UNDATED (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order allowing the state's colleges and universities to let athletes who graduated high school in 2022 play a fifth year. This move defies the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rule. DeWine emphasizes fairness, stating Ohio athletes should have the same opportunities as those in other states. The order permits public and private universities in Ohio to allow athletes to play, even if they've already played four seasons. The NCAA has not yet responded. This decision could mirror California's past action on name, image, and likeness compensation, which influenced other states.
UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma State has emerged as a surprise in the Big 12 under new head coach Eric Morris. After a rocky start, the Cowboys have won all their games since losing to Tulsa, including a major upset against Oregon. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who followed Morris from North Texas, leads the Big 12 in passing. Oklahoma State ended a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents with a win over Oregon on September 12. The team is now ranked 18th and has been recognized as the most surprising Big 12 team at the season's midpoint. Morris was also named top coach by Associated Press writers.
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders has turned the page on a playbook that was reportedly lost and dismissed any kind of bearing it could have had on a loss to Texas Tech. The Colorado coach minimized the incident, in which pages of his team’s game plan were supposedly left behind at the hotel where the Buffaloes stay before home games. It was posted on a Red Raider Sports message board before the Buffaloes lost 29-7 to No. 10 Texas Tech on Oct. 3. There won’t be any further digging into what may or may not have transpired, Sanders said, because: "it’s over. Game’s over.” The Buffaloes are focused on facing No. 11 Utah on Saturday night.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State is in talks with current Colorado Avalanche assistant and former NHL head coach Dave Hakstol to serve as its interim hockey coach as the school investigates an outdoor workout that left a player on life support. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Monday the Avalanche have granted Hakstol permission to speak with Arizona State about the position and a decision could come later this week. Arizona State placed coach Greg Powers on administrative leave last month as it conducts an investigation into the collapse of 21-year-old Matthew Mayich, who is unlikely to recover from external heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain.
AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State women's basketball coach Bill Fennelly has announced he will retire at the end of the coming season. It will be his 32nd with the Cyclones. Fennelly is 656-335 with 24 NCAA Tournament appearances and 26 postseason appearances overall at Iowa State. He called it the greatest honor of his professional life to coach at Iowa State and that he has been blessed to have had the opportunity to coach so many amazing players while working with loyal and dedicated staff members. Iowa State has two Elite Eight appearances, one Big 12 regular-season championship and three conference tournament titles under Fennelly.
