TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Dave Hakstol left his job as an NHL assistant coach during the season to lead a college hockey program still reeling from the collapse of a player during an outdoor workout. Hakstol’s approach in the 12 days since he took the job at Arizona State has been the same as previous stops during career spanning more than three decades coaching in the NHL and college. He left the stability of serving as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche to take over program still investigating the collapse of defenseman Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout on Aug. 20.
UNDATED (AP) — Deion Sanders downplays comments about offering $50,000 to silence critics. On Tuesday, Sanders clarified that the remark was a joke. Christopher Neely, a YouTube content creator known as "Uncle Neely," mentioned the offer during a roundtable discussion. Sanders was confused when asked about the comment and explained it was misinterpreted. He said it was a joke about people profiting off his name. Sanders emphasized he's faced criticism throughout his life and would never pay someone to stop talking about him. He added that he's always been respectful.
UNDATED (AP) — Ten small four-year colleges and universities started or restarted football programs this season. The National Football Foundation says that's the most in a single year since 2013. Seven schools have announced plans to start programs in 2027 or later. Administrators say adding football is a way to increase lagging enrollment and create a more vibrant campus life. A 2024 University of Georgia study found schools that add football generally haven't had sustained enrollment growth compared to non-football schools. Researcher Welch Suggs says adding football is a last-ditch effort to keep a school's doors open.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — No. 22 Arizona’s rise through the rankings and toward the top of the Big 12 standings has been fueled by an aggressive, attacking defense, confidence-inspiring coaches, talent and depth on offense. But the biggest reason for the Wildcats’ success lies with one of the smallest players on the field. Quarterback Noah Fifita has made the most of his decision to return for a fifth season, putting up huge numbers while leading Arizona to its best start in 12 years. The 5-foot-10 quarterback is second nationally by completing 74% of his passes and already has thrown for 2,064 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Wildcats face a big road test at No. 13 Texas Tech this weekend.
UNDATED (AP) — Baylor interim coach Joe Klanderman hopes to provide a jolt of energy that he believes is desperately needed for the Bears. Klanderman, their defensive coordinator, is the interim coach after long-embattled coach Dave Aranda was fired Sunday with a 40-40 record over 6 1/2 seasons. The Bears are 4-3 this season but 26-31 overall since a school-record 12 wins in 2021 that included a Big 12 Conference title and Sugar Bowl victory in Aranda’s second season. Meanwhile, Robert Griffin III, Baylor's only Heisman Trophy winner, says he's interested in being the coach of the Bears.
UNDATED (AP) — Three unbeaten teams remain in the Football Bowl Subdivision. That's the fewest at this point in a season in 49 years. A lot of teams will be in desperation mode from here on out in the race for College Football Playoff spots. Revenue sharing, NIL money and the ease of transferring have caused talent to be more widely distributed and narrowed the competitive gap on the field. This season is on the way to being the most chaotic since the Year of the Upset in 2007.
UNDATED (AP) — The Baylor women's basketball team has been a Big 12 powerhouse for years, but the Bears are facing a whole lot of competition these days. TCU has won the last two regular-season titles, and West Virginia is the current Big 12 Tournament champion. Oklahoma State is the preseason favorite, thanks to key transfers like Audi Crooks and Liv McGill. Baylor, led by Taliah Scott, is picked third in the Big 12 coaches' preseason poll. Kansas has a top freshman class and could play into the title chase, while UCF made the only coaching swap since last season, hiring Gabe Lazo to replace the fired Sytia Messer.
UNDATED (AP) — College basketball fans don’t need to wait until March to see some high-profile matchups. They don’t even need to hold out for the start of conference play. This year’s men’s college basketball schedule features plenty of huge games long before Christmas. The most notable early-season games include a rematch of last year’s NCAA Tournament final as well as a matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the preseason Top 25. Many of the top five teams will be facing off with one another over the next six weeks.
