The Kansas Volleyball Association (KVA) released its new rankings on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The rankings reflect the new 2025-26 classifications, released by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) last week.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694203728754.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Volleyball Association" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Volleyball Association</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Kansas Volleyball Association (KVA) released its new rankings on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The rankings reflect the new 2025-26 classifications, released by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) last week.</p><div><h2 data-start="274" data-end="288"><strong data-start="274" data-end="286">Class 6A</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="289" data-end="589">
<li data-start="289" data-end="320">
<p data-start="292" data-end="320">Blue Valley West, 15-1 (1)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="321" data-end="347">
<p data-start="324" data-end="347">Mill Valley, 15-3 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="348" data-end="374">
<p data-start="351" data-end="374">Olathe West, 13-3 (2)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="375" data-end="407">
<p data-start="378" data-end="407">Blue Valley North, 13-7 (4)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="408" data-end="439">
<p data-start="411" data-end="439">Olathe Northwest, 14-5 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="440" data-end="468">
<p data-start="443" data-end="468">Washburn Rural, 9-4 (6)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="469" data-end="493">
<p data-start="472" data-end="493">Manhattan, 13-5 (9)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="494" data-end="528">
<p data-start="497" data-end="528">Lawrence Free State, 11-8 (7)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="529" data-end="560">
<p data-start="532" data-end="560">Gardner-Edgerton, 17-6 (8)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="561" data-end="589">
<p data-start="565" data-end="589">Garden City, 15-3 (10)</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-start="591" data-end="605"><strong data-start="591" data-end="603">Class 5A</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="606" data-end="902">
<li data-start="606" data-end="639">
<p data-start="609" data-end="639">St. Thomas Aquinas, 14-2 (1)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="640" data-end="676">
<p data-start="643" data-end="676">Blue Valley Southwest, 17-2 (2)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="677" data-end="703">
<p data-start="680" data-end="703">Maize South, 22-3 (4)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="704" data-end="733">
<p data-start="707" data-end="733">Bishop Carroll, 22-1 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="734" data-end="766">
<p data-start="737" data-end="766">St. James Academy, 15-6 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="767" data-end="789">
<p data-start="770" data-end="789">Lansing, 19-5 (6)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="790" data-end="820">
<p data-start="793" data-end="820">Andover Central, 16-7 (9)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="821" data-end="854">
<p data-start="824" data-end="854">Goddard-Eisenhower, 16-7 (8)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="855" data-end="877">
<p data-start="858" data-end="877">De Soto, 16-8 (7)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="878" data-end="902">
<p data-start="882" data-end="902">Andover, 11-6 (10)</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-start="904" data-end="918"><strong data-start="904" data-end="916">Class 4A</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="919" data-end="1164">
<li data-start="919" data-end="945">
<p data-start="922" data-end="945">Clay Center, 17-2 (2)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="946" data-end="967">
<p data-start="949" data-end="967">Andale, 21-1 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="968" data-end="989">
<p data-start="971" data-end="989">Hayden, 14-5 (1)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="990" data-end="1017">
<p data-start="993" data-end="1017">Bishop Miege, 3-15 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1018" data-end="1043">
<p data-start="1021" data-end="1043">Rock Creek, 23-4 (7)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1044" data-end="1067">
<p data-start="1047" data-end="1067">Chanute, 20-0 (10)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1068" data-end="1092">
<p data-start="1071" data-end="1092"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>McPherson, 15-4 (6)</strong></span></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1093" data-end="1113">
<p data-start="1096" data-end="1113">Paola, 14-4 (4)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1114" data-end="1136">
<p data-start="1117" data-end="1136">Eudora, 13-8 (NR)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1137" data-end="1164">
<p data-start="1141" data-end="1164">Wellington, 15-6 (NR)</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-start="1166" data-end="1180"><strong data-start="1166" data-end="1178">Class 3A</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="1181" data-end="1450">
<li data-start="1181" data-end="1207">
<p data-start="1184" data-end="1207">Silver Lake, 22-1 (1)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1208" data-end="1229">
<p data-start="1211" data-end="1229">Beloit, 18-4 (2)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1230" data-end="1253">
<p data-start="1233" data-end="1253"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>Halstead, 16-3 (4)</strong></span></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1254" data-end="1279">
<p data-start="1257" data-end="1279">Hoisington, 21-3 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1280" data-end="1307">
<p data-start="1283" data-end="1307">Holton, 18-6 (8 in 4A)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1308" data-end="1338">
<p data-start="1311" data-end="1338">Trinity Academy, 14-4 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1339" data-end="1362">
<p data-start="1342" data-end="1362">Goodland, 12-2 (7)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1363" data-end="1385">
<p data-start="1366" data-end="1385">Holcomb, 17-3 (8)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1386" data-end="1426">
<p data-start="1389" data-end="1426">Maranatha Christian, 18-3 (9 in 2A)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1427" data-end="1450">
<p data-start="1431" data-end="1450"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>Hesston, 14-8 (6)</strong></span></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-start="1452" data-end="1466"><strong data-start="1452" data-end="1464">Class 2A</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="1467" data-end="1744">
<li data-start="1467" data-end="1491">
<p data-start="1470" data-end="1491">Ellinwood, 22-0 (1)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1492" data-end="1516">
<p data-start="1495" data-end="1516">Hillsboro, 19-5 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1517" data-end="1542">
<p data-start="1520" data-end="1542"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>Moundridge, 21-2 (2)</strong></span></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1543" data-end="1564">
<p data-start="1546" data-end="1564">Oakley, 20-0 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1565" data-end="1589">
<p data-start="1568" data-end="1589">Rossville, 14-6 (4)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1590" data-end="1619">
<p data-start="1593" data-end="1619">Medicine Lodge, 22-1 (6)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1620" data-end="1649">
<p data-start="1623" data-end="1649">Valley Heights, 18-6 (7)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1650" data-end="1673">
<p data-start="1653" data-end="1673"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>Sedgwick, 18-5 (8)</strong></span></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1674" data-end="1712">
<p data-start="1677" data-end="1712">Jefferson County North, 21-1 (10)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1713" data-end="1744">
<p data-start="1717" data-end="1744">Berean Academy, 14-6 (NR)</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-start="1746" data-end="1771"><strong data-start="1746" data-end="1769">Class 1A Division I</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="1772" data-end="2027">
<li data-start="1772" data-end="1799">
<p data-start="1775" data-end="1799"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>Little River, 20-2 (1)</strong></span></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1800" data-end="1824">
<p data-start="1803" data-end="1824">Centralia, 19-2 (2)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1825" data-end="1850">
<p data-start="1828" data-end="1850">Spearville, 16-1 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1851" data-end="1876">
<p data-start="1854" data-end="1876">Rock Hills, 20-0 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1877" data-end="1902">
<p data-start="1880" data-end="1902">South Gray, 19-2 (4)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1903" data-end="1928">
<p data-start="1906" data-end="1928">Wabaunsee, 13-5 (NR)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1929" data-end="1951">
<p data-start="1932" data-end="1951">Goessel, 14-6 (8)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="1981">
<p data-start="1955" data-end="1981">Greeley County, 15-6 (6)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1982" data-end="2004">
<p data-start="1985" data-end="2004">Quinter, 12-5 (9)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2005" data-end="2027">
<p data-start="2009" data-end="2027">Onaga, 10-5 (10)</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 data-start="2029" data-end="2055"><strong data-start="2029" data-end="2053">Class 1A Division II</strong></h2>
<ol data-start="2056" data-end="2301">
<li data-start="2056" data-end="2078">
<p data-start="2059" data-end="2078">Ingalls, 17-1 (1)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2079" data-end="2118">
<p data-start="2082" data-end="2118">Marais des Cygnes Valley, 21-1 (2)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2119" data-end="2141">
<p data-start="2122" data-end="2141">Hanover, 20-3 (3)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2142" data-end="2164">
<p data-start="2145" data-end="2164">Argonia, 26-1 (4)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2165" data-end="2184">
<p data-start="2168" data-end="2184">Linn, 13-5 (5)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2185" data-end="2208">
<p data-start="2188" data-end="2208">Victoria, 14-1 (6)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2209" data-end="2231">
<p data-start="2212" data-end="2231">Dighton, 10-5 (8)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2232" data-end="2254">
<p data-start="2235" data-end="2254">Cheylin, 16-5 (7)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2255" data-end="2278">
<p data-start="2258" data-end="2278">Waverly, 17-7 (10)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2279" data-end="2301">
<p data-start="2283" data-end="2301">Attica, 16-9 (9)</p>
</li>
</ol></div><p>&nbsp;</p>

🏐 Halstead, McPherson, Moundridge among area teams in latest KVA rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that infielder Vinnie Pasquantino and right-handed pitcher Stephen Kolek have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for September. The awards are determined by a local media vote.

Pasquantino started each of the Royals final 25 games of the season, slashing .290/.330/.520 (29-for-100) with 19 RBI, and 15 of his 29 hits went for extra bases (11 doubles, 4 home runs). His 15 extra-base hits last month were tied for 5th most in the Majors, behind only Shohei Ohtani (19), Jorge Polanco (17), Daylen Lile (16) and Jackson Merrill (16), and they tied for the 7th most by a Royal ever in the month of September. He recorded his 100th RBI of the season in the 3rd inning on Sept. 10 in Cleveland, becoming the 21st different player in Royals history to record a 100-RBI season with the club. Pasquantino hit his team-leading 32nd home run in the 1st inning last Thursday in Anaheim, which also marked his Major League-leading 32nd go-ahead RBI of the season. Thanks to his strong month of September, he finished the year with 33 doubles and 32 home runs, making him one of eight players in Royals history to record at least 30 doubles and 30 home runs in a season, something teammate Salvador Perez also did this season (35 doubles and 30 HR). Pasquantino is only the third Royals left-handed batter to turn the trick, following George Brett in 1985 (38 2B, 30 HR) and John Mayberry in 1975 (38 2B, 34 HR). This marks his fifth career monthly honor and second straight, after recording an American League-leading 29 RBI in August.

Kolek was unanimously named Royals Player of the Month in his first full month with the club, as he was acquired by Kansas City at the Trade Deadline and made his next 5 starts with Triple-A Omaha before being recalled on Aug. 29. He made 4 starts with the Royals in the month of September, during which he pitched to a 2.00 ERA (6 ER in 27.0 IP) and allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in all 4 outings. He limited opponents to a .165 batting average (16-for-97), which was the 3rd-best opponents’ average in the American League (min. 4 GS), behind only Minnesota’s Simeon Woods Richardson (.140) and Seattle’s Bryan Woo (.143). Kolek’s 2.00 ERA ranked 5th in the AL (min. 4 GS), trailing Tanner Bibee (1.30), Joey Cantillo (1.55), Gavin Williams (1.88) and Max Fried (1.89). He pitched to a 1.91 ERA (7 ER in 33.0 IP) spanning 5 starts as a Royal following his acquisition, making him one of only four Royals to allow no more than 7 earned runs over at least 33.0 innings in their 1st 5 appearances with the club, a feat last done by Jason Vargas in 2014 (6 ER in 35.0 IP).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757384001940.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas City Royals</i></p><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that infielder Vinnie Pasquantino and right-handed pitcher Stephen Kolek have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for September. The awards are determined by a local media vote.</p><p>Pasquantino started each of the Royals final 25 games of the season, slashing .290/.330/.520 (29-for-100) with 19 RBI, and 15 of his 29 hits went for extra bases (11 doubles, 4 home runs). His 15 extra-base hits last month were tied for 5th most in the Majors, behind only Shohei Ohtani (19), Jorge Polanco (17), Daylen Lile (16) and Jackson Merrill (16), and they tied for the 7th most by a Royal ever in the month of September. He recorded his 100th RBI of the season in the 3rd inning on Sept. 10 in Cleveland, becoming the 21st different player in Royals history to record a 100-RBI season with the club. Pasquantino hit his team-leading 32nd home run in the 1st inning last Thursday in Anaheim, which also marked his Major League-leading 32nd go-ahead RBI of the season. Thanks to his strong month of September, he finished the year with 33 doubles and 32 home runs, making him one of eight players in Royals history to record at least 30 doubles and 30 home runs in a season, something teammate Salvador Perez also did this season (35 doubles and 30 HR). Pasquantino is only the third Royals left-handed batter to turn the trick, following George Brett in 1985 (38 2B, 30 HR) and John Mayberry in 1975 (38 2B, 34 HR). This marks his fifth career monthly honor and second straight, after recording an American League-leading 29 RBI in August.</p><p>Kolek was unanimously named Royals Player of the Month in his first full month with the club, as he was acquired by Kansas City at the Trade Deadline and made his next 5 starts with Triple-A Omaha before being recalled on Aug. 29. He made 4 starts with the Royals in the month of September, during which he pitched to a 2.00 ERA (6 ER in 27.0 IP) and allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in all 4 outings. He limited opponents to a .165 batting average (16-for-97), which was the 3rd-best opponents’ average in the American League (min. 4 GS), behind only Minnesota’s Simeon Woods Richardson (.140) and Seattle’s Bryan Woo (.143). Kolek’s 2.00 ERA ranked 5th in the AL (min. 4 GS), trailing Tanner Bibee (1.30), Joey Cantillo (1.55), Gavin Williams (1.88) and Max Fried (1.89). He pitched to a 1.91 ERA (7 ER in 33.0 IP) spanning 5 starts as a Royal following his acquisition, making him one of only four Royals to allow no more than 7 earned runs over at least 33.0 innings in their 1st 5 appearances with the club, a feat last done by Jason Vargas in 2014 (6 ER in 35.0 IP).</p>

⚾ Pasquantino, Kolek named Royals Player, Pitcher of the Month for September

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior Emmanuel Henderson Jr. has been added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced on Wednesday, presented to college football's most outstanding FBS receiver at any position.

Henderson is among 11 additions to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, marking the first in-season addition of receivers since announcing its initial watch list on August 6.

Henderson, a native of Hartford, Alabama, is Kansas' leading wide receiver through five games, catching 23 passes for 435 yards and four touchdowns, including receiving touchdowns of 93, 75 and 62 yards. Henderson's 435 receiving yards are the second most in the Big 12 Conference and 10th most nationally this season.

Last week against Cincinnati, Henderson took the first offensive play for a 93-yard touchdown on a strike from quarterback Jalon Daniels. Later in the third quarter, Henderson broke free for a 75-yard touchdown, becoming the first player in FBS this season with receiving touchdowns of 75+ yards in the same game. Henderson finished with the fourth most receiving yards in school history, 214, on five catches and two touchdowns.

Henderson is currently one of four players in FBS this season with 200+ receiving yards and 2+ receiving touchdowns in a single game and is the only one to do so against a conference opponent.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff

Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in other years. Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.

The Biletnikoff Award's semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers.

Henderson and the Jayhawks will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 4 as Kansas travels to Orlando, Florida, for a Big 12 road test against UCF. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759332445030.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas Athletics</i></p><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior Emmanuel Henderson Jr. has been added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced on Wednesday, presented to college football's most outstanding FBS receiver at any position.</p><p>Henderson is among 11 additions to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, marking the first in-season addition of receivers since announcing its initial watch list on August 6.</p><p>Henderson, a native of Hartford, Alabama, is Kansas' leading wide receiver through five games, catching 23 passes for 435 yards and four touchdowns, including receiving touchdowns of 93, 75 and 62 yards. Henderson's 435 receiving yards are the second most in the Big 12 Conference and 10th most nationally this season.</p><p>Last week against Cincinnati, Henderson took the first offensive play for a 93-yard touchdown on a strike from quarterback Jalon Daniels. Later in the third quarter, Henderson broke free for a 75-yard touchdown, becoming the first player in FBS this season with receiving touchdowns of 75+ yards in the same game. Henderson finished with the fourth most receiving yards in school history, 214, on five catches and two touchdowns.</p><p>Henderson is currently one of four players in FBS this season with 200+ receiving yards and 2+ receiving touchdowns in a single game and is the only one to do so against a conference opponent.</p><p>The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff</p><p>Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in other years. Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.</p><p>The Biletnikoff Award's semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers.</p><p>Henderson and the Jayhawks will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 4 as Kansas travels to Orlando, Florida, for a Big 12 road test against UCF. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.</p>

🏈 KU's Henderson Jr. named to Biletnikoff Award watch list

🎧⚾ Wild Card Game 1 finals; 🏈 HutchCC remains No. 1

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas redshirt senior Jalon Daniels is one of 67 nominees for the ninth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, the organization announced on Tuesday, awarded to honor exemplary leadership by a college player.

The members of the watch list have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Daniels is a four-time team captain for the Jayhawks, becoming the first four-time captain in program history. Daniels, a native of Lawndale, California, is now in his sixth season at Kansas and is the only Power 4 quarterback to start at least one game in all six seasons.

Daniels has gotten off to a hot start to the 2025 season, completing 85-of-127 passes for 1,262 yards and 16 touchdowns. Daniels' 16 passing touchdowns are the second most in all of college football this season. Last week against Cincinnati, Daniels threw for 445 yards and rushed for 55, totaling 500 yards of total offense, the most in a single game in the country this season.

Daniels is one of Kansas football's most productive quarterbacks in school history, ranking second in Kansas football history in career passing yards (8,013), career completions (621), and career passing touchdowns (61). Daniels has the 8th-most career passing yards amongst all FBS quarterbacks and is one of three Power 4 quarterbacks with 55+ passing touchdowns and at least 7,000 passing yards at one school.

As impressive as Daniels is on the field, he is as equally impressive off the field. Daniels was recently named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy – awarded the top college football player with the best combination of academics, leadership, and on-field performance. Prior to the 2025 season, Daniels was named to the Walter Camp Award Preseason Watch List and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List entering the 2025 season. In 2022, Daniels was named an Academic All-American.

Daniels is also very involved in the community, serving as an offseason captain and leading teammates to participate in community service initiatives within the Lawrence community. Daniels has also started the "Mom2JD6" Foundation committed to supporting single mothers raising athletic children by providing financial aid, mentorship, sports training, and community resources.

Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 14. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.

Last year, J.J. Weaver of Kentucky won the eighth annual award. The first seven Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year awards were presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF in 2017, D'Cota Dixon of Wisconsin in 2018, Trey Smith of Tennessee in 2019, Sam Ehlinger of Texas in 2020, Joshua Paschal of Kentucky in 2021, Deslin Alexandre of Pittsburgh in 2022 and Mike Hollins of Virginia in 2023.

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758421938810.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6)passes the ball as he is pressured by West Virginia linebacker Reid Carrico (35) during the first half of an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6)passes the ball as he is pressured by West Virginia linebacker Reid Carrico (35) during the first half of an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas Athletics</i></p><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas redshirt senior Jalon Daniels is one of 67 nominees for the ninth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, the organization announced on Tuesday, awarded to honor exemplary leadership by a college player.</p><p>The members of the watch list have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.</p><p>Daniels is a four-time team captain for the Jayhawks, becoming the first four-time captain in program history. Daniels, a native of Lawndale, California, is now in his sixth season at Kansas and is the only Power 4 quarterback to start at least one game in all six seasons.</p><p>Daniels has gotten off to a hot start to the 2025 season, completing 85-of-127 passes for 1,262 yards and 16 touchdowns. Daniels' 16 passing touchdowns are the second most in all of college football this season. Last week against Cincinnati, Daniels threw for 445 yards and rushed for 55, totaling 500 yards of total offense, the most in a single game in the country this season.</p><p>Daniels is one of Kansas football's most productive quarterbacks in school history, ranking second in Kansas football history in career passing yards (8,013), career completions (621), and career passing touchdowns (61). Daniels has the 8th-most career passing yards amongst all FBS quarterbacks and is one of three Power 4 quarterbacks with 55+ passing touchdowns and at least 7,000 passing yards at one school.</p><p>As impressive as Daniels is on the field, he is as equally impressive off the field. Daniels was recently named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy – awarded the top college football player with the best combination of academics, leadership, and on-field performance. Prior to the 2025 season, Daniels was named to the Walter Camp Award Preseason Watch List and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List entering the 2025 season. In 2022, Daniels was named an Academic All-American.</p><p>Daniels is also very involved in the community, serving as an offseason captain and leading teammates to participate in community service initiatives within the Lawrence community. Daniels has also started the "Mom2JD6" Foundation committed to supporting single mothers raising athletic children by providing financial aid, mentorship, sports training, and community resources.</p><p>Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 14. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.</p><p>Last year, J.J. Weaver of Kentucky won the eighth annual award. The first seven Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year awards were presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF in 2017, D'Cota Dixon of Wisconsin in 2018, Trey Smith of Tennessee in 2019, Sam Ehlinger of Texas in 2020, Joshua Paschal of Kentucky in 2021, Deslin Alexandre of Pittsburgh in 2022 and Mike Hollins of Virginia in 2023.</p><p>The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.</p>

🏈 KU's Jalon Daniels named to Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year watch list

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/fball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR FULL NJCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL RANKINGS</a>

Coming off a bye week, the Hutchinson Community College football team remains at No. 1 in the NJCAA Division I Football rankings, which were released on Tuesday this week.

The Blue Dragons (3-0) stay at the top of the rankings for the eighth-straight week. Hutchinson travels to Ellsworth (2-3) for an 11 a.m. kickoff at Cadet Field on Saturday at Iowa Falls, Iowa. The Dragons will open Jayhawk Conference play on Saturday, October 11 at Dodge City.

The top eight teams all remained the same this week with the Blue Dragons once again capturing all 12 first-place votes.

The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll to 54 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 48 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 43 of the 73 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.

There was no movement to the top eight teams in the latest rankings. After the Blue Dragons, Iowa Western, Tyler, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Navarro remain teams 2 through 5.

With Coffeyville’s win over Butler on Saturday, the Red Ravens jump into the Top 10 and there are now three Jayhawk Conference teams in the Top 10 this season.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759288026925.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/fball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR FULL NJCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL RANKINGS</a></p><p>Coming off a bye week, the Hutchinson Community College football team remains at No. 1 in the NJCAA Division I Football rankings, which were released on Tuesday this week.</p><p>The Blue Dragons (3-0) stay at the top of the rankings for the eighth-straight week. Hutchinson travels to Ellsworth (2-3) for an 11 a.m. kickoff at Cadet Field on Saturday at Iowa Falls, Iowa. The Dragons will open Jayhawk Conference play on Saturday, October 11 at Dodge City.</p><p>The top eight teams all remained the same this week with the Blue Dragons once again capturing all 12 first-place votes.</p><p>The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll to 54 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 48 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 43 of the 73 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.</p><p>There was no movement to the top eight teams in the latest rankings. After the Blue Dragons, Iowa Western, Tyler, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Navarro remain teams 2 through 5.</p><p>With Coffeyville’s win over Butler on Saturday, the Red Ravens jump into the Top 10 and there are now three Jayhawk Conference teams in the Top 10 this season.</p>

🏈 Dragons remain No. 1 following bye week

MANHATTAN, Kan. – One day after being named to the Ray's 8 list, Kansas State sophomore Simon McClannan was chosen as the best of the group by being named the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week, the award's organization announced on Tuesday.

McClannan averaged 51.0 yards on his four attempts last week against UCF as three of his four punts went at least 45 yards, none were returned and all four resulted in the Knights beginning the next drive inside their own 20-yard line. His effort included a career-long 65-yard punt, which was the longest by a Wildcat in two seasons.

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, McClannan became the first Wildcat punter in the Big 12 era to average at least 50.0 yards per punt on at least four attempts in consecutive games as he produced a 50.8-yard average in the previous game at Arizona.

McClannan enters this week's game at Baylor ranking third in the Big 12 with a 45.1-yard average on 19 punts, which includes seven that have traveled at least 50 yards to tie for second in the Big 12.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759288360455.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas State Athletics</i></p><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. – One day after being named to the Ray's 8 list, Kansas State sophomore Simon McClannan was chosen as the best of the group by being named the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week, the award's organization announced on Tuesday.</p><p>McClannan averaged 51.0 yards on his four attempts last week against UCF as three of his four punts went at least 45 yards, none were returned and all four resulted in the Knights beginning the next drive inside their own 20-yard line. His effort included a career-long 65-yard punt, which was the longest by a Wildcat in two seasons.</p><p>A native of Omaha, Nebraska, McClannan became the first Wildcat punter in the Big 12 era to average at least 50.0 yards per punt on at least four attempts in consecutive games as he produced a 50.8-yard average in the previous game at Arizona.</p><p>McClannan enters this week's game at Baylor ranking third in the Big 12 with a 45.1-yard average on 19 punts, which includes seven that have traveled at least 50 yards to tie for second in the Big 12.</p>

🏈 K-State's McClannan named Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week

🎧🏈 MNF; 🏐 Dragons win in Dodge; ⚾ Postseason play begins today

DODGE CITY – Tied after two sets on Monday night against the Dodge City Conquistadors, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team grinded out a pair of wins in sets 3 and 4 to earn a tough 3-1 KJCCC victory at the DC3 Student Events Center.

Fighting off a set point in the third set, the Blue Dragons defeated Dodge City 25-18, 24-26, 26-24, 25-23 to once again reach the .500 mark.

Hutchinson (11-11, 3-4 KJCCC) will play host to Butler at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. Dodge City is 9-10 overall and 3-4 in the league. The Dragons snap a four-match losing streak to the Conquistadors.

After the Blue Dragons hit .423 in the first set for a seven-point victory, the Dragons had a 22-19 second-set lead. Dodge City scored on 7 of the final 9 rallies in the set to upend Hutchinson 26-24 to knot the match at a set each.

But the Dragons found a way in sets 3 and 4.

Dodge City had a set point at 24-23 in the third set. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;kill tied the set. The Dragons scored the final three points of the set, capped by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;ace on set point for a 26-24 win and a 2-1 match lead.

The Dragons trailed 7-1 in the fourth set, but battled back with .459 hitting. Leading 24-22, the Dragons closed out the match with a McNeill/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;double block on match point.

McNeill had a match-high 16 kills, hitting .464 on 28 attacks – all three stats are season highs for the Blue Dragon sophomore.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;had 14 kills on 31 swings for .226 hitting. Villanueva posted her eighth double-double of the season and her fourth in the last five matches with 21 digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/vazquez_lauren_ysnb">Lauren Vazquez</a>&nbsp;had had 11 kills on 37 swings for .108 hitting. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;had nine kills on .381 hitting.

The Blue Dragons hit .287 for the match with 56 kills on 129 swings.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;finished with 48 assists and 14 digs for her third double-double of the season. She added three service aces, two kills and a block. Oliveira had 17 digs to extend her streak of 10 or more digs in a match to 22-consecutive matches.

The Blue Dragons out-hit Dodge City 56-44 and out-blocked the Conquistadors 9-7. Galliher had a team-high six blocks, while Follmer and McNeill had three blocks each.

<b>SET 1: </b>The Blue Dragons got off to strong start, building a 10-5 lead after a Galliher kill on an over-pass. Vazquez had a pair of aces in a 4-0 run that upped the lead to 16-9. A Galliher/Villanueva double block boosted the Dragon lead to 20-12. Dodge City pulled within 22-17, but the Dragons finished off the set with a 25-18 win.

<b>SET 2:</b> A Follmer kill on an over-pass gave the Blue Dragons a 12-8 lead. Dodge City answered the start with a 6-1 run to take a 14-13 lead. Trailing 21-18, two Reupena aces and kills from Villanueva and Galliher were part of a 5-0 Hutchinson run for a 21-18 lead. Dodge City scored 5 of the next 6 points for a 23-22 lead. The Dragons had a set point in hand at 24-23 after a McNeill kill and Conquistador attack error, but the Dragons couldn't finish off the set and the Conquistadors scored the final three points of the set for a 26-24 win to tie the match at 1-1.

<b>SET 3: </b>The third set had seven lead changes and eight ties and the Blue Dragons had to overcome a match-low .063 hitting in the set. The Dragons took advantage of five Dodge City service errors in the set. The Dragons rallied from a 14-11 deficit with a 5-1 run for a 16-15 lead. Dodge City led 23-20, but a Villanueva kills, a McNeill/Galliher double block and a Galliher solo block tied the set at 23. Dodge City took a 24-23 lead, but a pair of kills and an Oliveira ace completed a Hutchinson comeback for a 26-24 win and a 2-1 match lead.

<b>SET 4:</b> The Dragons trailed 7-1 in the fourth set, but rallied with an 8-2 run to tie the set at 9-all after a diving Oliveira dig led to a Villanueva kill. The Dragons then trailed 15-11 and 17-12 before mounting a comeback. The Dragons got the set tied at 19 on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/dominquez_sorielys_9mz8">Sorielys Dominquez</a>&nbsp;ace serve. A Vazquez kill gave the Dragons a 23-20 lead to complete an 8-3 run. The Dragons then closed out the match with a McNeill kill and a McNeill/Galliher double block.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759238048712.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Jaylynn McNeill had a team-high 16 kills to lead the Blue Dragon volleyball team to a 3-1 KJCCC victory over Dodge City on Monday in Dodge City (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photorpgrahy)" />
                        <figcaption>Sophomore Jaylynn McNeill had a team-high 16 kills to lead the Blue Dragon volleyball team to a 3-1 KJCCC victory over Dodge City on Monday in Dodge City (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photorpgrahy)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p>DODGE CITY – Tied after two sets on Monday night against the Dodge City Conquistadors, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team grinded out a pair of wins in sets 3 and 4 to earn a tough 3-1 KJCCC victory at the DC3 Student Events Center.</p><p>Fighting off a set point in the third set, the Blue Dragons defeated Dodge City 25-18, 24-26, 26-24, 25-23 to once again reach the .500 mark.</p><p>Hutchinson (11-11, 3-4 KJCCC) will play host to Butler at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. Dodge City is 9-10 overall and 3-4 in the league. The Dragons snap a four-match losing streak to the Conquistadors.</p><p>After the Blue Dragons hit .423 in the first set for a seven-point victory, the Dragons had a 22-19 second-set lead. Dodge City scored on 7 of the final 9 rallies in the set to upend Hutchinson 26-24 to knot the match at a set each.</p><p>But the Dragons found a way in sets 3 and 4.</p><p>Dodge City had a set point at 24-23 in the third set. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;kill tied the set. The Dragons scored the final three points of the set, capped by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;ace on set point for a 26-24 win and a 2-1 match lead.</p><p>The Dragons trailed 7-1 in the fourth set, but battled back with .459 hitting. Leading 24-22, the Dragons closed out the match with a McNeill/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;double block on match point.</p><p>McNeill had a match-high 16 kills, hitting .464 on 28 attacks – all three stats are season highs for the Blue Dragon sophomore.</p><p>Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;had 14 kills on 31 swings for .226 hitting. Villanueva posted her eighth double-double of the season and her fourth in the last five matches with 21 digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/vazquez_lauren_ysnb">Lauren Vazquez</a>&nbsp;had had 11 kills on 37 swings for .108 hitting. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;had nine kills on .381 hitting.</p><p>The Blue Dragons hit .287 for the match with 56 kills on 129 swings.</p><p>Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;finished with 48 assists and 14 digs for her third double-double of the season. She added three service aces, two kills and a block. Oliveira had 17 digs to extend her streak of 10 or more digs in a match to 22-consecutive matches.</p><p>The Blue Dragons out-hit Dodge City 56-44 and out-blocked the Conquistadors 9-7. Galliher had a team-high six blocks, while Follmer and McNeill had three blocks each.</p><p><b>SET 1: </b>The Blue Dragons got off to strong start, building a 10-5 lead after a Galliher kill on an over-pass. Vazquez had a pair of aces in a 4-0 run that upped the lead to 16-9. A Galliher/Villanueva double block boosted the Dragon lead to 20-12. Dodge City pulled within 22-17, but the Dragons finished off the set with a 25-18 win.</p><p><b>SET 2:</b> A Follmer kill on an over-pass gave the Blue Dragons a 12-8 lead. Dodge City answered the start with a 6-1 run to take a 14-13 lead. Trailing 21-18, two Reupena aces and kills from Villanueva and Galliher were part of a 5-0 Hutchinson run for a 21-18 lead. Dodge City scored 5 of the next 6 points for a 23-22 lead. The Dragons had a set point in hand at 24-23 after a McNeill kill and Conquistador attack error, but the Dragons couldn't finish off the set and the Conquistadors scored the final three points of the set for a 26-24 win to tie the match at 1-1.</p><p><b>SET 3: </b>The third set had seven lead changes and eight ties and the Blue Dragons had to overcome a match-low .063 hitting in the set. The Dragons took advantage of five Dodge City service errors in the set. The Dragons rallied from a 14-11 deficit with a 5-1 run for a 16-15 lead. Dodge City led 23-20, but a Villanueva kills, a McNeill/Galliher double block and a Galliher solo block tied the set at 23. Dodge City took a 24-23 lead, but a pair of kills and an Oliveira ace completed a Hutchinson comeback for a 26-24 win and a 2-1 match lead.</p><p><b>SET 4:</b> The Dragons trailed 7-1 in the fourth set, but rallied with an 8-2 run to tie the set at 9-all after a diving Oliveira dig led to a Villanueva kill. The Dragons then trailed 15-11 and 17-12 before mounting a comeback. The Dragons got the set tied at 19 on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/dominquez_sorielys_9mz8">Sorielys Dominquez</a>&nbsp;ace serve. A Vazquez kill gave the Dragons a 23-20 lead to complete an 8-3 run. The Dragons then closed out the match with a McNeill kill and a McNeill/Galliher double block.</p>

🏐 Dragons down Dodge City in 4-set KJCCC victory

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759173742205.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P8l0NdHOOm0?si=8PNvHiAkRRCfpMwj" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 WATCH: Lance Leipold previews KU's game at UCF

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759170787741.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ID5QxiE2bBo?si=soBYGKCshvBeFQER" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 WATCH: Chris Klieman previews K-State's game at Baylor

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former K-State All-American Kaelen Culpepper was named the 2025 Minnesota Twins Minor League Player of the Year, earning the organization's Sherry Robertson Award.

Culpepper, who was drafted 21st overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, quickly made the jump to Double-A in June and established himself as one of the top players in the Twins' organization. This summer, the first-rounder earned a spot on the American League Team at the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, standing out as the organization's lone selection, and also garnered Texas League All-Star honors..

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Culpepper finished his first season with the Wichita Wind Surge as one of just five players to record both double-digit home runs (11) and steals (10). Overall, he capped his first full year in professional baseball with an impressive .289/.375/.469 slash line, racking up 39 extra-base hits, including 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases.

Culpepper led K-State to the program's second Super Regional appearance in 2024, earning Second Team All-America honors. He capped a standout junior season as one of the Big 12's top offensive performers, while pacing the Wildcats with a .328 batting average and .574 slugging percentage.

In 2023, he became just the third Wildcat in school history to be selected to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. He led Team USA with a .471 average, while adding two triples, three home runs, and seven RBI. Culpepper also topped the roster with an .853 slugging percentage and a .526 on-base percentage.

A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Culpepper closed his Wildcat career with a .314/.402/.531 slash line, recording 32 doubles, six triples, 26 home runs, and 122 RBI. His 26 career home runs rank 10th all-time in program history.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759170598308.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas State Athletics</i></p><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former K-State All-American Kaelen Culpepper was named the 2025 Minnesota Twins Minor League Player of the Year, earning the organization's Sherry Robertson Award.</p><p>Culpepper, who was drafted 21st overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, quickly made the jump to Double-A in June and established himself as one of the top players in the Twins' organization. This summer, the first-rounder earned a spot on the American League Team at the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, standing out as the organization's lone selection, and also garnered Texas League All-Star honors..</p><p>A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Culpepper finished his first season with the Wichita Wind Surge as one of just five players to record both double-digit home runs (11) and steals (10). Overall, he capped his first full year in professional baseball with an impressive .289/.375/.469 slash line, racking up 39 extra-base hits, including 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases.</p><p>Culpepper led K-State to the program's second Super Regional appearance in 2024, earning Second Team All-America honors. He capped a standout junior season as one of the Big 12's top offensive performers, while pacing the Wildcats with a .328 batting average and .574 slugging percentage.</p><p>In 2023, he became just the third Wildcat in school history to be selected to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. He led Team USA with a .471 average, while adding two triples, three home runs, and seven RBI. Culpepper also topped the roster with an .853 slugging percentage and a .526 on-base percentage.</p><p>A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Culpepper closed his Wildcat career with a .314/.402/.531 slash line, recording 32 doubles, six triples, 26 home runs, and 122 RBI. His 26 career home runs rank 10th all-time in program history.</p>

⚾ Former K-State Wildcat named Twins' Minor League Player of the Year

1) Maize (4-0)<br>2) Wichita NW (3-1)<br>3) Junction City (3-1)<br>4) Manhattan (3-1)<br>5) Gardner-Edgerton (3-1)

1) St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0)<br>2) Great Bend (4-0)<br>3) Hays (3-1)<br>4) Mill Valley (3-1)<br>5) St. James Academy (3-1)

1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel (4-0)<br>2) Bishop Miege (2-2)<br>3) Buhler (3-1)<br>4) Eudora (3-1)<br>5) Ottawa (3-1)

1) Andale (4-0)<br>2) Topeka Hayden (4-0)<br>3) Holcomb (4-0)<br>4) Rock Creek (4-0)<br>5) Scott City (3-0)

1) Southeast of Saline (4-0)<br>2) Nemaha Central (4-0)<br>3) Osage City (4-0)<br>4) Hoisington (3-0)<br>5) Garden Plain (3-1)

1) Jackson Heights (4-0)<br>2) Sterling (4-0)<br>3) Rossville (3-1)<br>4) St. Mary's Colgan (4-0)<br>5) Smith Center (4-0)

1) South Central (3-0)<br>2) Little River (4-0)<br>3) WaKeeney-Trego (4-0)<br>4) Central Plains (3-1)<br>5) Lyndon (3-0)

1) Axtell (4-0)<br>2) Victoria (4-0)<br>3) Hanover (4-0)<br>4) Hodgeman County (4-0)<br>5) Hutchinson-Central Christian (4-0)

1) Weskan (3-1)<br>2) Cunningham (3-1)<br>3) Ingalls (4-0)<br>4) Tescott (3-1)<br>5) South Barber (3-1)

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693413418452.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Class 6A</h2><p>1) Maize (4-0)<br>2) Wichita NW (3-1)<br>3) Junction City (3-1)<br>4) Manhattan (3-1)<br>5) Gardner-Edgerton (3-1)</p><h2>Class 5A</h2><p>1) St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0)<br>2) Great Bend (4-0)<br>3) Hays (3-1)<br>4) Mill Valley (3-1)<br>5) St. James Academy (3-1)</p><h2>Class 4A</h2><p>1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel (4-0)<br>2) Bishop Miege (2-2)<br>3) Buhler (3-1)<br>4) Eudora (3-1)<br>5) Ottawa (3-1)</p><h2>Class 3A</h2><p>1) Andale (4-0)<br>2) Topeka Hayden (4-0)<br>3) Holcomb (4-0)<br>4) Rock Creek (4-0)<br>5) Scott City (3-0)</p><h2>Class 2A</h2><p>1) Southeast of Saline (4-0)<br>2) Nemaha Central (4-0)<br>3) Osage City (4-0)<br>4) Hoisington (3-0)<br>5) Garden Plain (3-1)</p><h2>Class 1A</h2><p>1) Jackson Heights (4-0)<br>2) Sterling (4-0)<br>3) Rossville (3-1)<br>4) St. Mary's Colgan (4-0)<br>5) Smith Center (4-0)</p><h2>8-Man Division I</h2><p>1) South Central (3-0)<br>2) Little River (4-0)<br>3) WaKeeney-Trego (4-0)<br>4) Central Plains (3-1)<br>5) Lyndon (3-0)</p><h2>8-Man Division II</h2><p>1) Axtell (4-0)<br>2) Victoria (4-0)<br>3) Hanover (4-0)<br>4) Hodgeman County (4-0)<br>5) Hutchinson-Central Christian (4-0)</p><h2>6-Man</h2><p>1) Weskan (3-1)<br>2) Cunningham (3-1)<br>3) Ingalls (4-0)<br>4) Tescott (3-1)<br>5) South Barber (3-1)</p>

🏈 Kpreps rankings ahead of Week 5

🎧⚾ Royals finish 82-80; 🏈 Chiefs beat Ravens; 🏈 K-State wins, KU loses

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Kansas Kickoff Show, 6-6:30 p.m. (KWBW)<br>Hutch High football at Derby, 6:30 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. kickoff (KWBW)&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State football at Baylor, 9 a.m. pregame, 11 a.m. kickoff (KHMY)<br>HutchCC football at Ellsworth (IA), 10:30 pregame, 11 a.m. kickoff (KHUT*) *KWBW will join in progress at noon

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754488936409.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</p><h2>Monday, Sept. 29</h2><p>Chiefs Kingdom Show, 7-8 p.m. (KWBW)</p><h2>Tuesday, Sept. 30</h2><p>No broadcast scheduled</p><h2>Wednesday, Oct. 1&nbsp;</h2><p>

Chris Klieman Show, 7-8 p.m. (KHMY)</p><h2>Thursday, Oct. 2</h2><p>No broadcast scheduled</p><h2>Friday, Oct. 3</h2><p>Kansas Kickoff Show, 6-6:30 p.m. (KWBW)<br>Hutch High football at Derby, 6:30 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. kickoff (KWBW)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h2>Saturday, Oct. 4</h2><p>K-State football at Baylor, 9 a.m. pregame, 11 a.m. kickoff (KHMY)<br>HutchCC football at Ellsworth (IA), 10:30 pregame, 11 a.m. kickoff (KHUT*) *KWBW will join in progress at noon</p><h2>Sunday, Oct. 5</h2><p>No broadcast scheduled</p>

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for Sept. 29-Oct. 5

Tuesday, Sep. 30: Detroit (Skubal 13-6) at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Oct. 1: Detroit at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. (ESPN)

x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Detroit at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Tuesday, Sep. 30: Boston (Crochet 18-5) at New York (Fried 19 - 5), 6:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Oct. 1: Boston (Bello 11-9) at New York (Rodón 18-9), 6:08 p.m. (ESPN)

x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Boston at New York, 6:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Tuesday, Sep. 30: San Diego at Chicago, 3:08 p.m. (ABC)

Wednesday, Oct. 1: San Diego at Chicago, 3:08 p.m. (ABC)

x-Thursday, Oct. 2: San Diego at Chicago, 3:08 p.m. (ABC)

Tuesday, Sep. 30: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Oct. 1: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)

x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Oct. 4: New York-Boston winner at Toronto, TBD (FOX/FS1)

Sunday, Oct. 5: New York-Boston winner at Toronto, TBD (FOX/FS1)

Tuesday, Oct. 7: Toronto at New York-Boston winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)

x-Wednesday, Oct. 8: Toronto at New York-Boston winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)

x-Friday, Oct. 10: New York-Boston winner at Toronto, TBD (FOX/FS1)

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-tech-golf-new-york-yankees-tennessee-new-york-mets-ffe21d287043e4ab476739d21efb966d">Sports on TV for Sept. 8 - 14</a>

Saturday, Oct. 4: Cleveland-Detroit winner at Seattle, TBD (FOX/FS1)

Sunday, Oct. 5: Cleveland-Detroit winner at Seattle, TBD (FOX/FS1)

Tuesday, Oct. 7: Seattle at Cleveland-Detroit winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)

x-Wednesday, Oct. 8: Seattle at Cleveland-Detroit winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)

x-Friday, Oct. 10: Cleveland-Detroit winner at Seattle, TBD (FOX/FS1)

Saturday, Oct. 4: Chicago-San Diego winner at Milwaukee (TBS)

Monday, Oct. 6: Chicago-San Diego winner at Milwaukee (TBS)

Wednesday, Oct. 8: Milwaukee at Chicago-San Diego winner (TBS)

x-Thursday, Oct. 9: Milwaukee at Chicago-San Diego winner (TBS)

x-Saturday, Oct. 11: Chicago-San Diego winner at Milwaukee (TBS)

Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles or Cincinnati

Saturday, Oct. 4: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)

Monday, Oct. 6: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)

Wed, Oct. 8: Philadelphia at Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner, TBD (TBS)

x-Thursday, Oct. 9: Philadelphia at Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner, TBD (TBS)

x-Saturday, Oct. 11: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759154824274.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy MLB" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy MLB</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>All Times EDT</h2><h2>x-if necessary</h2><h2>WILD CARD SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-3)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>Cleveland vs. Detroit</h2><p>Tuesday, Sep. 30: Detroit (Skubal 13-6) at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><p>Wednesday, Oct. 1: Detroit at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Detroit at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><h2>New York vs. Boston</h2><p>Tuesday, Sep. 30: Boston (Crochet 18-5) at New York (Fried 19 - 5), 6:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><p>Wednesday, Oct. 1: Boston (Bello 11-9) at New York (Rodón 18-9), 6:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Boston at New York, 6:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><h2>National League</h2><h2>Chicago vs. San Diego</h2><p>Tuesday, Sep. 30: San Diego at Chicago, 3:08 p.m. (ABC)</p><p>Wednesday, Oct. 1: San Diego at Chicago, 3:08 p.m. (ABC)</p><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 2: San Diego at Chicago, 3:08 p.m. (ABC)</p><h2>Los Angeles vs. Cincinnati</h2><p>Tuesday, Sep. 30: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><p>Wednesday, Oct. 1: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><h2>DIVISION SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-5)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>(FOX, FS1)</h2><h2>Toronto vs. New York or Boston</h2><p>Saturday, Oct. 4: New York-Boston winner at Toronto, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>Sunday, Oct. 5: New York-Boston winner at Toronto, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>Tuesday, Oct. 7: Toronto at New York-Boston winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>x-Wednesday, Oct. 8: Toronto at New York-Boston winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>x-Friday, Oct. 10: New York-Boston winner at Toronto, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-tech-golf-new-york-yankees-tennessee-new-york-mets-ffe21d287043e4ab476739d21efb966d">Sports on TV for Sept. 8 - 14</a></p><h2>Seattle vs. Cleveland or Detroit</h2><p>Saturday, Oct. 4: Cleveland-Detroit winner at Seattle, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>Sunday, Oct. 5: Cleveland-Detroit winner at Seattle, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>Tuesday, Oct. 7: Seattle at Cleveland-Detroit winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>x-Wednesday, Oct. 8: Seattle at Cleveland-Detroit winner, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><p>x-Friday, Oct. 10: Cleveland-Detroit winner at Seattle, TBD (FOX/FS1)</p><h2>National League</h2><h2>(TBS, TruTV)</h2><h2>Milwaukee vs. Chicago or San Diego</h2><p>Saturday, Oct. 4: Chicago-San Diego winner at Milwaukee (TBS)</p><p>Monday, Oct. 6: Chicago-San Diego winner at Milwaukee (TBS)</p><p>Wednesday, Oct. 8: Milwaukee at Chicago-San Diego winner (TBS)</p><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 9: Milwaukee at Chicago-San Diego winner (TBS)</p><p>x-Saturday, Oct. 11: Chicago-San Diego winner at Milwaukee (TBS)</p><h2>Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles or Cincinnati</h2><p>Saturday, Oct. 4: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)</p><p>Monday, Oct. 6: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)</p><p>Wed, Oct. 8: Philadelphia at Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner, TBD (TBS)</p><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 9: Philadelphia at Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner, TBD (TBS)</p><p>x-Saturday, Oct. 11: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)</p><h2>LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-7)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>(FOX, FS1)</h2><p>Sunday, Oct. 12:</p><p>Monday, Oct. 13:</p><p>Wednesday, Oct. 15:</p><p>Thursday, Oct. 16:</p><p>x-Friday, Oct. 17:</p><p>x-Monday, Oct. 21:</p><p>x-Sunday, Oct. 19:</p><h2>National League</h2><h2>(TBS)</h2><p>Monday, Oct. 13:</p><p>Tuesday, Oct. 14:</p><p>Thursday, Oct. 16:</p><p>Thursday, Oct. 16:</p><p>x-Friday, Oct. 17:</p><p>x-Saturday, Oct. 18:</p><p>x-Monday, Oct. 20:</p><h2>WORLD SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-7)</h2><h2>(FOX)</h2><p>Friday, Oct. 24:</p><p>Saturday, Oct. 25:</p><p>Monday, Oct. 27:</p><p>Tuesday, Oct. 28:</p><p>x-Wednesday, Oct. 29:</p><p>x-Friday, Oct. 31:</p><p>x-Saturday, Nov. 1:</p><h2>All Times EDT</h2><h2>x-if necessary</h2><h2>WILD CARD SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-3)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>National League</h2><p>x-Thursday, Oct. 2: Cincinnati at Los Angeles, 9:08 p.m. (ESPN)</p><h2>DIVISION SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-5)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>(FOX, FS1)</h2><h2>National League</h2><h2>(TBS, TruTV)</h2><p>x-Saturday, Oct. 11: Los Angeles-Cincinnati winner at Philadelphia, TBD (TBS)</p><h2>LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-7)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>(FOX, FS1)</h2><h2>National League</h2><h2>(TBS)</h2><p>x-Monday, Oct. 20:</p><h2>WORLD SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-7)</h2><h2>(FOX)</h2>

⚾ MLB Postseason Glance

<b>By DAVE SKRETTA </b><br><i>AP Sports Writer</i>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier, deeper and more dynamic as the season presses on.

The Baltimore Ravens? Pretty much the opposite of all of that.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns in a turn-back-the-clock kind of performance, and the Chiefs jumped on a Ravens team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-injuries-af1317927ff33522a590d3cc7c5f84c9">missing seven defensive starters</a>&nbsp;by the end — to say nothing of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had to leave with a hamstring injury — for a 37-20 victory in a matchup of AFC behemoths desperate for a win.

Four different players caught TD passes for the Chiefs, while Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury to catch five passes for 83 yards, igniting a Kansas City offense that had been struggling to find its footing through the first three weeks.

“We've been making little mistakes here and there and that causes frustration,” Mahomes said, “but we've been learning from them. I've been proud of the guys for the way they've responded, getting better every week.”

The Chiefs (2-2) built a 20-10 halftime lead against Baltimore before cruising to their seventh win in the past eight meetings. The most recent time the Ravens (1-3) beat them was September 2021, and their previous win in Kansas City was on Oct. 7, 2021.

Jackson threw for 147 yards with a touchdown and his first interception of the season before hurting his hamstring midway through the third quarter, though by that point the game was mostly decided. Cooper Rush played the rest of the way for the Ravens, who suddenly find themselves in a dire situation just four weeks into the season.

Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and made the postseason.

“I'm concerned but I'm not overwhelmed by it. Three losses to probably three of the top teams in the league,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who explained that Jackson sustained a strain to his hamstring and will be evaluated further on Monday.

“We've got to win the next game, and then once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins."

Derrick Henry finished with just eight carries for 42 yards. Justice Hill had a late 71-yard touchdown run. Otherwise, the Chiefs shut down a Baltimore offense that had scored an NFL-best 111 points over the first three weeks.

“It was a big step forward for us,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who flew back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-da9b5b2a0b2f18857ad1c6e39401ccb2">a family funeral in Mississippi</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, and whose police escort got him to Arrowhead Stadium with about 20 minutes left before kickoff.

While the Chiefs were getting healthier with the return of Worthy, the Ravens defense — already decimated by injuries — thinned even more when linebacker Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins got hurt. That left the Ravens without seven defensive starters — among them two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and pass rusher Broderick Washington Jr., who went on injured reserve Saturday — by the early minutes of the fourth quarter.

“It's part of the game,” Hill said of the injuries. “I mean, not everything would be sunshine and rainbows. Last year we started off slow and (made the) playoffs and went deep. So I don't think it's difficult. We just know what we need to do going forward to be in the place we want to be. It just kind of shows you the character of the team.”

Still, the Chiefs took advantage of a team that was wounded.

Their own offense had been inconsistent through the first three weeks but scored on its first four possessions on Sunday. Harrison Butker knocked through a pair of field goals, then Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster with a short TD throw and Isiah Pacheco with another touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 20-7 lead late in the first half.

The Chiefs nearly made it 5 for 5 on scoring drives, but Butker missed a 56-yarder wide left. That opened the door for Baltimore to get a 43-yard field goal from Tyler Loop and make it a 10-point game at the break.

But the mounting injuries, coupled with a red-hot Kansas City offense, were far too much to overcome.

The Chiefs needed just six plays to drive 65 yards for Tyquan Thornton's touchdown reception to start the second half. And after the Ravens added Loop's second field goal, the Chiefs answered with one of their own, before Mahomes threw a nifty pass to Marquise Brown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.

“These two teams, I mean, the competition — you love it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's why we play this game.”

Ravens: Along with Jackson, Smith, Humphrey and Wiggins, LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) also left the game and did not return.

Chiefs: There were no injuries for Kansas City.

Baltimore plays Houston next Sunday. Kansas City visits Jacksonville next Monday night.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759107806319.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By DAVE SKRETTA </b><br><i>AP Sports Writer</i></p><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier, deeper and more dynamic as the season presses on.</p><p>The Baltimore Ravens? Pretty much the opposite of all of that.</p><p>Patrick Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns in a turn-back-the-clock kind of performance, and the Chiefs jumped on a Ravens team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-injuries-af1317927ff33522a590d3cc7c5f84c9">missing seven defensive starters</a>&nbsp;by the end — to say nothing of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had to leave with a hamstring injury — for a 37-20 victory in a matchup of AFC behemoths desperate for a win.</p><p>Four different players caught TD passes for the Chiefs, while Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury to catch five passes for 83 yards, igniting a Kansas City offense that had been struggling to find its footing through the first three weeks.</p><p>“We've been making little mistakes here and there and that causes frustration,” Mahomes said, “but we've been learning from them. I've been proud of the guys for the way they've responded, getting better every week.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759107771703.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Chiefs (2-2) built a 20-10 halftime lead against Baltimore before cruising to their seventh win in the past eight meetings. The most recent time the Ravens (1-3) beat them was September 2021, and their previous win in Kansas City was on Oct. 7, 2021.</p><p>Jackson threw for 147 yards with a touchdown and his first interception of the season before hurting his hamstring midway through the third quarter, though by that point the game was mostly decided. Cooper Rush played the rest of the way for the Ravens, who suddenly find themselves in a dire situation just four weeks into the season.</p><p>Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and made the postseason.</p><p>“I'm concerned but I'm not overwhelmed by it. Three losses to probably three of the top teams in the league,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who explained that Jackson sustained a strain to his hamstring and will be evaluated further on Monday.</p><p>“We've got to win the next game, and then once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins."</p><p>Derrick Henry finished with just eight carries for 42 yards. Justice Hill had a late 71-yard touchdown run. Otherwise, the Chiefs shut down a Baltimore offense that had scored an NFL-best 111 points over the first three weeks.</p><p>“It was a big step forward for us,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who flew back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-da9b5b2a0b2f18857ad1c6e39401ccb2">a family funeral in Mississippi</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, and whose police escort got him to Arrowhead Stadium with about 20 minutes left before kickoff.</p><p>While the Chiefs were getting healthier with the return of Worthy, the Ravens defense — already decimated by injuries — thinned even more when linebacker Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins got hurt. That left the Ravens without seven defensive starters — among them two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and pass rusher Broderick Washington Jr., who went on injured reserve Saturday — by the early minutes of the fourth quarter.</p><p>“It's part of the game,” Hill said of the injuries. “I mean, not everything would be sunshine and rainbows. Last year we started off slow and (made the) playoffs and went deep. So I don't think it's difficult. We just know what we need to do going forward to be in the place we want to be. It just kind of shows you the character of the team.”</p><p>Still, the Chiefs took advantage of a team that was wounded.</p><p>Their own offense had been inconsistent through the first three weeks but scored on its first four possessions on Sunday. Harrison Butker knocked through a pair of field goals, then Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster with a short TD throw and Isiah Pacheco with another touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 20-7 lead late in the first half.</p><p>The Chiefs nearly made it 5 for 5 on scoring drives, but Butker missed a 56-yarder wide left. That opened the door for Baltimore to get a 43-yard field goal from Tyler Loop and make it a 10-point game at the break.</p><p>But the mounting injuries, coupled with a red-hot Kansas City offense, were far too much to overcome.</p><p>The Chiefs needed just six plays to drive 65 yards for Tyquan Thornton's touchdown reception to start the second half. And after the Ravens added Loop's second field goal, the Chiefs answered with one of their own, before Mahomes threw a nifty pass to Marquise Brown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.</p><p>“These two teams, I mean, the competition — you love it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's why we play this game.”</p><h2>Injuries</h2><p>Ravens: Along with Jackson, Smith, Humphrey and Wiggins, LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) also left the game and did not return.</p><p>Chiefs: There were no injuries for Kansas City.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Baltimore plays Houston next Sunday. Kansas City visits Jacksonville next Monday night.</p>

🏈 Mahomes shines as Chiefs roll to victory over the Ravens

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit two solo home runs, Cole Ragans struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Athletics 9-2 on Sunday.

Yastrzemski hit a homer deep to right in the seventh inning off Michael Kelly and homered to right off Osvaldo Bido in the eighth. Yastrzemski hit 17 homers, including nine with the Royals after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">traded from the Giants at the deadline</a>.

Michael Massey had four of Kansas City’s 15 hits. Catcher Carter Jensen had three, including a homer just after Yastrzemski’s seventh-inning home run.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double in the seventh. The Kansas City shortstop led the majors in hits for the second straight year. He had 184 this season after collecting 211 in 2024.

Ragans limited the A’s to two hits and a walk. Lefty Daniel Lynch IV (6-2) got the victory. Lynch entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth and escaped the jam by striking out Nick Kurtz.

Kurtz hit an opposite-field two-run homer off lefty Sam Long in the eighth. The Athletics’ first baseman leads all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), runs (90) and walks (63).

Brady Basso (1-1), the first of seven Athletics pitchers, took the loss.

Ragans struck out four consecutive hitters over the third and fourth innings. Max Muncy, Willie MacIver, Colby Thomas and Kurtz each went down on a swinging strike three.

The three homers the A’s allowed Sunday boosted their season total to 222, a franchise record. The previous mark was 220, set by the 1964 Kansas City A’s.

<p>WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit two solo home runs, Cole Ragans struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Athletics 9-2 on Sunday.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back-to-back (absolute) blasts! <a href="https://t.co/SSTqXiSsqO">pic.twitter.com/SSTqXiSsqO</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1972407039558128127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Yastrzemski hit a homer deep to right in the seventh inning off Michael Kelly and homered to right off Osvaldo Bido in the eighth. Yastrzemski hit 17 homers, including nine with the Royals after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">traded from the Giants at the deadline</a>.</p><p>Michael Massey had four of Kansas City’s 15 hits. Catcher Carter Jensen had three, including a homer just after Yastrzemski’s seventh-inning home run.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double in the seventh. The Kansas City shortstop led the majors in hits for the second straight year. He had 184 this season after collecting 211 in 2024.</p><p>Ragans limited the A’s to two hits and a walk. Lefty Daniel Lynch IV (6-2) got the victory. Lynch entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth and escaped the jam by striking out Nick Kurtz.</p><p>Kurtz hit an opposite-field two-run homer off lefty Sam Long in the eighth. The Athletics’ first baseman leads all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), runs (90) and walks (63).</p><p>Brady Basso (1-1), the first of seven Athletics pitchers, took the loss.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Ragans struck out four consecutive hitters over the third and fourth innings. Max Muncy, Willie MacIver, Colby Thomas and Kurtz each went down on a swinging strike three.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The three homers the A’s allowed Sunday boosted their season total to 222, a franchise record. The previous mark was 220, set by the 1964 Kansas City A’s.</p><p>___</p>

⚾ Yastrzemski homers twice as Royals rout A's to finish season with a winning record

Garden City 66, Ellsworth 10<br>Dodge City 35, Highland +<br>Coffeyville 31, Butler 21

Sterling 29, Avila 17<br>Bethel 38, Saint Mary 37<br>McPherson 70, Ottawa 28<br>Tabor28, Kansas Wesleyan 19<br>Friends 53, Evangel 0<br>Southwestern 80, Bethany 14

Nebraska Kearney 31, Washburn 24<br>Central Missouri 62, Missouri Southern 10<br>Pittsburg State 42, Emporia State 29<br>Northwest Missouri 38, Central Oklahoma 16<br>Fort Hays State 31, Missouri Western 23

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHutchPost%2Fvideos%2F1722528488454386%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" 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><h2>KJCCC</h2><p>Garden City 66, Ellsworth 10<br>Dodge City 35, Highland +<br>Coffeyville 31, Butler 21</p><h2>KCAC</h2><p>Sterling 29, Avila 17<br>Bethel 38, Saint Mary 37<br>McPherson 70, Ottawa 28<br>Tabor28, Kansas Wesleyan 19<br>Friends 53, Evangel 0<br>Southwestern 80, Bethany 14</p><h2>MIAA</h2><p>Nebraska Kearney 31, Washburn 24<br>Central Missouri 62, Missouri Southern 10<br>Pittsburg State 42, Emporia State 29<br>Northwest Missouri 38, Central Oklahoma 16<br>Fort Hays State 31, Missouri Western 23</p>

🏈 KJCCC, KCAC, MIAA scoreboard for Sept. 27

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Athletics 4-2 on Saturday night.

Wacha (10-13) gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five for his first victory in more than three weeks. It's the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in his 13 major league seasons that Wacha has won 10 or more games.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run double and Mike Yastrzemski reached base three times and scored twice as the Royals (81-80) beat the A’s (76-85) for the first time in five meetings this season.

John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa and Jonathan Bowlan each retired two batters for Kansas City. Carlos Estévez worked the ninth for his major league-leading 42nd save.

Shea Langeliers had three hits and an RBI for the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay was ejected in the ninth for arguing balls and strikes.

Michael Massey singled leading off the fifth and advanced to third on Yastrzemki’s one-out single. After Bobby Witt Jr. flied out, Pasquantino blooped a double to left field that fell between A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson and sliding left fielder Tyler Soderstrom as two runs scored.

Athletics starter Luis Morales (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.

Wacha pitched with runners on base in four of his six innings, but allowed only one to reach third.

Pasquantino fouled off three consecutive two-strike fastballs from Morales before his two-out hit in the fifth.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) starts the season finale Sunday against Athletics LHP Brady Basso (1-0, 1.74).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759037719034.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Athletics 4-2 on Saturday night.</p><p>Wacha (10-13) gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five for his first victory in more than three weeks. It's the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in his 13 major league seasons that Wacha has won 10 or more games.</p><p>Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run double and Mike Yastrzemski reached base three times and scored twice as the Royals (81-80) beat the A’s (76-85) for the first time in five meetings this season.</p><p>John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa and Jonathan Bowlan each retired two batters for Kansas City. Carlos Estévez worked the ninth for his major league-leading 42nd save.</p><p>Shea Langeliers had three hits and an RBI for the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay was ejected in the ninth for arguing balls and strikes.</p><p>Michael Massey singled leading off the fifth and advanced to third on Yastrzemki’s one-out single. After Bobby Witt Jr. flied out, Pasquantino blooped a double to left field that fell between A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson and sliding left fielder Tyler Soderstrom as two runs scored.</p><p>Athletics starter Luis Morales (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Wacha pitched with runners on base in four of his six innings, but allowed only one to reach third.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Pasquantino fouled off three consecutive two-strike fastballs from Morales before his two-out hit in the fifth.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) starts the season finale Sunday against Athletics LHP Brady Basso (1-0, 1.74).</p>

⚾ Wacha throws 6 shutout innings as Royals top Athletics 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards ran for 166 yards and another score, and Kansas State held on to beat UCF 34-20 on Saturday for its first Big 12 win of the season.

Johnson also ran for 75 yards, and the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled up 268 yards on the ground, while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with just over 4 minutes left after the Knights (3-1, 0-1) had closed to within 31-20.

“I'm like, ‘Here we go again,’” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, whose team's first four games this season had been decided by one score, and who nearly had his 58th birthday spoiled when the Knights began to mount their comeback.

“Proud of the guys to get some stops on defense after we gave up some explosive plays," Klieman said.

Tayven Jackson, who missed a chunk of the game with an injury, returned to throw for 115 yards for UCF, which had won its last 16 games under Scott Frost dating to his first tenure with the program. Myles Montgomery had 119 yards rushing.

Kansas State has never lost to UCF in three meetings.

“We fought. We just weren’t consistent enough, and that’s what we have to keep working on is not making the mistakes that hurt you,” Frost said. “We needed to be better on offense early on to keep our defense off the field.”

The Knights were rolling off a 34-9 rout of North Carolina, but Kansas State must have had plenty of time to scout them during their bye. The Wildcats shut down the UCF offense even before Jackson got hurt with 10:48 left in the first half.

Jacurri Brown entered the game and immediately threw an interception, leading to Joe Jackson's TD run and a 10-0 lead.

UCF finally got a big play moments later, when Brown hit DJ Black down the sideline. Kansas State's Wesley Fair missed a tackle, and the resulting 82-yard TD reception was the longest by a Knights player since Doug Gabriel's 83-yarder in 2001.

But the Wildcats answered with a 73-yard touchdown march, and Will Anciaux's catch gave them a 17-7 lead at the break.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759004147612.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards ran for 166 yards and another score, and Kansas State held on to beat UCF 34-20 on Saturday for its first Big 12 win of the season.</p><p>Johnson also ran for 75 yards, and the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled up 268 yards on the ground, while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with just over 4 minutes left after the Knights (3-1, 0-1) had closed to within 31-20.</p><p>“I'm like, ‘Here we go again,’” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, whose team's first four games this season had been decided by one score, and who nearly had his 58th birthday spoiled when the Knights began to mount their comeback.</p><p>“Proud of the guys to get some stops on defense after we gave up some explosive plays," Klieman said.</p><p>Tayven Jackson, who missed a chunk of the game with an injury, returned to throw for 115 yards for UCF, which had won its last 16 games under Scott Frost dating to his first tenure with the program. Myles Montgomery had 119 yards rushing.</p><p>Kansas State has never lost to UCF in three meetings.</p><p>“We fought. We just weren’t consistent enough, and that’s what we have to keep working on is not making the mistakes that hurt you,” Frost said. “We needed to be better on offense early on to keep our defense off the field.”</p><p>The Knights were rolling off a 34-9 rout of North Carolina, but Kansas State must have had plenty of time to scout them during their bye. The Wildcats shut down the UCF offense even before Jackson got hurt with 10:48 left in the first half.</p><p>Jacurri Brown entered the game and immediately threw an interception, leading to Joe Jackson's TD run and a 10-0 lead.</p><p>UCF finally got a big play moments later, when Brown hit DJ Black down the sideline. Kansas State's Wesley Fair missed a tackle, and the resulting 82-yard TD reception was the longest by a Knights player since Doug Gabriel's 83-yarder in 2001.</p><p>But the Wildcats answered with a 73-yard touchdown march, and Will Anciaux's catch gave them a 17-7 lead at the break.</p><p>“We just didn't get started as fast as we like to," Montgomery said, "and on the road in the Big 12, you have to start fast.”</p><p>Not much changed after halftime. Brown and the Knights went three-and-out to start the third quarter, and Kansas State added to the lead with another long touchdown drive. And when Jackson's surprising return sparked the UCF offense, Brown came in to run a sneak on fourth down, and the backup quarterback promptly fumbled the ball away.</p><p>Edwards added a 75-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter, helping to put the game out of UCF's reach.</p><h2>K-State's injury</h2><p>The Wildcats played most of the way without wide receiver Jayce Brown, who had been dealing with “something,” Klieman said, and tried to play but ultimately could not. He's their leading receiver with 25 catches for 284 yards and two scores.</p><h2>Fond farewell</h2><p>The Knights were playing for the first time since offensive line coach Shawn Clark died unexpectedly on Sunday. The 50-year-old Clark was hospitalized after a medical emergency on Sept. 9, but the school said last week that he had been stable.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>UCF struggled mightily to move the ball when Jackson was out of the game. Once he returned, the ground game got going and the Knights began to resemble the offense that scored 68 points in a rout of North Carolina A&amp;T.</p><p>Kansas State turned loose Johnson to run the ball for the first time this season, and that seemed to open up an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. The athletic QB finished with the third-best rushing total of his 26-game career.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>UCF returns home to face Kansas on Saturday night.</p><p>Kansas State heads to Baylor on Saturday.</p>