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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FBN--NFC WEST-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The battle at the top of the NFC West is a fierce one with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks being challenged by the 2026 Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams. The San Francisco 49ers are close behind after going 12-5 in an injury plagued 2025 season. Bringing up the rear figures to be the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--COLTS-ALLEN

DESCRIPTION: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is expected to address why the team made the roster decisions it did to reach the 53-man roster limit -- and the future of receiver Keenan Allen. The six-time Pro Bowler was arrested last weekend for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. By Michael Marot. 700 words, with photos by 3 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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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 09/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: TEN--US OPEN

5. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Coco Gauff and French Open champions Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva are in action on the third and final day of the first round of the U.S. Open.

6. UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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FBC--T25-MICHIGAN-WHITTINGHAM

DESCRIPTION: ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Kyle Whittingham appears to be a man of discipline and he’s leading a Michigan football program in desperate need of the characteristic. By Larry Lage. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--AFC EAST PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: It’s like old times again for the New England Patriots, who are being pursued by everyone else in the AFC East. A playoff run all the way to the Super Bowl last season has raised expectations for the Patriots and provided the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins a clear target. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--AFC SOUTH-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Houston Texans are the only NFL team never to have played in a conference championship game and one of only four still waiting for that first Super Bowl berth. That makes the goal easier starting with trying to win the AFC South for the third time in four years.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN-NFC SOUTH PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Tampa, Fla. — The Panthers ended Tampa Bay’s run of division titles last year but finishied with a losing record. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are aiming to get back on top. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--EUROPE-TRANSFER ROUNDUP

Transfer deadline day sees Man City agree $169 million move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez

SUMMARY: Manchester City is closing in on a transfer deadline day deal for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez for what would be a joint-British record 125 million pounds ($169 million). City has agreed a fee with Chelsea, clearing the way for Argentine international Fernandez to complete his move to the Etihad Stadium before the window shuts at 2200 GMT, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been publicly announced. Fernandez would become the latest big money signing as part of City’s midfield rebuild, which includes the arrivals of Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

WORDS: 857 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 1:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:52a2a72194392f942a8334ef108a9f4f&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY

Clemson coach calls NFL players returning to play college football ‘embarrassing’ for the sport

SUMMARY: Clemson coach Dabo Swinney criticizes the return of NFL players to college football, calling it “embarrassing” for the sport. He expressed frustration over the lack of governance in college football. This comes as LSU’s coach Lane Kiffin faces criticism for recruiting former NFL players like Dae’Quan Wright. Kiffin defends his actions, saying they’re in the best interest of his team. Despite the controversy, Swinney says he focuses on his team and doesn’t judge others’ decisions. The situation highlights ongoing debates over college football’s evolving landscape.

WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 1:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:50aff66a7a7f0308227548d6a7e32bdc&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-STROUD

Texans: No in-season contract talks with C.J. Stroud if no deal by Sept. 13

SUMMARY: The Houston Texans won’t extend their current contract negotiations with quarterback C.J. Stroud into the regular season. General manager Nick Caserio said that if the club can’t reach an agreement before the Sept. 13 opener against Buffalo, talks will pause until next offseason. Houston already picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, keeping him under team control through 2027. Caserio mentioned in July that an extension was possible, but no deal seems imminent. Stroud, 24, has led the Texans to the playoffs in each of his three seasons since being drafted second overall in 2023.

WORDS: 195 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 1:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:193196b2af6ac3908eed9956ffdf57cc&mediaType=text

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FBN--ROMO-ARREST

Tony Romo pleads no contest to charge of operating while intoxicated and issues statement of apology

SUMMARY: CBS NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated and has issued a statement apologizing for the actions that led to his July arrest. Romo was arrested July 23 following a traffic stop as he was driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. CBS has since placed him on leave. Romo said multiple back surgeries during his playing career left him in pain that led to a dependence on pain medication. He said his efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.

WORDS: 554 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 1:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92fb917a83eb60dbae1f547ec6915b9b&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN

Madison Keys and Flavio Cobolli in early action at the US Open, with rain delaying everything else

SUMMARY: Madison Keys and Flavio Cobolli were in action early Tuesday at the U.S. Open, where rain threatened to hamper the schedule for a couple days. Showers that began Monday night and would possibly be on and off through the middle of the week delayed play on all the outer courts, allowing for action only in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium, which have retractable roofs. Keys, the No. 22 seed, was facing Alina Korneeva in the leadoff match in Ashe. Cobolli, the men’s No. 5 seed, quickly dropped the first set against Francisco Comesana on Armstrong.

WORDS: 217 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 12:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb485e1a0c8ee2eba191e9fb19db4422&mediaType=text

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FBC--HBCUS-NO GUARANTEES

CFP changes could put HBCU guarantee games at risk, but the payday isn’t as essential as it once was

SUMMARY: Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are playing major college football programs for big paychecks. These “money” games offer six-figure payouts and national exposure. However, the role of these games is changing as HBCUs develop new revenue streams. This includes broadcast deals and streaming platforms. Some schools are opting for more competitive matchups for core fans that are often beloved cultural events. While these games still provide financial benefits, HBCUs are less dependent on them than in the past.

WORDS: 873 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 10:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29a29d438737343a2b8b87d030f47949&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-SCHEFFLER

Scottie Scheffler loves what it takes to be great. He can do without fame that comes with greatness

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler has separated himself from the rest of golf the way Tiger Woods did all those years ago. The biggest difference among many is Scheffler doesn’t engage with the crowd while crushing his opposition. Scheffler loves what it takes to be the best in golf. He just doesn’t care for all the noise and notoriety that accompany greatness. He does the mundane work because he knows it will make him better. And he loves the practice. It leads to a dominance not seen since Woods. His average points in the world ranking are now more than double No. 2 Rory McIlroy.

WORDS: 1037 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 10:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6c59a6871603877c38673852ef67db26&mediaType=text

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BKL--WCUP-HOST EXPECTATIONS

Hopes high, expectations low for Germany as it prepares to host Women’s Basketball World Cup

SUMMARY: Injuries and three straight losses in warmups have not dimmed hopes for host team Germany at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. As a well-known German saying goes, “hope is the last to die.” Germany is making just its second World Cup appearance. The first was when it previously hosted the quadrennial tournament in 1998. The German team reached the second group stage on that occasion and will be aiming for a medal this time, though the absence of star player Satou Sabally is a major blow. Germany starts Friday with a clash against Spain. It then faces Japan on Saturday, before finishing Group A with a game it will be expected to win against Mali on Sept. 7.

WORDS: 553 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 10:23 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a4a535758cff11120ddee776ee023dd5&mediaType=text

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FBC--FCS-NO GUARANTEES

Will the pursuit of playoff berths at the top of college football cost FCS teams? Not so far

SUMMARY: FCS teams often face FBS teams in “money games,” where they endure losses but earn significant payouts. This season, there are 127 such games on the schedule. Despite potential changes like playoff expansion, these games remain popular. Power Four teams pay FCS opponents about $525,000, while Group of Six teams pay around $250,000. The Championship Subdivision has a low win rate against FBS teams, but the financial benefits are crucial for the smaller programs.

WORDS: 940 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 9:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1abbd76b8a07f2406659f036333cad0&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFC EAST PREVIEW

Eagles are back-to-back NFC East champs, but Super Bowl wins are the standard now

SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles are the first team in a generation with back-to-back titles in the NFC East, a division that didn’t have another team with a winning record last season. But Super Bowl championships are the standard now. The New York Giants have just two playoff appearances since the franchise’s fourth NFL title 15 years ago. They hired a perennial winner in John Harbaugh soon after the coach parted ways with Baltimore. The Dallas Cowboys spent the entire offseason focused on trying to fix one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Washington’s hopes revolve around a healthy Jayden Daniels reversing last year’s slide from contender to also-ran.

WORDS: 958 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:76f979496aee79a0b1c0c3ca762752b4&mediaType=text

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FBN--COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT-HISTORY

Aaron Donald follows other Hall of Fame-caliber athletes in his return from retirement

SUMMARY: Aaron Donald’s decision to come off the retirement couch and get back on the field after a two-year absence may be unusual but it’s far from unprecedented. Donald joins a list of athletes who had called it quits after putting together Hall of Fame-caliber careers only to get the itch and decide to come back to play. Whether this comeback is more like Michael Jordan’s first in the NBA when he won titles in his first three full seasons back in the NBA or his second when he couldn’t make the playoffs in two seasons with Washington remains to be seen.

WORDS: 1209 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f59714be1abcd51fbc0fe93db0bf6d31&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKL--WCUP-US ROOKIES

The FIBA World Cup will be the first major U.S. senior national team tournament for a quarter of WNBA stars in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston. By Schuyler Dixon.

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FBN--NFL-BETTING

Could the usually overhyped Dallas Cowboys be for real? At least on handicapper likes their chances to win the NFC East.

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