| NEW YORK — Oct. 15, 2025 — Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean and Carolina Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 6 (October 9, 12-13).
OFFENSE: RB BIJAN ROBINSON, ATLANTA FALCONS
DEFENSE: CB JAMEL DEAN, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
SPECIAL TEAMS: K RYAN FITZGERALD, CAROLINA PANTHERS
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Bijan Robinson, Jamel Dean & Ryan Fitzgerald Named Week 6 NFC Players of the Week
Patrick Mahomes, Jonathon Cooper & Cameron Dicker Named Week 6 AFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Oct. 15, 2025 — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper and Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 6 (October 9, 12-13).
OFFENSE: QB PATRICK MAHOMES, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
DEFENSE: LB JONATHON COOPER, DENVER BRONCOS
SPECIAL TEAMS: K CAMERON DICKER, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
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| For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com |
Week 7 NFL Preview and Capsules
| NEW YORK — Oct. 14, 2025 — Entering Week 7, six of the eight divisions have a team in first place or tied for first place that did not win its division last season: AFC East (New England), AFC North (Pittsburgh), AFC South (Indianapolis), AFC West (Denver and L.A. Chargers), NFC North (Green Bay) and NFC West (San Francisco and Seattle).
Close games and fantastic finishes continue to be a trend as there have been 27 games with a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime, the most through Week 6 in NFL history. For Week 7 capsules, click here. Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 7:
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com |
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Los Angeles Rams-Jacksonville Jaguars From London Exclusively on NFL Network
Rams-Jaguars Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET Exclusively on NFL Network –Also Available for Streaming Across Devices with NFL+Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner and Sara Walsh on the Call‘NFL GameDay Kickoff’ Airs at 7 a.m. ET
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Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week
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Brian Branch Suspended One Game
| NEW YORK — Oct. 13, 2025 — Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch has been suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct following Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension for a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits unsportsmanlike conduct and applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” In a letter to Branch, Runyan wrote: “Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players. Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.” Branch will be eligible to return to the Lions’ active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 21, following the team’s Oct. 20 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Branch may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline. |
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No Bite, No Fight: The Badgers Go Lower Than Ever
Wisconsin Football: Rock Bottom in Madison
For Starters:
There’s not a whole lot going right for the Wisconsin football program right now. Heading into Saturday, the Badgers were already tied for last place in the Big Ten — desperate for a rebound against an Iowa team that’s been far from dominant this season. But instead of finding a spark, Wisconsin looked flat, unprepared, and uninspired from start to finish. From the players’ execution to the coaching staff’s game plan, the message was clear: something is fundamentally broken in Madison.
Photo Cred: Wisconsin
Game Review:
The afternoon began with a glimmer of hope. Wisconsin opened with a defensive stop, forcing a quick three-and-out from the Iowa Hawkeyes. With newly named starting quarterback Hunter Simmons under center, the Badgers had an opportunity to set the tone early at home and send a message to the rest of the Big Ten.
But it didn’t take long for reality to set in. After Iowa kicked a field goal with 4:33 left in the first quarter, Simmons threw an interception on the next drive that was returned deep into Wisconsin territory. Three plays later, Iowa was up 10–0 — and the Badgers never recovered.
Trying to mount a response, Simmons connected with Tyrell Henry for a 16-yard gain and a first down. Yet, déjà vu struck again. Simmons underthrew a receiver on the very next series, and Iowa’s Aaron Graves picked it off, returning it all the way to the 1-yard line. One play later — touchdown Hawkeyes. 17–0 Iowa.
What followed was an avalanche of mistakes. A fumble. Multiple punts. Turnovers on downs. And an Iowa offense that didn’t even need to be explosive — just efficient. Every few possessions, the Hawkeyes found the end zone while Wisconsin continued to implode. By halftime, the energy in Camp Randall had evaporated.
Final Score: Iowa 37, Wisconsin 0
Key Stats:
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Mark Gronowski (Iowa): 17/24, 107 yards, 1 INT
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Hunter Simmons (Wisconsin): 8/21, 82 yards, 2 INTs
This wasn’t just a loss — it was an embarrassment. A complete collapse that raised more questions than answers about the direction of this program.
Is There a Future?
Honestly, it’s hard to say. Wisconsin still faces three top-ten opponents, and there’s no clear answer at quarterback. Billy Edwards remains banged up, Danny O’Neil has struggled when given opportunities, and Hunter Simmons, while thrown into a difficult situation, hasn’t provided the spark this team needs.
The offense is lifeless, the run game is nonexistent, and the team lacks a clear identity. Recruits are likely to start reconsidering their commitments, and fan morale is near rock bottom. The Badgers are stuck in a brutal cycle of mediocrity — and unless drastic change happens soon, those “glory days” of Wisconsin football will feel like a distant memory.
But if there’s any lesson in this, it’s that programs must sometimes endure the lowest points to rediscover their standard. The question now becomes: who will lead them there?
Photo Cred: Milwaukee Sentinel Journal
What Comes Next:
It might be time to face a hard truth — Luke Fickell’s tenure isn’t working.
When Wisconsin hired Fickell after his impressive playoff run at Cincinnati, it seemed like a home run hire. But three seasons later, the results speak for themselves: no bowl wins, no identity, and no consistent direction. The team looks lost, the culture feels fractured, and the progress simply hasn’t come.
Many fans have already reached their breaking point, and the calls for change are growing louder. Fickell’s $27 million buyout — the largest in college football — complicates matters, but Wisconsin has to find a way to move forward. Programs like Penn State and Oregon State have already pulled the plug on underperforming coaches this year. Wisconsin should be next.
The parting should be mutual. For the sake of the players, the fans, and the future of Wisconsin football, it’s time for both sides to admit it hasn’t worked and start looking ahead.
Rutgers Football: Game 7 vs. No. 8 Oregon
RUTGERS (3-3, 0-3) vs. No. 8 OREGON (5-1, 2-1)
October 18, 2025 • 6:30 p.m. ET • Big Ten Network
SHI Stadium • Piscataway, N.J.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Oct. 13, 2025) – Rutgers football is back at SHI Stadium Saturday to host No. 8 Oregon as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend on campus. The game is presented by RWJBarnabas Health and is set for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff on Big Ten Network. No general public tickets remain in marking the second straight sellout at SHI Stadium and 11th since 2022.
NOTES
• Rutgers is set to host its 91st annual Homecoming game and is 55-34-1. The event has been held every season since 1933, except 1943 and 2020.
• Rutgers ranks second nationally with three blocked punts, second in first downs gained (162), sixth in fewest turnovers lost (3), 10th in time of possession (33:11), 12th in passing offense (309.0) and 15th in fewest penalty yards against per game (36.0).
• Since 2020, RU is 20-2 when not committing a turnover in a game.
• QB Athan Kaliakmanis ranks seventh in Rutgers history with 4,481 passing yards, seventh with 351 completions and tied for eighth with 29 touchdown passes. He ranks sixth nationally (second in the Big Ten) with 297.5 passing yards per game and paces the conference with 23 completions per game.
• RB Antwan Raymond has scored 10 touchdowns (nine rushing, one receiving) with at least one score in each of the first six games. He is up to 1,017 career rushing yards and ranks fourth in the Big Ten with 93.3 rushing yards per game.
• WR KJ Duff (team-high four receiving touchdowns) and WR Ian Strong (at least five catches in each of last nine games played) recently joined WR DT Sheffield (four receptions of at least 40 yards) on the 2025 Biletnikoff Award watch list. The trio are all top 12 in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game this season. Rutgers is one of three teams with three representatives (Ohio State, Ole Miss) and has multiple selections for the first time since 2008 (Kenny Britt, Tiquan Underwood).
• DL Jordan Thompson posted two tackles-for-loss last time out, while DL Jordan Walker added a sack. DL Eric O’Neill leads the team with 4.5 tackles-for-loss on the season.
• LB Dariel Djabome, a Third Team All-Big Ten selection in 2024, is coming off a performance with eight tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He owns 154 career tackles.
• Rutgers has blocked 76 kicks (46 punts, 17 field goals, 13 extra points) under head coach Greg Schiano.
• Rutgers, “The Birthplace of College Football,” has played 1,428 games in program history on record dating back to 1869, the most in the sport.
LINKS
• Tickets
• Preview
• Roster
UP NEXT
• Rutgers returns to the road for the third time in four games with a trip to face Purdue on Oct. 25. It will be the Scarlet Knights’ first trip to Ross-Ade Stadium with fans in the stands, previously visiting in 2020. Kickoff is set for noon on Big Ten Network.
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
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USC Defeated by No. 13 Purdue University in a Three Straight Loss
USC fell to No. 13 Purdue in a 3–0 match loss, marking a challenging outing for the Trojans as they struggled to maintain consistency against one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.The first set began with USC taking an early lead, as Purdue initially struggled to find its rhythm. Freshman Abigail Mullen led the Trojans with five kills in the opening frame, while sophomore Mia Tvrdy followed closely with four. Despite the strong start and a .222 team hitting percentage, USC gradually lost its momentum as Purdue tightened its defense and responded with stronger counterattacks.
Photo Cred: USC
The set ended in a narrow 25–23 loss for the Trojans. Set two was marked by long rallies and heightened intensity as USC attempted to rebound from the opening set defeat. Tvrdy again paced the offense with four kills, and Mullen added two more. Freshman Reese Messer tallied 10 assists, while redshirt sophomore London Wijay anchored the defense with 12 digs, helping the Trojans to a .153 hitting percentage. Despite improving their anticipation and defensive adjustments, the Trojans couldn’t convert key points late in the set, falling behind two sets to none.
Purdue continued to show its depth and balance throughout the match, despite occasional inconsistency in handling USC’s attacks. The Boilermakers finished with a .288 hitting percentage in the second set, led by redshirt sophomore Grace Heaney with six kills. Junior Kenna Wollard added one kill, and setter Taylor Anderson contributed eight assists to help Purdue take control of the match. In the third and final set, USC opened with renewed aggression, delivering a series of strong attacks that initially put Purdue on its heels.
Wijay led the charge with four kills, while Tvrdy and Mullen each added two. Messer distributed eight assists, and Wijay added nine receptions to maintain USC’s defensive steadiness. The Trojans posted a .162 hitting percentage in the set but couldn’t overcome Purdue’s late surge. After regaining their rhythm, the Boilermakers pulled ahead behind Wollard’s seven kills and Heaney’s four, while sophomore Ryan McAleer anchored the defense with four digs.
Anderson continued to facilitate the offense with 13 assists, helping Purdue close out the sweep with a 25–21 final set score and an impressive .290 hitting percentage — nearly double that of USC. The match ended in dramatic fashion, with both teams challenging close calls from the officials in the final points. Despite USC’s competitive spirit and flashes of brilliance, Purdue’s consistency and poise under pressure proved decisive.
USC secured a 3-0 Victory Over the Oregon Ducks
After tough losses, the USC Trojans bounced back in dominant fashion, defeating the Oregon Ducks in a straight-set win. The victory marked an important response for the Trojans, who showed renewed focus and energy on both ends of the court.
Redshirt sophomore London Wijay led the Trojans’ offensive effort with 12 kills, setting the tone early with her aggressive play at the net. Freshman Reese Messer continued to impress as she recorded 31 assists, efficiently running the offense and spreading the ball across multiple hitters. Freshman Taylor Deckert added 15 digs, helping anchor the defense and contributing to USC’s impressive .300 team hitting percentage.
Photo Cred: USC
Head coach Brad Keller praised his team’s ability to adjust after last weekend’s disappointing road losses to Indiana and Purdue.
“I thought they did very well [reacting and anticipating] the ball until the third set. I called a timeout and got a little upset. I think I was more bothered than the team was for a longer period of time…because you sit in it and you’re trying to figure things out,” Keller said.
Keller emphasized that this win was as much about resilience as it was about execution. The team’s improved anticipation and ball control reflected a noticeable step forward in maturity and focus.
Senior Dani Thomas-Nathan was another standout performer, providing veteran leadership and poise throughout the match. She finished with 16 digs, helping USC maintain its defensive stability and momentum.
“I have to give a special shout-out to Danni Thomas-Nathan,” said Keller. “Danni came in and set the tone for our team. Not only the service pressure she was giving — which, that’s an amazing serve — but I think she was lights out in the passing lanes, and there was a calming influence she gave us.”
For Oregon, freshman Alanah Clemente led the team with 13 kills, while junior Valentina Vaulet followed closely behind with 11. Despite a solid .247 hitting percentage, the Ducks struggled to sustain long rallies against USC’s aggressive defensive play. Senior Cora Taylor paced Oregon with 26 assists, and freshman Reese Sheppard contributed 19 digs in the loss.
With the win, USC continues to build momentum heading into a crucial rivalry matchup against UCLA on October 11. Meanwhile, Oregon will look to regroup when it returns home to face Washington on October 12 in Eugene.
