LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.

Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.

E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.

This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.

Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.

Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.

Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.

Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.

Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.

Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.

Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998339600.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998416516.png" alt="Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.<h2>Up next</h2>Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.

🏈 Kansas opens rebuilt $450M stadium with win over Fresno State

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team gave first-year head coach Dayana Acevedo Trent her first win on the Blue Dragon bench on Saturday in the final match of the Reiver Classic.

That victory was a sweep of No. 16-ranked Western Nebraska at Reiver Arena. The Blue Dragons hit a season-high .330 as a team in a 25-16, 25-17, 25-20 victory over the Cougars. Hutchinson finished the Reiver Classic with a 1-2 record.

The victory was also the 99th in Acevedo Trent's five-year head coaching career. Acevedo Trent goes after career win No. 100 next weekend when the Blue Dragons next play four matches at the McCook Invitational at the Graff Center in McCook, Nebraska.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with her second double-double of the weekend, tallying 12 kills on .366 hitting with 12 digs and one service ace.

The Blue Dragons had a balanced offense with four players at six kills or more.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;finished with eight kills on .200 hitting. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;had seven kills on 11 attacks with no errors for a .636 attack percentage – both marks for kills and attack percentage were season highs. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;had six kills on .286 hitting.

Freshman setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;finished with 35 assists, eight digs, three total blocks and two ace serves. Garcia also had three kills on four attacks.

Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;had 18 digs to lead the Blue Dragon back line.

The Blue Dragons had 59 digs, three aces and five total blocks against Western Nebraska.

The Blue Dragons hit .387 in the opening set as Hutchinson jumped out to a 14-6 lead. The Cougars brought the set back to 20-14, but with five different players registering kills in the set, the Dragons closed out the opening set with a 25-16 win.

Villanueva had six kills in the second set as Hutchinson rallied from a 7-4 deficit. The Dragons outscored Western Nebraska 21-9 to close out the set, hitting .286 as a team.

The third set looked like it might slip away when the Cougars had an attack trickle over the net cord for a kill and a 17-15 lead. Proctor picked up the slack to turn the set around, hammering four kills on six attacks as Hutchinson rallied for a 10-3 run to close out the match.

The Blue Dragons are 2-1 in their last three matches against Western Nebraska. Both Hutchinson wins were by sweep.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756092171653.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Alondra Villanueva had a double-double with 12 kills and 12 digs in the Blue Dragons' 3-0 win over No. 16 Western Nebraska on Saturday in Council Bluffs, IA. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Alondra Villanueva had a double-double with 12 kills and 12 digs in the Blue Dragons' 3-0 win over No. 16 Western Nebraska on Saturday in Council Bluffs, IA. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationCOUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team gave first-year head coach Dayana Acevedo Trent her first win on the Blue Dragon bench on Saturday in the final match of the Reiver Classic.That victory was a sweep of No. 16-ranked Western Nebraska at Reiver Arena. The Blue Dragons hit a season-high .330 as a team in a 25-16, 25-17, 25-20 victory over the Cougars. Hutchinson finished the Reiver Classic with a 1-2 record.The victory was also the 99th in Acevedo Trent's five-year head coaching career. Acevedo Trent goes after career win No. 100 next weekend when the Blue Dragons next play four matches at the McCook Invitational at the Graff Center in McCook, Nebraska.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with her second double-double of the weekend, tallying 12 kills on .366 hitting with 12 digs and one service ace.The Blue Dragons had a balanced offense with four players at six kills or more.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;finished with eight kills on .200 hitting. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;had seven kills on 11 attacks with no errors for a .636 attack percentage – both marks for kills and attack percentage were season highs. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;had six kills on .286 hitting.Freshman setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;finished with 35 assists, eight digs, three total blocks and two ace serves. Garcia also had three kills on four attacks.Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;had 18 digs to lead the Blue Dragon back line.The Blue Dragons had 59 digs, three aces and five total blocks against Western Nebraska.The Blue Dragons hit .387 in the opening set as Hutchinson jumped out to a 14-6 lead. The Cougars brought the set back to 20-14, but with five different players registering kills in the set, the Dragons closed out the opening set with a 25-16 win.Villanueva had six kills in the second set as Hutchinson rallied from a 7-4 deficit. The Dragons outscored Western Nebraska 21-9 to close out the set, hitting .286 as a team.The third set looked like it might slip away when the Cougars had an attack trickle over the net cord for a kill and a 17-15 lead. Proctor picked up the slack to turn the set around, hammering four kills on six attacks as Hutchinson rallied for a 10-3 run to close out the match.The Blue Dragons are 2-1 in their last three matches against Western Nebraska. Both Hutchinson wins were by sweep.

🏐 Dragons sweep No. 16 Western Nebraska for first win

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.

Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.

Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.

The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.

Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.

Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.

Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.

Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.

The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.

Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.

⚾ Torkelson homers to help the Tigers beat the Royals

DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.

Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.

With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.

“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”

The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.

Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”

Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.

Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.

“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”

The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.

Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.

“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”

Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.

“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”

The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.

Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.

Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755977666090.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”<h2>Pop-Tarts unite</h2>The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.<h2>Edwards injured</h2>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.<h2>Up next</h2>Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.

🏈 'Farm O'Gedden' K-State falls to Iowa State in Ireland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.

Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.

“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.

“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”

The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.

“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”

While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.

That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.

“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”

It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.

The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.

The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755948000519.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as Chicago Bears linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (47) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as Chicago Bears linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (47) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755948037246.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cheers from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cheers from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.<h2></h2>

🏈 Mahomes leads sharp Chiefs offense before Bears rally to win

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team got off to a great start in the 2025 season opener at the Reiver Classic.

The Blue Dragons hit .480 in an opening-set 25-22 victory over Region 18 power Salt Lake Community College on Friday. But Salt Lake slowly turned the tables on the Blue Dragons in the second set and then dominated the third and fourth sets at Reiver Arena as Hutchinson dropped the opening match of the season to the Bruins 25-22, 19-25, 16-25, 16-25.

Led by sophomore Atlyn Proctor's six kills on .625 hitting, four digs and service ace, the Blue Dragons rallied from a pair of three-point deficits in the opening set to defeat Salt Lake. The Dragons tallied 12 kills and only two errors on 25 attacks in the opening set. The Dragons also had two blocks and three aces in the first set.

The second set was tied at 16-16 when Salt Lake started to pull away. The Bruins led 21-18 after a 6-2 run and closed the set on a 9-3 run to even the match at a set each.

Salt Lake, which was playing its second match of the day, rolled in the third and fourth sets, holding the Blue Dragons to .048 hitting in the third set and a negative .030 in the fourth set.

Sophomore pin hitter Alondra Villanueva led the Blue Dragons with 12 kills on 42 attacks and eight digs. Proctor posted her 21st career match of double-figure kills with 10 on 28 swings. She added three aces and six digs. Sophomore Jaylynn McNeill had six kills and sophomore Kierny Follmer had four kills.

Sophomore setter Angela Reupena had 36 assists in her first career start.

Freshman Clara Oliveira had a team-high 15 digs and freshman McKenzye Williamson had 12 digs.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Match No. 2 of the Reiver Classic brought mixed results for the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team on Friday at Reiver Arena.

The Blue Dragons trailed tournament host Iowa Western 2-0 Friday night before rallying to win the third set decisively and then nearly came back from an early 6-1 deficit to fall to the Reivers 3-1 (16-25, 15-25, 25-17, 23-25) to finish Day 1. The Blue Dragons lost in four sets to Salt Lake earlier in the day.

Hutchinson (0-2) will close out the Reiver Classic with No. 16 Western Nebraska, which also went 0-2 on Day 1 of the Reiver Classic. That match is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday in Council Bluffs.

Sophomore right-side hitter Jaylynn McNeill led the Blue Dragons with 12 kills on .385 hitting against Iowa Western. McNeill had seven kills and no errors with a .467 attack percentage in the final two sets to fuel the Blue Dragon comeback. McNeill also had two blocks.

The Blue Dragons hit .074 in the first two sets, but started to find some offensive flow in the third and fourth sets, hitting at a .274 clip.

Sophomore Alondra Villanueva posted the first double-double of the season for Hutchinson with 12 kills on .167 hitting with a team-high 16 digs. Atlyn Proctor had seven kills with two service aces.

Freshman setter Alexandra Garcia came off the bench in the final three sets to posted 28 assists and four service aces. Sophomore Angela Reupena had eight assists and seven digs. Freshman Mattie Galliher had three total blocks for the Dragons.

Hutchinson tallied 88 digs, nine team blocks and 11 service aces against the Reivers.

The Blue Dragons hit .276 in a decisive third-set victory. McNeill and Proctor had four kills each in the set. The Dragons jumped out to leads of 5-0, 9-2 and 20-11 before closing out their first set victory of the match.

The Blue Dragons dug a 6-1 hole in the fourth set before slowing turning things around. The Dragons

finally tied the set at 20-20 on a powerful McNeill kill down the line. That prompted a Reiver timeout. Iowa Western sided out on the next rally and kept the lead for good in a 25-23 set-clinching win.

Hutchinson CC Sports Information<h2>Salt Lake 3, Hutchinson 1</h2>COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team got off to a great start in the 2025 season opener at the Reiver Classic.The Blue Dragons hit .480 in an opening-set 25-22 victory over Region 18 power Salt Lake Community College on Friday. But Salt Lake slowly turned the tables on the Blue Dragons in the second set and then dominated the third and fourth sets at Reiver Arena as Hutchinson dropped the opening match of the season to the Bruins 25-22, 19-25, 16-25, 16-25.Led by sophomore Atlyn Proctor's six kills on .625 hitting, four digs and service ace, the Blue Dragons rallied from a pair of three-point deficits in the opening set to defeat Salt Lake. The Dragons tallied 12 kills and only two errors on 25 attacks in the opening set. The Dragons also had two blocks and three aces in the first set.The second set was tied at 16-16 when Salt Lake started to pull away. The Bruins led 21-18 after a 6-2 run and closed the set on a 9-3 run to even the match at a set each.Salt Lake, which was playing its second match of the day, rolled in the third and fourth sets, holding the Blue Dragons to .048 hitting in the third set and a negative .030 in the fourth set.Sophomore pin hitter Alondra Villanueva led the Blue Dragons with 12 kills on 42 attacks and eight digs. Proctor posted her 21st career match of double-figure kills with 10 on 28 swings. She added three aces and six digs. Sophomore Jaylynn McNeill had six kills and sophomore Kierny Follmer had four kills.Sophomore setter Angela Reupena had 36 assists in her first career start.Freshman Clara Oliveira had a team-high 15 digs and freshman McKenzye Williamson had 12 digs.<h2>Iowa Western 3, Hutchinson 1</h2>COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Match No. 2 of the Reiver Classic brought mixed results for the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team on Friday at Reiver Arena.The Blue Dragons trailed tournament host Iowa Western 2-0 Friday night before rallying to win the third set decisively and then nearly came back from an early 6-1 deficit to fall to the Reivers 3-1 (16-25, 15-25, 25-17, 23-25) to finish Day 1. The Blue Dragons lost in four sets to Salt Lake earlier in the day.Hutchinson (0-2) will close out the Reiver Classic with No. 16 Western Nebraska, which also went 0-2 on Day 1 of the Reiver Classic. That match is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday in Council Bluffs.Sophomore right-side hitter Jaylynn McNeill led the Blue Dragons with 12 kills on .385 hitting against Iowa Western. McNeill had seven kills and no errors with a .467 attack percentage in the final two sets to fuel the Blue Dragon comeback. McNeill also had two blocks.The Blue Dragons hit .074 in the first two sets, but started to find some offensive flow in the third and fourth sets, hitting at a .274 clip.Sophomore Alondra Villanueva posted the first double-double of the season for Hutchinson with 12 kills on .167 hitting with a team-high 16 digs. Atlyn Proctor had seven kills with two service aces.Freshman setter Alexandra Garcia came off the bench in the final three sets to posted 28 assists and four service aces. Sophomore Angela Reupena had eight assists and seven digs. Freshman Mattie Galliher had three total blocks for the Dragons.Hutchinson tallied 88 digs, nine team blocks and 11 service aces against the Reivers.The Blue Dragons hit .276 in a decisive third-set victory. McNeill and Proctor had four kills each in the set. The Dragons jumped out to leads of 5-0, 9-2 and 20-11 before closing out their first set victory of the match.The Blue Dragons dug a 6-1 hole in the fourth set before slowing turning things around. The Dragonsfinally tied the set at 20-20 on a powerful McNeill kill down the line. That prompted a Reiver timeout. Iowa Western sided out on the next rally and kept the lead for good in a 25-23 set-clinching win.

🏐 Dragons drop two on opening day of Reiver Classic

DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.

McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.

The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.

McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.

Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.

Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.

McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.

With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.

After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.

Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.

DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.<h2>Key moment</h2>After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ McKinstry homers among 3 hits as Tigers rally to beat the Royals 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State men’s basketball player Tyreek Smith has had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA, the school announced on Friday (August 22).

“We’re disappointed for Tyreek with this ruling by the NCAA,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “We wish they could’ve provided us better communication and transparency during this process and been more consistent with how the rules are applied as this process left both Tyreek and our program in limbo.

“We want to thank Tyreek for his contributions to our program the past eight months, and we wish him the best as he takes the next step in his basketball career. We are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2025-26 season.”

A 6-foot-8, 225-pound wing, Smith joined the Wildcats as a mid-season transfer in January. He had petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of college eligibility after starting his career at Texas Tech in 2019-20. He received a medical redshirt as a true freshman before playing the 2020-21 season with the Red Raiders. He then played two seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-23) and one season at SMU (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis in 2024-25. He left Memphis before playing a game with the Tigers.

Smith scored more than 600 points in his 128-game college career, connecting on 60 percent (245-of-408) from the field to go with 490 rebounds, 129 blocks, 59 steals and 46 assists. His best individual season came in 2023-24 while at SMU, as he averaged 8.2 points on 58.4 percent (104-of-178) shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in 33 games with 13 starts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755882622322.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State men’s basketball player Tyreek Smith has had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA, the school announced on Friday (August 22).“We’re disappointed for Tyreek with this ruling by the NCAA,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “We wish they could’ve provided us better communication and transparency during this process and been more consistent with how the rules are applied as this process left both Tyreek and our program in limbo.“We want to thank Tyreek for his contributions to our program the past eight months, and we wish him the best as he takes the next step in his basketball career. We are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2025-26 season.”A 6-foot-8, 225-pound wing, Smith joined the Wildcats as a mid-season transfer in January. He had petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of college eligibility after starting his career at Texas Tech in 2019-20. He received a medical redshirt as a true freshman before playing the 2020-21 season with the Red Raiders. He then played two seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-23) and one season at SMU (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis in 2024-25. He left Memphis before playing a game with the Tigers.Smith scored more than 600 points in his 128-game college career, connecting on 60 percent (245-of-408) from the field to go with 490 rebounds, 129 blocks, 59 steals and 46 assists. His best individual season came in 2023-24 while at SMU, as he averaged 8.2 points on 58.4 percent (104-of-178) shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in 33 games with 13 starts.

🏀 K-State's Smith has waiver denied by NCAA

No. 22 Iowa State vs. No. 17 Kansas State at Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, noon EST.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas State by 3.5.

Overall offense: 416.2 yards per game (39th in FBS)

Overall defense: 343.9 yards allowed per game (51st in FBS)

Passing: 165.6 yards allowed per game (1st)

Rushing: 188.4 yards allowed per game (109th)

Scoring: 22.9 points allowed per game (41st)

Overall offense: 426.8 yards per game (31st in FBS)

Overall defense: 343.4 yards allowed per game (43rd in FBS)

Passing: 224.7 yards allowed per game (77th)

Rushing: 118.7 yards allowed per game (28th)

Scoring: 23.4 points allowed per game (50th)

Passing: Rocco Becht, 3,505 yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs, 59.4 completion percentage

Rushing: Carson Hansen, 752 yards on 151 carries, 13 TDs

Receiving: Chase Sowell, 678 yards, 34 catches, 3 TDs (at East Carolina)

Passing: Avery Johnson, 2,712 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 58.3 completion percentage

Rushing: Dylan Edwards, 546 yards on 74 carries, 5 TDs

Receiving: Jayce Brown, 823 yards, 47 catches, 5 TDs

Iowa State beat Miami 42-41 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl to finish 11-3 on the season

Kansas State defeated Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl to finish 9-4 on the season

Iowa State plays South Dakota next Saturday.

Kansas State plays North Dakota next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755875713032.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>No. 22 Iowa State vs. No. 17 Kansas State at Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, noon EST.BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas State by 3.5.How to watch: ESPN<h2>Key stats</h2>Iowa State (2024):Overall offense: 416.2 yards per game (39th in FBS)Passing: 255.7 yards per game (39th)Rushing: 160.5 yards per game (70th)Scoring: 31.1 points per game (41st)Overall defense: 343.9 yards allowed per game (51st in FBS)Passing: 165.6 yards allowed per game (1st)Rushing: 188.4 yards allowed per game (109th)Scoring: 22.9 points allowed per game (41st)Kansas State (2024):Overall offense: 426.8 yards per game (31st in FBS)Passing: 211.4 yards per game (85th)Rushing: 215.5 yards per game (11th)Scoring: 30.8 points per game (46th)Overall defense: 343.4 yards allowed per game (43rd in FBS)Passing: 224.7 yards allowed per game (77th)Rushing: 118.7 yards allowed per game (28th)Scoring: 23.4 points allowed per game (50th)<h2>Team leaders</h2>Iowa State (2024)Passing: Rocco Becht, 3,505 yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs, 59.4 completion percentageRushing: Carson Hansen, 752 yards on 151 carries, 13 TDsReceiving: Chase Sowell, 678 yards, 34 catches, 3 TDs (at East Carolina)Kansas State (2024)Passing: Avery Johnson, 2,712 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 58.3 completion percentageRushing: Dylan Edwards, 546 yards on 74 carries, 5 TDsReceiving: Jayce Brown, 823 yards, 47 catches, 5 TDs<h2>Last game</h2>Iowa State beat Miami 42-41 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl to finish 11-3 on the seasonKansas State defeated Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl to finish 9-4 on the season<h2>Next game</h2>Iowa State plays South Dakota next Saturday.Kansas State plays North Dakota next Saturday.

🏈 No. 17 K-State and No. 22 Iowa State take their Big 12 rivalry to Dublin for opener

Fresno State at Kansas, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. EST.

BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas by 12.5.

Overall offense: 340.6 yards per game (106th in FBS)

Overall defense: 355.6 yards allowed per game (52nd in FBS)

Passing: 216.2 yards allowed per game (62nd)

Rushing: 139.4 yards allowed per game (50th)

Scoring: 24.9 points allowed per game (65th)

Overall offense: 420.2 yards per game (37th in FBS)

Overall defense: 392.6 yards allowed per game (92nd in FBS)

Passing: 239.1 yards allowed per game (103rd)

Rushing: 153.5 yards allowed per game (75th)

Scoring: 26.0 points allowed per game (75th)

Passing: EJ Warner, 2,710 yards, 17 TDs, 13 INTs, 62 completion percentage (at Rice)

Rushing: Bryson Donelson, 462 yards on 77 carries, 3 TDs

Receiving: Josiah Ayon, 651 yards, 44 catches, 9 TDs (at Western Colorado)

Passing: Jalon Daniels, 2,454 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs, 57.0 completion percentage

Rushing: Daniel Hishaw Jr., 376 yards on 65 carries, 3 TDs

Receiving: Bryson Canty, 760 yards, 43 catches, 9 TDs (at Columbia)

Fresno State lost to Northern Illinois 28-20 in the Potato Bowl to finish 6-7

Kansas lost to Baylor 45-17 to finish 5-7 and miss a bowl game

Fresno State plays Georgia Southern next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754496458663.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Fresno State at Kansas, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. EST.BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas by 12.5.How to watch: FOX<h2>Key stats</h2>Fresno State (2024):Overall offense: 340.6 yards per game (106th in FBS)Passing: 242.5 yards per game (46th)Rushing: 98.2 yards per game (123rd)Scoring: 26.1 points per game (81st)Overall defense: 355.6 yards allowed per game (52nd in FBS)Passing: 216.2 yards allowed per game (62nd)Rushing: 139.4 yards allowed per game (50th)Scoring: 24.9 points allowed per game (65th)Kansas (2024):Overall offense: 420.2 yards per game (37th in FBS)Passing: 208.8 yards per game (90th)Rushing: 211.4 yards per game (13th)Scoring: 29.7 points per game (52nd)Overall defense: 392.6 yards allowed per game (92nd in FBS)Passing: 239.1 yards allowed per game (103rd)Rushing: 153.5 yards allowed per game (75th)Scoring: 26.0 points allowed per game (75th)<h2>Team leaders</h2>Fresno State (2024)Passing: EJ Warner, 2,710 yards, 17 TDs, 13 INTs, 62 completion percentage (at Rice)Rushing: Bryson Donelson, 462 yards on 77 carries, 3 TDsReceiving: Josiah Ayon, 651 yards, 44 catches, 9 TDs (at Western Colorado)Kansas (2024)Passing: Jalon Daniels, 2,454 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs, 57.0 completion percentageRushing: Daniel Hishaw Jr., 376 yards on 65 carries, 3 TDsReceiving: Bryson Canty, 760 yards, 43 catches, 9 TDs (at Columbia)<h2>Last game</h2>Fresno State lost to Northern Illinois 28-20 in the Potato Bowl to finish 6-7Kansas lost to Baylor 45-17 to finish 5-7 and miss a bowl game<h2>Next game</h2>Fresno State plays Georgia Southern next Saturday.Kansas plays Wagner next Friday night.

🏈 KU hosts Fresno State as the Jayhawks open rebuilt stadium on campus

🎧⚾ Royals win series finale; ⚾ Wind Surge loses; 🏐 HutchCC opens season today

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered for the fourth straight game, this time a go-ahead shot leading off the sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday for their sixth win in their last seven games.

Nick Loftin also homered for the Royals, who boosted their playoff hopes by going 8-2 on a season-high 10-game homestand.

Michael Lorenzen failed to make it through five innings for Kansas City, but Angel Zerpa (5-1), Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke were able to shut down the Rangers. Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his AL-leading 33rd save.

Corey Seager had three hits and Josh Smith drove in a pair of runs for Texas. Jacob Webb (4-4) served up Pasquantino's homer.

The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the third, when Bobby Witt Jr. sent a fly ball to left-center that Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford lost in the sun. The ball bounced off the warning track, then off the top of the wall, and that gave the speedy Witt enough time to round the bases for what appeared to be an inside-the-park homer.

The umpires huddled and decided to call it a ground-rule double, because a fan appeared to have touched the ball. The Royals challenged the call and it was upheld, only for Salvador Perez to drive in Witt with a single moments later.

Kansas City added two more in the fourth before the Rangers tied the game with three runs in the fifth.

That set the stage for Pasquantino, whose four-game homer streak is one shy of the Royals club record.

Pasquantino greeted Webb's 2-1 pitch by sending it 407 feet to right field.

The Rangers' Patrick Corbin allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed 17 over 13 innings covering his last four starts.

Texas returns home to face Cleveland on Friday night with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.76 ERA) up first.

The Royals begin a three-game set Friday night in Detroit with RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.75) on the mound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755857643961.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered for the fourth straight game, this time a go-ahead shot leading off the sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday for their sixth win in their last seven games.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F1154185179868548%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Nick Loftin also homered for the Royals, who boosted their playoff hopes by going 8-2 on a season-high 10-game homestand.Michael Lorenzen failed to make it through five innings for Kansas City, but Angel Zerpa (5-1), Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke were able to shut down the Rangers. Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his AL-leading 33rd save.Corey Seager had three hits and Josh Smith drove in a pair of runs for Texas. Jacob Webb (4-4) served up Pasquantino's homer.The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the third, when Bobby Witt Jr. sent a fly ball to left-center that Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford lost in the sun. The ball bounced off the warning track, then off the top of the wall, and that gave the speedy Witt enough time to round the bases for what appeared to be an inside-the-park homer.The umpires huddled and decided to call it a ground-rule double, because a fan appeared to have touched the ball. The Royals challenged the call and it was upheld, only for Salvador Perez to drive in Witt with a single moments later.Kansas City added two more in the fourth before the Rangers tied the game with three runs in the fifth.That set the stage for Pasquantino, whose four-game homer streak is one shy of the Royals club record.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino greeted Webb's 2-1 pitch by sending it 407 feet to right field.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Rangers' Patrick Corbin allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed 17 over 13 innings covering his last four starts.<h2>Up next</h2>Texas returns home to face Cleveland on Friday night with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.76 ERA) up first.The Royals begin a three-game set Friday night in Detroit with RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.75) on the mound.___

⚾ Pasquantino's homer in 4th straight game helps lift Royals over Rangers 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755807821835.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon Volleyball head coach Dayana Acevedo Trent says her team is hungry heading into the 2025 season-opening matches this weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon Volleyball head coach Dayana Acevedo Trent says her team is hungry heading into the 2025 season-opening matches this weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By Steve Carpenter Blue Dragon Sports Information Director
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Here is a list of what first-year Hutchinson Community College head volleyball coach Dayana Acevedo Trent has learned about her new team in the first three weeks of the 2025 season: + The Blue Dragons are hungry; + The Blue Dragons have the potential to be very offensive; + There is a lot of talent and potential, but it's going to be a work in progress.
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BLUE DRAGON VOLLEYBALL Hutchinson at Iowa Western Reiver Classic 2025 Season Opener When: Friday-Saturday August 22-23 Where: Reiver Gym, Council Bluffs, Iowa Blue Dragon Schedule Friday, August 21 2 p.m.&nbsp;&ndash; Salt Lake CC 6 p.m.&nbsp;&ndash; Iowa Western CC Saturday, August 22 1 p.m.&nbsp;&ndash; No. 19 Western Nebraska Live Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goreivers.com/information/reiver-sports-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All Matches Streamed on Reiver Sports Network</a> X: @bluedragonsport
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Since being hired in mid-January, Acevedo Trent has had the dates August 22 and 23 circled on her calendar. That's opening weekend for Hutchinson Volleyball and first tests for Acevedo Trent's first Blue Dragon team.
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The program's 14th head coach, Acevedo Trent and the Blue Dragons open the new era of Blue Dragon volleyball with three matches at the Iowa Western Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
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Hutchinson will play Salt Lake at 2 p.m. and Iowa Western at 6 p.m. on Friday and close the weekend with No. 19 Western Nebraska at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Reiver Gym.
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"I think we did really well during the preseason and we covered everything that we needed two in the preseason, but there is always room for improvement," said Acevedo Trent, who is 98-29 in four seasons at Odessa College, where she led the Wranglers to national tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024.
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Hutchinson was picked to finish fifth in the preseason KJCCC Coaches' Poll.
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Acevedo Trent takes over a Blue Dragon program that suffered a losing season in 2024, going 19-21 &ndash; the program's first sub-.500 campaign since 2010. From that team, four players &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/raschen_priscilla_2phx">Priscilla Raschen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;&ndash; return to the program.
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The Blue Dragons add five transfers into the mix &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/vazquez_lauren_ysnb">Lauren Vazquez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;from Odessa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;from the University of Louisiana and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/ferreira_nathalia_supd">Nathalia Ferreira</a>&nbsp;from Miami-Dade College. The Blue Dragons have seven true freshmen on the opening-day roster.
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"I think that we have a lot of weapons at the net, both on the pins and in the middle," Acevedo Trent said. "They are making my job hard to pick what lineup is going to be out there. I think we are going to be a really good serving team and we are going to be very aggressive at the line. I think we are going to be a very good passing team in the end because we are facing tough competition every day."
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The 2025 Blue Dragons won't be short on collegiate experience as Acevedo Trent begins to build up a program that has 10 Region 6 Championships, but hasn't been back to the NJCAA National Tournament since 2017.
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The Blue Dragons return their top hitter from last season in Proctor (a 6-foot outside hitter from Nelson, British Columbia, Canada). She hit .185 and averaged 2.86 kills per set. She had 20 matches with 10 or more kills, including three of 20 or more with a career-high 22 against Vincennes University.
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"Atlyn has all the bones to be a great attacker," Acevedo Trent said. "She is just now learning to use her abilities to the best. She has grown up a lot. Before, she was just "see ball, attack ball." Now she is becoming more consistent with several different shots and she's become a better blocker, passer and server."
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Raschen, a 5-10 pin hitter from Independence, returns after limited duty as a freshman. Playing 25 sets in 18 matches, Raschen hit 0.53 with 0.68 kills per set. Follmer is a 5-10 middle from Chanute. She played in 88 sets in 32 matches last season and hit .142 on 1.11 kills per set. Follmer averaged 0.51 blocks. Used more as a serving specialist last season, Reupena (5'8 sophomore from Christchurch, Australia) will be one of the Dragons' two primary setters this season.
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"From the day I got here, I noticed how Angela commands. When you are a setter, you have to be confident enough to run an offense. Angela definitely has that."
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Two players on the 2025 Blue Dragon roster have national tournament experience.
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Outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;came with Acevedo Trent from Odessa. The 6-1 sophomore from Lima, Peru, hit .142 and averaged 2.36 kills per set and 0.64 digs per set in 28 matches. Villanueva also played on Peru's national volleyball team.
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<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/ferreira_nathalia_supd">Nathalia Ferreira</a>, a 6-1 middle from Brasilia, Brazil, played at Miami-Dade last season. She averaged 1.13 kills per set in 16 matches with the Sharks.
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University of Louisiana transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;is expected to improve the production from the right side. In 21 matches (73 sets) with the Ragin' Cajuns last season, McNeill hit .176 with 1.03 kills and 0.73 blocks per set.
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"Jaylynn has a great block and she's very aggressive. She is a presence at the net," Acevedo Trent said. "We have a lot of girls who have played at a high level. We have players who played in the national tournament, so they know what it takes.
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"Now it's about finding the right pieces and put them together. By the end of this season, it's going to be very exciting."
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Another Odessa transfer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;(a 5'11 freshman from Lima, Peru) will work as the other primary setter. Garcia has also played at the national level in Peru.
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Freshman or first-year players who will contribute are outside hitter Lauren, Vazquez (5'8, Andrews, Texas), Hutchinson Trinity Catholic middle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;(6-0, Hutchinson), middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/pedroza_daniela_zc4p">Daniela Pedroza</a>&nbsp;(5'11, Naples, Florida) and middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/davis_ty-lia_aij7">Ty'Lia Davis</a>&nbsp;(5'11, Baton Rouge, Louisiana).
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The battle for back-row playing time will be battled for by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;(5'2, Matonsinhos, Portugal),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/williamson_mckenzye_wur2">McKenzye Williamson</a>&nbsp;(5'4, Amarillo, Texas),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/dominquez_sorielys_9mz8">Sorielys Dominquez</a>&nbsp;(5'3, Rio Grande Puerto Rico) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/shepherd_addison_vsnb">Addison Shepherd</a>&nbsp;(5'3, Gardner, Kansas).
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"I'm excited to see how we are going to line up this season," Acevedo Trent said. "I'm excited. The girls are excited and we are hungry, so we are ready to see what the weekend will bring."
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After tournaments this weekend in Council Bluffs and McCook, Nebraska on August 29-30, the Blue Dragons will open at home on September 3 against the Barton Cougars at the Sports Arena.</div>

🏐 Acevedo Trent era officially begins for Blue Dragons this weekend

🎧⚾ Royals' win streak ends; ⚾ Wind Surge loses to RockHounds

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.

Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.

Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.

Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.

Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.

Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.

Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.

Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.

The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.

LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.<h2>Key moment</h2>Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.<h2>Up next</h2>LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).