Football

8/21/2026 |  Cincinnati climbing in Big 12, inexperience and tough schedule loom large for Satterfield’s team (Associated Press (AP)) The Bearcats have steadily improved since joining the Big 12 in 2023, including reaching a bowl game last season for the first time since 2022. However, late-season struggles the past two years have put coach Scott Satterfield on the hot seat. Cincinnati was 7-1 and ranked 16th in the AP poll before losing their final five games last year.

8/21/2026 |  Cincinnati climbing in Big 12, inexperience and tough schedule loom large for Satterfield’s team (Associated Press (AP)) The Bearcats have steadily improved since joining the Big 12 in 2023, including reaching a bowl game last season for the first time since 2022. However, late-season struggles the past two years have put coach Scott Satterfield on the hot seat. Cincinnati was 7-1 and ranked 16th in the AP poll before losing their final five games last year.

8/21/2026 |  No. 12 Texas Tech expects repeat after 1st Big 12 title and playoff appearance last year (Associated Press (AP)) Texas Tech expects a repeat after winning its first Big 12 championship and making the College Football Playoff last season. And there’s no reason to think the 12th-ranked Red Raiders can’t do it again, even after a school-record nine NFL draft picks, including six defensive players. They should also be just fine after the offseason saga surrounding departed transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, the expected starter before an NCAA gambling investigation and since-dropped lawsuit over his eligibility. ee
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8/21/2026 |  Depth and experience make No. 14 BYU an instant Big 12 title contender again this season (Associated Press (AP)) BYU finished as runner-up behind Texas Tech in the Big 12 last season and is in good shape to contend for a league title again.
Bear Bachmeier returns at quarterback following a breakout freshman campaign. LJ Martin rejoins him in the backfield fresh off leading the Big 12 in rushing yards. On defense, the Cougars return two of their top three linebackers and many top playmakers in the secondary.
“We feel like we need more than 11 starters in all three phases and we feel good about our depth,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. 

8/21/2026 |  Allen gives Browns up-close view of franchise QB as Watson-Sanders battle nears finish (Associated Press (AP)) BEREA, Ohio (AP) — As the Browns’ clumsy starting quarterback competition winds down, they got an up-close view at what a franchise QB looks like.
Josh Allen reminded them what’s missing.
Despite not having two of his top wide receivers due to injuries, Buffalo’s star QB showed typical poise and precision while working against Cleveland’s solid defense as the Bills and Browns held a joint practice Thursday in advance of their weekend exhibition.