The&nbsp;AP Top 25 college football poll&nbsp;preseason rankings are now. Texas took the No. 1 spot for the first time in an opening poll, narrowly edging out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Defending champion Ohio State ranked No. 3.

A tradition since 1936, no organization has been ranking teams and naming a major college football national champion&nbsp;longer than the AP&nbsp;— and now you can follow live updates before and after the poll drops.

1. Why Texas? The Longhorns don’t have a major mandate for the No. 1 ranking, but they’ve been on an upward trajectory since going 5-7 in 2021. They’ve won 25 of their last 30 games and reached two straight CFP semifinals. With undisputed starting quarterback Arch Manning at the helm,&nbsp;“Arch Mania” is at a fever pitch.

2. Who decides the rankings? The Top 25 voters are over 60 journalists covering college football&nbsp;for AP-member news organizations. They’re urged to base their votes on head-to-head results, not reputation, preseason speculation or regional bias.

3. When does the 2025 season start? The wait is almost over. Opening weekend begins Saturday, Aug. 23.

Iowa, USC and Utah streaks come to an end

Several streaks ended with the release of the 2025 preseason poll.

Iowa was left unranked in the preseason Top 25 for the first time in two years. USC’s run ended after five years and Utah’s ended after six consecutive preseason poll appearances.

It’s a far fall for Utah, which ranked No. 12 in last year’s preseason survey. USC came in at No. 23 and Iowa at No. 25 in the 2024 preseason.

Every Top 25 voter has&nbsp;their own workflow&nbsp;to stay on top of how teams are doing across the country, from online outlets and results to highlights, fan boards and team and NCAA stats.

The general guidance from the AP is that votes should be based on performance, not reputation. The company urges voters to avoid regional bias and “homerism,” and to pay attention to head-to-head results. The AP also supports voters who decide to make significant changes from week to week if they feel those changes are warranted.

Boise State is the sole non-Power Four team to make the preseason poll, clocking in at No. 25.

The Broncos come off a strong 2024 campaign, going undefeated in conference play and 12-2 overall.

Ashton Jeanty moving on to the pros is a major loss for the Broncos. The do-it-all running back led all Division I running backs, with 2,601 rushing yards. That’s nearly 1,000 yards more than ASU’s Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 1,711 yards.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty on stage during the 2025 draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)

Maddux Madsen returns at quarterback after a strong 2024, throwing for 3,018 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Boise State travels to the University of South Florida to open the season on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Aggies earn seventh straight preseason poll appearance

Texas A&amp;M came in at No. 19, marking the Aggies’ seventh straight appearance on the AP preseason poll. They finished ninth in the SEC last year and are one of 10 SEC teams to make the preseason poll.

Quarterback Marcel Reed is preparing to take full control of the offense after gradually surpassing Connor Weigman on the depth chart during the 2024 season.

Texas A&amp;M quarterback Marcel Reed, right, is pressured out of the pocket by the Texas defense during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Reed completed 61.3 percent of passes for 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns. The dual-threat signal-caller added 547 yards and seven touchdowns on foot.

The Aggies open the season at home against UTSA.

SMU broke into the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years, landing at No. 16.

The Mustangs last appeared on the list in 1985, earning the No. 3 spot. It’s been a long drought for SMU, but an 11-3 overall record, undefeated conference record and playoff berth have drawn attention to the team.

SMU opens the season against East Texas A&amp;M on Aug. 30 before meeting No. 4 Clemson in mid-October and No. 10 Miami two weeks later.

A fan in stands holds a sigh during the first half of an NCAA college football game between California and SMU Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Illinois sneakily crept up in Big Ten contention last season and finished fifth in the conference.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer’s limited turnovers to start the season helped the team gain confidence and earn a crucial overtime win against Nebraska. They have the gift of consistency this year as Altmyer returns for a final season.

The Fighting Illini turned heads last season and it’s reflected in the preseason poll. Illinois came in at No. 12 – the program’s first Top 25 preseason appearance since 2008 and the highest since 1990.

What days and times will the AP Top 25 be updated?

The AP Top 25 is released at 2 p.m. ET on most Sundays during the season.

The preseason poll is earlier (today!), and the first regular-season poll is always the Tuesday after Labor Day. The final poll is sent the day after the national championship game in January.

The 2025 college football season gets off to a hot start Week 1.

Three top 10 matchups are set for opening weekend: No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State, No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson and No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 10 Miami.

It’s a rare occurrence for three top 10 teams to square off during a week without conference championships or bowl games. It has only happened three times before: Week 11 of 2017, Week 5 of 2016 and Week 8 of 2002.

Arizona State’s highest rank since 1998

Coach Kenny Dillingham has brought new life to a once-overlooked Arizona State program.

Dillingham took over coming off a 3-9 season and in the past two years has transformed it into a championship-caliber team.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, center, celebrates with his team after their win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The Sun Devils topped the Big 12 with an 11-3 overall record and 7-2 conference record in 2024, earning a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs. They fell to Texas in a hard-fought overtime Peach Bowl battle.

Following an exciting season, the Sun Devils earned their second Top 25 preseason poll ranking in the past five seasons and their highest opening rank since 1998.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer leads his team onto the field before Alabama’s A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama debuts at its lowest preseason rank since 2008, coming in at No. 8.

And there’s little patience for a program with such storied excellence to have trouble navigating the waters under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide finished sixth in the SEC last season, with a 9-4 overall record and 5-3 conference record – a devasting result for fans.

Finishing short of the College Football Playoff was a dagger for a program that prides itself in being one of the very best. This year, DeBoer and the Tide hope to re-emerge as a top threat.

No. 6 Notre Dame hopes to keep momentum rolling

After an impressive season culminating in a hard-fought 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national championship, Notre Dame ranks sixth in the AP Top 25 preseason poll.

It’s the program’s highest opening rank since 2022, when the Fighting Irish came in at No. 5. Notre Dame has been a frontrunner in recent years, earning a spot in the early Top 25 for the past eight seasons and coming in among the top 10 for six of the past seven preseason polls.

With quarterback Riley Leonard off to the pros and Steve Angeli transferring to Syracuse, South Bend has been home to a quarterback competition between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey.

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) throws during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey (8) throws during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Week 1 won’t necessarily be a walk in the park for the Fighting Irish. They’ll travel to No. 10 Miami for a night game on Aug. 30.

Clemson, led by early Heisman favorite Cade Klubnik, came in at No. 4 and received four first place votes.

It’s Clemson’s 14th-straight appearance in the preseason Top 25 and the program’s highest opening rank since coming in at No. 4 in 2022.

The team will be tested right away with a home-opener against a competitive LSU team. It’ll be a showdown between two of the top quarterbacks this season: Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier.

The Tigers finished second in the ACC in 2024 with a 10-4 overall record and 7-1 conference record.

The second-ranked Nittany Lions are not only six points from No. 1, but they are 75 points ahead of the Buckeyes in what might be considered a slight to the reigning national champs.

The two teams last met on Nov. 2 and the Buckeyes came out on top with a 20-13 victory. Penn State will have Drew Allar back under center for what some consider a light schedule ahead of a late September matchup against Oregon.

Roughly a year after their last meeting, the Nittany Lions travel to Ohio State for a Nov. 1 showdown this year. The Buckeyes — in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year — will have a new look, with only five starters back on offense and three on defense.

“This team has its own identity,” coach Ryan Day said. “It wants to have its own identity, but it also wants to be the first Ohio State team to win back-to-back national championships.”

The SEC leads all conferences with 10 teams making the preseason AP Top 25: Texas (1), Georgia (5), Alabama (8), LSU (9), South Carolina (13), Florida (15), Oklahoma (18), Texas A&amp;M (19), Mississippi (21), Tennessee (24).

The Big Ten has the second most teams ranked, with six breaking into the top 25: Penn State (2), Ohio State (3), Oregon (7), Illinois (12), Michigan (14) and Indiana (20).

The Big 12 finished with four schools in the rankings: Arizona State (11), Kansas State (17), Iowa State (22), and Texas Tech (23).

Clemson (4), Miami (10) and SMU (16) represent the ACC.

Notre Dame (6) is independent and Boise State (25) is the sole Mountain West school to crack into the preseason poll.

Ohio State vs. Texas debate will be settled soon

Manning and the Longhorns will be put to the test right off the bat, facing the defending-champion Ohio State Buckeyes for a Week 1 matchup in Columbus.

It’s a time of transition for both teams, despite high expectations heading into the season.

While the Longhorns gave Manning the keys to the offense, the Buckeyes are in the midst of a nail-biting quarterback competition. Will Howard’s successor has yet to be named, but it’s between sophomore Julian Sayin and junior Lincoln Kienholz.

Texas live Longhorn mascot Bevo is led onto the field before an NCAA college football game, Oct. 7, 2023, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter, File)

Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye performs during an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Buckeyes are accustomed to heavy turnover. Ohio State had 14 players drafted in 2025, tying the school’s previous record set in 2004. Still, a challenging Week 1 competition looms and adjustments must be made quickly.

The two teams last squared off in the College Football Playoff semifinal, when the Buckeyes ended the Longhorns’ championship dreams with a 28-14 Cotton Bowl victory. They could face each other a second time this year in the playoffs.

Texas makes history, Penn State comes closest in decades

Texas tight end Jordan Washington (84), coach Steve Sarkisian, defensive back Barryn Sorrell (88) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrate with their team after defeating Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)

Texas comes in at No. 1 in the preseason poll for the first time in AP Top 25 history, edging out Penn State in the closest preseason vote since 1998.

With 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points, Texas led the Southeastern Conference to its fifth-straight No. 1 spot in the AP preseason poll. Penn State trailed, with 23 first-place votes and 1,537 points.

It’s the Nittany Lions’ highest preseason ranking since 1997, when they ranked No. 1. Expectations are sky high for the Longhorns with quarterback Arch Manning at the helm, undoubtedly the most talked-about quarterback heading into the 2025 season and nephew of gun-slinging prodigies, Peyton and Eli Manning.

Texas rose to the occasion in its inaugural season competing in the SEC, finishing first with a 7-1 conference record and 13-3 overall record.

Penn State finished third in the Big Ten behind Oregon and Indiana with a 13-3 overall record and 8-1 conference record. Their sole Big Ten loss was to the Buckeyes.

AP Top 25 college football poll rankings:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755013326363.jpeg" alt="Penn State head coach James Franklin leads his team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov.18, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)" />
 <figcaption>Penn State head coach James Franklin leads his team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov.18, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;AP Top 25 college football poll&nbsp;preseason rankings are now. Texas took the No. 1 spot for the first time in an opening poll, narrowly edging out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Defending champion Ohio State ranked No. 3.A tradition since 1936, no organization has been ranking teams and naming a major college football national champion&nbsp;longer than the AP&nbsp;— and now you can follow live updates before and after the poll drops.Here’s what to know:1. Why Texas? The Longhorns don’t have a major mandate for the No. 1 ranking, but they’ve been on an upward trajectory since going 5-7 in 2021. They’ve won 25 of their last 30 games and reached two straight CFP semifinals. With undisputed starting quarterback Arch Manning at the helm,&nbsp;“Arch Mania” is at a fever pitch.2. Who decides the rankings? The Top 25 voters are over 60 journalists covering college football&nbsp;for AP-member news organizations. They’re urged to base their votes on head-to-head results, not reputation, preseason speculation or regional bias.3. When does the 2025 season start? The wait is almost over. Opening weekend begins Saturday, Aug. 23.Here's the latest:<h2>Iowa, USC and Utah streaks come to an end</h2>Several streaks ended with the release of the 2025 preseason poll.Iowa was left unranked in the preseason Top 25 for the first time in two years. USC’s run ended after five years and Utah’s ended after six consecutive preseason poll appearances.It’s a far fall for Utah, which ranked No. 12 in last year’s preseason survey. USC came in at No. 23 and Iowa at No. 25 in the 2024 preseason.<h2>How do voters determine their rankings?</h2>Every Top 25 voter has&nbsp;their own workflow&nbsp;to stay on top of how teams are doing across the country, from online outlets and results to highlights, fan boards and team and NCAA stats.The general guidance from the AP is that votes should be based on performance, not reputation. The company urges voters to avoid regional bias and “homerism,” and to pay attention to head-to-head results. The AP also supports voters who decide to make significant changes from week to week if they feel those changes are warranted.<h2>Boise State cracks the Top 25</h2>Boise State is the sole non-Power Four team to make the preseason poll, clocking in at No. 25.The Broncos come off a strong 2024 campaign, going undefeated in conference play and 12-2 overall.Ashton Jeanty moving on to the pros is a major loss for the Broncos. The do-it-all running back led all Division I running backs, with 2,601 rushing yards. That’s nearly 1,000 yards more than ASU’s Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 1,711 yards.Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty on stage during the 2025 draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)Maddux Madsen returns at quarterback after a strong 2024, throwing for 3,018 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Boise State travels to the University of South Florida to open the season on Thursday, Aug. 28.<h2>Aggies earn seventh straight preseason poll appearance</h2>Texas A&amp;M came in at No. 19, marking the Aggies’ seventh straight appearance on the AP preseason poll. They finished ninth in the SEC last year and are one of 10 SEC teams to make the preseason poll.Quarterback Marcel Reed is preparing to take full control of the offense after gradually surpassing Connor Weigman on the depth chart during the 2024 season.Texas A&amp;M quarterback Marcel Reed, right, is pressured out of the pocket by the Texas defense during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)Reed completed 61.3 percent of passes for 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns. The dual-threat signal-caller added 547 yards and seven touchdowns on foot.The Aggies open the season at home against UTSA.<h2>SMU ends 40-year drought</h2>SMU broke into the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years, landing at No. 16.The Mustangs last appeared on the list in 1985, earning the No. 3 spot. It’s been a long drought for SMU, but an 11-3 overall record, undefeated conference record and playoff berth have drawn attention to the team.SMU opens the season against East Texas A&amp;M on Aug. 30 before meeting No. 4 Clemson in mid-October and No. 10 Miami two weeks later.A fan in stands holds a sigh during the first half of an NCAA college football game between California and SMU Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)<h2>Illinois is no longer an underdog</h2>Illinois sneakily crept up in Big Ten contention last season and finished fifth in the conference.Quarterback Luke Altmyer’s limited turnovers to start the season helped the team gain confidence and earn a crucial overtime win against Nebraska. They have the gift of consistency this year as Altmyer returns for a final season.The Fighting Illini turned heads last season and it’s reflected in the preseason poll. Illinois came in at No. 12 – the program’s first Top 25 preseason appearance since 2008 and the highest since 1990.<h2>What days and times will the AP Top 25 be updated?</h2>The AP Top 25 is released at 2 p.m. ET on most Sundays during the season.The preseason poll is earlier (today!), and the first regular-season poll is always the Tuesday after Labor Day. The final poll is sent the day after the national championship game in January.<h2>Competition will be hot from the jump</h2>The 2025 college football season gets off to a hot start Week 1.Three top 10 matchups are set for opening weekend: No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State, No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson and No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 10 Miami.It’s a rare occurrence for three top 10 teams to square off during a week without conference championships or bowl games. It has only happened three times before: Week 11 of 2017, Week 5 of 2016 and Week 8 of 2002.<h2>Arizona State’s highest rank since 1998</h2>Coach Kenny Dillingham has brought new life to a once-overlooked Arizona State program.Dillingham took over coming off a 3-9 season and in the past two years has transformed it into a championship-caliber team.Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, center, celebrates with his team after their win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)The Sun Devils topped the Big 12 with an 11-3 overall record and 7-2 conference record in 2024, earning a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs. They fell to Texas in a hard-fought overtime Peach Bowl battle.Following an exciting season, the Sun Devils earned their second Top 25 preseason poll ranking in the past five seasons and their highest opening rank since 1998.<h2>Alabama has plenty to prove</h2>Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer leads his team onto the field before Alabama’s A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.Alabama debuts at its lowest preseason rank since 2008, coming in at No. 8.And there’s little patience for a program with such storied excellence to have trouble navigating the waters under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide finished sixth in the SEC last season, with a 9-4 overall record and 5-3 conference record – a devasting result for fans.Finishing short of the College Football Playoff was a dagger for a program that prides itself in being one of the very best. This year, DeBoer and the Tide hope to re-emerge as a top threat.<h2>No. 6 Notre Dame hopes to keep momentum rolling</h2>After an impressive season culminating in a hard-fought 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national championship, Notre Dame ranks sixth in the AP Top 25 preseason poll.It’s the program’s highest opening rank since 2022, when the Fighting Irish came in at No. 5. Notre Dame has been a frontrunner in recent years, earning a spot in the early Top 25 for the past eight seasons and coming in among the top 10 for six of the past seven preseason polls.With quarterback Riley Leonard off to the pros and Steve Angeli transferring to Syracuse, South Bend has been home to a quarterback competition between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) throws during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey (8) throws during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)Week 1 won’t necessarily be a walk in the park for the Fighting Irish. They’ll travel to No. 10 Miami for a night game on Aug. 30.<h2>Eyes on Clemson</h2>Clemson, led by early Heisman favorite Cade Klubnik, came in at No. 4 and received four first place votes.It’s Clemson’s 14th-straight appearance in the preseason Top 25 and the program’s highest opening rank since coming in at No. 4 in 2022.The team will be tested right away with a home-opener against a competitive LSU team. It’ll be a showdown between two of the top quarterbacks this season: Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier.The Tigers finished second in the ACC in 2024 with a 10-4 overall record and 7-1 conference record.<h2>Penn State beats out Ohio State</h2>The second-ranked Nittany Lions are not only six points from No. 1, but they are 75 points ahead of the Buckeyes in what might be considered a slight to the reigning national champs.The two teams last met on Nov. 2 and the Buckeyes came out on top with a 20-13 victory. Penn State will have Drew Allar back under center for what some consider a light schedule ahead of a late September matchup against Oregon.Roughly a year after their last meeting, the Nittany Lions travel to Ohio State for a Nov. 1 showdown this year. The Buckeyes — in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year — will have a new look, with only five starters back on offense and three on defense.“This team has its own identity,” coach Ryan Day said. “It wants to have its own identity, but it also wants to be the first Ohio State team to win back-to-back national championships.”<h2>Conference breakdown</h2>The SEC leads all conferences with 10 teams making the preseason AP Top 25: Texas (1), Georgia (5), Alabama (8), LSU (9), South Carolina (13), Florida (15), Oklahoma (18), Texas A&amp;M (19), Mississippi (21), Tennessee (24).The Big Ten has the second most teams ranked, with six breaking into the top 25: Penn State (2), Ohio State (3), Oregon (7), Illinois (12), Michigan (14) and Indiana (20).The Big 12 finished with four schools in the rankings: Arizona State (11), Kansas State (17), Iowa State (22), and Texas Tech (23).Clemson (4), Miami (10) and SMU (16) represent the ACC.Notre Dame (6) is independent and Boise State (25) is the sole Mountain West school to crack into the preseason poll.<h2>Ohio State vs. Texas debate will be settled soon</h2>Manning and the Longhorns will be put to the test right off the bat, facing the defending-champion Ohio State Buckeyes for a Week 1 matchup in Columbus.It’s a time of transition for both teams, despite high expectations heading into the season.While the Longhorns gave Manning the keys to the offense, the Buckeyes are in the midst of a nail-biting quarterback competition. Will Howard’s successor has yet to be named, but it’s between sophomore Julian Sayin and junior Lincoln Kienholz.Texas live Longhorn mascot Bevo is led onto the field before an NCAA college football game, Oct. 7, 2023, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter, File)Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye performs during an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)The Buckeyes are accustomed to heavy turnover. Ohio State had 14 players drafted in 2025, tying the school’s previous record set in 2004. Still, a challenging Week 1 competition looms and adjustments must be made quickly.The two teams last squared off in the College Football Playoff semifinal, when the Buckeyes ended the Longhorns’ championship dreams with a 28-14 Cotton Bowl victory. They could face each other a second time this year in the playoffs.<h2>Texas makes history, Penn State comes closest in decades</h2>Texas tight end Jordan Washington (84), coach Steve Sarkisian, defensive back Barryn Sorrell (88) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrate with their team after defeating Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)Texas comes in at No. 1 in the preseason poll for the first time in AP Top 25 history, edging out Penn State in the closest preseason vote since 1998.With 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points, Texas led the Southeastern Conference to its fifth-straight No. 1 spot in the AP preseason poll. Penn State trailed, with 23 first-place votes and 1,537 points.It’s the Nittany Lions’ highest preseason ranking since 1997, when they ranked No. 1. Expectations are sky high for the Longhorns with quarterback Arch Manning at the helm, undoubtedly the most talked-about quarterback heading into the 2025 season and nephew of gun-slinging prodigies, Peyton and Eli Manning.Texas rose to the occasion in its inaugural season competing in the SEC, finishing first with a 7-1 conference record and 13-3 overall record.Penn State finished third in the Big Ten behind Oregon and Indiana with a 13-3 overall record and 8-1 conference record. Their sole Big Ten loss was to the Buckeyes.<h2>AP Top 25 college football poll rankings:</h2>1. Texas2. Penn State3. Ohio State4. Clemson5. Georgia6. Notre Dame7. Oregon8. Alabama9. LSU10. Miami (FL)11. Arizona State12. Illinois13. South Carolina14. Michigan15. Florida16. SMU17. Kansas State18. Oklahoma19. Texas A&amp;M20. Indiana21. Ole Miss22. Iowa State23. Texas Tech24. Tennessee25. Boise State<h2>Can SEC powerhouses Georgia and Alabama bounce back from disappointing seasons?</h2>Year one without Nick Saban coaching Alabama was unremarkable for the historically dominant Crimson Tide, which finished No. 6 in the SEC with a 9-4 overall record and 5-3 conference record.All eyes are on the Tide this year as coach Kalen DeBoer enters year two in Tuscaloosa and Alabama prepares for a new offensive identity post-Jalen Milroe.The Bulldogs, too, are entering a new era at signal caller with Gunner Stockton taking full reign of the offense. Georgia’s previous back-to-back title wins are far in the rearview mirror after more recent consecutive Big Ten national championship victories.But unlike Alabama, Georgia has the stability that its longtime head coach Kirby Smart brings to the table.<h2>Heisman hopefuls: Early favorites to win the award</h2>It’s never too early to talk about the Heisman Trophy, the most coveted award in college sports.Quarterbacks Arch Manning (Texas), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Cade Klubnik (Clemson) and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith headline early conversations.Smith, the sole receiver on the list of favorites, is expected to have another huge season for the Buckeyes after leading the team with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during his freshman campaign.Klubnik finished the 2024 season with 3,639 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, the third-most in the FBS behind first-overall pick Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Nussmeier boasted a higher completion percentage (64.2), and threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.<h2>The 12-team playoff bracket is in place for a second year</h2>The 2024-2025 season marked the start of the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, giving eight additional teams a shot at the title and adding a new meaning to bowl games.The five highest-ranked conference winners automatically qualified, and the next seven highest-ranked teams earned at-large bids.Conference winners Oregon, Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State received first-round byes, which prompted criticism and changes.This year’s 12-team version will have straight seeding based on CFP rankings when the field is set in early December.<h2>Coaches’ college football poll is still hanging in there</h2>The preseason coaches poll was dropped last week with Texas at No. 1 and Ohio State at No. 2 ahead of their Aug. 30 showdown. Penn State, Georgia and Notre Dame rounded out the top five. Will the AP poll be different? It often is, stay tuned!<h2>Who topped last year’s preseason poll?</h2>Georgia was No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 a year ago, earning 1,532 points and 46 first-place votes. Ohio State was second ahead of Oregon, Texas and Alabama. The Buckeyes went on to win the national championship and Georgia wound up sixth in the final Top 25.<h2>Poll sets the stage for Big Ten rivalry vs. SEC</h2>After two consecutive national titles won by Big Ten teams, the SEC is hungry to get back on top.The Big Ten and SEC rivalry goes beyond the football field. Over the offseason, the two most powerful conferences struggled to nail down a new playoff format. The Big Ten wants a 16-team format, with four guaranteed spots for both the Big Ten and SEC, two each for the Big 12 and ACC and 1 at-large bid. The SEC favors five conference champions and 11 at-large bids, which would presumably favor the top conferences most seasons.Stay tuned!<h2>Why bother with preseason rankings?</h2>There is a school of thought that preseason rankings for any sport are a waste of time; after all, how do you accurately assess teams with new players from last season that have not played a game yet?That argument has not and probably never will stop the proliferation of preseason guesswork, including media outlets with full-time journalists who provide analyses of just how good a team might be. After all, the conversation around the season isn’t limited to game days. And if a preseason ranking turns out to be wildly inaccurate – as they can often be – that’s part of the conversation, too.

College football latest: AP Top 25 preseason rankings put Texas on top with Penn State right behind

Signing bonus: $3 million, of which $1.5 million payable within 30 days' of the contract's approval by Major League Baseball and $1.5 million payable on Jan. 15, 2026.

2028 vesting option: $20 million (or $17 million club option)

Option would vest with 335 innings combined in 2026 and 2027 or 190 innings in 2027, and also player must pass a physical at the end of the 2027 season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752948483531.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, July 18, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, July 18, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)</figcaption>
 </figure>Signing bonus: $3 million, of which $1.5 million payable within 30 days' of the contract's approval by Major League Baseball and $1.5 million payable on Jan. 15, 2026.2026 salary: $20 million2027 salary: $20 million2028 vesting option: $20 million (or $17 million club option)Option would vest with 335 innings combined in 2026 and 2027 or 190 innings in 2027, and also player must pass a physical at the end of the 2027 season

Details of Seth Lugo's $46 million, 2-year contract with the Kansas City Royals for 2026 and 2027

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs starting cornerback Jaylen Watson was placed in the concussion protocol and backup safety Deon Bush lost for the season to a ruptured Achilles tendon in what proved to be a costly first preseason game for the Kansas City defensive backfield.

Watson missed most of the 2024 regular season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win at San Francisco. But after undergoing surgery, the fourth-year pro managed to make it back in time to help the Chiefs on their playoff run.

Bush has appeared in 24 games over the past three seasons in Kansas City. He spent his first six years in the NFL in Chicago.

In other injury news, defensive end Janarius Robinson — who'd been having a good camp as he tried to make the roster — broke his foot during the preseason opener. Wide receiver Marquise Brown remained out of practice with a foot and ankle issue, while backup offensive lineman Ethan Driskell was absent Monday following an appendectomy.

The Chiefs have two more practices at Missouri Western this week before breaking camp. They play their second preseason game Friday night in Seattle, then return to their practice facility in Kansas City for the remainder of the preseason.

Brown left practice in a cart after&nbsp;hurting his right ankle July 29. At the time, the injury appeared to be minor, but “Hollywood” Brown only recently started to run again. That has thrown into question whether Brown — who missed nearly all of last season to a shoulder injury — will be ready when Kansas City opens the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil.

“It's not really a high-ankle sprain. It's more the ankle-foot area,” Reid said Monday. “He's making great progress, though. He's up and running now a little bit. That's a positive. I don't think he's too far off but we'll see. He's doing good.”

His status could be important for the Chiefs should fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice get suspended to start the season.

Rice pleaded&nbsp;guilty in July to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, along with paying victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling about $115,000.

Once the case was settled, the NFL began its investigation into the incident. It could mete out its punishment at any time.

The one positive for Kansas City is that wide receiver is one of the deepest positions on the team. Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals are locks to make the roster alongside Brown and Rice, while Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, Jason Brownlee and Elijah Badger are in a tight competition for the last few roster spots.

“Listen, we'll have a tough decision to make," Reid admitted. “There's some good players there. We'll just see how it sorts out. We have a few more games, a few more practices. We'll see how it shakes out before we make those cuts. But I'm pleased with what we have there. Some of the young guys are going out and producing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755004127291.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) is carted off the field after an injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) is carted off the field after an injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs starting cornerback Jaylen Watson was placed in the concussion protocol and backup safety Deon Bush lost for the season to a ruptured Achilles tendon in what proved to be a costly first preseason game for the Kansas City defensive backfield.Watson missed most of the 2024 regular season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win at San Francisco. But after undergoing surgery, the fourth-year pro managed to make it back in time to help the Chiefs on their playoff run.Bush has appeared in 24 games over the past three seasons in Kansas City. He spent his first six years in the NFL in Chicago.In other injury news, defensive end Janarius Robinson — who'd been having a good camp as he tried to make the roster — broke his foot during the preseason opener. Wide receiver Marquise Brown remained out of practice with a foot and ankle issue, while backup offensive lineman Ethan Driskell was absent Monday following an appendectomy.The Chiefs have two more practices at Missouri Western this week before breaking camp. They play their second preseason game Friday night in Seattle, then return to their practice facility in Kansas City for the remainder of the preseason.Brown left practice in a cart after&nbsp;hurting his right ankle July 29. At the time, the injury appeared to be minor, but “Hollywood” Brown only recently started to run again. That has thrown into question whether Brown — who missed nearly all of last season to a shoulder injury — will be ready when Kansas City opens the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil.“It's not really a high-ankle sprain. It's more the ankle-foot area,” Reid said Monday. “He's making great progress, though. He's up and running now a little bit. That's a positive. I don't think he's too far off but we'll see. He's doing good.”His status could be important for the Chiefs should fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice get suspended to start the season.Rice pleaded&nbsp;guilty in July to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, along with paying victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling about $115,000.Once the case was settled, the NFL began its investigation into the incident. It could mete out its punishment at any time.The one positive for Kansas City is that wide receiver is one of the deepest positions on the team. Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals are locks to make the roster alongside Brown and Rice, while Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, Jason Brownlee and Elijah Badger are in a tight competition for the last few roster spots.“Listen, we'll have a tough decision to make," Reid admitted. “There's some good players there. We'll just see how it sorts out. We have a few more games, a few more practices. We'll see how it shakes out before we make those cuts. But I'm pleased with what we have there. Some of the young guys are going out and producing.”

Chiefs lose safety Deon Bush for season; cornerback Jaylen Watson in concussion protocol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvadore Perez and Kyle Isbel hit two-run homers in the sixth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Washington Nationals 7-4 on Monday night.

Perez homered&nbsp;off rookie Cade Cavalli after Maikel Garcia drew a leadoff walk, tying the game at 4. Adam Frazier singled, chasing Cavalli, and Jackson Rutledge (1-2) entered and retired Randal Grichuk on a double-play grounder. Nick Loftin had a two-out single before scoring on&nbsp;Isbel's fourth homer. Perez's homer was his 21st.

James Wood walked leading off the first against Bailey Falter in his home debut for the Royals after being acquired from the Pirates at the trade deadline. Josh Bell hit his 15th homer — a 422-foot, two-out shot to left-center — to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead.

Garcia, Perez and Frazier had consecutive singles to start the second for the Royals' first run. Loftin's sacrifice fly tied it 2-all.

Falter left a tie game after four innings and 76 pitches. Wood singled off Daniel Lynch IV (4-2) leading off the fifth and Paul DeJong hit his fourth homer one out later to put the Nationals up 4-2.

Mike Yastrzemski added a run in the eighth with a sac fly. Frazier finished 3 for 4 and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his 30th save.

Bobby Witt Jr. went 2 for 5 in his return to the Royals lineup after back tightness forced him to miss his second game of the season on Sunday.

Kansas City won the opener of a 10-game homestand and moved to 59-60 on the season.

Isbel's go-ahead shot came after he popped out in foul territory on a 3-1 pitch with one out and runners on second and third in a tie game in the second inning.

The Royals have scored 441 runs, fewest in the AL.

Nationals LHP Mitchell Parker (7-12, 5.43 ERA) will start Tuesday opposite Royals RHP Michael Wacha (6-9, 3.36).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755003988552.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with Maikel Garcia after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with Maikel Garcia after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvadore Perez and Kyle Isbel hit two-run homers in the sixth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Washington Nationals 7-4 on Monday night.Perez homered&nbsp;off rookie Cade Cavalli after Maikel Garcia drew a leadoff walk, tying the game at 4. Adam Frazier singled, chasing Cavalli, and Jackson Rutledge (1-2) entered and retired Randal Grichuk on a double-play grounder. Nick Loftin had a two-out single before scoring on&nbsp;Isbel's fourth homer. Perez's homer was his 21st.James Wood walked leading off the first against Bailey Falter in his home debut for the Royals after being acquired from the Pirates at the trade deadline. Josh Bell hit his 15th homer — a 422-foot, two-out shot to left-center — to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead.Garcia, Perez and Frazier had consecutive singles to start the second for the Royals' first run. Loftin's sacrifice fly tied it 2-all.Falter left a tie game after four innings and 76 pitches. Wood singled off Daniel Lynch IV (4-2) leading off the fifth and Paul DeJong hit his fourth homer one out later to put the Nationals up 4-2.Mike Yastrzemski added a run in the eighth with a sac fly. Frazier finished 3 for 4 and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his 30th save.Bobby Witt Jr. went 2 for 5 in his return to the Royals lineup after back tightness forced him to miss his second game of the season on Sunday.Kansas City won the opener of a 10-game homestand and moved to 59-60 on the season.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isbel's go-ahead shot came after he popped out in foul territory on a 3-1 pitch with one out and runners on second and third in a tie game in the second inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have scored 441 runs, fewest in the AL.<h2>Up next</h2>Nationals LHP Mitchell Parker (7-12, 5.43 ERA) will start Tuesday opposite Royals RHP Michael Wacha (6-9, 3.36).

Perez and Isbel 2-run homers in the 6th inning power the Royals to a 7-4 win over the Nationals

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada court has apparently cleared the way for a 2021 lawsuit filed by former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden to proceed against Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL. Gruden's lawsuit alleges that a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” was used to destroy his career by leaking old emails he had sent that included racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments. In 2022, the NFL appealed to Nevada’s high court after a Las Vegas judge rejected league bids to dismiss Gruden’s claim outright or to order out-of-court talks that could be overseen by Goodell. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the NFL's arbitration clause does not apply to Gruden.

A Hawaii real estate investor and broker are suing baseball star Shohei Ohtani. They claim the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player and his agent got them fired from a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island’s coveted Hapuna Coast that they brought him in to endorse. According to the lawsuit filed in Hawaii Circuit Court, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, increasingly demanded concessions before ultimately demanding that their business partner drop them from the deal. The development includes 14 houses averaging $17.3 million apiece. Ohtani was advertised as the first resident.

Tennis Hall of Famer Monica Seles is discussing for the first time her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis — a neurological autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2022. Seles said she learned she had the condition known as MG after having symptoms such as double vision and weakness in her arms and legs. The 51-year-old Seles won nine Grand Slam titles and played her last match in 2003. She is speaking about myasthenia gravis ahead of the U.S. Open, which starts on Aug. 24, to raise awareness about a condition The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke calls a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the NBA champion Thunder will be working at home for Christmas this season, playing host to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs as part of the league’s annual Dec. 25 quintupleheader. The other Christmas games, released by the NBA on Tuesday: Cleveland at New York, Houston at LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and Dallas visiting Golden State, and Minnesota playing at Denver.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers are counting on receiver Ricky Pearsall to step up this season. After a rookie year disrupted by injury, Pearsall is expected to fill the gap left by Deebo Samuel's trade and Brandon Aiyuk's absence. Pearsall, who showed promise late last season, has been working closely with quarterback Brock Purdy to build chemistry. Other second-year players expected to break out include Buffalo's Keon Coleman, New York Jets' Olu Fashanu, Philadelphia's Jalyx Hunt, Indianapolis' Laiatu Latu, and Arizona's Darius Robinson. Each is poised for a bigger role after showing flashes of potential as rookies.

The Associated Press Top 25 poll is out. Let the sorting out process begin. Only two first-place votes and five points separate No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Penn State. Each of the top five teams, and six of the top seven, received at least one No. 1 vote. This is an ideal year for there to be so many early marquee games. The most anticipated is Texas at third-ranked and defending national champion Ohio State Aug. 30. No. 9 LSU visits No. 4 Clemson on Aug. 30 and No. 6 Notre Dame is at No. 10 Miami Aug. 31.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers became the first MLB team since 2019 with multiple winning streaks of 10 or more games. However, any excitement over that particular accomplishment is tempered by the bigger picture. The Brewers extended their current win streak to 10 with a 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Earlier in the season, Milwaukee won 11 straight, and with Monday’s victory join the Houston Astros (2019), Los Angeles Dodgers (2017), Toronto Blue Jays (2015), Atlanta Braves (2013), St. Louis Cardinals (2001), Pittsburgh Pirates (1978), Kansas City Royals (1977), New York Mets (1969) and Houston Astros (1969) as the only teams to have two double-digit wins streaks since MLB expanded in 1969,

MADRID (AP) — Villarreal says there will be free travel and tickets for season-ticket holders if its league match against Barcelona is played in Miami in December. The club has announced that those unable to attend will receive a 20% discount on their season tickets. The Spanish soccer federation approved the request on Monday but UEFA and FIFA still need to give their approval. It would be the first regular-season Spanish league game to be held abroad. The match is part of a long-term partnership with Relevent Sports and would take place at the Hard Rock Stadium. Some fan groups and the players association have expressed disapproval.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has homered in his third straight game. The Dodgers star hit his 42nd of the season in the eighth inning of their game against the Los Angeles Angels. The Dodgers trailed 7-0 when Ohtani connected off Shaun Anderson, driving his fourth homer in five games into the right field bleachers to tie Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the NL lead. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 45 homers. Ohtani has a 10-game hitting streak in August, and he has four homers among his nine hits in the Dodgers’ last five games.

HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Correa has made a triumphant return to the Houston Astros after a trade from the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman is visiting Daikin Park for the first time as a Boston Red Sox player. Houston manager Joe Espada says both players have been incredible for the organization. Bregman, drafted by the Astros in 2015, spent nine seasons in Houston, helping the team achieve significant success. Correa, who waived his no-trade clause to return, is back after playing for the Twins since 2022. He’s feeling rejuvenated and is now playing third base. Both players express excitement about their new roles and opportunities.

INTERLEAGUE Final Kansas City 7 Washington 4 Final Texas 7 Arizona 6 Final L.A. Angels 7 L.A. Dodgers 4

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final N.Y. Yankees 6 Minnesota 2 Final Detroit 2 Chicago White Sox 1 Final Houston 7 Boston 6 Final Tampa Bay 7 Athletics 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Philadelphia 4 Cincinnati 1 Final Milwaukee 7 Pittsburgh 1 Final St. Louis 3 Colorado 2 Final San Diego 4 San Francisco 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada court has apparently cleared the way for a 2021 lawsuit filed by former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden to proceed against Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL. Gruden's lawsuit alleges that a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” was used to destroy his career by leaking old emails he had sent that included racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments. In 2022, the NFL appealed to Nevada’s high court after a Las Vegas judge rejected league bids to dismiss Gruden’s claim outright or to order out-of-court talks that could be overseen by Goodell. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the NFL's arbitration clause does not apply to Gruden.A Hawaii real estate investor and broker are suing baseball star Shohei Ohtani. They claim the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player and his agent got them fired from a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island’s coveted Hapuna Coast that they brought him in to endorse. According to the lawsuit filed in Hawaii Circuit Court, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, increasingly demanded concessions before ultimately demanding that their business partner drop them from the deal. The development includes 14 houses averaging $17.3 million apiece. Ohtani was advertised as the first resident.Tennis Hall of Famer Monica Seles is discussing for the first time her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis — a neurological autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2022. Seles said she learned she had the condition known as MG after having symptoms such as double vision and weakness in her arms and legs. The 51-year-old Seles won nine Grand Slam titles and played her last match in 2003. She is speaking about myasthenia gravis ahead of the U.S. Open, which starts on Aug. 24, to raise awareness about a condition The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke calls a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.NEW YORK (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the NBA champion Thunder will be working at home for Christmas this season, playing host to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs as part of the league’s annual Dec. 25 quintupleheader. The other Christmas games, released by the NBA on Tuesday: Cleveland at New York, Houston at LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and Dallas visiting Golden State, and Minnesota playing at Denver.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers are counting on receiver Ricky Pearsall to step up this season. After a rookie year disrupted by injury, Pearsall is expected to fill the gap left by Deebo Samuel's trade and Brandon Aiyuk's absence. Pearsall, who showed promise late last season, has been working closely with quarterback Brock Purdy to build chemistry. Other second-year players expected to break out include Buffalo's Keon Coleman, New York Jets' Olu Fashanu, Philadelphia's Jalyx Hunt, Indianapolis' Laiatu Latu, and Arizona's Darius Robinson. Each is poised for a bigger role after showing flashes of potential as rookies.The Associated Press Top 25 poll is out. Let the sorting out process begin. Only two first-place votes and five points separate No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Penn State. Each of the top five teams, and six of the top seven, received at least one No. 1 vote. This is an ideal year for there to be so many early marquee games. The most anticipated is Texas at third-ranked and defending national champion Ohio State Aug. 30. No. 9 LSU visits No. 4 Clemson on Aug. 30 and No. 6 Notre Dame is at No. 10 Miami Aug. 31.MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers became the first MLB team since 2019 with multiple winning streaks of 10 or more games. However, any excitement over that particular accomplishment is tempered by the bigger picture. The Brewers extended their current win streak to 10 with a 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Earlier in the season, Milwaukee won 11 straight, and with Monday’s victory join the Houston Astros (2019), Los Angeles Dodgers (2017), Toronto Blue Jays (2015), Atlanta Braves (2013), St. Louis Cardinals (2001), Pittsburgh Pirates (1978), Kansas City Royals (1977), New York Mets (1969) and Houston Astros (1969) as the only teams to have two double-digit wins streaks since MLB expanded in 1969,MADRID (AP) — Villarreal says there will be free travel and tickets for season-ticket holders if its league match against Barcelona is played in Miami in December. The club has announced that those unable to attend will receive a 20% discount on their season tickets. The Spanish soccer federation approved the request on Monday but UEFA and FIFA still need to give their approval. It would be the first regular-season Spanish league game to be held abroad. The match is part of a long-term partnership with Relevent Sports and would take place at the Hard Rock Stadium. Some fan groups and the players association have expressed disapproval.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has homered in his third straight game. The Dodgers star hit his 42nd of the season in the eighth inning of their game against the Los Angeles Angels. The Dodgers trailed 7-0 when Ohtani connected off Shaun Anderson, driving his fourth homer in five games into the right field bleachers to tie Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the NL lead. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 45 homers. Ohtani has a 10-game hitting streak in August, and he has four homers among his nine hits in the Dodgers’ last five games.HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Correa has made a triumphant return to the Houston Astros after a trade from the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman is visiting Daikin Park for the first time as a Boston Red Sox player. Houston manager Joe Espada says both players have been incredible for the organization. Bregman, drafted by the Astros in 2015, spent nine seasons in Houston, helping the team achieve significant success. Correa, who waived his no-trade clause to return, is back after playing for the Twins since 2022. He’s feeling rejuvenated and is now playing third base. Both players express excitement about their new roles and opportunities.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Kansas City 7 Washington 4 Final Texas 7 Arizona 6 Final L.A. Angels 7 L.A. Dodgers 4AMERICAN LEAGUE Final N.Y. Yankees 6 Minnesota 2 Final Detroit 2 Chicago White Sox 1 Final Houston 7 Boston 6 Final Tampa Bay 7 Athletics 4NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Philadelphia 4 Cincinnati 1 Final Milwaukee 7 Pittsburgh 1 Final St. Louis 3 Colorado 2 Final San Diego 4 San Francisco 1

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The 13th Annual Cougar Open took place Friday with thirty teams coming together in support of Barton Athletics at Lake Barton Golf Course.

The annual event organized and sponsored by the Bartton Booster Club chaired by Eric Gotsche, in addition to, the generosity of donors, provides a fundraising activity for Athletics through participation, sponsors, and raffle opportunities.

The four-man scramble team of&nbsp;Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Matt Karlin, and Lance Perez&nbsp;earned the 2025 title firing a 55 for a three-stroke victory over three other teams shooting a 58.

Three squads tied for First Flight honors compiling a 62 round score, the tandem of Doug Kaiser, Tracey Wagner, Lyle Stickney, and Alan Crowther coming out on top following tiebreaker procedures.

Similarly, tiebreakers decided the Second Flight deadlock of a 66 round, Trevor Rolfs' team consisting of Chris Huggans, Cole Schwarz, and Mark Panning sorted out as the last of three flight winners.

Through the generous donations of sponsors, over $6,000 of valued prizes were also raffled, as well as, offering a multitude of hole prizes.

Individual hole prize winners were: Jake Thompson (Longest drive on hole 2) Brandon Wells (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 3) Ryan Deyoung (Closest to the pin on hole 5) Jonathan Pike (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 6) Alex King (Closest to the pin on hole 7) Daxton Minton (Longest putt on hole 8) Jay Luerman (Closest to the pin on hole 9) Jordan Clark (Longest drive on hole 11 – Women) Kacie Garstecki (Closest to the pin on hole 12) Larsen Koester (Longest putt on hole 14) Jim Hayes (Closest to the pin on hole 16) Ryan Hammeke (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 18)

FLIGHT PLACINGS Championship Flight: 1st (55): Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Matt Karlin, and Lance Perez 2nd (58): Kevin Sundahl, Dennis Sherman, J.D. Rein, and Owen Ochs 3rd (58): Kory Walters, Chance Haney, Austin Jacobs, and Dylan Nevola 4th (58): Rick Tutak, Chuck Richardson, Randy Wetzel, and Lance Hoopingarner

First Flight:1st (62): Doug Kaiser, Tracey Wagner, Lyle Stickney, and Alan Crowther 2nd (62): Jason Wondra, Ryan Hoffman, Matt McCarthy, and Gregg Burgess 3rd (62): Brett McBride, Luke Kramer, Logan Smith, and Landon Sciacca 4th (63): Steve Haulmark, Scott Bieberle, Jason Settle, and Ryan Deyoung

Second Flight: 1st (66): Trevor Rolfs, Chris Huggans, Cole Schwarz, and Mark Panning 2nd (66): Jeremy Coombs, Chris Spray, Jason Mayers, and Maddox Spray 3rd (66): Jake Thompson, Mark VanNorden, Tad Parsons, and Jonathan Pike 4th (67): Brett Pinkerton, Ryan Hammeke, Rusty Blevins, Tim Hammeke

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754937232946.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 13th Annual Cougar Open took place Friday with thirty teams coming together in support of Barton Athletics at Lake Barton Golf Course.The annual event organized and sponsored by the Bartton Booster Club chaired by Eric Gotsche, in addition to, the generosity of donors, provides a fundraising activity for Athletics through participation, sponsors, and raffle opportunities.The four-man scramble team of&nbsp;Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Matt Karlin, and Lance Perez&nbsp;earned the 2025 title firing a 55 for a three-stroke victory over three other teams shooting a 58.Three squads tied for First Flight honors compiling a 62 round score, the tandem of Doug Kaiser, Tracey Wagner, Lyle Stickney, and Alan Crowther coming out on top following tiebreaker procedures.Similarly, tiebreakers decided the Second Flight deadlock of a 66 round, Trevor Rolfs' team consisting of Chris Huggans, Cole Schwarz, and Mark Panning sorted out as the last of three flight winners.Through the generous donations of sponsors, over $6,000 of valued prizes were also raffled, as well as, offering a multitude of hole prizes.Individual hole prize winners were: Jake Thompson (Longest drive on hole 2) Brandon Wells (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 3) Ryan Deyoung (Closest to the pin on hole 5) Jonathan Pike (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 6) Alex King (Closest to the pin on hole 7) Daxton Minton (Longest putt on hole 8) Jay Luerman (Closest to the pin on hole 9) Jordan Clark (Longest drive on hole 11 – Women) Kacie Garstecki (Closest to the pin on hole 12) Larsen Koester (Longest putt on hole 14) Jim Hayes (Closest to the pin on hole 16) Ryan Hammeke (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 18)FLIGHT PLACINGS Championship Flight: 1st (55): Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Matt Karlin, and Lance Perez 2nd (58): Kevin Sundahl, Dennis Sherman, J.D. Rein, and Owen Ochs 3rd (58): Kory Walters, Chance Haney, Austin Jacobs, and Dylan Nevola 4th (58): Rick Tutak, Chuck Richardson, Randy Wetzel, and Lance HoopingarnerFirst Flight:1st (62): Doug Kaiser, Tracey Wagner, Lyle Stickney, and Alan Crowther 2nd (62): Jason Wondra, Ryan Hoffman, Matt McCarthy, and Gregg Burgess 3rd (62): Brett McBride, Luke Kramer, Logan Smith, and Landon Sciacca 4th (63): Steve Haulmark, Scott Bieberle, Jason Settle, and Ryan DeyoungSecond Flight: 1st (66): Trevor Rolfs, Chris Huggans, Cole Schwarz, and Mark Panning 2nd (66): Jeremy Coombs, Chris Spray, Jason Mayers, and Maddox Spray 3rd (66): Jake Thompson, Mark VanNorden, Tad Parsons, and Jonathan Pike 4th (67): Brett Pinkerton, Ryan Hammeke, Rusty Blevins, Tim Hammeke

Teams compete at annual Booster Club "Cougar Open" Golf Tournament in support of Barton Athletics #GoBarton

D. Scott Fritchen KStateSports.com&nbsp;

He sits in his lavender suit at a long table with a black tablecloth and in front of a large digital display bearing the Powercat logo and with the end of Big 12 Football Media Days nearing an end at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas — an eight-hour affair that can test the vocal chords —&nbsp;and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;still sits and politely and methodically answers every question tossed his way.

Then somebody lobs him a question about No. 20 K-State facing No. 21 Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 23 in Dublin, Ireland.

Johnson unhesitatingly and emphatically knocks it out of the park.

"It's definitely extra motivation for us knowing we've lost to Iowa State the last two years," he says. "They beat us to end the regular season last year and left a bad taste in our mouth. It definitely doesn't sit well with me and the rest of our team

."We're going to prepare our hardest and go out there and get the win."

True. K-State suffered a 29-21 loss at Iowa State last season. Johnson completed 12-of-28 passes for 220 yards with touchdown passes of 28 and 65 yards to&nbsp;Jayce Brown&nbsp;and a 7-yard scoring toss to&nbsp;Garrett Oakley. K-State also suffered a 42-35 loss to Iowa State on Senior Day in Manhattan in 2023. Will Howard went 24-of-48 for 288 yards with one touchdown and one interception in that contest.

Matt Wells, K-State's associate head coach, quarterbacks coach and first-year offensive coordinator, got a vibe from Johnson the first time they met prior to last season, and that vibe has perhaps become more pronounced during the offseason as Johnson, the face of K-State football, stares down his second year as a full-time starter.

"He's a dog. He's a competitor. And he has that mindset that he's the best one out of 22 players on the field at that time," Wells says. "That's something you either have it, or you don't. That's a special trait that Avery has. He's a winner."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

K-State is one of only five Power 4 teams to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons with at least one conference championship in that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.

Johnson, a Wichita native who a year ago guided K-State to a 9-4 record, including a 44-41 win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, would like to help keep K-State shining among the best in college football.

Meanwhile, the 6-foot-3 Johnson, who is on the 2025 Maxwell Award Davey O'Brien Award watch lists, says that he will play above 200 pounds for the first time this season while maintaining his 23-mile-per-hour speed, has a chance to prove himself among the best signal-callers in the nation.

Last season, Johnson completed 58.3% of his passes for 2,712 yards and a school-record 25 touchdowns while adding 605 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 113 carries. He finished fourth in school history in pass attempts (372), fifth in completions (217) and passing yards (2,712), sixth in total offensive yards (3,317) and sixth in touchdown responsibility (32).

He was on fire with three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores against Oklahoma State, becoming the first Wildcat to hit those marks against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012. It was only the 30th&nbsp;time since 1996 a player had at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against an AP Top 25 team, earning him Manning Award Star of the Week and Davey O'Brien Award Great 8 honors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

He finished as one of five players in the nation — and one of three from a Power 4 school — to record 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards last season.

CBS ranks Johnson as the fourth-best quarterback in the Big 12 heading to the 2025 season, contending that "Johnson finished with a school-record 25 touchdown passes and yet it didn't feel like he met the high expectations many set for him as a first-year starter."

CBS adds: "When he's on, the Wildcats are a conference frontrunner.

"It wasn't too long ago that ESPN college football senior writer Pete Thamel on the College Gameday Podcast called Johnson "electric," adding, "He's going to be the face of the sport in the upcoming years. He's got like (NFL quarterback) Anthony Richardson electricity, like he's rare, man."

Last week, ESPN listed Johnson as the "most important player in the Big 12 race." It adds: "If he phases out some of the errors and maximizes the big plays, K-State's ceiling is higher than 10 wins."

At the moment, one of the most electric — and likely among the fastest — signal-callers in college football stands center stage in the team theater room at the Vanier Family Football Complex after training camp on Thursday.

Johnson has seen the film. Boy, has he seen the film. Wells says not a day goes by that Johnson isn't in his office. They talk football. They watch football. Often, they watch football and talk football at the same time as the hours slowly burn away. Both coach and pupil are fiery. They're like-minded. They look at each other and know what the other is thinking. It's that kind of bond that they've formed through two years of growth. Every offensive play is dissected. Every drop back and every rush analyzed. Virtually nothing goes untouched in Wells' office.

"I put the weight of the world on my shoulders (in 2024)," Johnson explains to reporters on Thursday. "If I missed a throw, I wanted to get it all back on the next throw. If we got down, I wanted to score a 14-point touchdown. A lot of times, I'd try to be this player I wasn't and try to fit the narrative of, 'Oh, he needs to be a passer and doesn't need to run as much.' Really, it's about being myself."

If the defense gives up run opportunities, I need to make the defense pay and run the ball, and if they give up passing opportunities, I need to be a pocket passer and play to my strengths more. I need to really do what I can do best, which is lead and go out and win football games."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Which is what Johnson has strived to do all along.

One day, in particular, comes to mind. Johnson sported a tan-and-black Nike hoodie, black sweatpants, black socks and black slides as he stood inside the team theater at the Vanier Family Football Complex. It was February 2, 2022 —&nbsp;43 days after he signed his letter-of-intent with the Wildcats. One of the highest-rated players ever to sign with K-State — he was the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, the No. 1-rated dual-threat passer by Rivals and the 41st-rated overall player by 247Sports — he exuded confidence, yet was not brash; he spoke, but is not boastful; he smiled, but not too big; and he fit the part of a charismatic leader.

"A lot of winning," he said. "I have personal goals, but to be honest, the team goals mean more to me than any personal goals, whether that's winning the Big 12 or playing for a national championship. I just like to play football, and I like to win football games."

There was always something different about Avery. When he was 2 years old, he memorized the uniform numbers of his older brother's little league baseball team. Kids played in the dirt. Avery studied how players swung the bat. When Avery was 3, his basketball and t-ball coaches politely asked his parents if Avery could play up a level. He outraced his older brother's fifth-grade football team in 40-yard dashes. Mark Johnson tried to put Avery, his youngest child, into competitive situations and exercise his brain. Avery memorized 120 offensive plays. He read defenses, audibled out of plays, found the exact right one, then took care of the rest.

"He beat them every single time," Mark says.

In the eighth grade, Avery wowed Maize High School varsity football head coach Gary Guzman, who saw the boy in the No. 2 jersey race past the competition for the first time. And he could throw. Boy, could he throw. The possibilities were endless.

"He was just so athletic at that age," Guzman says. "He has been forever, I guess."

Avery played on the Maize High School freshman football team on Mondays and played on the varsity team on Fridays. He was an unstoppable force for the freshman squad while serving as backup quarterback to a senior on the varsity team. Oh, he played. He played in every varsity game his freshman year. He threw for more than 500 yards — "pretty good for a freshman part-timer," Guzman says — while honing his throwing mechanics and learning the offensive system. He had a silky-smooth delivery and put zip on the ball, finding receivers across the field. Guzman inserted Avery into multiple situations, regardless of opponent or score. Didn't matter. When he took the field, one thing stood out among his many attributes: His leadership. The juniors and seniors responded to him. The Maize High fans cheered for him.

"We had no problem putting him in there at any point during the game," Guzman says. "I mean, he could get it done. He did great things as a freshman and just kept getting better every year.

"He had long runs. At any point in the game, he'd hurt you. You give him enough time, and he was going to hurt you with the pass. It was no surprise when he threw the ball back across his body right on the money. He had a lot of velocity on the football."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

As a sophomore, Avery threw for 2,109 yards and 25 touchdowns and just three interceptions while rushing for 10 scores on the ground. He earned first team all-state honors after throwing for 2,549 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,080 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. As a senior, he threw for 2,768 yards and 29 touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for 817 yards and 15 touchdowns in leading Maize to a 12-1 record. He was named Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year. He was selected to play in the All-American Bowl. He played in the 2023 Under Armour Next All-America Game. He was also named a finalist for the Elite 11 quarterback competition.

It all built Johnson into the 20-year-old fearless playmaker who lights up scoreboards across the Big 12 Conference — and who plans to see the end zone at the 47,000-capacity Aviva Stadium in Dublin in just 12 days.

What we might see in the first college football game of the 2025 season is a more refined&nbsp;Avery Johnson, the fruits of his labor on full display as he opens a new chapter to a tale that hasn't yet reached the really good part.

Deep balls downfield? Better believe he's worked on it.

"It's about just being able to have that pocket presence and being able to find the checkdown," Johnson says. "It doesn't always need to be a 100-yard bomb and force things into tight windows. It's just being able to create completions when the shots aren't there. Then whenever we do get big-shot opportunities or I can throw a 1-on-1 jump ball, I can give my guys a chance."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

As for the biggest improvement Johnson looks to make his junior season?

"Really, just not as many turnovers," he says. "Just trying to do too much at times caused some unnecessary turnovers. What we say in the quarterback room is sometimes tips will happen, might get a ball through your guy's hands and might get tipped for an interception, and that's the cost of doing business. At the quarterback position, if you throw it enough times, things just don't always shape up your way.

"Last year, I had some unnecessary picks where I tried to force things and threw things right to defenders. I want to eliminate that from my game and be a lot more — still aggressive, I don't want to say conservative —&nbsp;but safer with that football. You have to win the turnover battle and that ball means everything."

In his two seasons, Johnson not only has captured the attention of opposing coaches and fans, but his skillset and will to win has left an impression on players across the nation.

Take&nbsp;Jaron Tibbs, for example. After two seasons at Purdue, Tibbs suddenly found himself "chopping it up" with Johnson after dinner on his official visit to Manhattan in the second week of last December. The 20-year-old Tibbs, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior wide receiver from Indianapolis, Indiana, possesses an idea frame, and his athleticism coupled with deft route running in traffic and speed on the post makes the sure-handed pass catcher a virtual threat across the field. He signed with K-State thinking one thing: Me and Johnson can win some games.

"Honestly, it's exciting because when you have&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;back there who you know can extend plays with his legs and get the ball deep sitting back in the pocket, it makes it easier because you know you have more time to really run your route to the fullest," Tibbs says. "When a play is broken, you're never really not an option, and the play is never dead."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jerand Bradley, who originally played for Wells when he was head coach at Texas Tech, spotted Johnson's talent long ago, as well. A 6-foot-5, 217-pounder with 4.5 speed and a pair of sticky hands that caught long balls out of the Texas skies, Bradley has taken his talents to Manhattan as well for his senior season.

"I like how the offense is so versatile," Bradley says. "I like everything about the offense from&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;to the weapons we have. I remember the first time I saw Avery play when I was at Texas Tech, and he scored five touchdowns. Every time I see him, he's doing something crazy on the field. Man, I just love watching him play."

Tibbs and Bradley seem ideal complements to junior&nbsp;Jayce Brown, who curiously isn't regarded nationally as one of the top receiving threats in the Big 12, but he's poetry in motion when he teams up with Johnson, his roommate. Brown has 18 starts over a span of two seasons, owns a career 17.0-yard average per reception, which ranks fifth in the FBS among active players. Last season, Brown tied for fourth in the FBS with seven catches of at least 40 yards and eighth with four receptions of at least 50 yards. He also posted 25 receptions of at least 20 yards, which equated to 53.2% or his total catches.

"Jayce is my guy, that's my dog," Johnson says. "We spend a lot of time together outside the facility. Our chemistry gels. When we step onto the field, I'm able to talk to him as a brother and understand where I want him to be on different plays. It just makes us a more dangerous duo whenever we do step on the field."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

In all honesty, there are weapons galore at Johnson's disposal. He has the deepest and most talented group of tight ends in the country, including true freshman&nbsp;Linkon Cure, the No. 1-rated tight end in the Class of 2025 and highest-rated signee in K-State history. He has one of the most electric players in running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards, his childhood football teammate. He'll play behind a bruising offensive line that has shown nothing but good things in training camp. Reserves aren't really reserves in this K-State offense, rather they're "game changers."

"I'm super comfortable and super confident," Johnson says to reporters on Thursday. "I can only go as far as the people around me, and I understand that. We have so much talent at offensive line, wide receiver, running backs and tight ends, you name it. Those guys make my job so easy. I'll continue to say that because we have talented skill players, and the guys up front are going to protect my butt all year.

"I'm just thankful to be in the position I'm in. I wouldn't want it any other way."

And exactly what position is Johnson in heading into 2025? He enters his second full year as starting quarterback in an offense guided by Wells, who the Associated Press calls "one of the game's top offensive minds," and a part of a winning program led by seventh-year head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman. He's had a chance to digest the entirety of the 2024 season and build from the 2024 season and look to the 2025 season and walks into a locker room in training camp surrounded by some new and exciting faces eager to help Johnson and the Wildcats go places this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

First stop: Dublin, where K-State has a chance to become the first team to win a game in the 2025 college football season.

So here we are, back at Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas, and Johnson sits in his lavender suit at a long table with a black tablecloth and in front of a large digital display bearing the Powercat logo. The questions from reporters keep rolling in. Then someone asks him what is probably on everybody's mind as he and the Wildcats embark upon this journey.

What should everyone know about this K-State team in 2025?

"We're a team ready to prove to the world," he says, "that we're the best team in the Big 12."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754923091802.jpeg" alt="KStateSports.com" />
 <figcaption>KStateSports.com</figcaption>
 </figure>D. Scott Fritchen KStateSports.com&nbsp; He sits in his lavender suit at a long table with a black tablecloth and in front of a large digital display bearing the Powercat logo and with the end of Big 12 Football Media Days nearing an end at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas — an eight-hour affair that can test the vocal chords —&nbsp;and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;still sits and politely and methodically answers every question tossed his way.Then somebody lobs him a question about No. 20 K-State facing No. 21 Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 23 in Dublin, Ireland.Johnson unhesitatingly and emphatically knocks it out of the park."It's definitely extra motivation for us knowing we've lost to Iowa State the last two years," he says. "They beat us to end the regular season last year and left a bad taste in our mouth. It definitely doesn't sit well with me and the rest of our team."We're going to prepare our hardest and go out there and get the win."True. K-State suffered a 29-21 loss at Iowa State last season. Johnson completed 12-of-28 passes for 220 yards with touchdown passes of 28 and 65 yards to&nbsp;Jayce Brown&nbsp;and a 7-yard scoring toss to&nbsp;Garrett Oakley. K-State also suffered a 42-35 loss to Iowa State on Senior Day in Manhattan in 2023. Will Howard went 24-of-48 for 288 yards with one touchdown and one interception in that contest.Matt Wells, K-State's associate head coach, quarterbacks coach and first-year offensive coordinator, got a vibe from Johnson the first time they met prior to last season, and that vibe has perhaps become more pronounced during the offseason as Johnson, the face of K-State football, stares down his second year as a full-time starter."He's a dog. He's a competitor. And he has that mindset that he's the best one out of 22 players on the field at that time," Wells says. "That's something you either have it, or you don't. That's a special trait that Avery has. He's a winner."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; K-State is one of only five Power 4 teams to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons with at least one conference championship in that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.Johnson, a Wichita native who a year ago guided K-State to a 9-4 record, including a 44-41 win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, would like to help keep K-State shining among the best in college football.Meanwhile, the 6-foot-3 Johnson, who is on the 2025 Maxwell Award Davey O'Brien Award watch lists, says that he will play above 200 pounds for the first time this season while maintaining his 23-mile-per-hour speed, has a chance to prove himself among the best signal-callers in the nation.Last season, Johnson completed 58.3% of his passes for 2,712 yards and a school-record 25 touchdowns while adding 605 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 113 carries. He finished fourth in school history in pass attempts (372), fifth in completions (217) and passing yards (2,712), sixth in total offensive yards (3,317) and sixth in touchdown responsibility (32).He was on fire with three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores against Oklahoma State, becoming the first Wildcat to hit those marks against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012. It was only the 30th&nbsp;time since 1996 a player had at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against an AP Top 25 team, earning him Manning Award Star of the Week and Davey O'Brien Award Great 8 honors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He finished as one of five players in the nation — and one of three from a Power 4 school — to record 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards last season.CBS ranks Johnson as the fourth-best quarterback in the Big 12 heading to the 2025 season, contending that "Johnson finished with a school-record 25 touchdown passes and yet it didn't feel like he met the high expectations many set for him as a first-year starter."CBS adds: "When he's on, the Wildcats are a conference frontrunner."It wasn't too long ago that ESPN college football senior writer Pete Thamel on the College Gameday Podcast called Johnson "electric," adding, "He's going to be the face of the sport in the upcoming years. He's got like (NFL quarterback) Anthony Richardson electricity, like he's rare, man."Last week, ESPN listed Johnson as the "most important player in the Big 12 race." It adds: "If he phases out some of the errors and maximizes the big plays, K-State's ceiling is higher than 10 wins."At the moment, one of the most electric — and likely among the fastest — signal-callers in college football stands center stage in the team theater room at the Vanier Family Football Complex after training camp on Thursday.Johnson has seen the film. Boy, has he seen the film. Wells says not a day goes by that Johnson isn't in his office. They talk football. They watch football. Often, they watch football and talk football at the same time as the hours slowly burn away. Both coach and pupil are fiery. They're like-minded. They look at each other and know what the other is thinking. It's that kind of bond that they've formed through two years of growth. Every offensive play is dissected. Every drop back and every rush analyzed. Virtually nothing goes untouched in Wells' office."I put the weight of the world on my shoulders (in 2024)," Johnson explains to reporters on Thursday. "If I missed a throw, I wanted to get it all back on the next throw. If we got down, I wanted to score a 14-point touchdown. A lot of times, I'd try to be this player I wasn't and try to fit the narrative of, 'Oh, he needs to be a passer and doesn't need to run as much.' Really, it's about being myself."If the defense gives up run opportunities, I need to make the defense pay and run the ball, and if they give up passing opportunities, I need to be a pocket passer and play to my strengths more. I need to really do what I can do best, which is lead and go out and win football games."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which is what Johnson has strived to do all along.One day, in particular, comes to mind. Johnson sported a tan-and-black Nike hoodie, black sweatpants, black socks and black slides as he stood inside the team theater at the Vanier Family Football Complex. It was February 2, 2022 —&nbsp;43 days after he signed his letter-of-intent with the Wildcats. One of the highest-rated players ever to sign with K-State — he was the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, the No. 1-rated dual-threat passer by Rivals and the 41st-rated overall player by 247Sports — he exuded confidence, yet was not brash; he spoke, but is not boastful; he smiled, but not too big; and he fit the part of a charismatic leader.As for Johnson's goals while at K-State?"A lot of winning," he said. "I have personal goals, but to be honest, the team goals mean more to me than any personal goals, whether that's winning the Big 12 or playing for a national championship. I just like to play football, and I like to win football games."That competitiveness? That drive?It came early.There was always something different about Avery. When he was 2 years old, he memorized the uniform numbers of his older brother's little league baseball team. Kids played in the dirt. Avery studied how players swung the bat. When Avery was 3, his basketball and t-ball coaches politely asked his parents if Avery could play up a level. He outraced his older brother's fifth-grade football team in 40-yard dashes. Mark Johnson tried to put Avery, his youngest child, into competitive situations and exercise his brain. Avery memorized 120 offensive plays. He read defenses, audibled out of plays, found the exact right one, then took care of the rest.He was in the third grade."He beat them every single time," Mark says.In the eighth grade, Avery wowed Maize High School varsity football head coach Gary Guzman, who saw the boy in the No. 2 jersey race past the competition for the first time. And he could throw. Boy, could he throw. The possibilities were endless."He was just so athletic at that age," Guzman says. "He has been forever, I guess."Avery played on the Maize High School freshman football team on Mondays and played on the varsity team on Fridays. He was an unstoppable force for the freshman squad while serving as backup quarterback to a senior on the varsity team. Oh, he played. He played in every varsity game his freshman year. He threw for more than 500 yards — "pretty good for a freshman part-timer," Guzman says — while honing his throwing mechanics and learning the offensive system. He had a silky-smooth delivery and put zip on the ball, finding receivers across the field. Guzman inserted Avery into multiple situations, regardless of opponent or score. Didn't matter. When he took the field, one thing stood out among his many attributes: His leadership. The juniors and seniors responded to him. The Maize High fans cheered for him."We had no problem putting him in there at any point during the game," Guzman says. "I mean, he could get it done. He did great things as a freshman and just kept getting better every year."He had long runs. At any point in the game, he'd hurt you. You give him enough time, and he was going to hurt you with the pass. It was no surprise when he threw the ball back across his body right on the money. He had a lot of velocity on the football."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a sophomore, Avery threw for 2,109 yards and 25 touchdowns and just three interceptions while rushing for 10 scores on the ground. He earned first team all-state honors after throwing for 2,549 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,080 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. As a senior, he threw for 2,768 yards and 29 touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for 817 yards and 15 touchdowns in leading Maize to a 12-1 record. He was named Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year. He was selected to play in the All-American Bowl. He played in the 2023 Under Armour Next All-America Game. He was also named a finalist for the Elite 11 quarterback competition.It all built Johnson into the 20-year-old fearless playmaker who lights up scoreboards across the Big 12 Conference — and who plans to see the end zone at the 47,000-capacity Aviva Stadium in Dublin in just 12 days.What we might see in the first college football game of the 2025 season is a more refined&nbsp;Avery Johnson, the fruits of his labor on full display as he opens a new chapter to a tale that hasn't yet reached the really good part.Deep balls downfield? Better believe he's worked on it."It's about just being able to have that pocket presence and being able to find the checkdown," Johnson says. "It doesn't always need to be a 100-yard bomb and force things into tight windows. It's just being able to create completions when the shots aren't there. Then whenever we do get big-shot opportunities or I can throw a 1-on-1 jump ball, I can give my guys a chance."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As for the biggest improvement Johnson looks to make his junior season?"Really, just not as many turnovers," he says. "Just trying to do too much at times caused some unnecessary turnovers. What we say in the quarterback room is sometimes tips will happen, might get a ball through your guy's hands and might get tipped for an interception, and that's the cost of doing business. At the quarterback position, if you throw it enough times, things just don't always shape up your way."Last year, I had some unnecessary picks where I tried to force things and threw things right to defenders. I want to eliminate that from my game and be a lot more — still aggressive, I don't want to say conservative —&nbsp;but safer with that football. You have to win the turnover battle and that ball means everything."In his two seasons, Johnson not only has captured the attention of opposing coaches and fans, but his skillset and will to win has left an impression on players across the nation.Take&nbsp;Jaron Tibbs, for example. After two seasons at Purdue, Tibbs suddenly found himself "chopping it up" with Johnson after dinner on his official visit to Manhattan in the second week of last December. The 20-year-old Tibbs, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior wide receiver from Indianapolis, Indiana, possesses an idea frame, and his athleticism coupled with deft route running in traffic and speed on the post makes the sure-handed pass catcher a virtual threat across the field. He signed with K-State thinking one thing: Me and Johnson can win some games."Honestly, it's exciting because when you have&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;back there who you know can extend plays with his legs and get the ball deep sitting back in the pocket, it makes it easier because you know you have more time to really run your route to the fullest," Tibbs says. "When a play is broken, you're never really not an option, and the play is never dead."&nbsp;&nbsp;Jerand Bradley, who originally played for Wells when he was head coach at Texas Tech, spotted Johnson's talent long ago, as well. A 6-foot-5, 217-pounder with 4.5 speed and a pair of sticky hands that caught long balls out of the Texas skies, Bradley has taken his talents to Manhattan as well for his senior season."I like how the offense is so versatile," Bradley says. "I like everything about the offense from&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;to the weapons we have. I remember the first time I saw Avery play when I was at Texas Tech, and he scored five touchdowns. Every time I see him, he's doing something crazy on the field. Man, I just love watching him play."Tibbs and Bradley seem ideal complements to junior&nbsp;Jayce Brown, who curiously isn't regarded nationally as one of the top receiving threats in the Big 12, but he's poetry in motion when he teams up with Johnson, his roommate. Brown has 18 starts over a span of two seasons, owns a career 17.0-yard average per reception, which ranks fifth in the FBS among active players. Last season, Brown tied for fourth in the FBS with seven catches of at least 40 yards and eighth with four receptions of at least 50 yards. He also posted 25 receptions of at least 20 yards, which equated to 53.2% or his total catches."Jayce is my guy, that's my dog," Johnson says. "We spend a lot of time together outside the facility. Our chemistry gels. When we step onto the field, I'm able to talk to him as a brother and understand where I want him to be on different plays. It just makes us a more dangerous duo whenever we do step on the field."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In all honesty, there are weapons galore at Johnson's disposal. He has the deepest and most talented group of tight ends in the country, including true freshman&nbsp;Linkon Cure, the No. 1-rated tight end in the Class of 2025 and highest-rated signee in K-State history. He has one of the most electric players in running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards, his childhood football teammate. He'll play behind a bruising offensive line that has shown nothing but good things in training camp. Reserves aren't really reserves in this K-State offense, rather they're "game changers.""I'm super comfortable and super confident," Johnson says to reporters on Thursday. "I can only go as far as the people around me, and I understand that. We have so much talent at offensive line, wide receiver, running backs and tight ends, you name it. Those guys make my job so easy. I'll continue to say that because we have talented skill players, and the guys up front are going to protect my butt all year."I'm just thankful to be in the position I'm in. I wouldn't want it any other way."And exactly what position is Johnson in heading into 2025? He enters his second full year as starting quarterback in an offense guided by Wells, who the Associated Press calls "one of the game's top offensive minds," and a part of a winning program led by seventh-year head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman. He's had a chance to digest the entirety of the 2024 season and build from the 2024 season and look to the 2025 season and walks into a locker room in training camp surrounded by some new and exciting faces eager to help Johnson and the Wildcats go places this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First stop: Dublin, where K-State has a chance to become the first team to win a game in the 2025 college football season.So here we are, back at Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas, and Johnson sits in his lavender suit at a long table with a black tablecloth and in front of a large digital display bearing the Powercat logo. The questions from reporters keep rolling in. Then someone asks him what is probably on everybody's mind as he and the Wildcats embark upon this journey.What should everyone know about this K-State team in 2025?Johnson pauses."We're a team ready to prove to the world," he says, "that we're the best team in the Big 12."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson Enters 2025 ‘Super Comfortable and Super Confident’

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luke Keaschall hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, Ryan Fitzgerald homered for his first career hit, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754916459205.jpeg" alt="Minnesota Twins' Luke Keaschall is doused with water by Ryan Jeffers (27) after hitting a walk-off two-run home run during the 11th inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)" />
 <figcaption>Minnesota Twins' Luke Keaschall is doused with water by Ryan Jeffers (27) after hitting a walk-off two-run home run during the 11th inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luke Keaschall hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, Ryan Fitzgerald homered for his first career hit, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday.With two outs, Keaschall hit a fastball from Royals closer Carlos Estévez (4-4) to the first row of seats in right-centerfield for Minnesota’s ninth walk-off win of the season.It was the third hit of the day for Keaschall, who has reached base in 12 straight games to start his career.Michael Tonkin (1-0), Minnesota’s seventh pitcher, pitched scoreless 10th and 11th innings for his first win since July 30, 2024.Adam Frazier had four hits and Maikel Garcia three for Kansas City. Vinnie Pasquantino hit his 20th home run for a 3-2 lead in the seventh.The Twins tied it in the eighth when Ryan Jeffers drove in Austin Martin, who tripled on an ill-advised diving attempt by John Rave with the ball getting past the left fielder and rolling to the wall.In his fourth career game, Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old who signed a minor league contract with Minnesota in January, hit a third-inning slider from Ryan Bergert off the top of the right field wall for a 2-1 Twins lead.<h2>Key moment</h2>Seeking his second career five-hit game, Frazier flew out with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth. Kansas City was 1 for 15 with men in scoring position and left 15 runners on base.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals lost for just the fourth time in 50 games when leading after seven innings. Minnesota won for the third time in 48 games when trailing after seven.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Bailey Falter (7-6, 4.14 ERA) hosts Nationals’ RHP Cade Cavalli (0-0, 0.00) on Monday.RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) gets the ball Monday for Minnesota against Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44).