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.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

FBN--INTERNATIONAL PATHS

FORMATS: Text, Photo, Alternate Headlines

1. WITH: FBN--INTERNATIONAL PATHS

2. DESCRIPTION: FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The NFL’s International Player Pathway program gives players from outside the United States and Canada a chance to learn, develop, practice and play American football professionally as the league continues to expand its global reach. New York Jets offensive lineman Leander Wiegand is a native of Germany who says the program changed his life. Pat Long, the NFL’s director of international football development, says the IPP is like The Avengers because the players are outliers and wouldn’t otherwise be discovered. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: FBN--INTERNATIONAL PATHS-EXPLAINER

5. DESCRIPTION: FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The NFL has expanded its talent search globally in recent years, looking beyond traditional football fields. The International Player Pathway program was started in 2017 to identify athletes from sports like basketball, rugby, and soccer in countries such as Australia, Germany, and Nigeria. What is it, how do teams find athletes and where? By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

6. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES

FORMATS: Text, Alternate Headlines

7. WITH: BBO--WORLD SERIES-MUST-SEE OHTANI

8. DESCRIPTION: Patrick Mahomes can’t believe how dominant Shohei Ohtani is. Kevin Durant thinks he’s a freak. Dak Prescott can’t do what Ohtani does even in video games. Even among fellow sports superstars, Ohtani has reached legendary status.

9. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

10. WITH: BBO--WORLD SERIES-TWO-WAY PLAYERS

11. DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — While Shohei Ohtani hopes his performance will lead to more two-way players, his teammates and competitors think his ability is unique and likely can’t be duplicated. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum

12. UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

___

SOC--US-REYNA

DESCRIPTION: Gio Reyna says the prospect of starring for the U.S. national team on home soil at the World Cup is an inspiration as he tries to get his career back on track following injuries and the controversy which overshadowed his time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BKC--TIPOFF-OFF THE RADAR

DESCRIPTION: Yale’s Nick Townsend never seriously considered following the lead of so many other mid-major stars who have decided to finish their careers at power-conference programs. He instead opted to chase a third straight NCAA Tournament berth at the place that has helped the 6-foot-7 forward develop into one of the top Ivy League performers. Townsend enters his senior season as one of the top players from traditional one-bid leagues. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 650 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

DESCRIPTION: Carson Wentz will be a 33-year-old free agent coming off shoulder surgery next season so his future in the NFL is uncertain. But there’s no denying Wentz’s toughness. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--T25-INDIANA-DEFENSE

DESCRIPTION: No. 2 Indiana’s high-scoring offense understandably delivers headlines. It’s an increasingly stout defense that flexes its muscle doing the heavy lifting. Working together, they have the Hoosiers poised to make another playoff appearance and perhaps a deeper run the second time around. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 700 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

OLY--TEAM USA MEDIA SUMMIT

DESCRIPTION: Spot coverage of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s media availability with athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

ON MERITS: By 10/28/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBC--BIG TEN-RECEIVING DEPTH

DESCRIPTION: Ohio State again has two of the nation’s top wide receivers this season in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. It’s not unusual for the Buckeyes to have multiple future NFL receivers on their roster. Five Ohio State receivers have been selected in the first round of the last four drafts. What’s notable this year is how the depth of receiving talent in the Big Ten isn’t limited to the Buckeyes. Seven of the top 19 Bowl Subdivision players in yards receiving per game are from the Big Ten. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 975 words, with photos, expected by 5 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BKC--SONS IN WAITING

DESCRIPTION: Steven Pearl is in charge of Auburn these days. Kellen Sampson could be running the show at Houston before too long. All across college basketball, coaches have their sons on their staff, grooming them for the future. It creates some unique family and work dynamics and raises more than a few questions about nepotism in college sports. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: WREXHAM, Wales - Wrexham hosts Cardiff in a Welsh derby in the last 16 of the English League Cup, while Fulham and Brentford are away to lower-league opponents Wycombe and Grimsby. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/28/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

BKN--JAZZ-MARKKANEN’S 51

Markkanen becomes first Jazz player to top 50 points since Karl Malone in win over Suns

SUMMARY: The Utah Jazz played 2,155 regular season games since Karl Malone scored 56 points in awin over Golden State on April 7, 1998. No Jazz player had topped the 50-point mark until Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 51 in a 138-134 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. He became the 97th player to score 50 points in NBA history. The Jazz needed all of them, including the Finnish star’s two free throws with 1.9 left in overtime, to clinch the win. Markkanen played 45 minutes and became the focus of the Suns’ defensive efforts but said he wasn’t tired as he headed to the free-throw line.

WORDS: 397 - MOVED: 10/28/2025 1:17 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dc581b93561ec4826bcbabcb27c5249b&mediaType=text

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES-OHTANI

Another big Sho: Ohtani hits 2 homers, ties record with 4 extra-base hits in World Series Game 3

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani homered twice and tied a 119-year-old major league record with four extra-base hits in Game 3 of the World Series, putting on yet another historic postseason show at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani led off the bottom of the first inning with a ground-rule double to right field. He followed with a solo homer to right in the third inning off Toronto starter Max Scherzer and added an RBI double in the fifth off reliever Mason Fluharty during a tying rally for Los Angeles. Ohtani then hit a tying solo homer off Seranthony Domínguez with one out in the seventh.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 10/28/2025 1:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:074219e2c1ad401a2e886e9a2a4d6ca2&mediaType=text

___

FBN--COMMANDERS-CHIEFS

Mahomes, Hunt lead Chiefs to dominant 28-7 win over Commanders, their 9th straight in the series

SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Washington Commanders 28-7. The game was tied at halftime, but Mahomes was nearly perfect after the break. Kareem Hunt found the end zone twice for Kansas City. One of Mahomes’ TD passes was to Travis Kelce, giving him 83 scores to tie Priest Holmes for the Chiefs career record. The Chiefs have won four of five to move to 5-3. The Commanders fell to 1-4 on the road and 3-5 overall.

WORDS: 977 - MOVED: 10/28/2025 12:31 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7817af25c248370e282ab53f85179a87&mediaType=text

___

BKN--SUNS-JAZZ

Markkanen scores a career-high 51 points to help the Jazz outlast the Suns 138-134 in OT

SUMMARY: Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 51 points, the first Jazz player to reach 50 in the regular season since Karl Malone in 1998, and Utah beat the Phoenix Suns 138-134 in overtime on Monday night. Markkanen helped the Jazz recover after they blew a seven-point lead in the final 19 seconds of regulation, scoring seven points in the extra period. He also finished with 14 rebounds. Markkanen made all 17 free throws and topped his previous best of 49 points set on Jan. 5, 2023. It was the most by a Utah player in the regular season since Malone had 56 against Golden State on April 7, 1998.

WORDS: 335 - MOVED: 10/28/2025 12:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d6fdb5a9dfded620f108b13c4179291b&mediaType=text

___

AS--AUSTRALIA-DUTCH-ATHLETE

Australia denies visa to Dutch Olympian convicted of child rape

SUMMARY: Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde has been denied a visa to compete in the beach volleyball world championships in Australia. The government announced Tuesday that his criminal record is the reason for the ban. Van de Velde was convicted in 2016 of raping a 12-year-old girl in Britain. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of safety of the Australian community. Van de Velde acknowledged the decision and accepted it. His exclusion means his teammate Alexander Brouwer also won’t compete. Volleyball Australia aims to focus on delivering a successful event, highlighting the participation of nine Australian teams.

WORDS: 498 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 11:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:86fbba890446d576f2ac346f59ed49a6&mediaType=text

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES-SPRINGER INJURED

Blue Jays’ George Springer leaves Game 3 of World Series after injuring himself on a swing

SUMMARY: Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer left Game 3 of the World Series after injuring himself with a swing during the seventh inning. Springer was in pain after fouling off a first-pitch sinker from Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski. After Toronto’s medical staff came onto the field, Springer left through the Blue Jays’ dugout. Springer was hitless with two strikeouts in his first three at-bats of Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, where fans loudly booed him before each at-bat.

WORDS: 217 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 10:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2944995ac48103197d882fa6feb677bf&mediaType=text

___

HKN--PENGUINS-FAN FALL

Fan at Penguins game hospitalized after falling from upper concourse

SUMMARY: A fan has been taken to a hospital after falling from the upper concourse at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The incident happened early in the first period of Monday night’s game between the Penguins and the St. Louis Blues. Emergency personnel treated the fan before taking him to Mercy Hospital. Police told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the man was in critical condition. The fall is the third such incident at a Pittsburgh sporting event this year.

WORDS: 349 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:14e098ddd08ff1f3e24c3fa9c7a245a0&mediaType=text

___

BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS OUT

Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards for at least a week due to a hamstring strain

SUMMARY: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss at least a week due to a strained right hamstring. He was sidelined in the opening minutes of Sunday’s game against Indiana. An MRI on Monday confirmed the strain. Edwards will be reevaluated in a week. That suggests a mild strain. The three-time All-Star will miss at least three games including the start of a road trip at Charlotte on Saturday. The Timberwolves announced backup point guard Rob Dillingham is available to play against Denver after missing the Indiana game with a broken nose.

WORDS: 327 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 8:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e92e2f4b371b6dc2f2df1bc0edeab83&mediaType=text

___

US--SKAGGS-DEATH-TRIAL

Ex-wife of Angels employee says she saw players party with pills during trial over pitcher’s death

SUMMARY: The ex-wife of a Los Angeles Angels employee is testified she saw players and clubhouse attendants partying with pills and alcohol on a team plane. The testimony came Monday during a trial over whether the MLB team should be held responsible for the drug overdose death of one of its star pitchers. Camela Kay took the stand to speak about her ex-husband, Angels’ communication director Eric Kay, who was convicted of providing drugs that led to the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Orange County court records show Camela Kay filed for divorce after Skaggs’ death. Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison.

WORDS: 723 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 7:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fe0de8b6ed3b20b4e14b1c301345c75&mediaType=text

___

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: 907 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 7:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92c2bf61765ffbea807a95a69f8cfcf3&mediaType=text

___

FBN--VIKINGS-WENTZ

Vikings’ Carson Wentz to IR with shoulder injury that requires season-ending surgery, AP source says

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve. Wentz will have season-ending surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder, according to a person with knowledge of the plans. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings had not yet announced those details. Wentz played through the injury for 2 1/2 games. He made five starts in place of J.J. McCarthy, who’s recovering from a high ankle sprain. McCarthy was already on track to return this week.

WORDS: 353 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 5:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b910cda06aa1a701d36f68303c4f8673&mediaType=text

___

CAR--NASCAR-CHAMPIONSHIP

Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing rekindle friendly rivalry for NASCAR championship

SUMMARY: For the second time in four years, the Championship 4 in the Cup Series is an even split between the two winningest playoff teams in NASCAR history. Hendrick Motorsports will be represented by Kyle Larson and William Byron, who beat Ryan Blaney at Martinsville for the team’s record-extending 62nd playoff victory. Ranking second with 42 playoff victories, Joe Gibbs Racing has Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe. The powerhouses have combined for 547 Cup wins in a friendly rivalry dating back more than three decades, when Joe Gibbs consulted Rick Hendrick about starting a NASCAR team.

WORDS: 834 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 3:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:28e29a6a3df7c126f7198b72a4ed8d5a&mediaType=text

___

FBN--OBIT-ATKINSON

Raiders legend George Atkinson, known for his fierce hits, dies at 78

SUMMARY: George Atkinson, a hard-hitting former Raiders safety who struck fear in the opposition, has died. He was 78. The Raiders said Atkinson’s family informed the team of his death on Monday. The team said he died in Georgia without revealing a cause of death. Atkinson was a key part of the Raiders’ “Soul Patrol” secondary in the 1970s, helping them win their first Super Bowl. Atkinson played 144 games, mostly with the Raiders, and was known for his physical play. He remained connected to the organization until his death.

WORDS: 652 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 3:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e2cdcfbbad4955369707fb05c4368774&mediaType=text

___

US--SPORTS BETTING ARREST-BILLUPS

Gambling probe tests the resilience that helped Chauncey Billups soar to the Basketball Hall of Fame

SUMMARY: Chauncey Billups earned a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame a year ago, recognizing his resilience and clutch play in a championship-winning NBA career. His ability to bounce back and make all the right moves is being put to a different test by a gambling scandal. Billups was one of more than 30 people arrested last week for what federal law enforcement officials described as their involvement in various illicit gambling activities. The coach was alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes poker games with ties to three Mafia families. His attorney denied the allegations.

WORDS: 836 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 3:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:65eb67f6a0ed283ca6dd011d70425df8&mediaType=text

___

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: 374 - MOVED: 10/27/2025 1:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aefe441bfee0405ee2e322fade793825&mediaType=text