General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 8:56 AM ET

College Football & Recruiting

The college football landscape shifted dramatically this week as the Big Ten officially banned players returning from the NFL from suiting up for its schools. The SEC followed suit but went further, announcing a policy that forbids pro athletes from returning to college sports in football and basketball. Meanwhile, the North Carolina football team is getting a unique taste of NFL pedigree on its trip to Dublin, with punter Adam Gibbs-McCann saying he's been "blown away" by Bill Belichick's coaching wisdom ahead of the season opener against TCU. On a lighter note, Akron named alumnus Marty Whims II, a longtime Zips season-ticket holder, as the winner of its "Offensive Coordinator of the Game" promotion.

WNBA & Basketball

The Dallas Wings secured the eighth and final WNBA playoff berth with a 96-78 victory over the Portland Fire, powered by star guard Paige Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 pick, who scored 22 points in the decisive win. In Chicago, Sky owner Michael Alter banned Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena after a verbal altercation with a player, saying he showed he "had the potential to be a threat" during the heated exchange with Natasha Cloud. The WNBA Power Rankings saw notable movement as the Golden State Valkyries earned their first franchise win over Minnesota, helping them climb four spots while the Fever dropped three. Great Britain's men's basketball team received a major boost, landing three current, former and future NBA players for their EuroBasket qualifying double-header this week.

Tennis

Alex Eala returns to the US Open as a transformed player. She made her debut with little expectation, but now arrives with hopes of a deep run as a top-20 contender. Bianca Andreescu's journey back has been far harder — seven years and countless setbacks after her stunning 2019 title, she's fighting through qualifying to reach the main draw. Britons Harriet Dart and Fran Jones both made winning starts in their US Open qualifying bids. Stan Wawrinka, meanwhile, expressed gratitude despite missing out on a wildcard for a farewell appearance, saying his US Open triumph will "forever be one of the greatest moments of my life" in a heartfelt message to the tournament.

Golf

The Tour Championship field is set, and the question on everyone's mind is who comes in at No. 2 behind Scottie Scheffler. Wyndham Clark's victory last week boosted his standing in the full field breakdown. Rory McIlroy praised the PGA Tour's decision to overhaul its end-of-season playoffs to matchplay, calling it a "big swing" that gives fans what they want ahead of the 2028 format change. The Golf Channel postponed the debut of its "Big Break" reboot amid ongoing controversy surrounding Good Good Golf, its new partner for the reality series. Sir Nick Faldo stirred the pot, saying LIV golfers seeking a return to the DP World Tour may have to eat "humble pie" before regaining eligibility on the European circuit. In women's golf, Leona Maguire says Europe's 2024 Solheim Cup defeat provides "extra incentive" as they look to reclaim the trophy in the Netherlands this September.

Boxing & Combat Sports

Most Valuable Promotions celebrates its fifth anniversary Saturday, and the upstart company has transformed from influencers to queens of women's boxing, giving the sport's best female fighters a new platform ahead of the Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron card. In the heavyweight division, Moses Itauma admits Filip Hrgovic's comments are starting to "wind him up" before their title fight on Saturday.

Cycling, Baseball & Other Sports

Tadej Pogacar took a massive step toward winning the Vuelta a España for the first time, cruising to a resounding victory in stage four with an astonishing solo effort that punished his rivals. At the Little League World Series, Kinley Rasmus of Phenix City, Alabama, broke the record for most hits by a girl in tournament history with her fifth, continuing her historic run. Indy Car's Freedom 250 sparked debate before Sunday's race in Washington, D.C., but for three hours of racing, the sport was the big winner in a thrilling event. St Helens legend Jonny Lomax announced he will retire at the end of the Super League season, ending a storied career. England captain Joe Root said he's "hacked off" and "disappointed" at the incident involving fast bowler Brydon Carse at a Derby nightclub, addressing the controversy directly.

Inspiring Stories

Saffron Cresswell was a promising eventer before a fall left her paralysed. Just eight months after first sitting in a canoe, she is heading to the World Championships — a remarkable life-changing transition that shows the resilience of the human spirit.