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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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: BKL--PLAYOFFS-WILSON AND STEWART

2. DESCRIPTION: A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart showed once again why they are two of the best players in the world, leading their teams to routs in the opening day of the WNBA playoffs. By AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos by 6 a.m. ET

3. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS

5. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the first round of the WNBA playoffs

6. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKL--FEVER RETURN HOME

8. DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Fever hope to bounce back from a 17-point loss in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces by returning home to try to force a deciding Game 3.

9. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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CAR F1 WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT

DESCRIPTION: Formula 1 is aiming to help female racers develop motorsport careers with its F1 Academy series. Yet some are struggling for funding and track time when they leave. Meant as a developmental series, it may be the peak of many drivers’ careers.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: While most of the usual suspects for the College Football Playoff are alive and well through the first month of the season, a few new contenders are emerging. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 7:10 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--THIS WEEK IN BASEBALL

DESCRIPTION: Both No. 1 seeds -- Milwaukee and Tampa Bay -- are from smaller markets. Will that matter in the playoffs? Or in the labor fight? 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 7:35 a.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--LOOMING LOCKOUT

DESCRIPTION: This could be Major League Baseball’s last postseason for a while with lockout looming and players vowing to fight salary cap no matter how long it takes. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 1,000 words, photos, by 2 p.m. EDT

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--CHANGING ECONOMICS

DESCRIPTION: Leo Carlsson’s $18 million a year offer sheet from Philadelphia combined with a rising salary cap has entirely changed the game of NHL salaries nearly overnight. Cale Makar will be the league’s first $20 million player when his new contract kicks in, and it is not hard to envision a world with someone — maybe Connor McDavid in a couple of seasons — reaching $30 million. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA MEDIA DAY COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

10. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY

11. DESCRIPTION: News from around the NBA as the majority of teams hold media availability ahead of the season. By AP Basketball Writer TIm Reynolds

12. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-76ERS

14. DESCRIPTION: LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the 76ers will try to quickly develop chemistry after a busy offseason. By Dan Gelston

15. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-SPURS

17. DESCRIPTION: Victor Wembanyama appears even more motivated after he and the Spurs lost in the NBA Finals to the Knicks. By Raul Dominguez

18. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

19. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-KNICKS

20. DESCRIPTION: The Knicks spent the offseason enjoying the spoils of winning the NBA title, now they have to pivot and get ready to defend their championship. By AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney

21. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

22. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-WARRIORS

23. DESCRIPTION: Stephen Curry and the Warriors missed out on LeBron James, now Golden State has to regroup to find a way to challenge the top teams in the Western Conference. By Janie McCauley

24. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

25. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-TIMBERWOLVES

26. DESCRIPTION: Anthony Edwards leaned into his leadership role with the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, spearheading a player trip to Paris to train and connect with French teammates Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer and making sure to spend plenty of time with new backcourt partner LaMelo Ball. By Dave Campbell. 500 words, photos.

27. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

28. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-CLIPPERS

29. DESCRIPTION: Ty Lue talks publicly about the upcoming season after a turbulent offseason for the Clippers. By Beth Harris

30. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

31. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-RAPTORS

32. DESCRIPTION: Kawhi Leonard talks about being back in Toronto have the trade with the Clippers finally went through. By Ian Harrison

33. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

34. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-PISTONS

35. DESCRIPTION: Jalen Duren and the Pistons didn’t make any major offseason moves after finishing with the best record in the East, now the restricted free agent will once again team up with Cade Cunningham to see if they can reach the top in the postseason. By Larry Lage

36. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

37. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-THUNDER

38. DESCRIPTION: Two-time league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the new-look Thunder will look to regain their footing now they are looking up at the reigning Western Conference champion Spurs. By Tim Willert

39. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

40. WITH: BKN--MEDIA DAY-TRAIL BLAZERS

41. DESCRIPTION: After a summer that featured the takeover by a new owner, layoffs, squabbles over the team’s arena and the addition of Ja Morant, the Portland Trail Blazers opened training camp with more than the usual chaos simmering in the background. The one steadying factor? Damian Lillard. By Anne M. Peterson

42. UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT

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BBO--MLB-WILD CARD GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: Baseball’s postseason begins on Tuesday with four best-of-three wild-card series. One of the matchup is the always interesting Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. 600 words, photos by 1 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--BRAVES-SALE-WILD-CARD

DESCRIPTION: Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale will be even more important than expected in the Wild Card Series after an already depleted rotation lost left-hander Martín Pérez to the injured list last week. The Braves will rely heavily on Sale in Tuesday’s opening game of the series against Philadelphia. By Charles Odum. 500 words, photos. Developing from availability approximately at 5 p.m. following workout.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-LARSON’S CHASE

DESCRIPTION: Kyle Larson and the No. 5 team at Hendrick Motorsports never got frustrated during a 51-race winless drought. Their patience and confidence has paid off when it matters the most. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 7:07 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--EAGLES-BEARS

DESCRIPTION: Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles face D’Andre Swift and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Philadelphia is looking for a 3-0 start, and Chicago is hoping to bounce back from a 9-3 loss to Minnesota. By Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 09/28/2026 11:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--LEADERS

Alvarez and Moreno win batting titles, Misiorowski leads majors in ERA and strikeouts

SUMMARY: Houston’s Yordan Alvarez and Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno won their first batting titles Sunday, while Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski became just the fourth pitcher since 1950 to lead the majors in ERA, strikeouts and opponents’ batting average. Alvarez’s .316 average was the lowest for the overall major league batting champion, below the previous mark of .325 by Dick Groat for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960. Moreno’s .311 average was one point above Philadelphia’s Luis Arraez for the NL crown and he became only the fifth player with at least 50 starts at catcher to win a batting championship.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 10:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20edb759729821ce2590c2d7727b10f9&mediaType=text

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FBN--BUCCANEERS-MAYFIELD INJURED

Baker Mayfield dislocates thumb on throwing hand and winless Buccaneers await results of MRI

SUMMARY: Baker Mayfield has a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. The Buccaneers quarterback was hurt late in the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay’s loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Mayfield dropped back for a desperation heave on fourth down and his throwing hand glanced off the arm of linebacker Blake Cashman on the follow-through. Mayfield’s pass was intercepted, sealing the Bucs’ fate as they fell to 0-3. Coach Todd Bowles says Mayfield will have an MRI on Monday. X-rays did not show any broken bones.

WORDS: 576 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 10:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68234350a2067a597d624dc4346fe55e&mediaType=text

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GLF--TRUMP-PRESIDENTS CUP

Trump’s golf tour takes him back to the Presidents Cup

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has attended the Presidents Cup for the second time. Sunday’s appearance was the fourth time this year for Trump to be at a golf tournament. He says the PGA Tour was nice enough to name him honorary chairman. It’s a traditional role offered to every head of state in the country hosting the match-play event. Trump attended the Presidents Cup at Liberty National in New Jersey in 2017 during his first term. This time he was on the first tee for the start of all 12 matches. He also participated in the closing ceremony, helping with the presentation of the trophy to the winning U.S. team.

WORDS: 905 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 9:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e38806ec1d6905569c20b5ea48d983d0&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARINERS-WILSON FIRED

Dan Wilson out as manager of the Seattle Mariners after disappointing season

SUMMARY: Dan Wilson will not return as the Seattle Mariners’ manager next season, he and the team said Sunday. Wilson made the announcement shortly after the Mariners finished off a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels, the ending to a disappointing 76-86 season that began with World Series aspirations after Seattle reached Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last year.

WORDS: 689 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 9:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dcf1f22ff6dc721c789eac6013d8c54b&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS-COWBOYS

Jackson’s pass, alert timeout call lead to Loop’s 56-yard field goal as Ravens beat Cowboys 34-31

SUMMARY: Lamar Jackson completed a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers and alertly called a timeout with 1 second left, setting up Tyler Loop’s 56-yard field goal to cap a stunning 7-second drive that gave the Baltimore Ravens a 34-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil. The Ravens and Cowboys put on a entertaining show in front of an announced crowd of 72,792 during the NFL’s third game in Brazil and first in the city of Rio de Janeiro, engaging in a back-and-forth contest that featured plenty of big plays. For a moment, it looked as though it would be the Cowboys who would win the game in regulation.

WORDS: 860 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 8:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f778fcf2d73260eb67f6a9d89fc6fbd8&mediaType=text

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-SCHERZER

Max Unlimited: Scherzer strikes out 7 on short rest for Blue Jays to beat Reds in season finale

SUMMARY: Max Scherzer said he felt “unlimited” in Sunday’s season-ending start against the Cincinnati Reds. Pitching on three days of rest, the 42-year-old Scherzer struck out seven over seven-plus innings to earn the 225th victory of his career as the Blue Jays won 5-1. Scherzer threw a season-high 114 pitches, 77 for strikes. He walked one and allowed one run and six hits, including five singles. A two-time World Series champion and three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer boosted his career strikeout total to 3,557. That’s the ninth-highest mark in big league history.

WORDS: 594 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 8:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf1bfae0a3e6f6e430e35c8be8a993aa&mediaType=text

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

Americans rally in singles to win the Presidents Cup for the 11th straight time

SUMMARY: The Americans have won the Presidents Cup for the 11th straight time with another turnaround at Medinah. President Donald Trump was on the first tee for the start of the 12 singles matches. The Americans leaned on their strength in singles to rally from a three-point deficit. One of the key matches in the turnaround came from 21-year-old Jackson Koivun. He rallied from 2 down on the back nine to beat Si Woo Kim. The Americans got early wins from Cameron Young and Justin Thomas and a key win from Collin Morikawa.

WORDS: 964 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 8:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8560f0866f9bc603ee26f7e0dbd6239f&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-USC-STEPHENS SUSPENDED

Oregon QB Moore sustained concussion on late hit; USC suspends LB Stephens for 1 game for hit

SUMMARY: Oregon says that quarterback Dante Moore sustained a concussion in a late hit by linebacker Desman Stephens during the second quarter of the Ducks’ victory over Southern California on Saturday. Stephens was suspended for one game by USC earlier Sunday for the hit and his celebration afterward. Stephens was ejected for targeting in the second quarter of the Trojans’ 41-27 loss to the Ducks after he dived in to hit a sliding Moore, who left the field in an ambulance. Stephens incurred online wrath for celebrating the hit before his ejection, and for returning to the Trojans’ sideline in the second half. Stephens says he is “deeply sorry to Dante, his family and everyone who saw my reaction.”

WORDS: 648 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 8:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ffd9a85e94d006dd368c859681e4beee&mediaType=text

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FBN--COMMANDERS-CHENAL

Washington LB Leo Chenal carted off with a neck injury against Seattle

SUMMARY: Washington linebacker Leo Chenal was carted off the field in the second quarter of the Commanders’ 33-31 victory over Seattle with a neck injury. Chenal went down with 6:38 remaining in the half on a run by Seattle’s Emanuel Wilson. The cart was brought out, and eventually the whole Washington team came off the sideline to surround him. As Chenal was being carted off, fans began chanting his name. He was able to give a fist pump as he neared the tunnel. Coach Dan Quinn said afterward that Chenal was at the hospital and had feeling in his extremities.

WORDS: 125 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 7:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39c03ce66007733914c6c6b21ab812bd&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES CLINCH

From collapse to clinch, Phillies survive ‘living hell’ of last week and win final NL wild card

SUMMARY: Kyle Schwarber delivered a clutch two-run double, helping the Phillies clinch the final NL wild-card berth. His slide into second base on Sunday had fans roaring, as the Phillies beat the Rays. Zack Wheeler pitched a gem against Tampa Bay, ending a perilous five-day scare. Philadelphia’s recent slump coincided with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ surge, turning a sure playoff spot into a nail-biter. Interim manager Don Mattingly’s team finally celebrated after a 7-3 victory Sunday. The Phillies now prepare for a best-of-three Wild Card Series against Atlanta, aiming to prove their late-season meltdown was just a blip.

WORDS: 1085 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 7:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2026c8d127e2fe05023e3b9765df0ec4&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-KANSAS

Kyle Larson passes Chase Briscoe with 7 laps left to win for the fourth time at Kansas Speedway

SUMMARY: Kyle Larson passed Chase Briscoe with seven laps to go Sunday, securing the NASCAR Cup Series victory at Kansas Speedway. Larson lead 235 laps, breaking his own track record. After losing the lead to Briscoe with 30 laps remaining, Larson regained it and finished ahead of Austin Cindric and Denny Hamlin. Larson also won the first two stages, giving him a 26-point lead over Hamlin in the Chase playoffs. Larson won a couple of weeks ago at St. Louis to end a 51-race winless streak, and he’s now finish in the top five of each of the first four races in the revamped playoff format. The NASCAR Cup Series continues at Las Vegas next Sunday.

WORDS: 936 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 6:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eafa68282c942cc21c13fc4d8a75f343&mediaType=text

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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Klopp endures first loss in charge of Germany after unprecedented victory for Greece

SUMMARY: Germany has slumped to its first defeat under Jürgen Klopp with Dimitris Kourbelis giving Greece a shock 1-0 away win in the Nations League. The Greek substitute scored Sunday with a deflected shot in the 74th minute in Augsburg where Klopp was making his home debut as Germany coach. It was Greece’s first ever win over Germany. Mexx Meerdink scored twice for the Netherlands to beat Serbia 2-1 away in the other group game, giving new coach Xavi Hernández his first win in charge. Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary. Irish players wore black armbands and refrained from handshakes with their opponents. Cristiano Ronaldo was on the bench in a 2-1 away win for Portugal over Norway. Erling Haaland scored for Norway.

WORDS: 690 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 6:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15f902e86a3078cfa019ca6857bb770b&mediaType=text

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FBN--BENGALS-STEELERS

Aaron Rodgers outduels Joe Burrow as the Steelers edge the Bengals 30-27 on a late Boswell kick

SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers passed for 292 yards and three touchdowns to outduel Joe Burrow as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27. Pittsburgh bounced back from a miserable performance in a loss to New England to blunt some of Cincinnati’s early momentum. Rodgers completed 19 of 34 passes, including a 47-yard catch-and-run to massive tight end Darnell Washington that helped set up Chris Boswell’s go-ahead, 33-yard field goal with 2:18 remaining. Cincinnati had a chance late, but Burrow fumbled after being sacked by defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Rookie Sebastian Joseph-Day fell on the ball.

WORDS: 885 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 6:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c42a2f646aab07716b5661cf367cab33&mediaType=text

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SOC--ISRAEL-IRELAND

Ireland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against Israel

SUMMARY: There were no handshakes between Ireland and Israel players before their contentious Nations League match, with the Irish team wearing black armbands for its 3-0 win. The game faced bitter opposition in Ireland over Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Irish players looked down at the grass with their heads bowed and hands behind their backs during the Israeli national anthem, and Irish captain Dara O’Shea approached the center of the field for the prematch talk with his hands still firmly clasped behind his back. O’Shea shook hands with the referee and his assistants but there was no attempt to shake the hand of Israeli captain Manor Solomon. Ireland and Israel meet again on Oct. 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia.

WORDS: 349 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 5:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:40044044e1d9b9f17c28c2a94fe76770&mediaType=text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-JAGUARS

Lawrence throws 3 TD passes as Jaguars rout Patriots and raise more questions about Maye

SUMMARY: Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes, including one on which Parker Washington made a fingertip catch in the end zone, and the Jacksonville Jaguars bounced back from their worst offensive performance in nearly a year to dominate New England 35-6. The Jaguars won their sixth consecutive regular-season game at home and raised more questions about Drake Maye’s regression. Maye fumbled twice, losing one, and threw two more interceptions before getting pulled in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. He now has one TD pass and six INTs in three games.

WORDS: 834 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 5:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8689f21171b4a500322f760acbfcad2&mediaType=text

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FBN--JAGUARS-LAWRENCE’S KNEE

Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence expects fantasy football praise and ire after passing up a rushing TD

SUMMARY: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence expects praise and ire in the fantasy football world for passing up an easy rushing touchdown against New England. Lawrence gave himself up at the 1-yard line with more than eight minutes to play in a lopsided game. He easily could have walked into the end zone but instead chose to drop to a knee and milk the clock. One problem: There was still a lot of time left in the game. Running back Bhayshul Tuten scored seconds later, likely creating ripple effects across fantasy football leagues.

WORDS: 234 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 5:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fa12d75a8d3cf2c12cd01c1f97298bf&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL

Florida rides win over Rebels to No. 8 ranking in AP Top 25; Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame top 3 again

SUMMARY: Florida made a massive jump in The Associated Press Top 25 and landed in the top 10 for the first time in five years. The Gators’ 24-point win over Mississippi on Saturday earned them a 13-rung promotion to No. 8. That’s their highest ranking since 2020 and first top-10 appearance since 2021. Texas, Georgia and Notre Dame continued to hold the top three spots, Miami was a season-high No. 4 and Ohio State moved up two spots to No. 5. Indiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and BYU completed the top 10. The Longhorns received 62 of 70 first-place votes.

WORDS: 768 - MOVED: 09/27/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:94f9b825315c6a7347a9aeba66c79c43&mediaType=text

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