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AP Sports Digest

Posted 9/9/26

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--FLORIDA-BAUGH

DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Jadan Baugh ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns in Florida’s season opener, establishing himself as the team’s top playmaker in 2026.

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

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FBC--T25-ALABAMA-ROAD AHEAD

DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama handled life on the road far better in Kalen DeBoer’s second season than his first. Now, Kentucky awaits as 12th-ranked Alabama’s first road test of 2026.

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

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: Michigan won the game against Western Michigan but lost most of its support in The Associated Press college football poll. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/09/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN CHIEFS-BIENIEMY’S WIFE SHOT

DESCRIPTION: Monitoring developments, text updates on merits.

ON MERITS: By 09/09/2026 8:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Video

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FBC--T25-OHIO STATE-TEXAS-QUARTERBACKS SHOWDOWN

DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas — Arch Manning’s 2025 Heisman Trophy campaign started and ended with a rocky season-opening loss at Ohio State. Over in the Buckeyes’ huddle, Julian Sayin’s first career start would be a first step in a standout season that found him, not Manning, among the Heisman finalists last December. They meet in a rematch Saturday night. By Jim Vertuno.

UPCOMING: By 09/09/2026 1:03 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--GIANTS-ENERGIZED HARBAUGH

DESCRIPTION: John Harbaugh reaches another milestone in his new job Sunday night when he coaches the New York Giants for the first time in a game that counts. This is the first time he’ll be on the sideline for anyone but Baltimore since his final game as Philadelphia’s special teams coach on Dec. 30, 2007. Players familiar with him from their time on the Ravens and those getting to know him fresh with the Giants describe someone they call a great leader of men with a winning algorithm. Harbaugh is focusing on football and not the big picture of his latest NFL challenge. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

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

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FBN--49ERS-RAMS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: MELBOURNE, Australia — The Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers faced a unique challenge in playing the NFL’s most distant international game this week in Australia’s sporting capital, and they took wildly differing approaches to their preparations for an important rivalry matchup. By Greg Beacham.

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

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FBN--JETS-GENO’S SECOND ACT

DESCRIPTION: FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Geno Smith will step on the field for the New York Jets in Tennessee on Sunday as an unexpected symbol. Of perseverance, resilience and redemption. It’s a far cry from how things ended in his disappointing first stint with the team, marked by failed expectations, costly mistakes and a punch to the jaw. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

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

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-AVOIDING PITFALLS

DESCRIPTION: Two early-season losses kept Notre Dame out of the playoffs last season. Previous early season losses to Northern Illinois and Marshall took the Fighting Irish out of national championship. On Saturday, they will try to avoid another costly loss when they host Rice. 600 words, with photos, by 4 p.m. ET.

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

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TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

    1. WITH: TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

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

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

    4. WITH: TEN--US OPEN

      5. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Coco Gauff and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva meet in one U.S. Open quarterfinal, while Elena Rybakina will rise to No. 1 in the women’s rankings if she beats Zheng Qinwen in the other.

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

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FBC--T25-INDIANA-DEFENSE

DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Hoosiers defense were an unhappy group after last weekend’s victory. They didn’t think they tackled well, preformed well or met the standard set by last year’s national championship team. And they expect to perform much better Saturday against Howard. 700 words, with photos by 4 p.m. ET.

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

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-OWNERS

DESCRIPTION: The new Seattle Seahawks ownership led by Vinod Khosla and his family hold their first news conference after buying the team for $9.612 billion. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 600 words, photos.

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

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Champions League.

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

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FBN--RAIDERS-OFFENSE

DESCRIPTION: Quarterback Kirk Cousins prepares to start his first game for the Las Vegas Raiders when they host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. What will the offense around him look like?

UPCOMING: By 09/09/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-SEAHAWKS

DESCRIPTION: The defending champion Seattle Seahawks open the season with a Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 500 words, photos, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 09/09/2026 8:20 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text, DigitalPlans

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GREECE IOC YOUTH OLYMPICS

DESCRIPTION: Text story

UPCOMING: By 09/09/2026 4:25 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Video

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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 09/09/2026 6:49 a.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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TEN--US OPEN-TIAFOE’S HUG

Tiafoe gives Michelsen a hug and a shoulder to cry on after his US Open victory

SUMMARY: Frances Tiafoe knew Alex Michelsen needed a shoulder to cry on. So after handing his fellow American a crushing defeat in the U.S. Open quarterfinals Tuesday, Tiafoe held Michelsen in a long embrace while the 22-year-old sobbed into his shoulder. Michelsen was playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal and was just a few points from winning it after winning the first two sets. The No. 11-seeded Tiafoe came back to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6), starting his turnaround after Michelsen failed to serve out the match with a 5-4 lead in the third set.

WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 09/09/2026 12:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fc6ca8f770bcacc437e35d46fdbca18&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN

Aryna Sabalenka edges Linda Noskova to keep alive hopes of a 3rd straight US Open title

SUMMARY: Aryna Sabalenka kept alive her hopes for a third straight U.S. Open title by fighting off Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of major champions. Sabalenka finished off the match with a second-serve ace to turn back the Wimbledon champion and reach the semifinals in Flushing Meadows for the sixth straight year. Sabalenka — who needed to win to maintain any hope of keeping the No. 1 ranking — will face No. 3 Jessica Pegula on Thursday in the semifinals.

WORDS: 969 - MOVED: 09/09/2026 12:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:99a07a19881cd4250fd2ce58f2d2257a&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-WINNING STREAK

New York Yankees clinch 34th straight winning season but have much bigger goals

SUMMARY: The New York Yankees have clinched their 34th consecutive winning season with a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Yankees captain Aaron Judge emphasized the team is focused on winning a championship. New York’s streak is the second-longest in the four major U.S. professional sports leagues, following the Yankees’ record 39 winning seasons in a row from 1926-64. Manager Aaron Boone reflects on the organization’s consistent success but acknowledges the bigger goal of a World Series title, which the Yankees haven’t won since 2009. New York is four games behind first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East and holds a three-game lead over Boston for the top American League wild card.

WORDS: 418 - MOVED: 09/09/2026 12:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bc9d67321fbe49a68b0b3a027eb7d02c&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY

Southeastern Conference leaders to discuss expelling LSU, which backs off rostering pro players

SUMMARY: The Southeastern Conference plans to meet Thursday to discuss possibly expelling LSU over a dispute over whether the school can use players who signed with NFL teams as undrafted rookies. An LSU official confirmed the final roster excludes these players. LSU’s membership is under scrutiny due to alleged violations of conference rules. Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the importance of adhering to SEC principles. The meeting will address concerns about LSU’s leadership and potential rule breaches.

WORDS: 947 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 11:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6dcea392c8d266d456bfc23c5627cc1e&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE

Aaron Judge goes 0 for 3 with 2 Ks in return to Yankees after 99-day absence caused by broken rib

SUMMARY: Aaron Judge struck out twice and flied out as he returned to the New York Yankees after a 99-day absence — a gap that matched his uniform number. Recovered from a broken rib, Judge started in right field and batted third Tuesday night in a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies that drew a sellout crowd of 46,211. Judge swung under a four-seam fastball from rookie right-hander Gabriel Hughes in the first inning and flied out to deep right-center in the fourth, then took a called third strike on a full-count pitch from rookie left-hander Mark Manfredi in the sixth.

WORDS: 1081 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 11:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bdef3da0898903b90a7a3c20d7e37ea1&mediaType=text

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FBC--W MICHIGAN-HAIL MARY APPEAL

NCAA says it can’t overturn Michigan’s win over Western Michigan after MAC appeals outcome

SUMMARY: The Mid-American Conference wants Western Michigan recognized as the winner over Michigan after a controversial game. The NCAA said Tuesday the result stands, citing no protocol for overturning outcomes. Michigan won 13-12 on a Hail Mary pass after officials added a second to the clock. The MAC argues the prescribed replay protocol wasn’t followed, which led to Michigan’s win. The NCAA’s rules state the team with the most points at the end is the winner. The controversy has sparked debate in college football circles.

WORDS: 880 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 11:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eecc9a441a40001b99846afffa86a61a&mediaType=text

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FBN--BUCCANEERS-MAYFIELD CONTRACT

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers agree on a $165M, 3-year extension, AP source says

SUMMARY: Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed on a $165 million, three-year contract extension, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team hasn’t announced the contract extension. Mayfield revived his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. He was entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal. Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by Cleveland. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Tampa while leading the Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles.

WORDS: 784 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 9:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c348847087e0fa3e7bee66a3cc3a5027&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-MEN

Frances Tiafoe comes from 2 sets down to beat Michelsen and reach the US Open semifinals

SUMMARY: Frances Tiafoe kept coming back until he had reached his third U.S. Open semifinal, beating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday. Tiafoe, who lost the first two sets and then trailed 3-0 in the fifth, finally ended the match in 4 hours, 38 minutes. He then jogged over to the other side of the net, where the 22-year-old Michelsen cried on his shoulder after a devastating end to his first career major quarterfinal. The No. 11-seeded Tiafoe, who reached the final four in 2022 and 2024, awaits the winner of the late match between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and No. 8 Ben Shelton.

WORDS: 542 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 9:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:072007b80b81b54e5a86e377ffdbb048&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP

Real Madrid and Man City kick off with wins as Champions League returns

SUMMARY: Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland both found the net in the Champions League as Real Madrid and Manchester City kicked off their campaigns with wins. Mbappe gave record 15-time champion Madrid an early lead en route to 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. Haaland scored both goals as 2023 winner City beat Porto 2-0. Madrid and City are expected to be among the main challengers to back-to-back defending champion Paris Saint-Germain this season and both will be relying on their star strikers.

WORDS: 842 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 7:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8a8d6fc501d4d831fe71e7c783abc318&mediaType=text

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GLF--LIV GOLF

LIV Golf files for bankruptcy protection as it tries to survive in a smaller version

SUMMARY: LIV Golf has filed for bankruptcy protection in a New Jersey court. The move was widely expected after Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund abruptly cut off support. The fifth year of the breakaway league ended last month. LIV says part of its plan moving forward is to restructure with BC Partners as its lead investor. CEO Scott O’Neil says the plan is to expand the field to 75 players and have a 36-hole cut for the first time. LIV estimates some $500 million in debt. Still to be determined is whether LIV will keep some of its biggest names.

WORDS: 787 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 6:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:893e8af7c2ab9626f9d600435316c83e&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-IHEANACHOR BURGLARY

Reports: Burglars steal at least $150,000 from Steelers rookie Max Iheanachor

SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Steelers rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor had his home recently burglarized, according to multiple reports. Reports said that at least $150,000 in merchandise was stolen on Aug. 26, the day before the Steelers visited Buffalo for a preseason game. The Steelers took Iheanachor out of Arizona State with the 21st selection in this year’s NFL draft. An undisclosed injury caused him to miss a big chunk of training camp. Iheanachor is listed second at right tackle on the Steelers’ depth chart for their season opener Sunday against Atlanta.

WORDS: 105 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 6:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e01cab776dd88f3473695afa1485ea0&mediaType=text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-GONZALEZ

Patriots make Christian Gonzalez the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback, AP sources say

SUMMARY: Christian Gonzalez has agreed to a four-year, $135 million contract with the New England Patriots that makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, two people with knowledge of the deal have told The Associated Press. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the contract. One of the people said Gonzalez is getting $102 million guaranteed. Gonzalez surpassed Devon Witherspoon’s new contract from the Seattle Seahawks. Witherspoon received a four-year, $132 million deal with $101 million guaranteed last month. The Patriots and Seahawks meet in a Super Bowl rematch to kick off the NFL season on Wednesday.

WORDS: 502 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 4:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:abc25d8f7702c37b6823abf1e5ca78f7&mediaType=text

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BKC--CHARLOTTE-JAMES

Former NFL star Edgerrin James says son Jizzle has a substance abuse issue; asks for love, support

SUMMARY: Former NFL running back Edgerrin James has expressed concern for his son Jizzle, who is dealing with a substance abuse issue. James posted on Instagram on Monday urging people to support Jizzle by showing love and encouragement but not giving him money or valuables. James emphasized that they are fighting for Jizzle, not against him. Jizzle, who played college basketball, recently transferred from Cincinnati to Charlotte but is no longer with the 49ers program. Cincinnati had dismissed him last summer before reinstating him midway through the season.

WORDS: 223 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 2:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5051f363bf3aa08b19a1adf24acd4457&mediaType=text

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FBN--PRO PICKS-WEEK 1

Pro Picks: Seahawks will edge Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch to kick off the NFL season

SUMMARY: Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks will see their championship banner raised before hosting Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch to kick off the NFL season on Wednesday night. The 2026 season begins in Seattle one day before the 49ers and Rams meet in Melbourne, Australia, in the first of nine international games. The Seahawks dominated the Patriots 29-13 to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl in February. They lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, cornerback Riq Woolen, safety Coby Bryant and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. But they’re 3 1/2-point favorites against New England.

WORDS: 1233 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 2:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c5ba50ee1cd61132efcce79e060031f&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-SOLHEIM

Nelly Korda and Charley Hull bring their own styles to the Solheim Cup

SUMMARY: Nelly Korda and Charley Hull are two of the biggest stars in women’s golf and feature prominently in the Solheim Cup. There already have been two moments that capture the essence of them. Korda has found a way to go from being No. 1 in the world to one of 12 players. During sightseeing in Amsterdam she was seen taking a photo of a couple who apparently had no idea who she was. Hull is the free spirit from England. So it was no surprise she was late to the tee for practice at Bernardus Golf.

WORDS: 967 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 2:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce7f7f1255b000e3785724c931a90825&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-MAHOMES

Patrick Mahomes expected to start for the Chiefs against the Broncos in Week 1 against Denver

SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes is set to start for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has confirmed that Mahomes will be under center, barring anything strange in practice this week, just nine months after tearing ligaments in his knee. Mahomes participated in all offseason practices and training camp but skipped preseason games. He underwent surgery in December. While Mahomes is ready, left tackle Josh Simmons is unlikely to play because of a back injury. Undrafted rookie Khalil Benson is expected to start in his place against one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL.

WORDS: 799 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 2:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:758fd02bad6b8b4084cdba9789e7ea36&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL

LSU cracks top 10, Oregon slips and Wolverines fall out of AP Top 25 after second-chance Hail Mary

SUMMARY: LSU jumped back into the top 10 in the first Associated Press Top 25 college football poll of the regular season. Oregon slipped out of the top five and Michigan fell out of the rankings altogether after it needed a second-chance Hail Mary try at home to beat Western Michigan. Ohio State remained No. 1 by a wide margin entering its showdown with No. 4 Texas on Saturday. The Buckeyes received 46 first-place votes from the voting panel of 69 writers and broadcasters. The other 23 first-place votes were divided among six teams; two of those votes went to Texas.

WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 09/08/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:11b750c72b3fd709a9eaa008f4b570eb&mediaType=text

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