Football

7/31/2026 |  Big Ten seeking clarity on playoff expansion before addressing its nonconference scheduling policy (Associated Press (AP)) CHICAGO (AP) — The Big Ten appears to be in no hurry to change its status as the only major conference that doesn’t require its schools to schedule at least one nonconference game against another Power Four member each year.

7/31/2026 |  2026 Big Ten Media Days takeaways: Curt Cignetti torches SEC, hometown Northwestern arrives with swagger (CBS Sports) The Big Ten saved two of its biggest storylines for last as reigning national champion Curt Cignetti and first-year Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham took center stage Thursday during the league's annual media event.

7/31/2026 |  Out of his depth and now under investigation, Michael Lombardi's UNC tenure defined by arrogance and ignorance (CBS Sports) The pairing of Bill Belichick and Michael Lombardi, two men who had almost zero college experience, together at North Carolina was always going to be boom or bust.In the best-case scenario, the NFL's greatest head coach and a former NFL general manager would use their decades of NFL experience to capitalize on the professionalization of college football and elevate the Tar Heels into the upper echelon of the sport.

7/31/2026 |  Ohio State Reloads for 2026 With Brutal Schedule Ahead (DEADSPIN) Ohio State doesn’t rebuild; they reload. But with a potentially treacherous schedule, particularly on the road, they may have to rethink their definition of a successful season.
It’s plausible that the Buckeyes (12-2 in 2025) could be on the fence Selection Sunday hoping the CFP committee looks favorably upon a three-loss team.

7/31/2026 |  UFL will relocate Houston, Birmingham franchises (NBC Sports) As expected, the UFL announced on Thursday that it will relocate the Stallions from Birmingham.
As not expected, the UFL announced on Thursday it will relocate the Gamblers from Houston.
“Two new replacement markets will be added for 2027, and the league plans to expand to 10 teams by 2028, including the addition of Oklahoma City,” the UFL said in a press release. “The UFL has been actively evaluating markets across the country interested in bringing professional spring football to their city. The UFL has targeted a 12-team league by 2030, but with strong interest from prospective markets and league momentum that timeline may be accelerated to 2029.”