THE “SPORTSPAGE” THURSDAY AUGUST 28, 2025

“THE SCOREBOARD”

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 2:

ADAMS CENTRAL (1-0) AT EASTSIDE (1-0)

ALEXANDRIA (1-0) AT SHERIDAN (1-0)

ANGOLA (1-0) AT LEO (1-0)

ARSENAL TECH (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (0-1)

AVON (1-0) AT BEN DAVIS (0-1)

BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (1-0) AT BLOOMINGTON NORTH (0-1)

BELLMONT (0-1) AT SOUTH ADAMS (0-1)

BENTON CENTRAL (0-1) AT SEEGER (1-0)

BOWMAN ACADEMY (1-0) AT CALUMET CHRISTIAN

BREMEN (0-1) AT TRITON (0-1)

BROWN COUNTY (0-1) AT CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-1)

BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (1-0) AT CHARLESTOWN (1-0)

CARROLL (FLORA) (1-0) AT MACONAQUAH (1-0)

CASCADE (1-0) AT DANVILLE (0-1)

CASTON (0-1) AT NORTH WHITE (0-1)

CENTER GROVE (1-0) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (0-1)

CENTERVILLE (1-0) AT HAGERSTOWN (0-1)

CENTRAL NOBLE (0-1) AT WOODLAN (0-1)

CHRISTEL HOUSE (0-1) AT NOBLESVILLE HOMESCHOOL

CHURUBUSCO (1-0) AT LAKELAND (0-1)

CLINTON CENTRAL (1-0) AT FAITH CHRISTIAN (1-0)

CLINTON PRAIRIE (0-1) AT FRANKFORT (0-1)

COLUMBUS NORTH (1-0) AT COLUMBUS EAST (0-1)

COVENANT CHRISTIAN (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (0-1)

CRAWFORDSVILLE (1-0) AT FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (0-1)

CROWN POINT (1-0) AT PIKE (0-1)

CULVER (1-0) AT WEST CENTRAL (1-0)

CULVER ACADEMY (0-1) AT MISHAWAKA MARIAN (0-1)

DEKALB (0-1) AT GARRETT (0-1)

DELTA (0-1) AT HERITAGE (1-0)

EASTBROOK (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (0-1)

EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (1-0) AT NORTHWESTERN (0-1)

EASTERN (PEKIN) (0-1) AT CLARKSVILLE (1-0)

EDGEWOOD (1-0) AT SOUTH SPENCER (0-1)

ELKHART (0-1) AT NORTHRIDGE (0-1)

ELWOOD (1-0) AT TIPTON (1-0)

EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-1) AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-1)

EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (1-0) AT CASTLE (0-1)

EVANSVILLE NORTH (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (1-0)

FAIRFIELD (1-0) AT JOHN GLENN (1-0)

FISHERS (0-1) AT LAWRENCE NORTH (1-0)

FLOYD CENTRAL (1-0) AT WHITELAND (0-1)

FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-1) VS. SOUTHERN WELLS (0-1)

FORT WAYNE SNIDER (0-1) AT EAST NOBLE (1-0)

FORT WAYNE WAYNE (0-1) AT SOUTH BEND RILEY (1-0)

FRANKLIN (1-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (0-1)

FRANKLIN COUNTY (1-0) AT CONNERSVILLE (1-0)

FRANKTON (0-1) AT LAPEL (1-0)

FREMONT (1-0) AT BLACKFORD (0-1)

FRONTIER (1-0) AT WINAMAC (0-1)

GARY WEST (0-0) AT EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (0-1)

GOSHEN (0-1) AT SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (1-0)

GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC (MICH.) AT LAKE CENTRAL (1-0)

GREENCASTLE (0-1) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (1-0)

GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (0-1) AT GREENSBURG (0-1)

GREENWOOD (1-0) AT INDIAN CREEK (1-0)

GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (0-1) AT TAYLOR (1-0)

HAMILTON HEIGHTS (0-1) AT TRITON CENTRAL (1-0)

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (1-0) AT NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (1-0)

HAMMOND MORTON (1-0) AT CHESTERTON (0-1)

HARRISON (OHIO) AT EAST CENTRAL (1-0)

HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (1-0) AT PLAINFIELD (1-0)

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (1-0)

HIGHLAND (0-1) AT WHITING (0-1)

HOBART (1-0) AT PORTAGE (0-1)

HOMESTEAD (0-1) AT NOBLESVILLE (1-0)

HUNTINGTON NORTH (0-1) AT FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (1-0)

ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOL AT LAKE STATION (1-0)

INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-0) AT BROWNSBURG (1-0)

INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (1-0) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (0-1)

INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (1-0) AT NEW ALBANY (0-1)

INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-0) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-0)

INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (1-0) AT PARK TUDOR (1-0)

INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (0-0) AT ANDERSON (0-1)

IRVINGTON PREP (0-1) AT PURDUE ENGLEWOOD (1-0)

JASPER (0-1) AT EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-1)

JENNINGS COUNTY (0-1) AT BEECH GROVE (1-0)

JIMTOWN (0-1) AT CONCORD (1-0)

KNIGHTSTOWN (1-0) AT WINCHESTER (1-0)

KNOX (1-0) AT PIONEER (1-0)

LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (1-0)

LAPORTE (1-0) AT LOWELL (0-1)

LAVILLE (1-0) AT NORTH JUDSON (0-1)

LAWRENCEBURG (0-1) AT TAYLOR (OHIO)

LINTON (0-0) AT MONROVIA (0-1)

LOUISVILLE HOLY CROSS (KY.) AT PROVIDENCE (1-0)

LOYOLA ACADEMY (ILL.) AT MERRILLVILLE (1-0)

MADISON (0-1) AT SOUTH DEARBORN (1-0)

MANCHESTER (1-0) AT BLUFFTON (1-0)

MARION (1-0) AT MISSISSINEWA (1-0)

MARTINSVILLE (0-1) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (1-0)

MCCUTCHEON (0-1) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (0-1)

MICHIGAN CITY (1-0) AT LAFAYETTE JEFF (0-1)

MILAN (1-0) AT BATESVILLE (0-1)

MISHAWAKA (1-0) AT PENN (1-0)

MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (1-0) AT BOONVILLE (1-0)

MUNSTER (0-1) AT GRIFFITH (1-0)

NEW HAVEN (0-1) AT FORT WAYNE NORTH (1-0)

NEW PALESTINE (1-0) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (0-1)

NORTH DAVIESS (1-0) AT NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (1-0)

NORTH DECATUR (1-0) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (1-0)

NORTH HARRISON (1-0) AT SCOTTSBURG (1-0)

NORTH KNOX (0-1) AT EASTERN GREENE (0-1)

NORTH POSEY (1-0) AT TECUMSEH (0-1)

NORTH PUTNAM (0-1) AT CLOVERDALE (0-1)

NORTH VERMILLION (0-1) AT PARIS (ILL.)

NORTHFIELD (0-1) AT LEWIS CASS (0-1)

NORTHVIEW (1-0) AT SPEEDWAY (0-1)

NORTHWOOD (0-1) AT NEW PRAIRIE (0-1)

NORWELL (0-1) AT OAK HILL (0-1)

OSCEOLA GRACE AT HAMMOND NOLL (0-1)

OWENSBORO APOLLO (KY.) AT HERITAGE HILLS (1-0)

PAOLI (0-1) AT CORYDON CENTRAL (0-1)

PARKE HERITAGE (0-1) AT WEST VIGO (0-1)

PENDLETON HEIGHTS (1-0) AT GUERIN CATHOLIC (1-0)

PERRY CENTRAL (0-1) AT FOREST PARK (0-1)

PERRY MERIDIAN (0-1) AT SOUTHPORT (0-1)

PLYMOUTH (0-1) AT COLUMBIA CITY (1-0)

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-1) AT BRONSON (MICH.)

PRINCETON (1-0) AT PIKE CENTRAL (0-1)

RENSSELAER CENTRAL (1-0) AT NORTH NEWTON (1-0)

RICHMOND (0-1) AT EATON (OHIO)

RIVER FOREST (1-0) AT CALUMET (1-0)

RIVERTON PARKE (1-0) AT EDINBURGH (0-1)

RUSHVILLE (0-1) AT SHELBYVILLE (1-0)

SEYMOUR (0-1) AT JEFFERSONVILLE (0-1)

SHENANDOAH (0-1) AT SOUTH DECATUR (0-1)

SILVER CREEK (0-1) AT SALEM (0-1)

SOUTH BEND ADAMS (1-0) AT LOGANSPORT (1-0)

SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE SOUTH (0-1)

SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (0-1) AT BOONE GROVE (0-1)

SOUTH NEWTON (0-1) AT COVINGTON (1-0)

SOUTHMONT (1-0) AT OWEN VALLEY (1-0)

SOUTHRIDGE (0-1) AT WASHINGTON (0-1)

SOUTHWOOD (0-1) AT MADISON-GRANT (1-0)

SPRINGS VALLEY (1-0) AT MITCHELL (0-1)

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES (OHIO) AT FORT WAYNE DWENGER (0-1)

SULLIVAN (1-0) AT SOUTH VERMILLION (1-0)

SWITZERLAND COUNTY (1-0) AT CINCINNATI LANDMARK (OHIO)

T.F. SOUTH (ILL.) AT HAMMOND CENTRAL (0-1)

TELL CITY (1-0) AT WEST WASHINGTON (1-0)

TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-1) AT MOORESVILLE (1-0)

TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (0-1) AT KOKOMO (0-1)

TIPPECANOE VALLEY (1-0) AT ROCHESTER (1-0)

TRI (1-0) AT NORTHEASTERN (1-0)

TRI-CENTRAL (0-1) AT WES-DEL (0-1)

TRI-COUNTY (0-1) AT ATTICA (0-1)

TRI-WEST (1-0) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (0-1)

TWIN LAKES (1-0) AT DELPHI (1-0)

UNION CITY (0-1) AT MONROE CENTRAL (0-1)

UNION COUNTY (0-1) AT CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (0-1)

VALPARAISO (0-1) AT CHICAGO RICE (ILL.)

VINCENNES LINCOLN (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (1-0)

WABASH (0-1) AT NORTH MIAMI (1-0)

WARREN CENTRAL (0-1) AT WARSAW (1-0)

WAWASEE (1-0) AT WEST NOBLE (1-0)

WESTERN (0-1) AT NORTH MONTGOMERY (0-1)

WESTERN BOONE (0-1) AT LEBANON (0-1)

WESTFIELD (1-0) AT CARMEL (1-0)

WHEELER (1-0) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (0-1)

WHITKO (1-0) AT PERU (0-1)

YORKTOWN (1-0) AT MUNCIE CENTRAL (1-0)

ZIONSVILLE (1-0) AT LAWRENCE CENTRAL (0-1)

_____

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

SCOREBOARD: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=8/27/2025

_____

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER

SCOREBOARD: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=8/27/2025

_____

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER

SCOREBOARD: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=8/27/2025

_____

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF-REPORTED SCORES

WESTERN BOONE 185, WEST VIGO 214, GREENCASTLE 253

CORYDON CENTRAL 204, SILVER CREEK 231, CRAWFORD COUNTY 267, LANESVILLE 275

LAKE CENTRAL 179, LAPORTE 205, MERRILLVILLE 284

MARTINSVILLE 175, DECATUR CENTRAL 200

HAMILTON SE 169, NOBLESVILLE 178, WESTERN 205

_____

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

NO RACES SCHEDULED

_____

INDIANA BOYS TENNIS REPORTED SCORES

DELTA 5 NEW PAL 0

_____

INDIANA UNITED FLAG FOOTBALL

WEDNESDAY:

_____

WNBA SCORES

LAS VEGAS 81 ATLANTA 75

CONNECTICUT 101 DALLAS 95

_____

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

NY YANKEES 11 WASHINGTON 2

ATLANTA 12 MIAMI 1

CLEVELAND 4 TAMPA BAY 3 (10)

SEATTLE 4 SAN DIEGO 3

BOSTON 3 BALTIMORE 2

TORONTO 9 MINNESOTA 8

NY METS 6 PHILADELPHIA 0

ARIZONA 3 MILWAUKEE 2

KANSAS CITY 12 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 1

PITTSBURGH 2 ST. LOUIS 1

TEXAS 20 LA ANGELS 3

HOUSTON 4 COLORADO 0

LA DODGERS 5 CINCINNATI 1

SAN FRANCISCO 12 CHICAGO CUBS 3

LAS VEGAS 7 DETROIT 0

_____

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

BUFFALO 6 INDIANAPOLIS 3

DAYTON 3 FT. WAYNE 2

PEORIA 10 SOUTH BEND 2

_____

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

WEEK 1

THURSDAY, AUG. 28

FRIDAY, AUG. 29

SATURDAY, AUG. 30

SUNDAY, AUG. 313 P.M. | VIRGINIA TECH AT SOUTH CAROLINA | ESPN (IN ATLANTA, GA)
7:30 P.M. | NOTRE DAME AT MIAMI (FL)| ABC

MONDAY, SEPT. 1

8 P.M. | TCU AT NORTH CAROLINA | ESPN

_____

NFL WEEK ONE TV SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, SEPT. 4, 2025
DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES	8:20P (ET)	8:20P	NBC
FRIDAY, SEPT. 5, 2025
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS VS LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (SAO PAULO)	9:00P (BRT)	8:00P	YOUTUBE
SUNDAY, SEPT. 07, 2025
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	FOX
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	FOX
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	CBS
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	FOX
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	CBS
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS	12:00P (CT)	1:00P	CBS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT NEW YORK JETS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	CBS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS	1:00P (ET)	1:00P	FOX
TENNESSEE TITANS AT DENVER BRONCOS	2:05P (MT)	4:05P	FOX
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS	1:05P (PT)	4:05P	FOX
DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS	3:25P (CT)	4:25P	CBS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS	1:25P (PT)	4:25P	CBS
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT BUFFALO BILLS	8:20P (ET)	8:20P	NBC
MONDAY, SEPT. 8, 2025
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CHICAGO BEARS	7:15P (CT)	8:15P	ABC/ESPN

_____

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

_____

TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES/PRESS RELEASES

NFL NEWS

NINERS NIX JAUAN JENNINGS’ TRADE REQUEST; WEEK 1 STATUS IN DOUBT

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed two things during a news conference Wednesday.

He confirmed that wide receiver Jauan Jennings, coming off a breakout 2024 season, requested a trade “awhile ago.” He also confirmed the 49ers don’t intend to honor that request.

“He asked for it, and we’ve moved on,” Lynch said. “We’re not doing that, so we’re moving forward.”

While the Niners limped to a 6-11 record last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Jennings emerged as a playmaker. He racked up receiving 975 yards — more than the 963 he had in 2021-23 combined — and six touchdowns. Both ranked second on the Niners to tight end George Kittle.

With Deebo Samuel Sr. now in Washington, those opportunities should again be there for Jennings this season. However, he’s been sidelined with a calf injury since early in training camp.

Asked if Jennings’ absence is more about the injury or the trade request, Lynch didn’t specify. Nor did he offer specifics on Jennings’ status for the 49ers’ season opener Sept. 7 at Seattle.

“Both things can be true. He wants a new contract and he’s got a hurt calf…” Lynch said. “Jauan is still working through his calf issue, making progress. We’re kind of like everyone else, hopeful but not sure about Week 1. We’ll proceed as such.”

In order to address their receiver depth, Lynch confirmed the 49ers have signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who Seattle released on Tuesday, and Russell Gage, who the Niners had released on Tuesday.

COMMANDERS ‘ABSOLUTELY’ EXPECT WR TERRY MCLAURIN TO BE READY WEEK 1

Terry McLaurin missed training camp and the entire preseason amid a contract squabble with the Washington Commanders, but with a new $96 million deal, he’s working overtime to get ready for Week 1.

Head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that McLaurin “absolutely” has enough time to be part of the plan for Washington in the regular-season opener against the Giants.

General manager Adam Peters said McLaurin and wide receiver Noah Brown are still day-to-day. Peters was unwilling to guess whether McLaurin might be on the field for Week 1, but he did smile and publicly apologize to Quinn for allowing a holdout situation to stretch into training camp.

“What we never lost was our love, respect and admiration for Terry and what he does on and off the field,” Peters said.

McLaurin practiced Wednesday for the first time in August, which included two weeks on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury.

“I love coaching him. He’s a rare competitor,” Quinn said.

The five-time 1,000-yard receiver was due to make $22.8 million in the final season of his previous three-year extension signed in 2022, but he opted to attend practice and preseason games as a non-participant while the Commanders negotiated with agents Buddy Baker and Anthony Bonagura.

McLaurin missed the start of training camp and was subject to fines of $50,000 per day and $200,000 in total. He had already been fined more than $100,000 for missing a mandatory June minicamp.

The $32 million average annual value of McLaurin’s new deal is tied for sixth among NFL wideouts with A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, per Spotrac. Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase leads the pack at $40.25 million.

THUMBS UP: PACKERS QB JORDAN LOVE PRACTICES WITHOUT RESTRICTION

Fifteen days after surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb, Packers quarterback Jordan Love was a full participant in practice in Green Bay on Wednesday.

With the Week 1 opener at Lambeau Field in 11 days, Love’s return to practice is a welcome sight for the Packers. They host NFC North champion Detroit in the regular-season opener Sept. 7.

Love has been a limited participant in practice since hitting his hand on a helmet when he was sacked by Jay Tufele in the Packers’ 30-10 loss in their preseason opener against the New York Jets.

The Packers were 0-2 against the Lions last season. Love had one touchdown, one interception and completed 35 of 59 passes for 479 yards in two narrow defeats (24-14 and 34-31).

Love passed for 3,389 yards and 25 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 15 games (all starts) last season.

Love, 26, has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 8,154 yards with 60 touchdowns and 25 picks in 42 career games (33 starts) since being selected by the Packers with the 26th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He is 18-15 as a starter in his career.

CHIEFS RECEIVER RASHEE RICE IS SUSPENDED 6 GAMES BY NFL, PERSON FAMILIAR WITH DECISION TELLS AP

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press, keeping him out of a series of high-profile games starting with next week’s season opener against the Chargers in Brazil.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because an official announcement had not been made.

Six weeks ago, Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of a plea agreement from the March 2024 crash on a Dallas highway, prosecutors said, he also received a sentence of five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.

The NFL handed down its suspension, which Rice will not appeal, after its own internal investigation. It voids a Sept. 30 hearing before former federal Judge Sue L. Robinson that was scheduled for the NFL’s headquarters in New York.

Along with missing the Chargers game, Rice will miss a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles on Sept. 14 at Arrowhead Stadium; a Sunday night trip to New York to face the Giants; a high-profile matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sept. 28; a game against Jacksonville the following Monday night; and a Sunday night showdown with the Lions.

Rice will be eligible to return to the field when Kansas City faces the AFC West rival Raiders on Oct. 19.

The Chiefs did not make Rice nor coach Andy Reid available to reporters Wednesday. That was their final practice until Sunday, when the Chiefs go into their game-week schedule to prepare for the Friday night matchup with the Chargers.

“We’re just going to go out there, trust what the coaches put on our plates, whatever game plan we have regardless of who is in there,” tight end Noah Gray said Wednesday. “I’m extremely confident in all the guys.”

Rice’s status has been in limbo ever since he was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV at 119 mph (191 kph) on the North Central Expressway, made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash, Rice did not check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles but instead fled on foot.

Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office said the 25-year-old Rice will have some flexibility in when he must serve his jail time. He also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.

“I’ve completely changed. You have to learn from things like that,” Rice said during a brief media availability in training camp. “All I can focus on is what I can control right now and that’s me doing what I do.”

After a breakout rookie season, Rice was on his way to a memorable follow-up last fall, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the QB accidentally dived into Rice’s leg as they were trying to make a tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.

Rice wound up missing the rest of the season, including a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

He spent the offseason rehabbing the knee, and Rice was ready to participate in the Chiefs’ offseason program. But under terms of the suspension, Rice now will be barred from the practice facility until the middle of next month.

The Chiefs undoubtedly believed a suspension was coming. They kept eight wide receivers on Tuesday, when NFL roster cuts were due. That group includes rookie Jalen Royals, who has been dealing with an injury and may not be available for the season opener in Brazil, and Marquise Brown, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury.

Now, the Chiefs will be relying on Brown and second-year pro Xavier Worthy alongside tight end Travis Kelce in their passing game. The other wide receivers on the initial roster are veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, return specialist Nikko Remigio, preseason standout Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee, who spent part of last season with the Jets.

WITH HIS CONTRACT FINALIZED, STAR PASS RUSHER TREY HENDRICKSON RETURNS TO PRACTICE WITH THE BENGALS

CINCINNATI (AP) — After the Cincinnati Bengals’ front office reached a compromise with Trey Hendrickson and gave him a pay raise for 2025, the All-Pro pass rusher returned to practice on Wednesday.

“It’s good to have it behind us,” said Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks last season. “It’s getting close to the season. A very humbling experience.”

While Hendrickson didn’t receive the long-term security he said he would have wanted in his new deal, the Bengals’ offer was enticing enough for Hendrickson to end his hold-in.

Hendrickson will receive a $14 million raise for this season, increasing his salary to as much as $30 million with incentives. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

“The priority was always (playing for) the 2025 Bengals whatever this looked like,” Hendrickson said. “Unfortunately for me I can’t write my own contracts. That’s something that we had common ground in finding and that’s what we’re doing now and that’s what’s best for the 2025 Bengals is to just suit up and play. I’m humbled by the experience.”

Hendrickson requested a trade in March, but that didn’t come to fruition. After skipping organized team activities and a mandatory minicamp, Hendrickson also didn’t show up for the start of training camp in July.

He returned late in the first week of camp and had been working out with the Bengals’ strength staff before watching practice from the sideline.

The strength staff “did a great job of keeping me in shape in terms of conditioning and weightlifting,” Hendrickson said. “We really got after it this last month. This practice went well. Football is a tough sport and I’m looking forward to getting back into shape, but I am ready to go.”

Hendrickson said the revised contract for one year with no future years on the deal hadn’t always been an option that was on the table.

“When it presented itself, I was incredibly humbled by it,” Hendrickson said. “My wife and I prayed about it and it was something we collectively felt good about. In retrospect if it helps with that extension I signed and also in some ways helps the 2025 Bengals, I feel like it’s a mutual common ground. It’s a mutual respect that we weren’t finding solutions any other way.”

With months of negotiations behind him, Hendrickson can turn his attention toward getting ready for the Bengals’ season opener at Cleveland on Sept. 7.

He’s the only Pro Bowler on an inexperienced Bengals defense that’s counting on a big season from him.

“It was unfortunate that it took so long, but we’re here,” Hendrickson said. “The 2025 Bengals are hopefully a better team with me on it.”

JAGUARS ROOKIE TRAVIS HUNTER IS ‘ROLLING FULL SPEED’ AFTER MISSING CONSECUTIVE PRESEASON GAMES

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Two-way star Travis Hunter is “rolling full speed” after missing the final two games of the preseason with an upper-body injury, general manager James Gladstone said Wednesday.

When asked about Hunter’s availability for next week’s season opener against Carolina, Gladstone said the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and the second pick in the NFL draft in April is good to go.

“He’s on the grass today and rolling full speed,” Gladstone said.

The Jaguars had been taking a cautious approach with Hunter, who was injured during a scrimmage two weeks ago and sat out exhibitions against New Orleans and Miami.

Hunter played on offense and defense, totaling 18 snaps, in Jacksonville’s preseason opener against Pittsburgh earlier this month. He also played both ways during a scrimmage five days later before crashing hard to the ground while defending a deep pass late.

The Jaguars are using Hunter in the slot in three-receiver sets and at outside cornerback in passing situations. It’s unclear how much usage he will get during the regular season, but coaches have raved about his stamina during training camp.

TOMMY DEVITO JOINING PATRIOTS AFTER BEING WAIVED BY THE GIANTS

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tommy DeVito is leaving the bright lights of New York. But he isn’t going very far.

The 27-year-old quarterback, who was tagged with the nickname “Tommy Cutlets” during his time in New York, was claimed by the New England Patriots a day after the Giants waived the fan favorite as teams across the NFL cutdown their initial regular-season rosters.

DeVito becomes the third quarterback in New England, behind starter Drake Maye and backup Josh Dobbs.

It was believed that DeVito would have a chance to return to the Giants’ practice squad if he’d cleared waivers. But the Patriots picked up the former undrafted free agent and northern New Jersey native after he became expendable following New York’s signing of veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

“Just strengthening the roster, certainly, at a premium position and continuing to add pieces, whether that’s offensively, defensively or guys that we feel like can help us on special teams,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday.

Vrabel also acknowledged that having vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden, who previously was an advisor to the Giants general manager, was beneficial in providing insight into DeVito.

DOLPHINS ARE RESHAPING THEIR CULTURE, WITH TIPS FROM PANTHERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP BLUEPRINT

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito and star forward Matthew Tkachuk know a thing or two about winning. They have, after all, helped deliver back-to-back championships in South Florida.

For them, the formula goes beyond talent on the ice. The key is team camaraderie.

That’s the message they gave the Miami Dolphins during an offseason visit, bringing the Stanley Cup along with them. For a Dolphins franchise looking to reach the Panthers’ level of sustained success, the importance of closeness in the locker room stood out most to general manager Chris Grier from the visit.

“Hearing that reiterated everything that we’ve been talking to the players about,” said Grier, who along with coach Mike McDaniel has used this offseason to usher in a culture of accountability that both have acknowledged had been lacking.

That started with bringing in the right players that fit — and buy in — with the culture that the Dolphins are aiming for. Last season, player tardiness and apathy toward accountability in part contributed to Miami’s on-field disjointedness, which resulted in missing the playoffs.

One of the most notable changes the Dolphins made this offseason was trading All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. Grier said Wednesday that he was happy for all departing players, but noted that the trade of Ramsey was about “getting the right group of people for the changes that we wanted to make.”

Grier added that issues with Miami’s culture over the past few seasons were a result of signing various players who despite their on-field dominance, weren’t necessarily the right locker room fit.

“You have your expectations, but you’re winning,” Grier said. “But you look at it and you’re like, ‘Hey, I don’t know if we’re winning the right way.’”

McDaniel fined players who were repeatedly late to practices, but “at times, it didn’t matter to them,” Grier said.

“When you have a year like we did last year — we had gone to the playoffs the two previous years— and at some point you say: ‘OK. All right, enough is enough,’” Grier added. “We just missed the playoffs by a game last year. That’s not good enough. The whole goal was to win a lot more games than we did last year, so this is our time now in terms of doing everything to move forward.”

Grier gives roster updates

Grier said the Dolphins intend to be aggressive on the waiver wire on Wednesday, with plans to at least add a couple of veteran running backs to the practice squad.

De’Von Achane, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, is expected to be available for Miami’s opener at Indianapolis on Sept. 7, but rookie Ollie Gordon II is currently the only healthy running back on the roster.

Another move the Dolphins are open to making is a reunion with standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Miami’s 2019 first-round pick who was the Las Vegas Raiders’ marquee free agent signing ahead of the 2024 season.

The Raiders released Wilkins in July over the recovery plan for his broken foot. Wilkins was injured in Week 5 last season and had a setback that landed him on the physically unable to perform list.

“I don’t think we’d ever close our mind on anything,” Grier said. “Christian, while he was here, did a good job. I don’t know all the things that have gone on and haven’t had any conversations with him, but yeah, we’d be open to it.”

Cam Smith, Miami’s 2023 second-round pick who has yet to blossom into the standout starter the team hoped he would be, is going on the NFL’s non-football injury list. Grier declined to give the specific injury or say when Smith might return but added that the cornerback was coming off “some of his best ball the past two weeks.”

The Dolphins also will re-sign veteran swing tackle Kendall Lamm, who played three seasons in Miami. Lamm signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles but was released on Tuesday. Lamm’s 2024 season ended prematurely because of a back injury, but Grier said there were no concerns about his health.

After placing kicker Jason Sanders on injured reserve Tuesday with a designation to return this season, Grier added that Miami will sign kicker Riley Patterson to the practice squad and elevate him for three games. Sanders will be eligible to return Week 5.

Veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas’s signing official

The Dolphins made official their signing of veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas as they aim to shore up their secondary.

Douglas, who has started 30 games over the last two seasons and turns 31 on Friday, will become Miami’s most experienced cornerback. He has played for four teams over his eight-year career, including the past season-and-a-half with Buffalo.

He had 58 tackles, five tackles for loss and five pass breakups for the Bills last season.

The Dolphins made room for Douglas by waiving safety Jordan Colbert.

TIGHT END JELANI WOODS CLAIMED BY JETS AFTER NOT PLAYING THE LAST 2 SEASONS BECAUSE OF INJURIES

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Jelani Woods’ football comeback will continue with the New York Jets.

The tight end, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2022 because of injuries, was one of three players claimed on waivers by the Jets on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Woods was among Indianapolis’ final cuts Tuesday after he had seven catches for 75 yards in the preseason. He was a third-round draft pick of the Colts in 2022 out of Virginia and had a promising rookie season during which he caught 25 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games, including two starts.

But Woods missed the following season with a hamstring injury and then was forced to sit out all of last season after suffering turf toe in training camp and requiring surgery. He bounced back this summer and was healthy but was caught in a numbers game with the Colts keeping four tight ends on their initial roster, including first-round pick Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory and Drew Ogletree.

With the Jets, the 6-foot-7, 253-pound Woods joins a tight ends room that includes second-round pick Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt.

“A huge tight end that’s going to help us as a blocker and as a receiver,” coach Aaron Glenn said of Woods.

The Jets also claimed two players off waivers from the Chiefs: linebacker Cam Jones and offensive tackle Esa Pole.

Jones played in every game the last two seasons for Kansas City, including two starts, after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Indiana.

“A very productive player,” Glenn said. “Looking forward to him getting with this linebacker crew and really making noise on special teams for us.”

Pole, a 6-7, 319-pound O-lineman, was signed as an undrafted rookie this year out of Washington State, where he played left tackle.

“A developmental guy, but I think he’s got a lot of tools,” Glenn said.

The Jets didn’t immediately announce the three corresponding roster moves to add Woods, Jones and Pole.

New York did start to compile its practice squad, which includes quarterback Brady Cook; wide receivers Jamaal Pritchett and Quentin Skinner; defensive back Jordan Clark, son of former NFL safety Ryan Clark; safety Dean Clark; defensive linemen Eric Watts and Payton Page; linebacker Aaron “Boog” Smith; offensive linemen Kohl Levao and Leander Wiegand; and kicker Harrison Mevis — all of whom were waived by the Jets on Tuesday.

Center of attention

The competition for the starting center job is still going between Joe Tippmann and Josh Myers — and coach Aaron Glenn remains tight-lipped on whether either has the upper hand.

“It’s still playing out,” Glenn said.

When asked what his plans are for the position, Glenn said wryly: “To play a center.”

Tippmann has started most of the last two seasons at center after being drafted in the second round out of Wisconsin in 2023. Myers was signed as a free agent in March after he played his first four seasons in Green Bay. He also has familiarity with quarterback Justin Fields; the two were teammates at Ohio State for two years.

VIKINGS BRING BACK VETERAN ADAM THIELEN FOR WR DEPTH IN TRADE WITH THE PANTHERS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings acquired 13-year veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who has the third-most catches in franchise history, in a trade with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

The Vikings sent a 2026 fifth-round draft pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Panthers for Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in the deal, which was pending him passing a physical exam.

Thielen, who turned 35 last week, was set to make $8.75 million this season, of which the Panthers already had paid out $1.75 million. The Vikings, who have ample salary cap space, will assume the remaining $7 million on the contract, unless the two sides agree to adjust it.

Thielen will count $3.4 million in dead money against Carolina’s salary cap this year and $3.3 million in 2026. He has been Bryce Young’s favorite target over the last two years, but the Panthers took wide receivers in the first round in each of the last two drafts with Xavier Legette and Tetaiora McMillan. Undrafted rookie Jalen Coker has had a strong training camp, and David Moore gives Young and the Panthers a veteran option.

The Panthers were willing to part with Thielen because they feel strongly about McMillan, Legette and Coker, but it’s possible they’ll look at bringing back veteran Hunter Renfrow for the practice squad and give him more time to heal from a hamstring injury that slowed him last month. Renfrow was waived on Tuesday. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 for the Las Vegas Raiders when he caught a career-high 103 passes for 1,038 yards, but he sat out last season after losing 35 pounds while dealing with a severe case of ulcerative colitis.

The Vikings needed more depth, after losing newcomer Rondale Moore to a season-ending knee injury and rising star Jordan Addison to a three-game suspension to start the season. Two-time All-Pro Justin Jefferson is as good as there is in the league, but he missed three weeks of camp with a hamstring injury. Jalen Nailor, the third option at wide receiver, hurt his hand last week and the Vikings have been vague about his prognosis.

Thielen, a native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, who was undrafted out of NCAA Division II program Minnesota State, became one of the NFL’s true success stories after nearly giving up on football and taking a job in dental equipment sales.

Thielen parlayed a rookie minicamp tryout into a practice squad spot in 2013 with his home-state team and carved out a special teams role the following season, making his first big impression in 2014 by blocking a punt and returning it for his first career touchdown against, coincidentally, the Panthers. He became a starter by 2016 and made two Pro Bowls, accumulating 534 receptions over nine seasons on the active roster for 6,682 yards, which is fifth in franchise history.

The 35-year-old Thielen still lives in Minnesota and even worked out with new Vikings starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy during throwing sessions each of the last two summers. His wife posted to Instagram a video of Thielen dancing with his daughter in celebration of her dad’s job change.

“We’re going home! We’re going home! We’re going home!” Thielen shouted in the video.

CHIEFS’ DOMINANCE IN AFC WEST FACES CHALLENGES FROM BRONCOS, CHARGERS AND RAIDERS

The Kansas City Chiefs have won three of the last six Super Bowls, played in seven straight AFC championship games and won the AFC West nine consecutive seasons.

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are two titles shy of the record 11 straight AFC East crowns Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoarded when they were together in New England.

Yet, the Chiefs’ grip on the division has never seemed more tenuous, and not just because they were humbled 40-22 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl that denied Kansas City an unprecedented third consecutive tickertape parade.

The Denver Broncos fortified an already elite defense spearheaded by the league’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year in cornerback Patrick Surtain II and added several key targets for second-year QB Bo Nix, who came within a blocked field goal with no time remaining of sweeping the Chiefs his rookie year. (Although Denver’s 38-0 win in Denver in Week 18 came against backups).

Broncos coach Sean Payton can’t stop raving about his roster, and for good reason.

The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a bounce-back in 2024 under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, with Justin Herbert winning more games (11) and throwing fewer interceptions (three) than ever.

The Chargers lost twice to the Chiefs, by seven and two points as Kansas City went a whopping 10-0 in one-score games on their way to the Super Bowl.

Whether the Chiefs can come up so clutch in close games again will go a long way toward determining if they’ll be dethroned.

And the Las Vegas Raiders hired former Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll, who brought in his former QB in Seattle with the acquisition of Geno Smith, who had three winning seasons as the Seahawks’ starter following Russell Wilson’s departure.

The addition of Carroll gives the AFC West a concentration of coaching pedigree never seen before. Led by Reid, the league’s active leader in victories, the foursome of AFC West coaches own a whopping 721 collective wins in the NFL.

Can the Chiefs rebound from the Super Bowl debacle?

The Chiefs were throttled 31-9 by Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 and the following season they lost at home in the AFC championship to Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Then they reached three consecutive Super Bowls, winning twice.

Their comeback in 2025 could rest on Travis Kelce’s bounce-back.

The four-time All-Pro tight end trimmed down considerably since the end of last season, when he was last seen walking dejectedly off the turf at the Superdome in New Orleans after the Chiefs were dismantled by the Eagles.

“He’s svelte right now. He looks like he’s 20,” Reid said.

Some had speculated the lopsided loss to the Eagles in February might drive Kelce to retire, but the newly engaged star is back and ready to serve as Mahomes’ top target once again.

Denver’s defense could go world-class

Payton hasn’t been shy about predicting great things for the Broncos this year, telling people he has one of his better teams all-time and declaring Nix among the top handful of quarterbacks in the NFL.

Much of that optimism stems from the fortification of an already stout defense.

The Broncos lured safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency and used their first-round draft pick on former University of Texas star Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was a consensus All-American.

Linebacker Alex Singleton, returning from a torn ACL that sidelined him most of last season, said Greenlaw has brought a new attitude to Denver’s defense.

“I love every single day coming to work with him,” Singleton said. “It’s been a ton of fun. He plays fast, he plays violent, physical — everything you want out of a linebacker.”

Chargers’

Justin Herbert ready for next step with Harbaugh

The Chargers are aiming to win the division for the first time since 2009 following Harbaugh’s first season in which LA returned to the playoffs and Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions all year.

Herbert shouldn’t have any opening-day jitters when the Chargers host the Chiefs in Week 1 in São Paulo, Brazil, not after playing in the preseason for the first time in his career.

The 27-year-old quarterback entering his sixth season went 2 of 5 for 46 yards while playing the opening series against the Rams.

Herbert had never played in an exhibition game before over his first five NFL seasons, but the Chargers’ $262.5 million quarterback asked for some limited action in this outing to get some work with the Bolts’ revamped offense, which is now missing starting left tackle Rashawn Slater.

“I wanted to go out there and see the pass rush,” said Herbert, who was sacked once by the Rams. “In practice as a quarterback you don’t always get the true feeling of a pass rush so I thought it would be helpful.”

When Herbert was a rookie in 2020, the preseason was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, Herbert was coming off a stellar rookie year and then-Chargers coach Brandon Staley didn’t want to risk an injury during exhibition play. Staley maintained that approach in 2023. Last year, Herbert was in a walking boot with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot that caused him to miss nearly three weeks of training camp.

Carroll, Smith aim to repeat Seattle success in Las Vegas

Tom Brady’s fingerprints are all over the revamped Las Vegas Raiders, who have made significant changes to their team structure. Owner Mark Davis has given minority owner Brady more control, and Brady influenced the hiring of Carroll as coach and John Spytek as general manager, and the pair acquired Smith and drafted running back Ashton Jeanty to revamp the offense.

Carroll spent 14 seasons in Seattle, going 137-89-1 and putting together double-digit victories eight times over a nine-year stretch, reaching two Super Bowls and winning one.

Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, signing in 2019 as the backup and then becoming the starter in 2022. He was selected AP Comeback Player of the Year when he led the league with a 69.8% completion percentage and threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Predicted order of finish

Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

NFC WEST WIDE OPEN AS 49ERS SEEK REDEMPTION AND RAMS FACE UNCERTAINTY AT QUARTERBACK

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Headed into the 2025 NFL season, there might not be any division as wide open as the NFC West.

The NFC West has the narrowest range of odds to win the division, according to BetMGM, with all four teams having reasonable cases to take the title.

The San Francisco 49ers are the betting favorites despite a last-place finish in 2025 with hopes that better health and the easiest projected schedule can get the team back into contention after a disappointing six-win season in 2024.

With the Super Bowl being held on their home field on Feb. 8, the Niners are hoping a turnaround can lead to the championship that has eluded the franchise since winning a fifth title 31 years ago.

“I don’t look at it as being anything or bust, but obviously we want to be successful,” star left tackle Trent Williams. “We have the talent to be successful. There’s no greater motivator than the Super Bowl being here right in our backyard.”

The defending division champion Los Angeles Rams enter the season with a bit of uncertainty after 37-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford missed most of training camp with a bad back.

Seattle and Arizona are looking to break the stranglehold Los Angeles and San Francisco have had on the division the past four seasons but have their own questions at quarterback with Sam Darnold replacing Geno Smith as starter for the Seahawks and Kyler Murray looking to fulfill his lofty potential with the Cardinals.

It all adds up to an intriguing race where each team has a legitimate chance at the playoffs or a last-place finish.

Niners seek a bounce-back season

The Super Bowl hangover hit San Francisco hard last season as a team that lost the title game in overtime to Kansas City in the 2023 season fell flat and missed the postseason for the first time since 2020.

Injuries to stars such as Williams, Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk severely hampered the offense and the defense under first-year coordinator Nick Sorensen was exposed.

That led to an offseason shakeup that had former All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel and several defensive veterans leave as the Niners aimed to get younger and cheaper.

The star power is still there with Williams, McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, George Kittle and Fred Warner, along with quarterback Brock Purdy, who got rewarded with a five-year, $265 million extension in May.

But San Francisco will need significant contributions from the rookie class led by first-round defensive end Mykel Williams to get back to the top of the league.

Even if the Niners fall short of their 2023 level, a favorable schedule that includes 10 games against the 12 teams with the lowest win totals, according to BetMGM, could be enough to sneak back into the playoffs.

Seahawks commit to the run

Seattle won 10 games in coach Mike Macdonald’s first season but just missed out on the playoffs. This year’s version will have a very different look — especially on offense where Darnold and Cooper Kupp have replaced Smith and star receiver DK Metcalf.

New coordinator Klint Kubiak has an improved offensive line with left tackle Charles Cross healthy and rookie guard Grey Zabel looking strong in the preseason. That should allow him to rely heavily on the run and play-action passing after Seattle had the fifth-highest passing rate last season.

That should take pressure off Darnold, who had a career renaissance last season in Minnesota before a late-season collapse.

Macdonald’s defense took big strides as last season went on and could be one of the best in the league this season.

Rams depend on healthy Stafford

When the Rams brought in receiver Davante Adams in the offseason to team with Puka Nacua in what should be one of the top 1-2 receiving combos in the league, it looked as if Los Angeles could build on last season’s run to the divisional round.

But the success depends entirely on the health of the 37-year-old Stafford, who nearly led the Rams to a late-game comeback in the playoffs last season against last season’s eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Still one of the best QBs when healthy, Stafford fought through various injuries the past few seasons and missed a large chunk of camp this season with a back injury. While Jimmy Garoppolo might be able to fill in capably for a few weeks, any chance of the Rams contending in the playoffs relies on a healthy Stafford.

The defense should be solid no matter what thanks to a major upgrade on the front the past two drafts led by 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Byron Young and Kobie Turner.

Make-or-break season for Cardinals

The Cardinals haven’t had a winning record in two seasons under coach Jonathan Gannon and haven’t won a playoff game in six seasons after drafting Murray first overall in 2019.

If Arizona is unable to build on last season’s 8-9 record, it could be time for a change at one or both of those key spots.

Gannon has the most talent he’s had on defense after Arizona focused on that side of the ball in the offseason by signing Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to fortify the front.

Second-round cornerback Will Johnson should help the back end and first-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen will miss at least the first four games because of a calf injury.

The offense needs Murray to get back to the form he had before going down with a major knee injury in 2022. Murray’s rush attempts have dropped nearly in half from 2020 to 2024, but better health could bring that needed element back to Arizona’s offense.

Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. didn’t live up to lofty expectations as a rookie, but if he can take a major step in year two then Arizona could have a strong 1-2 combo along with tight end Trey McBride.

Predicted order of finish

49ers, Seahawks, Rams, Cardinals.

BUCCANEERS OWN THE NFC SOUTH, AND AIM FOR A DEEP PLAYOFF RUN IN THE FRANCHISE’S 50TH SEASON

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers own the NFC South.

They’ve won four straight division titles, but won’t be satisfied with just another playoff appearance. They’re looking to win their third Super Bowl title in the franchise’s 50th season.

The Atlanta Falcons won’t make it easy on them. The Falcons beat the Buccaneers twice last season and led the division midway through the season before going 2-5 down the stretch.

The Carolina Panthers finished up strong under first-year coach Dave Canales and nearly beat the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Eagles in a three-game stretch, losing by 12 points combined.

New Saints coach Kellen Moore earned a Super Bowl ring in one season in charge of Philadelphia’s offense and now aims to build a winner in New Orleans.

Let him bake

Baker Mayfield came to Tampa Bay in 2023 just looking for another opportunity after being dumped by three teams in a year. He had to compete with Kyle Trask for the starting job and the chance to replace Tom Brady. Mayfield has been sensational, unlocking the potential the Browns saw to make him the No. 1 overall pick in 2018. His 69 touchdown passes lead the NFL over the past two seasons and he’s coming off an elite season: 4,500 yards passing, 41 TDs, 71.4 completion rate, 106,8 passer rating.

The Buccaneers let Mayfield be himself. He’s matured into a team leader, a player guys rally around. With playmakers Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin — once he returns from injury — surrounding him, Mayfield can be even better, especially if he cuts down on the 16 interceptions.

The key to Tampa Bay’s success will be whether the defense can stay healthy and make enough plays. The Bucs allowed 30 or more points in four of their seven losses.

If Haason Reddick boosts the pass rush, Antoine Winfield Jr. regains his All-Pro form and young cornerbacks step up, the Buccaneers could make a run.

Can’t stop Bijan

The Atlanta Falcons handed the offense over to Michael Penix Jr. with three games remaining and the division on the line. They came up short but it’s his team now, even with veteran Kirk Cousins and his $100 million guaranteed contract on the sideline.

Atlanta’s offense will revolve around dynamic running back Bijan Robinson. He finished second in the league in touches (365), third in rushing yards (1,456), fourth in scrimmage yards (1,887) and tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (14) in his second season. Giving Robinson the ball takes pressure off Penix, who has other playmakers around him. Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud are a top receiving trio. And, there’s tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Tyler Allgeier.

Coach Raheem Morris needs to fix a defense that was bottom 10 last year. Two edge rushers, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., were drafted in the first round to boost a mediocre pass rush.

With the fourth-softest schedule ahead of them, the Falcons have a chance to end Tampa Bay’s streak.

Pound again

The Carolina Panthers have had seven straight losing seasons since they previously made the playoffs. But there’s reason for optimism.

Dave Canales, who helped develop Mayfield in Tampa Bay in 2023, has changed the culture in Carolina. He benched Bryce Young last year, giving him an opportunity to learn from the sideline and return for a strong finish.

The Panthers got Young a playmaker in the first round, drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to join Xavier Legette. Their offensive line improved last season, allowing Young to grow. The offense will start with Chuba Hubbard, who ran for 1,195 yards last season.

The biggest problem was a defense that allowed the most yards and most points in the league. Carolina didn’t make a big splash in the offseason but added several players who could bolster the unit, including safety Tre’von Moehrig, nose tackle Bobby Brown III and outside linebacker Pat Jones II. They drafted edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has a tough task. Getting the defense from porous to mediocre would be a great start.

March for Arch?

Moore has a tough task in New Orleans, taking over a 5-12 team without a franchise quarterback yet.

Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick who was 0-6 as a starter last season, beat out rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough for the starting job. Some Saints fans are already clamoring for Arch Manning, who has started just two college games and whose grandfather went 35-91-3 in New Orleans between 1971-82.

Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Penn State’s Drew Allar and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are also future options.

For now, it’s Rattler. Moore spent one season in Philadelphia as offensive coordinator and turned Jalen Hurts into a Super Bowl MVP.

Rattler has some playmakers around him, including Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave.

The defense struggled to stop the run last season. They’ve got leadership in veteran linebacker Demario Davis, who is still going strong.

It’s a rebuilding season for the Saints and Moore’s priority will be laying the foundation for the future.

Predicted order of finish

Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints.

GAP FROM TOP TO BOTTOM IN THE AFC NORTH GREW A LOT LAST YEAR. THE QB POSITION IS WHY

Two years after the entire AFC North finished with a winning record, the division’s depth looks a lot more shaky.

The explanation is simple: Two teams have top-tier quarterbacks, one very clearly does not — and the other is putting a lot of faith in an aging four-time MVP.

Last season the division produced three winning teams, but only two made the playoffs — and last-place Cleveland fell all the way to 3-14. The games within the AFC North are still spirited — those Browns managed to beat both Baltimore and Pittsburgh — but the claim that this is the best division in football isn’t as strong as it used to be.

Still, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are among the top Super Bowl contenders, and Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati team remains a likely offensive juggernaut. The Steelers have been cycling through quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired, continuing to do enough things right to produce winning records in the regular season. Will the addition of Aaron Rodgers revitalize the passing game enough to make Pittsburgh something more than a fringe playoff team?

“The way we ended last year wasn’t good enough, and we talked about change having to happen. I know people maybe expected change sooner than later, but change doesn’t always happen at the pace everybody expects,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said at the start of training camp. “We knew changes had to be made, and here we are.”

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s quarterback outlook was so gloomy the Browns drafted two QBs and brought back Joe Flacco.

While the quarterbacking situations are all over the map, the overall talent in the AFC North remains high. The division had nine players make first-team All-Pro last season, the most in the NFL.

Cleveland managed to keep defensive standout Myles Garrett after he initially asked for a trade. Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt received a new extension as well. Then the Bengals and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson ended their dispute this week.

Up the list

Derrick Henry was sensational in his first season with Baltimore last year, rushing for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. That brought him to 11,423 yards for his career, 19th on the career list.

If he runs for 1,000 yards this season, he’d pass some pretty big names: Steven Jackson (11,438), Fred Taylor (11,695), Thurman Thomas (12,074), Franco Harris (12,120), Marcus Allen (12,243), Edgerrin James (12,246), Marshall Faulk (12,279) and Jim Brown (12,312).

If Henry rushes for 1,500 yards, he’d also pass Tony Dorsett (12,739) and move into the top 10. If Henry can reach his rushing total from last season, then Eric Dickerson (13,259) is also catchable.

Different season, same concerns

The Bengals have one of the top passing attacks in the league with Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, keeping Burrow upright to connect with his receivers remains a problem. So does stopping the other team so Cincinnati doesn’t have to be in shootouts.

Cincinnati will go into the season with two rookies starting at guard. Dylan Fairchild was expected to start immediately at left guard when he was drafted in the third round in April, and Jalen Rivers could get the call at right guard. Cordell Volson is out for the season after shoulder surgery. Rivers is a fifth-round pick and a converted offensive tackle.

Burrow led the league in yards passing last season but has been sacked 196 times since being the top overall pick in 2020, the second-highest total in that span. Chase was the sixth wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to lead the league in receptions, yards receiving and touchdown catches, but Cincinnati missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

Steelers take a flier

The Steelers changed their quarterback room yet again in the offseason after another quick playoff exit. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are out, Rodgers is in, hoping Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin will help him author a more upbeat final chapter of his career than what he endured during two seasons with the New York Jets.

The 41-year-old Rodgers — the oldest active player in the league — isn’t the only big name the Steelers have brought in while hoping to end the franchise’s longest drought without a playoff win since Franco Harris hauled in the “Immaculate Reception” more than a half-century ago.

Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay have joined longtime fixtures Watt and Cam Heyward on a defense that believes it can be the best in the league. Ramsey and Slay have what Watt and Heyward so desperately want: Super Bowl rings.

Pittsburgh’s prospects likely hinge heavily on whether the offensive line can give Rodgers time to work. If it can, the Steelers will have a puncher’s chance in a competitive division. If it can’t, the club’s long run of non-losing seasons (currently at 21 and counting) could be in jeopardy.

The starter, but for how long?

Flacco came off the couch to go 4-1 down the stretch in the regular season two years ago to get Cleveland into the playoffs. Both parties reunited this offseason after Flacco was the backup in Indianapolis.

Flacco emerged on top in a four-way quarterback competition.

The question is how long Flacco will remain behind center. Cleveland has had 10 quarterbacks start a game since it traded Baker Mayfield in 2022. It wouldn’t be a shock if rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders start at least one game.

___

Predicted order of finish

Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns.

TEXANS AIM FOR 3RD STRAIGHT AFC SOUTH TITLE, A FEAT NOT ACHIEVED SINCE PEYTON MANNING’S COLTS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Houston Texans have a chance to win a third straight AFC South title this season with quarterback C.J. Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans.

The challenge?

Nobody has won three straight titles since Peyton Manning was in his prime with the Indianapolis Colts in this division’s early years. The Tennessee Titans most recently came the closest only to come up short in 2022.

“I’m not really sure like what the next step is,” Houston general manager Nick Caserio said. “I mean we have a good football team, so we’ve been one of the best eight teams in the league the last two years. So what’s going to happen beyond that nobody has any idea.”

The Texans have advanced to two straight divisional rounds each of the past two postseasons, losing both with the most recent to Kansas City 23-14 in January. Caserio made a variety of moves to help Stroud, and coach DeMeco Ryans switched offensive coordinators as well.

Houston tight end Dalton Schultz said they just have to do one thing to get past the divisional round.

“It’s never the same as the year before, and there’s always some little wrinkle that is going to hit the league or hit your team,” Schultz said.

Houston went 10-7 in 2024 with the Colts at 8-9 with everyone working furiously to catch up — or else.

Indianapolis switched starting quarterbacks. Jacksonville hired a new coach and general manager before trading up to draft Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Tennessee has No. 1 draft pick overall in Cam Ward starting at quarterback after firing and hiring a new general manager.

“This league is a year-to-year league and what do I feel is best for the Colts in 2025,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said.

Texans’ challenge

Houston has to protect Stroud better. Only Chicago’s Caleb Williams was sacked more than the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. With the pounding, Stroud’s production dipped as he was sacked 52 times with his interceptions more than doubling to 12 from his rookie season.

Stroud still threw for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns. Ryans fired Bobby Slowik and hired Nick Caley as offensive coordinator.

“He comes from a different style than I’m used to, at least in the NFL,” Stroud said of Caley. “So, it’s cool just to learn something new and put another tool in my toolbox.”

Caserio traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington during the offseason to clear space to sign younger players. The Texans are expected to start a rookie at left tackle in second-round pick Aireontae Ersery with Tytus Howard at right tackle where he started 16 games last season.

Houston also acquired Christian Kirk, signed Justin Watson and drafted a pair of receivers out of Iowa State to provide depth behind Nico Collins after letting Stefon Diggs leave in free agency. Caserio also sent wide receiver John Metchie to Philadelphia for tight end Harrison Bryant on Aug. 17.

Hey Danny Dimes

Indianapolis has missed the playoffs the past four seasons, and a fifth straight could cost Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard their jobs with the late Jim Irsay’s daughters now running the franchise.

Going with Daniel Jones means the franchise who went two decades with Manning and Andrew Luck at quarterback will have yet another starter on opening day. Since 2017, only Anthony Richardson has started back-to-back season openers.

Yet the fourth overall pick in 2023 couldn’t stay healthy or help Jonathan Taylor nearly enough. Taylor ran for 1,431 yards and 11 TDs as Richardson completed just 47.7% of his throws, the lowest rate of any regular starter in the NFL.

Steichen said Richardson, 23, was thrown into the fire. The Colts coach isn’t ready to talk about Jones’ future.

“Let’s see how the season goes,” Steichen said.

Jacksonville’s youth movement

The biggest makeover came in Jacksonville, firing a Super Bowl-winning coach in Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke. The Jaguars hired Liam Coen as coach and James Gladstone, 34, as their new GM.

The Jaguars are trying to fix a team that went 3-10 in one-score games in 2024 with the franchise losers of 18 of its past 23.

In his first head coaching job, Coen, 39, has a pair of first-timers in offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. As coordinator in Tampa Bay, Coen became the first NFL coordinator in at least 25 years to help a team average more than 28 points a game.

He has Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft, who was limited by injuries to 10 games in 2024. Wide receiver Brian Thomas now can get help from Hunter, even if the rookie will also play some defense.

Tennessee time

Brian Callahan also was a first-time head coach a year ago with the Titans. He brought in a former NFL head coach in Mike McCoy this offseason among a handful of other changes to apply his lessons learned.

Mike Borgonzi was hired as GM when Ran Carthon’s big offseason spending spree didn’t pan out. The Titans have embraced their rebuild even if they added veteran receivers Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson along with left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and right guard Kevin Zeitler.

Predicted order of finish

Houston, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Jacksonville.

EAGLES SEEK ELUSIVE NFC EAST REPEAT ON PATH TO ANOTHER SUPER BOWL TITLE

The Philadelphia Eagles are aiming for another Super Bowl championship.

Just don’t call it a repeat, even if that word will be thrown around plenty in the NFC East, a division that hasn’t had consecutive titles from the same team since the Eagles won their fourth in a row in 2004.

The Eagles have struck “repeat” from their vernacular this season as Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown go for another “two-peat” — division and NFL championships.

“Everything else is in the past,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “I think that when teams are trying so hard to repeat or trying so hard to recapture, there’s two mistakes that they make. They either are looking at their past accomplishments or they’re looking too far into the future of how do you do that again? And it’s really about the daily grind that you go through day in and day out. There’s a mental toughness to being able to do that and go through that every single day.”

The Eagles return most of their key starters on both sides of the ball, many in their primes and signed to long-term deals. They could be championship contenders for years to come.

Barkley had a career year in his debut with the Eagles. He ran for 2,504 yards in the regular season and playoffs, breaking Terrell Davis’ record for most yards rushing combined in one season.

Barkley had 2,005 yards in the regular season before sitting out the final game with a chance to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season mark. The Eagles rewarded him with a two-year contract extension with $36 million guaranteed.

Barkley expects bigger and better in Year 2.

“It definitely helps having another year in this organization and in this building,” he said. “I’m familiar with everybody. Stuff that I got into my routine later on in the season, it’s already part of my routine now. It’s just helpful, from the training staff to nutrition to strength coaches. It all just gets better naturally when you’re here longer.”

Commanders put drama to rest

The only topic that really mattered throughout training camp after Washington surprised everyone by reaching the NFC championship game last season was wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s desire for a new contract. The issue was finally resolved after the preseason.

He went from a brief holdout to a hold-in while on the physically unable to perform list because of an injured ankle, to off the PUP list but still not practicing.

McLaurin and AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels formed a terrific combination and were expected to go nowhere but up.

Dan Quinn stayed on message on McLaurin — “It’s part of the business of the NFL, and I don’t judge it or get too worked up about it,” the coach said — and players also steered clear of drama.

But there’s no question it was a thing, maybe the first real blip under the current triumvirate of owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters and Quinn.

Daniels is an ascendant star, widely considered among the league’s elite quarterbacks already. Peters went out and added some big-name veterans, including left tackle Laremy Tunsil, edge rusher Von Miller and playmaker Deebo Samuel.

“Just watching them play on Sundays for some time, and now watching them up close and personal — like, you can see why Von is going to be a Hall of Famer,” Daniels said. “You can see why L.T. is one of the top left tackles in the league. You can see why Deebo was All-Pro.”

There are questions on defense, particularly in the secondary, so if the Commanders end up needing to score a lot, a happy McLaurin will help. The two-time Pro Bowler agreed to a $96 million, three-year extension.

Giants’ QB changes

After tying for the NFL’s worst record at 3-14 last season, the Giants moved on from quarterback Daniel Jones, signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and traded back into the first round to draft Jaxson Dart.

Wilson goes in as the starter with Dart being groomed for the future, though that could be sooner than later, given the Mississippi product’s strong impression in training camp and preseason games.

“He’s done a tremendous job,” Wilson said. “He works at it every day, and he asks the right questions. That’s what I enjoy about him.”

The success of the offense revolves around Wilson, now 36, and young receiver Malik Nabers, who had 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.

Defensively, the Giants hope they made a strong pass rush even better by drafting Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter third overall. Carter joining nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux should help a beleaguered secondary, which has new faces in cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland.

“We’re bringing in two vets that know how to play the game,” cornerback Dru Phillips said. “We may put a (different) scheme in and they’re brand new here, but they came in like they knew it. They’ve played this type of stuff before at a high level, so you can experiment with a lot of new stuff and you can have a lot of versatility.”

Plenty of Cowboys questions

The Dallas Cowboys haven’t finished last in the division in 10 years. If they don’t resolve the contract issue with star edge rusher Micah Parsons, that’s where they’re headed.

Even with Dak Prescott healthy again at quarterback, the Cowboys would present first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer a monumental task if they can’t get Parsons on the field. He reported for camp but didn’t practice at all while publicly requesting a trade.

The moping got progressively worse, capped by Parsons lying on a training table on the sideline during the preseason finale. The 2021 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is set to make $24 million in the final year of the five-year deal he got as a first-round pick. He wants long-term security.

With or without Parsons, the Cowboys have little chance unless Prescott shows his MVP runner-up form of 2023, when he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes before a hamstring tear ended last season after eight games. His 10th season features a new playmaker outside to go with CeeDee Lamb in George Pickens, who was traded by Pittsburgh.

“Just with the experience of this game, having the teammates and the players that I have around me, getting into a new year with a new coach and a new energy with such a youthful team, I see somebody who feels young again,” the 32-year-old Prescott said.

Dallas has questions at running back and on the offensive line, and a thin secondary until 2021 All-Pro Trevon Diggs returns from a second major knee injury, which could happen early.

Predicted order of finish

Eagles, Commanders, Giants, Cowboys.

BILLS AIM FOR 6TH STRAIGHT AFC EAST TITLE, SUPER BOWL RUN AS PATRIOTS, JETS AND DOLPHINS REGROUP

The Buffalo Bills appeared vulnerable a year ago and the AFC East seemed there for the taking.

There were questions about who Josh Allen would be throwing to and whether the Bills’ window being among the NFL’s elite teams was beginning to close, while the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots had plenty of hope.

Instead, the Bills dashed to their fifth straight division title, Allen won his first AP NFL MVP award and Sean McDermott’s squad finished a victory short of reaching the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Jets, Dolphins and Patriots watched the playoffs from home and spent the offseason regrouping and, in some cases, completely revamping and reloading.

Now, Allen and the Bills enter this season looking as good as ever and one of the betting favorites to win the Super Bowl, let alone a sixth consecutive AFC East title. They know they need to get over the hump of the playoffs — particularly Kansas City, which has eliminated Buffalo in four of the past five postseasons, including twice in the AFC championship game.

“You can’t win the Super Bowl without making the playoffs, and that’s our No. 1 goal,” Allen said. “That’s the standard that Coach McDermott set here for so long, is playoff-caliber. You don’t get into the playoffs, you don’t win the Super Bowl, it’s as simple as that. … We’re just out here trying to get better.”

Same for the Jets and Patriots, who hired new coaches to try to change their fortunes with Aaron Glenn in New York and Mike Vrabel in New England — each returning to teams for which they once played.

“We have something we’re trying to create,” Glenn said. “I’m not going to end up talking about that or what those things are, but every day that’s the focus, nothing else. Take everything out.”

The Dolphins still have Mike McDaniel in charge and Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, but once lofty expectations have been replaced by doubts as to whether Miami is on its way back down.

“Instead of fighting stuff that’s based on stuff you can’t control, understanding that the only thing we can do is the daily investment into each other,” McDaniel said. “There’s a supreme clarity of focus of what matters and what doesn’t.”

Allen’s allies

The Bills’ offense returns mostly intact, including all five linemen. Buffalo also added what it hopes is an upgrade at wide receiver with Joshua Palmer, who’ll be expected to stretch the field — something the passing game lacked a year ago.

Keon Coleman will be counted on to take another step forward and tight end Dalton Kincaid will try to regain his status as a top option after injuries slowed him.

Coordinator Joe Brady will also be able to lean on his running game with James Cook signed to a four-year extension — which should help take the pressure off Allen to have to scramble.

Maye-be better days

A 4-13 season in Jerod Mayo’s first year was enough for Patriots owner Robert Kraft to move on. He turned to another former New England player in Vrabel, who had success in transforming Tennessee into a regular playoff contender.

“We talk about the good, the bad and the (stuff) that gets you beat,” Vrabel said, “and I think that they can tell the difference between those three now.”

The development of quarterback Drake Maye, who enters his second season with a revamped offensive line and some new playmakers, will be key. Maye was a positive during a dismal season last year and if he can make a big jump in Year 2, the Patriots could be at least a threat to Buffalo.

“Coach Vrabel came here and made it clear from Day 1: ‘Hey, drop your egos at the door. We’re here to work, we want guys to finish, work hard and give effort,’” Maye said. “I think we’re starting to see that and build that.”

Taking flight

Glenn, who played eight of his 15 NFL seasons in New York, is well aware of the spotlight in the Big Apple. He has insisted since his hiring, along with that of GM Darren Mougey, that the Jets are building toward being a playoff contender.

Whether that happens this season, though, will largely depend on the development of quarterback Justin Fields. The 2021 first-round pick of Chicago is on his third team in five years, but Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand believe he’s a good fit for what will likely be a run-first offense.

“I like the concepts that we have,” Fields said. “I like what Tanner’s trying to do and implement the guys on offense and kind of in our playbook. He’s a great offensive-minded coach and just the stuff that we can get done, I think the sky’s the limit.”

Swims with the fishes?

Miami made the playoffs in each of McDaniel’s first two seasons and seemed poised to challenge Buffalo for the division title.

Injuries to key players such as Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and right tackle Austin Jackson took their toll, with the Dolphins struggling to a 2-6 start. They rebounded with a 6-3 finish, but this almost seems like a make-or-break season for McDaniel and GM Chris Grier.

The secondary, namely the cornerbacks, along with the depth on offense, questions on the offensive line and the health of Tagovailoa provide plenty of skepticism about the Dolphins.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say that it is a bunker mindset or a bunker mentality where we’re all kind of hunched up and it’s us against the world,” Tagovailoa said. “Really it’s us against ourselves, is kind of how we look at it.”

And in the AFC East, it seems it’s the Bills — and then everyone else. Again.

Predicted order of finish

Bills, Patriots, Jets, Dolphins.

49ERS AGREE TO 1-YEAR DEAL WITH RECEIVER MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING, AP SOURCE SAYS

The San Francisco 49ers bolstered their banged-up receiver corps by agreeing to a one-year deal with Marquez Valdes-Scantling after he was cut by Seattle, a person with knowledge of the deal said Wednesday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced.

The Niners had only two healthy receivers on the 53-man roster following roster cut downs on Tuesday with Ricky Pearsall and recently acquired Skyy Moore.

Valdes-Scantling provides another as well as needed speed on the outside to stretch the field.

The 30-year-old Valdez-Scantling split time last season with Buffalo and New Orleans, recording 19 catches for 411 yards and four TDs. He has 205 career catches for 3,566 yards and 20 TDs in seven seasons that also included time in Green Bay and Kansas City.

Valdez-Scantling’s 17.4 yards per reception for his career rank fourth-best among all players with at least 200 catches since 1990.

Valdez-Scantling’s biggest production came in Green Bay and Kansas City where he was a dependable deep threat for Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. He also had some big postseason performances with 24 catches for 406 yards and four TDs in 11 playoff games. He caught a TD pass from Mahomes against the 49ers in Super Bowl 58 when he helped Kansas City beat San Francisco 25-22 in overtime.

The Niners had major questions at receiver following cutdown day. Demarcus Robinson was suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and Brandon Aiyuk will miss at least the first four weeks on the physically unable to perform list recovering from knee surgery.

Jauan Jennings has missed almost all of camp with a calf injury and is also seeking a new contract. Jacob Cowing is expected to miss at least the first month with a hamstring injury and rookie Jordan Watkins has been out with an ankle injury but could return soon.

The 49ers open the season against at Seattle on Sept. 7 with Valdes-Scantling going up against the team he was on for the entire offseason.

RAVENS MAKE KYLE HAMILTON THE NFL’S HIGHEST-PAID SAFETY WITH A 4-YEAR, $100.4 MILLION EXTENSION

The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a four-year, $100.4 million extension with star safety Kyle Hamilton.

The deal includes $82 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the contract, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the terms weren’t announced.

Hamilton, an All-Pro in 2023, is entering his fourth NFL season. Baltimore drafted him in the first round in 2022, and he’s performed brilliantly, helping the Ravens to NFC North titles each of the past two seasons with his versatility in their defensive scheme.

General manager Eric DeCosta said the deal makes Hamilton the league’s highest-paid safety.

JAGUARS ACQUIRE RECEIVER TIM PATRICK FROM LIONS FOR A SIXTH-ROUND DRAFT PICK IN 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired wide receiver Tim Patrick from Detroit on Wednesday in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026.

The Jaguars said the trade would become final if Patrick passes a physical. Jacksonville waived receiver Austin Trammell to make room for Patrick on its 53-man roster.

The 31-year-old Patrick missed all of 2022 and 2023 while dealing with injuries, first a torn knee ligament and then a torn Achilles tendon. But he bounced back last season and played 16 games for the Lions, finishing with 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns.

The 6-foot-5 veteran is expected to become Jacksonville’s No. 5 receiver behind Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown and Parker Washington. The Jaguars had been looking for a bigger receiver who could block on the perimeter and play special teams.

Patrick spent the first four years of his NFL career in Denver. He has 176 receptions for 2,403 yards and 15 touchdowns over five seasons.

Detroit initially kept six receivers while finalizing its roster Tuesday but now has five. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond are returning starters, with rookie draft picks Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett slotted as backups.

_____

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1: THREE TOP-10 GAMES SO EARLY IN SEASON IS A FIRST; TEXAS-OHIO ST IS TOPPER

Until this year, there had never been three top-10 matchups so early in a college football season.

The excitement for Texas-Ohio State in Columbus on Saturday has been building since the teams met in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes went on to win the national championship; the Longhorns are the preseason No. 1 team for the first time.

But there’s more!

No. 9 LSU visits No. 4 Clemson on Saturday night for a matchup featuring Heisman Trophy candidates Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik.

No. 6 Notre Dame plays at No. 10 Miami on Sunday night with the Irish’s CJ Carr making his first career start and Georgia transfer Carson Beck making his 28th but first for the Hurricanes.

Each of the the winners will collect a big pelt for its CFP resume. Each of the losers can take solace that getting beat by a top-10 opponent this early is not a playoff deal-breaker.

Best game

No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State, Saturday, noon ET (Fox)

The storylines are abundant.

It’s a rematch of last season’s CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, a 28-14 Ohio State win.

It’s the highest-ranked opener since No. 1 Alabama beat No. 3 Florida State 24-7 in Atlanta in 2017.

It’s a celebration of Arch Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli and grandson of Archie, who has sole ownership of the starting quarterback job for the first time and is key to the Longhorns’ hopes of making a third straight playoff appearance.

Get the AP Top 25 college football poll delivered straight to your inbox every week with AP T

It’s the first start for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who becomes the Buckeyes’ third different quarterback in three seasons.

It’s an anomaly with Ohio State a 2 1/2-point favorite as of Tuesday, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. This would be the first time a preseason No. 1-ranked team would enter its opener as the underdog, according to ESPN.

Heisman watch

Texas’ Manning, Clemson’s Klubnik and LSU’s Nussmeier are the top three early Heisman candidates, and they each have an opportunity to separate themselves from the pack.

Manning is the wagering favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook at 6-to-1. There’s more hype than substance to Manning at the moment, mostly because of his football lineage. His only starts last year were against Louisiana-Monroe and what would be a two-win Mississippi State. Manning’s stock skyrockets if he wins at the Horseshoe.

Klubnik and Nussmeier, both at 9-to-1, go head-to-head at Clemson. Klubnik had an incredible 36-6 touchdown-interception ratio last season. Nussmeier is the nation’s top returning QB in passing yards per game (311.7).

Numbers to know

6 — Total transfers signed by Clemson over the last five portal windows, fewest among power conference schools.

10 — Number of conferences, including all four power conferences, represented on Washington State’s 12-game schedule.

11 — Texas’ nation-best win streak in true road games.

25 — Ohio State’s nation-best win streak in season openers.

1939 — Last time Pittsburgh played Duquesne, whose campuses are two miles apart. They meet Saturday.

Under the radar

Utah at UCLA, Saturday, 11 p.m. ET (Fox)

Nico Iamaleava makes his first start for UCLA after leading Tennessee to the CFP last season. Devon Dampier, the Big 12 preseason newcomer of the year, makes his debut for the Utes after leading the Mountain West in total offense at New Mexico.

The Bruins went 4-2 after a 1-5 start and look to continue building under second-year coach Deshaun Foster. Utah lost seven straight during a 5-7 season and are counting on Dampier and new coordinator Jason Beck to spark an offense that ranked 115th.

Hot seat

It looked like Scott Satterfield had Cincinnati headed in the right direction when it knocked off eventual Big 12 champion Arizona State in mid-October for a 5-2 start. Then came five straight losses to end the season.

The Bearcats are 8-16 under Satterfield in two years. Before that, they were 53-11 with a CFP appearance over five seasons under Luke Fickell. Granted, Satterfield’s job has a higher degree of difficulty. His first season also was Cincinnati’s first in the Big 12 after 10 years in the American Conference.

Still, this is a critical season for him. He has a returning quarterback in Brendan Sorsby and one of the easiest Big 12 schedules. The Bearcats don’t play Arizona State or perennial contender Kansas State, and their toughest game, against Iowa State, is at home. They do have a challenging opener Thursday against Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: NO. 1 TEXAS-NO. 3 OHIO ST IS THE MAIN EVENT ON TANTALIZING SLATE OF GAMES

The college football season begins in earnest this week, and the schedule features three top-10 matchups that will give a leg up to the winners in the race to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. None is bigger than No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday.

There also are the usual early season mismatches that, barring upsets, will mean nothing in the big picture.

Of the 22 games involving Top 25 teams, nine of the opponents are from the second-tier Championship Subdivision. Overall, 47 of the 91 Week 1 games will involve an FCS team, tied for second most since 2010. There were 59 FBS-FCS Week 1 matchups last year.

The picks for FBS vs. FBS games, with Associated Press Top 25 rankings and lines from BetMGM Sportsbook:

No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State (minus 2 1/2)

Arch Manning in the Horseshoe against the defending national champions. Now that’s an opener! And guess what: these two teams might square off again in the postseason. It’s a big stage for untested Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin to start for the first time. Look for Jeremiah Smith to make game-turning plays.

Pick: Ohio State 31-28.

Nevada at No. 2 Penn State (minus 44 1/2)

Don’t expect Drew Allar and the rest of the starters to play much in the second half against the first of three straight lightweight opponents. Nevada lost six straight to end 2024 and is picked last in the Mountain West. The Wolfpack are playing the highest-ranked opponent in program history and will get $1.45 million for their trouble.

Pick: Penn State 52-3.

No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson (minus 3 1/2)

This is the best quarterback matchup of the week. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is the AP preseason All-America first-team QB; LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is the second-team QB. Both are leading Heisman Trophy contenders. Clemson gets the nod at home against an LSU team that has lost five straight openers.

Pick: Clemson 38-31.

Marshall (plus 39 1/2) at No. 5 Georgia

The only other time these teams met was in 2004. Marshall came in 0-2 with close losses to Troy and Ohio State and Georgia entered 2-0, ranked No. 3 and on its way to a 10-2 season. The Bulldogs narrowly escaped, winning 13-3. Kirby Smart and his guys won’t let it be that close.

Pick: Georgia 45-10.

No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami (plus 2 1/2)

The third, and final, top-10 matchup of the week pits Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck against an Irish defense bringing back seven starters from the team that reached the CFP championship game. CJ Carr, who played a total of four snaps for Notre Dame last season, gets his first start.

Pick: Miami 21-17.

No. 8 Alabama (minus 13 1/2) at Florida State

The Crimson Tide have ample motivation after a late-season slide kept them out of the CFP. Added fuel was added when Seminoles QB Thomas Castellanos said of the Tide: “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.” Alabama LB Deontae Lawson’s response: “All disrespect will be addressed accordingly.”

Pick: Alabama 35-17.

Virginia Tech vs. No. 13 South Carolina (minus 7 1/2) at Atlanta

A Beamer Bowl of sorts on Sunday. South Carolina coach Shane Beamer’s dad, Frank, was a beloved coach of the Hokies, and VaTech is where Shane played and spent five years as an assistant. Gamecocks won six straight to end last season and bring back rising star QB LaNorris Sellers. Hokies dual-threat QB Kyron Drones also could be a handful.

Pick: South Carolina 27-24.

New Mexico at No. 14 Michigan (minus 34 1/2)

The debut of QB Bryce Underwood makes this game worth watching, at least for a while. The No. 1 national recruit in the 2025 class should provide an immediate spark to what was the country’s worst passing offense outside the service academies. Lobos have their third coach in three years.

Pick: Michigan 55-7.

UTSA at No. 19 Texas A&M (minus 24 1/2)

Like Alabama, the Aggies are smarting from an underwhelming finish to 2024. A&M gets back Le’Veon Moss, who is coming off a knee injury that cost him the last four games. How much he’ll be used against the Roadrunners is to be determined. QB Marcel Reed will be too much to handle for UTSA.

Pick: Texas A&M 42-10.

Old Dominion at No. 20 Indiana (minus 23 1/2)

It’s going to be a while before we know if the Hoosiers have staying power after Curt Cignetti’s breakthrough season. The Monarchs, a middling Sun Belt Conference outfit, are the toughest of Indiana’s three nonconference opponents. Kennesaw State and Indiana State follow. Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza makes his Hoosiers debut.

Pick: Indiana 45-10.

Georgia State at No. 21 Mississippi (minus 35 1/2)

No surprise, the Rebels will have a new look. Lane Kiffin had a program-record eight players taken in the NFL draft and he brings back only four starters. His 30-man transfer class was one of the highest ranked in the country. The Sun Belt Conference’s Panthers, who won three games a year ago, get a $1.6 million guarantee.

Pick: Mississippi 55-14.

Syracuse vs. No. 24 Tennessee (minus 14), at Atlanta

Fifth-year QB Joey Aguilar set records in two seasons at Appalachian State, spent the spring at UCLA and moved to Rocky Top to take over for Nico Iamaleava. Aguilar is a dual threat who should be able to exploit a defense that was mediocre against the pass and gave up 5.02 yards per rush. Syracuse brings back only seven starters from its 10-win team.

Pick: Tennessee 31-10.

No. 25 Boise State (minus 6 1/2) at South Florida

The post-Ashton Jeanty era begins Thursday for the Broncos, who open on the road for the fifth straight year. QB Maddux Madsen and 14 other starters return from Boise’s CFP team. USF QB Byrum Brown is one of the American Conference’s best if he can stay healthy. Bulls prioritized upgrading their defense with offseason moves.

Pick: Boise State 28-21.

NORTH CAROLINA’S BILL BELICHICK TURNS TO GIO LOPEZ AS STARTING QB FOR OPENER AGAINST TCU

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina will start South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez at quarterback against TCU on Monday in Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut.

Belichick announced that Lopez would start during a news conference Wednesday. The Tar Heels secured Lopez’s commitment after spring drills and he joined formal team workouts in preseason camp as the expected front-runner for the job.

Belichick — who led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles as a head coach — said Lopez had “made a ton of progress” and would get the majority of practice reps leading up to a college version of Monday Night Football against the Horned Frogs.

“I feel very comfortable with him and what he’s doing,” Belichick said. “But he’ll get better as we go forward because we just will — we have a lot of practices in front of us, and a lot of games in front of us, and we’ll all learn a lot from those.

“I think he’s ready. But I think he’ll be like everybody: more ready as we go forward.”

Lopez, a 6-foot redshirt sophomore, threw for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns while also running for 463 yards and seven scores last year at South Alabama.

UNC’s quarterback room included veteran Max Johnson, who was battling back from a serious leg injury suffered as the opening-game starter last year; along with freshmen Bryce Baker and Au’Tori Newkirk.

BIG 10 FOOTBALL

WEEK ONE RELEASE

The 129th season of Big Ten football will commence this week, as Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers and Wisconsin kickoff the season on Thursday. The Scarlet Knights welcome Ohio to Piscataway, N.J., at 6 p.m. ET, while the Gophers host Buffalo at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. The Huskers will face Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the Badgers welcome Miami (OH) to Camp Randall Stadium at 9 p.m. ET.
Illinois and Michigan State will make their debuts on Friday, as the Spartans play host to Western Michigan at 7 p.m. ET, and the Illini welcome Western Illinois at 7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock. Twelve teams will open the season with Saturday matchups, highlighted by No. 3 Ohio State hosting No. 1 Texas at noon ET on FOX. The full Week 1 schedule appears to the right.
The 2025 Discover Big Ten Championship Game will be held on Saturday, December 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and will be broadcast by FOX. The winner will represent the conference as the Automatic Qualifier (AQ) to the College Football Playoff.
The National College Football Awards Association announced the 2025 watch lists July 28-Aug. 11. All 18 schools are represented with Oregon’s 21 honors leading the way, followed by Ohio State and Penn State’s 20, 18 for Indiana and Illinois with 14. The full list of Big Ten standouts featured on the 2025 NCFAA watch lists can be found on page 2.
The conference announced its 14th annual football preseason honors list. A media panel selected the 16-member preseason list, with student-athletes representing seven programs. The full list of honorees can be found on page 2.
The Big Ten will welcome a new coach to the sidelines for the 2025 campaign in Purdue’s Barry Odom.
The Big Ten claimed back-to-back national championship titles for the first time since 1942 last season as Ohio State defeated Notre Dame, 34-23, in the 2024 College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Buckeyes brought home their sixth national championship to the Horseshoe in Columbus and first since the inaugural CFP National Championship in the 2014-15 season.
In 2024-25, the four most viewed college football games of the season featured Big Ten teams, as did seven of the top 10, and 12 of the top 20. Three broadcast television partners – CBS, FOX and NBC – had at least one Big Ten matchup with more than 9.5 million viewers. Twenty-one Big Ten football games had an audience of more than five million viewers.
The Big Ten finished last season with five teams ranked in the AP Top 25, the second-most of any conference, including four teams ranked in the top 10. The 2025 AP Preseason Poll features six Big Ten teams in No. 2 Penn State, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 7 Oregon, No. 12 Illinois, No. 14 Michigan and No. 20 Indiana, while Iowa, Nebraska and USC received votes.
Abbott and the Big Ten Conference are kicking off Season 2 of the We Give Blood drive. The competition starts August 27, with fans receiving a custom Homefield school-specific t-shirt when they donate on Aug. 27 (while supplies last). Every donation can help save up to three lives — and someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.

WISCONSIN TRIES TO BOUNCE BACK FROM 2024 COLLAPSE AS IT HOSTS MIAMI (OHIO) IN SEASON OPENER

Miami (Ohio) at Wisconsin, Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Wisconsin by 17 1/2.

How to watch: BTN

Key stats

Miami (2024)

Overall offense: 352.7 yards per game (98th in FBS)

Passing: 217.4 yards per game (80th)

Rushing: 135.3 yards per game (91st)

Scoring: 24.1 points per game (96th)

Overall defense: 331.4 yards allowed per game (33rd)

Rushing: 137.1 yards allowed per game (47th)

Passing: 194.3 yards allowed per game (34th)

Scoring: 18.8 points allowed per game (15th)

Wisconsin (2024)

Overall offense: 350.3 yards per game (99th)

Passing: 196.7 yards per game (102nd)

Rushing: 153.7 yards per game (78th)

Scoring: 22.6 points per game (108th)

Overall defense: 342.7 yards allowed per game (41st)

Rushing: 165 yards allowed per game (91st)

Passing: 177.7 yards allowed per game (14th)

Scoring: 23.1 points allowed per game (47th)

Team leaders

Miami (2024)

Passing: Dequan Finn, 307 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 53.5 completion percentage (at Baylor)

Rushing: Jordan Brunson, 299 yards on 53 carries, 4 TDs

Receiving: Kam Perry, 166 yards on 10 catches, 0 TDs

Wisconsin (2024)

Passing: Billy Edwards Jr., 2,881 yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs, 65.0 completion percentage (at Maryland)

Rushing: Darrion Dupree, 317 yards on 79 carries, 1 TD

Receiving: Vinny Anthony, 672 yards on 39 catches, 4 TDs

Last game

Miami beat Colorado State 43-17 in the Arizona Bowl to cap a 9-5 season.

Wisconsin lost 24-7 at home to Minnesota to cap a five-game skid that ended a 5-7 campaign, snapping a string of 22 consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances.

Next game

Miami visits Rutgers and Wisconsin hosts Middle Tennessee on Sept. 6.

NEBRASKA PLAYS CINCINNATI IN SEASON OPENER FOR BOTH TEAMS AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM IN KANSAS CITY

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati at Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Nebraska by 6 1/2.

How to watch: ESPN

Key stats

Nebraska (2024)

Overall offense: 359.0 yards per game (94th in FBS)

Passing: 228.4 yards per game (103rd)

Rushing: 130.6 yards per game (97th)

Scoring: 23.5 points per game (103rd)

Overall defense: 317.9 yards allowed per game (18th in FBS)

Passing: 216.7 yards allowed per game (65th)

Rushing: 101.2 yards allowed per game (8th)

Scoring: 19.5 points allowed per game (17th)

Cincinnati (2024)

Overall offense: 420.6 yards per game (36th in FBS)

Passing: 236.5 yards allowed per game (89th)

Rushing: 184.1 yards allowed per game (36th)

Scoring: 24.6 points per game (64th)

Overall defense: 385.4 yards allowed per game (85th in FBS)

Passing: 228.8 yards allowed per game (74th)

Rushing: 162.7 yards allowed per game (88th)

Scoring: 26.0 points allowed per game (75th)

Team leaders

Nebraska (2024)

Passing: Dylan Raiola, 2,818 yards, 13 TDs, 11 INTs, 67.1 completion percentage

Rushing: Emmett Johnson, 598 yards on 117 carries, 1 TD

Receiving: Nyziah Hunter, 578 yards on 40 catches, 5 TDs (at California)

Cincinnati (2024)

Passing: Brendan Sorsby, 2,813 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs, 64.0 completion percentage

Rushing: Tawee Walker, 864 yards on 190 carries, 10 TDs (at Wisconsin)

Receiving: Caleb Goodie, 436 yards on 21 catches, 4 TDs (at Colorado State)

Last game

Nebraska beat Boston College 20-15 in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish 7-6.

Cincinnati lost to TCU 20-13 to finish 5-7 and miss a bowl game.

Next game

Nebraska plays its home opener against Akron on Sept. 6.

Cincinnati plays its home opener against Bowling Green the same day.

MINNESOTA OPENS THE SEASON AT HOME AGAINST BUFFALO AS A 17½-POINT FAVORITE

Buffalo at Minnesota, Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Minnesota by 17 1/2.

How to watch: FS1.

Key stats

Buffalo (2024)

Overall offense: 355.4 yards per game (95th in FBS)

Passing: 186.3 yards per game (110th)

Rushing: 169.1 yards per game (52nd)

Scoring: 28.8 points per game (59th)

Overall defense: 391.8 yards allowed per game (91st in FBS)

Passing: 245.2 yards allowed per game (108th)

Rushing: 146.6 yards allowed per game (62nd)

Scoring: 26.2 points allowed per game (79th)

Minnesota (2024)

Overall offense: 337.8 yards per game (107th in FBS)

Passing: 222.2 yards per game (76th)

Rushing: 115.6 yards per game (109th)

Scoring: 26.2 points per game (80th)

Overall defense: 285.7 yards allowed per game (5th in FBS)

Passing: 176.1 yards allowed per game (10th)

Rushing: 109.6 yards allowed per game (12th)

Scoring: 16.9 points allowed per game (9th)

Team leaders

Buffalo (2024)

Passing: C.J. Ogbonna, 2,381 yards, 19 TDs, 5 INTs, 56.5 completion percentage

Rushing: Al-Jay Henderson, 1,078 yards, 9 TDs (returning)

Receiving: Victor Snow, 651 yards, 55 catches, 6 TDs

Minnesota (2024)

Passing: Max Brosmer, 2,828 yards, 18 TDs, 6 INTs, 66.5 completion percentage

Rushing: Darius Taylor, 986 yards, 10 TDs (returning)

Receiving: Danny Jackson, 863 yards, 75 catches, 4 TDs

Last game

Buffalo beat Liberty 26-7 in the Bahamas Bowl to finish 9-4 under Pete Lembo for the most wins by a first-year head coach in program history.

Minnesota beat Virginia Tech 24-10 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to finish 8-5 and improve to 6-0 in bowl games under head coach P.J. Fleck.

Next game

Buffalo plays at home on Sept. 6 against Saint Francis, a Pennsylvania university in its final season in the FCS before moving down to the NCAA Division III level in 2026. Minnesota hosts FCS foe Northwestern State, which is on a 20-game losing streak, on Sept. 6.

RUTGERS LOOKS FOR 6TH STRAIGHT SEASON-OPENING WIN WHEN IT HOSTS OHIO

Ohio at Rutgers, Thursday, 6 p.m. EDT.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Rutgers by 15 1/2.

How to watch: Big Ten Network

Key stats

Rutgers (2024):

Overall offense: 382.7 yards per game (71st in FBS)

Passing: 207.4 yards per game (92nd)

Rushing: 175.3 yards per game (45th)

Scoring: 28.9 points per game (T-55th)

Overall defense: 393.8 yards allowed per game (95th in FBS)

Passing: 231.1 yards allowed per game (87th)

Rushing: 162.8 yards allowed per game (89th)

Scoring: 25.4 points allowed per game (71st)

Ohio (2024)

Overall offense: 405.6 yards per game (50th in FBS)

Passing: 192.4 yards per game (104th)

Rushing: 213.1 yards per game (12th)

Scoring: 29.1 points per game (54th)

Overall defense: 303.1 yards allowed per game (9th in FBS)

Passing: 212.6 yards allowed per game (50th)

Rushing: 90.6 yards allowed per game (4th)

Scoring: 18.1 points allowed per game (13th)

Team leaders

Rutgers (2024)

Passing: Athan Kaliakmanis, 2,696 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs, 53.9 completion percentage

Rushing: Kyle Monangai, 1,279 yards on 256 carries, 13 TDs

Receiving: Dymere Miller, 757 yards on 59 catches, 4 TDs

Ohio

Passing: Parker Navarro, 2,423 yards, 13 TDs, 11 INTs, 66.1 completion percentage

Rushing: Anthony Tyus III, 1,215 yards, 9 TDs

Receiving: Coleman Owen, 1,245 yards, 78 catches, 8 TDs

Last game

Rutgers lost 44-41 to Kansas State in the Rate Bowl.

Ohio defeated Jacksonville State 30-27 in the Cure Bowl.

Next game

Rutgers hosts Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 6. Ohio hosts West Virginia on Sept. 6.

MAC FOOTBALL

WEEK 1

Week 1 Football Release: http://bit.ly/4mDoM7j
Week 1 MAC Head Coaches Press Conferences: https://bit.ly/4oVQ4ak
2025 MAC Football Team-By-Team Preview Videos: https://bit.ly/3HUwk6l

Week 1 Schedule
Thursday, August 28
Lafayette at Bowling Green 6 PM ET (ESPN+)
Ohio at Rutgers 6 PM ET (BTN)
Wyoming at Akron 7 PM ET (ESPN+)
Buffalo at Minnesota 8 PM ET (FS1)
Miami at Wisconsin 9 PM ET (BTN)

Friday, August 29
Western Michigan at Michigan State 7 PM ET (FS1)
Central Michigan at San Jose State 10:30 PM ET (FS1)

Saturday, August 30
Merrimack at Kent State 12 PM ET (ESPN+)
Ball State at Purdue 12 PM ET (BTN)
Toledo at Kentucky 12:45 PM ET (SECN)
Temple at UMass 3:30 PM ET (ESPN+)
Holy Cross at Northern Illinois 3:30 PM ET (ESPN+)
Eastern Michigan at Texas State 8 PM ET (ESPN+)

Two Minute Drill

• The Toledo Rockets have been selected as favorites to win both the regular season crown and Mid-American Conference (MAC) Football Championship Game title in the 2025 Football Head Coaches Preseason Poll. Head Coaches were not allowed to vote for themselves in the poll. The Rockets received seven first place votes to claim the regular season championship, while notching six votes to win the 2025 conference title game.

• For the first time since 1968, the Ohio football team won the MAC Championship, defeating Miami 38-3 on Dec. 7, 2024. This marked the largest margin of victory in a MAC Championship Game. Additionally, this was Ohio’s first-ever MAC Football Championship Game title.

• The MAC posted five bowl wins following the 2024 regular season, the most in conference history. In total, the MAC had seven teams
appear in bowl games, the most since 2021. This marked the third straight year and the ninth time since 2011 that the MAC has had six or more programs reach bowl eligibility. Additionally, this was the 16th time in MAC history that five or more programs became bowl eligible in a single season.

• Four former MAC student-athletes were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft this past April. Darius Alexander (Toledo) was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round (65th Pick) before Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) was selected by the Cleveland Browns just two picks later. Western Michigan’s Bilal Kone (Baltimore Ravens, Sixth Round, 178th Pick) and Central Michigan’s Donte Kent (Pittsburgh Steelers, Seventh Round, 229th Pick) rounded out the MAC’s draft picks.

• Six new head coaches joined MAC football programs prior to the 2025 season: Mike Uremovich (Ball State), Eddie George (Bowling Green), Matt Drinkall (Central Michigan), Joe Harasymiak (UMass), Mark Carney (Interim, Kent State) and Brian Smith (Ohio).

• Nick Saban (Toledo, Kent State) and Urban Meyer (Bowling Green) were both named to the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class. Kent State men’s basketball alumnus Antonio Gates was inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of its 2025 Class.

_____

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

MLB ROUNDUP: CEDDANNE RAFAELA, RED SOX OVERTAKE O’S

Ceddanne Rafaela drilled a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the visiting Boston Red Sox to a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

Jarren Duran singled to lead off the ninth and set up Rafaela’s heroics for the Red Sox, who have gone 6-1 on their road trip.

Boston’s Roman Anthony led off the game with a homer. Starter Brayan Bello allowed two runs (one earned) over 6 2/3 innings before Greg Weissert (6-4) threw a perfect eighth and Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth.

Dylan Beavers went 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI for the Orioles. Keegan Akin (4-4) got out of a jam in the eighth before surrendering the go-ahead homer in the ninth.

Yankees 11, Nationals 2

Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Ryan McMahon and Ben Rice homered in a nine-run third inning that lasted about 40 minutes for host New York, which cruised to a rout of Washington.

Trent Grisham and Austin Wells also homered for the Yankees, who scored their second-most runs in an inning this season and had six homers for the fourth time this season.

Yankees starter Max Fried (14-5) threw seven innings of one-run ball. Nationals starter Cade Cavalli allowed eight runs (seven earned) and eight hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Guardians 4, Rays 3

Kyle Manzardo sharply singled to center off Griffin Jax to score automatic runner Angel Martinez in the 10th inning, giving Cleveland a victory over visiting Tampa Bay.

Manzardo’s two-out hit was his third walk-off of the season for the Guardians, which won the final two contests in the three-game series. Cleveland had lost six in a row and had a 28-inning scoreless streak until Tuesday.

Tampa Bay had built a 3-1 lead on Brandon Lowe’s two-run homer in the third against Slade Cecconi. Steven Kwan’s RBI single in the fifth off Drew Rasmussen pulled the Guardians within 3-2. Nolan Jones’ ninth-inning home run tied it.

Mariners 4, Padres 3

Eugenio Suarez hit a three-run homer and Seattle held on to defeat visiting San Diego. The Mariners took five of six games from the Padres in the inaugural season of the Vedder Cup, named for Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who has ties to both cities.

The Mariners overcame the shortest start of the season for Bryan Woo (12-7), who failed to go six innings for the first time in 26 outings. Woo allowed two runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Andres Munoz gave up a run in the ninth but got his 31st save.

Gavin Sheets and Fernando Tatis Jr. notched two singles and an RBI apiece for the Padres. San Diego starter Yu Darvish (3-4) allowed four runs on four hits in four innings.

Braves 12, Marlins 1

Jurickson Profar homered twice and Ozzie Albies added his third home run in two days as Atlanta claimed the decisive game of a three-game set at Miami.

Michael Harris II and Matt Olson also homered for the Braves, who collected 11 hits and 10 walks. Albies went 2-for-5 with five RBIs and Profar finished 2-for-3 with four runs, three walks and two RBIs. Joey Wentz (5-4) allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings.

Marlins starter Ryan Gusto (7-7) surrendered nine runs, seven hits and five walks in 3 2/3 innings. Jakob Marsee and Derek Hill posted two hits apiece, and Hill’s fifth-inning double drove in Miami’s run.

_____

GOLF NEWS

GOLF GLANCE: ELITE LPGA FIELD TAKES CENTER STAGE AT TPC BOSTON

Field Level Media’s Golf Glance provides weekly news and storylines from each of the major North American golf tours.

LPGA TOUR
LAST TOURNAMENT: CPKC Women’s Open (Brooke Henderson)
THIS WEEK: FM Championship, Norton, Mass., Aug. 28-31
Course: TPC Boston (Par 72, 6,533 Yards)
Purse: $4.1M (Winner: $615,000)
Defending Champion: Haeran Ryu
Race to the CME Globe leader: Jeeno Thitikul
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Sunday: 3-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Streaming: Thursday-Sunday: 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC Sports App, NBCSports.com)
X: @LPGA
NOTES: The event features the largest purse on tour outside of the majors and the CME Group Tour Championship. … The Arnold Palmer-designed TPC Boston has previously played host to the PGA Tour’s Deutsche Bank Championship and the Northern Trust. … The field includes 35 of the top 40 players in the Rolex World Rankings, led by No. 1 Thitikul and No. 2 Nelly Korda, who is still seeking her first victory of the season. The field also includes 21 of 23 winners on tour this season along with 21 rookies, led by Lottie Woad. … Lexi Thompson and Brittany Lincicome, who have retired from full-time schedules, are both playing this week.
NEXT TOURNAMENT: Kroger Queen City Championship, Hamilton Township, Ohio, Sept. 11-14

PGA TOUR
LAST TOURNAMENT: Tour Championship (Tommy Fleetwood)
THIS WEEK: OFF.
NEXT TOURNAMENT: Procore Championship, Napa, Calif., Sept. 11-14

LIV GOLF LEAGUE
LAST TOURNAMENT: Team Championship (Legion XIII)
THIS WEEK: Season Complete
Season Winners: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Legion XIII
NEXT TOURNAMENT: LIV Golf Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 5-7

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
LAST TOURNAMENT: The Ally Challenge (Stewart Cink)
THIS WEEK: OFF.
Charles Schwab Cup leader: Miguel Angel Jimenez
NEXT TOURNAMENT: Stifel Charity Classic, St. Louis, Sept. 5-7

_____

TENNIS NEWS

2 TOP-20 SEEDS FALL, NO. 5 JACK DRAPER WITHDRAWS AT U.S. OPEN

It was a bit of a bloody Wednesday on the men’s side of the U.S. Open in New York, with two top-20 seeds losing and No. 5 seed Jack Draper being forced to withdraw due to an arm injury.

Draper, who made his deepest Grand-Slam run to the semifinals of last year’s U.S. Open, has been transparent about being in recovery from a bone bruise on his left arm. He announced the news on X before his scheduled second-round match against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, who advanced to the third round via walkover.

“I’m sorry to say I’ll be withdrawing from the US open,” the British No. 1 posted on X Wednesday. “I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play but the discomfort in my arm has become too much and I have to do what is right and look after myself. Thank you for all the support.”

Belgium’s Raphael Collignon upset No. 12 seed Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 in a thriller which lasted 3 1/2 hours. Collignon, who overcame 17 double-faults and 61 unforced errors, broke Ruud at 5-5 in the fifth set and then clinched the win on his third match point to advance to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

“It was difficult,” Collignon said. “Casper is one of the toughest players in the world, and he wasn’t missing anything. My coach just told me to stay aggressive and take my chances when they came.”

No. 18 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain also saw his run come to an end. France’s Arthur Rinderknech eliminated him with a 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory. This comes just over two weeks after Rinderknech collapsed during a Cincinnati Open match and was forced to retire.

A few top seeds were able to survive the upset-heavy day of action. Fourth-seeded American Taylor Fritz advanced into the third round with a 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2, 6-4 win over South Africa’s Lloyd Harris.

No. 7 seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia dropped the first set to Zachary Svajda, but rallied for a 6(5)-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win. He reached the third round of the U.S. Open for the 19th time in his career, a record he now shares with Roger Federer. Djokovic has never lost in the first two rounds at the New York tournament.

No. 20 Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic defeated Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 3-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-4, and will face Collignon in the third round.

_____

TOP INDIANA HEADLINES/PRESS RELEASES

COLTS FOOTBALL

COLTS GM ON QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON: ‘WE’RE NOT TRADING HIM’

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear Wednesday that he is not entertaining trade offers for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The Colts announced last week that they are turning to free agent acquisition Daniel Jones over fellow former first-round pick Richardson as the team’s starting quarterback.

Many speculated that signals the end in Indianapolis for Richardson, who has struggled with injuries and accuracy since being selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It’s easy to say he’s done and I don’t agree,” Ballard said Wednesday. “I do not agree with that. I think overcoming challenges or obstacles along the way are good for anybody. I’m proud of Anthony of where he’s at, how far he’s come. He’s come miles.”

When asked if any team has reached out to potentially trade for Richardson, Ballard was succinct.

“No, but we’re not trading him,” he said.

Ballard admitted that he has been in communication with Richardson’s representatives but stressed that the team is not done with him.

“Not a lot of talks with AR but have had a lot of talks with his agent,” Ballard said. “Coaching staff, they talk to Anthony a bunch. One thing that’s getting overshadowed a little bit is Daniel. Both of them competed. … And at the end of the day, Daniel won the job. Does that mean we are done with Anthony? No. But I don’t want to dismiss the run he’s had here.”

For his career, Richardson has completed just 50.6 percent of his passes for 2,391 yards and 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 15 games. He has also rushed for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Richardson, 23, has been limited to 15 starts over his first two NFL seasons due to a myriad of injuries, including to his shoulder, oblique, foot, back and finger, as well as a concussion.

The Colts open the season Sept. 7 at home against the Miami Dolphins.

COLTS CLAIM LB CHAD MUMA OFF WAIVERS FROM JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, WAIVE DT TIM SMITH

Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today claimed linebacker Chad Muma off waivers (from Jacksonville) and waived defensive tackle Tim Smith.

Muma, 6-3, 239 pounds, participated in the Jaguars’ 2025 offseason program and training camp. He played in 50 career games (seven starts) in three seasons (2022-24) with Jacksonville and compiled 80 tackles (39 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed and 14 special teams stops. Muma appeared in two postseason contests and registered three solo tackles. He was originally selected by the Jaguars in the third round (70th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wyoming. His last name is pronounced MOO-ma.

Smith, 6-4, 306 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the sixth round (190th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Collegiately, he appeared in 64 career games (32 starts) at Alabama (2020-24) and registered 124 tackles (49 solo), 14.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble.

COLTS SIGN 14 PLAYERS TO PRACTICE SQUAD

Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today signed the following 14 players to the practice squad:

LB Austin Ajiake

RB Ulysses Bentley IV

RB Khalil Herbert

T Marcellus Johnson

WR Tyler Kahmann

CB Chris Lammons

TE Maximilian Mang

TE Sean McKeon

DE Durrell Nchami

WR Coleman Owen

G Josh Sills

DT Josh Tupou

C Mose Vavao

S Trey Washington

_____

INDIANA FEVER

GAME PREVIEW: FEVER HOST STORM AS PLAYOFF RACE INTENSIFIES

Indiana Fever vs Seattle Storm
Tuesday, August 26
Gainbridge Fieldhouse | 7:00 p.m. ET
Find Tickets »

Broadcast Information
TV: CBS Sports Network/FanDuel Sports Network
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

Probable Starters

Indiana Fever (19-18)

Guard – Odyssey Sims
Guard – Kelsey Mitchell
Forward – Lexie Hull
Forward – Natasha Howard
Center – Aliyah Boston

Seattle Storm (20-18)

Guard – Skylar Diggins
Guard – Brittney Sykes
Forward – Gabby Williams
Forward – Nneka Ogwumike
Center – Ezi Magbegor

GAME PREVIEW:

The Fever (19-18) begin a crucial week for their playoff push by hosting the Seattle Storm (20-18) on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Fever are one of four teams essentially competing for the final three playoff berths in the WNBA, with the other teams being Seattle, Golden State, and Los Angeles. All four teams currently have 18 losses, though they haven’t all played the same number of games.

The Fever will play each of those teams over their next three games, hosting Seattle on Tuesday before embarking on a three-game West Coast trip that begins on Friday in Los Angeles and continues on Sunday at Golden State.

This is the third and final meeting between the Fever and the Storm this season. Indiana won the first two meetings in Seattle on June 24 and Aug. 3 and therefore has the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Storm.

The Storm are in the midst of a five-game road trip and have won their first three games to start the trip, although none of those games were against current playoff teams.

Seattle’s roster features four All-Stars. Nneka Ogwumike leads the team in scoring (18.3 points per game) and rebounding (7.1 per contest). Skylar Diggins averages 15.7 points and 5.9 assists, while Gabby Williams contributes 12.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 steals. The storm also acquired All-Star guard Brittney Sykes from Washington at the trade deadline and Sykes has averaged 12.8 points over her first eight games with the Storm.

_____

PURDUE MEN’S GOLF

TRIO SELECTED AS BIG TEN GOLFERS TO WATCH FOR 2025-26 SEASON

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A trio of Boilermakers have been named to the Big Ten’s Golfers to Watch list for the upcoming 2025-26 season, the league office announced this afternoon.

Juniors Sam Easterbrook and Jenson Forrester and sophomore Supapon Amornchaichan are three of 54 golfers selected to the list. Each team has three representatives on the watch list.

Purdue will open the 2025-26 season this weekend, looking to reach the NCAA National Championships for the third straight season. The last time that happened was in 1965 to 1967.

Easterbrook was a 2025 first-team All-Big Ten selection a year ago for the Boilermakers after recording a 71.77 stroke average (eighth in school history) with six top-10 finishes and 19 rounds of even par or better. He won the prestigious Puerto Rico Classic and recorded other top-five finishes at the Hootie Intercollegiate, Boilermaker Invitational and Purdue Fall Invitational.

Forrester is coming off a strong sophomore campaign after transferring from East Tennessee State. As a sophomore a year ago, Forrester posted a 72.54 stroke average with eight rounds in the 60s and four top-10 showings, including a T-3 placing at the Hootie Intercollegiate.

Amornchaichan is on the list after a stellar ending to his freshman campaign last season. He finished tied for ninth at the NCAA Championships which followed a T-15 showing at the NCAA Auburn Regional. Amornchaichan set the school record for stroke average by a freshman at 73.03. His ninth-place finish at the NCAA Championships was the highest for a Boilermaker since 1961.

_____

PURDUE BASEBALL

23 NEWCOMERS JOIN THE TEAM AT ALEXANDER FIELD

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The new school year is underway on campus and Purdue Baseball has announced its new additions to the roster, a group of 23 that will compete for the program during the 2026 season this spring.

The Boilermakers are slated to start their eight-week fall practice calendar the week of Sept. 15. Open scrimmages are tentatively set for Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Alexander Field. The fall ball schedule features two exhibition games vs. Division I opponents (one home, one away) and the Black & Gold Series in late October. Fall dates for gameday action open to the public will be announced in the coming weeks.

After having 20 graduates in the Class of 2024 and 17 more this past spring, restocking the roster has become an annual endeavor for Purdue’s coaching staff. This year’s influx of newcomers is a mix of transfers from all levels plus the freshmen, replenishing all areas of the team in the process.

Under seventh-year head coach Greg Goff, Purdue has won 30 games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2010-12. The 2025 team enjoyed an 18-2 start and won twice at Alexander Field via walk-off home runs. The 2024 team’s program-record 11-game Big Ten win streak vaulted the Boilermakers into first place in the Big Ten in May during a season in which they hit a record 75 home runs. Attendance records have been set at Alexander each of the last three years.

Two NJCAA All-American pitchers from the 2025 recruiting class signed on to play professionally in July. Luke Fernandez (Wallace State JC), Perfect Game’s 2025 JUCO Pitcher of the Year, was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 16th round of the MLB Draft and opted to sign. Peyton Niksch (Kankakee JC) chose to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers as an undrafted free agent. They were Purdue’s first incoming signees to choose the pro ball route since Bishop Letson, an 11th round draft pick of the Brewers in 2023.

RECRUITING CLASS BREAKDOWN
• 23 Total Newcomers
• 5 Freshmen
• 18 Transfers (8 Four-Year, 10 Junior College)
• Players from 13 U.S. States plus 1 from Quebec
• By Position: 11 Pitchers (6 RHP, 5 LHP), 7 Infielders, 2 Outfielders, 2 Catchers, 1 Utility

#9 Ali Banks, Infielder/Outfielder – Stone Mountain, Ga. (Parkview/Georgia Highlands JC)

• Athletic utility man capable of playing center field and the middle infield

• .379/.503/.534 slash line across 309 at-bats over two seasons at Georgia Highlands, which compiled a combined 101-22 record

• Batted .429 with 18 XBH, 49 RBI and 24 stolen bases in 2025

• Played in the 2024 NJCAA Division I World Series, starting all five games in left field and hitting a three-run homer in a victory

#5 Jackson Bessette, Catcher – Bartlett, Ill. (South Elgin/UIC)

• Two-year starting catcher at UIC, starting all 101 games in which he played the last two seasons

• .296/.412/.506 slash line across 438 career at-bats for the Flames

• Batted .319 with 12 doubles, eight homers and 49 runs scored in 2024; connected for nine homers while drawing 46 free passes in 2025

• Enjoyed a multi-homer game at Alexander Field in 2025 and a five-hit game at Northwestern in 2023

#22 Jacob Boland, RHP – Cincinnati, Ohio (Fairfield/Chipola JC)

• Pitched 30 innings across 14 appearances (2 starts) in his freshman season at Chipola College in Florida, recording 29 strikeouts vs. nine walks and a 1.33 WHIP

• Reliable starter for the Greenville Yard Gnomes of the Coastal Plain League in the summer of 2025, working 37 1/3 innings over nine appearances

• Did not allow an earned run over 13 innings while winning consecutive starts for Greenville in late July

• Struck out 12 over six innings in his finest start as a high school senior, earning FHS Athlete of the Week honors

#6 Westin Boyle, Infielder – Overland Park, Kan. (St. Thomas Aquinas)

• First Team All-State shortstop with a high contact rate and the athleticism to be a long term middle infielder

• Helped lead St. Thomas Aquinas to back-to-back KSHSAA Class 5A state titles and a combined 50-11 record as an upperclassman

• Ranked as Kansas’ No. 1 shortstop in his graduating class by Perfect Game; batted .391 as a junior

• Shared KHSB-TV’s Hy-Vee Athlete of the Week honors in 2025 with his younger brother Lincoln, a two-way standout in the Class of 2026

#25 Jimmy Dionne, First Baseman – Quebec City, Quebec (Academy of Baseball Canada/Howard JC)

• 2025 NJCAA Second Team All-American after hitting 22 home runs in his second year at Howard College in Texas

• Lefthanded power hitter can also play the outfield

• .410/.455/.800 slash line in 305 career at-bats at Howard, batting over .400 both years and powering up for 45 XBH and 79 RBI in 2025

• Played summer ball for Kelowna of the West Coast League in 2025 and Amsterdam of the Perfect Game League in 2024

#1 Dylan Drake, Infielder – Sacramento, Calif. (Christian Brothers/Sacramento City JC)

• Batted .395 with 16 XBH in his second year at Sac City College, missing all of April with a broken collarbone before returning to the lineup for the 3C2A Super Regionals

• .354/.460/.497 slash line in 288 career at-bats at Sac City

• Batted .521 as a high school senior to win San-Joaquin Section North Player of the Year accolades

• Played summer ball for the Mankato Moondogs of the Northwoods League in 2025

#31 Zach Erdman, LHP – Keller, Texas (Keller/Texas Tech)

• Three-year letterwinner at Texas Tech made 28 appearances and seven starts while throwing 61 2/3 innings

• As a sophomore, pitched well in starts vs. Arkansas, Stanford and Oklahoma State (at the Big 12 Tournament)

• First Team All-District 4-6A and TSWA/Blue Bell 6A honorable mention All-State as a high school senior

• Played summer ball in the California Collegiate League in 2023 (Santa Barbara) and 2025 (Arroyo Seco), posting a 1.29 ERA and 21 strikeouts vs. three walks across six starts this past summer

#23 Jarvis Evans, LHP – Buford, Georgia (Georgia Premier Academy/South Carolina)

• Three-year letterwinner in the Southeastern Conference, pitching 107 2/3 career innings for South Carolina (2025) and Georgia (2023-24)

• Quality start at Tennessee (6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, BB, 5 K) headlined his four SEC starts for South Carolina, working 47 1/3 innings across 13 appearances overall

• 72 strikeouts vs. 54 hits allowed in 60 1/3 innings for Georgia, making 10 starts and pitching in an NCAA Regional final in 2024

• Went 9-2 with a 0.78 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings as a high school senior

• Played summer ball in the MLB Draft League (West Virginia, 2022) and Valley League (Charlottesville, 2023; Purcellville, 2022)

#34 Tro Fellings, LHP – Kalamazoo, Mich. (Kalamazoo Central)

• Two-time MLive.com Kalamazoo-area Dream Team selection as a two-way standout at KCHS

• MHSBCA East-West All-Star Game selection to earn the right to play in the state showcase at Comerica Field

• Enjoyed a breakout season as a junior, giving up just eight hits and one earned run while striking out 49 over 29 2/3 innings – posting school records for ERA (0.24) and batting average against (.082)

• Had over 100 career hits at the plate for KCHS

#10 Noah Filer, RHP – Wayzata, Minn. (Wayzata)

• MSHSBCA Class AAAA Player of the Year and a finalist for Minnesota Mr. Baseball as a senior

• Went 7-0 with 67 strikeouts vs. 26 hits allowed in 47 innings, posting a 0.87 ERA for WHS team that went 26-1 and finished third at state in 2024

• Selected to pitch in the Minnesota Twins High School All-Star Baseball Series in 2025

• 12-1 career record at the varsity level

#7 Sam Flores, Infielder – Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin/Kansas State)

• Corner infielder played in 37 games in his lone season at Kansas State, posting a .283/.348/.424 slash line with eight XBH and 17 RBI in 99 at-bats

• Played in the 2024 NJCAA Division I World Series during his two years at McClennan Community College

• Enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, batting .316 with 68 RBI as a First Team All-Conference and two-time conference Player of the Week honoree

• District 15-5A Offensive Player of the Year and UIL District 16-5A Offensive MVP after batting .500 as a senior at Lufkin HS

#28 Kaden Frei, Infielder – West Orange, N.J. (Seton Hall Prep)

• High IQ middle infielder with elite instincts and speed

• Batted .388 with 21 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 80 at-bats while leading Seton Hall Prep to a 22-2 record (10-0 in conference) as a senior

• Also stole 19 bases during his junior season

• Selected to represent Team New England at the 2024 Prep Baseball Futures Games

#11 Lucas Grant, LHP – Joliet, Ill. (Joliet Academy)

• Prep Baseball First Team All-State and East Suburban Catholic Conference Pitcher of the Year as a senior

• Dominated as a senior, racking up 116 strikeouts vs. 13 walks in 66 innings while posting a 1.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and .125 batting average against

• Struck out 18 in a one-hit shutout in a 2025 IHSA Class 3A Regional championship game victory

• Also struck out 15 over six shutout innings in a victory vs. a top-10 ranked team in the state

#37 Jackson Greer, RHP – Dallas, Ga. (North Paulding/Georgia Highland JC)

• Key arm in the bullpen during his lone season at Georgia Highlands, helping GHC post a 45-12 record

• Earned five saves and two wins in 22 appearances, racking up 41 strikeouts vs. 33 hits allowed in 34 2/3 innings (10.6 K/9, 1.18 WHIP)

• Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference All-Tournament Team after closing out the semifinal and championship game victories on consecutive days, recording nine strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings of three-hit ball

• Georgia Dugout Club first team all-state in 2023 at NPHS, racking up 78 strikeouts in 64 innings while posting a 1.23 ERA and 0.82 WHIP

#14 Ross Highfill, Catcher/Outfielder – Madison, Miss. (Madison Central/Mississippi State)

• Athletic utility man played in 88 games primarily as a catcher at Mississippi State, but can also play center field

• At MSU, Racked up eight doubles and nine homers in 121 at-bats as a freshman in 2023; stole 12 bases while making 35 starts in 2025

• Played summer ball for the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Code League in 2023

• Helped Madison HS win the 2021 Mississippi Class 6A state title, batting .400 with a .504 OBP and 45 RBI

#42 Thomas Howard, RHP – Lexington, Ky. (Fredrick Douglass/John A. Logan JC)

• Great Rivers Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year during his lone season at John A. Logan College; redshirted in 2024 at Louisville

• Registered a 2.69 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 73 strikeouts while posting an 8-2 record in 2025, helping his team post a 49-10 record

• All-state in baseball and football at Frederick Douglass HS, recording 66 strikeouts in 51 innings as a senior and a 1.48 ERA as a junior

• Ranked as Kentucky’s No. 3 player and No. 1 righthanded pitcher in his graduating class by Perfect Game

#16 Trevor Kester-Johnson, LHP – Morgan Hill, Calif. (Live Oak/Santa Barbara City JC)

• Pitched two seasons at Santa Barbara City College after a redshirt year at UC Santa Barbara in 2023

• Made 19 appearances in 2025, posting a 1.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 6.1 hits per nine innings

• Earned three victories and a save while recording 23 strikeouts vs. 16 hits allowed in 23 2/3 innings

• Pitched four innings of one-hit relief over two appearances in the 3C2A Southern California regional playoffs vs. Fullerton

#30 Graham Kollen, RHP – Fort Wayne, Ind. (Homestead/Huntington University)

• Workhorse and two-time all-conference honoree as a four-year letterwinner at NAIA Huntington University, earning 20 wins while pitching 256 innings over 59 appearances (39 starts)

• Strikeout rate improved to 11.0 K/9 (94 K in 77 IP) as a senior

• Also had 94 strikeouts in 82 1/3 innings as a sophomore while posting a 2.84 ERA and 1.14 WHIP

• Played summer ball in the Northwoods League (Kalamazoo Growlers, 2024 & 2025) and Prospect League (Lafayette Aviators, 2023)

#55 Jake Kramer, RHP – Greensburg, Pa. (Hempfield/California University [Pa.])

• Two-time NCBWA All-American closer at Division II California University (Pa.)

• Set team and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference records with 27 career saves while also earning 11 victories in 59 appearances over three years

• Earned four wins and 10 saves while posting a 1.47 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and .155 batting average against in 2024; had four wins and 11 saves the following year

• Played summer ball in the Coastal Plain League (Morehead City Marlins, 2025) and Prospect League (Johnstown Mill Rats, 2023), registering an immaculate inning for Morehead City

#8 Quincy Malbrough, Outfielder – Loomis, Calif. (Del Oro/Folsom Lake JC)

• Two-year starting outfielder at Folsom Lake College

• Posted a .359/.475/.516 slash line with 41 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 2024

• An extended illness impacted his sophomore season but still finished with a .325 average and .425 OBP in 292 career at-bats at Folsom

• Played summer ball for the Wenatchee AppleSox of the West Coast League in 2025

#17 Trey Swiderski, Outfielder – Joliet, Ill. (Joliet Academy/John A. Logan JC)

• Posted a .335/.408/.623 slash line with 26 homers, 62 XBH and 35 stolen bases in his two seasons at John A. Logan College

• All-Conference and Gold Glove winner in 2025, collecting 19 doubles and 59 RBI while helping his team post a 49-10 record

• Originally signed with Louisville as a high school senior, transferring at the semester break during the 2023-24 school year; made an immediate impact for John A. Logan with 14 home runs and 61 RBI while going 19 of 20 in stolen base attempts that spring

• Player summer ball for the Kenosha Kingfish of the Northwoods League in 2024

#2 Charlie Vercruysse, Infielder – Bloomington, Ill. (University/Notre Dame)

• Versatile middle infielder redshirted as a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2025

• 2025 All-Star and Player of the Week honoree during successful summer ball season with the Lima Locos of the Great Lakes League

• Posted a .364/.477/.420 slash line with 21 RBI and eight steals in 88 at-bats for the Lima Locos

• Three-year First Team All-Conference honoree at University HS, setting a school record with 137 career hits

#15 Zach Zychowski, Infielder – Cedar Lake, Ind. (Hanover Central/Southwestern Illinois JC)

• Two-year starting shortstop at Southwestern Illinois College, batting .367 with 29 XBH, 80 RBI, 58 walks and 41 stolen bases

• Posted a .376/.465/.495 slash line with 13 doubles and 23 stolen bases in 2025

• Played summer ball for the Normal CornBelters of the Prospect League in 2024 and 2025

• Batted .324 with a .452 OBP, 17 XBH and 31 RBI in 176 at-bats in 2024 for Normal

_____

PURDUE FOOTBALL

GAME 1 PREP: BOILERS HOST BALL STATE TO BEGIN ODOM ERA

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue begins its 138th season of football, including the 102nd at Ross-Ade Stadium, by hosting Ball State. Kickoff for the in-state matchup is set for noon on BTN.

QUICK HITS

The 2025 season opener kicks off the Barry Odom era at Purdue. Odom was named as the 38th head coach of the Boilermakers on December 8, 2024.

The Boilermakers and Cardinals are meeting for the first time since the 2010 season, a 24-13 Purdue victory. Purdue leads the all-time series 8-0 with all eight matchups occurring in West Lafayette.

Leading the Boilermakers throughout the season on the field are eight captains selected by the team: QB Ryan Browne, DB An’Darius Coffey, DB Tony Grimes, WR Michael Jackson III, RB Devin Mockobee, LB Mani Powell, DE CJ Madden and OL Jalen St. John.

Purdue begins the season with a three-game homestand, the longest stretch at home to start a season since 2018. That 2018 homestand ended with Barry Odom leading the Missouri Tigers to a 40-37 victory over the Boilermakers.

Odom has coached three All-Americans and 36 all-conference selections in six seasons as a head coach.

Last year, Purdue became the first team in history to face five College Football Playoff teams in a single season.

Linebacker Mani Powell, who played under Odom at UNLV, was named to the Butkus Award Watch List heading into this season.

The veteran on a roster consisting of 82 new Boilermakers, Devin Mockobee enters his fifth season at Purdue. Starting his career as a walk-on, he has gone from not playing a single snap in 2021 to leading Purdue in rushing in each of the past three seasons.

Mockobee enters his senior season ranked in the program Top 10 in several career categories: 100-yard rushing games (6th), rushing yards (9th), rushing touchdown (10th).

Mockobee made four watch lists heading into the 2025 season: Doak Walker, Wuerffel, AFCA Good Works Team, Senior Bowl Top 30.

Odom named Ryan Browne as Purdue’s starting quarterback heading into the season. Browne played in eight games for the Boilermakers a season ago, including one start. After spending the spring with North Carolina, Browne returned home to West Lafayette and won the starting job.

Purdue is known for the Cradle of Quarterbacks. Entering the 2025 NFL season, Purdue quarterbacks have thrown for 1,401 touchdowns in the Super Bowl era, more passing TDs than any other college. Cal (1,165) is second with 236 fewer touchdowns.

Offensive lineman Ethan Trent, brother of the late Purdue superfan Tyler Trent, earned a scholarship in the spring. After spending his first two seasons as a walk-on with limited action, he has worked his way into the offensive line rotation heading into the 2025 campaign.

ANOTHER SEASON OF PURDUE FOOTBALL

The Boilermakers kick off their 138th season of football in 2025.

Purdue holds a 79-52-6 mark in season openers, while going 93-39-4 in home openers. The Boilermakers have won 23 of their last 27 home openers.

Ross-Ade Stadium has been Purdue’s home for 101 seasons, marking the 2025 campaign as the 102nd full season.

Purdue closed out the 1924 season with its first game at Ross-Ade, a 26-7 Homecoming win over Indiana (Nov. 22, 1924).

THE ODOM ERA BEGINS

Guiding one of the greatest resurgences in college football over the past two seasons, Barry Odom was named the new head football coach of the Purdue Boilermakers on December 8, 2024.

Odom, 48, became the 38th head coach in the history of Purdue Football, coming to West Lafayette following what could be considered the most impressive gridiron campaign in UNLV’s school history. The Rebels reached double-digit wins for only the third time in program history (1974, 1984), with both previous seasons predating the program’s move up to Division I competition and the Mountain West Conference, respectively.

For his head coaching career, Odom possesses a 44-33 overall record over six seasons, four at Missouri (2016-19) and two at UNLV (2023-24). His 19-8 mark with the Rebels bears significance in that the five seasons prior to his arrival (2017-22), UNLV won just 20 games.

Odom has a defensive background. A linebacker during his playing days at Missouri (1996-99), he has racked up seven seasons as a defensive coordinator over three stops: Memphis (2012-14), Missouri (2015) and Arkansas (2020-22).

HARD, SMART, TOUGH

The three core principles of a Barry Odom-coached program are: hard, smart and tough. Playing football that way helped Odom’s UNLV teams succeed in all three phases of the game each of the past two seasons.

Odom’s defenses have made 17 interceptions in both the 2023 season and the 2024 campaign. The 34 INTs were the second most recorded by a team over the past two years. The defenses also forced 49 turnovers during the two-year span, ranking fifth nationally.

Odom’s teams have put up points over the past two seasons, averaging 34.4 points per game in 2023 (22nd nationally) and 36.2 ppg in 2024 (14th nationally). The 953 total points throughout both 2023 and 2024 ranked sixth in the country.

Odom emphasizes special teams, realizing it brings a winning edge to a program. In 2023, Odom’s Rebels made 26-of-29 field goals for an 89.7 percent clip. Last season, his special teams unit blocked five punts to lead the nation.

ADDING THROUGH THE PORTAL

It’s a brand-new era under head coach Barry Odom. With a coaching change, there always comes roster turnover. Odom welcomed at least 50 transfers in each of his two seasons at UNLV, attacking the portal to produce two of the best seasons in UNLV history.

Heading into the 2025 campaign, Purdue has welcomed 54 transfers, which leads the nation. Add in high school signees and walk-ons, 82 Boilermakers are new to the program.

Forty-six players practiced for the first day on the opening day of fall camp as post-spring practice additions.

HERE COMES THE MOCKTRAIN

From walk-on to phenom, Devin Mockobee will finish his career as one of the best running backs in Purdue history.

Mockobee has led the rushing attack for the Boilermakers in each of the last three seasons, amassing 2,466 yards on 505 carries with 19 touchdowns.

The Boonville, Ind., native is the most experienced returner with 37 appearances and 23 starts at Purdue.

The senior was named to the Doak Walker Award, Wuerffel Trophy and AFCA Good Works Team Watch Lists, as well as the Senior Bowl Top 300 list.

Mockobee did not entertain entering the transfer portal after last season, instead focusing on completing his mechanical engineering technology degree. His close connection to running backs coach Lamar Conard (2000 Purdue graduate), who was retained by Barry Odom, also was a major factor in staying at Purdue.

Mockobee has already climbed into the top 10 at Purdue in several career categories: 10th in career rushing attempts (505), ninth in career yards (2,466), 10th in rushing touchdowns (19) and sixth in 100-yard rushing games (8).

The junior is 44 yards away from becoming just the eighth Boilermaker in history to rack up 2,500 career rushing yards.

The MockTrain is the ninth running back to lead Purdue in rushing for three straight seasons since 1946.

He started his career by setting a new Purdue freshman record with 968 rushing yards while also adding nine touchdowns in 2022. After being put on scholarship, he led the team in rushing once again with 807 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He posted 687 yards and four scores in 2024.

He is one of 13 Big Ten running backs to rush for 650 yards in the last 10 years, a list that includes Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor and Nicholas Singleton.

Mockobee’s impact can be felt beyond the field after donating $10,000 to youth football in his hometown during the offseason.

WHAT CAN BROWNE DO FOR YOU

Ryan Browne was named the starting quarterback by head coach Barry Odom in the last week of fall camp after a competition with Malachi Singleton, Bennett Meredith and Evans Chuba and Garyt Odom.

Browne served as a backup for the Boilermakers last year, making one start, before spending the spring semester under Bill Belichick at North Carolina. He transferred back to Purdue during the spring portal window.

Browne appeared in eight games last season, throwing for 532 yards and four touchdowns with a QB efficiency of 127.5. He rushed for 241 yards on 50 carries.

Making his first career start in place of an injured Hudson Card, Browne rose to the occasion and nearly led Purdue to the biggest comeback in program history at No. 23 Illinois (Oct. 12, 2024).

The Clarkston, Michigan, native became just the sixth Boilermaker quarterback to eclipse 100 yards rushing in a game, joining Phipps, Bob Bobrowski, Gary Danielson, Rob Henry and Kirsch. His 118 rushing yards were the most by a Purdue quarterback since Henry at 132 at Northwestern on Oct. 9, 2010.

Browne’s day on the ground eclipsed his 85-yard day he had in relief against Northwestern a season ago, but he joined Drew Brees as the only Purdue quarterbacks (since 1996) to produce a pair of 80-yard rushing games.

For his performance against the Illini, Browne earned a 90.9 grade from PFF, the best by a Purdue QB on the road since at least 2008.

A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE

A season ago, Purdue faced the toughest schedule in college football history. Five Boilermaker opponents ended up making the College Football Playoff in 2024. No other team had as many playoff opponents on its schedule, and due to the CFP expanding to 12 teams last year, Purdue became the first team in history to face five playoff teams in one season.

This season, the Boilermakers have another tough schedule that includes three CFP teams from 2024 (Notre Dame, Ohio State, Indiana) and five opponents ranked in the Preseason Top 25: No. 6 Notre Dame (Sept. 20), No. 12 Illinois (Oct. 4), No. 14 Michigan (Nov. 1), No. 3 Ohio State (Nov. 8), and No. 20 Indiana (Nov. 28).

Purdue faces the past two national champions, Michigan and Ohio State, in back-to-back weeks to kick off the month of November.

The 2025 slate was tabbed the 18th hardest in the nation by ESPN Football Power Index and 13th in Phil Steele’s preseason guide.

Purdue’s trip to Washington for Game 11 will tie for the eighth-longest road trip in program history at 2,187 miles.

IN-STATE OPPOSITION

A schedule rarity, Purdue will play three opponents from the state of Indiana this season.

After beginning the season against Ball State, the Boilermakers will square off with Notre Dame for the Shillelagh Trophy on Sept 20.

Purdue will close the regular season with the 100th Old Oaken Bucket Game against Indiana on Black Friday (Nov. 28)

It marks the second straight season the Boilermakers will face three in-state foes and just the fifth time in the last 25 years.

EXPERIENCE WELCOMED

Purdue’s coaching staff was deliberate in finding players who could make an instant impact when signing players out of the transfer portal with 41 of the 54 additions bringing at least one game of experience in their career.

Of the 41 players with collegiate experience, the group combined to average 23.9 games of experience throughout their career.

Six new Boilermakers arrived in West Lafayette with 40 or more games played in their careers (Tony Grimes – 50, Christian Moore – 46, An’Darius Coffey – 45, Chauncey Magwood – 41, Jack McCallister – 41, Tahj Ra-El – 40), while nine other have 30 games of experience.

Fifteen of Purdue’s transfers started the final seven games at their previous stop.

THE CAPTAINS

At the end of fall camp, head coach Barry Odom announced the eight Boilermakers named captain for the 2025 campaign.

Quarterback Ryan Browne, defensive backs An’Darius Coffey and Tony Grimes, wide receiver Michael Jackson III, running back Devin Mockobee, linebacker Mani Powell, defensive end CJ Madden and offensive lineman Jalen St. John were elected after a vote by the team.

Six of the selections are seniors in their final season, while Browne and Madden represent a young leadership group that bought into the new culture under Odom.

Jackson III and Coffey made a quick impact in the locker room to earn their selection after joining Purdue following the conclusion of spring ball.

TRENT EARNS A SCHOLARSHIP

Offensive lineman Ethan Trent came to West Lafayette with a family legacy already deeply entrenched in Purdue history. His older brother Tyler became a cult-hero for the Boilermaker faithful during the 2018 season. The Purdue superfan continued passionately cheering on his favorite team despite his battle with a rare form of bone cancer.

Tyler’s story was shared on ESPN College Gameday ahead of the Boilers’ matchup against No. 3 Ohio State. In what became known as “The Tyler Trent Game,” Purdue dominated the Buckeyes in a 49-20 upset rout in Ross-Ade. Ethan, who appeared multiple times in the Gameday piece, was the one pushing Tyler’s wheelchair as the pair stormed the field along with thousands of other fans.

Entering his freshman year of college in 2023, Ethan joined the football team as a preferred walk-on. Last season, he made his Boilermaker debut and appeared in three games.

Impressing head coach Barry Odom with his hard work and quickly becoming a major piece to the Purdue offensive line, Ethan earned a scholarship during the spring.

WATCH LIST SEASON

A pair of Boilermakers were recognized during watch list season this summer.

Transfer linebacker Mani Powell was named to the Butkus Award Watch List, as one of the 51 best linebackers in the nation and one of 12 from the Big Ten.

Running back Devin Mockobee was honored for his play on the field on the Senior Bowl Top 300 List and the Doak Walker Award Watch List.

Mockobee was also recognized for the AFCA Good Works Team and Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, following a $10,000 contribution to youth football in his hometown.

RETURNING PRODUCTION

As head coach Barry Odom and his staff flipped the roster, a committed group of returners bought into the system looking to guide Purdue’s reemergence back on the national stage.

Twenty-eight returners on the roster have appeared in at least one game for Purdue, while only five have played 12 games or more.

Just six players have started for Purdue, led by Devin Mockobee’s 23 starts. Smiley Bradford (4) is the lone defensive returner to start at Purdue (De’Nylon Morrissette – 4, Ryan Browne – 2, George Burhenn – 1, Bennett Meredith – 1).

COACHING CONNECTIONS

After an incredible two-year run at UNLV, head coach Barry Odom brought eight players and three coaches, two analysts and four additional staff members with him when he arrived in West Lafayette.

Odom has a solid contingent of former players from his time at Missouri on his staff, including defensive coordinator Mike Scherer, defensive ends coach Jake Trump, general manager Brandon Lee, senior defensive analyst Ronnell Perkins, defensive analyst

Odom is the definition of a players’ coach, as seven of his former players are on his 2025 staff: DeMarkus Acy (defensive analyst), Brandon Lee (general manager), Jack Lowary (defensive analyst), Ronnell Perkins (senior defensive analyst), Mike Scherer (defensive coordinator/linebackers coach), Tre’vour Simms (offensive analyst), Jake Trump (defensive ends coach).

Trump and defensive line coach Kelvin Green worked under Odom while he was the defensive coordinator at Arkansas. Trump was with Odom for all three seasons in Fayetteville (2020-22), while Green joined Odom’s defensive staff for the 2022 campaign.

Offensive coordinator Josh Henson worked alongside Odom at Missouri for three seasons when both were assistants for Gary Pinkel.

COMPLETE GAME NOTES: https://purduesports.com/documents/f6dd2f6d-59db-4e03-a178-871ca3a51661.pdf

SMALL COLLEGE WEB SITES

UINDY ATHLETICS: https://athletics.uindy.edu/

MARIAN ATHLETICS: https://muknights.com/

INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/

EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/

WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/

FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/

ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/

ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index

TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index

BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/

DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/

HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/

MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/

HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/

OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx

ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index

IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/

IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/

IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/

PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/

INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx

GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/

GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/

HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php

TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/

VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index

_____

“SPORTS EXTRA”

TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

Aug. 28

1918 – Tris Speaker was suspended for the rest of the season because of his assault on umpire Tom Connolly following a dispute at home plate in Philadelphia.

1926 — Emil Levsen of the Cleveland Indians pitched two complete-game victories over the Boston Red Sox, 6-1 and 5-1. He did not strike out a batter in either game. The Indians used the identical lineup in both games.

1951 — The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the New York Giants 2-0, snapping the Giants’ 16-game winning streak. The streak enabled the Giants to cut the Dodgers 13½-game lead to six.

1971 — In the nightcap of a doubleheader, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Rick Wise hit two home runs to help himself to a 7-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

1977 — Steve Garvey of Los Angeles hit three doubles and two home runs in five at-bats, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. One of Garvey’s homers was a grand slam.

1977 — In a 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, Nolan Ryan of the California Angles struck out 11 batters to pass the 300-strikeout plateau for the fifth time in his career.

1987 — Mike Schmidt passes Ted Williams and Willie McCovey with 522 home runs

1990 — Ryne Sandberg became the first second baseman in history to have consecutive 30-homer seasons, leading the Cubs to a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

1992 — The Milwaukee Brewers set an American League record with 31 hits and 26 singles in a 22-2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays.

2003 — Eric Gagne set a major league record with his 44th straight save this season as Los Angeles beat Houston 6-3. Gagne eclipsed Tom Gordon’s 1998 record of 43 in a row to begin a season.

2008 — Cristian Guzman of the Nationals became the second player to hit for the cycle since the franchise moved to Washington, driving in three in an 11-2 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2014 — San Francisco’s Yusmeiro Petit set a major league record when he retired his 46th batter in a row, and the Giants beat Colorado 3-1. Petit got the first eight Colorado hitters, establishing the mark by striking out Charlie Culberson. That broke Mark Buehrle’s record of 45 straight with the Chicago White Sox in 2009. Petit’s streak covered eight games, six of them in relief.

2016 — Ryan Harlost led Endwell, N.Y., to the Little League World Series title, striking out eight and limiting South Korea to five hits in six innings in a 2-1 victory. Endwell gave New York its first championship since 1964.

2021 — Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Otani becomes the first player in team history to reach 20 stolen bases and hit 40 home runs in a season.

_____

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

Aug. 28

1886 — Richard Sears beats R. Livingston Beeckman 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to win his sixth straight U.S. national tennis championship.

1888 — Henry Slocum defeats Howard Taylor 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 to win the eighth U.S. men’s national tennis championship. Slocum, last year’s runner-up, is the first men’s champion other than Richard Sears. Sears, the U.S. champion from 1881-1887, retired last year.

1908 — Fred McLeod wins the U.S. Open golf title with a one-stroke victory over Willie Smith in a playoff.

1922 — The oldest American international team golf match, the Walker Cup, is established with the U.S. beating Britain 8-4.

1949 — The U.S. takes the Davis Cup, topping Australia 4-1.

1950 — Althea Gibson becomes the first black player to compete in the U.S. Open. Gibson wins her first round match, defeating Barbara Knapp of Britain 6-2, 6-2 at Forest Hills in New York.

1977 — The Cosmos beat the Seattle Sounders 2-1 at Portland, Ore., to win their second NASL title. Giorgio Chinaglia’s header in the 77th minute is the winning goal.

1977 — Nolan Ryan strikes out 300 batters for 5th straight year.

1989 — Pete Sampras, 18, wins his first U.S. Open singles match in four sets over Agustin Moreno of Mexico.

1990 — Stefan Edberg becomes the first top-seeded player since John Newcombe in 1971 to lose in the first round of the U.S. Open. Edberg loses to Alexander Volkov of the Soviet Union, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.

1993 — Pinch-hitter Jeremy Hess’ bases-loaded single with two outs in the sixth inning gives Long Beach, Calif. a 3-2 victory over Panama in the championship game of the Little League World Series.

1994 — Tiger Woods, 18, becomes the youngest winner in the history of the U.S. Amateur Golf Championship, capturing the last three holes of his 36-hole title match against Trip Kuehne.

1995 — Monica Seles, plays in her first Grand Slam tournament in more than 2 1-2 years and beats Ruxandra Dragomir 6-3, 6-1 in first round of the U.S. Open.

2004 — The U.S. women’s basketball team goes through the Athens Olympics undefeated to win its 5th Olympic gold medal, beating Australia 74-63 in the final.

2004 — Led by San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginóbili Argentina beats Italy 84-69 for the Olympic basketball gold medal in Athens; star-studded U.S. team takes bronze.

2005 — Michael Memea’s home run in the bottom of the seventh gives West Oahu of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, the Little League World Series title.

2008 — Top-seeded Ana Ivanovic is ousted from the U.S. Open, beaten by 188th-ranked Julie Coin 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the second round. Never before in the Open era that began in 1968 had the No. 1 woman lost this early in the tournament.

2011 — California returns the Little League World Series title to the U.S. with a 2-1 victory over Hamamatsu City, Japan.

2014 — Acknowledging he “didn’t get it right” with a two-game suspension for Ravens running back Ray Rice, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including six weeks for a first offense and at least a year for a second.

2016 — Ryan Harlost leads Endwell, New York, to the Little League World Series title, striking out eight and limiting South Korea to five hits in six innings in a 2-1 victory.

2021 — Los Angeles Angels pitcher/DH Shohei Otani becomes the first player in team history to have 20 stolen bases and 40 home runs.

2022 — Tour Championship, Men’s Golf, East Lake GC: Irishman Rory McIlroy wins $18m with 1 stroke win over Scottie Scheffler & Im Sung-jae; becomes first 3-time winner of the FedEx Cup.

______

TV SPORTS

(All times Eastern)

Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts

Thursday, Aug. 28

AUTO RACING

6:25 a.m. (Friday)

ESPN2 — Formula 1: Practice, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

5:30 p.m.

ESPN — Boise St. at South Florida

6 p.m.

BTN — Ohio at Rutgers

7 p.m.

ACCN — East Carolina at NC State

7:30 p.m.

SECN — Cent. Arkansas at Missouri

8 p.m.

FS1 — Buffalo at Minnesota

9 p.m.

BTN — Miami (Ohio) at Wisconsin

ESPN — Nebraska at Cincinnati

GOLF

7:30 a.m.

GOLF — DP World Tour: The Omega European Masters, First Round, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Valais, Switzerland

3 p.m.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The FM Championship, First Round, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass.

MLB BASEBALL

2 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Arizona at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m.) OR Colorado at Houston (2:10 p.m.)

6:30 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Atlanta at Philadelphia (6:45 p.m.) OR Miami at N.Y. Mets (7:10 p.m.)

TENNIS

11:30 a.m.

ESPN — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Second Round, Flushing, N.Y.

5 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Second Round, Flushing, N.Y.

7 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Second Round, Flushing, N.Y.

WNBA BASKETBALL

7 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — Washington at New York

10 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — Chicago at Phoenix

_____

Friday, Aug. 29

AUTO RACING

6:25 a.m.

ESPN2 — Formula 1: Practice, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

9:55 a.m.

ESPN2 — Formula 1: Practice, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

5:25 a.m. (Saturday)

ESPN2 — Formula 1: Practice, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

6 p.m.

CBSSN — Tarleton St. Army

7 p.m.

ACCN — Kennesaw St. at Wake Forest

ESPNU __ Appalachian St. at Charlotte

FS1 — W. Michigan at Michigan St.

7:30 p.m.

PEACOCK — W. Illinois at Illinois

8 p.m.

ESPN — Georgia Tech at Colorado

FOX — Auburn at Baylor

9:30 p.m.

CBSSN — UNLV at Sam Houston St.

10:30 p.m.

FS1 — Cent. Michigan at San Jose St.

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)

8 p.m.

SECN — Belmont at Vanderbilt

GOLF

7:30 a.m.

GOLF — DP World Tour: The Omega European Masters, Second Round, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Valais, Switzerland

3 p.m.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The FM Championship, Second Round, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass.

6:30 a.m. (Saturday)

GOLF — DP World Tour: The Omega European Masters, Third Round, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Valais, Switzerland

HORSE RACING

6 p.m.

FS1 — NYRA: Saratoga Live

MLB BASEBALL

6:45 p.m.

APPLE TV+ — Atlanta at Philadelphia

7 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Seattle at Cleveland (7:10 p.m.) OR Pittsburgh at Boston (7:10 p.m.)

10 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (10:10 p.m.) OR Texas at Athletics (10:05 p.m.)

10:15 p.m.

APPLE TV+ — Baltimore at San Diego

TENNIS

11:30 a.m.

ESPN — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Third Round, Flushing, N.Y.

6 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Third Round, Flushing, N.Y.

7 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Third Round, Flushing, N.Y.

WNBA BASKETBALL

7:30 p.m.

ION — Dallas at Atlanta

10 p.m.

ION — Indiana at Los Angeles

_____

Saturday, Aug. 30

AUTO RACING

5:25 a.m.

ESPN2 — Formula 1: Practice, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

8:55 a.m.

ESPN2 — Formula 1: Qualifying, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

9 a.m.

FS1 — Indy NXT Series: Practice, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

10:30 a.m.

FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Practice, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

Noon

FS1 — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: The Sober or Slammer 200, Playoffs – Round of 10, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, S.C.

1 p.m.

FS2 — Indy NXT Series: Qualifying, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

2 p.m.

FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Qualifying, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

4:30 p.m.

FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: High-Line & Final Practice, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

7:30 p.m.

CW — NASCAR Xfinity Series: The Pacific Office Automation 147, Portland International Raceway, Portland, Ore.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Noon

ABC — Syracuse vs. Tennessee, Atlanta

ACCN — Duquesne at Pittsburgh

BTN — Regional Coverage: Ball St. at Purdue OR FAU at Maryland

CBSSN — VMI at Navy

ESPN — Mississippi St. at Southern Miss.

ESPNU — Northwestern at Tulane

FOX — Texas at Ohio St.

12:45 p.m.

SECN — Toledo at Kentucky

2:30 p.m.

FS1 — Old Dominion at Indiana

3 p.m.

ACCN — E. Kentucky at Louisville

3:30 p.m.

ABC — Alabama at Florida St.

CBS — Nevada at Penn St.

CBSSN — Bucknell at Air Force

ESPN — Marshall at Georgia

FOX — South Dakota at Iowa St.

4 p.m.

BTN — Montana St. at Oregon

ESPNU — Howard at Florida A&M

4:15 p.m.

SECN — Alabama A&M at Arkansas

6 p.m.

ACCN — Coastal Carolina at Virginia

FS1 — Albany (NY) at Iowa

7 p.m.

ESPN — UTSA at Texas A&M

7:30 p.m.

ABC — LSU at Clemson

BTN — Missouri St. at Southern Cal

CBSSN — UTEP at Utah St.

ESPNU — LSU at Clemson (SkyCast)

NBC — New Mexico at Michigan

PEACOCK — New Mexico at Michigan

7:45 p.m.

SECN — Georgia St. at Mississippi

9 p.m.

ACCN — East Texas A&M at SMU

9:30 p.m.

FS1 — Georgia Southern at Fresno St.

10 p.m.

CW — Idaho at Washington St.

10:30 p.m.

ESPN — California at Oregon St.

TNT — Hawaii at Arizona

11 p.m.

BTN — Colorado St. at Washington

FOX — Utah at UCLA

GOLF

6:30 a.m.

GOLF — DP World Tour: The Omega European Masters, Third Round, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Valais, Switzerland

3 p.m.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The FM Championship, Third Round, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass.

6:30 a.m. (Sunday)

GOLF — DP World Tour: The Omega European Masters, Final Round, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Valais, Switzerland

HORSE RACING

4 p.m.

NBC — Breeders Cup Challenge Series

MLB BASEBALL

4 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Miami at N.Y. Mets (4:10 p.m.) OR Pittsburgh at Boston (4:10 p.m.)

7 p.m.

FOX — Regional Coverage: Seattle at Cleveland, Baltimore at San Francisco OR Detroit at Kansas City

10 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (9:10 p.m.) OR Texas at Athletics (10:05 p.m.)

SOCCER (MEN’S)

7:30 a.m.

USA — English Premier League: Fulham at Chelsea

10 a.m.

USA — English Premier League: Brentford FC at Sunderland

12:30 p.m.

NBC — English Premier League: Newcastle United at Leeds United

SOCCER (WOMEN’S)

7:30 p.m.

ION — NWSL: North Carolina at Kansas City

TENNIS

11 a.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Third Round, Flushing, N.Y.

7 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Third Round, Flushing, N.Y.

WNBA BASKETBALL

7 p.m.

NBATV — Minnesota at Connecticut

10 p.m.

NBATV — New York at Phoenix

_____

Sunday, Aug. 31

AUTO RACING

8:55 a.m.

ESPN — Formula 1: The Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands

ESPNU — Formula 1: The Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands (F1 Kids)

11:30 a.m.

FS1 — Indy NXT Series: The Music City Grand Prix, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

12:30 p.m.

FS1 — NHRA: Qualifying, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis

2 p.m.

FOX — NTT IndyCar Series: The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tenn.

5 p.m.

FS1 — NHRA: Qualifying, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis

6 p.m.

USA — NASCAR Cup Series: The Cook Out Southern 500, Playoffs – Round of 16, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, S.C.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

2 p.m.

CBS — AVP League: League Championship, Chicago

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

3 p.m.

ESPN — Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina, Atlanta

7 p.m.

ESPNU — Winston-Salem at Tuskegee

7:30 p.m.

ABC — Notre Dame at Miami

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)

Noon

ABC — Kentucky vs. Nebraska, Nashville, Tenn.

2 p.m.

FS1 — TCU at Pittsburgh

3 p.m.

ESPN2 — Purdue at Tennessee

5 p.m.

FOX — Arizona St. at Penn St.

6 p.m.

SECN — Vanderbilt at Illinois

GOLF

6:30 a.m.

GOLF — DP World Tour: The Omega European Masters, Final Round, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Valais, Switzerland

3 p.m.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The FM Championship, Final Round, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass.

HORSE RACING

1 p.m.

FOX — The Jockey Club Gold Cup: From Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

4 p.m.

FS1 — NYRA: Saratoga Live

MLB BASEBALL

1:30 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Pittsburgh at Boston (1:35 p.m.) OR Milwaukee at Toronto (1:35 p.m.)

4:30 p.m.

MLBN — Regional Coverage: Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (4:10 p.m.) OR Baltimore at San Francisco (4:05 p.m.)

7 p.m.

ESPN — Atlanta at Philadelphia

RODEO

Noon

CBS — PBR: Camping World Team Series, Springfield, Mo. (Taped)

SOCCER (MEN’S)

9 a.m.

USA — English Premier League: West Ham United at Nottingham Forest

11:30 a.m.

USA — English Premier League: Arsenal at Liverpool

2 p.m.

USA — English Premier League: Crystal Palace at Aston Villa

SOCCER (WOMEN’S)

4 p.m.

CBS — NWSL: Chicago at Washington

SOFTBALL

5 p.m.

ESPNU — Athletes Unlimited: TBD, Rosemont, Ill.

TENNIS

11 a.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Round of 16, Flushing, N.Y.

3 p.m.

ABC — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Round of 16, Flushing, N.Y.

6 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Round of 16, Flushing, N.Y.

7 p.m.

ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: The U.S. Open, Round of 16, Flushing, N.Y.

WNBA BASKETBALL

8:30 p.m.

NBATV — Indiana at Golden State

THE “SPORTSPAGE” THURSDAY AUGUST 28, 2025

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply