Last updated: September 29, 2026, 6:58 AM ET
College Football
The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, a sweeping federal bill that would reshape name, image and likeness rules and transfer portal regulations across NCAA divisions. Florida jumped into the top five of the latest power rankings after a dominant SEC victory, while five new teams cracked the Top 25 following a chaotic September weekend. The post-Week 4 projections now show Georgia and Texas as co-favorites for the national title, with Florida among four clubs making their first appearance in the new 12-team CFP top 12 projection. J.J. McCarthy was traded by Minnesota after playing just 10 games as the No. 10 overall pick, reigniting debate over whether the quarterback development pipeline is broken. Kyle Whittingham described his first four games at Michigan as an "emotional roller coaster," acknowledging that the transition from Utah has tested every assumption he held about program expectations. Georgia’s big-play attack has redefined the SEC landscape in September, with the Bulldogs averaging 41.3 points per game through four weeks. Oregon’s Dante Moore will miss time after sustaining a concussion on a quarterback draw against USC, leaving the Ducks’ offense without their projected starter.
NFL
Case Keenum threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, leading Chicago past Philadelphia 27-7 in a performance that marked his first start since 2023. The odds for Week 4 show the Chiefs and Bills as co-favorites, with every game carrying implications for playoff positioning. The Jaguars resolved a sideline confrontation between Travis Hunter and a ball boy after Hunter’s interception against Tennessee, with coach Liam Coen emphasizing that emotions ran high but the matter is closed. LeBron James revealed he seriously considered signing with the Knicks in free agency before ultimately recommitting to the Lakers following their championship run.
WNBA
The playoffs opened with every Game 1 delivering takeaways that reshaped first-round narratives, from dominant performances to shocking collapses. Olivia Miles became the first Lynx player since Sue Bird to earn unanimous Rookie of the Year honors, finishing the season averaging 17.2 points and 7.1 assists across 36 starts.
Golf & Snooker
Ronnie O’Sullivan was knocked out of the Shenzhen Open by China’s Jiang Jun, ending the seven-time world champion’s campaign in the second round. World number one Zhao Xintong also exited early, marking a surprising shake-up in the tournament’s draw.
Rugby
England’s World Cup squad features Australia-born Jasmin Strange among four potential debutants, giving the Red Roses fresh options in the second row. Jos Buttler will miss England’s upcoming tri-series in Pakistan with a hamstring injury, complicating the team’s wicketkeeping rotation ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Presidents Cup
The U.S. secured its 11th straight Presidents Cup victory with a commanding singles performance on Sunday, extending a streak that now spans two decades. The comeback was anchored by clutch performances from Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who combined for four birdies in the final five holes.
Cricket
Ed Joyce has been appointed Ireland’s new High Performance batting coach, bringing his decade of international experience to the men’s setup. Leicestershire received a partial points reprieve — eight of their 27-point County Championship deduction restored — though their appeal remains unresolved.
Rugby Union
The Premiership’s return delivered talk of comebacks, tactical adjustments and even a controversial haircut, as Saracens and Bath set the tone for an unpredictable season. Ffion Lewis is embracing the chance to represent Wales at the World Cup, seeing it as validation of her journey through the Welsh age-grade system. Newcastle delayed Fehi Fineanganofo’s arrival after the All Blacks wing convinced the club to reconsider contract terms, pushing the signing to next month.
Formula 1
Christian Horner remains in the conversation for the Ferrari seat despite Red Bull’s internal turmoil, with BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson fielding questions about whether the team principal could exit Milton Keynes for Maranello. The speculation intensified after Ferrari announced a technical partnership with Haas, signaling renewed ambition in the Italian squad’s long-term rebuild.