AP
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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BBO--MLB-RULES-EXPERIMENT
DESCRIPTION: Major League Baseball continues its long-running quest to juice the game’s offense with a new defensive experiment in the Arizona Fall League, which severely limits how much outfielders can shift. By David Brandt. 700 words, photos. Major League Baseball continues its long-running quest to juice the game’s offense with a new defensive experiment in the Arizona Fall League, which severely limits how much outfielders can shift. By David Brandt. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: Three unbeaten teams remain in the Football Bowl Subdivision, the fewest at this point in a season in 49 years, and a run of upsets have caused The Associated Press Top 25 to undergo major revisions the last three weeks. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 900 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BKC--TIPOFF-COACHING CAROUSEL
DESCRIPTION: Michigan’s national title defense represents a second chance for new Wolverines coach Mike Boynton, who took over after Dusty May left for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Boynton’s promotion was one of the major events in the offseason coaching carousel. By Steve Megargee. 800 words, with photos
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 9:50 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--FALCONS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: The Atlanta Falcons’ 29-20 win over previously undefeated San Francisco provided a blueprint for future winning gameplans: Allow Bijan Robinson to establish the running game early, have quarterback Michael Penix Jr. avoid interceptions and have the defense create turnovers. The 4-0 advantage in turnovers against the 49ers won’t be easily duplicated, but Penix is making a case he can be a consistent complement to Robinson as long as he remains healthy. By Charles Odum. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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CAR-NASCAR-CHASE-OUTLOOK
DESCRIPTION: With two races remaining in the season, how the NASCAR Cup Series contenders stack up heading into Martinsville Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. By Nate Ryan. 600 words
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, FilePhoto
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BKW--CONFERENCE PREVIEWS
DESCRIPTION: Previews of the upcoming women’s college basketall seasons in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern conferences
FORMATS: Text, FilePhoto
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
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BBO--WORLD SERIES
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the World Series. Coverage of Game 3 of the World Series. Mikwaukee has a 2-0 lead on Tampa Bay. Game scheduled to begin after 8 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBC--T25-WISCONSIN-RANKED BADGERS
DESCRIPTION: No. 25 Wisconsin is back in the Top 25 for the first time since 2023 after knocking off then-No. 16 Southern California 24-7. Next up is a chance to gain revenge on Iowa, which has beaten the Badgers each of the last four years. By Steve Megargee. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 7:03 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--49ERS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: For most of the first half, it looked as if the San Francisco 49ers were poised to head into their bye week with seven straight wins and an undefeated record. Then they couldn’t hold onto the ball and gave a game away to the Atlanta Falcons in a 29-20 loss Sunday that will sting for the next week. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words., photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the WNBA Finals. The WNBA Finals shift back to California as Golden State hosts Atlanta in a pivotal Game 5 with the series tied 2-2. By Janie McCauley. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT
— With: Separates on merit
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--COWBOYS-EAGLES
DESCRIPTION: The Dallas Cowboys play the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/26/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--CHIEFS-SEAHAWKS
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has 150 receiving yards and a score in the Seahawks’ 20-3 win over the Chiefs
SUMMARY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, and the Seattle Seahawks handed the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season, 20-3 on Sunday night. Sam Darnold threw for 257 yards and a score for the Seahawks, who snapped a two-game skid. Emanuel Wilson had 24 carries for 100 yards and a TD. Patrick Mahomes struggled, throwing for 165 yards with an interception for the Chiefs. Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP for the Seahawks last season before signing with the Chiefs in the offseason, was held to 36 yards on 14 carries.
WORDS: 811 - MOVED: 10/26/2026 12:13 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ccabc2df2c0a181dcbdcf1d8b25f96cf&mediaType=text
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BKN--THUNDER-JALEN WILLIAMS
Thunder lose Jalen Williams to serious lower leg injury late in win over Clippers
SUMMARY: Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder was taken off the court on a stretcher Sunday night, after suffering a serious injury to his lower left leg while getting fouled in a scene that moved some of his teammates to the brink of tears. He was injured while being fouled on a drive with 1:14 remaining of Oklahoma City’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, getting tended to almost immediately by medical personnel after going down underneath the basket on the Thunder’s offensive end.
WORDS: 462 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 11:11 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f8203ca7c805c832f44c0968b403baf0&mediaType=text
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FBN--FALCONS-DANIELS
A week after frightening injury, Falcons rookie Daniels comes up big in win over 49ers
SUMMARY: Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels has made a quick turnaround from a frightening injury. Daniels was carted off the field on a stretcher last week after his facemask collided with the knee of Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland. He went to a hospital and was cleared physically to return but had to overcome the mental hurdle of how he left the field last week. Daniels came through on Sunday with an interception, a fumble recovery and a team-high 11 tackles in Sunday’s 29-20 win over the previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers.
WORDS: 674 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 9:19 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:422d68ab088c2ae734f9453d63308d25&mediaType=text
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FBN--PACKERS-LIONS
Lions beat Packers 20-17 on last-play field goal to bail out Dan Campbell’s failed 4th-down gamble
SUMMARY: Jake Bates made a 22-yard field goal as time expired to give the Detroit Lions a 20-17 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The Lions have won two straight for the first time this season, putting them in third place in the NFC North behind Minnesota and Chicago. The Packers had a three-game winning streak stopped and dropped to last place in the NFC North, likely lamenting a lot of penalties that went against them. The AFC North also has all four teams with winning records.
WORDS: 846 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 9:05 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f4af67ad324306ef34740cd60c98f5b&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-BREWERS-FLIGHT
Brewers manager says of flight piloted by pitcher’s uncle: ‘I didn’t know Quinn threw a knuckleball’
SUMMARY: Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy was quick with a quip for the pilot crew of the charter flight that brought the team to Florida for World Series Game 3. The plane was captained by GJ Priester, uncle of Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester, with cousin Alex Priester as first officer. “Hey, thanks, guys. I didn’t know Quinn threw a knuckleball,” Murphy said after a little turbulence during the landing. The Brewers held a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays going into Game 3 on Monday. Quinn Priester hasn’t pitched since last year’s NL Championship Series due to surgery.
WORDS: 312 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:429b2fa0a98905879e07cb06442ccea5&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-TALLADEGA
Kyle Larson extends Chase points lead with first NASCAR win at Talladega after last-lap scramble
SUMMARY: Kyle Larson picked a perfect time for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway. In desperate need of a rebound after his worst finish of the Chase, the defending series champion expanded his points lead by a wide margin with a breathtaking rally from 11th to first on the final lap. In a three-wide finish, Larson took the checkered flag by a few feet over Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron. With his third victory in the past seven races, Larson moved 73 points ahead of Denny Hamlin in the Chase standings with two races remaining.
WORDS: 995 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 8:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b790da855e55dddef5f895ad8644e3b3&mediaType=text
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BKN--LAKERS-JAZZ
Luka Doncic scores NBA season-high 52 points in the Lakers’ victory over the Jazz
SUMMARY: Luka Doncic scored 52 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday. In the first 50-point game this season in the NBA, Doncic made several big baskets late in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers win for the eighth time in their last nine games against Utah. Austin Reaves added 29 points for the Lakers. Walker Kessler tallied only two points and seven rebounds in his first game back in Utah after being sent to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade deal in July. Lauri Markkanen scored 28 points to lead the Jazz, and Keyonte George tallied 24 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists.
WORDS: 240 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 7:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ad3ddccddd60c0856172fb56686edc7&mediaType=text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
Man United humbled by Bournemouth to leave Carrick’s job under threat, Liverpool beats Brighton
SUMMARY: The crisis at Manchester United has deepened with a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League as under-pressure manager Michael Carrick’s bold call to drop captain Bruno Fernandes failed to pay off. Brighton was beaten 2-0 at Liverpool for a first defeat since August for the league’s surprise package this season. United’s winless run extended to eight games in all competitions after its latest setback. It came four days after a humiliating 4-1 loss at Como in the Champions League that was followed by critical comments to the media by Fernandes about Carrick’s tactics. The Portugal star was left out of the team against Bournemouth and didn’t make it onto the pitch. United tumbled to 16th place.
WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 7:43 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:57e53e3d3e2bc249dfa54c7f05b68da5&mediaType=text
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CAR--F1-US GRAND PRIX
Kimi Antonelli wins US Grand Prix and tightens his grip on historic F1 title chase
SUMMARY: Kimi Antonelli stormed to an easy ninth win of the season at the United States Grand Prix and further tightened his grip on a Formula 1 season championship that he could win at the next race in Mexico City. The Mercedes driver started from pole position at the Circuit of the Americas with an outside chance of winning the season championship outright with a victory combined with poor results from his closest rivals. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and George Russell was eighth to extend the chase another week. At 20 years old, Antonelli is trying to become the youngest champion in F1 history. He needs to finish only ninth or higher in Mexico City to clinch the championship.
WORDS: 609 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 7:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:083a35a5dc5f6b69bb204ea6de7ccb2b&mediaType=text
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SOC--BARCELONA-REAL MADRID
Yamal misses easy chance for Barcelona and is upstaged by Mbappé as Madrid wins clasico
SUMMARY: Lamine Yamal is so used to scoring that he seemed the most awestruck of all the 60,000-plus at Camp Nou when he missed an easy chance for Barcelona against Real Madrid. Yamal’s close-range miss on Sunday late in the first half summed up a frustrating clasico for Barcelona, which ended in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Madrid in La Liga. Kylian Mbappé scored twice for Madrid to give Jose Mourinho a victory in his first game at Camp Nou since returning to coach Barcelona’s fiercest rival. The big win pulled Madrid to within three points of first-placed Barcelona. Mbappé and Yamal are two of the favorites for the Ballon d’Or award to be announced in London on Monday.
WORDS: 718 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 7:22 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:98887cddd9af8c35a99b346deef78154&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-TALLADEGA-LOGANO-CRASH
NASCAR race at Talladega stopped after Joey Logano’s car goes airborne in scary 15-car wreck
SUMMARY: The NASCAR Chase race at Talladega Superspeedway has been stopped under the red flag with five laps remaining after a scary wreck involving three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano, whose car went airborne and landed on its roof. Safety crews needed several minutes to turn Logano’s No. 22 Ford back over on its wheels, and Logano was able to climb from the car to cheers from the crowd. Logano was running in fourth when he lost control and started a 15-car pileup on the frontstretch that also included Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry and Riley Herbst.
WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 7:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c33850a7eb61cf19d5f198909ad607ba&mediaType=text
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FBN--BROWNS-TITANS
Deshaun Watson leads another game-winning drive as the Browns beat the Titans 27-24
SUMMARY: Deshaun Watson has led his fifth game-winning drive in the fourth quarter this season. He connected with Harold Fannin Jr. on a 36-yard catch-and run that set up Andre Szmyt’s 32-yard field goal as time expired, and the Cleveland Browns beat the Tennessee Titans 27-24 on Sunday for their fifth win in six games. Watson ran for a touchdown and threw for 308 yards. Quinshon Judkins ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns, and rookie KC Concepcion caught eight passes for 129 yards in his best game yet. The Titans were trying to string together back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly four years.
WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 6:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39b225bf286e4fefa237d032ed4f666d&mediaType=text
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FBC--BAYLOR-ARANDA FIRED
Baylor fires Dave Aranda after Kansas loss, names defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman interim coach
SUMMARY: Baylor has fired football coach Dave Aranda after more than six seasons and promoted defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman as interim head coach for the rest of the season. Aranda’s dismissal came a day after Baylor lost to Kansas 25-24 to fall to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12 Conference. The Jayhawks earned their first win over Baylor since 2007. Aranda took over the Baylor program in 2020 and led the Bears to the Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2021. But he has had just one winning since and finishes at Baylor with a 40-40 record.
WORDS: 421 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 4:56 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f303ea95f3ed8875c24e1f2159f3ee9d&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
Lineup switch by coach Natalie Nakase works out as Valkyries even WNBA Finals series with Dream at 2
SUMMARY: Much like Warriors coach Steve Kerr did in 2015 moving Andre Iguodala into Golden State’s starting lineup against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA franchise’s first championship in 40 years, Natalie Nakase shook up the Golden State Valkyries’ starters for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. It paid off with her Valkyries evening the best-of-seven series at 2 games apiece as it heads back to the Bay Area for Game 5 on Monday night.
WORDS: 788 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 3:13 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3cfb7b35d2f0a73ac3853b08216fa4f6&mediaType=text
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SOC--BALLON D’OR-WHAT TO KNOW
Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in contention to win the Ballon d’Or. Here’s what to know
SUMMARY: The Ballon d’Or winners will be announced on Monday with a new generation of soccer stars, led by Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, ready to stamp their name on the trophy that for so long was a personal duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi is still in the running for soccer’s top individual prize at the age of 39. And while it feels like this is the start of the Yamal-Mbappé era, Harry Kane’s outrageous goalscoring exploits could yet push that rivalry back by another year. Two-time women’s winner Alexia Putellas is the favorite to lift the trophy for a third time. Here’s what to know about the Ballon d’Or.
WORDS: 907 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a8e9d90e8ad8fa4ea732de132e6e5c37&mediaType=text
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FBC--COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL
Ohio State replaces BYU at No. 2 in AP Top 25; No. 1 Miami only team to hold its spot in poll
SUMMARY: No. 1 Miami is the only team to hold its spot in The Associated Press Top 25 after another wild week of college football. Idle Ohio State moved up to No. 2 in the wake of BYU’s loss at UCF and subsequent fall to No. 8. Georgia, Indiana and Notre Dame round out the top five after three more top-10 teams went down to make it 10 in the last three weeks. Miami, Utah and UCLA are the only remaining unbeaten Bowl Subdivision teams. Sportradar says that’s the fewest at this point in a season since there were three left in 1977.
WORDS: 739 - MOVED: 10/25/2026 2:11 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:60cd6392e771667b1a738b47de8be3ee&mediaType=text