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Seahawks Defeat Patriots in a Super Bowl LX Rematch

By
Landon Dyess
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Photo Cred: Just Jared

The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2026 season against the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch. Seattle overcame a 10-point deficit and won 13-10 after Sam Darnold’s hip injury during the first drive. The Super Bowl champions defense held a struggling Patriots offense in check. The game started with the Patriots dominating the game.

Seattle struggled to move the ball after Darnold left. Drake Maye started the game off well, helping the Patriots take a 10-0 lead with a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Eli Raridon. Drew Lock led the Seahawks after the first drive, and the offense was quiet for the majority of the game. Seattle finally got on the board with a field goal late in the third quarter and trailed 10-3 going into the final quarter.

Seahawks news: New Seattle owner in total shock after Week 1 win vs. Patriots

Photo Cred: Clutch Points

During the fourth quarter, everything changed. Seattle’s defense dominated by putting pressure on Maye and forced three interceptions. The first interception led to a Seahawks touchdown. Lock threw a short pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on 4th and 1, who outran the Patriots defense for a 45-yard touchdown. All of a sudden, the game was tied 10-10.

Smith-Njigba was the star of the night, finishing with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. He is continuing where he left off last season and shows that it wasn’t a fluke. Safety Julian Love intercepted Maye on the next New England possession. Jason Myers then kicked a 26-yard field goal that gave Seattle its first lead of the night.

New England had its final chance with 5:50 left in the final quarter. Maye drove the Patriots into Seattle’s red zone, creating a chance to tie or win the game. However, Seattle cornerback Josh Jobe made a great interception in the end zone with seconds remaining to seal the comeback victory. Maye finished the game with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Seahawks pick off Drake Maye 3 times to beat Patriots 13-10 in Super Bowl rematch | WBUR News

Photo Cred: WBUR

The Patriots had more possession and ran 19 more plays, but Seattle’s relentless defense made the plays that mattered the most. This victory for the Seahawks showed resilience and determination. Despite losing their starting quarterback and being behind for most of the night, they still found a way to get it done. Lock provided just enough offense, and the defense changed the game with their pressure and interceptions.

By
Stephen Patrick
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TYLER, Texas – SMU quarterback, Kevin Jennings has been named The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week for the first week of the college football season.

Kevin Jennings completed 26 of 36 passes for 430 yards and 3 touchdowns as SMU outlasted Florida State 27-24 in a game that was delayed nearly two hours due to a power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Jennings had a 50-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Cooper and a 10-yard touchdown pass to Randy Pittman, a Florida State transfer, to help the Mustangs rack up 585 offensive yards.

Kevin Jennings is a graduate of South Oak Cliff High School in South Oak Cliff, Texas.

Honorable Mention Week 1:

BLAKE BAKER, QB, LOUISIANA TECH 

Cypress, TX (Cypress Ranch HS)

4th Year

10/14 – 232 yards, 3 TD

W 80-6 vs. Northwestern State

 

CAM COOK, RB, WEST VIRGINIA 

Round Rock, TX (Stony Point HS)

Senior

30 carries – 142 yards, 2 TD + 2 catches – 11 yards

W 31-24 vs. Coastal Carolina

 

TONY DIAZ, WR, IOWA 

San Marcos, TX (San Marcos HS)

3rd Year

7 catches – 84 yards, TD + 10 yard rush

W 40-0 vs. Northern Illinois

 

HAUSS HEJNY, QB, COLORADO STATE 

Aledo, TX (Aledo HS)

Sophomore

23/33 – 214 yards, 5 TD | 7 carries – 39 yards

W 35-13 vs. Wyoming

 

JOSH HOOVER, QB, INDIANA 

Heath, TX (Rockwall-Heath HS)

5th Year

13/16 – 231 yards, 4 TD

W 52-16 vs. North Texas

 

JALEN MICKENS, WR, LOUISIANA TECH

Willis, TX (Willis HS)

2nd Year

3 catches – 133 yards, TD + 2 carries – 31 yards

W 80-6 vs. Northwestern State

 

ZACH MUNDELL, SB, ARMY 

Arlington, TX (Martin HS)

Senior

4 carries – 105 yards, 2 TD

W 59-3 vs. Bryant

 

GRAYSON RIGDON, RB, ARIZONA STATE 

Columbus, TX (Columbus HS)

Sophomore

2 catches – 110 yards, 2 TD | 4 carries – 22 yards

W 70-7 vs. Morgan State

 

KEELON RUSSELL, QB, ALABAMA 

Duncanville, TX (Duncanville HS)

Sophomore

18/30 – 256 yards | 13 carries – 86 yards, TD

W 48-10 vs. East Carolina

 

RYAN WINGO, WR, TEXAS 

St. Louis, MO (University HS)

Junior

7 catches -121 yards, TD

W 59-7 vs. Texas State

 

 

THE EARL CAMPBELL TYLER ROSE AWARD

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, announced in 2012 by the Tyler Chamber and SPORTyler, recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community, and tenacity; specifically tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.

In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: Played football and  graduated from a Texas High School and/or playing at a four year D1 Texas college.

By
Stephen Patrick
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Augusta, GA (September 9, 2026) – The Augusta Sports Council and the Ray Guy Award named Palmer Williams of Baylor as the Week One Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week. Williams was selected from Ray’s 8, announced Tuesday that included Evan Crenshaw (Troy), Max Fletcher (Cincinnati), Aidan Flintoft (Stanford), Kade Reynoldson (Duke), Gavin Rush (Arkansas), Jack Smith (Clemson), and AJ Winsor (Oregon State).

The senior from Advance, North Carolina punted four times against Auburn, totaling 208 yards, and recorded a net punting average of 51.5 yards. Williams forced three fair catches and three of his punts traveled over 50 yards. His longest punt of the day went for 54 yards, and only one of his punts was returned.

Congratulations to Palmer Williams for being “our guy” this week!

2026 Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week Honorees
Week 1: Palmer Williams, Baylor
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Ray’s 8 & Ray Guy Punter of the Week
Ray’s 8 is a top eight list of punters from the prior week’s games. Ray Guy Award nominees are eligible for Ray’s 8. Punters named to Ray’s 8 are eligible to be selected as the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week. Ray’s 8 and Punter of the Week are determined by the Ray Guy Award Committee. Nominations for Punter of the Week should be submitted through the NCFAA Vault by 3:30 pm ET Sunday.

Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week Criteria
I. The Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week shall be presented to the best NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) punter in college football for a specific week of play as determined by the Ray Guy Award Committee, designated by the Augusta Sports Council.
II. The winner must display leadership, self discipline and have a significant, positive impact on his team’s success. Character and educational excellence shall be considered as factors in determining the winner.
III. The winner must be a current nominee of the Ray Guy Award. The player will be immediately eligible for Ray’s 8 and the Punter of the Week once a nomination is received.
IV. The statistics used for the Ray Guy Award will be reviewed each week in determining Ray’s 8 and the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week. The statistics will be used as a basis for voting, however other statistical variables not listed may be considered.

NOTE: Players awarded the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week are not guaranteed as semifinalists for the award.
About the Ray Guy Award

The Augusta Sports Council created the Ray Guy Award in 2000 to honor Thomson, Georgia native and College and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Guy. Among the statistics used to identify the winner are net punting average, percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line, and percentage of punts not returned, with particular emphasis placed on net punting average. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline, and have a positive impact on the team’s success.

About the Augusta Sports Council

The Augusta Sports Council (ASC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to marketing the Augusta area as a destination for amateur sporting events. The ASC attracts, creates and supports dozens of sporting events and activities each year, generating positive economic impact and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Augusta’s River Region. Visit www.augustasportscouncil.org to learn more.

About the NCFAA

The Ray Guy Award 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 1.000 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information. 

Pitt’s Heintschel Nabs National QB of the Week Honors

By
Stephen Patrick
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FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 9, 2026) – Pitt’s Mason Heintschel has been voted the first Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week for the 2026 season following his monster performance in a 59-14 victory over Miami (Ohio).

The sophomore from Oregon, Ohio, became the first quarterback since Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award winner Joe Burrow in 2019 to throw for at least 450 yards and seven touchdowns in a game. Heintschel finished his day 31-for-41 passing (75.6 completion percentage) for 453 yards with no interceptions.

His seven touchdown passes established an Atlantic Coast Conference single-game record and tied Pitt’s all-time mark. In addition, Heintschel’s passing yardage total ranks as the third-highest in school history. He finished with a 94.7 total quarterback rating and a 224.76 pass-efficiency rating. Heintschel also was named the ACC Quarterback of the Week.

The other quarterbacks on this week’s Great 8 list were Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, Hauss Hejny of Colorado State, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Jayden Maiava of USC, Miami’s Darian Mensah, Dante Moore of Oregon and UMass’ William “Pop” Watson III.

The Davey O’Brien Foundation was created in 1977 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary season this year. The National Quarterback Award, the oldest and most prestigious college quarterback award, was first issued in 1981.

Over its time, the Davey O’Brien Foundation has given away more than $1.4 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.

In 1938, O’Brien, who wore No. 8 as a star quarterback for TCU, became the first player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award in the same year. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955.

2026 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week Honorees

Week 1: Mason Heintschel, Pitt
About the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award

The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The Davey O’Brien Award honors candidates who exemplify Davey O’Brien’s enduring character while exhibiting teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Davey O’Brien Foundation, which is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrienAward.com.

Colorado Earns National Respect Before Week 2 Matchup

By
Lewis Jolly
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Colorado upset Georgia Tech in Atlanta in its season opener. It is receiving national buzz ahead of its Week Two matchup against Weber State. First, the betting line for Colorado vs. Weber State opened at a whopping 34.5 in favor of the Buffaloes. BuffBlitz.com’s Brian Howell notes CU was favored by most points in any game since its 2021 matchup with Northern Colorado.

Colorado stuns Georgia Tech with late touchdown, blocked walk-off field goal attempt - Yahoo Sports

Colorado covered the 38-point spread and won 35-7. This week’s near-historic spread reflects how strongly Vegas values Colorado’s Week One victory in Atlanta. In that game, Colorado dominated both lines of scrimmage, earning Pro Football Network’s top defensive-line grade nationally and piling up 183 rushing yards. Weber State, by comparison, surrendered 368 rushing yards last week to Southern Utah.

Colorado 14-13 Georgia Tech (Sep 3, 2026) Final Score - ESPN

Photo Cred: ESPN

Colorado also received three votes in this week’s AP poll. For a team that drew little preseason confidence from analysts, this marks a significant surge in national respect. If the national buzz generated by Colorado’s Week One victory is a sign of what’s to come, Buffs fans should be excited to see their team in person for the first time this Saturday. Colorado plays Weber State Saturday, Sep. 12, at 1:30 MDT at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on ESPN+.

What to Look For – Kickoff Weekend

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: NFL

NEW YORK — September 8, 2026 — Below are players that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, including:

  • QB Matthew Stafford
  • QB Justin Herbert
  • QB Jalen Hurts
  • QB Baker Mayfield
  • RB Derrick Henry
  • RB Jahmyr Gibbs
  • RB Christian McCaffrey
  • WR Ja’Marr Chase
  • WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
  • WR Justin Jefferson
  • TE Travis Kelce
  • TE Brock Bowers
  • TE George Kittle

MATTHEW STAFFORD

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and a career-high 46 touchdown passes in 2025 and ranks third with 423 touchdown passes since entering the league in 2009.

With three touchdown passes on Thursday night against San Francisco in Melbourne, Australia (8:35 p.m. ET, Netflix), Stafford can surpass Phillip Rivers (425 touchdown passes) for the sixth-most touchdown passes in NFL history, trailing only Tom Brady (649), Pro Football Hall of Famers Drew Brees (571) and Peyton Manning (539), Aaron Rodgers (527 entering Week 1) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508).

The players with the most passing touchdowns in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Tom Brady New England, Tampa Bay 649
Drew Brees HOF New Orleans 571
Peyton Manning HOF Indianapolis, Denver 539
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Pittsburgh 527*
Brett Favre HOF Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Minnesota 508
Phillip Rivers San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis 425
Matthew Stafford Detroit; L.A. Rams 423*
*entering Week 1

JUSTIN HERBERT

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert enters the 2026 season with 24,820 passing yards in 95 career games.

With 180 passing yards against Arizona on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Herbert can become the fourth-fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 25,000 career passing yards (96 games), surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning (97 games) and Kurt Warner (97) as well as Jared Goff (97). Only Patrick Mahomes (83 games), Matthew Stafford (90) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (92) reached the mark faster.

The fastest players to reach 25,000 career passing yards in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) GAMES
Patrick Mahomes Kansas City 83
Matthew Stafford Detroit 90
Dan Marino HOF Miami 92
Jared Goff L.A. Rams, Detroit 97
Peyton Manning HOF Indianapolis 97
Kurt Warner HOF St. Louis Rams 97
Justin Herbert L.A. Chargers 95*
*has 24,820 pass yards entering Week 1

JALEN HURTS

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts leads all quarterbacks with 63 rushing touchdowns and has 29 career regular season games with both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown since entering the NFL in 2020.

On Sunday against Washington (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), Hurts can become the fifth quarterback all-time with both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown in at least 30 career games, joining Josh Allen (50 games, entering Week 1), Cam Newton (45), Aaron Rodgers (32, entering Week 1) and Pro Football Hall of Fame Steve Young (31).

BAKER MAYFIELD

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield enters Week 1 with 197 touchdown passes in 123 career games since entering the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

With three touchdown passes at Cincinnati on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), Mayfield can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (243 touchdown passes) and Matthew Stafford (216) as the only quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall all-time with at least 200 touchdown passes in their first 125 career games.

DERRICK HENRY

Baltimore running back Derrick Henry leads the NFL with 14,819 scrimmage yards (13,018 rushing, 1,801 receiving) and 122 rushing touchdowns since entering the league in 2016.

With a rushing touchdown at Indianapolis on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Henry can tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen (123 rushing touchdowns) for the third-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith (164) and LaDainian Tomlinson (145).

The players with the most rushing touchdowns in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Emmitt Smith HOF Dallas 164
LaDainian Tomlinson HOF San Diego 145
Marcus Allen HOF L.A. Raiders, Kansas City 123
Derrick Henry Tennessee, Baltimore 122*
*entering Week 1

JAHMYR GIBBS

Since entering the league in 2023, Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs leads the NFL with 49 scrimmage touchdowns (39 rushing, 10 receiving) and ranks third with 5,029 scrimmage yards (3,580 rushing yards, 1,449 receiving yards) in 49 career games.

With two touchdowns against New Orleans on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), Gibbs can tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen (51 scrimmage touchdowns) for the third-most scrimmage touchdowns by a player in their first 50 career games in NFL history. Only Chuck Foreman (55 scrimmage touchdowns), Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown (53) and Larry Johnson (52) have more.

The players with the most scrimmage touchdowns in their first 50 career games in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM SCRIMMAGE TOUCHDOWNS
Chuck Foreman Minnesota 55
Jim Brown HOF Cleveland 53
Larry Johnson Kansas City 52
Marcus Allen HOF L.A. Raiders 51
Jahmyr Gibbs Detroit 49*
*in 49 career games

With a rushing touchdown in Week 1, Gibbs can become the fourth player all-time with at least 40 rushing touchdowns and 10 touchdown receptions in his first four career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara.

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey ranks second with 12,979 scrimmage yards (7,589 rushing, 5,390 receiving) and third with 98 touchdowns (62 rushing, 36 receiving) since entering the NFL in 2017.

With a touchdown reception on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (8:35 p.m. ET, Netflix), McCaffrey can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (36 touchdown receptions) for the most touchdown receptions by a running back in the Super Bowl era.

With 21 scrimmage yards on Thursday, McCaffrey can tie Adrian Peterson (113 games) as the seventh-fastest running back to reach 13,000 scrimmage yards in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers LaDanian Tomlinson (104 games), Jim Brown (105), Edgerrin James (108), Eric Dickerson (109), Marshall Faulk (109) and Barry Sanders (112) reached the mark in fewer games.

The fastest running backs to reach 13,000 scrimmage yards in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) GAMES
LaDanian Tomlinson HOF San Diego Chargers 104
Jim BrownHOF Cleveland 105
Edgerrin James HOF Indianapolis, Arizona 108
Eric Dickerson HOF St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis 109
Marshall Faulk HOF L.A. Rams, Indianapolis 109
Barry Sanders HOF Detroit 112
Adrian Peterson Minnesota 113
Christian McCaffrey Carolina, San Francisco 112*
*has 12,979 scrimmage yards entering Week 1

JA’MARR CHASE

Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase ranks second with 520 receptions for 6,837 yards and 54 touchdown receptions since entering the NFL in 2021.

With nine receptions against Tampa Bay on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), Chase can surpass DeAndre Hopkins (528 receptions) for the fifth-most receptions by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history, trailing only Justin Jefferson (579), CeeDee Lamb (571), Jarvis Landry (564) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (547, entering sixth season).

The players with the most receptions in their first six seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM RECEPTIONS
Justin Jefferson Minnesota 579
CeeDee Lamb Dallas 571
Jarvis Landry Miami, Cleveland 564
Amon-Ra St. Brown Detroit 547*
DeAndre Hopkins Houston 528
Ja’Marr Chase Cincinnati 520*
*entering Week 1

AMON-RA ST. BROWN

Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leads the NFL with 547 receptions since entering the league in 2021.

With at least five receptions against New Orleans on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), St. Brown can tie DeAndre Hopkins (63 games) for the fourth-most games with at least five receptions by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history. Only CeeDee Lamb (68 games), Jarvis Landry (66) and Justin Jefferson (64) have more.

The players with the most games with at least five receptions in their first six seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM GAMES
CeeDee Lamb Dallas 68
Jarvis Landry Miami, Cleveland 66
Justin Jefferson Minnesota 64
DeAndre Hopkins Houston 63
Amon-Ra St. Brown Detroit 62*
*entering Week 1

JUSTIN JEFFERSON

Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson leads the NFL with 8,480 receiving yards in 94 career games since entering the league in 2020.

With at least 20 receiving yards against Green Bay on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Jefferson can become the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 8,500 receiving yards, trailing only Julio Jones (90 games) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lance Alworth (90).

TRAVIS KELCE

Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce leads all tight ends with 1,080 receptions for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2013.

With at least 45 receiving yards against Denver on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC), Kelce can surpass Jason Witten (13,046 receiving yards) for the second-most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (15,127).

BROCK BOWERS

Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers has 176 receptions for 1,874 yards and 12 touchdowns in 29 career games entering the 2026 season.

With 111 receiving yards against Miami on Sunday (4:35 p.m. ET, FOX), Bowers can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr. (1,984 receiving yards) for the second-most receiving yards by a tight end in his first 30 career games in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (2,116).

The tight ends with the most receiving yards in their first 30 career games in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM RECEIVING YARDS
Mike Ditka HOF Chicago 2,116
Kellen Winslow Sr. HOF San Diego Chargers 1,984
Brock Bowers Las Vegas 1,874*
*in 29 career games

GEORGE KITTLE

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle ranks second among tight ends with 595 receptions since entering the NFL in 2017.

With five receptions on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne (8:35 p.m. ET, Netflix), Kittle, who can appear in his 125th career game, can join Travis Kelce (695 receptions) and Jason Witten (605) as the only tight ends in NFL history with at least 600 receptions in their first 125 career games.

Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com

CFP ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING ITS EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL PLAYOFF EXPANSION TO 24 TEAMS

By
Stephen Patrick
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RVING, Texas – The College Football Playoff (CFP) today, September 8, issued the following statement regarding its evaluation of potential Playoff expansion to 24 teams:

“The CFP has decided to move forward in its evaluation of potential Playoff expansion to 24 teams by beginning a media rights discussion with ESPN. This does not represent a decision or commitment to expand, but rather an opportunity to engage with ESPN and gather additional information to help determine a path forward. The CFP will provide additional updates when appropriate.”

-CFP-

About the College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the competition that crowns the true national champion in college football. The format of the CFP is built on a 12-team bracket. The 12 participating schools are the conference champions from the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Southeastern Conference and the highest-ranked team from the American, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West, Pac-12 Conference or Sun Belt Conference, along with the next seven highest-ranked teams. The University of Notre Dame will be included in the Playoff if it is ranked among the top 12 teams in the final CFP rankings. Four CFP First-Round games are played on host campuses, followed by the CFP Quarterfinals and CFP Semifinals, which rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The CFP National Championship will be on Monday, January 25, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. For additional information on the CFP, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.

Historic Rivalry Renewed: Virginia Tech Dominates VMI

By
Landon Dyess
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0
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

After more than 40 years, Virginia Tech and VMI faced each other again. This renewed rivalry between the teams became historic. On September 5, 2026, VMI traveled to Blacksburg to play the Hokies for the 80th time. The Hokies held a 50-25-5 advantage in the series. This game was important due to them not playing one another since 1984. This year’s game was even more important because it was the start of the James Franklin era.

College Football U | NEW: Virginia Tech in James Franklin debut HUNG 73 POINTS on VMI🤯 Franklin, who was fired last October by Penn State after 12 seasons and... | Instagram

Photo Cred: Virginia Tech

The Hokies hired Franklin as their head coach in November 2025. He entered the game with high expectations for the season. Lane Stadium’s home opener drew a sold-out crowd. This allowed Franklin to witness Hokie Nation’s fierce energy for the first time. Virginia Tech quickly showed that they were the better team by dominating from the opening kickoff. They built a 45-0 lead at halftime before ending the game with a 73-3 victory.

Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer had an impressive debut for the Hokies, completing 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Backup quarterback Bryce Baker also played well, completing 10 of 12 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Running backs Jeffrey Overton Jr. and Marcellous Hawkins also had great games, combining for five rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Que’Sean Brown also played well, recording 6 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Hokies also dominated on special teams.

Virginia Tech blocked two punts, with one being recovered for a touchdown. The defense also played a great game by limiting VMI’s offense to 83 total yards and helping the Hokies dominate all four quarters. The final score was heavily in Virginia Tech’s favor, but the game was important outside of the scoreboard. For VMI, this matchup gave them the opportunity to play in a historic rivalry between the two teams that hadn’t been played for 42 years.

Virginia Tech hands VMI its most lopsided defeat ever

Photo Cred: Roanoke

For Virginia Tech, it gave them the opportunity to celebrate the past and the beginning of the new chapter under Franklin. The 73-3 result gave the Hokies the dominant start they were looking for. Whether the teams meet more regularly again is still unknown, but the 2026 game proved that the VMI-Virginia Tech rivalry still has plenty of meaning for both schools and their fans.

Christopher Bell Takes Victory at Darlington to Open NASCAR Playoffs

By
Jaxson Love
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0
Photo Cred: Auto Action

NASCAR fans and racing fans, it is your time of year. The Chase is back and started off with a bang. Moreover, the Southern 500 opened the NASCAR playoffs on a sunny Darlington evening, with light rain near the end.

NASCAR Darlington winners, losers as Christopher Bell wins for first time in 2026 - Yahoo Sports

As a result, this race has huge implications for who will be NASCAR Cup Series Champion at season’s end. Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota escaped on fresh tires in the last 30 laps of the race to win his first race of the season and make a huge leap in the points. Additionally, the driver clinched a major win at a legendary raceway. Here are the results of the race and The Chase point standings:

Race Results:

  1. Christopher Bell #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  2. Ty Gibbs #54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  3. Tyler Reddick #45 23XI Racing Toyota
  4. Ryan Blaney #12 Team Penske Ford
  5. Kyle Larson #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  6. Chase Briscoe #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  7. Josh Berry #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
  8. Bubba Wallace #23 23XI Racing Toyota
  9. Joey Logano #22 Team Penske Ford
  10. Ryan Preece #60 RFK Racing Ford
  11. Carson Hocevar #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  12. Alex Bowman #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  13. Austin Cindric #2 Team Penske Ford
  14. Chase Elliott #9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  15. Erik Jones #43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  16. Todd Gilliland #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  17. Michael McDowell #71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  18. Denny Hamlin #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  19. Corey Heim #67 23XI Racing Toyota
  20. Chris Buescher #17 RFK Racing Ford
  21. Daniel Suarez #7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  22. AJ Allmendinger #16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  23. Brad Keselowski #6 RFK Racing Ford
  24. John Hunter Nemechek #42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  25. Zane Smith #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  26. Shane van Gisbergen #97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  27. Ross Chastain #1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  28. Austin Hill #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
  29. Austin Dillon #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
  30. Riley Herbst #35 23XI Racing Toyota
  31. Ty Dillon #10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  32. Noah Gragson #4 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  33. Cole Custer #41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet
  34. Connor Zilisch #88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  35. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
  36. Cody Ware #51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
  37. William Byron #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  38. Chad Finchum #66 Garage 66 Ford

Playoff Point Standings:

  1. Denny Hamlin #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  2. Christopher Bell #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  3. Ryan Blaney #12 Team Penske Ford
  4. Tyler Reddick #45 23XI Racing Toyota
  5. Chase Briscoe #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  6. Ty Gibbs #54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  7. Kyle Larson #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  8. Joey Logano #22 Team Penske Ford
  9. Chase Elliott #9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  10. Bubba Wallace #23 23XI Racing Toyota
  11. Chris Buescher #17 RFK Racing Ford
  12. Carson Hocevar #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  13. Daniel Suarez #7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  14. Austin Cindric #2 Team Penske Ford
  15. Ryan Preece #60 RFK Racing Ford
  16. William Byron #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Harrison Smith Returns: Vikings Bring Back Veteran Safety for Another Season

By
James McCaffrey
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0

The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed 37-year-old safety Harrison Smith to a one-year deal that is worth up to $16.25 million. Smith was the Vikings’ first-round pick way back in 2012 and has been with the organization ever since. However, it looked as though Smith was opting for retirement after last season. There were no rumors he would return this season, unlike Aaron Donald and the Rams.

Harrison Smith stays in the moment with the Vikings, as his 14th season winds down | kvue.com

Photo Cred: KVUE

Smith remains the active NFL career interceptions leader with 39. He appeared in 15 games for the Vikings last season. Smith was still a contributor on a defense that finished as the fourth-ranked unit in the league. That defense carried a lackluster offense to a 9-8 record. It left them just short of the playoffs.

These veteran returns after training camp and the preseason ends are becoming a trend in the NFL. Observers speculate that these were planned handshake deals between players and teams. Giving veterans with experience and system knowledge the opportunity would make sense. They can skip camp wear and tear and stay in shape on their own before rejoining the team.

Smith signed after teams trimmed and finalized the league’s initial rosters. He perhaps did the organization a favor by helping them avoid cutting a younger player claimed by another team. It is possible that these strategies may become more and more frequent in the league in upcoming years, as teams are constantly searching for new ways to manipulate roster and cap limitations.

Filtered by the Fans: Harrison Smith OT Interception 'Picked' as Favorite

With the Vikings retaining offseason head coaching candidate Brian Flores as defensive coordinator, along with the other key pieces on the defensive side of the ball, there is no reason to believe they should not once again finish as one of the premier units in the league. The question with Minnesota will once again be the offense, but more specifically, their quarterback. The Vikings have one of the premier pass-catching units in the NFL.

Also have a head coach who calls the offensive plays and is considered one of the better offensive minds in football. Even with a disastrous quarterback situation the entire year last season, Minnesota is so good everywhere else that they had a chance at the playoffs despite a tough division. Even if they get a higher level of play at quarterback and win a couple more games this season, it is possible they still miss the playoffs if the Lions bounce back, the young Bears continue improving, or if the Packers finally take a step forward in the Jordan Love era.

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