General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 15, 2026, 10:06 PM ET

College Football: Week 2 Aftermath

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the Buckeyes should be rewarded for scheduling a heavyweight nonconference game after his Longhorns' dramatic 24-23 comeback over then-No. 1 Ohio State. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day acknowledged that his program must "make some hard decisions" following the late collapse. Texas quarterback Arch Manning apologized for what he called an "insensitive comment" regarding a violent AI-generated video.

Power Rankings and CFP Picture

ESPN's latest Power Rankings installed a new No. 1 and welcomed Michigan into the top 25 after Week. The updated Playoff predictions reshuffled the projected 12-team field, while the bubble watch examined whether the SEC could place six teams in the bracket, with Miami and BYU also in the conversation. Bowl projections shifted dramatically after the weekend's big wins and tough losses. Analysts also dissected Ohio State's tempo issues and separated what is known from what remains uncertain after two weeks. The Heisman and CFP oddsboards were recalculated in the wake of Texas' upset.

Heisman Watch and Freshman Debuts

Oklahoma's Drew Mestemaker won ESPN's Week 2 Heisman of the Week after showing unexpected rushing ability. Vanderbilt will hand the offense to touted freshman quarterback Jared Curtis, who will start Saturday against NC State. Oregon coach Dan Lanning pointed to a "lack of leadership" after the Ducks were stunned by unranked Oklahoma State.

WNBA: Mystics Clinch Playoff Berth

The Washington Mystics have punched their ticket to the postseason, completing a rapid rebuild powered by a young core and visible exuberance that has reshaped the franchise's trajectory.

NBA: Clippers Cap Penalties

LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said he will comply with the NBA's punishments for salary-cap violations, telling reporters he has "sincere regrets" about the matter.

NFL: Chiefs Roll in Opener

New signing Kenneth Walker rushed for 173 yards as the Kansas City Chiefs opened their season with a 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos, a game attended by Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise.

Tennis: Zverev Captures US Open

Alexander Zverev claimed the US Open title, capping a chaotic tournament and an equally unpredictable 2026 season with his second career major championship. Britain's Jack Draper, a former world No. 4, will not play again this season as he manages his recovery, though he expects to return in 2025.

Formula 1: Verstappen's Roots and Madrid's Woes

Max Verstappen explained to ESPN how his karting years forged him into an F1 champion and prepared him for his latest challenge. BBC Sport's Andrew Benson answered reader questions about the Spanish Grand Prix, including why the Madring circuit produced poor overtaking and how the virtual safety car controversy unfolded.

Athletics: Nairobi Wins 2029 Worlds

Kenya secured the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Nairobi's bid boosted by the country's athletics-loving population and upgraded infrastructure. London lost out in its bid to stage the same event, conceding to Nairobi in the final vote.

Golf: No Path Back for LIV Stars

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp confirmed there are no plans to create an expedited return program for players who defected to LIV Golf, closing the door on a widely speculated pathway.

Rugby: Wales, England, and the Road to 2030

Wales have lost Kayleigh Powell for the entire WXV Global Series after the full-back sustained an injury, dealing another blow to the squad's depth. England rugby league head coach Brian McDermott wants to stay on through the 2030 World Cup, saying he is committed to building the program long-term.

Cricket: Pietersen Joins England Setup

Kevin Pietersen will join England's coaching staff as a mentor, a move former fast bowler Steven Finn believes adds the kind of blunt, unfiltered challenge the side needs right now.

Cycling: GB Squad for Road Worlds

Great Britain named its team for the Road World Championships, with Tom Pidcock and Zoe Backstedt headlining a squad of the country's top cycling talents.

Women in Sport: Sweeney Ad Draws Criticism

British sprinter Amy Hunt criticized a controversial advert featuring Sydney Sweeney, saying she is concerned it presents a barrier to girls participating in sport and reinforces harmful stereotypes.