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Pittsburgh Defeats Virginia Tech in Dramatic Fashion

By
Stephen Patrick
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Virginia Tech’s undefeated season comes to an end after Friday night’s game. The Hokies fell to Pittsburgh 35-33 in dramatic fashion in an ACC matchup at Lane Stadium. The Hokies entered 4-0 and were looking to go 5-0 for the first time since 2005. Instead, Pitt improved to 5-0 after starting the game down 14-0 and surviving a late Virginia Tech comeback.

Virginia Tech came out hot. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer led the Hokies to a 75-yard opening drive that concluded with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Que’Sean Brown. Grunkemeyer added a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Hokies’ offense continued to move the ball throughout the game. Grunkemeyer finished with a career-high 434 passing yards and three touchdowns. Brown, who has been one of his favorite targets this year, finished with seven catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.

Pitt vs. Virginia Tech Takeaways: Apologies to Blue Hicks - Yahoo Sports

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Despite Tech’s offensive success, the turnovers allowed Pitt to stay in the game. The Panthers took advantage of a terrible stretch late in the second quarter and into the third. Virginia Tech went through five drives with two interceptions, two fumbles, and a punt. Pitt used this stretch to gain a 35-24 lead. Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel threw for 113 yards and a touchdown before leaving with an ACL injury.

The Panthers then put in backup quarterback Holden Geriner, who helped Pitt hold onto its lead. Virginia Tech began to come back. Noah Chambers cut the deficit with a safety. Grunkemeyer then connected with Davion Brown for a touchdown, bringing Virginia Tech within two. Virginia Tech then drove into Pitt territory in the final minutes for a chance to win. After converting an important fourth down inside two minutes, Grunkemeyer threw to Luke Reynolds.

Pitt beats Virginia Tech 35-33 after Hokies' game-winning field goal appears to go over an upright - Yahoo Sports

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

The completion put the Hokies inside Pitt’s 20-yard line. John Love was then set up for a potential game-winning field goal. The 35-yard field goal was ruled no good. This ended the Hokies’ comeback attempt and gave them their first loss of the season. Virginia Tech outgained Pitt 499-295. However, with four turnovers and eight penalties for 82 yards, the Hokies still didn’t win. The loss drops the Hokies to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in ACC play. Virginia Tech will now travel to California next Saturday, where they hope to rebound.

Isaac Wilson or Julian Lewis: Who Should Start Against Texas Tech?

By
Lewis Jolly
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Photo Cred: IG

Former blue-chip recruit quarterback Julian Lewis was benched Saturday in Waco after a miserable first half. In one half of play, Lewis went 11/16 for 75 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. On paper, this stat line isn’t all that ugly, but that’s not what the eye test said. Juju played scared all half, refusing to even try to push the ball downfield.

Lewis Named To Maxwell Award Watch List - University of Colorado Athletics

Photo Cred: CU

Where did the guy we fell in love with against Weber State go? After watching his performance against Baylor, he looked like a ghost of himself from the Weber State game. The throws Lewis made against Weber State must be in there somewhere, so what happened? Did he lose any confidence he had at Northwestern? To pile on to his struggles throwing, Juju refused to escape the pocket and pick up chunk yardage.

His legs are a crucial part of the success of the “go go” offense. He finished with four recorded rushes for -17 yards against Baylor. Even after OC Brennan Marion pleaded with his young quarterback to “stop being scared,” Lewis remained timid and was eventually pulled at halftime. In Lewis’ absence, Isaac Wilson, the Utah transfer and brother to former first-round pick Zach Wilson, started the second half.

Wilson’s statistics did not jump off the screen either, but he did appear to play with more aggressiveness and was willing to push the ball down the field. He finished 12/25 with 156 yards and one touchdown. Wilson also orchestrated one of the best drives of the  season. He led a 12-play, 95-yard touchdown drive to start the fourth quarter. All this leads us to the question of who will get the nod at quarterback for the Buffs.

Colorado to start isaac wilson at qb vs texas tech

Photo Cred: Facebook

They take on the 12th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders at home this Saturday. Despite national media like Matt Zenitz of CBS and Pete Nakos of On3 reporting that Isaac Wilson will start at QB in place of Lewis, at Tuesday’s press conference, Coach Sanders has played it coy and has not named a starter.

“I don’t know [who will start]. I know some people are running with the narrative that it’s already decided. We’re going to see how practice goes this week.”

As for what Sanders is looking for in practice this week to decide a starter, “there’s a lot.”

“Flow, rhythm, confidence, having a grasp of the offense, making it work, those guys responding to you—meaning the receivers, the line, the team, how they embrace you. What do they want as well? Oftentimes you gotta give them what they want because they’re gonna work harder when you do that.”

As for star receivers Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore Jr., they believe either quarterback will be ready regardless of who gets the nod.

“They both can make every throw on the field,” Williams said. “They both throw with a lot of velocity, and they both put a lot of touch on the ball. They’re both really good leaders.”

Moore Jr. agreed that both are up for the challenge.

“We’ve got a ton of reps since we’ve all gotten together in January and until now. So, whether that be 10, 16, or 14, we’ve all been getting those one reps, those throws, those certain little timing things to where, if any quarterback needs to go in—we’re good to go.”

I think the national media’s belief that Isaac Wilson will get the start is correct. I also believe that starting Wilson is the right call. To this point, 19-year-old Julian Lewis has not shown enough to prove he is developing to get CU’s season back on the rails. Whether that’s the fault of CU player development or his own, the facts are the facts at this point. Prime offered the biggest clue about the starter in Tuesday’s press conference.

“I haven’t talked to Juju. I’ve talked to Isaac; the kid is excited about the possibilities.”

To make matters worse for Lewis’s chances of starting, on Wednesday’s Colorado Football Coaches Show, Coach Prime went into depth on how fearless Wilson is when it comes to throwing the football—a juxtaposition of Coach Marion’s plea to Lewis discussed above.

How Quarterback Isaac Wilson Can Unlock Colorado's Offense to its Full Potential - Yahoo Sports

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

“Isaac’s not scary,” he said. “Isaac’s gonna go out and try it. When I saw Isaac—we threw a seam down the middle, and he missed widely. It was a miss. But he took a shot at it. He didn’t look at it and say, ‘Oh, I’m not gonna do that.’”

At the end of the day, I am of the belief that Wilson’s willingness to push the ball downfield to a talented receiver corps will be good for the Buffs. Who do you think should get the start vs. #12 Texas Tech?

Week 4 NFL Preview & Capsules

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo Cred: NFL

NEW YORK — September 29, 2026 — Twelve games in Week 3 were decided by eight points or fewer, tied for the most in a single week in NFL history. Five teams remain undefeated, including three – Kansas City, Las Vegas and Minnesota – that missed the postseason in 2025. This week, the international slate continues with the first of three London games, as Indianapolis and Washington meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

For Week 4 capsules, click here.

Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 4:

  • Atlanta (1-2) at New Orleans (1-2) (Monday night, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): The Falcons visit the Saints in an NFC South showdown on Monday Night Football, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Superdome reopening after Hurricane Katrina. On September 25, 2006, New Orleans hosted Atlanta and earned a 23-3 victory on Monday Night Football in the first game at the Superdome following the hurricane. 

  • New head coaches making their mark: For the third time in NFL history and excluding the 1920 inaugural NFL season, six head coaches in their first year with a team have won at least two of their team’s first three games of a season, joining 1925 (seven) and 2022 (seven).
    • The six head coaches in 2026: Buffalo’s Joe Brady (3-0), Las Vegas’ Klint Kubiak (3-0), the New York Giants’ John Harbaugh (2-1), Pittsburgh’s Mike McCarthy (2-1), Baltimore’s Jesse Minter (2-1) and Cleveland’s Todd Monken (2-1).
  • Kansas City (3-0) at Las Vegas (3-0) (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Chiefs and Raiders, who are each averaging 29.3 points per game this season, will mark the first matchup in Week 4 or later between undefeated teams averaging at least 29 points per game in six seasons (Arizona at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, 2021).
    • Last week, quarterback Patrick Mahomes recorded his 115th career win, tying Tom Brady (115 wins) for the most wins by a quarterback in his first 150 career starts, including the postseason, in NFL history.
    • Las Vegas quarterback Kirk Cousins is the only quarterback this season with three touchdown passes in each of the first three weeks and became the first quarterback age 38-or-older with at least three touchdown passes in each of his team’s first three games of a season.
    • Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in his season debut last week, his sixth career game with at least 10 receptions, the most by a tight end in his first three seasons in NFL history.
  • Denver (2-1) at San Francisco (3-0) (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The 49ers, one of two remaining undefeated teams in the NFC (along with Minnesota), lead the league in point differential (+48), rank second in scoring offense (32.7 points per game) and tied for third in scoring defense (16.7 points per game against) in the first three weeks.
    • San Francisco became the fourth team since 1990 to allow zero sacks in each of its’ first three games of a season, joining the 2014 Cincinnati Bengals as well as the 1999 and 2005 Indianapolis Colts.
    • 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, the only quarterback with multiple touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in each of the first three weeks, leads the NFL with a 133.1 passer rating and ranks tied for first with nine touchdown passes in 2026. He has 14 career games with a passer rating of 130-or-higher (minimum 10 attempts in each game), the most by a quarterback under the age of 27 in NFL history.
    • Denver quarterback Bo Nix recorded two third quarter touchdown passes and the game-winning rushing touchdown with 47 seconds remaining to help the Broncos overcome a 16-point halftime deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Nix has 12 career regular season game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime, trailing only Dak Prescott (14), Justin Herbert (13) and Matt Ryan (13) for the most by a quarterback in his first three seasons since 1970.
    • Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga, who spent the first four seasons of his career with San Francisco, became the first player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record a sack and multiple interceptions, including an interception return of 50-or-more yards for a touchdown, in a single quarter of a single game, which he accomplished during the fourth quarter of last week’s game.
  • New England (1-2) at Buffalo (3-0) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Bills can advance to 4-0 in consecutive seasons for the second time in franchise history (1991-92). Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, who last week became the first quarterback ever with multiple rushing touchdowns in three consecutive games, became the fourth player ever with at least six rushing touchdowns in nine consecutive seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk (10 from 1994-2003), LaDainian Tomlinson (10 from 2001-10) and Jim Brown (nine from 1957-65).
    • Buffalo linebacker Greg Rousseau leads the NFL with six sacks this season and became the third player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, with two-or-more sacks in each of his team’s first three games of a season, joining Mark Gastineau (1984 with the New York Jets) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Greene (1998 with Carolina).
  • Pittsburgh (2-1) at Cleveland (2-1) (Thursday night, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video): The Steelers and Browns, both coming off Week 3 victories that featured a game-winning score in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, are set to renew their AFC North rivalry on Thursday Night Football.
    • Last week, Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 165th career regular-season victory, tied with Ben Roethlisberger for the fifth-most regular season wins in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (251 wins) as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Brett Favre (186), Peyton Manning (186) and Drew Brees (172) have more.
    • Cleveland can begin 3-1 for the fourth time since 2000 (2001, 2020-21). Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham is one of three players with a sack in each of the first three weeks, along with Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau and Seattle’s Leonard Williams.
  • Miami (0-3) at Minnesota (3-0) (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): The Vikings lead the NFL with 14 sacks this season and are the fourth team since 1990 with at least four sacks and multiple takeaways in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2024 Minnesota Vikings, 2018 Chicago Bears and 1993 New Orleans Saints.

  • Jacksonville (2-1) at Cincinnati (2-1) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Last week, in the Jaguars’ 35-6 win over the Patriots, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter recorded his first career interception and became the fourth player since 2000 with an interception and a touchdown reception in his first two career seasons, joining Marcus Jones, Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher and Christian Wilkins. Jacksonville looks to begin 3-1 or better in consecutive seasons for the second time in team history (1997-99).
  • Indianapolis (1-2) at Washington (1-2) (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network, London): The Colts and Commanders, both coming off two-point wins in Week 3 for their first victories of the season, are set to kick off the first of three consecutive NFL game weeks in London. Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones, who started in Berlin last season, and Washington’s Marcus Mariota, who started in Madrid, are set to become the seventh and eighth quarterbacks to start an international game in consecutive seasons in different markets, joining Matthew Stafford (London 2025/Australia 2026), Aaron Rodgers (London 2024/Ireland 2025); Philip Rivers (London 2018/Mexico 2019), Derek Carr (Mexico 2017, London 2018), Matt Ryan (Canada 2013/London 2014) and Jay Cutler (Canada 2010/London 2011).

Top 3 Stanley Cup Contenders for the 2026-27 Season

By
Rives Reucassel
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Photo Cred: The Aspen Times

The 2026-27 NHL season is here! The Stanley Cup picture will begin to take shape. While several teams have legitimate championship aspirations, here are my top three contenders for this season.

1. Carolina Hurricanes

It is difficult to put anyone ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Hurricanes finally reached the top of the NHL last season. They defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to win their first championship since 2006. Now, Carolina enters 2026-27 with most of its championship core intact. They have a chance to become the first team since the 2016-17 Pittsburgh Penguins to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Carolina Hurricanes Win 2026 Stanley Cup Final | Carolina Hurricanes

Photo Cred: NHL

Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Jordan Staal, Taylor Hall and Nikolaj Ehlers headline a deep forward group. Jaccob Slavin remains the anchor of a talented defense. Carolina also continues to be one of the NHL’s most effective teams at controlling possession and generating offensive-zone pressure. The Hurricanes led the league in offensive-zone time last season and carried that style into their championship run.

There are some questions, particularly in goal. Frederik Andersen left in free agency for Edmonton after playing a major role in Carolina’s championship run. Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov are expected to take over the crease. Bussi, however, showed he can handle the pressure after stepping in for Andersen during the Stanley Cup Final. He posted a 1.60 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

2. Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche remain one of the most talented teams in the NHL. Colorado finished last season with a 55-16-11 record, winning the Central Division and allowing the fewest goals in the league. The Avalanche also led the NHL with 298 goals, giving them an impressive combination of offensive firepower and defensive strength.

At the center of it all is Nathan MacKinnon, who led the NHL with 53 goals last season. Cale Makar continues to be one of hockey’s premier defensemen. Martin Necas gives Colorado another dynamic offensive option. The Avalanche also strengthened their depth during the offseason. They added veteran forward Jaden Schwartz as well as younger forwards Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux. That added depth could be particularly important during a long playoff run.

2026 Season Preview: Colorado Avalanche

Photo Cred: NHL

The biggest question may be whether Colorado’s goaltending can repeat its outstanding performance from last season. Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood shared the William Jennings Trophy after the Avalanche allowed only 197 goals. Colorado was ultimately swept by Vegas in the Western Conference Final. But the core remains strong. With MacKinnon and Makar leading the way. The Avalanche have another legitimate opportunity to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

3. Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers may be the most fascinating contender entering the season. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain arguably the most dangerous superstar combination in the NHL, and Edmonton’s offensive ceiling remains extremely high. The Oilers, however, are coming off a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that ended with a first-round loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Inside look at Edmonton Oilers | NHL.com

Photo Cred: NHL

The organization responded by making significant changes. Mike Babcock was hired as head coach, while Edmonton revamped its defense and added goaltending depth. The biggest addition on the net was Andersen. He won the Stanley Cup with Carolina last season. Goaltending will remain something to monitor. Andersen is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury, leaving Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi to handle the position until he returns.

The Oilers’ biggest advantage, however, remains their elite offensive talent. McDavid and Draisaitl give Edmonton the ability to change a playoff series in a matter of minutes. While the team’s power play has consistently been among the NHL’s best. If Babcock can help Edmonton become more reliable defensively and the goaltending holds up, the Oilers have the talent to make another serious championship run.

Breaking Down NFL Week 3’s Key Matchups

By
Jaxson Love
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Photo Cred: USA Today

We are in the prime of the NFL season. Week three has come and gone. While the first game is not a measurable serving size, three games could be the earliest indication of how this season will go for some teams. Let’s take a look at 5 key matchups and see what we can gather from early season games.

Atlanta Falcons vs Green Bay Packers

Thursday Night Football started off with a beatdown of the Packers. The Falcons won 35-14 in the home opener at Lambeau Field. The Falcons played better football with Michael Penix Jr back on the field. Penix played the best he has since being drafted. When you have the run game headlined by Bijan Robinson humming, this offense looked efficient and dangerous. The Packers struggled with glaring issues on the offensive line play. Jordan Love barely had time to throw and the run game was nonexistent. The defense was not great with the continued absence of Micah Parsons. I expect this unit to play better when he returns. It was a huge win for Atlanta’s confidence and a massive hit for Green Bay.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers

This was one of the best offensive performances of the Steelers Aaron Rodgers. Jaylen Warren ran the ball with intention. Overall, Mike McCarthy coached a great game. But, what a surprise, this defense was the ultimate win condition. The forced 2 forced fumbles were the difference between wins and losses. The Bengals on the other hand did not play a bad game. Joe Burrow had 282 passing yards and 3 TDs. On the defensive end, Jordan Battle had an interception but nothing to write home about after that. Pittsburgh hopes to keep up this offensive production to have a chance at taking the division.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots

The Jaguars cruise past the Patriots, winning this one 35-6. The Jaguars have another offensive outburst via the outstanding play of Trevor Lawrence and a third straight game with a TD for Parker Washington. The 2nd overall pick a year ago, Travis Hunter got his first interception of his career in this game. The Patriots had a miserable showing in this game. Drake Maye has to find a way out of this funk because the Patriots are going to struggle to get wins with his current play. He threw two picks, an ugly fumble, and got sacked three times in this game with no TDs. New England will not succeed in this state and Jacksonville needs to look to keep up this offensive barrage.

Seattle Seahawks vs Washington Commanders

The Commanders shocked the nation with a statement win against the championship Seahawks, taking this one 33-31. This was the week of the backup QB and Marcus Mariota stepped up to the plate in place of Jayden Daniels. He had 3 TDs, spreading the love to Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks, and Rachaad White. The 7th overall pick in this latest draft, Sonny Styles had a night to remember with a pick and a forced fumble in this game. The duo of Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba did the best they could, but to no avail. The Seahawks probably wish that they could have this one back.

Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles

The last matchup of the week may have just been the most unbelievable game. The Bears take a statement win against the Eagles, winning this one 27-7. This indeed has been the week of backup QBs because 38-year-old Case Keenum came out and had one of the best games of his career. He even had a rushing TD. The Bears defense played arguably the best game that they will play all year as well. The Eagles struggled on the offensive in with penalties in crucial moments and questionable play calling by Nick Siriani. This game solidifies Ben Johnson as one of the premier offensive minds in the NFL.

Five Players from Three Conferences Earn Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll in Week 4

By
Stephen Patrick
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Louisville, Ky. – Sept. 29, 2026 – Five players representing the SEC, Big Ten and the Pac 12 Conferences were named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for their performances in Week 4 of the college football season. Making the list are Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama; Dierre Hill, Jr., Oregon; Javen Jacobs, Utah State; Wayne Knight, UCLA; and Qua Moss, Tennessee.

The National College Football Awards Association will honor Hill as the Paul Hornung Award Player-of-the-Week for his performance in Oregon’s road win over Southern Cal.

Alabama junior wide receiver / return specialist Ryan Coleman-Williams touched the ball nine times three different ways for 111 all-purpose yards and two scores in the Crimson Tide’s 49-18 home win over South Carolina. Coleman-Williams caught a 32-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter, then scored on a 42-yard reception in the second quarter that proved to be the game-winner. He ran the ball one time, returned two punts and fair caught a punt.

Oregon sophomore running back / return specialist Dierre Hill Jr. touched the ball 20 times three different ways for 191 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in the Ducks’ 41-27 win over USC in the Coliseum. Hill, who carried the ball 15 times, scored in runs of one and four yards in the third quarter, each time giving Oregon a 10-point lead. He accounted for three first downs rushing and three receiving, all on scoring drives and returned one kickoff 23 yards.

Utah State junior running back / return specialist Javen Jacobs touched the ball 18 times three different ways for 99 all-purpose yards on a score in the Aggies’ 21-10 home win over Troy. Jacobs carried the ball 14 times and scored on a six-yard run late in the third quarter that put the game out of reach. He fielded two punts, caught two passes and accounted for four first downs from scrimmage, two on scoring drives.

UCLA senior running back / return specialist Wayne Knight, who also lines up as a Wildcat quarterback, touched the ball 14 times three different ways for 153 all-purpose yards and a score in the Bruins’ 54-3 road rout of Maryland. Knight carried the ball 10 times for 100 yards and opened the scoring with a 45-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He fielded one kickoff, caught three passes and accounted for three firsts downs from scrimmage.

Tennessee senior defensive back / return specialist Qua Moss was a force on defense and special teams in the Vols’ hard-fought, 20-17 home loss to Texas. Moss recorded five total tackles, including four solo stops and had one pass defended. On special teams, he fielded three punts, including 57-yard return for a score in the third quarter where he caught the punt in Tennessee territory, avoided several tackles and sprinted up the sideline to tie the score at 10.

The Louisville Sports Commission successfully launched the Paul Hornung Award in 2010 to honor its namesake and native son, and to promote outstanding performances by versatile college football players who often go unnoticed. Each week during the regular season, a panel of college football experts selects players for the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll based on performance. A national selection committee comprised of 18 sports journalists and former NFL stars votes for the Hornung Award finalists and the winner, with fan voting powered by Texas Roadhouse comprising the 19th vote.

Texas’ Simmons is Bronko Nagurski Trophy National Player of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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0

DALLAS (FWAA) – Colin Simmons set a Texas single-game record with 5.5 sacks Saturday in the Longhorns’ 20-17 win at Tennessee. For his historic mark that ties for the third-best total in FBS history since sacks became an official NCAA stat in the 2000 season, the junior edge rusher was selected as the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for the weekend of Sept. 26 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 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 19. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2026 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 7 at the Charlotte Convention Center, and the winner will also be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on ESPN on Dec. 11.

Simmons led the Texas defensive front throughout the game. His school-record 5.5 sacks were more than half of Texas’ 10.5 total sacks in a dominant performance and boosted him to now lead the FBS in sacks with 7.5 on the season. Simmons was the SEC sack leader in 2025 with 12.0. He had 9.0 total tackles against Tennessee, six of them solo, also forcing a fumble and had one quarterback hurry. He is the first FBS player to have 5.5 sacks against a ranked opponent since 2006, and the backfield stops produced 55 yards of losses for Tennessee.

Texas’ 10.5 sacks were the program’s second-best all-time mark (the school record is 15 from 1981).

A preseason All-SEC pick on the defensive front, Simmons has produced at least one sack in eight of his last nine games stretching back to the 2025 season. He now has 15.5 career sacks against top-25 teams, with at least one in each of his last seven contests against ranked opponents.

Simmons, a 6-foot-3, 246-pound Communications and Leadership major from Duncanville, Texas, made his mark on Tennessee’s side of the line of scrimmage in what was already an impressive defensive performance by the Longhorns. The sacks (for 73 yards lost) were a hefty part of Texas limiting Tennessee to its fewest yards of total offense (221) since its 2020 bowl game thanks to a commanding start, holding it to just 88 yards in the first half. The play-by-play log lists that Simmons and other Longhorns pressured Tennessee quarterbacks on 21 of their 50 drops, resulting in only 2-of-8 passing completions for seven yards when under pressure.

The third-year edge rusher has played in 33 career games at Texas with 17 starts. Simmons was the SEC’s Defensive Lineman or Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week four times in 2025. He’s the first Texas player to post 4.0 or more sacks in a game since 2012 when Alex Okafor had 4.5 in the Alamo Bowl.

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, each week’s honored player is added at that time. Simmons was a member of the preseason list.

Simmons is Texas’ sixth player to be honored as the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since its origin in 2001 and the first since linebacker Jaylen Ford was 2022’s final regular-season honoree the weekend of Nov. 5, 2022. The Longhorns have two previous Bronko Nagurski Trophy winners, defensive end Brian Orakpo in 2008 and linebacker Derrick Johnson in 2004. Defensive back Jahdae Barron was a finalist in 2024 and defensive tackle Malcom Brown was a finalist in 2014.

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 trophy winner will be chosen from the four 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 nearly 1,000 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information 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 www.cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,200 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.

Minnesota’s Johnson is Outland Trophy National Player of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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DALLAS (FWAA) – Minnesota’s Greg Johnson moved from guard to center for the first time this season and produced one of the top grades among FBS offensive lineman during the Gophers’ 27-24 win at Washington in the Big Ten opener for both teams. For his versatility and high grade that helped Minnesota snap a five-game road losing streak, Johnson earned the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honor for games during the weekend of Sept. 26, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America.

This is the fourth season for the FWAA to select an Outland Trophy National Player of the Week as part of the NCFAA’s weekly national honors from 12 awards. The recipient of the 2026 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Dec. 11. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 27, 2027.

Johnson has played guard along the Minnesota front for the bulk of the 2026 season but moved to center Saturday for his first start at the position since the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl. It was hardly a unfamiliar move as it marked his 14th career start there after starting all 13 games in that spot in 2025. Johnson had an overall grade of 88.4 by Pro Football Focus with a run-blocking score of 92.8 as Minnesota racked up 27 points, the most Washington has allowed at home since a 35-28 win over Utah in 2023.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound senior and home-state product from Prior Lake, Minn., currently owns an offensive grade of 88.4 this season from PFF, tops nationally among guards and second among all offensive linemen. He also leads the FBS among all blockers with a 92.8 run blocking grade, more than four points better than the second-best mark.

Per PFF, Johnson has not been credited with allowing a quarterback pressure this season. With that protection in front of him, Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey was 21-of-29 passing for 204 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the win in the teams’ first meeting in 49 years.

Minnesota was fortunate to use the same starting lineup through the first two games of the season with Ashton Beers, Johnson and Nathan Roy returning to starting spots at center, left guard and left tackle, respectively. Tony Nelson started at right guard and Daniel Shipp is a first-year starter at right tackle. The offensive line did not allow a sack in the opener, its first such game with no sacks allowed since 2024. Beers, along with Johnson, also has been credited with not allowing a pressure this season.

Johnson is the first Minnesota player to earn the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honor. The weekly winners are added to the award’s preseason watch list going forward. Johnson was already a preseason member of that list.

Minnesota has three Outland Trophy winners in its past and a recent finalist. Gophers center Greg Eslinger (2005) was the last winner alongside defensive tackle Bobby Lee Bell (1962) and guard Tom Brown (1960). Offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz was a finalist for the Outland Trophy in 2022.

The FWAA will announce the Outland Trophy semifinalists on Nov. 18, and those players will then be paired down to three finalists announced on Nov. 24. The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from those finalists who will be part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends and edge rushers are not eligible.

The Outland Trophy, celebrating 81 years since its founding, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

The Outland 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 nearly 1,000 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information or follow on X at @NCFAA.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. delivers superior truckload transportation and logistics services to customers across the United States, Mexico and Canada. With 2022 revenues of $3.3 billion, an industry-leading modern truck and trailer fleet, more than 14,000 talented associates and our innovative Werner EDGE technology, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe and exceptional on time service. Werner provides Dedicated and One-Way Truckload services as well as Logistics services that include 1truckload brokerage, freight management, intermodal and final mile. As an industry leader, Werner is deeply committed to promoting sustainability and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Werner Enterprises common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WERN.” For further information about Werner, visit the company’s website at werner.com.

The Greater Omaha Sports Committee, founded in 1977, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, consisting of more than 1,300 men and women from the City of Omaha, the State of Nebraska, and others. The Committee serves to communicate, develop, initiate and promote sports activities in the Greater Omaha sports area. In addition to the Outland Trophy Award Events and Dinner, the Greater Omaha Sports Committee promotes high school, college, and professional sports in the Greater Omaha area and the Midwest.  For more information contact Bob Mancuso Jr., Chairman at bmancuso@showofficeonline.com or see showofficeonline.com.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,200 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.

SRA 2026-27 NBA Season Power Rankings

By
Jaxson Love
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Photo Cred: NBA

The upcoming NBA season opener in a little under a month, that calls for the first installment of the 2026-27 NBA power rankings. Off-seasons can drastically change the landscape of the league. Fans need to know where teams sit as the season opens. Free agency, trades, and new coaches make the power rankings change in ways that most fans wouldn’t expect. Let’s breakdown the top 5 teams of both conferences for the upcoming season.

Eastern Conference

1. New York Knicks

Out of respect for the champions, the New York Knicks are the team to beat in the East. Coming off a championship run, this team showed that they can beat any team in the league. Jalen Brunson is a true number one star and All star-caliber players in OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns make this team near unstoppable. Not much more needs to be said besides this team is currently the best in the East.

4 takeaways: Jalen Brunson delivers in the 4th to carry Knicks to the NBA championship | NBA.com

Photo Cred: NBA

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers were the offseason champs this year, drastically changing their roster for the better. They added all-stars and quality role players, hoping to compete for a championship. The Sixers traded Paul George in a move to acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. They signed one of the greatest basketball players of all time in LeBron James from free agency, and signed role players Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons. As long as Joel Embiid can stay healthy, this team could be a lock for the best team in basketball right now.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs were playoff bound last year and will return to the playoffs again. It is hard not to when your back court is headlined by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. The front court is held down by defensive stars Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, the post season is their biggest issue. They have under performed in the past few years. Playoffs aside, this team will take huge wins from everyone on this list.

4. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers, a season removed from making the NBA Finals, finally found their way back into the power rankings with the return of all-star guard Tyrese Haliburton. With Haliburton back, this team is going  far this year with practically the same roster returning from the finals run. The addition of Ivica Zubac was a vastly underrated acquisition. Welcome back Pacers, we have missed you.

5. Miami Heat

The last position on this list is the roster with arguably the biggest roster turnover in the NBA. The Miami Heat is looking to capitalize on the stardom of Bam Adebayo by trading for arguably the best player in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek superstar should bring winning basketball back to Miami since their Finals appearance back in the 2019-20 season.

Honorable mentions include the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.

Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs might just be the hardest championship contender to rank. Coming off of a Finals appearance, the Spurs just barely make my number one spot. Highlighted by the young superstar-phenom, the Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, tons of quality role players, as well as De’Aaron Fox, rounds out to make arguably the best defense in the league with the offense that can hold up with anyone. The Spurs are back, and as long as Wembanyama can stay healthy being that tall, they are here to stay.

4 takeaways: Victor Wembanyama guides young Spurs to the NBA Finals | NBA .com

Photo Cred: NBA

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

While the late postseason play would tell you otherwise, the Oklahoma City Thunder is still arguably the best team in the league. When you have the back-to-back MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, that makes the conversation a lot easier. Along with the role players that play so well together, such as Chet Holmgren, Jaylen Williams, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, the list goes on and on. Excellent defense in this unit, but lack of offensive creation outside of SGA. Still a menacing team to face, this is still a championship or bust team in my eyes.

3. Denver Nuggets

The mile high city is maintaining their position as the best team in the west not named the Thunder and Spurs. Running back with almost the same roster, including, in my opinion, the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic. When you have Jokic on your team, you will be a contender, point blank. Unlike the teams mentioned above, this team is easily a better offensive team compared to do this, and I expect an uptick in wins this season for the Nuggets.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are very similar to the Denver Nuggets, just with less playoff experience. Luka Doncic is one of the best offensive players of this generation. He now takes the complete load of responsibility in the departure of LeBron James. This team also made a bunch of offseason moves that better fit Luka’s playstyle. The major move was the sign-and-trade acquisition of former Utah big man Walker Kessler. With the Lakers finally obtaining a man in the paint to hold it down, they might be able to make some noise come playoff time.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last but not least in the league, we got the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is an underdog pick to go far in the playoffs. Anthony Edwards is a young star, Rudy Gobert could easily win another defensive player of the year, and great role players to go along with it. A well-rounded team that can beat any team on any given night. Only thing that we need to see is consistency.

What Do We Know After 4 Weeks of SEC Football

By
Kirsten Vergnolle
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Photo Cred: SEC

This weekend started with 10 ranked teams, and the SEC is already looking different. Kentucky, Florida, and Mississippi State are looking pretty good after being bottom dwellers a year ago. Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss might not be the top 10 teams we thought they would be. In the 2025 season, the Kentucky Wildcats finished September 2-2 after losses to Ole Miss and South Carolina.

Those were their only conference losses at that point. Now this season, they are three-and-one after a great conference win over Texas A&M last weekend. The Florida Gators were 1-3 after Week 4 in the 2025 season. Now they are 4-0 after a huge win over Ole Miss. Florida is now 38 points shy of their total season output from a year ago.

No. 21 Florida rushes for 302 yards in win over No. 4 Ole Miss - Southeastern Conference

Photo Cred: SEC

Both Florida and Kentucky have new coaching staff. The Will Stein era for Kentucky looks good so far. John Summerall is the new head coach for the Florida Gators, replacing Billy Napier. Florida has looked like a brand-new team. Young coaches and quarterbacks look good for these teams so far. The portal and NIL have also leveled the playing field and allow teams to make quick turnarounds. For Kentucky and Florida, these strong starts are especially exciting for two programs that are often known more for basketball than football.

Mississippi State is another team to watch. The Bulldogs are 4-0 under Jeff Lebby in his second year as head coach. However, they were also 4-0 after Week 4 last season. They went on to win only one more game during the regular season. Mississippi State must prove this year’s start is different from last year’s.

Mississippi State adds ULM to 2026 football schedule

Photo Cred: FBS Schedule

Meanwhile, Oklahoma and Texas A&M are 2-2. Oklahoma just came off a rough loss to Georgia, and Texas A&M lost against LSU. Looking back on last year, the Aggies and the Sooners were 4-0 after Week 4. This season is a negative change from where they stood a year ago. Ole Miss had an exciting home win against LSU in Week 3, then suffered a tough loss to Florida.

Ole Miss took a step back from its start last season. The Rebels were 4-0 after Week 4 in 2025, while they are 3-1 this season. They are ranked 6th in the SEC and still prove themselves and bounce back after their bye week this week. The competitive Southeastern Conference is always changing, and that’s what makes every week more entertaining to watch.

With October approaching, it will be interesting to see whether teams can hold up throughout the season. It will also be interesting to see which teams can turn their season around. The best conference in the sport always brings us the thrills.

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