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Jaylen Brown calls LeBron James the NBA's GOAT, sparking mixed reactions from fans over his praise and apparent hesitation.

Jaylen Brown put his new Philadelphia 76ers teammate LeBron James at the top of basketball’s all-time list in a video posted Saturday by FOX29 Philadelphia’s Jeff Skversky.

The five-time All-Star spent his first 10 NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics before being traded to Philadelphia this summer. Now preparing for his first season alongside the four-time MVP, Brown shared his thoughts on the NBA legend, drawing mixed reactions from fans.

Jaylen Brown’s LeBron James GOAT Praise Draws Mixed Reactions

Speaking about James in Skversky’s video, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP offered a clear assessment of his new teammate.

“That’s the greatest player to play the game,” Brown said.

The remark drew different interpretations from fans, particularly over how Brown delivered his answer. Some welcomed the praise, while others questioned whether he sounded entirely comfortable making the declaration.

“Wear it like a badge, son,” one fan wrote.

Another questioned his response: “Why’d he hesitate?”

One fan scrutinized his delivery: “Stuttered, mouth twitched, eyes shifted, shrugged.”

“He already tired of glazing LeBron,” another remarked.

Other fans pointed out that Brown had previously expressed similar admiration for James.

“This ain’t new either. He’s been saying this,” one fan commented. “He actually is smart,” another added.

The former Celtics star’s praise went beyond calling James the greatest player ever. He also spoke about his admiration for James’ approach to the game.

“It’s incredible to see his work ethic and his process,” Brown said, adding that playing alongside James was an “honor.”

Skversky also reported that Brown smiled while acknowledging that he sometimes finds it hard to believe he and James are teammates.

Brown had expressed similar admiration in early August. During a Twitch stream, he described the opportunity to play with James as a chance to learn from “one of if not the greatest player of all time,” according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

SEE ALSO:‘Acts Like I Got Arrested for a DUI’ – Kevin Durant Takes Shots at Mat Ishbia After Suns Owner’s Brutally Honest Admission

The two faced each other in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Celtics in seven games. Brown, then 21, led Boston with 19.7 points per game, while James averaged 33.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.4 assists. It was Brown’s second NBA season, while James was making his eighth consecutive trip to the Finals.

The four-time NBA Finals MVP finished that series with 35 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists in Game 7, playing all 48 minutes to lead Cleveland to an 87-79 victory in Boston.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Writing Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) takes the puck during an NHL game against the Boston Bruins, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES — A quick start evolved into a slow burn. 

The Kings, on three days’ rest, aimed to finally join the win column as they hosted the Boston Bruins, who were playing their second game of a back-to-back. The Kings looked like the team with more rest right out of the gate.

Alex Laferriere capped off a strong opening shift with a tap-in goal to get the Kings on the board just 31 seconds into the game.

But then the Kings (0-4-2) spent the next 19:29 failing to reach the back of the net, and the Bruins (7-2-0) pulled out of reach with a pair of empty-net goals in the Kings’ 4-1 loss on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. 

“The first period, we were all over them and hounding pucks,” Laferriere said. “We know these guys played last night and we let them kind of outwork us in our own building the last two periods. We can't let that happen.”

The Kings have now lost their first six games to start the 2026-2027 season and are the only team in the league without a win. 

After Laferriere’s goal, the Kings continued to apply pressure in the opening period. They won puck battles and used their sticks in the defensive zone to disrupt passing lanes to eliminate scoring chances.

After the horn sounded, the Kings held a 12-6 shot advantage. 

But the tide began to shift in the second period.

With 1:41 remaining of Brandt Clarke’s penalty to begin the period, the Bruins had fresh ice to get their game going. Although the Kings ultimately killed off the penalty, the Bruins had life, and they gradually took over the game. 

“I thought in the second half of the game that their work was better than ours when it came for pucks and battles and speed,” head coach Peter Laviolette said.

Almost three minutes into the period, the Bruins tied it when a pass to the blue line got through Erik Gustafsson, which sprung David Pastrnak on a breakaway, and he fired a snapshot that beat Anton Forsberg low blocker side. 

The more time went on, the more the Bruins took control. 

Forsberg played well and stopped the Bruins as the scoring threats became more frequent, but Boston broke through again with just over six minutes left in regulation. Forsberg was unable to cover a rebound, and four Kings defenders went for it and knocked it loose, leaving Marat Khusnutdinov all alone to tap it home.

Elias Lindholm and JJ Peterka buried empty-netters to put this one on ice and hand the Kings another frustrating loss. 

“Maybe (took our) foot off the gas a little bit,” Mikey Anderson said. “ That's the thing is, you get the one, you got to get the next one. Try and keep pushing and get it going. So maybe could have scored another one in the first. We don't. Either way, you got to try and come out and keep going. I thought we let up just a bit too much.”

Similar to last season, the Kings are struggling to score goals. Through six games, they’re averaging two goals a game, which is tied for the second-lowest mark in hockey. Six games is obviously a small sample size to look at, but given the Kings’ recent track record, it’s still notable.

“I think just simplifying things, I think that's a good way to start,” Laferriere said. “We haven't really gotten any bounces and it's easy to blame it on the bounces, but our work ethic is just not good enough right now. When we start working harder, we're going to get those bounces and I think that's just what we've got to do to try and turn it around.”

The Kings now hit the road for a five-game East Coast road trip as they look to change their fortunes. It starts at 4 p.m. on Tuesday in the nation’s capital against the Washington Capitals.

Even though they’re leaving town, they will carry the feeling of this loss with them.

“I think we've got to take it with us and stew on it a little bit,” Laviolette said about whether the Kings need to turn the page. “I don't think just pushing it away is going to do any good. We need to digest it and use it as fuel.”

Mind the Gap opportunity for Celtic after Derek drops points at DensA very welcome gift from the game at Dens Park last night, Celtic must take full advantage this afternoon against Hearts at Parkhead…

Oliver Sorensen and Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrate with their teammates after the Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on October 11, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Celtic received something of a boost last night when our nearest title challengers the Rangers reverted to type and caved when the pressure was turned up a notch, leading to them dropping valuable points in the process.

The latest Ibrox club had the chance to go top

The latest Ibrox club had the chance to go top and put pressure on the Champions who have a tough home clash pending against Hearts this afternoon, but ultimately failed as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Steven Pressley’s Dundee at Dens Park.

The gap between Celtic and the Ibrox club has been cut to a solitary point, but a hoops win this afternoon will stretch that gap to four, and give us a bit more breathing space at the summit.

This is a gift that we can ill afford to pass up, and although it will be a tough task to overcome a decent Jambos side, it’s well within our reach to beat the Gorgie side and stretch the gap at the top.

The atmosphere at Celtic Park will also be more upbeat

The atmosphere at Celtic Park will also be more upbeat this afternoon, more so than it would have been had the latest Ibrox club beaten Dundee last night.  This  should be a major boost for our players as they bid to get back to winning ways after Thursday’s disappointing result in Lisbon on Thursday evening.

Derek McInnes

The latest Ibrox club have been showered with unadulterated praise these past few weeks, tipped to win everything on offer, with one hack even suggesting they would win the league by a ‘canter’ while others have tipped Derek McInnes to deliver a treble.

Guilty of believing their own hype

The reality is that whilst being a half decent side, they still have a long way to go to be considered certs for anything let alone the title, and they are nothing more than an average group of players guilty of believing their own hype.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts after scoring his team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Come on you Bhoys in green

Today the five-in-a-row Champions have been handed the perfect chance to emphatically remind them that Celtic are still the finest team in Scotland. We need to take full advantage of their failures and further stretch our gap at the top so let’s get behind the Bhoys from the word go and help them deliver the three points.

COYBIG!

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Have you watched this yet? If not we think you’ll enjoy every single second of it…

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

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Why Guardians’ Stephen Vogt still has supreme confidence in Cleveland after Game 4 loss to Rays appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Guardians let a chance at a commanding ALCS lead slip away on Saturday night, but Stephen Vogt is not hitting the panic button. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Guardians 7-3 at Progressive Field in Game 4, evening the series at 2-2 after a rain postponement pushed the game back a day.

Afterward, the Cleveland manager made it clear he still likes where his team stands.

“We’re great. We’re right in it. We’re even,” Vogt said. “Again, now it’s a three-game series, and I put our guys up against any team in the world in a three-game series.”

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“It’s a 3-game series… I’d put our guys up against any team in the world in a 3-game series” – Stephen Vogt #Guardians#Rayspic.twitter.com/cs92HgXUqQ

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) October 18, 2026

Vogt acknowledged the missed opportunity but stressed that the focus has already shifted.

“Of course we would have loved to have taken a 3-1 lead tonight, but it’s not in the cards,” he said. “We can’t control that now. We just show up ready to play a good Game 5 and have a happy flight to Tampa.”

Cleveland’s defense let it down in a costly late stretch. The game was tied until the sixth inning, when Junior Caminero lined a go-ahead RBI double into the left-field corner over a leaping Jose Ramirez. The Rays then broke it open with three runs in the seventh, helped by a fielding error from second baseman Travis Bazzana and a misplay by right fielder Chase DeLauter. Yandy Diaz capped the scoring with a two-run homer in the ninth.

Bazzana answered with a home run in the bottom of the seventh, and Brayan Rocchio added an RBI single, but the Guardians could not close the gap. Rays starter Nick Martinez held Cleveland to one run on two hits over 5 1/3 innings.

The loss stung after the Guardians had grabbed a 2-1 series lead with a 3-2 win in Game 3 on Thursday, when Petey Halpin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning.

Now the series becomes a best-of-three. The Guardians host Game 5 on Sunday at Progressive Field before the series shifts back to Tropicana Field for Game 6 on Monday and a potential Game 7.

The winner will face the Milwaukee Brewers, who swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, in the World Series.

Related: Guardians’ Travis Bazzana makes 1st postseason home run count vs. Rays

Related: Guardians’ Petey Halpin somehow survives wall collision to make incredible catch vs. Rays

LOS ANGELES — The Kings scored an early goal, 31 seconds into the game, but that didn't change the result. The Bruins were still able to clobber the Kings 4-1.

Alex Laferriere was plugged into the first line to pair with Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin. That move paid dividends for the Kings as they saw quick results early in the game.

“Every time I play with [Kempe and Panarin] we have good energy and good chemistry,” said Laferriere. “Just trying to make it easy for those guys to play the game and just trying to find open ice.”

Within the first minute of the game, Laferriere scored a goal to give the Kings an early lead. This goal allowed Los Angeles to control the tempo and keep the puck in the throughout the first period.

Despite a strong start by the Kings in the first period, it all came crashing down. The Bruins were able to flip the script and take control in the last two periods.

In the second period, David Pastrnak had a breakaway goal for Boston that shifted the momentum. The Bruins pushed the tempo, which allowed them to keep the puck in the Kings' defensive zone.

Los Angeles couldn’t keep up with the tempo, which translated to more penalties for the team. The Kings racked up 21 penalty minutes while the Bruins only had 11minutes in the box.

Heading into the night, the Bruins had 108 penalty minutes, which lead the league.

However, the Kings were so sloppy that they spent more time in the box than the most penalized team.

The Kings gave up a 1-0 lead to a Bruins team that was coming off back-to-back games played. This was a golden opportunity for Los Angeles that only resulted in a disappointing loss.

“We got to take [the loss] with us and stew on it a little bit. It's certainly not where we want to be,” said Coach Laviolette. “I thought the start was really good and on point and then as the second period rolled over it just seemed to tilt the other way. So we've got to be better.”

Six games into the season and the Kings have lost all six of those games. Los Angeles is the only team in the NHL that has yet to secure a victory.

Now the Kings head on a five-game road trip without much momentum on their side. However, this loss to the Bruins could be a turning point for the Kings to pull away some victories.

Even though the Kings lost, the first line change gave the team an energy boost that they desperately needed. The hot start was a sign of how fluently the Kings could play, but they didn’t finish the job. This loss showed the Kings that they needed to execute for 60 minutes, not just the first minute.

Sep 13, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; A gold Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet on the field before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish saw their College Football Playoff path take a major hit on Saturday night, falling 28-24 to the BYU Cougars in Provo. But one former NFL referee believes the Irish were robbed of a final chance to win it.

Rules analyst Terry McAulay says there appeared to be one second left on the clock when Notre Dame’s final pass fell incomplete, and that replay officials should have reviewed the situation, which could have given the Irish one more play.

Controversial Finish in Provo

Trailing by four points in the game, Notre Dame had a first-and-goal on the final play of the game. Quarterback CJ Carr threw toward wide receiver Jaden Greathouse in the back of the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete as Greathouse appeared to be held on his way to the ground.

No flag was thrown, and the game was ruled over. On the ABC broadcast, ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin said he thought the play deserved a penalty.

“I think it warranted a flag. That’s a lot of contact where you’re not playing the ball… I would’ve supported a DPI.”

ESPN/ABC rules analyst Matt Austin on the Notre Dame-BYU finish.

(There’s also the question of the field clock, which showed 1 second remaining) https://t.co/JzKewlL57a

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 18, 2026

“I think it warranted a flag. That’s a lot of contact where you’re not playing the ball… I would’ve supported a DPI,” Austin said, via Awful Announcing.

But the pass interference non-call wasn’t the only issue. As fans and media members dug into the replay, many noticed that the clock still showed one second remaining when the ball hit the ground.

‘ND would have had one more play’

McAulay, a former NFL referee who is now a rules analyst for CBS Sports, weighed in late Saturday night, confirming that replay officials missed a chance to correct the clock.

“As some have noted, there was indeed :01 on the bug clock when the pass hit the ground (BYU/ND). Replay should have reviewed to determine if the in-stadium clock was at :01 at that point and if so, ND would have had one more play,” McAulay wrote on X.

There’s no telling how the game would have played out if Notre Dame was given one more chance at the end zone, but they should have at least had the opportunity.

The post Former NFL referee confirms mistake in Notre Dame vs. BYU game appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees looks on after the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on September 10, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees reacts after his fly ball was interfered with by fans during the sixth inning in game three of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 12: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees calls to the bullpen during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Getty

The New York Yankees are heating up in conversations about Anthony Volpe.

The headlining question is whether or not he should stay in New York.

As grueling as waiting can be, one MLB insider isn’t banking on getting an answer anytime soon.

MLB Insider Expects Yankees To Play the Waiting Game

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees reacts after his fly ball was interfered with by fans during the sixth inning in game three of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

Phillip Martinez of SNY released his payroll analysis for New York on Oct. 17.

In this analysis, he revealed his thought process on 25-year-old Volpe.

“Volpe has one more year of arbitration after this one, but based on how his 2026 went, the Yankees will likely wait before exploring an extension,” he wrote. “But he’d be a prime candidate if he takes the second base job and keeps it in 2027.”

If he can compete for the second base job and show consistency in his success, this could play out quite well for both parties down the road.

But that’s his one condition — play second base, and play it well.

His 2026 stat sheet won’t cut it. Between recovery, inconsistency, and having been demoted to Triple-A, his season was anything but flawless.

“Now, with Chisholm unlikely to return, Volpe has a chance to stay at second base,” Bryan Hoch of MLB.com noted on Oct. 16. “He has an influential supporter in his corner — Judge spoke highly of Volpe’s character and grit after the ALDS loss, saying, “If we were going to go win a World Series, we needed Anthony Volpe on the team.”

Volpe’s situation has been stirring up frustration for fans, but we are likely far away from any type of decision right now.

Yankees Are Facing a Long & Exhausting Offseason

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees calls to the bullpen during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

New York has several players set for free agency this year.

Of those impending free agents, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, David Bednar and Paul Goldschmidt stand out most.

Not only could the Yankees be on the cusp of losing such valuable veterans, but skipper Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman are facing heat.

Then, add on the hectic nature of hot stove season, and New York is in for a chaotic next couple of months.

They’re not alone — every ballclub is going through similar motions.

New York had a dreadful ending to its 2026 run in the postseason, and the organization will do anything to avoid being in a similar position in years to come.

But will they make the necessary moves to make a deeper run?

Whether or not this means extending Volpe when the time comes, the franchise has heavy decisions to make.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post New York Yankees Could Delay Anthony Volpe Decision Until 2027 Breakout appeared first on HEAVY.

College football is unpredictable and delightful, which is why we live for what happens on Saturdays. And Week 7 absolutely delivered, with five (!) top-10 teams losing on the same day.
 
Each Sunday, I’ll publish my biggest takeaways from the college football weekend. I’ll highlight the most interesting storylines, track College Football Playoff contenders and specifically shout out individual and team performances that deserve the spotlight.
 

1. Maybe there are no elite teams in college football this year?

I don’t think there’s any other possible takeaway after a weekend that saw five of the top eight teams in college football fall. And Miami nearly lost to rival Florida State in double overtime! There appear to be a lot of very good college football teams that have flaws that can be exploited. No one is infallible. There are no unbeaten SEC teams left. UCLA (!) is the last undefeated team in the Big Ten. This season isn’t going according to anyone’s plan, with the teams that looked dominant against inferior competition struggling when  a team with comparable talent lines up across the field. Or maybe they just succumbed to the SEC’s game of musical chairs. Or perhaps their big-name quarterback no-showed.
 
The college football environment is flatter than it’s ever been before in the NIL and transfer portal age. Talent is dispersed more widely. If Alabama and Georgia can’t stockpile talent like they used to, then more teams have good players who can beat teams with other good players. It’s very fun but also chaotic. And it seems like it’s one of those years in this beautiful, insane sport.
 

2. Gunner Stockton is more unreliable than we thought he was.

I’ve never thought Georgia’s starting quarterback was one of the best in the sport. But I figured he was reliably consistent, someone who wasn’t going to cost his team games. That is no longer how I feel about Stockton! His three turnovers against Auburn — in particular, the last-minute fumble — put the Bulldogs in a precarious-to-terrible position. I know that Georgia had an emotional (and physically taxing) win over Alabama a week ago, so Auburn was catching the Dawgs in prime letdown position. But Georgia is supposed to be unflappable. Supposed to be ultra-reliable on defense, and supposed to be putting the team in good positions offensively. What Stockton did to cost his team was both out of character and genuinely shocking. And it’s a red flag.
 

3. Notre Dame probably should just win out to make the College Football Playoff. Unless it wants a few sleepless nights.

The Irish are in basically the same spot as last year. Their season comes down to two games, and they’ve got to win at least one, you’d think. Notre Dame could certainly use a win worthy of propping up a CFP-worthy resume! To avoid the stress of the bubble, Notre Dame should just beat Miami on Nov. 7. Then, there’s no ifs, ands or buts. Because, otherwise, it’s a 10-2 record with two losses to the two best teams on the schedule — and you’ve got to hope you stay ranked in the top 12 of the CFP rankings. It’s probably best to avoid that stress (and subjectivity) and finish 11-1.
 

4. BYU’s big win was perhaps even bigger for the Big 12 conference.

And the league knows it.
 

5. Ohio State and Indiana both have legit defenses. But what about their quarterbacks?

Ohio State starting quarterback Julian Sayin will probably be out for “several weeks,” Ryan Day said after the Buckeyes hung on to beat the Hoosiers on Saturday. The last time we saw Sayin on the broadcast, he was on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling. Josh Hoover played through a shoulder injury sustained midway through the game as well. But even before they got hurt, neither quarterback really starred in a game mostly defined by the defenses. Sayin and Hoover both missed wide-open receivers, and Sayin’s touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith was only successful because, well, it’s Jeremiah. He adjusted and made the play on the ball.
 
Even Hoover’s would-be game-winning throw to Nick Marsh should have been a lot simpler — if he got the ball out quicker. That final Indiana play is going to be one that keeps Curt Cignetti up at night; he said after the game it’s “a hard one to swallow.” Have we ever had this many questions about a QB who has an 18-0 TD-to-INT ratio?
 
Ohio State and Indiana both appear to have championship-caliber defenses. But due to health concerns (with Sayin) and performance concerns (with both when healthy on Saturday), it’s worth wondering what to expect from the quarterback position in big moments going forward.
 

6. Texas is having a no-good, very-bad time.

Two weeks ago, the Longhorns were ranked No. 1 in the nation — thanks entirely to that dramatic fourth-quarter comeback against Ohio State. But they didn’t look like the best team in the country. And now they’ve suffered two bad losses back-to-back. The Longhorn offense remains confounding and unimpressive, which puts more pressure on Steve Sarkisian to potentially give up playcalling. Texas has to do something.
 
Saturday’s loss to Florida was the Longhorns’ biggest blown lead at home against an unranked opponent since 1965. Against one of the worst pass defenses in the country, Arch Manning and co. accounted for just one passing touchdown and 173 total passing yards (and Manning fumbled with less than two minutes to go in the fourth quarter).
 
There is far too much talent on this offense — at least on paper — for this unit to be so ineffective. And now the season feels like it’s slipping away, with two losses already and games against Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU to go.  
 

7. Everything’s coming up JMU — again.

Earlier this week, I wrote about the former James Madison football coaches and what they’re doing at Indiana and UCLA. But how about the current head coach? Billy Napier’s Dukes are 7-0 and the clear favorites to win the Sun Belt. Could JMU get to the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year? The eventual Pac-12 champion will have something to say about that, but it’ll be something worth tracking.

Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden (21) and Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) celebrate an awarded empty-net goal during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

LAS VEGAS - The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, 6-2, in an NHL game at T-Mobile Arena on October 17, 2026, and The Sporting Tribune's Paige Kuwata was there to capture the following images.

Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden (21) and Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) celebrate an awarded empty-net goal during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden (21) and Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) celebrate an awarded empty-net goal during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights center Raphael Lavoie (36) fights off Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kaedan Korczak (6) during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights center Raphael Lavoie (36) fights off Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kaedan Korczak (6) during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) picks up the puck in the defensive zone during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) picks up the puck in the defensive zone during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights center Raphael Lavoie (36) attempts to score a goal against Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov (1) during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights center Raphael Lavoie (36) attempts to score a goal against Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov (1) during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) fights for the puck behind the net during an NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) fights for the puck behind the net during an NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) blocks a shot from Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) blocks a shot from Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) rims the puck around the boards during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) rims the puck around the boards during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates a power play goal during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates a power play goal during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) battle for the puck during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) battle for the puck during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Vegas Golden Knights center Marc Gatcomb (17) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Connor Dewar (19) battle for the puck during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

Paige Kuwata - The Sporting Tribune

Vegas Golden Knights center Marc Gatcomb (17) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Connor Dewar (19) battle for the puck during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 17, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Gabriel Pirani scored the equalizer for Los Angeles in a four-goal first half to help the Galaxy earn a 2-2 draw with San Diego FC on Saturday night.

Los Angeles (10-11-10) jumped in front in the 4th minute when Sergi Roberto set up João Klauss for his ninth goal in 14 appearances this season.

Anders Dreyer pulled San Diego (8-12-10) even in the 10th minute when he scored on a penalty kick. Dreyer's 13th goal of the season came after Cédric Bakambu was fouled by LA keeper JT Marcinkowski.

The Galaxy regained the lead seven minutes later when Erik Thommy used assists from Harbor Miller and Marco Reus to score for the second time this season.

Pirani netted the equalizer in the 39th minute to cap the scoring. It was the midfielder's fourth goal in 10 matches this season.

Marcinkowski finished with five saves for the Galaxy, who have gone 4-2-2 since the start of September.

Pablo Sisniega saved seven shots in his second start this season for San Diego, which beat the Galaxy 3-1 at home to close out August but haven't won since — going 0-4-4.

Up next

San Diego: Hosts Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

Los Angeles: At Los Angeles FC on Oct. 26.

___

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

WATERTOWN — It took the program with the most success in the history of sanctioned South Dakota Class AA boys soccer to curtail Watertown's bid for its first-ever state championship.

Top-seeded Sioux Falls Lincoln (13-1-2) used a penalty-kick goal with 5:46 remaining in regulation to tie the game at 1-1 before eventually prevailing 2-1 after a penalty-kicks shootout on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Allen Mitchell Athletic Complex.

The title was the sixth overall, and fourth in a row, for the Patriots since South Dakota sanctioned high school soccer in 2012. They earned with a gutsy effort that included a clutch save by senior goalie Opland Sonnichsen in the shootout.

"We've practice this (shootouts) the last month," Sonnichsen, a two-year starter in net, said. "I trust our offense, so I knew that one save would be enough."

In state high school playoff soccer, if the two teams are tied after regulation there is an overtime period that is divided into two 10-minute sessions. If the match is still tied after overtime, it goes to a shootout where each team selects five players to kick again the other's team goalie. The team take turns alternating shots. It keeps going to additional shooters until some team snaps the deadlock.

The first four shooters for each team — Carson Schlaht, Isaac Thorson, Roger Carranza and Matthew Bertsch for Watertown and Miles Rolfing, Charles Krueger, Holden Hilmoe and Grant Oleson — each made their shots before Sonnichsen stopped the scoring bid of Watertown's Xane Fligge. Marlo Gerling then fired his shot past Watertown goalie Owen Muller and the Patriots' celebration followed.

"I had a little hint, but it's really a big-guessing game when it comes to PKs ... a little luck on the dive," Sonnichsen said.

Lincoln spoiled the ending it what otherwise has been the most successful season in Watertown soccer history, not just the Arrows' history as a sanctioned AA team that started in 2014 but also to the program's many years of fielding a team in club soccer that dates back to 1999.

Watertown has spent years trying to play catchup against Sioux Falls and others that got a much-earlier start in the sport. Until Saturday, no Watertown team had never played for a state championship (club or high school, regardless of class).

The 2026 Arrows, a group that includes 16 seniors, put itself in the school's record books by compiling the most wins (16-1-1) and also the program's first Eastern South Dakota Conference title.

Watertown was less than six minutes away away from adding the state title to its resume thanks to Roger Carranza's goal just over seven minutes into the second half on Saturday. For Carranza, it was his 23rd goal of the season — a program record.

"I told the guys that we can't hang our heads about anything," Watertown coach Jesse Hauck said. "We figured it'd come down to the way it did. I'm so proud of this group, so happy for this group. I feel bad for the seniors, I really do, but there's nothing to hang our heads about."

Hauck, whose uncle Steve helped formed the Watertown Youth Soccer Association in the 1990s and served as the head coach for the first three Watertown high school boys soccer teams, said nobody was to blame.

"One shot, one miss or one this or that. You can say "what-if" leading up to that or whatever but I can't point a finger," he said. "We did everything we could. Sometimes it bounces your way and sometimes it doesn't. That's how the game is, unfortunately."

Carranza earned Offensive Player of the Game honors and Lincoln's Oleson earned Defensive Player of the Game honors.

In the end, Lincoln added another championship to its rich history. Watertown hopes that Saturday and the 2026 season will be a springboard to more opportunities.

"To see where our numbers are, I'm happy where everything is for Watertown soccer, not just on the school side but also on the club side," Hauck said. "There's going to be teams coming. We have too many good kids coming up, too many good coaches and too much motivation. Hopefully this just keeps driving that growth just to get back to this point again.

Here's more on Saturday's other championship games:

Class AA Girls

Second-seeded Harrisburg (16-0-2) captured its fifth-straight state title with a somewhat dominant performance in a 2-0 win over top-seeded Pierre (14-2-1). The two teams battled to a 0-0 draw in September.

In the rematch, Harrisburg set the tone from the start and fired more than 20 shots before Pierre even notched its first shot in the final two minutes of the match.

Despite the pressure, Harrisburg didn't find the net until Bria Miller scored on a penalty kick with 14:12 remaining in the second half. Rylee Gallagher added a second goal with 6:22 left.

Gallagher was selected as the Offensive Player of the Game and teammate Aubrey Zink the Defensive Player of the Game.

Pierre goalkeeper Emlyn Swanson shattered the championship record for most saves. Jillian Barkus of O'Gorman set the old record with 11 in 2015.

2026 SOCCER PLAYOFFS: Watertown edges SF Jefferson in state semis, gets six all-conference players

Class A Boys

Top-seeded James Valley Christian capped a perfect 16-0 season by winning a second-straight championship with a 4-0 victory over third-seeded Hot Springs (9-2-4).

Isaac Fast, who was selected as the Offensive Player of the Game, scored two goals and Gavin Waldner and Skylar Thielbar each added one to lead the Vikings. JVC led 2-0 at halftime and added two more goals in the second half.

JVC's Keeghan Hood earned Defensive Player of the Game honors.

Hot Springs wasn't able to score but did have a closer battle with JVC than the 8-1 loss they suffered in August. The Bison were playing in the championship game for the first time.

Class A Girls

Second-seeded Dakota Valley (14-1-1) earned some revenge with a 2-1 win on penalty kicks against two-time defending champion and top-seeded Sioux Falls Christian (11-3-1). The title was the first for the Panthers.

SFC beat Dakota Valley in a shootout to win last year's championship and it wasn't a surprise that the two teams had a similar ending this year. It was the third meeting this season between the two teams. SFC won the first 2-1 and the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw in the second.

The two teams also didn't score in the first half of Saturday's game. Victoria Gassen's goal with 27:11 in regulation gave SFC the lead. Dakota Valley tied the game just over 10 minutes later on a goal by Mallory Riibe.

Neither team scored the rest of the second half or in either of the two 10-minute periods for overtime. Dakota Valley goalkeeper Emma Honner stole the show in the shootout, stopping three Sioux Falls Christian shots in a row to lift the Panthers.

SFC's Maci Connell opened the shootout with a goal. Dakota Valley's Ava Squier answered to even the battle. Two saves by Honner, countered by successful shots by DV's Isabel Bradshaw and Raegan Kauffman left SFC needed to make its final two shots and stop the final two shots by DV.

Honner settled the matter by stopping another SFC shot. She was named the Defensive Player of the Game. Gassen was the Offensive Player of the Game.

Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Harrisburg, SF Christian & James Valley Christian also win state titles

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers and head coach Kalen Deboer of the Alabama Crimson Tide embrace after the game in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) GettyKNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 17: Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks with staff while his team warms up before their game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Camden Hall/Getty Images) Getty

The Alabama Crimson Tide are facing a difficult reality following Saturday’s 26-10 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, and head coach Kalen DeBoer made it clear that things are about to become considerably more demanding.

Alabama entered the season with championship expectations, but consecutive losses to Georgia and Tennessee have left the Crimson Tide at 5-2 and facing serious questions about their College Football Playoff hopes.

Following the defeat in Knoxville, DeBoer was asked what message he delivered to his players in the locker room. His response offered a revealing look at how he plans to handle the team’s struggles.

Rather than questioning his players’ effort, DeBoer emphasized that Alabama must embrace an even greater level of discomfort if it hopes to turn its season around.

Kalen DeBoer Warns Alabama Players Things Will Get Uncomfortable

“I just said it’s going to be really uncomfortable,” DeBoer said following the loss.

The Alabama coach explained that he wasn’t necessarily disappointed with his team’s preparation leading into the Tennessee matchup.

“It’s not like I didn’t feel like they practiced,” DeBoer said. “We had a lot of motivation to come back and have a great week and prepare for this game.”

However, the preparation didn’t translate into the result Alabama desperately needed.

“But moving forward, it’s going to be another level of uncomfortable,” DeBoer added.

The message comes at a particularly difficult time for Alabama, which has now lost consecutive regular-season games for the first time since 2007. Tennessee’s defense held the Crimson Tide to just 10 points, including a scoreless second half. The performance only intensified the pressure surrounding DeBoer and his program.

GettyKNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 17: Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks with staff while his team warms up before their game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Camden Hall/Getty Images)

Still, the Alabama head coach doesn’t believe his players have stopped competing. He saw his players strapped to the very end. DeBoer saw that look in their eyes.

Alabama Coach Still Believes Crimson Tide Can Respond

DeBoer acknowledged that his players understand the pressure surrounding the program, particularly those who have experienced difficult stretches in previous seasons. He emphasized the importance of concentrating on one opponent rather than becoming overwhelmed by the larger implications of Alabama’s losses.

The coach also defended his players’ determination, explaining that he saw a team continuing to fight until the final moments against Tennessee.

“I thought just looking at the guys in the eyes and stuff; they were scraping until the end,” DeBoer said.

That effort gives him confidence Alabama can still respond, even as its margin for error continues to shrink. DeBoer told his players he believes they have the ability to overcome their struggles, but he also understands that belief alone won’t produce victories.

The Crimson Tide must improve their execution, eliminate costly mistakes and find greater consistency offensively. Their next opportunity comes October 24 against Texas A&M, a matchup that could have significant implications for Alabama’s postseason ambitions.

For DeBoer, the message is straightforward. Alabama’s season isn’t over, but returning to championship-level football will require a response that goes beyond simply practicing hard. The uncomfortable part begins now.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer Delivers Ominous Warning After Tennessee Loss appeared first on HEAVY.

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Viliami Teu ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns and San Jose State beat UTEP 24-11 on Saturday night.

Daniel Rolovich threw for 193 yards and a touchdown. Carson Clark had 104 yards receiving on five catches and a touchdown for the Spartans (4-3, 2-1 Mountain West).

Rolovich threw an 11-yard touchdown to Clark to end a nine-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 4:13 for a 7-0 lead with 7:59 left in the first quarter.

To start the third, Teu ran it in from the 2 to end a five-play, 75-yard drive that made it 14-0. Teu broke it open almost eight minutes later with a 67-yard scoring dash that made it 21-0.

The Miners' (0-6, 1-3) lone touchdown occurred when Nik Henry ran it in from the 8 with 10:52 left in the fourth. Jaden Smith completed the two-point conversion with a pass to Cash Cheeks for the final margin.

Raymond Moore III threw for 195 yards for UTEP.

Up next

San Jose State: Stays on the road to face Nevada on Saturday.

UTEP: Travels to North Dakota State on Oct. 31 after a bye week.

___

Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here. Visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here.

PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 17: Members of the Brigham Young Cougars student body shout as CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish steps to the line during the second half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s funny when you see true catholic guilt from the Notre Dame fanbase, and after Notre Dame’s 28-24 loss to BYU — it’s something other than funny.

It’s annoying.

Two things can be true at the same time. Hell, THREE THINGS can be true at the same time. So let’s state clearly what those “things” might be.

Notre Dame played like crap in the first half and made too many mistake throughout the game to win.

The last play of the game should have had a flag thrown for defensive pass interference as it was as blatantly obvious as it gets.

pic.twitter.com/NfKTV5E5uC

— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) October 18, 2026

The last play of the game shouldn’t have been the last play of the game because THERE WAS ONE SECOND LEFT ON THE CLOCK WHEN THE BALL HIT THE GROUND.

pic.twitter.com/i1tBX8rauv

— Mathematically Eliminated (@Matheliminated) October 18, 2026

The arguments about not leaving the game in the hands of the refs from the guilted ones will point to that first true thing as the end all and be all, which supercedes any other reasoning. And you know what? They aren’t wrong. So, for the sake of sanity, we will just forget one of the worst no-call DPI’s I’ve seen in quite some time, and scratch it from our things… of which we still have two.

Some might say that Notre Dame deserved to lose. Well — maybe they did, but they deserved to lose in a game that went the full 60 minutes.

It’s not anywhere close to “making an excuse” to say that there was one second left on the clock and Notre Dame got screwed out of having one more chance to score from the 6 yard line. And to think… we already saw this kind of crazy stuff this year with the Michigan and Western Michigan game.

Notre Dame’s offensive gameplan and execution was poor. Notre Dame’s defensive gameplan and execution was also poor. Ultimately, the defense got its act together for the most part in the second half, but the damage was already done. The offense never seemed to fully get it together. Notre Dame deserved to lose, but did they deserve to be cheated out of a final play?

No, of course not. It’s why even those that don’t really care for Notre Dame are looking at this game and saying… there should have been one second still on the clock bruh. So, yeah, we can take the DPI out of it entirely, and we’re still sitting here with one second left on the clock which would have allowed one more play from the 6 yard line for the Irish.

Notre Dame (or any team) should never leave the fate of the game in the refs hands, but when the officials actually steal away one last chance — that’s on them and they deserve the any and all criticism and amonishment. It was a travesty of justice and home cooking you would have seen back in the balck and white television days.

I thought we moved forward in life and left the stealing of games in the past, but I guess not.

I thought this Notre Dame team was different than those in the recent past that had all the potential to not lose games like this, but I guess not.

Two things can be true at the same time. Notre Dame had the ending of this game stolen from them, and Notre Dame did everything possible to make sure it could happen.

What time is confession?

Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Notre Dame fans up in arms after controversial PI no-call ends BYU game appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Coach Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell to 6-1 with a controversial 28-24 road loss to BYU that included an outrageously good catch by Marcus Gilbert. BYU survived a late Fighting Irish surge to secure the victory, but a controversial no-call on an alleged pass interference remained fresh in the minds of many after the game.

A BYU defender, Evan Johnson, appeared to wrap his hands around Notre Dame star Jaden Greathouse for an extended period of time in a replay shared by reporter Ari Meirov. Johnson then appeared to take down Greathouse before he could make a play on the ball, as part of a series of occurrences that had fans feeling livid.

I have no idea how this isn't DPI, but BYU has defeated No. 2 Notre Dame: pic.twitter.com/x62SqOyd2U

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 18, 2026

“Because they have to put Miami number one Ari,” one fan said about the Hurricanes.

“The refs just want to get out of there,” another said.

“It is DPI,” another said.

Others thought a second was left on the clock. Many showed pictures of the scoreboard after the final play and BYU’s four-point win.

1 second left. pic.twitter.com/qkVkfPSra4

— Dave B (@DaveNJ1010) October 18, 2026

“Couple bad calls hurt ND. But it was a poorly reffed game overall,” another added.

Notre Dame’s loss was its first of the season, and included a Leonard Miller concussion scare. The Fighting Irish recovered from a slow start to outgain the Cougars by a slim margin, led by 261 passing yards from CJ Carr, 125 of them to his long-time preferred target Greathouse. Jonaz Walton and Nolan James Jr. added rushing touchdowns for Freeman’s team, which will now need to lick its wounds in time for a Halloween game at Navy.

The Fighting Irish’s schedule has been widely panned for being too easy, but BYU showed the difficulty of the test before Notre Dame in Week 7. A game against the likely new number one-ranked team, Miami, is scheduled for November 7, as the Fighting Irish will seek to regain their former dominance.

Related: Will Stein makes history not seen at Kentucky in over 100 years

Related: BYU HC Kalani Sitake’s 2-word reaction to beating Notre Dame will have fans hyped

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders has several reasons to consider a fresh start outside the Cleveland Browns. He has yet to start a game this season, and with Deshaun Watson playing well enough to remain the starter for now, Sanders’ path to playing time remains unclear.

The young quarterback recently hired an agent for the first time in his NFL career, fueling speculation about a potential trade.

However, one NFL insider believes the trade rumors may be premature, explaining why Cleveland might be in no rush to move Sanders.

Jonathan Jones Casts Doubt on Shedeur Sanders’ Trade Rumors

Writing for The Athletic, Jones pointed to general manager Andrew Berry’s investment in Sanders and his belief in the young quarterback as reasons Cleveland may be reluctant to trade him.

Jones also suggested that Sanders’ decision to hire Adie von Gontard of Young Money APAA Sports in October does not necessarily signal a desire to leave Cleveland. Instead, the move could be about planning for his future beyond the 2026 season.

“If Sanders is seeking a trade, that might be difficult. (Andrew) Berry is said to have a great affection for Sanders, whom he took a chance on 18 months ago while the rest of the NFL passed over him several times,” Jones wrote.

Berry selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after several quarterback-needy teams passed on the Colorado product, who had entered the draft with first-round expectations.

His fall to Day 3 gives Cleveland reason to keep evaluating his potential, especially with two more seasons of team control remaining after 2026.

SET YOUR LINEUPS:PFN’s Free Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer

Sanders’ inexpensive rookie contract also makes him an affordable backup who could develop into a starting option, giving the Browns little incentive to trade him now.

The Browns have, however, struggled offensively this season, ranking No. 25 in the league with a PFN Offense Impact Score%20assigns,red%20zone%20and%20third%20downs.) of 71.2. The unit has relied heavily on Watson’s late-game heroics while battling inconsistency, a rebuilding offensive line, and a sluggish running game.

Watson currently holds the starting job under coach Todd Monken, but his contract expires after the 2026 season, and injuries remain a concern. Keeping Sanders would give Cleveland another option if Watson misses time or leaves in free agency.

PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor

The Browns have Dillon Gabriel, whom they selected in the 2025 draft, but he has yet to establish himself as a reliable NFL starter. With both young quarterbacks still developing, Cleveland may prefer to keep Sanders rather than make a decision on his future too soon.

Jones acknowledged that plans could change as the deadline approaches, but he still considers a trade unlikely.

“Anything can happen over the next few weeks, but the Browns dealing Sanders by the deadline would be a stunner.”

Still, trade rumors continue to swirl, with the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals emerging as potential landing spots for the 24-year-old. Each team could view him as a backup option or a potential solution to an unsettled quarterback situation.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

The BYU Cougars did more than knock off a powerhouse Saturday night. Kalani Sitake's team made a statement to the entire college football world. They belong in the national championship conversation.

With a dramatic 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame, No. 8 BYU delivered one of the biggest wins in program history, improved to 6-0 and proved it has the talent to compete with the nation's elite.

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier was the driving force behind the unforgettable performance. He accounted for all four touchdowns, combining passing with physical running and even catching a touchdown pass. When the game was on the line, Bachmeier delivered time and time again. He led a 55-yard drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown connection to Walker Lyons with 1:47 remaining. That was the moment BYU needed.

The Cougars still had to survive one final Notre Dame possession, and their defense answered the challenge. After the Fighting Irish marched into the red zone, BYU held tight on the final play, sending the LaVell Edwards Stadium crowd into a frenzy. The significance of this win extends beyond one Saturday night.

Notre Dame entered the matchup ranked second nationally and riding a 16-game winning streak. BYU not only ended that run but also earned its highest-ranked victory since defeating No. 1 Miami in 1990.

The Cougars showed they could withstand adversity, too. After building a 21-10 halftime lead, BYU watched Notre Dame rally to make a comeback in the fourth quarter. Special teams mistakes and a costly interception threatened to derail the night, but Bachmeier and the defense responded when it mattered most. That resilience could prove crucial as the season enters the second half. 

BYU's undefeated start is no longer an encouraging story. With a signature victory over a national title contender, the Cougars have established themselves as a legitimate factor in the broader College Football Playoff discussion. Their performance also arrived amid a chaotic weekend that saw five of the AP Top 8 teams lose.

One victory does not guarantee a playoff berth or establish BYU as a championship favorite. The Cougars must continue winning and demonstrate that their performance can be sustained against quality competition. However, the burden of proof has changed. BYU has earned national attention and a place at the table.

We'll see where BYU will be ranked on Sunday. Don't be surprised if the Cougars jump up into the top two of the AP Top 25 Poll.  

EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 17: Anthony Colandrea #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers leads the team out of the tunnel before their game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s hard to tell at times.

So here’s how I’m grading it. 1) Rob Aurich is mixing the potions and the Blackshirts are flying around making it happen, and pressuring Brock Thomas into looking like a walk-on. And 2) The Huskers offense, while dealing with a lot of speed on the other side of the ball, has felt like they were close to popping explosive plays a few times. Yes, very few, but still.

And then they finally did three times, the last with 4 seconds left in the half when Anthony Colandrea found Kwazi Gilmer in the back of the end zone for the game’s only score and the current 7-0 lead. It had to survive a review, and yes Gilmer’s foot did appear to touch for a quick drag and the score, and when it did, the Ducks faithful erupted in protest.

Would I have felt the same if the situations were reversed? Yes, and here’s why – his foot did appear to shift ever so slightly at the toes or balls of his feet. And if I imagined it, I still would call TD if it was a Duck foot on the call because it simply seemed to be the epitome of nowhere near definitive enough to overturn.

You don’t have to believe me, but I swear I’m being honest in the assessment. And how about the the 31-yard completion to Gilmer on 3rd and 22 followed shortly by a Colandrea 17-yard scamper out of bounds to give them a chance and time for that crack at the end zone.

Besides that?

Let me check my notes: punt, punt, punt, punt…(counting on fingers)…yep, 13 total. Traded turnovers…check.

And not much else.

The second half is coming up. Huskers have the ball – can they finish. Pound that coffee and find out, y’all.

Houston high school football scoreboard (Staff illustration)

The Week 8 Houston-area and statewide Texas high school football scores from Saturday's games as compiled by the Associated Press.

Houston area

Cypress Ranch 42, Cypress Park 0
Fort Bend Chargers 66, Longview East Texas Christian 16
Goose Creek Memorial 28, New Caney 21
Heights 13, Hastings 9
Langham Creek 52, Cypress Ridge 13
Westfield 37, Aldine Davis 7

Statewide scores

Dallas Kimball 24, Dallas Carter 6
Laredo Alexander 28, SA Southwest 21
SA Johnson 62, SA Northside Clark 21
San Antonio Harlan 22, Sotomayor 19

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This article originally published at Texas high school football: Saturday's scores from Week 8.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Playing in front of an empty Sun Bowl on Saturday night, UTEP football hosted a conference matchup against San Jose State, desperately looking to end a four-game losing streak and stop the bleeding on a season rapidly slipping away.

Instead, the Miners fell 24-11 at home, dropping to 1-6 on the year and 0-3 in Mountain West Conference play.

On the very first play of the game, quarterback EJ Colson Jr. — returning from injury — connected with Kam Thomas for an explosive 64-yard gain, pushing the Miners deep into Spartan territory. However, UTEP stalled in the red zone. Hoping to get at least three points out of the promising drive, Carlos Arreola missed a 37-yard field goal, leaving the game scoreless.

San Jose State capitalized on the ensuing drive. Daniel Rolovich found Carson Clark for an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving the Spartans a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Things went from bad to worse for the Miners in the second quarter. San Jose State brought heavy pressure and got to the quarterback for a sack, resulting in an injury that forced Colson to leave the game. The Spartans carried a 7-0 lead into halftime.

The Spartans put the game out of reach in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns to take a 21-3 lead. The Miners finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough as they fell 24-11.

The Miners will now head into a bye week searching for answers.

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