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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BKC--TIPOFF-IMPACT TRANSFERS
DESCRIPTION: UCLA guard Donovan Dent embraces the responsibility that comes with playing for one of college basketball’s most storied programs. The former New Mexico guard grew up not far from UCLA’s campus and admired former Bruins point guard Lonzo Ball. Dent now wants to build on the success he enjoyed last season while leading New Mexico to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The 2025 Mountain West Conference player of the year enters this season as one of the most notable transfers. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 900 words, with photos, expected by 11 a.m.
SENT: By 10/27/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKC--MEMPHIS-ROSTER MAKEOVER
DESCRIPTION: MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis coach Penny Hardaway has a roster for his seventh season at his alma mater that seems to test what is possible in the current landscape of college athletics. Each of his 15 Tigers is brand-new to Memphis as part of a complete overhaul after earning an NCAA Tournament berth last March. Memphis has one player listed as a freshman. But Hardaway tapped the transfer portal and NIL opportunities heavily to build this team. The turnover not only presents a chemistry-building challenge. Hardaway says it’s very difficult and the main gripe from fans that they don’t know any of the players. By Clay Bailey.
SENT: By 10/27/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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CAR--NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: For the second time in four years, the Championship 4 in NASCAR’s Cup Series will be an even split of two stars apiece from Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. The pair of powerhouses have ended a run of three consecutive titles for Team Penske and now will renew a respectful rivalry that dates back more than 30 years when Super Bowl-winning NFL coach Joe Gibbs got a hand from Rick Hendrick in starting up a NASCAR team. With 547 Cup victories between the organizations, they will face off in a what’s being described as a wide-open championship battle with no clear favorite in Sunday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway. By Nate Ryan. 650 words, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/27/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the World Series. The Series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3. The Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays are tied 1-1.
UPCOMING: By 10/27/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBN--COMMANDERS-CHIEFS
DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Washington Commanders play the Kansas City Chiefs in a showdown of two of the NFL’s best quarterbacks and top teams at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos. Game starts 7:15 p.m. CT. Sidebars on merits.
UPCOMING: By 10/27/2025 11:45 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BKW--SEASON PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: Geno Auriemma led UConn back to the top of women’s college basketball last season as the Huskies won their 12th national championship. The top-ranked team in the AP preseason poll will try and become the first team to repeat as champions since they won four in a row from 2013-16. It won’t be easy with the other three Final Four participants — South Carolina, Texas and UCLA — all loaded up to challenge the Huskies. The season begins Nov. 3 with the national championship game on April 5 in Phoenix. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. SENT: 650 words, photos.
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FBC--T25-TEXAS-MANNING INJURY
Arch Manning in concussion protocol for No. 20 Texas ahead of game vs. No. 9 Vanderbilt
SUMMARY: Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said quarterback Arch Manning is in concussion protocol and did not practice Monday ahead of the No. 20 Longhorns’ game against No. 9 Vanderbilt. Sarkisian says the team will get an update on Manning’s injury later in the week. Manning was injured at the start of overtime of Texas’ comeback win over Mississippi State. If Manning can’t play, Texas will start graduate transfer Matthew Caldwell against Vanderbilt. He came off the bench to throw the winning touchdown pass against Mississippi State on his only pass attempt of the game.
WORDS: 260 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 1:17 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aefe441bfee0405ee2e322fade793825&mediaType=text
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BBO--ORIOLES-ALBERNAZ
Orioles hire Cleveland assistant Craig Albernaz as manager after finishing last in AL East
SUMMARY: The Baltimore Orioles have hired Craig Albernaz as their manager. Albernaz, who turns 43 on Thursday, was previously an associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians. He was promoted to that role after serving as bench coach in 2024. Albernaz takes over a Baltimore team that still has plenty of potential despite sliding to 75 wins this year and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde in May, and Tony Mansolino ran the team on an interim basis the rest of the way. Baltimore announced the move Monday.
WORDS: 557 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 1:11 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b5cf9a688513008ffc7f9d190d3bd3e&mediaType=text
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BKN--SPORTS-BETTING-ARRESTS
NBA starts review of policies after gambling-related arrests of Rozier, Billups
SUMMARY: The NBA has started a review to protect the integrity of the game, players, and coaches following the arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups. They were allegedly involved in gambling schemes. The league sent a memo to all teams, highlighting the need to reassess sports betting regulations. Nearly three dozen people, including Rozier and Billups, were arrested last week. The NBA is focusing on injury reports, which can be exploited by bettors. The league seeks to ensure players and coaches understand the risks of gambling and is seeking input from teams on how to proceed.
WORDS: 604 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 12:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92c2bf61765ffbea807a95a69f8cfcf3&mediaType=text
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BKL--WINGS-FERNANDEZ
WNBA’s Dallas Wings name Jose Fernandez as new coach
SUMMARY: Jose Fernandez has been named the new coach of the Dallas Wings. The WNBA team made the announcement Monday, and say he will be formally introduced Nov. 6. The 53-year-old Fernandez spent the past 25 seasons leading the women’s team at the University of South Florida. Fernandez takes over a Wings team that has Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall draft pick last April who was the WNBA Rookie of the Year. The 53-year-old coach replaces Chris Koclanes, who was fired after going 10-34 in his only season with Dallas.
WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 12:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc1d7dc14e8fa402ee474c35553ee2c0&mediaType=text
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OLY--BOB-US-FLAVOR FLAV
‘Yeah, boyeeee’: Flavor Flav gives bobsled and skeleton a try, joins team as hype man for Olympics
SUMMARY: Flavor Flav, the iconic rapper and reality star, has become the official hype man for the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team. The announcement came Monday after he spent time with the team at the Olympic track in Utah. At 66, Flav hit 67 mph on a bobsled run and plans to join the team at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. U.S. skeleton athlete Dan Barefoot praised Flav’s adventurous spirit and skill. Flav’s involvement has energized the team, with members even getting his personal number. USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire expressed excitement about the partnership.
WORDS: 638 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 12:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:95116ebd2c7c5c8d6944b5e59f6a58eb&mediaType=text
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SOC--WORLD CUP-TICKETS
FIFA opens 2nd phase of World Cup ticket sales with exclusive slots for US, Canada, Mexico
SUMMARY: FIFA has started selling another million tickets for next year’s World Cup. The second phase of sales began Monday and includes a special time slot for residents of the host countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This phase runs until 11 a.m. Eastern Friday. Fans from these countries can buy single-match tickets for games in their home nation. The phase is open to all fans globally. More than a million tickets have already been sold, with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico leading in purchases. Additional sales phases will follow, with dynamic pricing in place.
WORDS: 644 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 11:53 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:edc0496e15f7a51ce0d9c4b0c8117ed7&mediaType=text
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FBC--LSU-KELLY FIRED
LSU fires coach Brian Kelly in the 4th season of his 10-year, $100 million deal
SUMMARY: LSU has fired coach Brian Kelly during the fourth season of a 10-year contract worth about $100 million. The move announced by athletic director Scott Woodward on Sunday night comes on the heels of a 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium a night earlier. That was the Tigers’ second straight loss and third in four games. Kelly was hired away from Notre Dame following the 2021 season. He has gone 34-14 with the Tigers but LSU has not qualified for the College Football Playoff during his first three seasons and is virtually eliminated from contention this season. Woodward says the financial terms of Kelly’s separation for LSU are still being negotiated.
WORDS: 722 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 11:06 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:749be2bf3e4e325b19b482b2dd4e2968&mediaType=text
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FBN--OBIT-MANGOLD
Former Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41, less than 2 weeks after announcing he had kidney disease
SUMMARY: The New York Jets have announced the death of former center Nick Mangold at age 41. Mangold died from complications of kidney disease on Saturday night, less than two weeks after he revealed on social media that he needed a kidney transplant and was seeking a donor. Diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006, Mangold had been on dialysis. Jets owner Woody Johnson described him as a legendary player and beloved teammate. Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, was enshrined in the Jets’ ring of honor in 2022. He is survived by his wife and four children.
WORDS: 1085 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 11:05 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cb1db7b42a63d7ef198bdaf36933067b&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-AP TOP 25-EXTRA POINTS
AP Top 25 Extra Points: No. 22 Houston’s rise in Big 12 comes with Weigman-led offensive bump
SUMMARY: The Houston Cougars have climbed to No. 22 in the AP poll after a 24-16 win over Arizona State. This marks their best season since joining the Big 12 in 2023. Under second-year coach Willie Fritz, Houston is now 7-1. The Cougars have improved significantly on offense, largely due to quarterback Conner Weigman, a transfer from Texas A&M. They are averaging 28.8 points per game, more than double last year’s average. Houston’s schedule is favorable, with their toughest remaining game against TCU. Fritz emphasizes focusing on the next opponent, with West Virginia up next.
WORDS: 873 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 10:12 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2e82f41f5a6429f4130fd6c199f32fe6&mediaType=text
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SOC--JUVENTUS-IGOR TUDOR
Juventus has fired coach Igor Tudor after three straight losses
SUMMARY: Slumping Juventus fired coach Igor Tudor on Monday following three straight losses and an eight-match winless run. Juventus hasn’t won since Sept. 13 and the announcement came a day after the team’s latest loss, a 1-0 defeat to Lazio — its fourth straight match without scoring a goal. That left Juventus eighth in Serie A, six points below joint leaders Napoli and Roma and three below fourth-place Inter Milan. Juventus said that reserve team coach Massimo Brambilla will take temporary charge of the team, including for Wednesday home match against Udinese.
WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 8:20 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c211c638a934715bb1c933652494a871&mediaType=text
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BKC--SEASON PREVIEW
Purdue’s Matt Painter regrets not talking about an NCAA title last year. This season, it’s different
WORDS: 986 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 8:10 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba87650509fc42db0e5adbb268479af5&mediaType=text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-OFFICIATING
Questionable NFL officiating again takes the spotlight in Week 8
WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb65d21d190daa4779fb3bcde6a6f41c&mediaType=text
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SOC--AFGHANISTAN WOMEN’S REFUGEE TEAM
Some 4 years after fleeing Afghanistan, a group of refugees returns to international competition
SUMMARY: Some four years after players from the Afghanistan women’s national team fled their homeland amid the Taliban’s takeover, a number of the teammates are representing their country once more in an international soccer tournament. Only this time as refugees. The tournament represents a first major step in the fight to be officially recognized as a national team on the global stage. Collectively the women call themselves Afghan Women United. FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, is staging a four-team tournament in Morocco that includes the refugee team along with Chad, Libya and Tunisia. The FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 started Sunday.
WORDS: 856 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 4:15 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8bffc8d0197b42f2376277a6a1675b43&mediaType=text
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FBN--RODGERS REUNION
Aaron Rodgers wasn’t seeking ‘revenge’ against the Packers, who gave him a reality check instead
SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers was solid but not spectacular in his first-ever game against the Green Bay Packers. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback passed for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-25 loss to the team he won four MVPs and a Super Bowl with earlier in his career. Rodgers says he was happy to see some old friends from Green Bay before the game but once the ball was kicked off, it was all business. Rodgers completed 24 of 36 passes but was outplayed by his former pupil Jordan Love, who threw for 360 yards and three scores.
WORDS: 858 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 1:45 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b0e24ce1ed8f2b6216fd0e96e8f5c77&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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—BBO--World Series
—BBO--World Series-Two-Way Players
—BBO--World Series-Must-See Ohtani
—FBN--International Paths
—BKC--Sons In Waiting
