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AP Sports Digest

Posted 11/4/25

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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GLF--LIV GOLF

DESCRIPTION: LIV Golf is expanding to 72 holes next year, and along with bringing in a few more players that could help in getting world ranking points. The PGA Tour, meanwhile, said players who compete in LIV qualifying in Florida next year face discipline. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 11/04/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBC--BIG 12-PLAYOFF PUSH

DESCRIPTION: BYU and Texas Tech are leading the Big 12’s charge for multiple berths in the College Football Playoff for the first time. By John Raby. 700 words, photos by 2 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 11/04/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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BBO--TWINS-SHELTON

DESCRIPTION: MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins introduce Derek Shelton as their new manager at a time of uncertainty around the roster with ownership-ordered cost-cutting over the last two seasons and a massive sell-off at the trade deadline last summer. By Dave Campbell. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/04/2025 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-NC STATE-TENNESSEE

DESCRIPTION: GREENSBORO, N.C. — No. 8 Tennessee and No. 9 N.C. State meet in a marquee season opener in the Wolfpack’s home state on Tuesday. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 300 words. Game starts at 4 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 11/04/2025 7:30 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--JETS-COLTS TRADE

Jets trade star cornerback Sauce Gardner to Colts in stunning deadline deal, AP source says

SUMMARY: The New York Jets have agreed to trade star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. This deal involves two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell going to the Jets, according to a source familiar with the situation. New York will receive the Colts’ first-round selections in 2026 and 2027. This surprising trade occurred just hours before the NFL’s trade deadline. Gardner, an All-Pro in his first two seasons, signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension with the Jets in July.

WORDS: 363 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 1:35 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a898c16a7a596faf2cbff7f9f17f2fd&mediaType=text

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BKC--ONE-AND-DONES

Peterson and Dybantsa lead a stacked freshman class as college basketball season begins

SUMMARY: Darryn Peterson of Kansas and A.J. Dybantsa of BYU have launched their freshmen seasons with wins. Many NBA analysts consider them the top two prospects for next year’s draft. But this season’s freshman class is loaded with potential one-and-done players, including Duke’s Boozer twins and Arizona’s Koa Peat, who scored 30 points to lead an upset of defending champion Florida in the opener. The NBA could soon be calling for many of these talented newcomers.

WORDS: 1037 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 12:48 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fc3f5c60008a004e8bada3366f2ee90f&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL TRADE DEADLINE

Dallas Cowboys acquire linebacker Logan Wilson, Jacksonville Jaguars get wide receiver Jakobi Meyers

SUMMARY: Jerry Jones made a deal to bolster the NFL’s second-worst defense. The Dallas Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round pick on Tuesday. Hours before the Cowboys lost to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night to fall to 3-5-1, Jones said the team had a deal in place to add a player who could improve the defense. Wilson had requested a trade after his playing time decreased for the Bengals, who have the league’s worst defense. The Cowboys traded two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay before the season.

WORDS: 623 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 12:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f888eb6f2e74aad7cfc27f914681e99f&mediaType=text

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BBO--FREE AGENTS

Alex Bregman, Lucas Giolito, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz and Cody Bellinger become free agents

SUMMARY: Boston third baseman Alex Bregman and right-hander Lucas Giolito, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz and New York Yankees outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger were among the players who turned down player options or exercised opt outs and became free agents. San Diego pitcher Robert Suarez also turned down his option and went free on the third day of the five-day free agent window. A total of 153 players have become free agents following the end of the World Series and several dozen more potentially can go free through Thursday, depending on whether team, player and mutual options are exercised.

WORDS: 874 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 12:33 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:162279f9213ff8edea4e022ed84ebb7e&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

Costly mistakes: Franchise QB Jayden Daniels, All-Pro Marvin Mims Jr. injured late in blowouts

SUMMARY: NFL coaches are facing scrutiny for leaving star players in games during the waning minutes of blowouts. Washington’s Dan Quinn admits it was a mistake to keep franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels on the field Sunday night. Daniels dislocated his left elbow late in a 38-14 loss to Seattle. Quinn acknowledges the error, saying he should have avoided the risk. A week earlier, Denver’s Marvin Mims Jr. suffered a concussion in a similar situation. Broncos coach Sean Payton also admits a mistake in player management. These incidents highlight the risks of keeping key players in games when the outcome is already decided.

WORDS: 806 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 12:11 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8af24a9f26aa8055d2317fb1656006da&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-IMANAGA

Imanaga becomes eligible for free agency after Cubs, pitcher turn down options, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that left-hander Shoto Imanaga became eligible for free agency when the Chicago Cubs declined an option to keep his contract by guaranteeing $57 million for the 2026-28 seasons and he turned down a $15.25 million option for 2026. Imanaga agreed in January 2024 to a contract guaranteeing $53 million. He wound up earning $23.25 million over two seasons, including a $250,000 escalator for 2025 by finishing fourth in 2024 NL Cy Young Award voting. Chicago had to decide this week whether to exercise its option for $20.25 million each in 2026 and ’27 and $17.25 million in 2028.

WORDS: 279 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 11:58 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:594e9192e3bbbdba3a1ad3d055be02c0&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-KEEFER

Johnny Keefer making steady gains up the ladder and now starts his biggest test on PGA Tour

SUMMARY: Johnny Keefer is making quick strides in golf since graduating from Baylor 17 months ago. His final college tournament got him into the PGA Tour Americas. He moved up to the next level and led the Korn Ferry Tour. And now the 24-year-old starts out on the PGA Tour this week in Mexico on a sponsor exemption. It’s only his fifth PGA Tour start and he’s already on the cusp of earning a Masters invitation at just outside the top 50 in the world. There’s a mixed bag of results of players proving themselves in the big leagues.

WORDS: 992 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 11:19 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:464bb287997b13fa9808df56f6e72b04&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP RANKINGS

College Football Playoff committee to release its first rankings in a season of chaos

SUMMARY: The College Football Playoff selection committee is set to release its first rankings of the season on Tuesday night. Fans are eager to see if the panel agrees that Ohio State is the top team or if another undefeated team like Indiana, Texas A&M, or BYU takes the spot. This ranking will influence the upcoming 12-team playoff, which starts December 19th. The new “straight seeding” model will be used, but five conference champions are still guaranteed spots. The rankings will be updated every Tuesday until the bracket is released Dec. 7.

WORDS: 859 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 10:45 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eedbd317f08b15c6d3cc7c9f8d40a29a&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP SCHEDULE

College Football Playoff opens with 1 game Dec. 19 and 3 more on Dec. 20; TV and kickoff times set

SUMMARY: The College Football Playoff will kick off with a first-round game on December 19, followed by three more on December 20. The Friday night game will start at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and ESPN. Saturday’s tripleheader will have kickoff times of noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ABC and ESPN will televise the noon game. TNT, truTV, and HBO Max will broadcast the other two games. The quarterfinals are on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at bowl sites. Semifinals are Jan. 8 and 9 and the championship game is Jan. 19.

WORDS: 235 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 10:28 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9cb1c66b16ed7a9cd2bd757b606c52ba&mediaType=text

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FBN--FEMALE FANS

How the NFL is aiming to broaden its appeal to women

SUMMARY: The NFL is partnering with media outlets like Betches and The Gist to attract young female fans. These partnerships focus on creating relatable content, such as social media videos about women’s products, which have gained significant attention. The league sees women as crucial to broadening its appeal. By giving these outlets access to major events like the Super Bowl and the draft, the NFL aims to engage its female fanbase through authentic storytelling. This strategy emphasizes personal stories about players, fostering deeper connections with fans.

WORDS: 689 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 10:20 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3a5cae389611c6517c7f0795b3d534dd&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS FUTURE

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are already talking about a World Series three-peat

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Dodgers are already looking ahead to 2026 with hopes of winning a third consecutive World Series. Manager Dave Roberts, speaking at a rally on Monday, expressed excitement about the possibility of a “three-peat.” The team aims to match the New York Yankees, the last team to win three straight titles from 1998 to 2000. The Dodgers will bring back their biggest stars, despite facing injuries this season. They have seven free agents, including Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas. Clayton Kershaw has retired but may remain involved with the team.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 9:57 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0ba4df1e63a6da7b546b7478f32967a2&mediaType=text

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EU--BRITAIN-BECKHAM-KNIGHTHOOD

Bend a knee like Beckham: Soccer star is knighted by King Charles III

SUMMARY: David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. The soccer legend is now Sir David Beckham. He calls it his proudest moment. Beckham was honored Tuesday for his contributions to sport and charity, including his work with UNICEF and efforts to eradicate malaria. His career highlights include scoring in three World Cups and playing a key role in Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning season. Beckham’s knighthood marks a high point in his journey to rehabilitate his image after past controversies. The honor was announced in June as part of the king’s birthday honors list.

WORDS: 485 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 8:57 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a725b44b8cfed483dedfaa40760f7e84&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S WCUP-EUROPE DRAW

Spain and England renew women’s soccer rivalry in 2027 World Cup qualifying group

SUMMARY: Spain and England will renew their great rivalry in women’s soccer in a qualifying group for the 2027 World Cup. Defending world champion Spain and European champion England were joined by Iceland and Ukraine when UEFA made the qualifying groups draw on Tuesday. Spain beat England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final and England beat Spain in the Euro 2025 final to retain its title in July. Only the group winner next June advances direct to the 32-team Women’s World Cup in Brazil. A total of 32 teams advance to European playoffs that decide seven more World Cup entries.

WORDS: 320 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 8:28 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2aee71b5d9d0c21f6feeb0d3f5bf3fb7&mediaType=text

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

There was no championship hangover for the Thunder. They’re rolling along, again

SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Thunder have started the NBA season strong, undefeated at 7-0. Despite injuries to key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the team has shown resilience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, credits their success to a strong team identity and ability to win in big moments. Last season, the Thunder dominated with a 68-14 record and won the Western Conference by 16 games. Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the team’s depth and adaptability. The Thunder face a tough schedule ahead, but they remain confident in their improved roster.

WORDS: 784 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d48641b58d1fc73fdf7a66a9300ec8a&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-BACK IN BERLIN

Soviet soldiers and chunks of the Wall: NFL’s first visit to Berlin came as the Cold War ended

SUMMARY: The LA Rams and Kansas City Chiefs’ game in Berlin in the shadow of the Cold War remains one of the strangest and most significant preseason games in league history. Players mingled with Soviet soldiers on the streets in 1990, less than a year after the Berlin Wall had fallen. It was the NFL’s first game of any sort in continental Europe and a notable success for future commissioner Roger Goodell. Today, NFL games are among Germany’s most-watched sporting events and German-born players are no longer a rarity on U.S. college and league rosters.

WORDS: 1061 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b5b398da570a7a536ba655f693435aea&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Champions League returns with blockbuster PSG-Bayern and Liverpool-Madrid matches

SUMMARY: The Champions League is being dominated by Europe’s established giants and four of them are in direct confrontation. Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain hosts Bayern Munich and Real Madrid visits Liverpool in a couple of blockbuster matchups to kick off the fourth round of games in the league stage on Tuesday. PSG-Bayern is a meeting of the top two in the 36-team standings. They have both won their first three matches and are the top scorers in the competition. A subplot to the match at Anfield is the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool to join Madrid during the offseason.

WORDS: 278 - MOVED: 11/04/2025 4:50 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9f1e36ab64e086211611009e8eec9a98&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

AP College Football Writer Eric Olson makes his picks for Week 11 games involving Top 25 teams. By College Football Writer Eric Olson.

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FBN--NFL GERMANY

Interview with NFL Germany GM Alexander Steinforth ahead of Berlin’s first regular-season game -- the Indianapolis Colts vs the Atlanta Falcons.

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