HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutch High Salthawk Basketball teams are home tonight at the Salthawk Activity Center tonight for Pack-the-SAC night with a doubleheader vs the Maize South Mavericks.

Catch all the action on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm</a> with the award winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew, consisting of Glen Grunwald with the play-by-play call and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato with in-depth analysis. Pregame starts at 5:45 p.m. followed by the opening tip at 6 p.m. The Hutch High boys game will follow at around 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;

You have a choice. The video broadcast of both games will also available on the <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/team/26735/girls-varsity-basketball/schedule?date=2024-12-01T06%3A00%3A00.000Z&amp;range=Month&amp;s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2NmRmNTg0ZDM5NThmZmZhY2ViMzYxZmI%3D&amp;ss=2024">Hutch High hudl.tv fan page</a>&nbsp;and on the <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks">NFHS&nbsp; Network Hutchinson Channel.</a>&nbsp;You can subscribe to either network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738671086691.jpeg" alt="Hutch High hosts Maize South tonight at the SAC for Pack-the-SAC night" />
 <figcaption>Hutch High hosts Maize South tonight at the SAC for Pack-the-SAC night</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutch High Salthawk Basketball teams are home tonight at the Salthawk Activity Center tonight for Pack-the-SAC night with a doubleheader vs the Maize South Mavericks.Audio Steam and local radio:Catch all the action on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm</a> with the award winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew, consisting of Glen Grunwald with the play-by-play call and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato with in-depth analysis. Pregame starts at 5:45 p.m. followed by the opening tip at 6 p.m. The Hutch High boys game will follow at around 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Video Stream:You have a choice. The video broadcast of both games will also available on the <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/team/26735/girls-varsity-basketball/schedule?date=2024-12-01T06%3A00%3A00.000Z&amp;range=Month&amp;s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2NmRmNTg0ZDM5NThmZmZhY2ViMzYxZmI%3D&amp;ss=2024">Hutch High hudl.tv fan page</a>&nbsp;and on the <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks">NFHS&nbsp; Network Hutchinson Channel.</a>&nbsp;You can subscribe to either network.Girls Game vs Maize South on hudl.tv:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2112952?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Boys Game vs Maize South on hudl.tv:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2112953?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎧🎥🏀 Hutch High host Maize South

---------------------------------------------------------

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt="KBCA" />
 <figcaption>KBCA</figcaption>
 </figure><div>6A Boys
1. Shawnee Mission South
2. Derby
3. Wichita Heights
4. Mill Valley
5. Shawnee Mission NW
6. Blue Valley North
7. Olathe North
8. Blue Valley
9. Wichita NW
10. Washburn Rural
&nbsp;
5A Boys
1. Highland Park
2. KC Piper
3. Kapaun Mt. Carmel
4. Great Bend
5. Bonner Springs
6. Topeka West
7. Andover
8. Topeka Seaman
9. Shawnee Heights
10. KC Washington
&nbsp;
4A Boys
1. Ottawa
2. McPherson
3. St. George-Rock Creek
4. Topeka Hayden
5. Baldwin
6. Chanute
7. Pratt
8. Andale
9. Abilene
10. Concordia
&nbsp;
3A Boys
1. Wichita Collegiate
2. Goodland
3. Haven
4. Nemaha Central
5. Cheney
6. Hesston
7. Lakin
8. Galena
9. St. Marys
10. Holcomb
&nbsp;
2A Boys
1. Moundridge
2. Salina Sacred Heart
3. Ell-Saline
4. Sterling
5. Maur Hill Mount Academy
6. Rossville
7. Berean Academy
8. Valley Falls
9. Syracuse
10. Hillsboro
&nbsp;
1A-I Boys
1. South Central
2. Bishop Seabury Academy
3. Olpe
4. Central Plains
5. Macksville
6. Oxford
7. Burden-Central
8. Burlingame
9. Lincoln
10. South Gray
&nbsp;
1A-II Boys
1. Cunningham
2. Axtell
3. Logan-Palco
4. Hanover
5. Weskan
6. McPherson-Elyria Christian
7. Dighton
8. Hodgeman County
9. St. John/Tipton
10. Linn</div>---------------------------------------------------------<div>6A Girls
1.&nbsp;Blue Valley North
2. Derby
3. Wichita Heights
4.&nbsp;Olathe South
5.&nbsp;Wichita East
6. Blue Valley NW
7. Washburn Rural
8.&nbsp;Shawnee Mission South
9.&nbsp;Olathe North
10.&nbsp;Topeka High
&nbsp;
5A Girls
1.&nbsp;Topeka Seaman
2. St. James Academy
3. Andover
4. Hays
5. KC Piper
6. Maize South
7. De Soto
8. St. Thomas Aquinas
9. Bishop Carroll
10. Spring Hill
&nbsp;
4A Girls
1. Topeka Hayden
2. Wellington
3. Bishop Miege
4. Eudora
5. Labette County
6. Buhler
7. St. George-Rock Creek
8. Fort Scott
9. Clay Center
10. Ottawa
&nbsp;
3A Girls
1. Hesston
2. Halstead
3. Silver Lake
4. Osage City
5. Colby
6. Girard
7. Haven
8. Cheney
9. Southwestern Heights
10. Riley County
&nbsp;
2A Girls
&nbsp;
1. St. Mary's Colgan
2. Leoti-Wichita County
3. Moundridge
4. Doniphan West
5. Inman
6. Hoxie
7. Bennington
8. Eureka
9. Ellinwood
10. Oakley
&nbsp;
1A-I Girls
1. Little River
2. Centralia
3. Clifton-Clyde
4. Central Plains
5. South Gray
6. Troy
7. Quinter
8. Rawlins County
9. Olpe
10. St. John-Hudson
&nbsp;
1A-II Girls
1. Lebo
2. Hanover
3. Wallace County
4. South Haven
5. Bucklin
6. Cheylin
7. Attica
8. Hodgeman County
9. Hartford
10. Wheatland/Grinnell</div>

🏀 Several area teams found in latest KBCA rankings

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Travis Kelce has no plans to retire anytime soon even if the Kansas City Chiefs win a third straight Super Bowl on Sunday.

The future plans for the 35-year-old Kelce have been a lingering question as his fame has risen off the field thanks to his relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">pop star Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-smarter-than-a-celebrity-interview-d25a9933be6720bd0cbafa1dd2547c22">a media career</a>&nbsp;thanks to one of the most popular sports podcasts.

Kelce was asked at opening night festivities Monday night before Kansas City plays Philadelphia in the Super Bowl where he plans to be in three years.

“Hopefully still playing football,” he said. “I love doing this, I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me. We’ll see what happens. I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal knowing football only lasts for so long. You have to find a way to get into another career and another profession. I’ve been doing that in my offseason. But for the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”

Kelce is still playing at a high level even if he has fallen off a bit from his peak. He had 97 catches this season but only gained 823 yards and scored three TDs.

Kelce had a throwback game in the divisional round win over Houston with seven catches for 117 yards and enters the Super Bowl with the most catches ever in the playoffs (174) and second to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in yards receiving (2,039) and TD catches (20).

Kelce was one of the most popular players with the media during opening night with a large group of reporters and others surrounding his podium for the entire hour, peppering him with questions on all sorts of topics from football to dances to whether he planned to give Swift a ring if the Chiefs win on Sunday. He quickly responded, “A Super Bowl ring? Next question.”

Kelce did say his relationship with Swift helps him on the football field by providing motivation that he needs to work as hard as she does to remain at the top of his game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737974956093.png" alt="Donna Kelce stands with her son Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Donna Kelce stands with her son Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Travis Kelce has no plans to retire anytime soon even if the Kansas City Chiefs win a third straight Super Bowl on Sunday.The future plans for the 35-year-old Kelce have been a lingering question as his fame has risen off the field thanks to his relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">pop star Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-smarter-than-a-celebrity-interview-d25a9933be6720bd0cbafa1dd2547c22">a media career</a>&nbsp;thanks to one of the most popular sports podcasts.Kelce was asked at opening night festivities Monday night before Kansas City plays Philadelphia in the Super Bowl where he plans to be in three years.“Hopefully still playing football,” he said. “I love doing this, I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me. We’ll see what happens. I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal knowing football only lasts for so long. You have to find a way to get into another career and another profession. I’ve been doing that in my offseason. But for the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”Kelce is still playing at a high level even if he has fallen off a bit from his peak. He had 97 catches this season but only gained 823 yards and scored three TDs.Kelce had a throwback game in the divisional round win over Houston with seven catches for 117 yards and enters the Super Bowl with the most catches ever in the playoffs (174) and second to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in yards receiving (2,039) and TD catches (20).Kelce was one of the most popular players with the media during opening night with a large group of reporters and others surrounding his podium for the entire hour, peppering him with questions on all sorts of topics from football to dances to whether he planned to give Swift a ring if the Chiefs win on Sunday. He quickly responded, “A Super Bowl ring? Next question.”Kelce did say his relationship with Swift helps him on the football field by providing motivation that he needs to work as hard as she does to remain at the top of his game.

🏈 Travis Kelce is in no hurry to retire even if the Chiefs win another Super Bowl

Kultida Woods, the Thai-born mother of Tiger Woods, died Tuesday morning, a week after being seen attending his indoor TMRW Golf League in Florida.

Woods did not reveal how his 78-year-old mother died in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/1886816730569486452">social media post</a>&nbsp;announcing her death.

He described her as a “force of nature” who was quick with the needle and was his biggest supporter from the time she drove him to junior golf tournaments in California to being there for his 15 major championships, often wearing her wide-brimmed visor and sunglasses.

“My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Woods wrote. “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.”

Woods' father, Earl, died in 2006. Kultida had moved to South Florida when Woods relocated from Orlando to Jupiter.

President Donald Trump was among those who reached out&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113946642879077926">with a post on his Truth Social</a>, calling her “an amazing influence” on Woods.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738692424513.png" alt="FILE - Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods' mother, watches as her son plays on the third hole during the third round of the Honda Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods' mother, watches as her son plays on the third hole during the third round of the Honda Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kultida Woods, the Thai-born mother of Tiger Woods, died Tuesday morning, a week after being seen attending his indoor TMRW Golf League in Florida.Woods did not reveal how his 78-year-old mother died in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/1886816730569486452">social media post</a>&nbsp;announcing her death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter,… <a href="https://t.co/RoKd0fsM9J">pic.twitter.com/RoKd0fsM9J</a>&mdash; Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1886816730569486452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He described her as a “force of nature” who was quick with the needle and was his biggest supporter from the time she drove him to junior golf tournaments in California to being there for his 15 major championships, often wearing her wide-brimmed visor and sunglasses.“My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Woods wrote. “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.”<div><iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113946642879077926/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></div>Woods' father, Earl, died in 2006. Kultida had moved to South Florida when Woods relocated from Orlando to Jupiter.President Donald Trump was among those who reached out&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113946642879077926">with a post on his Truth Social</a>, calling her “an amazing influence” on Woods.

Tiger Woods says his 78-year-old mother has died

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ROB%20MAADDI%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-lix-opening-night-media-day?version=1738636324025">opening night</a>&nbsp;like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. Travis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift.

Been here, done that. That's how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week.

The Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren't fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren’t used to the circus atmosphere.

Saquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.

Before Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs take on Hurts,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-saquon-barkley-free-agency-9abe4dace17d6ac88ada369a77607a45">Barkley</a>&nbsp;and the Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday, they had to tackle the media in waves.

Barkley wasn't here two years ago when the Eagles lost to the Chiefs 38-35. He left the rival New York Giants to join a winning team and did his part with a historic season.

“That’s why me and my family made the decision to come to Philadelphia, to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. And here we are,” Barkley said.

The Chiefs have been here five times in the past six years so they're used to the strange questions and odd requests that have become far too common on opening night.

Mahomes picked NBA players for a mock football team, choosing Russell Westbrook at quarterback and Anthony Edwards at wide receiver. He even asked the media for restaurant recommendations.

Kelce talked up Swift's pop tarts and said he hopes to match her energy on stage when he's on the field. But asked if he plans to propose to his Grammy-winning superstar girlfriend, Kelce pulled a Drew Rosenhaus: “Super Bowl ring? Next question.”

Players were asked their favorite foods, colors, Kendrick Lamar songs and more. A Mexican television reporter gave Sirianni a stack of letters from fans. He also got a kiss on the head from Johnson, the former Bengals star also known as Ochocinco. The usually stoic Hurts cracked up laughing when someone tossed him a cookie — it was an errant throw. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, working for a television network, fired questions at Darius Slay before telling him to eat a "W."

The Eagles went first, spending an hour talking to thousands of reporters from across the globe inside the Superdome. The Chiefs came later and received a loud ovation.

Media day has evolved from a daytime event on Tuesdays to a live, ticketed, prime-time showcase on national television. More than 6,000 media members from 26 countries were accredited to cover the Super Bowl last year in Las Vegas.

Yes, this is where a female reporter showed up in a wedding dress and veil and proposed to Tom Brady in Arizona in 2008. He politely declined.

Football’s Xs and Os take a back seat for the first night.

The Big Easy is hosting its 11th big game and first since the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Harbaugh Brothers Bowl in February 2013.

The Chiefs are chasing history, aiming to become the first NFL team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era. The Eagles are seeking the franchise’s second Vince Lombardi trophy.

“We're obsessed with winning,” owner Jeffrey Lurie said.

Both teams arrived Sunday and every player and coach was available to the media for one hour on Monday night. A select group of players, including head coaches and quarterbacks, also have media sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Due to the hectic schedule, most of the preparation was completed last week. Game plans were installed and both teams held normal practices because this week won’t be routine.

One person who’ll be under the microscope this week is Eagles offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kellen-moore-saints-3b46d282a5d09f47eb66555b13e6fc2f">Kellen Moore</a>, who is a frontrunner to become the head coach of the Saints. Moore can’t accept the job until after the Super Bowl but he has to be preparing to assemble a coaching staff while focusing on the task at hand.

Staying focused will be a priority for everyone on both teams. Avoiding distractions, especially the first night, could set the tone for winning it all Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738669084502.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) participates during Super Bowl 59 Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) participates during Super Bowl 59 Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ROB%20MAADDI%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-lix-opening-night-media-day?version=1738636324025">opening night</a>&nbsp;like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. Travis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift.Been here, done that. That's how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week.The Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren't fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren’t used to the circus atmosphere.Saquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.Before Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs take on Hurts,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-saquon-barkley-free-agency-9abe4dace17d6ac88ada369a77607a45">Barkley</a>&nbsp;and the Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday, they had to tackle the media in waves.Barkley wasn't here two years ago when the Eagles lost to the Chiefs 38-35. He left the rival New York Giants to join a winning team and did his part with a historic season.“That’s why me and my family made the decision to come to Philadelphia, to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. And here we are,” Barkley said.The Chiefs have been here five times in the past six years so they're used to the strange questions and odd requests that have become far too common on opening night.Mahomes picked NBA players for a mock football team, choosing Russell Westbrook at quarterback and Anthony Edwards at wide receiver. He even asked the media for restaurant recommendations.Kelce talked up Swift's pop tarts and said he hopes to match her energy on stage when he's on the field. But asked if he plans to propose to his Grammy-winning superstar girlfriend, Kelce pulled a Drew Rosenhaus: “Super Bowl ring? Next question.”Players were asked their favorite foods, colors, Kendrick Lamar songs and more. A Mexican television reporter gave Sirianni a stack of letters from fans. He also got a kiss on the head from Johnson, the former Bengals star also known as Ochocinco. The usually stoic Hurts cracked up laughing when someone tossed him a cookie — it was an errant throw. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, working for a television network, fired questions at Darius Slay before telling him to eat a "W."The Eagles went first, spending an hour talking to thousands of reporters from across the globe inside the Superdome. The Chiefs came later and received a loud ovation.Media day has evolved from a daytime event on Tuesdays to a live, ticketed, prime-time showcase on national television. More than 6,000 media members from 26 countries were accredited to cover the Super Bowl last year in Las Vegas.Yes, this is where a female reporter showed up in a wedding dress and veil and proposed to Tom Brady in Arizona in 2008. He politely declined.Football’s Xs and Os take a back seat for the first night.The Big Easy is hosting its 11th big game and first since the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Harbaugh Brothers Bowl in February 2013.The Chiefs are chasing history, aiming to become the first NFL team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era. The Eagles are seeking the franchise’s second Vince Lombardi trophy.“We're obsessed with winning,” owner Jeffrey Lurie said.Both teams arrived Sunday and every player and coach was available to the media for one hour on Monday night. A select group of players, including head coaches and quarterbacks, also have media sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Due to the hectic schedule, most of the preparation was completed last week. Game plans were installed and both teams held normal practices because this week won’t be routine.One person who’ll be under the microscope this week is Eagles offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kellen-moore-saints-3b46d282a5d09f47eb66555b13e6fc2f">Kellen Moore</a>, who is a frontrunner to become the head coach of the Saints. Moore can’t accept the job until after the Super Bowl but he has to be preparing to assemble a coaching staff while focusing on the task at hand.Staying focused will be a priority for everyone on both teams. Avoiding distractions, especially the first night, could set the tone for winning it all Sunday.

🏈 Chiefs and Eagles handle the Super Bowl opening night spectacle like they've been here, done that

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936474572.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Big 12 Conference
&nbsp;
IRVING, Texas -&nbsp;Today, the Big 12 Conference announced its 2025 football schedule as the league celebrates its 30th football season. The schedule will see all 16 programs play nine league games. The 30th year of Big 12 Football will kickoff in Dublin, Ireland, as Iowa State and Kansas State square off in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. This marks the first-ever Week 0 Conference game for the Big 12, as well as the first time a Big 12 competition has been held abroad. Following 15 weeks of action, the Big 12 season will conclude with the 2025 Big 12 Championship Game, held at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, TX, in the first week of December. For the first time ever, the Big 12 Conference and Big 12 Studios will host a Big 12&nbsp;Schedule Reveal Show, which will be broadcast on ESPNU, FS2, truTV and streaming on MAX and ESPN+. The Big 12 will play 14 games against opponents from other Power Four conferences throughout non-conference play, with matchups beginning in Week One with Cincinnati hosting Nebraska at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, TCU playing at North Carolina and Oklahoma State taking on Oregon in Eugene the following week. Other notable non-conference games on Big 12 campuses include Baylor versus Auburn, Colorado hosting Georgia Tech, Iowa State's rivalry game against Iowa and UCF versus North Carolina. Defending Big 12 Champions Arizona State will kick off their conference slate in Waco against Baylor on Sept. 20, while a rematch of the 2024 Alamo Bowl will see BYU and Colorado square off in Boulder on Sept. 27. The Conference schedule also features early league match-ups with Houston hosting Colorado in the third week of the season. Newly-renovated David Booth Stadium will see its first Big 12 matchup on Sept. 20 as the Jayhawks host newly-minted head coach Rich Rodriguez and his West Virginia Mountaineers. UCF head coach Scott Frost will make his Big 12 debut as the Knights travel to Manhattan to battle the 2022 Big 12 Champions, Kansas State, on Sept. 27. Texas Tech - who boasts the top ranking in the transfer portal- will travel to Salt Lake City and Rice-Eccles Stadium as the Utes and Red Raiders square-off in Week Four. New chapters will be added to Big 12 rivalries throughout the season, including Baylor's game at TCU in Week Eight with Utah traveling to BYU in the same week. The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and Kansas State is scheduled for October 25 with the Territorial Cup between Arizona and Arizona State set for the final week of the regular season. To fulfill pre-existing scheduling agreements established before the Big 12 expanded to 16 members, Arizona and Kansas State will play a non-conference game in Week Three in Tucson. Big 12 television partners ESPN, FOX and TNT Sports will make their selections for the first three weeks of the season, which will be the first set of kickoff times released. Select Saturday games in the 2025 season may be moved to select Fridays, other special dates, and Black Friday and will be announced in the coming weeks. To view the entire Big 12 Football schedule, please<a title="https://admin.big12sports.com/services/go.ashx/e176363c-050d-4cac-a891-7e3f72347fea?elinkdata=452488" href="https://admin.big12sports.com/services/go.ashx/e176363c-050d-4cac-a891-7e3f72347fea?elinkdata=452488" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">&nbsp;click here</a>.</div>&nbsp;&nbsp;<div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
2025 Kansas Football Schedule
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col">Week</th>
<th scope="col">Date</th>
<th scope="col">Opponent</th>
<th scope="col">Series</th>
<th scope="col">Last Played</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td>Aug. 23, 2025</td>
<td>Fresno State</td>
<td>First Meeting</td>
<td>--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Aug. 29, 2025 (Fri.)</td>
<td>Wagner</td>
<td>First Meeting</td>
<td>--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Sept. 6, 2025</td>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td>Missouri leads 56-55-9</td>
<td>2011 (L, 24-10)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Sept. 13, 2025</td>
<td>Bye</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Sept. 20, 2025</td>
<td>West Virginia*</td>
<td>WVU leads 11-2</td>
<td>2024 (L, 32-28)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Sept. 27, 2025</td>
<td>Cincinnati*</td>
<td>Kansas leads 2-1</td>
<td>2023 (W, 49-16)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Oct. 4, 2025</td>
<td>at UCF*</td>
<td>Kansas leads 1-0</td>
<td>2023 (W, 51-22)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Oct. 11, 2025</td>
<td>at Texas Tech*</td>
<td>Texas Tech leads 23-2</td>
<td>2023 (L, 16-13)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Oct. 18, 2025</td>
<td>Bye</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Oct. 25, 2025</td>
<td>Kansas State*</td>
<td>Kansas leads 65-52-5</td>
<td>2024 (L, 29-27)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Nov. 1, 2025</td>
<td>Oklahoma State*</td>
<td>OSU leads 41-30-3</td>
<td>2023 (L, 39-32)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Nov. 8, 2025</td>
<td>at Arizona*</td>
<td>Kansas leads 3-2-1</td>
<td>1966 (W, 35-13)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Nov. 15, 2025</td>
<td>Bye</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Nov. 22, 2025</td>
<td>at Iowa State*</td>
<td>Kansas leads 53-45-6</td>
<td>2024 (W, 45-36)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Nov. 28 or 29, 2025</td>
<td>Utah*</td>
<td>Series tied 2-2</td>
<td>1996 (L, 45-42)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 Bold&nbsp;indicates home game *&nbsp; Indicates Big 12 Conference game</div>&nbsp;&nbsp;<div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
2025 K-STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (Dates Subject to Change)
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>August 23</td>
<td>vs. Iowa State*^</td>
<td>Dublin, Ireland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AUGUST 30</td>
<td>NORTH DAKOTA</td>
<td>MANHATTAN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SEPTEMBER 6</td>
<td>ARMY</td>
<td>MANHATTAN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 13</td>
<td>at Arizona</td>
<td>Tucson, Ariz.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SEPTEMBER 27</td>
<td>UCF*</td>
<td>MANHATTAN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 4</td>
<td>at Baylor*</td>
<td>Waco, Texas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OCTOBER 11</td>
<td>TCU*</td>
<td>MANHATTAN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 25</td>
<td>at Kansas*</td>
<td>Lawrence, Kan.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOVEMBER 1</td>
<td>TEXAS TECH*</td>
<td>MANHATTAN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>November 15</td>
<td>at Oklahoma State*</td>
<td>Stillwater, Okla.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>November 22</td>
<td>at Utah*</td>
<td>Salt Lake City, Utah</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOVEMBER 29</td>
<td>COLORADO*</td>
<td>MANHATTAN</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 * - Big 12 Conference Games ^ - Aer Lingus College Football Classic (Aviva Stadium)</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738685182963.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Big 12 reveals 2025 schedules

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ffm6-17e7333-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 KU bounces back; 🏈 Super Bowl opening night; 🏀 Salthawks host Maize South

Area high school basketball schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 4

Hutch High vs. Maize South Central Christian School vs. Norwich Trinity Catholic at Wichita-Central Christian Academy Buhler vs. El Dorado Inman vs. Sedgwick Nickerson at Andale Haven vs. Pratt Fairfield at Cunningham Pretty Prairie at Burrton Sterling at Classical School of Wichita McPherson vs. Wichita Collegiate McPherson-Elyria Christian at Wakefield Halstead at Hesston Lyons vs. Ellsworth Little River vs. Solomon Moundridge vs. Berean Academy Pratt-Skyline vs. Stafford

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure>Area high school basketball schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 4Hutch High vs. Maize South Central Christian School vs. Norwich Trinity Catholic at Wichita-Central Christian Academy Buhler vs. El Dorado Inman vs. Sedgwick Nickerson at Andale Haven vs. Pratt Fairfield at Cunningham Pretty Prairie at Burrton Sterling at Classical School of Wichita McPherson vs. Wichita Collegiate McPherson-Elyria Christian at Wakefield Halstead at Hesston Lyons vs. Ellsworth Little River vs. Solomon Moundridge vs. Berean Academy Pratt-Skyline vs. Stafford

🏀 Area high school hoops schedule for Feb. 4

The University of Kansas baseball team will play two games at Equity Bank Park in downtown Wichita in the 2025 season.&nbsp;

The Jayhawks will play in Wichita against Omaha on Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. and on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. against Milwaukee.

Tickets for the two games will go on sale on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687518771070.jpeg" alt="Equity Bank Park&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Equity Bank Park&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas baseball team will play two games at Equity Bank Park in downtown Wichita in the 2025 season.&nbsp;The Jayhawks will play in Wichita against Omaha on Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. and on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. against Milwaukee.Tickets for the two games will go on sale on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m.

⚾ KU to play 2 games at Equity Bank Park in Wichita

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disputed the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it’s a “ridiculous theory.”

Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-goodell-international-47862fd499887c37bfc1d21ea63c7645">international expansion</a>, Tom Brady’s dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday.

The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago.

The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers, including Fox broadcasters Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, considered egregious.

A questionable spot on Josh Allen’s sneak on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 32-29 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game became a major point of contention.

“A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they get a new life,” Goodell said during his 48-minute news conference inside the Saints’ locker room. “I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion and is a reminder for us on how important officiating is. I think the men and women officiating the NFL are outstanding. We have the highest possible standards. It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day it’s something we have to work at, how do we make our officiating better.”

Goodell said the league evaluates officials in several ways.

“It’s not just the performance on the field but things that go on in their own lives.” Goodell said. “We monitor that very closely in a number of ways. .... It’s a tough job, a really hard job. I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of people to getting it right, doing the best job they possibly can. And I’m proud of the work they do.”

NFL executive Kimberly Fields told The Associated Press last week the league plans to engage its Competition Committee on technology to take virtual line-to-gain measurements next season, but officials will continue to spot the football.

“What this technology cannot do is take the place of the human element in determining where forward progress ends,” Fields said. “There will always be a human official spotting the ball. Once the ball is spotted, then the line-to-gain technology actually does the measurement itself.”

Goodell said the league will continue to work with partners to develop the technology needed to potentially help with spotting the ball in the future.

Goodell said he doesn’t believe the NFL’s policies to promote diversity are in conflict with the Trump administration’s efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.

The NFL has rules in place that require teams to interview diverse candidates for key coaching and front office positions as part of the Rooney Rule that has been in place for more than two decades.

Several NFL owners contributed to Donald Trump’s campaign or conservative causes during the 2024 election cycle.

“Our owners participate in everything that we do,” Goodell said. “Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice. There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.

“We also believe we are doing the right thing for the NFL and our policies are consistent with the current administration as well as the last administration.”

The NFL is aiming to have a team outside the United States.

“I do think there’s potential that someday we will have an international franchise. If we do, it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there,” Goodell said.

The NFL has made a big effort to expand its footprint worldwide with games played in England, Germany, Mexico and Brazil in recent years with a game scheduled for 2025 in Spain.

But as of now, the Super Bowls have been played in NFL stadiums and international sites haven’t been considered.

A Super Bowl outside of North America would present challenges in terms of time zones for the U.S.-based broadcasters.

Goodell said there’s “a lot of work to be done” before the NFL possibly expands its season to 18 regular-season games.

The league hasn’t had formal negotiations with the players’ union about adding a game to the season but Goodell said he has had informal discussions with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr.

The NFL added a 17th game and cut the preseason from four games to three before the 2021 season and Goodell has indicated an interest in eventually adding another regular-season game.

“If we do, 18 and 2 might be a possibility,” he said. “We know fans love football and they want more football. But we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart with the balance and how we deal with that.”

Goodell said changes the league has made in terms of equipment, and training in the offseason and preseason have helped reduce the number of concussions and other injuries, making adding an additional game more palatable.

The league will consider whether rules surrounding Tom Brady’s role as an analyst for Fox and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders need to be altered in any way.

Brady was officially approved as a minority owner of the Raiders in Las Vegas and played a big role during the team’s search for a new coach and general manager last month that led to the hiring of Pete Carroll and John Spytek.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion is also in his first season as an analyst for Fox and is under rules that prevent his access to team facilities and production meetings with players and coaches.

Brady is under the same tampering rules as any other member of the league and has checked in frequently to make sure he isn’t violating any rules.

“I think he’s serious that he separates these two and he doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict,” Goodell said.

The NFL plans to look into the “serious” allegations that Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct with several massage therapists.

Nine massage therapists from five spas and wellness centers have told the Baltimore Banner that Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct during sessions from 2012-16.

Tucker said in a statement last week that he has never received any complaints from a massage therapist or been told he was not welcome at a spa or other place of business.

“They are obviously serious issues and he is taking that seriously as are we,” Goodell said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738676769092.jpeg" alt="NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Matt York)" />
 <figcaption>NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Matt York)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disputed the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it’s a “ridiculous theory.”Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-goodell-international-47862fd499887c37bfc1d21ea63c7645">international expansion</a>, Tom Brady’s dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday.The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago.The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers, including Fox broadcasters Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, considered egregious.A questionable spot on Josh Allen’s sneak on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 32-29 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game became a major point of contention.“A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they get a new life,” Goodell said during his 48-minute news conference inside the Saints’ locker room. “I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion and is a reminder for us on how important officiating is. I think the men and women officiating the NFL are outstanding. We have the highest possible standards. It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day it’s something we have to work at, how do we make our officiating better.”Goodell said the league evaluates officials in several ways.“It’s not just the performance on the field but things that go on in their own lives.” Goodell said. “We monitor that very closely in a number of ways. .... It’s a tough job, a really hard job. I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of people to getting it right, doing the best job they possibly can. And I’m proud of the work they do.”NFL executive Kimberly Fields told The Associated Press last week the league plans to engage its Competition Committee on technology to take virtual line-to-gain measurements next season, but officials will continue to spot the football.“What this technology cannot do is take the place of the human element in determining where forward progress ends,” Fields said. “There will always be a human official spotting the ball. Once the ball is spotted, then the line-to-gain technology actually does the measurement itself.”Goodell said the league will continue to work with partners to develop the technology needed to potentially help with spotting the ball in the future.<h2>Diversity</h2>Goodell said he doesn’t believe the NFL’s policies to promote diversity are in conflict with the Trump administration’s efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.The NFL has rules in place that require teams to interview diverse candidates for key coaching and front office positions as part of the Rooney Rule that has been in place for more than two decades.Several NFL owners contributed to Donald Trump’s campaign or conservative causes during the 2024 election cycle.“Our owners participate in everything that we do,” Goodell said. “Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice. There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.“We also believe we are doing the right thing for the NFL and our policies are consistent with the current administration as well as the last administration.”<h2>International expansion</h2>The NFL is aiming to have a team outside the United States.“I do think there’s potential that someday we will have an international franchise. If we do, it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there,” Goodell said.The NFL has made a big effort to expand its footprint worldwide with games played in England, Germany, Mexico and Brazil in recent years with a game scheduled for 2025 in Spain.But as of now, the Super Bowls have been played in NFL stadiums and international sites haven’t been considered.A Super Bowl outside of North America would present challenges in terms of time zones for the U.S.-based broadcasters.<h2>18-game season</h2>Goodell said there’s “a lot of work to be done” before the NFL possibly expands its season to 18 regular-season games.The league hasn’t had formal negotiations with the players’ union about adding a game to the season but Goodell said he has had informal discussions with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr.The NFL added a 17th game and cut the preseason from four games to three before the 2021 season and Goodell has indicated an interest in eventually adding another regular-season game.“If we do, 18 and 2 might be a possibility,” he said. “We know fans love football and they want more football. But we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart with the balance and how we deal with that.”Goodell said changes the league has made in terms of equipment, and training in the offseason and preseason have helped reduce the number of concussions and other injuries, making adding an additional game more palatable.<h2>Tom Brady</h2>The league will consider whether rules surrounding Tom Brady’s role as an analyst for Fox and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders need to be altered in any way.Brady was officially approved as a minority owner of the Raiders in Las Vegas and played a big role during the team’s search for a new coach and general manager last month that led to the hiring of Pete Carroll and John Spytek.The seven-time Super Bowl champion is also in his first season as an analyst for Fox and is under rules that prevent his access to team facilities and production meetings with players and coaches.Brady is under the same tampering rules as any other member of the league and has checked in frequently to make sure he isn’t violating any rules.“I think he’s serious that he separates these two and he doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict,” Goodell said.<h2>Justin Tucker</h2>The NFL plans to look into the “serious” allegations that Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct with several massage therapists.Nine massage therapists from five spas and wellness centers have told the Baltimore Banner that Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct during sessions from 2012-16.Tucker said in a statement last week that he has never received any complaints from a massage therapist or been told he was not welcome at a spa or other place of business.“They are obviously serious issues and he is taking that seriously as are we,” Goodell said.

🏈 Roger Goodell says perception that officials favor the Chiefs is a ‘ridiculous theory’

AP Sports Summary for February 4th, 2025:

NFL emails reveal extent of Saints' damage control for clergy sex abuse crisis

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Hundreds of internal emails show executives of the New Orleans Saints were far more involved than previously known in providing public relations help to Catholic Church leaders as they confronted a clergy sex abuse crisis. The emails sharply undercut assurances the Saints provided five years ago when they asserted they had provided only "minimal" assistance to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Survivors of clergy abuse say they're disgusted by the team's involvement. The Saints said in a statement Saturday that the team does not condone sex abuse. They also criticized the media for using leaked emails to misconstrue what they called "a well-intended effort."

Chiefs and Eagles handle the Super Bowl opening night spectacle like they've been here, done that

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl opening night like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. Travis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift. Been here, done that. That's how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week. The Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren't fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren't used to the circus atmosphere. Saquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett requests to be traded so he can have chance at Super Bowl

CLEVELAND (AP) — Star defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns with the hope of better positioning himself to play in a Super Bowl. That's according to a statement he sent to media outlets. The Browns finished last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record and general manager Andrew Berry said last week that he would not trade Garrett. Garrett is under contract with the Browns for two more seasons under a five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2020.

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

NEW YORK (AP) — Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by Major League Baseball for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games and for intentionally deleting electronic messages pertinent to the league's investigation. MLB opened the investigation last February when it was brought to its attention by the sportsbook, and Hoberg did not umpire last season. While MLB said the investigation did not uncover evidence Hoberg personally bet on baseball or manipulated games, MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill recommended on May 24 that Hoberg be fired. Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday he upheld Hill's decision. Among the highest-rated umpires at judging the strike zone, Hoberg can apply for reinstatement no earlier than 2026 spring training.

Medics attend to fan who collapsed courtside at Spurs, Grizzlies game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Medics attended to a fan who collapsed courtside before the San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies game. The teams were preparing for the opening tipoff Monday night when attention turned to the courtside seats. Medics were working on the man on the floor as both teams were sent back to the locker rooms and the game was delayed. The man was taken out of the arena on a stretcher after about seven minutes. The game started after a 45-minute delay.

Young's fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left lifts Hawks to slump-busting 132-130 win over Pistons

DETROIT (AP) — Trae Young made a 23-foot fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left and scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, lifting the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-130 win over the Detroit Pistons. Young helped the Hawks end an eight-game losing streak. Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 14 assists for the Pistons, who failed to attempt a shot on their final possession. Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter had 20 points and rookie Zaccharie Risacher added 17 points. Detroit's Tobias Harris scored 22, Jalen Duren had 18 points and nine rebounds and Malik Beasley scored 18.

Roger Goodell says perception that officials favor the Chiefs is a 'ridiculous theory'

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shot down the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it's a "ridiculous theory." Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season, international expansion, Tom Brady's dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday. The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago. The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers considered egregious.

Chiefs' Butker enters his 5th Super Bowl confident in his kicking and his beliefs

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Harrison Butker is expressing confidence in his kicking and in the stances he's taken on some sensitive issues as he enters his fifth Super Bowl. Butker says he never expected to be as well known as he is as a kicker. He says playing for the Chiefs in four Super Bowls and winning three NFL titles has helped give him a big platform. Last offseason, he generated headlines and drew his share of criticism for his stance against Pride month and abortion. But he says he doesn't feel the need to apologize for anything and feels like God has prepared him to feel confident in who he is.

'Strive for greatness' was LeBron's message to Doncic in 2018. And as teammates, that won't change

Luka Doncic came to the NBA in 2018 calling LeBron James his idol. The first time they went head-to-head, Doncic asked James during the game if he could have his jersey. And after that game, Doncic headed to the Los Angeles Lakers locker room to pick up the souvenir. James wrote a message on the purple jersey. "Strive for greatness," James scrawled, those words being his longtime mantra. Here they are, almost seven years later, set to strive for more greatness — together.

Maryland's slow Big Ten start is in the past. Now the 18th-ranked Terps are rolling

Maryland enters February with momentum and an AP Top 25 ranking. The Terrapins cracked Monday's poll at No. 18 for the program's first appearance since February 2023. Maryland has won four straight and six of seven. They have games this week against Ohio State and Rutgers. That's part of an AP Top 25 schedule that includes No. 1 Auburn playing No. 6 Florida. There's also No. 2 Duke facing what could be its toughest Atlantic Coast Conference test with Saturday's trip to Clemson.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		(11)Marquette	at	(12)St. John's	6:30 p.m.	

		(14)Kentucky	at	(25)Mississippi	7 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, February 4th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, February 4th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for February 4th, 2025:NFL emails reveal extent of Saints' damage control for clergy sex abuse crisisNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Hundreds of internal emails show executives of the New Orleans Saints were far more involved than previously known in providing public relations help to Catholic Church leaders as they confronted a clergy sex abuse crisis. The emails sharply undercut assurances the Saints provided five years ago when they asserted they had provided only "minimal" assistance to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Survivors of clergy abuse say they're disgusted by the team's involvement. The Saints said in a statement Saturday that the team does not condone sex abuse. They also criticized the media for using leaked emails to misconstrue what they called "a well-intended effort."Chiefs and Eagles handle the Super Bowl opening night spectacle like they've been here, done thatNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl opening night like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. Travis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift. Been here, done that. That's how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week. The Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren't fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren't used to the circus atmosphere. Saquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett requests to be traded so he can have chance at Super BowlCLEVELAND (AP) — Star defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns with the hope of better positioning himself to play in a Super Bowl. That's according to a statement he sent to media outlets. The Browns finished last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record and general manager Andrew Berry said last week that he would not trade Garrett. Garrett is under contract with the Browns for two more seasons under a five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2020.Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseballNEW YORK (AP) — Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by Major League Baseball for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games and for intentionally deleting electronic messages pertinent to the league's investigation. MLB opened the investigation last February when it was brought to its attention by the sportsbook, and Hoberg did not umpire last season. While MLB said the investigation did not uncover evidence Hoberg personally bet on baseball or manipulated games, MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill recommended on May 24 that Hoberg be fired. Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday he upheld Hill's decision. Among the highest-rated umpires at judging the strike zone, Hoberg can apply for reinstatement no earlier than 2026 spring training.Medics attend to fan who collapsed courtside at Spurs, Grizzlies gameMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Medics attended to a fan who collapsed courtside before the San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies game. The teams were preparing for the opening tipoff Monday night when attention turned to the courtside seats. Medics were working on the man on the floor as both teams were sent back to the locker rooms and the game was delayed. The man was taken out of the arena on a stretcher after about seven minutes. The game started after a 45-minute delay.Young's fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left lifts Hawks to slump-busting 132-130 win over PistonsDETROIT (AP) — Trae Young made a 23-foot fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left and scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, lifting the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-130 win over the Detroit Pistons. Young helped the Hawks end an eight-game losing streak. Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 14 assists for the Pistons, who failed to attempt a shot on their final possession. Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter had 20 points and rookie Zaccharie Risacher added 17 points. Detroit's Tobias Harris scored 22, Jalen Duren had 18 points and nine rebounds and Malik Beasley scored 18.Roger Goodell says perception that officials favor the Chiefs is a 'ridiculous theory'NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shot down the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it's a "ridiculous theory." Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season, international expansion, Tom Brady's dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday. The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago. The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers considered egregious.Chiefs' Butker enters his 5th Super Bowl confident in his kicking and his beliefsNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Harrison Butker is expressing confidence in his kicking and in the stances he's taken on some sensitive issues as he enters his fifth Super Bowl. Butker says he never expected to be as well known as he is as a kicker. He says playing for the Chiefs in four Super Bowls and winning three NFL titles has helped give him a big platform. Last offseason, he generated headlines and drew his share of criticism for his stance against Pride month and abortion. But he says he doesn't feel the need to apologize for anything and feels like God has prepared him to feel confident in who he is.'Strive for greatness' was LeBron's message to Doncic in 2018. And as teammates, that won't changeLuka Doncic came to the NBA in 2018 calling LeBron James his idol. The first time they went head-to-head, Doncic asked James during the game if he could have his jersey. And after that game, Doncic headed to the Los Angeles Lakers locker room to pick up the souvenir. James wrote a message on the purple jersey. "Strive for greatness," James scrawled, those words being his longtime mantra. Here they are, almost seven years later, set to strive for more greatness — together.Maryland's slow Big Ten start is in the past. Now the 18th-ranked Terps are rollingMaryland enters February with momentum and an AP Top 25 ranking. The Terrapins cracked Monday's poll at No. 18 for the program's first appearance since February 2023. Maryland has won four straight and six of seven. They have games this week against Ohio State and Rutgers. That's part of an AP Top 25 schedule that includes No. 1 Auburn playing No. 6 Florida. There's also No. 2 Duke facing what could be its toughest Atlantic Coast Conference test with Saturday's trip to Clemson.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Washington	124	Charlotte	114	Final	Atlanta	132	Detroit	130	Final	New York	124	Houston	118	Final	Oklahoma City	125	Milwaukee	96	Final	Sacramento	116	Minnesota	114	Final	Memphis	128	San Antonio	109	Final	Denver	125	New Orleans	113	Final	Indiana	112	Utah	111	Final	Golden State	104	Orlando	99	Final OT	Portland	121	Phoenix	119	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Ottawa	5	Nashville	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(16)Kansas	69	(8)Iowa St.	52	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Dallas	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Boston	at	Cleveland	7:30 p.m.			Houston	at	Brooklyn	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Miami	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Indiana	at	Portland	10 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	L.A. Clippers	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Columbus	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			Florida	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Boston	7 p.m.			New Jersey	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Ottawa	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Vegas	at	N-Y Islanders	7:30 p.m.			Carolina	at	Winnipeg	8 p.m.			Edmonton	at	St. Louis	8 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Toronto	at	Calgary	9 p.m.			Colorado	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.			Detroit	at	Seattle	10 p.m.			Dallas	at	Anaheim	10:30 p.m.			Montreal	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Oklahoma	at	(1)Auburn	9 p.m.			Oklahoma St.	at	(5)Houston	8 p.m.			Vanderbilt	at	(6)Florida	7 p.m.			(7)Purdue	at	Iowa	7 p.m.			(9)Michigan St.	at	UCLA	10 p.m.			(11)Marquette	at	(12)St. John's	6:30 p.m.			Baylor	at	(13)Texas Tech	9 p.m.			(14)Kentucky	at	(25)Mississippi	7 p.m.			(20)Arizona	at	BYU	11 p.m.			Indiana	at	(21)Wisconsin	9 p.m.

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Monday

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas had just turned the ball over in the first half against Iowa State on Monday night when it suddenly popped loose again along the sideline, and Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. made perhaps the hustle play of the game.

With&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1886609755818615246">a textbook baseball slide</a>, Harris managed to corral the ball and throw it from his rear to teammate Hunter Dickinson, who in turn tossed the ball ahead to David Coit. After a couple of dribbles, Coit unloaded a pass from the midcourt line that KJ Adams leaped into the air and slammed for a dunk that seemed to shake the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.

It was a play that underscored a rare fact about the Jayhawks at this point in the season.

They were playing with a sense of desperation.

Zeke Mayo scored 17 points and Dickinson added 14 points and nine rebounds as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-score-big-12-8a5ff246c16167421c51dbbdd5564890">the No. 16 Jayhawks roared to a 69-52 win over eighth-ranked Iowa State.</a>&nbsp;But it was the defense, which nearly shut down the Cyclones' prolific backcourt, and the hustle on both ends of the floor that allowed Kansas to remain in the regular-season Big 12 title hunt.

Kansas (16-6) moved into a tie with Iowa State (17-5) at 7-4 in the league, 2 1/2 games back of Houston and Arizona.

“We talked about a mindset of just, you know, how much can we trust each other? And how much do we enjoy playing with each other?” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I don't think the emphasis was defense. I think the emphasis was, ‘If our head is right and we play with freedom, we can look pretty good at times,’ and that is what happened tonight.”

The Jayhawks held Iowa State to just 3-for-21 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. And while the Cyclones only turned the ball over seven times, just about all of them — like that alley-oop dunk by Adams — turned into fast-break points.

“There's probably not a place or a team or a program that does a better job than what Kansas does in transition,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “If you have a turnover and how they turn it into points — we had very few turnovers but you feel like every one that we had turned into a layup or a dunk at the other end.”

While the Jayhawks, who blew a 19-point halftime lead at Baylor last weekend, thrived with their backs against the wall, Iowa State lost its third consecutive game while struggling without injured forward Milan Momcilovic in the lineup.

Momcilovic, who hurt his non-shooting hand last month, went through pregame warmups and could be back soon.

“He continues to do the things he needs,” Otzelberger said. “I do think he’ll be back in the next few weeks. But it's a day-to-day situation. Today was the first step for him, feel what it feels like to go through the game warmup. But we’ll see. I don't want to rush him back. I want it to be on the timeline that's on his best interest and whenever that is he'll be ready to go.”

Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson were held to 11 points apiece by Kansas, and it took a whole lot of shots for them to get there. The trio of Cyclones was 13 of 42 from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Meanwhile, leading scorer Curtis Jones was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.

“It sucks for sure. Losing is not ideal,” Jones said, “but I mean, we did some things well. We got 17 offensive rebounds, only had seven turnovers. It's just really shots weren't falling. We clean up free throws, make a couple 3s, it's a different game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738643896535.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard AJ Storr (2) puts up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard AJ Storr (2) puts up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas had just turned the ball over in the first half against Iowa State on Monday night when it suddenly popped loose again along the sideline, and Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. made perhaps the hustle play of the game.With&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1886609755818615246">a textbook baseball slide</a>, Harris managed to corral the ball and throw it from his rear to teammate Hunter Dickinson, who in turn tossed the ball ahead to David Coit. After a couple of dribbles, Coit unloaded a pass from the midcourt line that KJ Adams leaped into the air and slammed for a dunk that seemed to shake the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.It was a play that underscored a rare fact about the Jayhawks at this point in the season.They were playing with a sense of desperation.Zeke Mayo scored 17 points and Dickinson added 14 points and nine rebounds as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-score-big-12-8a5ff246c16167421c51dbbdd5564890">the No. 16 Jayhawks roared to a 69-52 win over eighth-ranked Iowa State.</a>&nbsp;But it was the defense, which nearly shut down the Cyclones' prolific backcourt, and the hustle on both ends of the floor that allowed Kansas to remain in the regular-season Big 12 title hunt.Kansas (16-6) moved into a tie with Iowa State (17-5) at 7-4 in the league, 2 1/2 games back of Houston and Arizona.“We talked about a mindset of just, you know, how much can we trust each other? And how much do we enjoy playing with each other?” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I don't think the emphasis was defense. I think the emphasis was, ‘If our head is right and we play with freedom, we can look pretty good at times,’ and that is what happened tonight.”The Jayhawks held Iowa State to just 3-for-21 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. And while the Cyclones only turned the ball over seven times, just about all of them — like that alley-oop dunk by Adams — turned into fast-break points.“There's probably not a place or a team or a program that does a better job than what Kansas does in transition,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “If you have a turnover and how they turn it into points — we had very few turnovers but you feel like every one that we had turned into a layup or a dunk at the other end.”While the Jayhawks, who blew a 19-point halftime lead at Baylor last weekend, thrived with their backs against the wall, Iowa State lost its third consecutive game while struggling without injured forward Milan Momcilovic in the lineup.Momcilovic, who hurt his non-shooting hand last month, went through pregame warmups and could be back soon.“He continues to do the things he needs,” Otzelberger said. “I do think he’ll be back in the next few weeks. But it's a day-to-day situation. Today was the first step for him, feel what it feels like to go through the game warmup. But we’ll see. I don't want to rush him back. I want it to be on the timeline that's on his best interest and whenever that is he'll be ready to go.”Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson were held to 11 points apiece by Kansas, and it took a whole lot of shots for them to get there. The trio of Cyclones was 13 of 42 from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc.Meanwhile, leading scorer Curtis Jones was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.“It sucks for sure. Losing is not ideal,” Jones said, “but I mean, we did some things well. We got 17 offensive rebounds, only had seven turnovers. It's just really shots weren't falling. We clean up free throws, make a couple 3s, it's a different game.”

🏀 Kansas shuts down Iowa State in desperation game for both teams

Voice of the Blue Dragons, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC women's basketball head coach, John Ontjes, freshman Jaden Wilson, and then men's basketball head coach, Kyle Fisher, for the seventh edition of DragonTalk of the 2024-25 basketball season.

DragonTalk is live at Chick-fil-A in Hutchinson each Monday during the basketball season from 6-7 p.m. and airs live on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731377147711.png" alt="Basketball DragonTalk logo" />
 <figcaption>Basketball DragonTalk logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Voice of the Blue Dragons, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC women's basketball head coach, John Ontjes, freshman Jaden Wilson, and then men's basketball head coach, Kyle Fisher, for the seventh edition of DragonTalk of the 2024-25 basketball season.DragonTalk is live at Chick-fil-A in Hutchinson each Monday during the basketball season from 6-7 p.m. and airs live on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).<div><iframe title="DragonTalk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Feb. 3, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cxt2e-17e5737-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: DragonTalk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher

Southern Cal’s second loss of the season dropped the Trojans to seventh in The Associated Press Top 25&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">women’s basketball poll</a>&nbsp;Monday.

The previously No. 4 Trojans were shocked in Iowa when the Hawkeyes beat them 76-69 Sunday on a day Caitlin Clark’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clark-jersey-retired-iowa-2d656348e94e8fd9579efb067e7200bf">jersey was retired</a>. USC’s only other loss came at home to Notre Dame in November.

UCLA, South Carolina and Notre Dame remained the top three teams in the rankings. The Bruins received all 32 first-place votes in the poll from a national media panel, picking up the one that the Gamecocks garnered last week.

The Bruins beat Minnesota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ucla-womens-basketball-score-9834be9a4d862ac380ce3c7373cf4bd9">79-53</a>&nbsp;in their lone game last week to remain as the only unbeaten team in the country. South Carolina knocked off then-No. 18 Tennessee and Auburn. The victory over the Tigers on Sunday came on a day when the Gamecocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aja-wilson-south-carolina-jersey-retired-af36ef9bad52813190676247b6722be2">retired the jersey</a>&nbsp;of A’ja Wilson.

Texas, UConn and LSU all moved up a spot to follow the Fighting Irish. Ohio State, TCU and Duke remained eight through 10.

No. 11 Kentucky has its best ranking in four years behind first-year coach Kenny Brooks. The Wildcats (19-2), who last were ranked this high in 2021, have their bye week before hitting a tough stretch of the SEC schedule to close the regular season. They still have games left against South Carolina, LSU, Texas and Tennessee.

The only two losses this season came against North Carolina on Dec. 5 and Texas A&amp;M on Jan. 23.

With no new teams in the poll this week, the Southeastern Conference remained atop the standings with eight teams ranked. The ACC had seven. The Big Ten was next with five. The Big 12 has four ranked teams and the Big East one.

No. 9 TCU at No. 12 Kansas State, Wednesday. First place in the Big 12 will be on the line when the Horned Frogs visit the Wildcats. Both teams are 9-1 in conference play.

No. 5 UConn at No. 19 Tennessee, Thursday. These two will renew their rivalry with the Huskies visiting the Lady Vols. It will be the first time that UConn sees Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell’s pressing style.

No. 2 South Carolina at No. 4 Texas, Sunday. The Longhorns will try and avenge a 17-point loss in Columbia last month. South Carolina has a one-game lead in the standings on the Longhorns, Kentucky and LSU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699875693382.jpeg" alt="AP Top 25" />
 <figcaption>AP Top 25</figcaption>
 </figure>Southern Cal’s second loss of the season dropped the Trojans to seventh in The Associated Press Top 25&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">women’s basketball poll</a>&nbsp;Monday.The previously No. 4 Trojans were shocked in Iowa when the Hawkeyes beat them 76-69 Sunday on a day Caitlin Clark’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clark-jersey-retired-iowa-2d656348e94e8fd9579efb067e7200bf">jersey was retired</a>. USC’s only other loss came at home to Notre Dame in November.UCLA, South Carolina and Notre Dame remained the top three teams in the rankings. The Bruins received all 32 first-place votes in the poll from a national media panel, picking up the one that the Gamecocks garnered last week.The Bruins beat Minnesota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ucla-womens-basketball-score-9834be9a4d862ac380ce3c7373cf4bd9">79-53</a>&nbsp;in their lone game last week to remain as the only unbeaten team in the country. South Carolina knocked off then-No. 18 Tennessee and Auburn. The victory over the Tigers on Sunday came on a day when the Gamecocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aja-wilson-south-carolina-jersey-retired-af36ef9bad52813190676247b6722be2">retired the jersey</a>&nbsp;of A’ja Wilson.Texas, UConn and LSU all moved up a spot to follow the Fighting Irish. Ohio State, TCU and Duke remained eight through 10.<h2>Rising Wildcats</h2>No. 11 Kentucky has its best ranking in four years behind first-year coach Kenny Brooks. The Wildcats (19-2), who last were ranked this high in 2021, have their bye week before hitting a tough stretch of the SEC schedule to close the regular season. They still have games left against South Carolina, LSU, Texas and Tennessee.The only two losses this season came against North Carolina on Dec. 5 and Texas A&amp;M on Jan. 23.<h2>Conference breakdown</h2>With no new teams in the poll this week, the Southeastern Conference remained atop the standings with eight teams ranked. The ACC had seven. The Big Ten was next with five. The Big 12 has four ranked teams and the Big East one.<h2>Games of the week</h2>No. 9 TCU at No. 12 Kansas State, Wednesday. First place in the Big 12 will be on the line when the Horned Frogs visit the Wildcats. Both teams are 9-1 in conference play.No. 5 UConn at No. 19 Tennessee, Thursday. These two will renew their rivalry with the Huskies visiting the Lady Vols. It will be the first time that UConn sees Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell’s pressing style.No. 2 South Carolina at No. 4 Texas, Sunday. The Longhorns will try and avenge a 17-point loss in Columbia last month. South Carolina has a one-game lead in the standings on the Longhorns, Kentucky and LSU.

🏀 K-State women drop 1 spot in AP Top 25 women's poll

Auburn and Duke remain 1-2 atop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll</a>&nbsp;for the third straight week, while Maryland is back in the rankings for the first time in nearly two years.

Bruce Pearl’s Tigers (20-1) held the No. 1 ranking for the fourth consecutive week in Monday’s poll and the third in a row as the unanimous choice. Auburn has claimed 246 of 248 first-place votes over the past month while remaining unbeaten in a rugged Southeastern Conference with nine ranked teams.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cooper-flagg-johni-broome-auburn-duke-5c55b16fd47329334664c77dbdd1681c">Auburn’s only loss</a>&nbsp;came to Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils (19-2), who enter the week with the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/duke-unc-rivalry-b85f9850a9726b7b3f81ff7cdc1c18ad">rolling past rival North Carolina</a>.

The two teams offered the only stability after 15 teams in last week’s AP Top 25 lost last week, with three of those losing twice.

Alabama moved up a spot to No. 3, followed by Tennessee jumping four spots to No. 4 in an SEC-heavy top tier. Houston climbed one spot to No. 5 despite an overtime loss to now-No. 13 Texas Tech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-houston-score-1a8c559b27c8df129f20317273317b7d">to end a 33-game home winning streak</a>.

Florida was next at No. 6, followed by Purdue, Iowa State, Michigan State and Texas A&amp;M to round out the top 10.

Texas Tech (17-4) had the biggest jump among last week’s ranked teams, rising nine spots to 13th after beating TCU at home and then beating the Cougars despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-mccasland-ejected-1450da6c1408b46ea1d6173e7c322af2">coach Grant McCasland and forward JT Toppin being ejected early</a>.

Two-time reigning national champion UConn climbed six spots to No. 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-marquette-score-70936d0994bc0bd8ca926cec5a0a5d8e">after winning at Marquette</a>, while Missouri jumped five spots to No. 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-mississippi-state-t25-score-1f7371a84907af0d435bef890ca492cc">after beating Mississippi State</a>.

In all, 10 teams moved up from their positions last week. That included Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team rising three spots to No. 12, the highest ranking for the program since finishing the 1999-2000 season at No. 9.

Mississippi State had the week’s biggest tumble, falling eight spots to No. 22 after home losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-mississippi-state-score-c2ae1de9979ae505e170a2b26d317a62">to Alabama</a>&nbsp;and Missouri. Iowa State joined the Bulldogs in a two-loss week, falling five spots after losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-arizona-basketball-score-2e3379622e274ea7a89dddfdffb98263">to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-iowa-state-score-ac57eae2bcd41cecd7e2cdbd4152247f">Kansas State</a>.

No. 16 Kansas and No. 23 Illinois also fell five spots, pushing the list of sliding teams to 10.

No. 18 Maryland, No. 20 Arizona and No. 24 Michigan were the week’s three new additions.

Kevin Willard’s Terrapins (17-5) jumped into the poll at No. 18 after pushing its winning streak to four games, a stretch that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-illinois-t25-score-68e577ea9f778145baeb083610bdb68d">winning at then-No. 17 Illinois</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-wisconsin-basketball-score-df97fc5aa1e1d0e0c887317c3030e3e1">beating then-No. 17 Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;at home last week.

That gave Maryland its first poll ranking in nearly two years, the last coming with a week at No. 21 in late February 2023.

Arizona (15-6) returned to the poll for the first time since November. The Wildcats opened the year at No. 10 and peaked at ninth, but they’re back in after winning 11 of 12 — including against Iowa State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-iowa-state-caleb-love-8596dbce0d7593574230e50c7a4cbc37">after Caleb Love hit a halfcourt shot to force overtime</a>.

Michigan (16-5) has two previous stints in the poll this season, peaking at No. 14 in early December.

Oregon was one of the three departures from this week’s poll, falling out from No. 16 after being one of the trio to lose twice last week by falling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-ucla-score-c174e2e68d57f143f28edd7fdabf9965">at UCLA</a>&nbsp;and at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-nebraska-score-3a1f066a1cf37b0645b983fe3e2a6cc4">to Nebraska</a>. Louisville (No. 21) and Vanderbilt (No. 24) also fell out after losses to unranked foes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699875693382.jpeg" alt="AP Top 25" />
 <figcaption>AP Top 25</figcaption>
 </figure>Auburn and Duke remain 1-2 atop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll</a>&nbsp;for the third straight week, while Maryland is back in the rankings for the first time in nearly two years.Bruce Pearl’s Tigers (20-1) held the No. 1 ranking for the fourth consecutive week in Monday’s poll and the third in a row as the unanimous choice. Auburn has claimed 246 of 248 first-place votes over the past month while remaining unbeaten in a rugged Southeastern Conference with nine ranked teams.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cooper-flagg-johni-broome-auburn-duke-5c55b16fd47329334664c77dbdd1681c">Auburn’s only loss</a>&nbsp;came to Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils (19-2), who enter the week with the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/duke-unc-rivalry-b85f9850a9726b7b3f81ff7cdc1c18ad">rolling past rival North Carolina</a>.The two teams offered the only stability after 15 teams in last week’s AP Top 25 lost last week, with three of those losing twice.<h2>The top tier</h2>Alabama moved up a spot to No. 3, followed by Tennessee jumping four spots to No. 4 in an SEC-heavy top tier. Houston climbed one spot to No. 5 despite an overtime loss to now-No. 13 Texas Tech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-houston-score-1a8c559b27c8df129f20317273317b7d">to end a 33-game home winning streak</a>.Florida was next at No. 6, followed by Purdue, Iowa State, Michigan State and Texas A&amp;M to round out the top 10.<h2>Rising</h2>Texas Tech (17-4) had the biggest jump among last week’s ranked teams, rising nine spots to 13th after beating TCU at home and then beating the Cougars despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-mccasland-ejected-1450da6c1408b46ea1d6173e7c322af2">coach Grant McCasland and forward JT Toppin being ejected early</a>.Two-time reigning national champion UConn climbed six spots to No. 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-marquette-score-70936d0994bc0bd8ca926cec5a0a5d8e">after winning at Marquette</a>, while Missouri jumped five spots to No. 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-mississippi-state-t25-score-1f7371a84907af0d435bef890ca492cc">after beating Mississippi State</a>.In all, 10 teams moved up from their positions last week. That included Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team rising three spots to No. 12, the highest ranking for the program since finishing the 1999-2000 season at No. 9.<h2>Sliding</h2>Mississippi State had the week’s biggest tumble, falling eight spots to No. 22 after home losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-mississippi-state-score-c2ae1de9979ae505e170a2b26d317a62">to Alabama</a>&nbsp;and Missouri. Iowa State joined the Bulldogs in a two-loss week, falling five spots after losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-arizona-basketball-score-2e3379622e274ea7a89dddfdffb98263">to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-iowa-state-score-ac57eae2bcd41cecd7e2cdbd4152247f">Kansas State</a>.No. 16 Kansas and No. 23 Illinois also fell five spots, pushing the list of sliding teams to 10.<h2>Welcome</h2>No. 18 Maryland, No. 20 Arizona and No. 24 Michigan were the week’s three new additions.Kevin Willard’s Terrapins (17-5) jumped into the poll at No. 18 after pushing its winning streak to four games, a stretch that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-illinois-t25-score-68e577ea9f778145baeb083610bdb68d">winning at then-No. 17 Illinois</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-wisconsin-basketball-score-df97fc5aa1e1d0e0c887317c3030e3e1">beating then-No. 17 Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;at home last week.That gave Maryland its first poll ranking in nearly two years, the last coming with a week at No. 21 in late February 2023.Arizona (15-6) returned to the poll for the first time since November. The Wildcats opened the year at No. 10 and peaked at ninth, but they’re back in after winning 11 of 12 — including against Iowa State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-iowa-state-caleb-love-8596dbce0d7593574230e50c7a4cbc37">after Caleb Love hit a halfcourt shot to force overtime</a>.Michigan (16-5) has two previous stints in the poll this season, peaking at No. 14 in early December.<h2>Farewell (for now)</h2>Oregon was one of the three departures from this week’s poll, falling out from No. 16 after being one of the trio to lose twice last week by falling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-ucla-score-c174e2e68d57f143f28edd7fdabf9965">at UCLA</a>&nbsp;and at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-nebraska-score-3a1f066a1cf37b0645b983fe3e2a6cc4">to Nebraska</a>. Louisville (No. 21) and Vanderbilt (No. 24) also fell out after losses to unranked foes.

🏀 KU drops 5 spots to No. 16 in AP Top 25 men's poll

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jbjqb-17e3b2f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Big weekend for K-State, not so much for KU; Busy weekend for HutchCC 

• DragonTalk w/ John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher live from Chick-fil-A - 6 p.m. (KWBW)

• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) • K-State MBB at Arizona State - 8 p.m. pregame, 9 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

• HutchCC WBB/MBB at Coffeyville - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)

• Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW) • Jerome Tang Show - 7 p.m. (KHMY)

• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Salina South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

• K-State MBB vs. Kansas - Noon pregame, 1 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Chiefs vs. Eagles (Super Bowl) - 5:30 p.m. kickoff (KWBW)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>Monday, Feb. 3• DragonTalk w/ John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher live from Chick-fil-A - 6 p.m. (KWBW)Tuesday, Feb. 4• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) • K-State MBB at Arizona State - 8 p.m. pregame, 9 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)Wednesday, Feb. 5• HutchCC WBB/MBB at Coffeyville - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)Thursday, Feb. 6• Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW) • Jerome Tang Show - 7 p.m. (KHMY)Friday, Feb. 7• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Salina South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)Saturday, Feb. 8• K-State MBB vs. Kansas - Noon pregame, 1 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)Sunday, Feb. 9Chiefs vs. Eagles (Super Bowl) - 5:30 p.m. kickoff (KWBW)

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (Feb. 3-Feb. 9)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were once the loveable NFL underdogs, led by the good-natured coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reid-sirianni-mahomes-hurts-eagles-chiefs-75d11ffabf6763e440ad3307f09b13fe">who couldn’t win the big one</a>, the plucky quarterback with the Kermit the Frog-like voice, and the superstar tight end with charisma to spare.

Five years after their first trip to the Super Bowl in five decades, though, things have changed.

As the Chiefs prepare to face the Eagles next Sunday in New Orleans with an opportunity to win their record third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, football fans are seeing Andy Reid’s bushy mustache popping up on TV commercials.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-a19ae7e164318c2f9b961f322ab94bd0">They are hearing Patrick Mahomes’ voice</a>&nbsp;seemingly everywhere. And Travis Kelce? He’s only dating the biggest pop star on the planet.

All of that and more has contributed to a profound sense of Chiefs fatigue that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-saquon-barkley-a8504b2b4640df6757cebb3df827edc5">turned many NFL fans against them</a>.

“Chiefs fatigue was inevitable,” explained Mike Lewis, author of “Fandom Analytics” and a professor of marketing at Emory University. “Pre-Mahomes, the Chiefs were an afterthought of a team; a small-market team was never a consistent winner. As the Chiefs grew into a dynasty, they became rivals to multiple teams, adversaries to overcome. 

“In 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-dynasty-kansas-city-d16a308684d97a6be2d269c8d56404be">Chiefs are perhaps the main rivals</a>&nbsp;for the Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Chargers and any other team that aspires to championships. Now, the Chiefs are the team that prevents other fandoms from reaching the promised land.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indeed, the Chiefs have long been the rivals of the Raiders and Broncos, who play in the same division. But that team tucked away in Middle America also has become the biggest thorn in the side of the Bengals, whom they’ve played in consecutive AFC title games, and the Bills, whose season they have ended in four of the past five years.

Including this one.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-kansas-city-chiefs-afc-championship-score-c9187ccf15160bd5eabba73086ee9a42">Kansas City once again denied a Buffalo</a>&nbsp;a spot in the Super Bowl with a 32-29 win in the AFC title game.

“Fandom, at a fundamental level, is about identity. Being a fan is being part of community,” Lewis said. “When an NFL fan’s team wins, he wins. Likewise, when his team loses, he loses. All dynasties inspire fatigue and good-natured hate because it is tiring to lose to the same guys over and over.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738064300346.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid holds the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid holds the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were once the loveable NFL underdogs, led by the good-natured coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reid-sirianni-mahomes-hurts-eagles-chiefs-75d11ffabf6763e440ad3307f09b13fe">who couldn’t win the big one</a>, the plucky quarterback with the Kermit the Frog-like voice, and the superstar tight end with charisma to spare.Five years after their first trip to the Super Bowl in five decades, though, things have changed.As the Chiefs prepare to face the Eagles next Sunday in New Orleans with an opportunity to win their record third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, football fans are seeing Andy Reid’s bushy mustache popping up on TV commercials.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-a19ae7e164318c2f9b961f322ab94bd0">They are hearing Patrick Mahomes’ voice</a>&nbsp;seemingly everywhere. And Travis Kelce? He’s only dating the biggest pop star on the planet.All of that and more has contributed to a profound sense of Chiefs fatigue that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-saquon-barkley-a8504b2b4640df6757cebb3df827edc5">turned many NFL fans against them</a>.“Chiefs fatigue was inevitable,” explained Mike Lewis, author of “Fandom Analytics” and a professor of marketing at Emory University. “Pre-Mahomes, the Chiefs were an afterthought of a team; a small-market team was never a consistent winner. As the Chiefs grew into a dynasty, they became rivals to multiple teams, adversaries to overcome. “In 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-dynasty-kansas-city-d16a308684d97a6be2d269c8d56404be">Chiefs are perhaps the main rivals</a>&nbsp;for the Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Chargers and any other team that aspires to championships. Now, the Chiefs are the team that prevents other fandoms from reaching the promised land.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, the Chiefs have long been the rivals of the Raiders and Broncos, who play in the same division. But that team tucked away in Middle America also has become the biggest thorn in the side of the Bengals, whom they’ve played in consecutive AFC title games, and the Bills, whose season they have ended in four of the past five years.Including this one.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-kansas-city-chiefs-afc-championship-score-c9187ccf15160bd5eabba73086ee9a42">Kansas City once again denied a Buffalo</a>&nbsp;a spot in the Super Bowl with a 32-29 win in the AFC title game.“Fandom, at a fundamental level, is about identity. Being a fan is being part of community,” Lewis said. “When an NFL fan’s team wins, he wins. Likewise, when his team loses, he loses. All dynasties inspire fatigue and good-natured hate because it is tiring to lose to the same guys over and over.”In that respect, Lewis said, the Chiefs have taken on the role that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady held for more two decades — another once-floundering franchise that found the right mix of coach and quarterback and became a dynasty.“If you’re a Pittsburgh fan and it’s 10 years ago, and the Chiefs are floundering and they have a good year here or there, it’s easy to be like, ‘I kind of like the Chiefs too,’ because they don’t threaten your team,” said Dr. Dan Wann, who teaches psychology and studies fandom at Murray State University.“When that team gets successful and passes you,” Wann said, “it goes from, ‘Oh, isn’t that cute?’ to ‘They beat our (butt) again.’ It changes the perspective. Think of the Cubs; they were the loveable losers. And then they started winning.”<h2>Embrace the hate</h2>Mahomes and Kelce are the most visible members of the most successful franchise in the NFL, so of course they hear what fans say about them, especially when the quarterback and tight end team up for celebrity golf tournaments and other events.They have their share of fans. Everyone still wants their photo or autograph. But they also hear plenty from the detractors.“I try not to listen to it too much,” Mahomes said. “I try to to embrace who we have in this locker room, the personalities and how we enjoy playing football, and I believe if we play football the right way and compete, I’ll always have my guys’ backs.”Even when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-officials-32d9e03356c9f43581c7b1b0d6951620">conspiracy theorists</a>&nbsp;claim that NFL officials are calling games so that Kansas City will win.That was one of the prevailing storylines from the AFC title game, though almost every data point — whether it be number of penalties, penalty yardage or the time in the game in which the flags flew — proved the exact opposite.Still, there were several Chiefs players, including linebacker Drue Tranquill, who spoke out against the perceived favoritism on social media.“Yeah, I don’t care,” Reid said of the conspiracies, quite matter-of-factly. “I don’t get into that. I don’t use it with the guys.”Nevertheless, all those detractors seem to have galvanized the Chiefs, just as they have their fan base. Take the Kansas City-based streetwear brand Made Mobb, which sells&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mademobb.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorl0eUo9NMhJPVQ30GWbP4o9g_BvbZHVEozOO6MP_0Pny0d8M02" target="_blank">a line of shirts and hoodies</a>&nbsp;in Chiefs colors that read simply: “Villains.” Another apparel company, Charlie Hustle, has shirts that read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charliehustle.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooHjUtRYrUIwty76vvm56q6BZ6jZDpMkaA04LAcaIZFxKN_Eq67" target="_blank">“Kansas City Versus The World.”</a><h2>Fascination and oversaturation</h2>Turn on the TV and there is Reid, chowing down on “chicken nuggies” or drawing up the “bundlerooskie” for insurance company State Farm. Or Mahomes, pitching Subway sandwiches, watching TV with the Coors Light bear or slinging a ball around the field in his Oakley sunglasses. Or Kelce, hosting game shows and dropping in on “Saturday Night Live.”None of which is surprising when you consider that a study by digital marketing agency Hennessey Digital late last year found that Kelce was&nbsp;<a href="https://licensinginternational.org/news/swift-kelce-effect-drives-record-popularity-for-nfls-most-marketable-players/" target="_blank">the NFL’s most marketable player</a>. Mahomes was right behind his good buddy at No. 2.It’s all fun for Chiefs fans, who are rightfully proud of their own. It’s oversaturation for fans of other NFL franchises.“Athletes and other entertainers need to be wary, every time you turn around, there they are. It can start to grate on peoples’ nerves,” Wann said. “People are going to be like, ‘Oh, my gosh. Them again?’ A good example is the Yankees. They are always the Saturday game of the week, and people get tired of it. I don’t know if it’s jealousy or too much of a good thing.”Maybe a little bit of both.Some of that oversaturation is a byproduct of Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, which has created thousands if not millions of new Chiefs fans, but which also has alienated other NFL fans. Over the past 18 months, they’ve grown weary of game broadcasts constantly showing Swift in stadium suites, often with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kansas-city-chiefs-houston-texans-468b074fb9dc4f03b743593670ffdf86">celebrity pals such as WNBA star Caitlin Clark</a>.At least, that’s their perception. The reality is Swift had 54 seconds of screen time during the CBS broadcast of last year’s Super Bowl, when the Chiefs rallied to beat San Francisco in overtime. The entire broadcast lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes.“These guys bring ratings and impressions,” Lewis said, “but to other fandoms, it feels like rivals are tormenting them. Not only do they regularly lose to Mahomes, but they also have to see him and hear his ‘non-traditional’ voice in ad after ad. Kelce is the future Hall of Famer with movie star looks and is dating Taylor Swift. No fan wants to see their rivals living this well.“Taylor is part of the story as well,” Lewis added. “She brings Swifties and anti-Swifties.”They in turn become pro-Chiefs and anti-Chiefs.There are plenty of the former. There are becoming more and more of the latter.