| NEW YORK – Sept. 17, 2025 – The National Football League and Livewire, a global leader in gaming marketing, today revealed the starting lineup for NFL Race to the End Zone, a first-of-its-kind, video game-inspired entertainment docuseries premiering Friday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. ET. The 21-episode series blends NFL star power with gaming creator energy for a weekly thrill ride that’s part locker room, part livestream and all-out competition. Dropping every Friday throughout the NFL season, the show brings fans an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when athletes and top gaming personalities collide across platforms and playbooks.
“NFL Race to the End Zone is a dynamic, multi‑platform journey that puts our players side‑by‑side with top gaming creators and invites Gen Z and Gen Alpha fans into the heartbeat of our game,” said Ed Kiang, vice president of video games at the NFL. “As we continue to broaden our engagement with new and existing audiences, this collaboration strengthens our connection to gaming communities and showcases the passion and personalities of our athletes beyond the field.” Optimized for YouTube and amplified across TikTok and Instagram, the 20-minute weekly episodes deliver an all-access pass to NFL fandom, with a gaming twist. Each episode places fans inside NFL clubhouses and city locations as players and creators face off in unexpected challenges, custom games and team hijinks. It all builds up to NFL Race to the End Zone LIVE, a 19-team Pro-Am tournament during Super Bowl LX week, where creators and NFL Legends play for bragging rights. Episode one features Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans facing off against creator and streamer Hannah Rose. Subsequent episodes tap NFL players such as Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, paired with high-profile online personalities like esports veteran Snip3down and creative force ChrisNxtDoor. Each weekly duo brings their own distinct mix of flavor, gameplay and competitive spirit, resulting in a season of unforgettable moments at the intersection of football and gaming. “This is not just another content drop, it’s a media engine designed to meet fans where they already are,” said Indy Khabra, co-CEO and co-founder of Livewire. “With gaming a dominant channel for next-gen attention, NFL Race to the End Zone shows what’s possible when brands and leagues invest in immersive formats, not just sponsorships. We’re proud to power the infrastructure behind it.” “For Livewire, this strategic partnership with the NFL is about building cultural capital and interactive formats, not just awareness, by creating moments that extend far beyond the screen,” Khabra added. “By bridging the worlds of sports, gaming and interactive entertainment, we’re partnering with the NFL to set the standard for next-generation fan experiences, while giving brand sponsors a blueprint for meaningful engagement.” The launch of NFL Race to the End Zone underscores gaming’s role as essential mainstream media. Backed by Livewire’s full-stack platform, which offers brand targeting, measurement and scaled distribution. The series is part of a broader shift toward branded entertainment designed to drive engagement at scale. Each episode will air weekly on NFL YouTube (@NFL), with clips and interactive drops distributed on @nflracetotheendzone Instagram and TikTok channels. Media Contacts: Liana Bailey liana.bailey@nfl.com, Sheldon Strategy, team@sheldonstrategy.com About Livewire Livewire is a global gaming marketing company building the next-gen attention platform. By combining adtech, gaming media exclusives, and brand strategy, Livewire is the single-entry point into gaming for brands. Livewire enables brands to reach gamers at scale through in-game ads, custom integrations, world builds, and more. Clients include Samsung, Maybelline, Uber, Amazon, and A24. Learn more at livewire.group. |
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NFL Race to the End Zone Content Series Premieres with Star-Powered Matchups
Week 3 NFL Preview and Capsules
NEW YORK — September 16, 2025 — Entering Week 3, close, high-scoring games have been the norm around the NFL, and the dynamic kickoff is living up to its name.
Seventeen games have been decided by a touchdown (six points) or less, the most at this point in 12 years, and second-most all-time (20, 2013). Last week, teams combined to score 797 points, the highest scoring week in the NFL since Week 18, 2021 (817 points).
As for the dynamic kickoff, the kickoff return rate of 76.9 percent (256 of 333) is the highest through the first two weeks of a season in 16 years (77.7 percent in 2009, 241 of 310) and the average of 201.4 kick return yards per game is the most through Week 2 since 1970.
For Week 3 capsules, [/content/dam/communications/football-communications/2025/capsules/Week%203%20Capsules.pdf]click here.
Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 3:
- 2-0 teams: 10 teams have begun the season 2-0 (with at least one undefeated team in each division for the third time since 2002), including four teams – Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and San Francisco – that missed the postseason in 2024. For the second consecutive season, at least four teams started 2-0 the season after missing the playoffs.
- L.A. Rams (2-0) at Philadelphia (2-0) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): In last season’s NFC Divisional playoffs, the Eagles defeated the Rams, 28-22, as running back Saquon Barkley became the sixth player ever with at least 200 rushing yards (205) and two rushing touchdowns in a postseason game. The teams also met in Los Angeles in Week 12 last season, a 37-20 Philadelphia victory in which Barkley became the fourth running back in the Super Bowl era with at least 300 scrimmage yards in a regular-season game [302 scrimmage yards – 255 rushing (ninth-most in a game in NFL history), 47 receiving].
- Los Angeles can begin 3-0 for the fourth time since head coach Sean McVay was hired in 2017 (2018-19, 2021) while Philadelphia can begin the season with three consecutive victories for the third time in five seasons under head coach Nick Sirianni (2022-23).
- In five of the past 10 seasons (2015-24), the reigning Super Bowl champion has begun 3-0 (2024 and 2020 Kansas City Chiefs, 2019 and 2015 New England Patriots, and 2016 Denver Broncos).
- Last week, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts recorded his 45th career game with a rushing touchdown (including the playoffs), surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (44 games) for the third-most such games by a quarterback in NFL history, including the postseason. Only Cam Newton (65 games) and Josh Allen (58) have more.
- Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams recorded his 33rd career game with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception last week, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson (33 games) and Reggie Wayne (33) for the fifth-most such games since 1970.
- Arizona (2-0) at San Francisco (2-0) (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Since 1970, the Cardinals have begun 3-0 on five previous occasions (1974, 2012, 2014-15 and 2021). San Francisco has begun a season with three straight wins five times since 1990 (1990, 1995, 1998, 2019 and 2023).
- Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell, appearing for Arizona for the first time since 2016, had two sacks in the team’s Week 2 win and became the fourth player age 39-or-older since 1982 to record multiple sacks in a game, joining James Harrison, Clay Matthews and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Smith (three times).
- San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey, with a touchdown reception in Week 2, became the third player in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 30 touchdown receptions, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Lenny Moore. McCaffrey is one of three running backs (James Cook and Bijan Robinson) with at least 100 scrimmage yards in each of the first two weeks of the season.
- Miami (0-2) at Buffalo (2-0) (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Buffalo can win their first three games for the second-consecutive season and for the fourth time since 2017, when head coach Sean McDermott was hired. The Bills have won 12 consecutive regular-season home games, the longest active home winning streak in the NFL.
- Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is 7-0 as a starting quarterback in Thursday games and can join Tom Brady (nine consecutive Thursday wins from 2002-15), Russell Wilson (nine from 2013-20) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (eight from 2004-13) as the only quarterbacks ever to win eight consecutive Thursday starts.
- Green Bay (2-0) at Cleveland (0-2) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): Green Bay can begin 3-0 for the third time (2019-20) since head coach Matt LaFleur was hired in 2019.
- Packers running back Josh Jacobs has a rushing touchdown in 11 consecutive games (including the playoffs) since Week 11 of the 2024 season. On Sunday, he can become the fifth player all-time with a rushing touchdown in 12 straight games, including the postseason, and the first since Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson (12 consecutive games in 2004).
- Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is one of two players (Carl Granderson) with at least 1.5 sacks in each of the first two weeks. Since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, only four players have recorded 1.5-or-more sacks in each of their team’s first three games of a season: Mark Gastineau (1984 with the N.Y. Jets), Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Greene (1998 with Carolina), DeMarcus Lawrence (2017 with Dallas) and Haason Reddick (2021 with Carolina).
- Cincinnati (2-0) at Minnesota (1-1) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Cincinnati can begin a season with three consecutive wins for the first time since 2015. Among players with at least 50 career games played, Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson (95.7 receiving yards per game).
and Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (87.8 receiving yards per game) have the two highest receiving yards per game averages in NFL history.- Jefferson recorded his 500th career reception last week and tied Larry Fitzgerald (26 years and 90 days old) as the youngest player in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions.
- Chase had 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown in the Bengals’ Week 2 win and became the fourth player in NFL history with at least 14 receptions in three career games, joining Keenan Allen (six games), Antonio Brown (four) and Jason Witten (three).
- N.Y. Jets (0-2) at Tampa Bay (2-0) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): Tampa Bay, who began 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season, look to win their first three games of a season for the first time since 2005. The Buccaneers are the first team since the 1970 merger to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of each of their first two games of a season.
- Indianapolis (2-0) at Tennessee (0-2) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Indianapolis looks to start 3-0 for the first time since 2009. In the first two weeks, the Colts became the first team in NFL history to score on each of their first 10 offensive possessions of a season and the first team in the Super Bowl era to not punt in either of their first two games in a season.
- Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones is one of four players in NFL history with at least 270 passing yards, a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown in each of his team’s first two games of a season, joining Jack Kemp (1965 with Buffalo), Kyler Murray (2021 with Arizona) and Cam Newton (2011 with Carolina).
- Denver (1-1) at the Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): The Los Angeles Chargers can begin the season with three straight wins for the first time since 2002. With divisional wins over Kansas City and Las Vegas in the first two weeks, the Chargers can become the third team since realignment in 2002 to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.
- L.A. Rams (2-0) at Philadelphia (2-0) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): In last season’s NFC Divisional playoffs, the Eagles defeated the Rams, 28-22, as running back Saquon Barkley became the sixth player ever with at least 200 rushing yards (205) and two rushing touchdowns in a postseason game. The teams also met in Los Angeles in Week 12 last season, a 37-20 Philadelphia victory in which Barkley became the fourth running back in the Super Bowl era with at least 300 scrimmage yards in a regular-season game [302 scrimmage yards – 255 rushing (ninth-most in a game in NFL history), 47 receiving].
- High powered offenses meet on Monday night: When the Detroit Lions visit the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC), the two highest scoring teams from Week 2 and two of the most consistently prolific offenses will take the field. Last season, Detroit (409.5 yards per game) and Baltimore (424.9) had the top-two offenses in yards per game while the Lions ranked first (33.2 points per game) and the Ravens ranked third (30.5) in scoring average.
- Since 2021, when the Lions acquired quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit ranks third in points per game (26.7) and fourth in yards per game (376.8).
- With the Lions scoring an NFL-high 52 points in Week 2, Goff now has five career starts in which his team scored at least 50 points, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (five) for the fourth-most such starts by a quarterback since 1950, trailing only Tom Brady (eight starts), Drew Brees (six) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Len Dawson (six).
- Since 2018, when the Ravens selected quarterback Lamar Jackson in the NFL Draft, Baltimore ranks second in the NFL in both points per game (27.2) and yards per game (379.0).
- Since Week 12 of the 2024 season and including the playoffs, Jackson has 10 consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-higher. In NFL history, only five quarterbacks have recorded longer such streaks, including the postseason: Aaron Rodgers (14 consecutive games from 2010-11), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (13 in 2004), Philip Rivers (13 from 2017-18), Tom Brady (12 from 2014-15) and Patrick Mahomes (11 in 2018).
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com
Could Lane Kiffin Leave Ole Miss if they Miss the Playoffs?
Few coaches in college football bring up conversations like Lane Kiffin. He’s going into his 5th season at Ole Miss. He has transformed the Rebels into a consistent top 25 team and playoff contender. Yet speculation about his next move continues to swirl. Ole Miss hasn’t made the playoffs even with playoff expansion. Should Kiffin not make it this year many think he could look at another move.
Photo Cred: SI
So stay in Oxford and continue building, or will the lure of a bigger job eventually pull him away? He’s a former head coach at USC and their rivals in UCLA now have an opening. Will the bright lights lure Kiffin back to the west coast.
Success at Ole Miss
Since taking over in 2020, Kiffin has led the Rebels to over 40 wins with multiple double digit win seasons. He’s one of the most successful coaches at Ole Miss in decades. In 2021 he put up a 10-2 record and back-to-back New Year’s Six bowl appearances.
Ole Miss’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) collective has been among the SEC’s most organized and well-funded. But UCLA and Los Angeles NIL could become a behemoth with Kiffin. Ole Miss isn’t one of the premier programs but the Rebels compete in recruiting and the transfer portal against traditional powers. Ole Miss has sent countless players to the league.
Arguments for Kiffin Leaving Ole Miss
Still, skeptics wonder how long this marriage will last. There are several reasons why Kiffin might eventually walk away:
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Reaching a Potential Ceiling: Despite his success, some believe Ole Miss has hit its ceiling. The SEC just has too much depth, especially with Texas and Oklahoma joining the conference. The program has never won an SEC Championship and faces blue bloods in Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. A move to a bigger program could give Kiffin a higher long-term ceiling. Ole Miss potential seems to be one of the first teams outside the playoffs. They’ll always be looking outside the club but can’t get in.
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Temptation of Bigger Programs: UCLA, LA, the recruiting hotbed of California, good weather, the west coast may be too much to pass up. Kiffin’s name is constantly tied to major jobs around the country. Florida has been mentioned. The Gators are a more traditional power than Ole Miss if he would want to stay in familiar surroundings. There is always chatter about Kiffin leaving.
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Different Financial Landscape: Larger SEC teams like Florida, Texas A&M, and Alabama have deep pockets. They can offer deeper financial resources for facilities, staff, NIL, and recruiting. While Ole Miss has a strong NIL system, the war chest at a blue-blood program may ultimately prove too enticing. Kiffin would bring a buzz to any team he would go to.
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Historical Precedent: Kiffin’s career has been defined by movement. He jumps around more than most coaches. Ole Miss is his longest tenure with 6 years. He left Tennessee after just one season, was fired midseason at USC, and resigned from Florida Atlantic after three years. History suggests he doesn’t stay anywhere forever.
On the other hand, Kiffin has built something few thought possible at Ole Miss. If he can break through and bring Ole Miss a championship, he could get a statue at the school. Kiffin stabilized the program, energized the fan base, turned them into a top 25 program, and created an NFL pipeline. He has proved that ” lesser teams” can grow quickly with modern NIL dynamics. In today’s landscape, the Rebels can compete with anyone. The pressure is a little less at Ole Miss than taking over a bigger program.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
There is no consensus on Kiffin’s future. He seems comfortable at Ole Miss but things have changed. For now, Kiffin remains firmly in Oxford, chasing another double-digit win season and proving that Ole Miss isn’t just a stepping stone. But there are more easy roads to championships than Ole Miss.
Rutgers Football: Game 4 Preview vs. Iowa
The Alabama Crimson Tide May Have Found their Groove!
The Alabama Crimson Tide put on another amazing show in front of their home crowd, bringing hope back to many fans who may have lost faith in them after the season’s rocky start. With confidence, precision, and renewed energy, the Tide marched past the Wisconsin Badgers 38-14 in a highly anticipated Big Ten-SEC showdown. The win not only extended Alabama’s momentum but also reminded the college football world that the Tide still has plenty left in the tank.
Early on, the game carried the tension of a heavyweight bout. Alabama forced Wisconsin into a punt on their opening drive, only for the Badgers to respond by forcing a turnover on downs against the Tide. For a brief moment, it looked as though fans might be treated to a back-and-forth battle between two storied programs. But that balance shifted quickly.
Photo Cred: Alabama
On Wisconsin’s second possession, Alabama’s star safety Bray Hubbard made the play that broke the game open, snatching an interception and flipping the momentum squarely into Alabama’s favor. From that point on, the Tide seized control. Alabama’s offense scored on every possession until halftime, while its defense kept the Badgers bottled up and frustrated. By the time both teams jogged into the locker room, the scoreboard read 21-0, and the Tide had already set the tone for the rest of the contest.
The second half brought fireworks. Alabama wasted no time in striking again, this time with a bold bit of trickery—quarterback Ty Simpson connecting with returning star wideout Ryan Williams for a stunning 75-yard touchdown that sent Bryant-Denny Stadium into a frenzy. Wisconsin refused to go quietly, though, answering with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown by Vinny Anthony II that briefly reignited their hopes. Yet, even with that spark, the Badgers were unable to mount a true comeback. Alabama added another touchdown and a field goal, and though Wisconsin tacked on a late score, the result was never in doubt.
For Hubbard, the performance was personal. After being criticized for his effort in the loss to Florida State, he addressed the doubters by saying the critics were “just adding fuel to the fire.” Against Wisconsin, that fire burned bright. He finished with two interceptions, each met with thunderous applause from fans who witnessed his redemption story unfold in real time.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Meanwhile, Ty Simpson continued to showcase why Alabama’s coaching staff has put its trust in him as the leader of the offense. Fresh off a record-breaking performance against Louisiana Monroe, Simpson delivered again with poise and precision. He racked up 382 passing yards and four touchdowns, completing an impressive 24 of 29 passes while making it look effortless.
The offense was further boosted by the long-awaited return of Ryan Williams, who had been sidelined with a concussion sustained in the season opener against Florida State. Williams wasted no time reminding everyone of his star power, recording 165 receiving yards and two touchdowns on just five receptions. His explosive speed and ability to stretch the field gave Alabama the dynamic playmaker they had been missing.
But Williams wasn’t the only weapon making noise. Germie Bernard contributed with both a rushing touchdown and a receiving score, showing his versatility in the Tide’s balanced attack. Miami transfer Isaiah Horton also joined in on the action, hauling in a touchdown to cap off Alabama’s offensive showcase.
By the final whistle, the Tide had left little doubt about their resurgence. The 38-14 victory wasn’t just another notch in the win column—it was a statement that Alabama still belongs among the nation’s elite. With playmakers stepping up on both sides of the ball and key veterans silencing their critics, the Tide’s future suddenly looks as bright as ever.
Missouri Tigers Football: The Past, Present, and Future
The Tigers flexed in the spotlight, cruising past the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 52-10 in their final tune-up at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri before conference play begins. It was a statement win, showcasing a team that looks sharper and more unified with each passing week. From the opening kick, the offense imposed its will.
Photo Cred: Mizzou
The Tigers stormed out to a 28-0 lead, setting the tone for a night of complete dominance. The running game was unstoppable, with two backs eclipsing the 100-yard mark. Ahmad Hardy delivered a career night with 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Marquis Davis chipped in 113 yards and a score of his own. Behind them, the offensive line controlled the trenches, leaving quarterback Beau Pribula to manage the game efficiently. He attempted just 22 passes—a season low—using his legs to extend plays and keeping the chains moving whenever called upon.
Defensively, the Tigers were just as impressive. The front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, limiting Louisiana to a single third-down conversion on 11 attempts and holding them to just four passing yards all game. The Ragin’ Cajuns managed only four total first downs, unable to sustain drives or gain any momentum. The defense kept them behind the sticks, suffocating their run game and forcing punts in rapid succession.
This victory not only highlighted individual standouts but also underscored the team’s growth. The offensive line, once a work in progress, is now a cohesive unit. Hardy and Jamaal Roberts have emerged as a dangerous backfield tandem, each capable of breaking open the game with a single carry. Meanwhile, Pribula has shown poise, combining athleticism and accuracy to complement the run-heavy attack. On defense, while the secondary continues to develop, the progress is clear and encouraging.
Photo Cred: SI
With non-conference play wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the SEC gauntlet ahead. The Tigers welcome South Carolina next week in a ranked showdown that promises to ignite Memorial Stadium with one of the most electric atmospheres of the season. It will be a true test, demanding contributions from every player on the roster. Beyond that, matchups with Alabama and tough road trips loom large, but this performance suggests the Tigers are ready to embrace the challenge and carry their momentum into the heart of conference play.
Seven From Sunday – Week 2
NEW YORK –– Sept. 14, 2025 –– A look at seven statistical highlights from games played during the 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET windows on Sunday, September 14, the second week of the 2025 season.
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Ayokunle Spencer FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL: Week 3
Ayokunle Spencer has released the FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll for Week 3, offering a detailed look at how the nation’s top programs are stacking up in the early part of the college football season.
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Ohio State
2 Oregon
3 Georgia
4 Miami (FL)
5 LSU
6 Penn State
7 Florida State
8 Oklahoma
9 Illinois
1 0 Texas A&M
1 1 Tennessee
1 2 Texas
1 3 Indiana
1 4 Georgia Tech
1 5 Ole Miss
1 6 Iowa State
Army’s Matteson is Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week
DALLAS (FWAA) – Army West Point linebacker Collin Matteson intercepted a pass on Kansas State’s final drive, finishing off a stellar performance amidst the Black Knights’ defense in a 24-21 road win at Kansas State. For leading the Army stop crew, Matteson has been named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America.
Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2025 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Players may be added or removed from the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list during the season. If a player isn’t already on the preseason watch list – including Matteson this week – each week’s honored player is added at that time. Army’s lone winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy was guard Joe Steffy in 1947.
Matteson, a 6-0, 195-pound senior safety from Edmond, Okla., led Army’s defense that held Kansas State to 246 yards of offense and 13 first downs. He finished with five tackles and three pass breakups along with the decisive interception that clinched the win with 1:35 left. He had knocked away a deep pass in the Army end zone moments earlier just before the 2:00 timeout. He was also named the American Conference Defensive Player of the Week award.
The senior was instrumental in coverage, limiting Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson to a 5.2 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus. Matteson earned an 84.0 overall grade from PFF, including an 88.9 coverage grade, ranking among the top defensive backs nationally in Week 2.
In the second half, Army held Kansas State to 48 total yards and only five rushing yards, helped in large part by its offense eating up large chunks of clock (26:59 to 3:01 for KSU). When it didn’t have the ball, the defense contained the Wildcats to only 13 plays in the second half (to Army’s 46) and allowed Army to rally from a 21-14 deficit. Kansas State’s lone second-half touchdown came on a kickoff return.
The win marked the Black Knights’ first win over a Big 12 opponent since 2006 and its first power-conference win in a true road game since 2016.
Last Saturday was Matteson’s second start coming off a game in which he tied for second on Army’s defense with eight tackles (four solo) in the Black Knights’ season-opening loss to Tarleton State. He also had a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. He appeared in all 14 games for Army last season, logging 15 tackles and an interception.
The Black Knights are idle this week. They host North Texas in their American opener Sept. 20 at noon in a game to be broadcast by CBS Sports Network.
The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. Since its inception, the club has grown as well as diversified boasting a sponsor team of more than (80) companies. The Club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding Citizenship, Scholarship, Sportsmanship, and Leadership of area athletes and coaches. Through individual and corporate support, more than $3,000,000 has been raised and donated to benefit the Touchdown Club’s scholarship efforts.
Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 121 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE”. More information about the Company is available at cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.
Is Mizzou the Real Deal?
Behind a seasoned offensive line, Missouri’s running backs should once again shine on the ground. The line has grown into a cohesive unit with each passing quarter, providing consistency and balance. Quarterback Beau Pribula won’t be asked to play hero—his role will be to manage the game efficiently and avoid turnovers. Wide receivers Kevin Coleman Jr. and Marquis Johnson are also expected to be heavily involved in the passing attack. The game plan is clear: keep it simple, stick to the team’s identity, and execute with precision.
Photo Cred: Victory Bell Rings
Defensively, Missouri’s front line should dominate the trenches, making life difficult for Louisiana’s run game. The secondary, however, remains under the spotlight after a shaky showing against Kansas. This matchup offers them a chance to bounce back and solidify coverage before the grind of SEC play. In his second year as defensive coordinator, Corey Batoon has one more tune-up to iron out wrinkles in the pass defense.
After Louisiana, the Tigers face a daunting stretch. South Carolina comes to Columbia for a top-25 showdown, a rematch of last season’s heartbreaking last-second loss. The Tigers will be hungry for revenge before turning their attention to Alabama in early October—a team that blanked Mizzou 34-0 the last time they met. Two straight SEC home games could provide momentum for a critical road swing.
Missouri then travels to Auburn, followed by Vanderbilt—two road tests that could define the Tigers’ confidence moving forward. A return home brings another revenge opportunity against Texas A&M, who dominated 41-10 in College Station last season. The most anticipated late-season clash arrives in Week 11, when the Tigers head to Norman to battle Oklahoma in a marquee matchup.
Photo Cred: trumanstales.com
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but also opportunity. Navigating this gauntlet successfully could put Missouri in position for the ultimate prize: an SEC title run, a shot at the College Football Playoff, and a place among college football’s elite.
