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Last updated: September 15, 2026, 2:28 PM ET

College Football: Week 2 Shakes Up the Playoff Picture

Week 2 delivered the kind of chaos that reshapes seasons. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the Buckeyes should be rewarded for scheduling a marquee nonconference matchup after his Longhorns erased a deficit to beat then-No. 1 Ohio State 24-23. The loss dropped the Buckeyes in ESPN's power rankings, which crowned a new No. 1 and welcomed Michigan into the Top. Analysts are now projecting the CFP top 12 to see how far Ohio State falls, while fans can run their own scenarios with the Playoff Predictor. The postseason picture shifted elsewhere too, with updated bowl projections reflecting the weekend's big wins and tough losses. For those sorting signal from noise, a weekend recap examines what we actually know about the CFP contenders.

Oregon Stunned as Oklahoma State Ends Skid

The weekend's biggest shocker came in Corvallis, where Oklahoma State upset Oregon just one week after an embarrassing loss to Tulsa, snapping the nation's longest losing streak. Ducks coach Dan Lanning didn't mince words, pointing to a lack of leadership and calling it "by far the worst performance that we've had since I've been here." The Cowboys, meanwhile, believed the margin should have been wider, with one voice inside the program saying they "'probably should've won by.'"

NFL: Chiefs Roll, Rams Lose Garrett

Kansas City opened its title defense in style as new signing Kenneth Walker rushed for 173 yards in a 31-10 win over Denver, with Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise among those watching. The Rams' Week 1 loss came with a costly diagnosis: coach Sean McVay said it became clear after the game that Myles Garrett needed knee surgery. The defensive end will now miss at least four weeks following the operation. In Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence's four-touchdown day against Cleveland has raised the question of whether his hot start can survive a looming stretch of tough matchups and his career September struggles.

College Sports Legislation and Culture Wars

Senator Ted Cruz expects a Senate vote on the Protect College Sports Act this week or next, with proponents launching an all-out blitz to push the legislation through before the chamber breaks. In Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry pleaded for "Southern hospitality" ahead of Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford on Saturday, hoping security concerns don't overshadow the game. Off the field, ESPN's Dan Wetzel argued that sports should unify rather than divide, writing that an image from Texas' victory party actually reflected the American dream. British sprinter Amy Hunt also weighed in on a different cultural flashpoint, saying the controversial Sydney Sweeney ad represents a barrier to girls' participation in sport.

Formula 1: Madring Debut Falls Flat

Formula 1's newest circuit left the paddock underwhelmed. The Spanish Grand Prix produced processional racing at the brand-new Madring, with even the top three finishers dissatisfied and Lando Norris enduring misfortune as Kimi Antonelli took the win. BBC Sport's Andrew Benson tackled reader questions on the overtaking issues and virtual safety car controversy that marred the weekend. Elsewhere, Max Verstappen reflected on how his karting roots shaped his F1 career and prepared him for the Max vs 100 challenge.

Tennis: Zverev Captures US Open

Alexander Zverev claimed the US Open title, capping a chaotic tournament and an unpredictable 2026 Grand Slam season with his second major crown.

NBA: Ballmer Accepts Punishment

LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said he will accept the NBA's penalties for the franchise's salary-cap violations, expressing "sincere regrets" and confirming he will not pursue legal action.

Basketball: Team USA Wins Fifth Straight World Cup

Team USA captured its fifth straight World Cup gold, rallying from a 14-point first-half deficit against France behind dominant defense and veteran leadership. Breanna Stewart drew widespread praise as the "greatest winner" for guiding the program to another title in the final.

Rugby League: McDermott Eyes 2030

England head coach Brian McDermott wants to stay on through the 2030 Rugby League World Cup, signaling his commitment to the national program's long-term build.

Athletics: London Loses 2029 Bid

London lost its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Nairobi named host; Munich will stage the 2031 edition.

Cricket: Pietersen Joins England Setup

Kevin Pietersen has joined England's coaching staff as a mentor, and Steven Finn argued that Pietersen's blunt, forthright approach is exactly the unfiltered challenge the white-ball setup needs right now.

GAA: Integration Process Continues

GAA President Jarlath Burns insisted the integration process between Gaelic games' three bodies is not over despite a missed 2027 deadline, stressing the outcome must be "sustainable and robust."