General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 16, 2026, 6:03 AM ET

College Football Playoff Race

Week 2 delivered a genuine shake-up at the top, and our experts have reworked the bracket with a new projected No. 1 following Texas' statement win over Ohio State. The CFP Bubble Watch turns its spotlight on whether the SEC can realistically place six teams in the field, with Miami and BYU also under scrutiny as the early picture sharpens. There is a new No. 1 in this week's Power Rankings, and Michigan has entered the top 25 after everything we learned from the ranked teams in Week. The oddsboards have shifted too: our Heisman and CFP odds breakdown examines how Texas' victory reshuffled both races and whether the Buckeyes can bounce back.

Ohio State Fallout

Ryan Day did not mince words Tuesday, saying Ohio State is prepared "to make some hard decisions" after its late collapse at Texas, a loss that immediately reframed the Buckeyes' season. On the Texas side, quarterback Arch Manning issued an apology for what he called an "insensitive comment" regarding a violent AI-generated video, a distraction the Longhorns would prefer to put behind them as they ride the momentum of the biggest win of the young season.

College Sports Legislation

The Protect College Sports Act cleared its first major hurdle in the Senate by a 74-24 margin, moving legislation that would broadly regulate college sports a significant step closer to reality. In his latest column, Dan Wetzel argues that sports should serve as a unifier rather than a political divider, using the image Bo French found troubling in UT's victory party as his starting point — an image Wetzel notes was actually the American flag.

Week 2 Standouts

Oklahoma's Drew Mestemaker took the hardware as our Week 2 Heisman of the Week, and the emerging question around him is whether he can run now, too. Vanderbilt is handing the offense to a freshman: touted quarterback Jared Curtis will start Saturday against NC State, a significant vote of confidence in the young signal-caller.

Formula 1

Max Verstappen traced his foundation to his karting years, telling ESPN's Laurence Edmondson how those formative seasons made him an F1 champion — and prepared him for a new test, the upcoming Max vs. 100 challenge.

WNBA

The Washington Mystics have fast-tracked their rebuild all the way to the postseason, riding a wave of talented young players and genuine exuberance into the WNBA playoffs — a turnaround few saw arriving this quickly.

NBA

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said he will accept the NBA's punishments for the club's cap violations, adding, "I have sincere regrets," and confirming he is complying fully with the league's sanctions.

Saints Contract Standoff

New Orleans fans are venting about the standoff between the club and Pollock, with one supporter offering the memorable verdict: "He's an idiot, but he's our idiot." The drawn-out, public negotiation has clearly tested the relationship between player and fanbase.

UFC

Muhammad Mokaev vowed to keep pushing for a UFC return, telling BBC Sport that "politics" will not stop him and that he is still searching for answers about why he was released in the first place.

Golf

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp ruled out a return programme for LIV Golf stars, saying there are no plans to create an instant pathway back for players who defected to the Saudi-backed circuit.

Tennis

Former world number four Jack Draper will not play again this season, but the British left-hander says he is already eyeing a return in 2025 as he manages his recovery.

Athletics

Kenya won its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Nairobi's athletics-loving population and improved infrastructure helping seal the victory. London lost out to Nairobi in its bid to stage the same championships, a notable setback for the British capital's hosting ambitions.

Rugby

Wales have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the WXV Global Series, with Kayleigh Powell ruled out for the entire campaign. Brian McDermott wants to stay on as England's head coach through the 2030 Rugby League World Cup, signalling his commitment to the national programme.

Cycling

Great Britain's best cycling talents, including Tom Pidcock and Zoe Backstedt, will lead the squad at the Road World Championships, giving the team genuine medal contenders across the road races.