Author: Eternity Lab

The Central Michigan Chippewas visit the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET from University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM.

Central Michigan posted the fourth-highest red zone completion rate in the country last season at 71.4%, while New Mexico lost the fourth-most fumbles in the FBS. New Mexico is a 10.5-point favorite, with the total set at 47.5.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Central Michigan vs. New Mexico

• When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET
• Where: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

New Mexico opens as a 10.5-point favorite at home, and Layne returns after throwing for 2,486 yards and 13 touchdowns last season to lead that offense. The Lobos were far from careful with the ball a year ago, losing the fourth-most fumbles in the FBS, a number Central Michigan’s defense will look to test early in Albuquerque. How well Layne manages the football in a true road environment for the Chippewas could decide whether New Mexico’s home opener stays comfortable.

Central Michigan posted one of the best red zone completion rates in the country a year ago, 71.4%, the fourth-highest mark in the FBS, and Naves is part of the receiving corps tasked with keeping that efficiency up on the road. New Mexico is favored by 10.5 points at home, but the Lobos were among the most fumble-prone teams in the country last season, exactly the kind of opening a red-zone-efficient offense like Central Michigan’s needs to make it a competitive night in Albuquerque.

Central Michigan vs. New Mexico Odds

Learn more about the Central Michigan Chippewas vs. New Mexico Lobos game and check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

Check out the full college football schedule on FOX Sports!

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience ]–>

Source

The Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Houston Astros on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. ET from Daikin Park, Houston, TX.

The Houston Astros enter at 73-69 (.514), while the Arizona Diamondbacks sit at 74-68 (.521). Ethan Pecko (1-0, 6.23 ERA) takes the mound for the Astros, while Brandon Pfaadt (7-2, 3.49 ERA) starts for the Diamondbacks.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Astros

• When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

Houston needs its biggest bat front and center in this matchup, and Alvarez has been that guy all season. He leads the Astros in home runs with 37, batting average at .317, and RBI with 94 while carrying a .434 on-base percentage and .601 slugging percentage. For a Houston lineup that ranks fifth in MLB with 184 home runs, he is the clearest game-changing threat.

This matchup puts extra weight on every middle-of-the-order plate appearance because Arizona’s pitching staff has been steadier than Houston’s over the full season, posting a 4.15 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Alvarez is the hitter most capable of cutting through that with one swing. When he is driving the ball, Houston’s offense looks far more dangerous.

For Arizona, Moreno stands out as the bat most likely to pressure Houston across multiple at-bats. He leads the Diamondbacks in batting average at .299 and is tied for the team lead with 68 RBI, while adding an excellent .379 on-base percentage and .467 slugging percentage. In a game where Arizona may need to string together quality plate appearances, his profile fits the moment.

The Astros’ pitching staff has allowed 588 walks this season, so Moreno’s ability to reach base and keep innings alive could shape the flow of the night. He gives Arizona a steady offensive anchor, and that matters against a Houston club fighting to protect first place in the AL West.

Speed changes the picture for Arizona in this matchup, and Carroll brings the most of it among the projected starters. He is expected to play after being in the lineup Wednesday despite lower-back discomfort, and his season line still shows impact: 19 home runs, 61 RBI, a .335 on-base percentage, a .466 slugging percentage, and 21 stolen bases.

Arizona’s 98 stolen bases rank tied for 11th in MLB this season, and Carroll can stress the Astros in ways that go beyond extra-base power. One sharp night from him can turn singles into scoring chances fast, like a spark catching dry grass.

Diamondbacks vs. Astros Odds

Learn more about the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Houston Astros game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports!

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience ]–>

Source

The New York Yankees visit the San Diego Padres on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. PT from Petco Park, San Diego, CA.

The Yankees enter at 80-61 (.567), while the Padres sit at 74-67 (.525). Robbie Ray (11-7, 3.14 ERA in 149 innings) takes the mound for the Padres, opposed by Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.20 ERA). The Yankees’ 3.23 ERA is the lowest in the MLB in the 2026 regular season.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Yankees vs. Padres

• When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. PT
• Where: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

With San Diego chasing a Wild Card spot and facing the American League’s top ERA staff, Tatis stands out as the Padres hitter most capable of changing the game with one swing or one burst on the bases. He leads the club among projected starters with a .282 average and 31 steals, and he is tied for second on the team with 70 RBI.

His recent form gives this matchup extra weight. Over his last 25 games, Tatis has hit .290 with a .345 on-base percentage and a .680 slugging percentage, piling up 11 home runs, five steals, 20 RBI and 21 runs. He also homered twice on Tuesday. If that hot stretch carries into this one, San Diego’s offense gets a real chance to crack a Yankees pitching group that has allowed a .225 opponent average and a .659 opponent OPS this season.

In a matchup where New York may need one big middle-of-the-order blow against Robbie Ray, Rice is the Yankees bat that jumps off the page. He leads the team with 36 home runs and 88 RBI, and he brings the kind of left-handed power that can flip a tight game in a hurry.

His season line backs up the impact. Rice is hitting .257 with a .349 on-base percentage and a .526 slugging percentage, giving the Yankees their most productive power source among projected starters. That matters against a Padres staff that has been solid overall but has still allowed 155 home runs and owns a 1.292 WHIP. If Rice gets a mistake in the zone, he is the hitter most likely to turn it into instant separation for New York.

Yankees vs. Padres Odds

Learn more about the New York Yankees vs. San Diego Padres game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports!

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience ]–>

Source

Teams across the league continue managing injuries and fine-tuning rosters as the regular season inches closer.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was back at practice Tuesday, while Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed ongoing uncertainty surrounding cornerback Kyler Gordon’s return. 

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined while rehabilitating an ankle injury and when Pittsburgh Steelers Joey Porter Jr. was asked about whether or not he will play for the Steelers in Week 1, he responded, “I don’t know.”

Keep up with the latest news from around the league on Tuesday.

After weeks of speculation, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is back on the field practicing. He was seen on a Tuesday afternoon making cuts and looking explosive during team drills, showing he’s ready for the Week 1 opener.

McCaffrey missed more than two weeks of training camp while dealing with what was described as general “tightness.” It’s unclear if the issue was related to the Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him in 2024 or simply a precaution for other injuries he’s dealt with over his career.

However, this should be an encouraging sign as he looks fully healthy heading into Australia, when the 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.

McCaffrey is coming off the heaviest workload season of his career, accumulating a career-high 413 total touches. He logged 311 rushes for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns in the passing game.

If McCaffrey stays healthy, the 49ers offense could make serious noise in a competitive NFC West. The additions of Mike Evans and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, alongside a healthy McCaffrey and Brock Purdy, make this offense one of the most intriguing units in the league.

Bears GM Unsure When Kyler Gordon Will Return

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles expressed uncertainty Tuesday regarding when defensive back Kyler Gordon will return to action as he continues to recover from a lingering calf injury. Gordon, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension in April 2025, has appeared in just five games since signing the deal and has been sidelined throughout the entire offseason. 

When asked Tuesday if he envisions Gordon playing for Chicago during the upcoming 2026 season, Poles offered a guarded response.

“I don’t know. I would hope so,” Poles said to reporters Tuesday. “I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing.”

Poles declined to provide specifics on Gordon’s recovery process, confirming that the defensive back is working with team trainers while also consulting outside medical personnel.

“When people come back from injuries, there’s different things that happen,” Poles said. “Sometimes they return fast, sometimes they’re slow. So it’s really a timing thing and a healing thing and a confidence thing. Anytime you have an injury and you’re coming back from something, there’s discomfort that you have to push through, and that’s what it comes down to. So we haven’t been able to get over that hump, and we’re not progressing as fast as we would like.”

As Gordon remains on the reserve list, the Bears made additional roster moves Tuesday. 

Chicago placed safety Coby Bryant and tight end Hayden Large on injured reserve, leaving open the flexibility to designate both for return later in the season. To fill those roster spots, the Bears signed defensive tackle James Lynch and linebacker Jack Sanborn to the active 53-man roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. returned to practice on Tuesday after dealing with a back injury, but remained noncommittal about whether he will play in the season opener without a new contract. 

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Porter addressed his Week 1 availability when asked if he would suit up against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13.

“I don’t know,” Porter said. “I’ve got to talk to the front office and my agents about that one.”

Joey Porter Jr. is also entering the final year of his rookie deal. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

–>

General manager Omar Khan stated Monday that the team wants Porter to remain with the franchise long-term, but Pittsburgh holds a long-standing policy of ceasing all contract negotiations once the regular season begins. While Porter acknowledged that navigating the business side has been difficult, he noted that teammates and coaches have offered support as he continues preparing.

“I could hope and think all day, but it’s really up to the front office and what they want to do with this team,” Porter said. “So all I can do is just show up every day to work and be prepared.”

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson hasn’t practiced in over a week due to an ankle injury suffered in training camp. It’s an injury that has flown under the radar, especially with Ashton Jeanty also grabbing headlines after suffering a scary ankle injury of his own.

Henderson returned to Patriots practice on Tuesday afternoon but has not yet been cleared for full participation, ESPN first reported. While he continues to rehab a right ankle injury on the side, he was seen walking normally in the locker room, but his Week 1 status is unclear.

He is coming off a productive rookie season in the Patriots offense. On just 180 carries, Henderson racked up 911 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 221 receiving yards and a score in the pass game.

If Henderson can’t suit up next Wednesday night against the Seattle Seahawks, Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to see a full workload. Even though Stevenson is already the featured back, he could turn into a true three-down workhorse early in the season.

Injury News & Notes

• Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Keenan Allen, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren were all back on the practice field Tuesday. General manager Chris Ballard said Allen is expected to play in the team’s Week 1 opener, while Pierce continues to ramp up his practice workload following offseason ankle surgery. Downs returned to practice Tuesday after being sidelined with a minor calf strain.
• Quarterback Max Brosmer cleared waivers and reportedly re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a practice squad agreement Tuesday, one day after being waived from the initial 53-man roster.
• The Detroit Lions reportedly placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve Tuesday due to a back injury. The designation rules Pacheco out for at least the first four games of the regular season.
• Quarterback Joe Milton officially went unclaimed on waivers Tuesday following his release from the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters the Cowboys would “absolutely” like to have him back on the roster.

Source

Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters his redshirt junior season as the most celebrated and scrutinized quarterback in the country and thus is the most intriguing NFL prospect. But he’s not a shoo-in to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2027 NFL Draft. 

There is no denying Manning’s appeal. He’s supremely talented, boasting an ideal blend of size, arm talent and mobility with the Hall of Fame bloodlines every QB-needy NFL franchise would seemingly love to build its team around. 

But is it as simple as Manning, whose 2026 season kicks off Saturday against Texas State, “just staying healthy” before earning the distinction of being the top pick next spring?

Arch Manning is aiming to become the third member of his family to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)

–>

To put it bluntly, no. In a class this gifted, no one can afford to simply rest on their résumé. Not Manning nor Ohio State phenom receiver Jeremiah Smith nor any of the top QBs.

But, if Manning can improve in three particular areas, I believe he will follow in his famous uncles’ footsteps and hear his name called first on draft day.  

1. Improve In The Quick Game

Like most quarterbacks drawing attention from NFL scouts, Manning will ultimately get drafted because of his ability to accurately throw the football long distances. It is easy to assume that if a quarterback is accurate on longer passes, he’ll also be precise on shorter throws. 

That was not the case with Manning last year, however. In fact, he was arguably at his worst on the shortest throws — a flaw that simply must be corrected if he is to earn an early first-round selection next spring. 

The so-called quick game — i.e. slants, bubble screens, pop passes — is as fundamental to the modern era of football as shooting 3-pointers is to modern basketball. 

These routes have gained importance in recent years with today’s elite pass-rushers and all the exotic scheming and blitzing done to pressure quarterbacks immediately. Signal-callers absolutely must be able to get the ball in and out of their hands efficiently. 

Manning was surprisingly inaccurate on several short throws last year, espeically early in the season. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

–>

When operating out of the shotgun — as Manning typically did in 2025 — quarterbacks are taught to first secure the snap and then simultaneously turn their feet in the direction of the intended receiver while spinning the ball to allow their fingers to grip the laces. Once the ball is comfortably in their grasp, a quick, strong throw should be out long before the pass rush has any chance to get home. 

Experienced quarterbacks can make these throws seem like little more than extended handoffs, collecting and distributing in one fluid motion. 

Manning is as quick as you’ll see in this regard. In fact, he’s quicker than most. However, his technique was off and therefore so was his accuracy. Manning didn’t consistently pair his upper and lower body last season, failing to either grip the laces or turn his feet properly (or both), resulting in the ball spraying erratically. These issues were further exacerbated by a sloppy sidearm release that left potential pass-catchers struggling to pick up the ball in flight. With less distance for the ball to cover, receivers had a hard time locating and corralling throws that came in at the head or knee level just as often as they did near the chest, as intended. 

Manning’s inconsistent accuracy forced receivers to adjust, contributing to a whopping 22 charted drops by Texas receivers, per PFF. It also disrupted opportunities to create yards after the catch. 

Fortunately, this is a coachable skill that a lot of young quarterbacks struggle with. Manning did improve in this area over the course of last season, eventually showing both greater poise and precision. I expect he will be even better in his second year as the Longhorns’ starter. 

2. Work Through His Progressions Better

Too often last year, Manning stared down his primary target and either tried to throw him open or resorted to scrambling. While he was fairly successful at improvising, the competition will be much better in the NFL. 

It is difficult to convey Manning’s struggles in this area with statistics, but consider this: Per Pro Football Focus, Manning had 10 passes batted down at the line of scrimmage last year. Of all the quarterbacks selected in the NFL Draft in April, only fellow first-year starter Ty Simpson had this many throws knocked down — and that’s with the 6-foot-1 Simpson attempting 69 more passes at Alabama last year than the 6-foot-4 Manning did for Texas. 

Arch Manning in Joel Klatt’s top 10 players for 2026 Joel Klatt Show

–>

It is the same story if we compare Manning to the rest of this year’s loaded quarterback class. 

There were four other quarterbacks to make the first round in my way-too-early 2027 mock draft from April, and none of them cracked double-digits in this category. 

The same goes for Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (four), Miami’s Darian Mensah (seven) and Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker (eight), who are also receiving first-round buzz heading into this season. 

Now, just as Manning’s receivers deserve some of the criticism for the aforementioned drops, at least partial blame for batted down passes belongs to his blockers.  

But Manning greatly contributed to these deflections at the line of scrimmage by too often telegraphing his throws. This allowed rushers to time their leaps and, sometimes, tip his passes for their teammates to potentially intercept.

Manning sometimes had way too many passes batted down for someone his size. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

–>

Part of Manning’s appeal to NFL teams is his prototypical height and lightning-quick release. Frankly, there is only one excuse for a quarterback of Manning’s size and arm talent to have this many passes knocked down in Steve Sarkisian’s shotgun-based offense, and that is inexperience. 

NFL teams will forgive Manning’s “rookie mistakes” if they were, indeed, just that. But to be the No. 1 overall pick next spring, Manning must prove he can scan the entire field, efficiently moving from his primary target to second or third options while protecting the ball. 

3. Just Win, Baby (Including On The Road)

Fans would be amazed at how much value NFL teams place on wins as a starting QB. 

It isn’t that professional scouts fail to recognize the impact that a leaky defense, turnovers by others or a porous offensive line might play in determining the outcome of a game. They know that football is the ultimate team sport and, while quarterback is the most important position on the field, he’s still just one of 22 players in a given play. 

But a QB meriting strong consideration for a first-round pick — especially No. 1 overall — must demonstrate the ability to uplift his teammates. Never mind the Heisman hype; he simply needs to be great when the lights shine brightest. Manning will surely be under that spotlight (and microscope) while trying to lead a Texas program to its first national title in 21 years. 

‘Fear Arch Manning’ | FTF

–>

A lot of Fernando Mendoza’s skeptics quieted down last year once he guided the Indiana Hoosiers past Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, much less past Alabama, Oregon (for a second time) and Miami in the College Football Playoff. Mendoza completed 70.0% of his passes with 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions in those five games. For the year, he completed 72.0% of his throws with 41 touchdowns against six interceptions. In other words, his performance was largely the same all year long, regardless of opponent. 

Now contrast that with Manning, who was picked off in all three of Texas’ losses last year and completed 58.8% of his passes against Oregon, Florida and Georgia with a 4:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. (It is worth noting that each of those losses came on the road.) He threw 22 touchdowns with just three interceptions while completing 62.2% of his passes in his 10 other starts. 

Manning will face many of the best teams in college football this year, though most of those games will be in Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

Manning won’t have many opportunities this fall to slay any perceived road demons, at least not during the regular season, making his performance in a select few contests that much more important. Only three games on the Longhorns’ schedule — at Tennessee, at Missouri and at LSU — are outside the state of Texas. That’s not to say UT’s schedule will be comfortable, however. Matchups against fellow preseason top-10 teams such as Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Ole Miss are sure to challenge Manning and Co. 

How he responds will not only define the 2026 Longhorns but very likely the top of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Source

Like a child with a sandcastle finally built and ready to show it off to a parent who (secretly) couldn’t care less, we made it!

Like a grown man tossing free weights at his local gym for the first time in months after hearing the words, “I just think of you as a friend,” we’re back, baby!

Like a player who could not make a 53-man roster in the NFL, so he sues the NCAA for the right to return to LSU, we are the main character once more.

That means the scoreboard matters, the results come with consequences and there’s no hiding from your record, which is a direct reflection of who your team is here and now. TCU and North Dakota State are Week 0 reflections of what awaits teams playing their first games of the season on Thursday to kick off Week 1.

TCU did not look like or play like a top-25 team in its season debut. The Horned Frogs not only lost, 15-10, to the same North Carolina program they beat by 28 points last season, but they also committed enough unforced errors to make me believe they’ll absolutely struggle against Big 12 competition if both the offense and defense don’t improve in a hurry. TCU committed 11 penalties, allowed a safety because its punter couldn’t catch a wet ball and played 11 straight drives without a score.

Meanwhile, North Dakota State looked every bit like a program expecting to win a lot in the FBS following its resounding 33-7 win over Jacksonville State at the Fargodome on Saturday. The Bison looked like they have for the last decade: a team that plays fundamentally sound football, doesn’t make a habit of beating itself and knows how to finish in the fourth quarter. Their 26-point win is what I’d expect from a top-25 team against an unranked opponent in its weight class.

Now, with the knowledge that TCU is 0-1 against a team I ranked at 100 in the preseason and the Bison were knocking on the door of the top 25, it’s time to make the first change of the season to my rankings. I expect we will see more movement by Labor Day’s end.

25.

2025 Record: 12-1

Nathan Hayes has the honor of being the only quarterback to play four years of FCS football without a start and then make his first career start as a member of an FBS program — and against FBS competition. That’s what NDSU is now, an FBS program, and it’s hit the ground running.

I believe the Bison have everything they need — including a favorable schedule — to earn an invitation to the College Football Playoff in their first season in the FBS. And they’re already 1-0.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-150), Under 8.5 (+125)
Odds to win Mountain West: +245 (first) 

24.

Josh Heupel helped guide Tennessee to an 8-5 record last season. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 8-5

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has built a program capable of staying competitive and successful in the tumultuous NIL era. But this season, he has tabbed five-star phenom Faizon Brandon as the starting quarterback when the Vols take the field against Furman in Week 1. Getting this decision right could be the difference between a College Football Playoff berth and a second straight loss to — gasp — Vanderbilt.

The Vols have a tough schedule, but they also get Alabama, Texas and LSU at home this season. 

Keep an eye on running back DeSean Bishop, who I think could be another Dylan Sampson. Bishop rushed for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns on 182 carries last season and should be a valuable weapon for Brandon in 2026.

Win total odds: Over 7.5 (-125), Under 7.5 (-105)
Odds to win SEC: +2000 (eighth) 

23.

2025 Record: 11-2

Utah was preparing to make Morgan Scalley its head coach in everything but name by 2026 anyway. Kyle Whittingham’s move to Michigan simply forced the timeline up. The team’s defense will once again be fierce. What remains to be seen is how good quarterback Devon Dampier can be without offensive coordinator Jason Beck calling plays and Kevin McGiven helping direct the offense. 

Dampier has totaled 33 rushing touchdowns in 33 career games. With Dampier returning and 900-plus-yard tailback Wayshawn Parker next to him, I don’t see why Scalley’s Utah squad can’t challenge for the Big 12 title again in 2026. 

Scalley is just the fourth head coach at Utah since 1990 and the second-straight hire made from the previous year’s coaching staff. And that’s for good reason: It ain’t broke, so they don’t fix it. 

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-150), Under 8.5 (+125)
Odds to win Big 12: +650 (third) 

22.

Kevin Jennings threw for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 9-4

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings has his issues, but he’s good enough for the Mustangs to remain in this top 25 all season. Jennings led the ACC in interceptions last season (13) but also put together another season of at least 3,200 passing yards and 23 passing touchdowns. 

However, losing 90% of the pass rush from what was a bad defense in 2025 is coach Rhett Lashlee’s real problem to solve in 2026.

The Mustangs have gone 22-2 over the last three years in the ACC, and now, they’ve added former five-star wide receiver Jordyn Adams, who is 26 years old and a former first-round MLB Draft pick.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-136), Under 8.5 (+115)
Odds to win ACC: +650 (second)

21.

Demond Williams Jr. threw for 3,065 yards and ran for 611 yards last season. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 9-4

In 2025, I compared Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. to Kyler Murray, and he still looks every bit the dynamo. If the Huskies can develop a wide receiver as productive as Denzel Boston was one year ago, they can win double-digit games in the toughest league in the country. This also is Year 3 of the Jedd Fisch experience in Seattle, and, if his Arizona tenure taught us anything, it’s that this is the year his teams tend to break through.

Linebacker Jacob Manu is the best player on the Huskies’ defense. He has notched 241 tackles in 37 games, which ranks first among Big Ten defenders returning this season.

Win total odds: Over 7.5 (-170), Under 7.5 (+140)
Odds to win Big Ten: +2400 (seventh)

20.

2025 Record: 4-8

Florida coach Jon Sumrall might have pulled off his best recruiting win by convincing prized running back Jadan Baugh to stay another year. Having a tailback who accounted for 1,380 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns on a 3-9 team is impressive enough. 

Sumrall has reached a conference championship game in every season of his head-coaching career. I’m betting on Sumrall’s record as a head coach and Baugh’s ability to carry the offense here. But I’m also betting on former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner — who has the most SEC name of any coach in the country — and his ability to make his offense work with transfer quarterback Aaron Philo and budding wideouts Dallas Wilson, Eric Singleton and Vernell Brown III.

Win total odds: Over 7.5 (+130), Under 7.5 (-156)
Odds to win SEC: +2500 (ninth) 

19.

Willie Fritz led Houston to a perfect 6-0 record on the road in 2025. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 10-3

Forget Willie Fritz’s 14-11 record through his first two years in Houston. You live long enough, and you cover this sport long enough, you’ll come to realize Fritz is one of the 10 best living coaches in college football. His résumé includes two junior college national titles, two FCS national title game appearances, leading Georgia Southern to a 9-3 record in its first-ever season of FBS play, two American Conference Coach of the Year awards and all the piss-and-vinegar that comes from playing football in “The Jungle” at Pittsburg State. (If you know, you know.)

If Houston offensive coordinator Slade Nagle — football name! — and former five-star quarterback Conner Weigman can take the leap, look for the Cougars to be a force in Fritz’s Year 3 in H-town. He’s also got one of the nation’s most prolific tailbacks in his backfield in Makhi Hughes. Despite redshirting last season at Oregon, Hughes is the second-leading returning rusher in the sport with 2,849 yards in 32 games.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (+130), Under 8.5 (-156)
Odds to win Big 12: +1600 (fifth) 

18.

2025 Record: 8-5

Eli Drinkwitz’s team returns the best tailback in the sport in Ahmad Hardy and one of the nation’s most intriguing transfer quarterbacks in former Ole Miss signal-caller Austin Simmons. Simmons beat out Trinidad Chambliss during the 2025 camp competition before an early season injury made way for Chambliss to take over. That alone is enough reason to believe Simmons could emerge as one of the nation’s top signal-callers in 2026.

Add in Hardy’s 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns from last season, and the Tigers have the makings of one of the SEC’s most dangerous offenses. The one concern is Hardy’s availability. He sustained a gunshot wound that will delay the start of his season, leaving Jamal Roberts to shoulder much of the workload early.

Win total odds: Over 6.5 (-120), Under 6.5 (+100)
Odds to win SEC: +3200 (10th) 

17.

Matt Campbell has a 107-70 career record as a head coach. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 7-6

Matt Campbell brought the best of Iowa State with him to Happy Valley, building his reputation on doing more with less while turning the Cyclones into a Big 12 contender. At Penn State, he’ll get his first opportunity to do more with more. The result should be a drastic turnaround from the Nittany Lions’ disastrous 2025 season. Campbell also has the luxury of avoiding Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon in his first season.

Iowa State transfer quarterback Rocco Becht is the second-leading returning passer in the sport with 9,274 yards in 42 career games, and that experience should help ease Penn State’s transition into Matt Campbell’s first season with the Nittany Lions.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-166), Under 8.5 (+130)
Odds to win Big Ten: +2100 (sixth) 

16.

2025 Record: 12-2

I didn’t expect quarterback Bear Bachmeier to have a breakout season as a true freshman, nor did I expect BYU to lose to just one team — twice — in 2025. But after a 12-2 season and some recent turbulence for reigning Big 12 reigning champion Texas Tech, Kalani Sitake’s Cougars are now a solid bet to win the Big 12 title and earn a trip to the College Football Playoff.

The Cougars face Utah and TCU on the road and host Notre Dame this season. If those games are close in the fourth quarter, BYU should like its chances. The Cougars trailed by double digits in seven games last year and came back to win five of them. I expect this team will know how to finish, too.

The Big 12 conference featured just two 3,000-yard passers last year, and Bachmeier was one of them.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-150), Under 8.5 (+125)
Odds to win Big 12: +550 (second) 

15.

Kyle Whittingham is set to begin his first season as Michigan’s head coach. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images for ONIT)

–>

2025 Record: 9-4

Kyle Whittingham has everything he needs to reach the CFP for the first time in his career at a program that has made it three times in the last five years and won a national title just two years ago. If offensive coordinator Jason Beck can develop quarterback Bryce Underwood into the player his talent suggests, Michigan should remain one of the Big Ten’s elite teams. 

That’s the good news. Now the bad. 

First, the man who brought the former Utah coach to Ann Arbor, Warde Manuel, is (in)voluntarily stepping down on December 31, leaving behind a scandalous tenure. Looking to the field, Whittingham has already messed up the messaging of just how much the Wolverines’ rivalry with Ohio State means and should mean for its head coach and team. 

And then, Michigan’s schedule does it no favors. Not only do the Wolverines face a top-15 Oklahoma team in Week 2, but they also take on five Big Ten teams ranked inside the top 25 — including Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (+140), Under 8.5 (-180)
Odds to win Big Ten: +1600 (fifth) 

14.

2025 Record: 12-2

Well, quarterback Brendan Sorsby certainly complicated the math on Texas Tech. Following his admission that he gambled on his own team while at Indiana, the legal wrangling that followed and his decision to forgo a fight for eligibility in 2026, the Red Raiders have been forced to move on. Backup Will Hammond is expected to be ready for Week 1.

The good news for Hammond is that the supporting cast remains loaded. Cam Dickey and Quinten Joyner give the Red Raiders one of the better backfields in the conference, while the defense should be as devastating this season as it was last season. Linebacker Ben Roberts is like a real Bobby Boucher tackling machine, recording 280 tackles in 40 career games, the most among returning FBS linebackers.

Win total odds: Over 10.5 (-200), Under 10.5 (+160)
Odds to win Big 12: -105 (first) 

13.

Ryan Coleman-Williams has recorded 97 catches for 1,554 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons at Alabama. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 11-4

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer will start a third different quarterback in as many years, with sophomore Keelon Russell under center. Russell will have to build a quick rapport with wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who has the tools to be the best wide receiver in the SEC with enough accurate service. And that connection will have to come fast.

The Tide are also trying to avoid losing in Knoxville for a third straight time (while the Vols try to achieve that first since 2000).  

It’s easy to forget that Alabama was the home team in the SEC championship game against Georgia, and that the Tide became the first program to win a CFP game on the road. DeBoer’s job in 2026 is to create a memorable season rather than just a few memorable moments.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-120), Under 8.5 (+100)
Odds to win SEC: +850 (third) 

12.

2025 Record: 13-2

Following Lane Kiffin’s departure, Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding answered questions about just how good he can be with the two biggest wins in school history — beating Tulane and Georgia to make the College Football Playoff semifinals — all while Kiffin raided the Ole Miss roster and staff. Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will return for a sixth season after putting together a Heisman-caliber year in 2025. 

Golding will have his first chance to prove he’s a better coach than Kiffin on September 19 when LSU shows up to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. It’s not overselling it to call LSU-Ole Miss the most highly anticipated SEC game of the season.

Win total odds: Over 7.5 (-166), Under 7.5 (+130)
Odds to win SEC: +1100 (sixth) 

11.

John Mateer threw for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season at Oklahoma.  (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 10-3

The Sooners barely had a run game last season but still managed to win 10 games and earn a home CFP game. If quarterback John Mateer improves his accuracy, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle becomes less predictable in his play-calling and head coach Brent Venables, again, fields one of the stingiest defenses in the sport, Oklahoma has a real path to the playoff.

The Sooners also have a chance to make a statement early on, traveling to Ann Arbor on September 12 to face Michigan for a second straight year. And that’s just the start: Oklahoma plays Georgia, Missouri, Texas and Florida away from home.

Win total odds: Over 7.5 (-156), Under 7.5 (+130)
Odds to win SEC: +1150 (seventh)

10.

2025 Record: 9-4

Yes, head coach Lincoln Riley is great. Yes, QB Jayden Maiava is good. But Gary Patterson is one of the best defensive play-callers the sport has ever seen, and he’s running the defense at USC in 2026. That alone is enough for me to believe the Trojans can make a real run at a CFP appearance.

The more I think about this team, the more I believe the Trojans have the best offensive strategist (Riley) and defensive coordinator (Patterson) of any team in the country. That includes Indiana and Ohio State.

In order to achieve the lofty expectations I’ve set for the Trojans, they’ll have to go through Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana — or, in other words, two of the last three national champions and two of the last three Big Ten champs. Sheesh.

An impressive 42-point offensive explosion against San Jose State in Week 0 was a good start.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (+115), Under 8.5 (-136)
Odds to win Big Ten: +1500 (fourth) 

9.

Mike Elko is 19-7 in his first two seasons as Texas A&M’s head coach. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 11-2

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko seems to believe most coaches in his position are one bad season away from getting fired if they don’t reach the CFP. Well, with the Aggies, he might actually have a point. The good news is that the Aggies did just that in 2025 (losing to Miami), but they also crashed out against rival Texas with a chance to make the SEC title game.

Eleven wins doesn’t mean much in College Station without one coming at the expense of the Longhorns.

That reality has to change for Elko to feel secure at the end of the season. Offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins and quarterback Marcel Reed must take a major leap if Texas A&M is going to chase its first conference title of any kind since 1998. Reed is one of just two returning SEC quarterbacks to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for at least 550. The other is Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.

Ampersand U better come ready. It faces LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma — all on the road.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (+100), Under 8.5 (-120)
Odds to win SEC: +1000 (fifth) 

8.

2025 Record: 7-6

Hoo boy! If I told you 2026 LSU looks like 2025 Texas Tech with a little seasoning, you’d probably understand what I mean: The Bayou Bengals have decided money ain’t no problem.

LSU made Lane Kiffin one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport and the highest-paid ever without a championship on his résumé. They also gave him the resources to bring in former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Ole Miss defensive end Princewill Umanmielen. 

For a program that hasn’t won a national title since 2019, LSU fully looks built to change that.

Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-115), Under 8.5 (-105)
Odds to win SEC: +900 (fourth) 

7.

Darian Mensah was a second-team All-ACC selection last season at Duke. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 13-3

Quarterback Darian Mensah broke his contract with Duke to join the Hurricanes after leading the ACC in passing yards (3,973) and passing touchdowns (34). And he did all that while guiding the Blue Devils to a wildly improbable ACC championship on the strength of a 7-5 regular season and the most preposterous tiebreaker protocol in college football history.

Now, he must follow Cam Ward’s No. 1 overall selection after a 2024 season in Coral Gables and Carson Beck’s run to the national title game in 2025. Along with Mensah, running back Mark Fletcher and wideout Malachi Toney could give the Canes the best quarterback-running back-wide receiver trio not just in the ACC, but in the entire country.

Win total odds: Over 10.5 (-110), Under 10.5 (-110)
Odds to win ACC: -140 (first) 

6.

2025 Record: 10-2

Notre Dame’s schedule isn’t a joke this year, but that’s only because the punchline in 2024 was Northern Illinois walking out of South Bend with a victory and depositing $1.4 million for the effort.

Coach Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish won’t face anything resembling a ranked opponent until October 17 against BYU, and they shouldn’t lose before then — if they lose at all. Miami is the toughest team on the schedule, and I don’t rate the Hurricanes higher than Notre Dame. But don’t let that stop you from believing Notre Dame will lose and then refuse to play in the postseason.

Win total odds: Over 11.5 (+160), Under 10.5 (-190)
(Notre Dame is independent and does not have conference odds.)

5.

Arch Manning is 12-3 as a starter under center at Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 10-3

Last season was coach Steve Sarkisian’s first at Texas without a 1,000-yard rusher. So he traded his running backs out. Former Arizona State running back Raleek Brown and former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers enter the fold, as well as former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman. They should help the most bankable player in the sport, Arch Manning, propel the Longhorns to what they hope will be their first national title appearance since 2009.

Just last year, Texas began the regular season ranked No. 1 and lost it after falling to Ohio State in Week 1. The Longhorns later lost to a 4-8 Florida team, which essentially ruined their chances of making the College Football Playoff.

Texas will get its shot at revenge against Ohio State, September 12 in Austin. It certainly will help that the Longhorns return edge rusher Colin Simmons, who has more career sacks (21) than any other player in the FBS.

Win total odds: Over 9.5 (+120), Under 9.5 (-142)
Odds to win SEC: +310 (second)

4.

2025 Record: 13-2

The Ducks are dealing with new offensive and defensive coordinators in the same season for the first time since Dan Lanning took over as head coach, as they promoted Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton from within. Still, Lanning returns quarterback Dante Moore, dynamite wideout Dakorien Moore — who long-jumped 24 feet, 6.5 inches (7.48 meters) at track and field’s Oregon Team Invitational just for giggles — and wide receiver Evan Stewart, who is back from injury.

Provided Oregon runs the ball and plays defense the way it did a year ago — and it should — there’s no reason the Ducks can’t win the first national championship in program history. The schedule, however, is anything but a cakewalk. Oregon must travel to USC, Ohio State and Michigan while also navigating games against a rising Boise State, a refreshed Oklahoma State and a retooled UCLA.

Returning cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. and transfer safety Koi Perich should form the backbone of one of the nation’s best secondaries. The Big Ten is Oregon’s for the taking if the Ducks’ new coordinators can coach like the last two.

Win total odds: Over 10.5 (+100), Under 10.5 (-120)
Odds to win Big Ten: +260 (third) 

3.

Gunner Stockton threw for 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 12-2

The SEC still belongs to Georgia. The Bulldogs have lost just once at home since 2019, but they still haven’t won a CFP game after earning a first-round bye in the 12-team era.

That’s why so much of this season centers on returning quarterback Gunner Stockton. If Georgia fans will be happy with Stockton becoming Stetston Bennett 2.0 — 34 total touchdowns and just five interceptions — then so be it.

Georgia fans can be forgiven if, in the course of shuffling the aisles at Walmart or waiting on an open table at Waffle House, they’ve uttered aloud, “Just, what the hell, Kirby?!” to no one in particular. This is because they’ve seen their program win back-to-back SEC titles while also watching their former starting quarterback lead Miami to the national championship game and Indiana winning the whole thing. The expectation is to become the first program since Florida’s 1993-96 run to win three straight conference championships — and then bring another national title back to Athens.

The defense should help. Safety KJ Bolden and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV look like future All-Americans. The question is whether enough pieces emerge around them in the secondary to give the Bulldogs another national championship-caliber defense.

Win total odds: Over 9.5 (-180), Under 9.5 (+150)
Odds to win SEC: +260 (first) 

2.

2025 Record: 12-2

Look, I’ve said it for two years, and I don’t mind repeating myself for a third: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the best player in college football.

He should’ve had a chance to become the first two-time winner of the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s best receiver last season, but those voters had other ideas. Regardless, the good news for Ohio State is that replacing NFL talent becomes a lot easier when the sport’s most dominant player is lining up on your side.

And if Buckeyes fans really are Viltrumite refugees temporarily stranded on Earth like in Robert Kirkman’s “Invicible,” then 2026 is the year they reclaim the throne. A win over Michigan. A Big Ten championship. A national championship. Ohio State hasn’t completed that triple crown since 2014, but the pieces are in place to make it happen.

That doesn’t mean the road will be easy. The Buckeyes must replace 11 NFL Draft picks, including three first-round selections, while also breaking in a new offensive coordinator. Arthur Smith — who came from the Pittsburgh Steelers to be Ohio State’s newest offensive coordinator — has a track record of designing physical, effective rushing attacks in the NFL, and should be a welcome addition to a ground game that struggled against Power Four competition at times last season.

Win total odds: Over 9.5 (-180), Under 9.5 (+150)
Odds to win Big Ten: +180 (first) 

1.

Curt Cignetti has led Indiana to a 27-2 mark in two years, including winning last year’s CFP National Championship. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

2025 Record: 16-0

Lost in the shuffle of quarterbacks — a third new starter in as many years — and the rather exhausting list of talent and veteran leadership that departed Bloomington are a few important facts. 

1. Curt Cignetti is still the head coach. 
2. The best record in the sport over the last two seasons (27-2) belongs to Indiana. 
3. The Hoosiers are the reigning national champions and the first team since 1894 to finish 16-0.

In the college football universe, Indiana has become the Arrakian prophecy from “Dune” personified. As Paul Atreides once said, “I’m pointing the way.” He could have been talking about Cignetti.

TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover is a big reason why Indiana remains as formidable in 2026 as it was during last year’s title run. The nation’s leading returning passer has thrown for 9,629 yards in just 36 career games. With Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh catching passes, the Hoosiers have the firepower to make another run at the top of the sport.

Win total odds: Over 10.5 (+105), Under 10.5 (-125)
Odds to win Big Ten: +255 (second)

‘Fear Arch Manning’ USC a CFP sleeper, can Indiana repeat as National Champions, Notre Dame | FTF

–>

Source

Surely you’ve heard the news that Aaron Donald is back.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year retired after the 2023-24 season, but now he’s back, two seasons later, to join Myles Garrett with the Rams.

And just like that, arguably the most formidable defensive line tandem in history has been formed … if Donald is the Donald we remember. 

How will he perform in his return? Let’s see what the odds say at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 2. 

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Aaron Donald Regular-Season Odds

To have 8+ sacks: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)

To have 10+ sacks: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)

To have 12+ sacks: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)

To have 15+ sacks: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)

Most sacks: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)

Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett to combine for 30+ sacks: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)

Here’s what to know about this odds list:

Will History Repeat?: History says that Donald will cross the eight-sack mark. In nine of his 10 professional seasons, he had at least eight sacks, and in the one year he didn’t, he only played 11 games, finishing with five sacks. Donald has had 10 or more sacks in six seasons, 12 or more four times, and over 15 once, when he racked up a league-leading 20.5 in 2018-19. However, Donald is now 35 and hasn’t taken the field in two full seasons. How many snaps will he take? Will he start all 17 games? 

Dynamic Duo: One thing Donald will have this season that he never had is a defensive player currently regarded as better than him. Garrett has twice been named Defensive Player of the Year, including winning the award last year. The soon-to-be 31-year-old Garrett had an NFL record 23 sacks last season, and had at least 14 sacks in each of the four seasons prior to that. The odds say the duo won’t reach 30, but it’s not farfetched simply based on Garrett’s form. Conventional wisdom says Garrett could open up doors to the opposing quarterback that Donald has never witnessed, right?

Source

A walk-off error. Back-to-back jacks. Bryce Harper can’t make outs. Tuesday’s MLB action provided all that and much more.

Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball:

Wild Pirates-Giants Tilt Ends With Walk-Off Error

The Pirates aren’t done with 2026 just yet. Pittsburgh isn’t having a red carpet rolled out for it by any means, but with 23 games to go the Bucs are five games back of the third wild-card spot in the National League — a tough assignment, like, “the Pirates’ playoff odds are less than 2%” tough, but the percent chance still exists, which is more than you can say about the Nationals, Reds, Mets and more.

Helping Pittsburgh out on Tuesday was a wild win against the Giants, that was coupled with losses by (1) the current holder of the NL’s final wild-card slot, the Padres and (2) the Diamondbacks, who are just half-a-game behind San Diego. The Marlins and Cardinals both won, so it wasn’t a perfect evening for the Pirates, but picking up a game on the teams furthest away is something.

And the Pirates pulled it off in a ridiculous way. Paul Skenes couldn’t get out of the fifth and allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks, bringing his ERA for the season to 3.97. Logan Webb was even worse: the Giants’ starter gave up nine runs in two innings of work, with all nine coming in the second, and while San Francisco’s bullpen was better than Pittsburgh’s, the latter team had a great head start, so a five-run eighth by the Giants merely tied the game at 12-12.

Then, disaster struck for the Giants, who had mostly kept the Pirates in check from the third onward. Carson Seymour came on in relief to face Pittsburgh in the ninth, and allowed the fourth hit of the day to second baseman Brandon Lowe to start. DH Nick Gonzalez would then single, and center fielder Oneil Cruz hit a grounder to force a ground out at second, but Lowe advanced to third and Cruz would move to second on defensive indifference shortly after. Catcher Rafael Flores Jr., who had entered as a defensive replacement earlier when Henry Davis was lifted for a pinch-hitter, hit a ball to third baseman Osleivis Basabe… and it never found the mitt at first.

It was a great scoop by Basabe, but he left the throw too short for it to get into Rafael Devers’ glove with ease — it just cleared the grass to the left of the infield dirt, and didn’t come to him clean enough to snag. The official scorer charged the error to Basabe, not Devers, and Lowe scored the walk-off run.

Rays Game Ends Better Than It Starts

The Mets took the first game of their series against the Rays on Monday, and on Tuesday it looked like it might be more of the same when shortstop Francisco Lindor started with a leadoff homer.

And off former Mets starter Freddy Peralta, to boot. That would be all the offense Peralta would allow, however: he ended up looking more like his Brewers’ iteration than his Mets’ one, giving up three hits and no walks against seven strikeouts over six innings. And the Tampa Bay offense made sure that didn’t go to waste, either. Third baseman Junior Caminero tied the game in the bottom of the first with a single to left…

…and Tampa Bay got another in the bottom of the third on another single by first baseman Ryan Vilade. In the sixth, left fielder Chandler Simpson showed off his wheels scoring from first base to make it 3-1 — that ended up being the game-winning hit.

The Rays would add another three runs, but New York scored just one off the Tampa Bay bullpen. The Rays have 83 wins — no one else in the AL has 80 yet, but the closest is just 4.5 behind them in the AL East.

Back-To-Back Jacks, Don’t Look Back

And that team, the Yankees, had their own success on Tuesday. Facing the Angels, New York opened the scoring with back-to-back homers by right fielder Spencer Jones and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the first.

The Yankees would never trail in this one: the Angels put three on the board through six, but by that time the Yankees had already scored again, and would add another three for good measure to lead to a 7-3 dub. New York might be just far enough behind Tampa Bay to not catch them in the East — Baseball Prospectus has its AL East title odds at under 14%, there but not likely — but with the Red Sox losing and the Guardians trying to stay ahead of a bunch of sub-.500 teams, being up +8.5 in the wild-card race means New York is all but mathematically assured of a postseason spot barring true disaster.

Harper Goes 4-For-4

The aforementioned Diamondbacks’ loss came at the hands of the Phillies, who had the best record in MLB in August and kicked off their September with another W. Philadelphia won 7-1, with right fielder Bryce Harper the standout thanks to a 4-for-4 effort.

Harper drove in one and scored another, with each knock a single — Harper has reached base in 34-straight games, too, and picked up a walk for five total times on base last night.

Jesús Luzardo was the other standout for the Phillies, going 6 ⅔ innings mostly scattering six hits in a 7-1 win for Philadelphia — his ERA is now down to 3.02 after a rough start to the year that saw it at 4.56 after his first June appearance. It’s 1.86 in 15 starts and 96 ⅔ innings since, which has done a lot for the Phillies’ success in the same stretch.

Cardinals Rout Dodgers

The Cardinals also pulled off back-to-back jacks, in their case against the Dodgers. Third baseman Ramón Urías hit the first dinger, and shortstop Thomas Saggese followed it up with a 415 footer, both off starter Eric Lauer.

St. Louis built up a seven run lead before the Dodgers responded with a three-run Mookie Betts double, but the Cardinals quickly erased most of that progress with a two-run long ball by right fielder Jordan Walker.

That one went 409 feet and 109.3 mph off the bat — what a season Walker is having, as he’s batting .288/.345/.505 with 28 homers. While the Cardinals would score four more, Walker’s blast turned out to be the game-winner, as St. Louis would win, 13-8. The Cards are now 69-70 and four games out of the last wild-card spot — like with the Pirates, winning when the Padres and D-backs did not is huge.

Now That’s A First Pitch

Brewers Get One Back

The Brewers were demolished by the Cubs on Monday, 17-3, but got a measure of revenge on Tuesday with a 9-4 victory. The good thing about baseball is that most of the time there’s another game the next day, and the losses all count the same in the standings no matter how lopsided they are.

Here, Robert Gasser was pulled after 4 ⅓ innings and three runs, but five relievers came on after he did and combined for just one more run allowed. The Cubs had built up a 3-0 lead, but the Brewers chipped away, and in the sixth DH Christian Yelich made it a 5-3 ballgame for Milwaukee.

Yelich would come around to score in the eighth when a Joey Ortiz homer served as an exclamation point on the game: he had just one hit, but scored twice and drove in two. Chicago isn’t mathematically eliminated from overtaking the Brewers in the NL Central, but at eight games back with the season’s remaining duration now measured in weeks, it’s no wonder the Cubs’ have a less than 5% probability of pulling it off.

Guardians Down Jays

The Guardians were in danger of losing possession of the third wild-card spot in the AL on Tuesday, as Cleveland began the day half-a-game up on the Orioles, with the Rangers creeping behind Baltimore at 1.5 back. While Texas won, the O’s did not, and the Guardians were able to pick up a win against the Blue Jays, who were also just 1.5 back on Tuesday morning. The AL wild-card race is just like that right now.

Cleveland got a pair of homers from Angels, but not in the “the Guardians traded for Jo Adell” sense. In the “the Guardians have an infielder named Angel Genao and an outfielder named Angel Martinez” one. Genao pinch-hit for Travis Bazzana in the seventh and bopped his second homer of the season to put Cleveland up 4-1, then Martinez hit his own two-run shot in the next inning to make it 6-1.

The Guardians are 1.5 up on both Texas and Baltimore, and now 2.5 ahead of Toronto. The Twins — who won a 15-2 laugher against the Tigers on Tuesday — are 3.5 behind. It’s going to be some last few weeks to secure that final postseason spot in the American League.

Source

Let the chaos begin: College football’s offseason is fully over, Week 1 has arrived and here’s your cheat sheet for the sport’s biggest storylines.

If you’ve been a little checked out of college football, we get it — there’s been a lot going on. The World Cup took over this summer, and with college football somehow evolving into a nearly six-month commitment, everybody needs a break. 

But now it’s time to tune back in. For those who’ve been away from the college football universe, here are six quick storylines — in no particular order — to get you caught up before Week 1 kicks off this weekend with a full slate of games across five days. From Heisman Trophy favorites and College Football Playoff contenders to coaches at new programs, we’ve got you covered. 

Is This Finally The Year For Arch Manning And Texas?

Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters his second season as the Longhorns’ starter. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

What does success look like for Texas this year? It’s national championship or bust. 

Head coach Steve Sarkisian enters his sixth season in Austin, and over these last five years, his team has already done everything outside of winning a national title: The Longhorns won the Big 12 before leaving the conference, they’ve played for an SEC title and they’ve made two College Football Playoff semifinals. Last season was a dud by program standards after getting off to a shaky start before ending the year with wins over rival Texas A&M and Michigan and finishing 10-3. The Longhorns didn’t make the CFP, which is where this season’s retooled team comes into play.

Quarterback Arch Manning has a full year of starting experience under his belt. While Texas is a top preseason team and Manning is in the Heisman Trophy conversation, the hype and expectations surrounding him aren’t nearly as intense as they were a year ago. His growth, along with all the talent Sarkisian picked up in the transfer portal on both sides of the ball, is enough to get anyone believing in the Horns. 

Now, can they get it done?

Can Indiana Defend Its National Title?

Can Curt Cignetti lead the Hoosiers to back-to-back CFP national championships? (Photo by Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

–>

Last season, the Hoosiers were the best story in the country. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman and led Indiana to a perfect season and its first-ever national championship before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Can Curt Cignetti’s program captivate the college football world again? It would not be smart to doubt this coach who turned the losingest program in college football history into a national champion. The Hoosiers have reloaded in the transfer portal, adding former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh, among others. And Indiana has several elite playmakers returning from last year’s team.

But repeating the magic — particularly an undefeated run — will be a much tougher task. Indiana faces Ohio State and Michigan on back-to-back weekends in October, followed by USC and Washington on consecutive Saturdays in November. If Cignetti can navigate that gauntlet, maybe Indiana really is a dynasty in the making.

What Will LSU Look Like Under Lane Kiffin?

Lane Kiffin is set to begin his first season as LSU’s head coach. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

–>

This is obviously the blockbuster storyline of the season: Lane Kiffin’s debut at LSU after ditching Ole Miss before last year’s CFP. Since his arrival in Baton Rouge, every move has been watched. From the FBI reportedly sweeping the Rebels’ football facility for potential Kiffin bugs to the Tigers’ interest in pursuing former NFL players who want to return to college, Kiffin has owned recent headlines.

LSU will undoubtedly remain at the center of attention, especially if it wins. The Tigers have a challenging schedule, opening with Clemson at home in prime time before a trip to Oxford to play the Rebels on September 19. Get your popcorn ready for that one. LSU has five preseason top-25 teams on its schedule, including a rough November when it plays Alabama, Texas and Tennessee in three straight weekends.

The James Franklin Era Is Underway At Virginia Tech

James Franklin is set to take over at Virginia Tech.  (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)

–>

Penn State famously fired James Franklin last October after 12 seasons, just one year removed from a CFP appearance. The 2025 campaign didn’t go as planned and quickly unraveled. After an epic double-overtime loss to Oregon at home in late September, the Nittany Lions lost six straight games. Franklin was fired after the third, following inexplicable losses to UCLA and Northwestern.

In November, Franklin was given a second chance when Virginia Tech named him its next head coach. After reloading in the transfer portal — which included luring former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to Blacksburg — Franklin is reinvigorated by a new challenge. 

The Hokies’ schedule, however, won’t make the transition easy. They play Clemson, SMU, Miami and Virginia, though they avoid Louisville. It might take time for Franklin to get Virginia Tech where he wants it, but he brings a proven track record as a recruiter, gets a clean slate and has a passionate fan base hungry to see the program matter on a national stage.

  Big Ten vs. SEC

Dante Moore returns for his second season as Oregon’s starting quarterback. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

–>

It’s the Big Ten’s world right now with the conference claiming the last three national championships. Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana are the most recent winners and there’s a good chance the league contends for a fourth. 

Oregon is certainly a favorite with Dante Moore at quarterback. If the Ducks make their third consecutive CFP appearance, can they avoid getting blown out like they have in the past? If not, Indiana is motivated to defend its title, Ohio State has a ton of firepower and USC is anxious to make its first CFP.

The SEC hasn’t won it all since Georgia did it twice in a row in 2021 and 2022. Early prognosticators predict the conference might produce the most playoff teams with some combination of Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Alabama making runs. 

Minor Tweaks To The College Football Playoff

Jeremiah Smith will look to lead Ohio State back to the College Football Playoff. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

–>

While there’s been plenty of chatter regarding another CFP expansion, the field remains at 12 this season. 

However, there are some small changes. The Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12 champions will receive automatic bids. Notre Dame will be guaranteed a spot, as long as it finishes in the top 12 of the final CFP rankings. 

Then, the highest-ranked Group of 6 team — regardless of whether it’s a conference champion — will also receive an automatic bid. In previous years, the five highest-ranked conference champions received automatic bids. 

And as we’ve grown accustomed to, the first round will still be played on campuses. Then, the quarterfinals this year will be hosted by the Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl and the semifinals will be in the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl. 

The CFP national championship game will be played on Jan. 25 in Las Vegas.

‘Fear Arch Manning’ USC a CFP sleeper, can Indiana repeat as National Champions, Notre Dame | FTF

–>

Source

It’s time for this week’s Sportsbook Whispers.

Alabama is a fascinating case study this year because it is ranked outside the preseason AP Top 10 for the first time since 2008. That was Nick Saban’s second season in Tuscaloosa and the Tide exceeded expectations, finishing 12-2 after a Sugar Bowl loss to undefeated Utah.

Time flies, eh?

Last year, Alabama finished 11-4, but the lasting image of its season was a 38-3 dismantling at the hands of eventual champion Indiana.

“Alabama could not run the ball last season,” newly retired bookmaker Ed Salmons told me from Las Vegas. “That was never an issue at the height of their powers under Nick Saban. I like Kalen DeBoer and there’s always going to be talent there, but they must get back to running the ball.”

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Most wise guys I know who make power ratings have Bama just outside the top 10 with room to grow. I frequently share notes with handicappers, like Motoi Pearson and Brad Powers, who rank the Tide 11th and 13th respectively.

One former bookmaker turned bettor is higher.

“I have Alabama eighth,” he admitted. “I have Ohio State one, Notre Dame and Oregon tied at two, Texas four, Georgia and Indiana tied at five. Miami seven.

“Alabama acquired a ton of talent in the transfer portal, and they added five transfers in the offensive line room. So DeBoer clearly addressed their weaknesses. And the quarterback is young, but he’s a five-star recruit.

“I admit I’m probably a little high, mostly because I believe in team pedigree and I like their coaching staff. That said, the market took 28.5 and 28 with East Carolina over the last few days, so that was interesting.”

What else?

“One big disagreement I have is Houston-Oregon State,” he continued. “I think the market is almost a touchdown light. I make Houston -27. Maybe I’m missing something.

“We bet Florida State +3 against SMU, too. There’s only one way to bet that game. It’s Florida State or pass. My preseason number was pick ‘em, and you can’t over adjust to one result. This number shouldn’t be 3.

“The books are going to write all SMU tickets, though, so I get it.”

Caesars Sportsbook head of football Joey Feazel expects an avalanche of tickets on Kevin Jennings and the Mustangs in Monday night’s standalone.

“[Florida State] left a lot to be desired against New Mexico State,” Feazel said. “They’ve struggled for a couple years now, and it looks like it’s going to be one-way action. The line is holding steady around 3, but we were at 1.5 and 2 before Week 0.

“It’ll be one of our biggest handled college games of the year because it’s the only game Monday night and the NFL isn’t back yet.”

If you’ve been around this racket as long as I have, you know every sportsbook has an uncomfortable liability on a player to win the Heisman. Obviously, customers tend to bet players near the top, but there’s always a code-red long shot that would clean a book’s clock if he won the award.

“For us, it’s Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz,” Feazel reported. “We wrote a sizable bet on him at 80/1 for a big number. So that’s the easy answer. There are a lot more tickets on John Mateer and Arch Manning, but Kienholz would be the worst result for us at this point in time.”

Finally, we must give Bill Belichick his flowers. 

North Carolina was as high as 9.5-point dogs last week against TCU and pulled the outright upset at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. 

Or maybe the market was just too high on the Horned Frogs, who ironically lost outright as a 20.5-point favorite three years ago to Colorado in Deion Sanders’ first game as head coach in Boulder.

Quarterback Josh Hoover ain’t walking through that door. He left TCU to be the new starter for Curt Cignetti as Indiana tries to win back-to-back titles.

“I downgraded TCU 2.5 points,” professional bettor Corbie Craig told me. Craig did have a bet on UNC plus the points. “It is worth noting TCU’s No. 1 wide receiver didn’t play Saturday, but I still moved my number nicely.”

Source