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AP Sports Digest

Posted 10/28/26

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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BBO--WORLD SERIES

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of Game 5 of the World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers are the surprising last teams standing with a zero in either the win or loss column. The Vikings are 6-0 while the Chargers are 0-6, making this the first season in the Super Bowl era when the last undefeated team missed the playoffs the previous season and the last winless team made the previous postseason. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKO--GOING TO ROME

DESCRIPTION: Villanova, Notre Dame set for hoops doubleheader in Rome. By Dan Gelston. VILLANOVA, Pa. -- Villanova’s basketball teams are set to open their season in Italy with a doubleheader against Notre Dame. The event, called the Eternal City Tip-Off, takes place in Rome on Sunday. By Dan Gelston.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, FilePhoto

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BKW--T25-UCONN STRONG

DESCRIPTION: Feature on UConn star Sarah Strong. Sarah Strong was a key factor in UConn winning the national championship as a freshman and was the AP Player of the Year during her sophomore year. Now, she is back, ready to not only lead the second-ranked Huskies on the court, but also become more of a vocal leader heading in her junior season. By Jim Fuller.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text, FilePhoto

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-GROUND GAME

DESCRIPTION: Nolan James Jr. is off to a surprising start for No. 5 Notre Dame. Nolan James Jr. always dreamed about carrying a heavy workload at Notre Dame. This season, he’s fulfilling that dream. After logging just 14 carries in 2025, he’s become a big part of the running back rotation for No. 5 Notre Dame. 600 words, with photos, by 1 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--F1-MEXICAN GP-PÉREZ

DESCRIPTION: Cadillac driver Sergio Pérez will do a show run on one of the main avenues in Mexico City. Thousands of fans are expected to attend. Pérez is back on the F1 after a year off. The last time that “Checo” Pérez did a show run in the capital was in 2021, when over 100.000 fans showed up. Cadillac driver Sergio Pérez will do a show run on Reforma avenue, one of the most important in Mexico City. Thousands of fans are expected to attend.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Video, Photo

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FBC--PENN ST-ROJAS

DESCRIPTION: A story on Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas. Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas stayed to help first-year Nittany Lions coach Matt Campbell contend for a Big Ten title. That isn’t going to happen, though Rojas presses on. By Travis Johnson. 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKC BIG 12 AND SEC PREVIEW COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION: Preview coverage of SEC and Big 12 men’s basketball teams

FORMATS: Text, FilePhoto

    1. WITH: BKC--SEC TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES

      2. DESCRIPTION: Each SEC men’s college basketball team will get a preview capsule of approximately 400 words, plus file photos: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt.

      3. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

    4. WITH: BKC--BIG 12 TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES

      5. DESCRIPTION: Each Big 12 men’s college basketball team will get a preview capsule of approximately 400 words, plus file photos: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Baylor, Cincinnati, Central Florida, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah, West Virginia.

      6. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

    7. WITH: BKC--SEC PREVIEW

      8. DESCRIPTION: Preview of the upcoming SEC season in men’s college basketball. By Mark Long. Text, photos.

      9. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

    10. WITH: BKC--BIG 12 PREVIEW

      11. DESCRIPTION: Preview of the upcoming Big 12 season in men’s college basketball. By Dave Skretta. Text, photos.

      12. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN-PRO PICKS-WEEK 8

DESCRIPTION: The Bears-Seahawks, Chiefs-Broncos and Vikings-Lions highlight a schedule filled with big games in Week 8. By Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Five matches in the English League Cup including Man City vs. Brighton and Liverpool vs. Chelsea. By Steve Douglas. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKL--WNBA FINALS COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the WNBA Finals

FORMATS: Text, FilePhoto

    13. WITH: BKL--WNBA FINALS COVERAGE

      14. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

    15. WITH: BKL--WNBA FINALS-VALKYRIES-DEFENSE

      16. DESCRIPTION: The Golden State Valkyries are one win away from clinching their first WNBA championship, and it is no surprise defense is their strength. The Valkyries have held the Atlanta Dream to 62 and 55 points in winning the last two games of the series, leaving Atlanta desperate to find a way to get Angel Reese and the offense back on track in Thursday’s must-win Game 6 at State Farm Arena. By Charles Odum. 600 words, photos.

      17. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--RAIDERS-RUN GAME

DESCRIPTION: Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak likes to run his offense through the ground game, but he can’t get it going. Is there a solution in sight this season?

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKW--US-CANADA

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. and Canadian women’s hockey team play an exhibition game. 7 p.m. ET start.

ON MERITS: By 10/28/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--WORLD SERIES

Rays stun Brewers with 2-run rally in 12th inning and force World Series Game 5 with 4-3 win

SUMMARY: Jonny DeLuca and pinch-hitter Ben Williamson singled home runs in a stunning 12th-inning rally, and the Tampa Bay Rays staved off World Series elimination with a 4-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers that forced Game 5. Cooper Pratt hit a tiebreaking home run off Ian Seymour in the top of the 12th for his fourth hit of the game as Milwaukee neared a sweep and its first World Series title. But the Rays rallied in the bottom half after a throwing error by third baseman Joey Ortiz on Junior Caminero’s leadoff grounder against reliever Antonio Senzatela. Liam Hicks singled off Shane Drohan, who relieved in his first appearance since Oct. 15, and DeLuca’s single to center drove in pinch-runner Cedric Mullins to tie the score at 3.

WORDS: 850 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 1:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8b8b1c9dba76a30e74ddaca2a929847b&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-FIRST WIN

Knicks get their first win and look like the team of last spring, not the last week

SUMMARY: The New York Knicks looked like the team of last spring, not the last week. Down by 13 points after one quarter, they outscored the Detroit Pistons 63-25 across the next two, putting up the kind of crooked numbers up on the scoreboard they did repeatedly during their march to the NBA championship. They beat the previously undefeated Pistons 111-97 on Tuesday night for their first victory after starting the season with three straight losses. The Knicks went 16-3 in the postseason but with a loss Tuesday would have joined the 1969-70 Celtics as the only reigning champions to lose their first four games.

WORDS: 595 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 12:58 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59a325ea2cf3f7fcc85f3813110e6cc7&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-ASHBY

Brewers’ Aaron Ashby breaks postseason scoreless relief mark, bullpen finally cracks in Game 4 loss

SUMMARY: Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby broke Andrew Miller’s record for scoreless innings by a reliever in one postseason with a 1-2-3 ninth in Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night before Milwaukee’s stellar bullpen finally faltered just three outs away from the team’s first championship. Ashby followed the ninth with a perfect 10th, retired the first batter in the bottom of the 11th and left the game not having allowed a run in 18 innings in nine postseason appearances. Rookie Cooper Pratt gave the Brewers a 3-2 with a solo homer leading off the 12th inning but two of Milwaukee’s seldom-used pitchers couldn’t secure the win.

WORDS: 278 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 12:50 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ab695d18d619e82c97cc5e03d0b436a&mediaType=text

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HKN--DEVILS-HELLEBUYCK

‘Finally!’ Hellebuyck wins his New Jersey debut over Dallas playing for the first time in 6 months

SUMMARY: Connor Hellebuyck shined in his New Jersey debut, helping the Devils beat the Dallas Stars 5-1. The 33-year-old goaltender, traded from the Winnipeg Jets four days ago, allowed just one goal on 17 shots. Coach Sheldon Keefe praised Hellebuyck’s performance, saying he seemed in midseason form. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, spent 11 seasons with the Jets and recently helped the U.S. win gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics. He expressed confidence, noting the team’s strong play in front of him. Hellebuyck has five seasons left on his current contract.

WORDS: 474 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 12:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc74d398ebd6a726b0cc0aec7cab4d9d&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-BREWERS FANS

Brewers fans flock to the Trop, eager to celebrate the franchise’s first World Series title

SUMMARY: Brewers fans are flocking to Tropicana Field in hopes of seeing their team win a World Series title. They’re sipping Wisconsin beers in the parking lot and chanting “Let’s go Brewers” in the stands. The Brewers have a 3-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays and can wrap up the series on Tuesday night. Milwaukee is seeking the first title in franchise history after making only one World Series previously, in 1982. Ticket marketplace TickPick says 41.3% of purchases for Game 4 have come from Wisconsin. There appeared to be more Brewers fans than Rays fans in the stands ahead of Game 4.

WORDS: 750 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 9:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69d9ecb4447694559ac52ca1411c47e8&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS

T-wolves’ Anthony Edwards needs procedure on right knee, will miss several weeks, AP source says

SUMMARY: Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards will need an arthroscopic procedure to alleviate issues with his right knee and will miss several weeks, a person with knowledge of the matter said Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Timberwolves had yet to make any public announcements of Edwards’ plan to have the procedure. Edwards was off to a flying start this season, averaging 33.3 points and leading Minnesota to three wins in its first four games. His 133 points through the first four games is a Timberwolves record.

WORDS: 478 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b03fe8525fdc8ddb35bc940c7b5e780b&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Arsenal embarrassed in penalty-shootout loss to 4th-tier Fleetwood in English League Cup stunner

SUMMARY: Arsenal has lost to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in a penalty shootout in one of the biggest upsets in the 66-year history of the English League Cup. Fleetwood won 5-3 in the shootout after Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes had a penalty saved. The last-16 match finished 1-1 in regulation at 5,300-capacity Highbury Stadium on Tuesday The home ground of Fleetwood bears the same name as Arsenal’s former home stadium from 1913-2006. Eighty-four positions separate the teams in the English soccer pyramid. Fleetwood had never reached this stage of the competition before and was the lowest-ranked club left in the draw. The round continues on Wednesday with defending champion Manchester City at home to Brighton and Liverpool hosting Chelsea.

WORDS: 799 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 7:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d996302d96d4b0d3e19b4b3004d59801&mediaType=text

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FBN--COLTS-SEAHAWKS TRADE

Colts send All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to Seahawks, DeForest Buckner to 49ers for draft picks

SUMMARY: The Indianapolis Colts have traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for two draft picks. The picks are a 2027 third-rounder and a 2028 fifth-rounder. Hours later, the Colts sent DeForest Buckner back to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-rounder. Nelson and Buckner each can become free agents in March. The two trades follow last week’s firing of general manager Chris Ballard following a loss the previously winless Tennessee Titans at home.

WORDS: 664 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 6:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c85ab329267f01d54ed278d7179fb1d5&mediaType=text

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FBN--COLTS-49ERS TRADE

The 49ers bring back DeForest Buckner in trade with the Colts

SUMMARY: The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner after acquiring their former first-round pick in a trade with Indianapolis. The Colts announced the trade and said they were receiving a 2027 fourth-round pick. This was the second major deal made by Indianapolis with the team also trading All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder.

WORDS: 538 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 6:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:660e126bfe0eeb8fa1981ccb08662e95&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-VALKYRIES-FRUSTRATED FANS

Even with early Game 6 tipoff on Thursday, Valkyries are confident fans will find a way to watch

SUMMARY: Golden State Valkyries fans are frustrated that the WNBA couldn’t find a better solution for Game 6 of the Finals than to schedule the game at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The game against the Atlanta Dream is being played early Thursday afternoon at State Farm Arena in Atlanta because the NBA’s Hawks are playing at home that night. Valkyries supporter Kendall Christmas-Miller says a men’s NBA Finals game would never be played at such an early hour. She says there’s more work needed to prioritize women’s sports. The Valkyries are confident their fans will find ways to watch the game.

WORDS: 929 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7994187266959544c1ed646f26eea175&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-MISSOURI-HARDY

Ahmad Hardy a full participant in Missouri practice, Drinkwitz says, nearly 6 months after shooting

SUMMARY: All-American running back Ahmad Hardy has started practicing with No. 23 Missouri, just months after being wounded in a shooting in Mississippi. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said Tuesday that Hardy was a full participant in practice the previous day. However, it’s unclear when Hardy will play for the Tigers. In early May, Hardy was shot in the leg as a bystander at a concert. The Tigers have managed without him, thanks to Jamal Roberts, who ranks seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 867 yards rushing. Missouri was off last week and faces Arkansas on Saturday.

WORDS: 669 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 3:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:35afc9afc19bce0647a8293f763bc882&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-BEHRENS

Kathy Behrens, who developed NBA Cares, plans to leave the league office after a 26-year run

SUMMARY: Kathy Behrens, one of the highest-ranking female executives in the NBA, has decided to leave her position after 26 years. She currently serves as President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs. Behrens has been instrumental in developing the NBA Cares program and overseeing the creation of the NBA Foundation and the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition. Commissioner Adam Silver praised her for supporting players and advocating for basketball’s positive impact. Behrens began her career in politics and nonprofit work before joining the NBA in 1998. She plans to leave at the end of the year, seeking new challenges.

WORDS: 783 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 2:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c5321f080b0695e04bb4f7fa9ac5d8ac&mediaType=text

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FBC--FOOTBALL-DRIVING ENROLLMENT

Small colleges are starting football programs, hoping to boost enrollment as student shortage looms

SUMMARY: Ten small four-year colleges and universities started or restarted football programs this season. The National Football Foundation says that’s the most in a single year since 2013. Seven schools have announced plans to start programs in 2027 or later. Administrators say adding football is a way to increase lagging enrollment and create a more vibrant campus life. A 2024 University of Georgia study found schools that add football generally haven’t had sustained enrollment growth compared to nonfootball schools. Researcher Welch Suggs says adding football is a last-ditch effort to keep a school’s doors open.

WORDS: 1342 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 2:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1df171365f3c300fa5e2825cdf8e351f&mediaType=text

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BKL--ON BASKETBALL-WNBA FINALS

In fairness to Dream and Valkyries, scheduling dilemma shouldn’t overshadow Game 6 of WNBA Finals

SUMMARY: The WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream face a scheduling challenge. Game 6 is set for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. local time in Atlanta, which is 9:30 a.m. in San Francisco. This timing means many fans may miss the game because of work or school. The NBA, WNBA and the teams involved tried to find a better solution but couldn’t. Atlanta’s State Farm Arena is hosting an NBA game that night, complicating the schedule. Despite the schedule issue, the WNBA should be celebrating another season of growth, with record attendance and standout performances.

WORDS: 909 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 2:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e526257824886257185c1049f03c888e&mediaType=text

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FBC--FLORIDA ST-MCCULLOUGH

Florida State president acknowledges fanbase frustration and admits everything is not fine

SUMMARY: Beginning a lengthy letter to fans with “I hear you. I understand your frustration,” Florida State President Richard McCullough provided an out-of-the-ordinary update on the school’s search for an athletic director and the state of a floundering football program. The Seminoles are 3-4, including 1-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, heading into Saturday’s home game against Clemson. McCullough says: “We are not asking you to believe that everything is fine. We know it is not.” FSU fired athletic director Mike Alford last month, and coach Mike Norvell remains on the proverbial hot seat.

WORDS: 578 - MOVED: 10/27/2026 1:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5753fbb17448b8b2dca43fff85658d03&mediaType=text

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