martel. Text, video, file photos. Hearing begins at noon Eastern.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Video

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FBC--T25-TEXAS STATE-TEXAS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Arch Manning and No. 5 Texas open the season against Texas State. The Longhorns hope to return to the College Football Playoff after missing last season.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-WISCONSIN-NOTRE DAME PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: No. 4 Notre Dame wants to avoid a repeat of the early stumbles that cost the Fighting Irish a College Football Playoff berth last year. The Irish open the season Sunday night by facing Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WIsconsin. By Steve Megargee. 700 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 10:40 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-NORTH TEXAS-INDIANA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Hoosiers understand the message. Yes, they are the 2925 Big Ten and national champions. And in 2026, that doesn’t mean a thing when the sixth-ranked Hoosiers open their title defense by hosting North Texas in a game featuring last season’s two highest scoring FBS teams. By Michael Marot. 600 words, with photos by 2 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY

DESCRIPTION: The focus of NCAA eligibility lawsuits and uncertainty is on college football with Week 1 games set for this weekend. But college basketball is facing uncertainty, too, with roughly two months until opening night. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-BOISE ST-OREGON PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: When Boise State visits Oregon on Saturday, a new member of the Pac-12 faces one of the league’s defectors. By Anne M. Peterson.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--US OPEN

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Alex Eala are on the U.S. Open schedule, while top-seeded Alexander Zverev hopes for an easier second round after needing to go five sets in his opener.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--NFL-REGULAR-SEASON-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: The NFL regular season kicks off next week with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots on Wednesday night. This marks the start of a 272-game schedule, including a record nine international games. Here’s a look at how to watch and some of the top storylines. By David Brandt. 650 words, photos by 2 p.m. PT.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--AUSTRALIA-THE G

DESCRIPTION: A game Down Under has been a long time coming for the NFL. It’s a good thing Aussies revel in the long game. It’s fitting, too, that the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will be playing their season-opening game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — known locally as the MCG or, more commonly, “The G.” That’s where for almost 150 years Australia has been hosting test cricket, which can run across five days yet still finish without a winner.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--IDAHO-UTAH

DESCRIPTION: No. 21 Utah opens its first season under coach Morgan Scalley against Idaho. By Matt Coles. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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TEN--US OPEN-ALCARAZ

Carlos Alcaraz recovers after dropping the first set to reach the third round at the US Open

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz was already in the final by the time he dropped a set last year in the U.S. Open. When it happened in his second match this year, he didn’t look back. The defending champion rebounded from a quick deficit by winning eight straight games and beat Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday night. The No. 2-seeded Alcaraz, in his second match back after missing four months with a right wrist injury, dropped his serve in the first set but soon was back to playing long stretches of flawless tennis.

WORDS: 525 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 12:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:feccb0ff7cd05ebb4dffb3913e90280d&mediaType=text

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BBO--BREWERS-MIZ’S NIGHT

Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski matches career worsts in runs allowed and walks in rough start vs. Cubs

SUMMARY: Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski had a rare off night. Misiorowski surrendered five runs and five hits in four innings against the Chicago Cubs. The 6-foot-7 right-hander struck out five and walked four in his 26th start this season and No. 40 for his career. The five earned runs and four walks matched Misiorowski’s career highs. He surrendered three earned runs or fewer in his first 25 starts this year. The 24-year-old Misiorowski is the front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award in his second big league season. He said the muggy conditions at Wrigley Field contributed to his struggles.

WORDS: 587 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 12:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ab4f5613f8a8995398e5defe6c537f0&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN

Aryna Sabalenka powers her way into the third round of the US Open in just 53 minutes

SUMMARY: Aryna Sabalenka came to the U.S. Open struggling and in danger of losing the No. 1 ranking. She heads to the third round looking every bit ready for a three-peat. The top-seeded Sabalenka overwhelmed Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes on Wednesday night, putting on a power-hitting display that made it seems her recent problems are in the past. Sabalenka is trying to become the first player to win three in a row in Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams from 2012-14. Carlos Alcaraz also moved into the third round by beating Jaime Faria in four sets.

WORDS: 1018 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 11:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:64691f17e4763b190f64980492472024&mediaType=text

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FBC--CINCINNATI-NCAA-SORSBY

NCAA clears University of Cincinnati of wrongdoing in Brendan Sorsby gambling investigation

SUMMARY: The NCAA has cleared the University of Cincinnati of any wrongdoing in its investigation of former quarterback Brendan Sorsby. A university spokesman said the inquiry is closed. Sorsby played the 2024 and 2025 seasons for the Bearcats before transferring to Texas Tech. He was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA in April after he placed thousands of impermissible sports bets over the past four years at Indiana and Cincinnati. Sorsby was found to have committed an NCAA Level III violation at Cincinnati when the ProhiBet app on Sorsby’s phone flagged him trying to make a bet, but he was denied access to the betting site.

WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 10:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1dbe534f32c9795df876f533389ddf0b&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL AUSTRALIA FUTURE

NFL eager for future Australia games, not worried about potential stadium scheduling conflict in ’27

SUMMARY: The NFL isn’t worried about a potential scheduling conflict at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next year as it continues to plan future trips to Australia to stage regular season games. The Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will meet at the 100,000-seat stadium next week, but it could be unavailable to the NFL at this time next year because the Australian Football League will need the venue for its postseason. Without giving details, NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly downplayed the potential for disruption caused by this scheduling conflict during a conference call to highlight the league’s Australian debut.

WORDS: 649 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 10:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a5e14b79fcc2f980984a8cabf848319f&mediaType=text

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GLF--GOOD GOOD

CEO and president of Good Good Golf ousted after much-criticized driver ad, reports say

SUMMARY: Good Good Golf CEO Matt Kendrick and president Joe Flannery have left the company, according to multiple reports. Their departures are the latest developments since the company was widely criticized for an advertisement for a new Callaway driver that showed a man shoving a woman to the ground. Good Good co-founder Nahid Giga will serve as interim CEO, according to an internal memo. Business Insider was first to report the contents of the memo. Good Good has also lost its partnership with Callaway and pulled its title sponsorship of a new PGA Tour event this fall.

WORDS: 336 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 10:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9cc772386a111d51769f65d2974c488&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani feels good, but the Dodgers still won’t commit to his next start

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Dodgers remain undecided about Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching this season. The two-way superstar hasn’t pitched in two months due to pain in his left knee and right biceps. Last week, he threw a 20-pitch bullpen session in Detroit but was scratched from a potential start two days later. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani feels good physically. However, he won’t know the next step until he sees Ohtani throw another bullpen. Ohtani was 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts before being shut down. At this time, Roberts says isn’t a candidate to start at the outfield corners.

WORDS: 353 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 9:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34492f6deceb515d624d9d38424c1863&mediaType=text

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BKN--CLIPPERS INVESTIGATION

NBA suspends Clippers owner Ballmer, fines team $30M, Kawhi Leonard $700K in cap circumvention case

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year by the NBA, and the team was ordered to forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving Kawhi Leonard. Also, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has been banned for six months and team president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year. Leonard was hit with a $700,000 penalty. The league’s decision follows a nearly yearlong investigation. The penalties reflect the league’s firm stance on maintaining fair play and financial integrity. The Clippers say they will challenge the decision.

WORDS: 1112 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 7:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0dc5e1a0d34224d5c65dbc39a74076c5&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-BETTING

The Cowboys are getting preseason buzz again. One handicapper says this time feels different

SUMMARY: The Dallas Cowboys always get plenty of attention, but this year some bookmakers think they could make some noise in the NFC East. Longtime handicapper Bruce Marshall says the division sets up well for “America’s Team” as well as the New York Giants under new coach John Harbaugh. Depending on the sportsbook, the Cowboys have odds of 20-1 to 25-1 to win the Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams remain consensus favorites to win the Super Bowl at 5-1 after they brought in defensive stars Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald. Other teams among the favorites include the Bills, Ravens and defending champion Seahawks.

WORDS: 854 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 6:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:acf3557bf3c8657cc3d23b7beae9c747&mediaType=text

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US--TIGER WOODS

Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving charge over rollover crash in Florida

SUMMARY: Tiger Woods has pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge in Florida. Woods was arrested in March following a rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island and was initially charged with driving under the influence. The golf legend appeared Wednesday in court in Martin County to enter his plea on the lesser charge. Authorities say deputies found two pain pills in Woods’ pocket after the crash, and he showed signs of impairment. He did a Breathalyzer test, which came out negative, but refused to take a urine test. Woods said little during the hearing. He arrived at the courthouse with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, President Donald Trump’s former daughter-in-law.

WORDS: 1096 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 5:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:04efe75a28deb0c3ffdf70a35f88d640&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-PICK SIX-COACHES

College football coaching changes put Kiffin, Whittingham, Sumrall and others in new places

SUMMARY: College football’s coaching carousel was a doozy last winter, putting some new faces in new places. That ride included Lane Kiffin’s closely watched move from Ole Miss to LSU. A slew of schools were desperate to find the right man to help them win games and generate revenue for athletic departments that have a lot of bills to pay in the new era of college athletics. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore’s firing and arrest created a job opening at Michigan and former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham took it, shortly after stepping down at Utah.

WORDS: 1415 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 5:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d33542fa72965c8be57a21717848cd62&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-DAYS OF THUNDER

NASCAR drivers scrambling for cameos after Tom Cruise announces ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel

SUMMARY: Joey Logano says he would love to get a cameo in the upcoming sequel to “Days of Thunder.” Tom Cruise announced last weekend that he will star in a follow-up to the 1990 movie, in which he played NASCAR driver Cole Trickle. Filming is set to begin next year. Logano spoke Wednesday at NASCAR’s playoff media day. He says he’d get “wicked cool dad points” with his five children if he were involved in the movie. Several NASCAR drivers appeared in “Days of Thunder,” so Logano is hopeful he might be able to pull some strings and get a small part.

WORDS: 617 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 5:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6fb4180cea92457c733cace52b0f4fc8&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-OHIO ST-SMITH’S FINAL SEASON

NFL can wait: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith keeps pro talk at bay while chasing Buckeyes history

SUMMARY: Jeremiah Smith is focused on making history at Ohio State before heading to the NFL. He wants to become the school’s all-time leading wide receiver and win awards like the Biletnikoff Trophy and Heisman. Smith has already set records in his first two years and aims to lead the Buckeyes to another national championship. Coach Ryan Day praises Smith’s impact both on and off the field. With a new offensive coordinator, Smith is expected to play a versatile role this season. As a team captain, he’s ready to lead Ohio State through a challenging schedule.

WORDS: 1106 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 4:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0a03d9005d7d32db70c0a189147bafe3&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

College football picks: Look for lots of blowouts, as usual, as season begins in earnest

WORDS: 1340 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 4:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b2c968b71affc004b6bee33f1329bbb3&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-MEDVEDEV BIRDS

For the birds: Medvedev protests US Open umpire’s call to replay a point after birds sit on the net

SUMMARY: Daniil Medvedev thought the chair umpire’s call was for the birds. Medvedev protested a decision Wednesday during his second-round victory at the U.S. Open after the umpire ordered a point to be replayed because two birds sat on top of the net during multiple shots of a rally. Two small birds sat atop the net in Louis Armstrong Stadium during the middle of a point and play continued, with Medvedev and Sebastian Gorzny both hitting multiple shots. Umpire Timo Janzen finally stopped play as Gorzny began to hit a shot that would not have gotten back into play.

WORDS: 323 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 4:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a5abab6a2a83fbed217bca737b91844f&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-PLAYOFFS

NASCAR drivers in favor of return to Chase format, saying it will yield a more legitimate champion

SUMMARY: Denny Hamlin has never won a Cup Series championship, but this season might be his best chance. He enters NASCAR’s modified 10-race Chase playoff with a 25-point lead over Ryan Blaney. The new format rewards performance throughout the entire season, which many drivers, including Hamlin, believe is fairer. Unlike in previous years, there are no elimination rounds or points resets. The champion is determined by the most points over the final 10 races. Wins are now weighted heavier, with 55 points for a race win. Hamlin and Joey Logano are the only drivers who experienced this format 13 years ago.

WORDS: 736 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 3:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29426a40ae33eed3474d9aef90360547&mediaType=text

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FBC--PAC-12 REVIVAL

Pac-12 football returns 4 years after exodus nearly sent the conference to extinction

SUMMARY: The Pac-12 is back. More than four years after a mass exodus threatened the future of the conference, the Pac-12 returns to the football field this weekend. Oregon State and Washington State are the two holdovers from the previous version of the conference and they’re being joined by six new schools. The conference has a new media rights deal that will show all of its football games on linear TV and “flex” scheduling the final week of the regular season will be designed to enhance its College Football Playoff chances. The Pac-12 football season kicks off Thursday with newcomer Fresno State playing at No. 14 Southern California.

WORDS: 947 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 3:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6b0d35c4e00c0b1402285dbdb052ef3&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-AUSTRALIA

The 49ers set to embark on the NFL’s longest road trip for the season opener in Australia

SUMMARY: The San Francisco 49ers are set for the longest road trip in NFL history. They were set to leave the Bay Area for the approximately 8,000-mile trip to Melbourne, Australia, for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 11. The Niners are spending a week in Australia to acclimate to the time change and recover from the long flight. The Rams are taking the opposite approach and will arrive about 24 hours before the game.

WORDS: 898 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 3:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:80ca00c891ad244a3b835fe1112572c0&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAIDERS-COUSINS

Klint Kubiak selects Kirk Cousins as Raiders starting QB for opener against Miami

SUMMARY: Kirk Cousins, as expected, will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback when Las Vegas opens its season at home Sept. 13 against Miami, coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday. Cousins ran the first-team offense nearly the entire preseason with rookie and No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza working mostly with the second unit. The Raiders kept three quarterbacks; Aidan O’Connell returns for his fourth season. Running back Ashton Jeanty, who suffered an injury in practice Aug. 23, could be ready to go in the opener. When asked if he was optimistic that Jeanty would play against the Dolphins, a smiling Kubiak said, “Yes.”

WORDS: 665 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 2:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4bcc00a8c402e9d962929e4f2eb62f0b&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-MAHOMES

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes appears on track to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos

SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes remains on track to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. The two-time MVP has been focused on returning since undergoing knee surgery in December. Doctors initially thought he might not be ready until October, but Mahomes exceeded expectations in his rehab. He worked with the first team throughout training camp, though he didn’t play in any preseason games. Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes will continue practicing. The team faces some uncertainty with their offensive line because of injuries, but they’re making adjustments to ensure protection for Mahomes.

WORDS: 548 - MOVED: 09/02/2026 1:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d581094e101a9fdc5c6246ae40fbf536&mediaType=text