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AP Sports Digest

Posted 1/27/26

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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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

DESCRIPTION: A blogger had to eat his words. That’s how good the Los Angeles Clippers are right now. Winners of 15 of their last 18 games, the Clippers have gone from doormats to the NBA’s hottest team. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Princeton and Columbia have been two of the top teams in the Ivy League over the past few seasons with one of the two schools either sharing or winning the regular season title for the past seven seasons. They’ll have their first regular season meeting this week on Friday at Princeton. The two will play again at Columbia on Feb. 13. Both games will be nationally televised by ESPN on one of its networks. The Ivy League had a record three teams in the NCAA Tournament last season, including the Tigers and Lions. Princeton lost its First Four game to Iowa State while Columbia beat Washington. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Upcoming: 550 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-SCHEFFLER

DESCRIPTION: LA QUINTA, Calif. -- The question was a little on the morbid side, which Scottie Scheffler enjoyed only because it was different from anything he had heard the last four years while winning a staggering 27% of his tournaments. The answer made perfect sense. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 11:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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GLF--KOEPKA RETURNS

DESCRIPTION: SAN DIEGO -- Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA Tour not recognizing so many new players or even understanding how the schedule works. He begins the road back from LIV Golf at Torrey Pines. Upcoming: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FBN--FALCONS-STEFANSKI

DESCRIPTION: Kevin Stefanski meets with media for the first time as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach. By Maura Carey, 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S GS

DESCRIPTION: SCHLADMING, Austria — Olympic champion Marco Odermatt seeks his fourth giant slalom win of the World Cup season in the last GS before the Milan Cortina Games. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 3:30 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--STEELERS-MCCARTHY

DESCRIPTION: PITSBURGH — Mike McCarthy’s homecoming will become official on Tuesday when the Pittsburgh native is introduced as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. By Will Graves. Developing from 2 p.m. press availability.

UPCOMING: By 01/27/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Sabalenka beats 18-year-old Jovic to reach the Australian Open semifinals. Zverev advances over Tien

SUMMARY: Aryna Sabalenka beat 18-year-old Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open before searing heat on Day 10 forced matches to be played under cover. Alexander Zverev got the benefit of playing under a roof at Rod Laver Arena and advanced to the final four with a 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-6 (3) win over 20-year-old Learner Tien. Sabalenka is aiming for her third title in Australia in four years. The four-time major winner won back-to-back titles here in 2023 and 2024 and was the runner-up a year ago to Madison Keys.

WORDS: 524 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 1:32 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6e7b0a00a2430e2a532bd6b43934058&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-ARIZONA-BYU

Top-ranked Arizona withstands late rally by No. 13 BYU to remain unbeaten with 86-83 win

SUMMARY: Brayden Burries scored 29 points and made a game-saving block in the final seconds as top-ranked Arizona remained unbeaten by holding off a furious rally from No. 13 BYU for an 86-83 victory. Jaden Bradley added 26 points for the Wildcats, who improved to 21-0 and matched the best start in school history. BYU trailed by 19 midway through the second half before trimming the deficit to one with a 12-2 run that began with just more than a minute left. Robert Wright III had a chance to put the Cougars ahead, but Burries came flying over from the weak side to block the shot from behind.

WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 12:30 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13156e52029dd81d42a883794b1497cc&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-WEARABLES BANNED

Not for Sabalenka, Sinner and Alcaraz now, but wearables could be OK at future Australian Opens

WORDS: 664 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 12:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dafdba1d3398ea311ea1564b65bdd488&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-MEN’S POLL

Arizona still unanimous No. 1 in AP Top 25 poll ahead of showdown with No. 13 BYU

SUMMARY: Arizona remains the unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. Nebraska climbed to a program-best fifth place. Duke held steady at No. 4, while Gonzaga moved up two spots to sixth. Michigan, Iowa State, Illinois and Houston round out the top 10. Purdue dropped to No. 12 after back-to-back losses last week. North Carolina made the biggest climb, moving up six spots to No. 15. The Big 12 and Big Ten continue to dominate the rankings with the former having six Top 25 teams and the Big Ten with five.

WORDS: 785 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 11:38 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:758ca762436516744d4f3c41d4addf0c&mediaType=text

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BBO--GIANTS-BADER

Giants and outfielder Harrison Bader agree to $20.5 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

SUMMARY: Free agent outfielder Harrison Bader and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $20.5 million, two-year contract. That’s according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical and had not been announced. The 31-year-old Bader batted .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .796 OPS in 146 combined games with Minnesota and Philadelphia last season — setting career highs in all those categories. He was especially productive for the NL East champion Phillies after they acquired him at the July 31 trade deadline.

WORDS: 532 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 11:12 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4b5d25ac0ba373c2ad193f6466ddbea4&mediaType=text

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SOC--WORLD CUP-BLATTER

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter joins those calling for boycott of World Cup in United States

SUMMARY: Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is backing a proposed fan boycott of World Cup matches in the United States because of the conduct of President Donald Trump and his administration at home and abroad. Blatter was the latest international soccer figure to call into question the suitability of the United States as a host country. He called for the boycott in a post on X that supported the comments of Mark Pieth in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund. Pieth chaired the Independent Governance Committee’s oversight of FIFA reform a decade ago.

WORDS: 412 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 7:58 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:195b4a9431928285a46079b8262c6d1b&mediaType=text

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US--SNOWBOARDER-DRUG-RING

Ex-Olympic snowboarder pleads not guilty to running a drug smuggling ring

SUMMARY: A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned top FBI fugitive made his first appearance in a U.S. court on charges he allegedly ran a billion-dollar multinational drug trafficking ring and orchestrated multiple killings. Authorities said Ryan Wedding turned himself in at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City last week and was flown to California after a yearlong effort by authorities to arrest him. His lawyer said he didn’t surrender in Mexico and was arrested. Wedding pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday in federal court in Santa Ana, California. Wedding was indicted in the U.S. in 2024 on federal charges of running a criminal enterprise, murder, conspiring to distribute cocaine and other crimes.

WORDS: 642 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 7:22 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1733b8338204e5386d09ff76f08f7921&mediaType=text

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LT--MEXICO-VIOLENCE

Mexico investigates soccer field attack that killed at least 11 people

SUMMARY: Authorities in Mexico are investigating an attack that killed 11 people and injured 12 others during a post-match gathering in central Mexico. Guanajuato Gov. Libia Dennise García says security has been reinforced with state and federal forces. The massacre occurred in a region plagued by violence linked to a cartel dispute. Salamanca’s mayor describes it as part of a “wave of violence” and seeks federal help. Security analyst David Saucedo suggests the attack may have been an “indiscriminate” act by the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel to provoke a military response.

WORDS: 561 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 6:57 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3811864805e417a741d43d696e9a83a1&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS WRAPUP

Rams are still stunned, saddened after a standout season ended just short of another Super Bowl

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Rams could return next season with nearly every important contributor to a team that fell just a few big plays short of another trip to the Super Bowl, and they have the resources to add even more playmakers. That doesn’t make the current players feel any better about their agonizing 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC title game. These Rams realize they had a team good enough to be something truly special. Yet their future still looks bright, with nearly every important player on the current team able to return if the Rams desire.

WORDS: 977 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 4:57 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9734b8da2af7acf41181139c6dc069c5&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-SANDERS-PRO BOWL

Browns’ Shedeur Sanders will be one of the AFC’s quarterbacks for the Pro Bowl Games, AP source says

SUMMARY: Shedeur Sanders has been selected as a replacement QB on the AFC’s roster for next week’s Pro Bowl Games, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes. Yahoo Sports was the first to report on Sanders’ addition. Sanders played in eight games, and started the Browns’ final seven games, going 3-4. He had a 56.6% completion rate and 68.1 passer rating along with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced.

WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 4:36 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a750777c7c16edecdb32ca08e11d9285&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-DARNOLD

Sam Darnold is one win away from a Super Bowl victory that’s eluded fellow QBs in the 2018 draft

SUMMARY: Sam Darnold will be starting in the Super Bowl before Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and the rest of the NFL’s Class of 2018 quarterbacks. It took Darnold five teams and eight seasons to get here. Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 record, a division title, the No. 1 seed and was at his best in the NFC championship game. Despite an oblique injury, Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in Seattle’s 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. He completed 25 of 36 passes and had no turnovers. Labeled a bust early in his career, Darnold was still doubted by critics following his impressive turnaround. Now, he’s one win away from hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

WORDS: 829 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 4:09 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d57cd6e24fabd71aecd7d56243dd91db&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHARGERS-MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel joins Harbaugh, Herbert as Chargers’ offensive coordinator after Dolphins firing

SUMMARY: Mike McDaniel has agreed to become the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator. He spent the past four seasons as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach. McDaniel was fired less than three weeks ago after going 35-33 and missing the playoffs in the past two years. After interviewing for multiple head coaching jobs this month, McDaniel has agreed to join Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers, who finished their second straight 11-6 season under the veteran head coach with a second playoff exit in the wild-card round.

WORDS: 554 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 2:55 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c3f62d9a5d5fdafb7c02c61891d0a7d3&mediaType=text

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BKN--BUCKS-ANTETOKOUNMPO

Bucks have no timetable on when Giannis Antetokounmpo might return from right calf strain

SUMMARY: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential return date remains uncertain as the Milwaukee Bucks forward recovers from a calf strain that he had predicted might keep him out for four to six weeks. The two-time MVP said after the Bucks’ 102-100 loss to Denver on Friday that an MRI would determine he had a calf or soleus strain in his right leg. Bucks coach Doc Rivers confirmed the calf strain diagnosis Monday but didn’t speculate on when Antetokounmpo might return. Antetokounmpo previously missed eight games from Dec. 5-26 with a right calf strain.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 2:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:91f4172200c0799a21636f1f8f1d60b4&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-PRESEASON TESTING

F1’s secretive ‘Barcelona Shakedown’ test kicks off with new cars and no fans

SUMMARY: F1 has started a new era with the public and the media excluded from its private testing session in Barcelona. It’s hard to imagine a bigger contrast to last year’s lavish launch party that involved 16,000 fans and famous faces in London. F1 has an 11th team this year as Cadillac makes its debut. Only 10 are in Spain after Williams was hit by delays. It’ll be hard to gauge who’s got a head start on F1’s new regulations. The second test in Bahrain next month is when the focus switches to performance.

WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 2:31 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a9928f8fa367767bd18b1780ae6187d3&mediaType=text

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CAR--IMSA-IN THE PITS

Penske’s Porsche clinches 3rd straight Rolex 24 win, offering hope amid challenging year

SUMMARY: Team Penske’s Porsche Penske Motorsports program shined in 2025, despite a tough year for their IndyCar and NASCAR teams. The IndyCar team only managed two wins and faced a major inspection infraction at the Indianapolis 500. NASCAR’s three-year championship streak ended as drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney failed to reach the finale. However, Penske’s No. 7 Porsche won the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday, marking its third consecutive victory in this prestigious race. This success highlights the strength of Penske’s sports car program, which also won the IMSA championship in 2024 and 2025.

WORDS: 862 - MOVED: 01/26/2026 2:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:efdb4bf1c04812e300b610f7bad674ac&mediaType=text

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