While Big Ten holds down top two, SEC finds strength in numbers

August 19, 2026

The push and pull between the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences only grows stronger with the release of the preseason Associated Press Top 25. Having Ohio State and Oregon enter the season Nos. 1 and 2 ahead of sixth-ranked defending conference and national champion Indiana is a flex for the Big Ten, which already is riding the momentum of winning the last three national titles. Having five of the top 10 teams, and seven of the top 13, bolsters the SEC's contention that it has greater depth. The SEC has nine ranked teams compared to the Big Ten's eight and also can boast about ...

BRIEFS

August 19, 2026

BIG RED PASSES AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP STEUBENVILLE — Those who requested Big Red football season ticket hard passes can now pick them up. Pick up is available today and Thursday at the Steubenville High School ticket office today and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and at the will call window prior to Friday's game. SPORTING CLAYS EVENT UPCOMING WEIRTON — Coal Ridge Sporting Clays is hosting the West Virginia Sporting Clays State Championships this Friday-Sunday. Between 130-150 sporting shooters from across the region are set to compete in the event.

Woodland’s toughest year recovering from brain surgery is also his proudest

August 19, 2026

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Gary Woodland has strong memories of Bellerive, the closest tournament to his Kansas home. He led the 2018 PGA Championship after 18 and 36 holes and started the final round two shots out of the lead, his first Sunday in a major playing alongside Tiger Woods. "I'd never ...

ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93 from the effects of Parkinson’s disease

August 19, 2026

LAND O' LAKES, Fla. (AP) — Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded TV sports giant ESPN after hatching the idea for the world's first all-sports cable network with his son, died Tuesday. He was 93. ESPN historian Mike Soltys said Rasmussen died at his Florida home from the effects of Parkinson's ...

5 Buss siblings say they still intend to sell Lakers minority shares despite Jeanie’s opposition

August 19, 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Five of the six children of former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss still intend to sell their remaining minority ownership of the NBA team despite the opposition of their sister, Jeanie. Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss reiterated their stance Tuesday in a statement issued to ESPN, saying they "remain united in that decision. ... We intend to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and through the appropriate process." The five Buss siblings said Monday they had voted to sell the family trust's remaining 17.8% stake to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, who ...

Huskies edge Wildcats to bounce back

August 18, 2026

CADIZ — Mindy Madzia knew coming into this season she had a youthful squad with seven freshmen in the mix. So, after a tough season-opening loss on Saturday, the veteran coach was curious to see how those young players would respond Monday against visiting Edison. She liked what she ...