TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has released new football district alignments for the 2026–27 seasons, bringing changes for area schools in Reno County and surrounding areas.

Classes 4A, 5A and 6A will remain in East and West districts, while classes 3A, 2A, 1A, 8-Man DI and 8-Man DII will all continue to have eight districts per class and 6-Man will have four districts.

District 1: Buffalo-Altoona Midway, Chetopa, LeRoy-Southern Coffey County, Lost Springs-Centre, McPherson-Elyria Christian, Melvern-MDCV, Peabody-Burns

District 2: Chase, Logan, Otis-Bison, Palco, Ransom-Western Plains, Rozel-Pawnee Heights, Tescott

District 3: Ashland, Bucklin, Deerfield, Ingalls, Kiowa-South Barber, Moscow, Satanta

District 4: Almena-Northern Valley, Bird City-Cheylin, Brewster, Grainfield/Wheatland-Grinnell, Rexford-Golden Plains, Weskan, Winona-Triplains

District 1: Colony-Crest, Madison/Hamilton, Moran-Marmaton Valley, Rosalia-Flinthills, Sedan, St. Paul

District 2: Argonia/Attica, Cunningham, Hutchinson-Central Christian, Langdon-Fairfield, Norwich, Pretty Prairie, Wichita-The Independent School

District 3: Burlingame, Goessel, Hartford, Lebo, Rural Vista (Hope/White City), Wakefield, Waverly

District 4: Axtell, Frankfort, Hanover, Linn, Randolph-Blue Valley, Troy

District 5: Jetmore-Hodgman County, Kinsley, Macksville, Meade, Minneola, Pratt-Skyline

District 6: Ellis, La Crosse, Little River, Stafford, Sylvan-Lucas Unified, Victoria

District 7: Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton Catholic, Downs-Lakeside, Kensington-Thunder Ridge, Osborne, Scandia-Pike Valley, Stockton

District 8: Dighton, Ness City, Quinter, Sharon Springs-Wallace County, St. Francis, Tribune-Greeley County

District 1: Cherokee-Southeast, Erie, Howard-West Elk/Longton-Elk Valley, Oswego, Yates Center

District 2: Burden-Central, Dexter/Cedar Vale, Oxford, South Sumner (Caldwell/South Haven), Udall

District 3: Allen-Northern Heights, Cottonwood Falls-Chase County, Lyndon, Pleasanton, Topeka-Cair Paravel

District 4: Canton-Galva, Clifton-Clyde, Herington, Solomon, Washington County

District 5: Bennington, Brookville-Ell Saline, Lincoln, Mankato-Rock Hills, Wakeeney-Trego Community

District 6: Atwood-Rawlins County, Hill City, Hoxie, Oakley, Oberlin-Decatur Community

District 7: Central Plains, Greensburg-Kiowa County, South Central, Spearville, St. John-Hudson

District 8: Elkhart/Rolla, Johnson-Stanton County, Leoti-Wichita County, Montezuma-South Gray, Sublette

District 1: Arma-Northeast, Eureka, Olpe, Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan, Uniontown

District 2: Eskridge-Mission Valley, Rossville, St. Marys, Wabaunsee

District 3: Atchison-MHMA, Effingham-ACCHS, Highland-Doniphan West, McLouth, Winchester-Jefferson County North

District 4: Blue Rapids-Valley Heights, Centralia, Jackson Heights, Onaga, Valley Falls

District 5: Hillsboro, Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic, Inman, Moundridge, Whitewater-Remington

District 6: Belleville-Republic County, Hays-TMP, Plainville/Natoma, Salina-Sacred Heart, Smith Center

District 7: Belle Plaine, Conway Springs, Leon-Bluestem, Sedgwick

District 8: Ellinwood, Medicine Lodge, Sterling, Syracuse

District 1: Baxter Springs, Caney Valley, Cherryvale, Galena, Riverton

District 2: Fredonia, Humboldt, Neodesha, Mound City-Jayhawk Linn, Richmond-Central Heights

District 3: Osage City, Oskaloosa, Pomona-West Franklin, Shawnee-Maranatha Academy, Silver Lake

District 4: Easton-Pleasant Ridge, Horton, Hoyt-Royal Valley, Riverside, Sabetha

District 5: Council Grove, Gypsum-Southeast of Saline, Marysville, Minneapolis, Riley County

District 6: Beloit, Ellsworth, Norton Community, Phillipsburg, Russell

District 7: Douglass, Garden Plain, Halstead, Haven, Marion

District 8: Anthony/Harper-Chaparral, Cimarron, Kingman, Kismet-Southwestern Heights, Lakin

District 1: Columbus, Frontenac, Girard, Iola, Parsons

District 2: Burlington, Garnett-Anderson County, La Cygne-Prairie View, Osawatomie, Wellsville

District 3: Baldwin, Kansas City-Bishop Ward, Perry-Lecompton/Lawrence-Bishop Seabury, Santa Fe Trail, Topeka-Hayden

District 4: Atchison, Hiawatha, Holton, Meriden-Jefferson West, Seneca-Nemaha Central

District 5: Chapman, Clay Center Community, Concordia, Hesston, Lindsborg-Smoky Valley

District 6: Andale, Cheney, Clearwater, Wichita Collegiate, Wichita-Trinity Academy

District 7: Hoisington, Larned, Lyons, Nickerson, Pratt

District 8: Colby, Goodland, Holcomb, Hugoton, Scott Community

East: Altamont-Labette County, Bonner Springs, Chanute, Coffeyville-Field Kindley, Eudora, Fort Scott, Independence, Kansas City-F.L. Schlagle, Kansas City-Sumner Academy, Lansing, Louisburg, Overland Park-St. Thomas Aquinas, Ottawa, Paola, Shawnee Mission-Bishop Miege, Tonganoxie

West: Abilene, Arkansas City, Augusta, Buhler, El Dorado, Great Bend, McPherson, Mulvane, Rose Hill, St. George-Rock Creek, Topeka-Highland Park, Towanda-Circle, Ulysses, Wamego, Wellington, Winfield

East: Basehor-Linwood, De Soto, Kansas City-J.C. Harmon, Kansas City-Piper, Kansas City-Turner, Kansas City-Washington, Leavenworth, Lenexa-St. James Academy, Overland Park-Blue Valley, Overland Park-Blue Valley North, Overland Park-Blue Valley Southwest, Pittsburg, Spring Hill, Tecumseh-Shawnee Heights, Topeka-Seaman, Topeka West

West: Andover, Andover Central, Emporia, Goddard, Goddard-Eisenhower, Hays, Hutchinson, Liberal, Maize South, Newton, Salina-Central, Salina-South, Valley Center, Wichita-Bishop Carroll, Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Wichita West

East: Gardner Edgerton, Kansas City-Wyandotte, Lawrence, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, Olathe South, Olathe West, Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest, Overland Park-Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission West, Shawnee-Mill Valley

West: Derby, Dodge City, Garden City, Haysville-Campus, Junction City, Lawrence-Free State, Maize, Manhattan, Topeka High, Topeka-Washburn Rural, Wichita East, Wichita Heights, Wichita North, Wichita Northwest, Wichita South, Wichita Southeast

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582345636212.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has released new football district alignments for the 2026–27 seasons, bringing changes for area schools in Reno County and surrounding areas.Classes 4A, 5A and 6A will remain in East and West districts, while classes 3A, 2A, 1A, 8-Man DI and 8-Man DII will all continue to have eight districts per class and 6-Man will have four districts.<h2>6-Man</h2>District 1: Buffalo-Altoona Midway, Chetopa, LeRoy-Southern Coffey County, Lost Springs-Centre, McPherson-Elyria Christian, Melvern-MDCV, Peabody-BurnsDistrict 2: Chase, Logan, Otis-Bison, Palco, Ransom-Western Plains, Rozel-Pawnee Heights, TescottDistrict 3: Ashland, Bucklin, Deerfield, Ingalls, Kiowa-South Barber, Moscow, SatantaDistrict 4: Almena-Northern Valley, Bird City-Cheylin, Brewster, Grainfield/Wheatland-Grinnell, Rexford-Golden Plains, Weskan, Winona-Triplains<h2>8-Man Division II</h2>District 1: Colony-Crest, Madison/Hamilton, Moran-Marmaton Valley, Rosalia-Flinthills, Sedan, St. PaulDistrict 2: Argonia/Attica, Cunningham, Hutchinson-Central Christian, Langdon-Fairfield, Norwich, Pretty Prairie, Wichita-The Independent SchoolDistrict 3: Burlingame, Goessel, Hartford, Lebo, Rural Vista (Hope/White City), Wakefield, WaverlyDistrict 4: Axtell, Frankfort, Hanover, Linn, Randolph-Blue Valley, TroyDistrict 5: Jetmore-Hodgman County, Kinsley, Macksville, Meade, Minneola, Pratt-SkylineDistrict 6: Ellis, La Crosse, Little River, Stafford, Sylvan-Lucas Unified, VictoriaDistrict 7: Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton Catholic, Downs-Lakeside, Kensington-Thunder Ridge, Osborne, Scandia-Pike Valley, StocktonDistrict 8: Dighton, Ness City, Quinter, Sharon Springs-Wallace County, St. Francis, Tribune-Greeley County<h2>8-Man Division I</h2>District 1: Cherokee-Southeast, Erie, Howard-West Elk/Longton-Elk Valley, Oswego, Yates CenterDistrict 2: Burden-Central, Dexter/Cedar Vale, Oxford, South Sumner (Caldwell/South Haven), UdallDistrict 3: Allen-Northern Heights, Cottonwood Falls-Chase County, Lyndon, Pleasanton, Topeka-Cair ParavelDistrict 4: Canton-Galva, Clifton-Clyde, Herington, Solomon, Washington CountyDistrict 5: Bennington, Brookville-Ell Saline, Lincoln, Mankato-Rock Hills, Wakeeney-Trego CommunityDistrict 6: Atwood-Rawlins County, Hill City, Hoxie, Oakley, Oberlin-Decatur CommunityDistrict 7: Central Plains, Greensburg-Kiowa County, South Central, Spearville, St. John-HudsonDistrict 8: Elkhart/Rolla, Johnson-Stanton County, Leoti-Wichita County, Montezuma-South Gray, Sublette<h2>Class 1A</h2>District 1: Arma-Northeast, Eureka, Olpe, Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan, UniontownDistrict 2: Eskridge-Mission Valley, Rossville, St. Marys, WabaunseeDistrict 3: Atchison-MHMA, Effingham-ACCHS, Highland-Doniphan West, McLouth, Winchester-Jefferson County NorthDistrict 4: Blue Rapids-Valley Heights, Centralia, Jackson Heights, Onaga, Valley FallsDistrict 5: Hillsboro, Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic, Inman, Moundridge, Whitewater-RemingtonDistrict 6: Belleville-Republic County, Hays-TMP, Plainville/Natoma, Salina-Sacred Heart, Smith CenterDistrict 7: Belle Plaine, Conway Springs, Leon-Bluestem, SedgwickDistrict 8: Ellinwood, Medicine Lodge, Sterling, Syracuse<h2>Class 2A</h2>District 1: Baxter Springs, Caney Valley, Cherryvale, Galena, RivertonDistrict 2: Fredonia, Humboldt, Neodesha, Mound City-Jayhawk Linn, Richmond-Central HeightsDistrict 3: Osage City, Oskaloosa, Pomona-West Franklin, Shawnee-Maranatha Academy, Silver LakeDistrict 4: Easton-Pleasant Ridge, Horton, Hoyt-Royal Valley, Riverside, SabethaDistrict 5: Council Grove, Gypsum-Southeast of Saline, Marysville, Minneapolis, Riley CountyDistrict 6: Beloit, Ellsworth, Norton Community, Phillipsburg, RussellDistrict 7: Douglass, Garden Plain, Halstead, Haven, MarionDistrict 8: Anthony/Harper-Chaparral, Cimarron, Kingman, Kismet-Southwestern Heights, Lakin<h2>Class 3A</h2>District 1: Columbus, Frontenac, Girard, Iola, ParsonsDistrict 2: Burlington, Garnett-Anderson County, La Cygne-Prairie View, Osawatomie, WellsvilleDistrict 3: Baldwin, Kansas City-Bishop Ward, Perry-Lecompton/Lawrence-Bishop Seabury, Santa Fe Trail, Topeka-HaydenDistrict 4: Atchison, Hiawatha, Holton, Meriden-Jefferson West, Seneca-Nemaha CentralDistrict 5: Chapman, Clay Center Community, Concordia, Hesston, Lindsborg-Smoky ValleyDistrict 6: Andale, Cheney, Clearwater, Wichita Collegiate, Wichita-Trinity AcademyDistrict 7: Hoisington, Larned, Lyons, Nickerson, PrattDistrict 8: Colby, Goodland, Holcomb, Hugoton, Scott Community<h2>Class 4A</h2>East: Altamont-Labette County, Bonner Springs, Chanute, Coffeyville-Field Kindley, Eudora, Fort Scott, Independence, Kansas City-F.L. Schlagle, Kansas City-Sumner Academy, Lansing, Louisburg, Overland Park-St. Thomas Aquinas, Ottawa, Paola, Shawnee Mission-Bishop Miege, TonganoxieWest: Abilene, Arkansas City, Augusta, Buhler, El Dorado, Great Bend, McPherson, Mulvane, Rose Hill, St. George-Rock Creek, Topeka-Highland Park, Towanda-Circle, Ulysses, Wamego, Wellington, Winfield<h2>Class 5A</h2>East: Basehor-Linwood, De Soto, Kansas City-J.C. Harmon, Kansas City-Piper, Kansas City-Turner, Kansas City-Washington, Leavenworth, Lenexa-St. James Academy, Overland Park-Blue Valley, Overland Park-Blue Valley North, Overland Park-Blue Valley Southwest, Pittsburg, Spring Hill, Tecumseh-Shawnee Heights, Topeka-Seaman, Topeka WestWest: Andover, Andover Central, Emporia, Goddard, Goddard-Eisenhower, Hays, Hutchinson, Liberal, Maize South, Newton, Salina-Central, Salina-South, Valley Center, Wichita-Bishop Carroll, Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Wichita West<h2>Class 6A</h2>East: Gardner Edgerton, Kansas City-Wyandotte, Lawrence, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, Olathe South, Olathe West, Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest, Overland Park-Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission West, Shawnee-Mill ValleyWest: Derby, Dodge City, Garden City, Haysville-Campus, Junction City, Lawrence-Free State, Maize, Manhattan, Topeka High, Topeka-Washburn Rural, Wichita East, Wichita Heights, Wichita North, Wichita Northwest, Wichita South, Wichita Southeast

🏈 KSHSAA releases districts for 2026 & 2027 seasons

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. this morning announced the finalists for the 2025 Gold Glove Awards. The American League finalists include three Kansas City Royals: shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Maikel Garcia and center fielder Kyle Isbel. 

This is Witt Jr.’s second time being a finalist (he won the award in 2024). Garcia and Isbel are finalists for the first time in their careers.

The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League. Winners are chosen by a combination of votes from Major League Managers and coaches, and the SABR Defensive Index. The winners will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 2 during an ESPN broadcast beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Witt Jr., 25, made 153 starts at shortstop in 2025, 3rd most in the American League. He ranked 2nd among AL shortstops in assists (382) and fielding percentage (.983), and he was charged with just 10 errors in 578 chances, 2nd fewest among AL shortstops (min. 125 starts).

Witt Jr. led players at all positions in 2025 with 25 Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant, ahead of 2nd-place Pete Crow-Armstrong (24). The 25 OAA were the most by any Major League player since Jonathan Schoop had 27 as Detroit’s second baseman in 2022. Witt Jr.’s 18 Runs Prevented ranked 3rd in the Majors to Crow-Armstrong (22) and Ceddanne Rafaela (19). Baseball Savant’s Fielding Run Value ranked Witt Jr. 5th among all defenders (20) and 1st among shortstops.

Should he win the award, Witt Jr. would be the first two-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner at shortstop in Royals history, and he would be the first American League shortstop to win the award in consecutive seasons since Andrelton Simmons with the Angels from 2017-18.

Garcia, 25, ranked 3rd among American League third basemen with 130 starts, but ranked 1st in total chances (346), putouts (105) and fielding percentage (.980). He was charged with just 7 errors in his 346 chances at third base, fewest among American League players at the position (min. 125 starts). He committed only 1 error in his final 75 games at third base from June 25 through season’s end.

Garcia ranked 4th among all American League players with 17 Outs Above Average, and his 18 OAA as a third basemen led all players at the position in the American League, well ahead of 2nd-place José Ramírez (7). Baseball Savant’s Fielding Run Value metric also ranked Garcia 1st among American League third basemen (14) ahead of Ramírez (6).

Garcia is attempting to become only the second Royals third baseman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove and would join George Brett in 1985.

Isbel, 28, made all of his 118 starts in center field and was one of four American League center fielders to log at least 1,000 innings at the position (1032.0). He ranked 1st among AL center fielders in fielding percentage (.997) and 2nd in total chances (333) and putouts (329). He was charged with just 1 error in his 333 chances, fewest among AL center fielders (min. 115 starts). Isbel was credited with 2 double plays, tied for the most among AL center fielders.

Isbel recorded 12 Outs Above Average, 3rd most among AL center fielders to Rafaela (21) and Denzel Clarke (13). Among the same group, he also ranked 3rd in Runs Prevented (11) to Rafaela (19) and Clarke (12).

Isbel would be the first Royals center fielder to earn a Rawlings Gold Glove since Michael A. Taylor in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603399553596.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. this morning announced the finalists for the 2025 Gold Glove Awards. The American League finalists include three Kansas City Royals: shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Maikel Garcia and center fielder Kyle Isbel. This is Witt Jr.’s second time being a finalist (he won the award in 2024). Garcia and Isbel are finalists for the first time in their careers.The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League. Winners are chosen by a combination of votes from Major League Managers and coaches, and the SABR Defensive Index. The winners will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 2 during an ESPN broadcast beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT.Witt Jr., 25, made 153 starts at shortstop in 2025, 3rd most in the American League. He ranked 2nd among AL shortstops in assists (382) and fielding percentage (.983), and he was charged with just 10 errors in 578 chances, 2nd fewest among AL shortstops (min. 125 starts).Witt Jr. led players at all positions in 2025 with 25 Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant, ahead of 2nd-place Pete Crow-Armstrong (24). The 25 OAA were the most by any Major League player since Jonathan Schoop had 27 as Detroit’s second baseman in 2022. Witt Jr.’s 18 Runs Prevented ranked 3rd in the Majors to Crow-Armstrong (22) and Ceddanne Rafaela (19). Baseball Savant’s Fielding Run Value ranked Witt Jr. 5th among all defenders (20) and 1st among shortstops.Should he win the award, Witt Jr. would be the first two-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner at shortstop in Royals history, and he would be the first American League shortstop to win the award in consecutive seasons since Andrelton Simmons with the Angels from 2017-18.Garcia, 25, ranked 3rd among American League third basemen with 130 starts, but ranked 1st in total chances (346), putouts (105) and fielding percentage (.980). He was charged with just 7 errors in his 346 chances at third base, fewest among American League players at the position (min. 125 starts). He committed only 1 error in his final 75 games at third base from June 25 through season’s end.Garcia ranked 4th among all American League players with 17 Outs Above Average, and his 18 OAA as a third basemen led all players at the position in the American League, well ahead of 2nd-place José Ramírez (7). Baseball Savant’s Fielding Run Value metric also ranked Garcia 1st among American League third basemen (14) ahead of Ramírez (6).Garcia is attempting to become only the second Royals third baseman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove and would join George Brett in 1985.Isbel, 28, made all of his 118 starts in center field and was one of four American League center fielders to log at least 1,000 innings at the position (1032.0). He ranked 1st among AL center fielders in fielding percentage (.997) and 2nd in total chances (333) and putouts (329). He was charged with just 1 error in his 333 chances, fewest among AL center fielders (min. 115 starts). Isbel was credited with 2 double plays, tied for the most among AL center fielders.Isbel recorded 12 Outs Above Average, 3rd most among AL center fielders to Rafaela (21) and Denzel Clarke (13). Among the same group, he also ranked 3rd in Runs Prevented (11) to Rafaela (19) and Clarke (12).Isbel would be the first Royals center fielder to earn a Rawlings Gold Glove since Michael A. Taylor in 2021.

⚾ Three Royals named finalists for 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove awards

🎧⚾ Dodgers take 2-0 lead; 🏈 HutchCC remains No. 1; ⚽ Dragons No. 18

AMARILLO, Texas – After a lightning-delayed opening round, the Hutchinson Community College men's golf team was in the midst of making a strong run during a suspended second round of the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational on Tuesday at the Amarillo Country Club.

Tuesday's opening round was delayed for about two hours because of weather. The Dragons completed between 11 and 12 holes of the second round when it was suspended by darkness. The teams will tee off at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday to complete the second around and then go right into the third and final round.

The Blue Dragons were 11th after one round shooting a 3-over 287 on Tuesday. But the Dragons jumped six spots in the standings into a tie for fifth place with the West Texas A&amp;M B Team. Hutchinson was shooting a round-best 8-under par at the time of suspension. Fifth-ranked Hutchinson trails Odessa by 10 strokes when play resumes on Wednesday.

Hutchinson has two golfers in the individual Top 10 after play on Tuesday.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/hatzenbuehler_grant_e33p">Grant Hatzenbuehler</a>&nbsp;shot an even-par 71 in the first round. He eagled the 532-yard 18th hole in the first round. Hatzenbuehler then eagled the 502-yard ninth hole in the second round. Hatzenbuehler is 5-under par through 12 holes in the second around and is 5-under par for the tournament.

Hatzenbuehler has now eagles in 5 of 11 fall rounds this season.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/scullion_corey_2mll">Corey Scullion</a>&nbsp;had a very steady Tuesday for the Blue Dragons. For the tournament, Scullion is eighth at 3-under par. He shot a 2-under 69 with three birdies and one bogey in the opening round. He is 1-under in the second round with one birdie and 10 pars through 11 holes.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/gibb_ronnie_uf6d">Ronnie Gibb</a>&nbsp;carded a 71 in the first round with three birdies and three bogeys in the opening round. Gibb is at 3-over par through 11 holes in the second round.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/northgraves_jack_xzbb">Jack Northgraves</a>&nbsp;carded a 76 in the first round and is 1-under through 12 holes in the second round. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/hewlett_mark_9cke">Mark Hewlett</a>&nbsp;had a 77 in the opening round and he is 1-under after 12 holes in the second round.

Individual player&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/austin_joe_x3hk">Joe Austin</a>&nbsp;had a 71 to open and is 2-under through 12 holes in the suspended round and is tied for 17th at 2-under for the tournament.

The individual leader is Odessa's Ken Gao, who is at 7-under par.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760534316340.jpeg" alt="Freshman Ronnie Gibb shoots an even-par 71 in the opening round of the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational on Tuesday in Amarillo, TX. (Photo courtesy Brent Seals/West Texas A&amp;M Media Relations)" />
 <figcaption>Freshman Ronnie Gibb shoots an even-par 71 in the opening round of the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational on Tuesday in Amarillo, TX. (Photo courtesy Brent Seals/West Texas A&amp;M Media Relations)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAMARILLO, Texas – After a lightning-delayed opening round, the Hutchinson Community College men's golf team was in the midst of making a strong run during a suspended second round of the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational on Tuesday at the Amarillo Country Club.Tuesday's opening round was delayed for about two hours because of weather. The Dragons completed between 11 and 12 holes of the second round when it was suspended by darkness. The teams will tee off at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday to complete the second around and then go right into the third and final round.The Blue Dragons were 11th after one round shooting a 3-over 287 on Tuesday. But the Dragons jumped six spots in the standings into a tie for fifth place with the West Texas A&amp;M B Team. Hutchinson was shooting a round-best 8-under par at the time of suspension. Fifth-ranked Hutchinson trails Odessa by 10 strokes when play resumes on Wednesday.<div>BLUE DRAGON MEN'S GOLF No. 5 Blue Dragons at Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 At: Amarillo Country Club, Amarillo, TX Rounds: Completion of 2nd round and 3rd round Tee times: 8:30 a.m. Live Scoring:&nbsp;<a href="https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/238565/scoring/team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scoreboard.clippd</a></div>Hutchinson has two golfers in the individual Top 10 after play on Tuesday.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/hatzenbuehler_grant_e33p">Grant Hatzenbuehler</a>&nbsp;shot an even-par 71 in the first round. He eagled the 532-yard 18th hole in the first round. Hatzenbuehler then eagled the 502-yard ninth hole in the second round. Hatzenbuehler is 5-under par through 12 holes in the second around and is 5-under par for the tournament.Hatzenbuehler has now eagles in 5 of 11 fall rounds this season.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/scullion_corey_2mll">Corey Scullion</a>&nbsp;had a very steady Tuesday for the Blue Dragons. For the tournament, Scullion is eighth at 3-under par. He shot a 2-under 69 with three birdies and one bogey in the opening round. He is 1-under in the second round with one birdie and 10 pars through 11 holes.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/gibb_ronnie_uf6d">Ronnie Gibb</a>&nbsp;carded a 71 in the first round with three birdies and three bogeys in the opening round. Gibb is at 3-over par through 11 holes in the second round.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/northgraves_jack_xzbb">Jack Northgraves</a>&nbsp;carded a 76 in the first round and is 1-under through 12 holes in the second round. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/hewlett_mark_9cke">Mark Hewlett</a>&nbsp;had a 77 in the opening round and he is 1-under after 12 holes in the second round.Individual player&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2025-26/bios/austin_joe_x3hk">Joe Austin</a>&nbsp;had a 71 to open and is 2-under through 12 holes in the suspended round and is tied for 17th at 2-under for the tournament.The individual leader is Odessa's Ken Gao, who is at 7-under par.

⛳ Dragons tied for 5th at Ryan Palmer Foundation Invite

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas redshirt senior Jalon Daniels is one of 20 semifinalists 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 on and off the field.

Daniels, a native of Lawndale, Calif., is a four-time captain for the Jayhawks, Kansas' first in program history. 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.

Daniels is having a historic 2025 season, completing 130-of-186 passing for 1,752 yards and 18 touchdowns. Through seven games, Daniels' 18 passing touchdowns ranks second in college football and are tied for a career-high in a single season. Over his career, Daniels ranks among the best quarterbacks in program history, completing 666-of-1,060 passing for 8,503 yards and 63 touchdowns, all of which rank second in school history. Daniels has also rushed for 1,240 career rushing yards and 20 career rushing touchdowns.

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. Daniels was Kansas's first Big 12 Football Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2025 and is a 2022 CSC Academic All-American. Daniels is also a five-time Academic All-Big 12 member.

Not only has Daniels been impressive on the field, he has also been very involved in the community, contributing community service to the Lawrence community. Daniels has also started a "Mom2JD6" Foundation committed to supporting single mothers raising athletic children by providing financial aid, mentorship, sports training, and community resources.

Daniels is Kansas' second Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Semifinalist in the last two seasons, as Devin Neal was a semifinalist for the award in 2024.

The full list of semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year includes: CJ Allen (Georgia), Nick Andersen (Wake Forest), Cam Ball (Arkansas), Jude Bowry (Boston College), Deion Burks (Oklahoma), Arion Carter (Tennessee), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), Jalon Daniels (Kansas), Nick Dawkins (Penn State), Aiden Fisher (Indiana), Ernest Hausmann (Michigan), Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State), Devin Mockobee (Purdue), Koa Naotala (Old Dominion), Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), Michael Taaffe (Texas), Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame) and Tanner Wall (BYU).

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/2025/10/1760540561861.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas redshirt senior Jalon Daniels is one of 20 semifinalists 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 on and off the field.Daniels, a native of Lawndale, Calif., is a four-time captain for the Jayhawks, Kansas' first in program history. 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.Daniels is having a historic 2025 season, completing 130-of-186 passing for 1,752 yards and 18 touchdowns. Through seven games, Daniels' 18 passing touchdowns ranks second in college football and are tied for a career-high in a single season. Over his career, Daniels ranks among the best quarterbacks in program history, completing 666-of-1,060 passing for 8,503 yards and 63 touchdowns, all of which rank second in school history. Daniels has also rushed for 1,240 career rushing yards and 20 career rushing touchdowns.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. Daniels was Kansas's first Big 12 Football Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2025 and is a 2022 CSC Academic All-American. Daniels is also a five-time Academic All-Big 12 member.Not only has Daniels been impressive on the field, he has also been very involved in the community, contributing community service to the Lawrence community. Daniels has also started a "Mom2JD6" Foundation committed to supporting single mothers raising athletic children by providing financial aid, mentorship, sports training, and community resources.Daniels is Kansas' second Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Semifinalist in the last two seasons, as Devin Neal was a semifinalist for the award in 2024.The full list of semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year includes: CJ Allen (Georgia), Nick Andersen (Wake Forest), Cam Ball (Arkansas), Jude Bowry (Boston College), Deion Burks (Oklahoma), Arion Carter (Tennessee), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), Jalon Daniels (Kansas), Nick Dawkins (Penn State), Aiden Fisher (Indiana), Ernest Hausmann (Michigan), Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State), Devin Mockobee (Purdue), Koa Naotala (Old Dominion), Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), Michael Taaffe (Texas), Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame) and Tanner Wall (BYU).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.

🏈 KU's Daniels named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year

A pair of Hutchinson Community College football players earned KJCCC Football Player of the Week honors for their performances last week against Dodge City.

Sophomore Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Week 7 Offensive Player of the Week and sophomore return specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Week 7 Special Teams Player of the Week after outstanding performances in No. 1 Hutchinson's 44-3 victory over Dodge City on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

Johnson and Gouldsby became the sixth and seventh Blue Dragon players this season to earn weekly conference honors. Johnson won his second offensive award of the season and is the second Blue Dragon with two weekly awards in 2025, joining receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;Gouldsby earned his first weekly award this season and the was named Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time in his career.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;– Offensive Player of the Week Johnson, a 6-foot, 206-pound quarterback from Montgomery, Alabama, accounted for 309 total yards in the Blue Dragons' 44-3 victory over Dodge City on Saturday.

Johnson completed 17 of 30 passes for 239 yards with three touchdowns. He threw for touchdowns of 27, 20 and 10 yards to bring his season's total to 14 touchdown passes in five games,

Johnson also rushed the ball 14 times for 70 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. All three of those marks were career single-game highs for Johnson.

Johnson also won KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week honors on September 9.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;– Special Teams Player of the Week Gouldsby, a 5-10, 171-pound sophomore receiver/return specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, accounted for 187 all-purpose yards against Dodge City on Saturday.

A big chunk of Gouldsby's yardage came on an 84-yard free kick return for a touchdown following a Blue Dragon safety which gave the Blue Dragons a 23-3 lead in the fourth quarter. The return touchdown was Gouldsby's third career return for a touchdown and first of the season.

The all-purpose wide receiver also caught three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760474888046.jpeg" alt="Christian Johnson (left) was named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week and Kordell Gouldsby (right) was named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week after the No. 1 Blue Dragons' 44-3 win over Dodge City on Saturday." />
 <figcaption>Christian Johnson (left) was named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week and Kordell Gouldsby (right) was named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week after the No. 1 Blue Dragons' 44-3 win over Dodge City on Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationA pair of Hutchinson Community College football players earned KJCCC Football Player of the Week honors for their performances last week against Dodge City.Sophomore Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Week 7 Offensive Player of the Week and sophomore return specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Week 7 Special Teams Player of the Week after outstanding performances in No. 1 Hutchinson's 44-3 victory over Dodge City on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.Johnson and Gouldsby became the sixth and seventh Blue Dragon players this season to earn weekly conference honors. Johnson won his second offensive award of the season and is the second Blue Dragon with two weekly awards in 2025, joining receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;Gouldsby earned his first weekly award this season and the was named Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time in his career.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;– Offensive Player of the Week Johnson, a 6-foot, 206-pound quarterback from Montgomery, Alabama, accounted for 309 total yards in the Blue Dragons' 44-3 victory over Dodge City on Saturday.Johnson completed 17 of 30 passes for 239 yards with three touchdowns. He threw for touchdowns of 27, 20 and 10 yards to bring his season's total to 14 touchdown passes in five games,Johnson also rushed the ball 14 times for 70 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. All three of those marks were career single-game highs for Johnson.Johnson also won KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week honors on September 9.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;– Special Teams Player of the Week Gouldsby, a 5-10, 171-pound sophomore receiver/return specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, accounted for 187 all-purpose yards against Dodge City on Saturday.A big chunk of Gouldsby's yardage came on an 84-yard free kick return for a touchdown following a Blue Dragon safety which gave the Blue Dragons a 23-3 lead in the fourth quarter. The return touchdown was Gouldsby's third career return for a touchdown and first of the season.The all-purpose wide receiver also caught three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.<div><div class="rich-v2 classic no-sidebar clearfix medium" data-module="article-rich" data-title="JOHNSON, GOULDSBY EARN KJCCC WEEKLY HONORS" data-url="/sports/fball/2025-26/releases/20251014p1r4qm">
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BLUE DRAGON KJCCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Week 3 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 4 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 4 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Defense Week 5 &ndash; Derrick Salley Jr &ndash; Offense Week 5 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Defense Week 7 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 7 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Special Teams
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🏈 Johnson, Gouldsby named KJCCC players of the week

Hutchinson Community College freshman runner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wxc/2025-26/bios/roni_mildred_mud8">Mildred Rono</a>&nbsp;was named the Jayhawk Conference's Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week for the third time this season on Tuesday.

Rono broke the Blue Dragon Women's Cross Country 5K record for this second time this season after a second-place finish at the Fort Hays State Tiger Open on Saturday in Hays.

The Blue Dragon freshman from Eldoret, Kenya, posted a time at the Tiger Open of 15:41.1. She just missed her third race victory of the season by 1.1 seconds and beat her own school record by 8.1 seconds.

Rono was the conference women's cross country runner-up after winning the Terry Masterson Twilight on August 30 and the Missouri Southern Stampede on September 20. Next up for Rono and the No. 11-ranked Blue Dragons is the Region 6 Championships on October 24 in Colby.

Rono matches a program record of earning KJCCC Runner of the Week awards with Faith Jepchirchir, who won three weekly awards in the 2024 season. Rono was also the NJCAA and USTFCCCA National Runner of the Week after winning the Missouri Southern Stampede.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760474521815.jpeg" alt="For the third time this season, Blue Dragon women's cross country freshman Mildred Rono was named the KJCCC Women's Runner of the Week." />
 <figcaption>For the third time this season, Blue Dragon women's cross country freshman Mildred Rono was named the KJCCC Women's Runner of the Week.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College freshman runner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wxc/2025-26/bios/roni_mildred_mud8">Mildred Rono</a>&nbsp;was named the Jayhawk Conference's Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week for the third time this season on Tuesday.Rono broke the Blue Dragon Women's Cross Country 5K record for this second time this season after a second-place finish at the Fort Hays State Tiger Open on Saturday in Hays.The Blue Dragon freshman from Eldoret, Kenya, posted a time at the Tiger Open of 15:41.1. She just missed her third race victory of the season by 1.1 seconds and beat her own school record by 8.1 seconds.Rono was the conference women's cross country runner-up after winning the Terry Masterson Twilight on August 30 and the Missouri Southern Stampede on September 20. Next up for Rono and the No. 11-ranked Blue Dragons is the Region 6 Championships on October 24 in Colby.Rono matches a program record of earning KJCCC Runner of the Week awards with Faith Jepchirchir, who won three weekly awards in the 2024 season. Rono was also the NJCAA and USTFCCCA National Runner of the Week after winning the Missouri Southern Stampede.

👟 HutchCC's Rono named KJCCC Runner of the Week for third time

After a two-week hiatus away from the national rankings, the Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team returns to the NJCAA Division I Top 20 on Tuesday.

Going 3-0-1 since falling out of the rankings two weeks ago, the Blue Dragons returned to the poll at No. 18.

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/rankings/DI/index">CLICK FOR ENTIRE NJCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S SOCCER RANKINGS</a>

Hutchinson defeated Dodge City 8-1 and 1-0 and Coffeyville 6-0 last week to move to 9-2-2 overall and 6-2-2 in the KJCCC, which is good enough for second place. The Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Wednesday in Liberal and play host to Butler at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.

When the Blue Dragons fell out of the rankings on September 29, that snapped a program-record streak of 23-straight weeks in the national rankings, a streak that dated back to the first regular-season poll of 2023. The Dragons have been ranked as high as No. 12 this season.

Hutchinson is only one of two Jayhawk Conference teams in the Division I rankings. Cowley (7-0-4) is No. 8 this week.

Daytona State remains No. 2 and Arizona Western and Seminole State follow at Nos. 2 and 3. Salt Lake at No. 4 and Navarro at No. 5 switch spots this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760473965975.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter a two-week hiatus away from the national rankings, the Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team returns to the NJCAA Division I Top 20 on Tuesday.Going 3-0-1 since falling out of the rankings two weeks ago, the Blue Dragons returned to the poll at No. 18.<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/rankings/DI/index">CLICK FOR ENTIRE NJCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S SOCCER RANKINGS</a>Hutchinson defeated Dodge City 8-1 and 1-0 and Coffeyville 6-0 last week to move to 9-2-2 overall and 6-2-2 in the KJCCC, which is good enough for second place. The Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Wednesday in Liberal and play host to Butler at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.When the Blue Dragons fell out of the rankings on September 29, that snapped a program-record streak of 23-straight weeks in the national rankings, a streak that dated back to the first regular-season poll of 2023. The Dragons have been ranked as high as No. 12 this season.Hutchinson is only one of two Jayhawk Conference teams in the Division I rankings. Cowley (7-0-4) is No. 8 this week.Daytona State remains No. 2 and Arizona Western and Seminole State follow at Nos. 2 and 3. Salt Lake at No. 4 and Navarro at No. 5 switch spots this week.

⚽ Blue Dragons return to NJCAA rankings at No. 18

Winners of nine-straight games dating back to last season, the Hutchinson Community College football team sits atop the NJCAA Division I Rankings for the ninth-straight poll this season.

Released on Tuesday, the 5-0 Blue Dragons garnered all 12 first-place votes to remain No. 1.

The Blue Dragons were the last Jayhawk Conference football team to play a conference game and did so with a 44-3 victory at Dodge City on Saturday. The Blue Dragons return home after 35-straight days on the road this Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff against Independence.

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

The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll to 56 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 50 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 45 of the 75 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.

The Top four teams remained the same this week. Iowa Western (5-1) is No. 2, Tyler (5-0) and Mississippi Gulf Coast (6-0) is No. 1. Former No. 5 Navarro lost and Northwest Mississippi (5-1) takes over at No. 5

Garden City (5-1) moves up one spot to No. 7. Coffeyville (3-2) jumped two spots to No. 12 and Butler (3-1) moved up one spot to No. 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760473933706.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWinners of nine-straight games dating back to last season, the Hutchinson Community College football team sits atop the NJCAA Division I Rankings for the ninth-straight poll this season.Released on Tuesday, the 5-0 Blue Dragons garnered all 12 first-place votes to remain No. 1.The Blue Dragons were the last Jayhawk Conference football team to play a conference game and did so with a 44-3 victory at Dodge City on Saturday. The Blue Dragons return home after 35-straight days on the road this Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff against Independence.<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/fball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR ENTIRE NJCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL RANKINGS</a>The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll to 56 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 50 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 45 of the 75 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.The Top four teams remained the same this week. Iowa Western (5-1) is No. 2, Tyler (5-0) and Mississippi Gulf Coast (6-0) is No. 1. Former No. 5 Navarro lost and Northwest Mississippi (5-1) takes over at No. 5Garden City (5-1) moves up one spot to No. 7. Coffeyville (3-2) jumped two spots to No. 12 and Butler (3-1) moved up one spot to No. 14.

🏈 Dragons stay atop NJCAA rankings

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Jeremy Case has been promoted to associate head coach for Kansas men's basketball, KU head coach Bill Self announced today.

A former guard for the Jayhawks, Case joined the staff in August 2016 and was promoted to a full-time assistant coach in April 2021. With Case on staff, which includes 2009 when he was a graduate student, Kansas has won one NCAA National Championship, five Big 12 regular-season championships and one Big 12 Tournament title. Additionally, KU has advanced to three NCAA Tournament Sweet 16s, an NCAA Elite Eight, and one Final Four during Case's time on the staff.

"Jeremy has done a tremendous job as an assistant coach since 2021," Self said. "He has played a big role both on the court and in the new world of college basketball recruiting.

"Jeremy and I discussed this promotion last spring but delayed announcing it with the staff changes we had going into the summer. I'm very excited for Jeremy and his family. He's a rising star in the profession."

Player development has been key with Case on staff as Kansas has produced nine Consensus All-America selections. Additionally, there have been more than 50 Big 12 postseason awards won by Jayhawks during Case's stint on staff.

With Case on the KU staff, 11 Jayhawks have been selected in the NBA Draft, and more than 25 players have played professionally either in the NBA, the NBA G-League or overseas.

"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue my development at a place that is so special to me," Case said. "Having the chance each day to work for a Hall of Fame coach is such an honor. I'm thankful to Coach Self for the belief he has in me as a coach and am very excited to continue to work with a great staff."

Case came to KU after four seasons as an assistant coach at Houston Baptist University. Prior to HBU, Case spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State.

Case was a member of Kansas' 2008 NCAA National Championship team and after graduation was on the KU staff while taking graduate courses at KU for the 2008-09 season.

A native of McAlester, Oklahoma, who was a redshirt in 2004-05, Case played in 94 games while at Kansas and won four Big 12 regular-season and three Big 12 Tournament championships. Including the 2008 title, Case was part of three NCAA Elite Eight teams while playing at KU.

A redshirt in 2004-05, Case earned his bachelor's degree in communication

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760534085708.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Jeremy Case has been promoted to associate head coach for Kansas men's basketball, KU head coach Bill Self announced today.A former guard for the Jayhawks, Case joined the staff in August 2016 and was promoted to a full-time assistant coach in April 2021. With Case on staff, which includes 2009 when he was a graduate student, Kansas has won one NCAA National Championship, five Big 12 regular-season championships and one Big 12 Tournament title. Additionally, KU has advanced to three NCAA Tournament Sweet 16s, an NCAA Elite Eight, and one Final Four during Case's time on the staff."Jeremy has done a tremendous job as an assistant coach since 2021," Self said. "He has played a big role both on the court and in the new world of college basketball recruiting."Jeremy and I discussed this promotion last spring but delayed announcing it with the staff changes we had going into the summer. I'm very excited for Jeremy and his family. He's a rising star in the profession."Player development has been key with Case on staff as Kansas has produced nine Consensus All-America selections. Additionally, there have been more than 50 Big 12 postseason awards won by Jayhawks during Case's stint on staff.With Case on the KU staff, 11 Jayhawks have been selected in the NBA Draft, and more than 25 players have played professionally either in the NBA, the NBA G-League or overseas."I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue my development at a place that is so special to me," Case said. "Having the chance each day to work for a Hall of Fame coach is such an honor. I'm thankful to Coach Self for the belief he has in me as a coach and am very excited to continue to work with a great staff."Case came to KU after four seasons as an assistant coach at Houston Baptist University. Prior to HBU, Case spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State.Case was a member of Kansas' 2008 NCAA National Championship team and after graduation was on the KU staff while taking graduate courses at KU for the 2008-09 season.A native of McAlester, Oklahoma, who was a redshirt in 2004-05, Case played in 94 games while at Kansas and won four Big 12 regular-season and three Big 12 Tournament championships. Including the 2008 title, Case was part of three NCAA Elite Eight teams while playing at KU.A redshirt in 2004-05, Case earned his bachelor's degree in communication

🏀 KU promotes Jeremy Case to associate head coach

Big 12 men's basketball tip times and television designations were revealed Tuesday, as 2025-26 marks the first season of broadcast agreements with five national partners. Games are slated to be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2), FOX Sports (FOX, FS1), CBS Sports (CBS, CBS Sports Network), Peacock and TNT.

Up to 20 games are slated for over-the-air broadcast, on FOX (11 or 12), CBS (6) and ABC (2). Network coverage begins on December 13 for FOX with Oklahoma State hosting Oklahoma inside the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. CBS broadcasts BYU at Kansas State on January 3 to tip off its schedule, while ABC has Kansas at Iowa State on its airwaves on February 14.

A total of 55 Conference games are slated for broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, with an additional 11 Conference games are available on ESPN+.

FOX joins the Big 12's list of men's basketball partners, having a schedule of 31 league games on FOX or FS1.

CBS has a six-game network slate for Saturday coverage, plus a 15-game schedule on CBS Sports Network.

Peacock has 18 Big 12 games and TNT produces eight more in their first year as broadcast partners to the Conference. All of TNT's games will be simulcast on truTV.

In addition, all partners have picked up non-conference games that are Conference-controlled, in addition to road contests and other neutral site games.

Men's basketball Conference play begins Friday, January 2 with Iowa State hosting West Virginia at 8 p.m. CT (9 p.m. ET) on ESPN2 and concludes with seven games on Saturday, March 7 with contests on CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Peacock and TNT.

A full list of conference-controlled televised games can be found <a href="https://admin.big12sports.com/services/go.ashx/2a8f3d14-58c2-4282-9895-252bd06fa47e?elinkdata=610388">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936474572.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>Big 12 ConferenceBig 12 men's basketball tip times and television designations were revealed Tuesday, as 2025-26 marks the first season of broadcast agreements with five national partners. Games are slated to be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2), FOX Sports (FOX, FS1), CBS Sports (CBS, CBS Sports Network), Peacock and TNT.Up to 20 games are slated for over-the-air broadcast, on FOX (11 or 12), CBS (6) and ABC (2). Network coverage begins on December 13 for FOX with Oklahoma State hosting Oklahoma inside the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. CBS broadcasts BYU at Kansas State on January 3 to tip off its schedule, while ABC has Kansas at Iowa State on its airwaves on February 14.A total of 55 Conference games are slated for broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, with an additional 11 Conference games are available on ESPN+.FOX joins the Big 12's list of men's basketball partners, having a schedule of 31 league games on FOX or FS1.CBS has a six-game network slate for Saturday coverage, plus a 15-game schedule on CBS Sports Network.Peacock has 18 Big 12 games and TNT produces eight more in their first year as broadcast partners to the Conference. All of TNT's games will be simulcast on truTV.In addition, all partners have picked up non-conference games that are Conference-controlled, in addition to road contests and other neutral site games.Men's basketball Conference play begins Friday, January 2 with Iowa State hosting West Virginia at 8 p.m. CT (9 p.m. ET) on ESPN2 and concludes with seven games on Saturday, March 7 with contests on CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Peacock and TNT.A full list of conference-controlled televised games can be found <a href="https://admin.big12sports.com/services/go.ashx/2a8f3d14-58c2-4282-9895-252bd06fa47e?elinkdata=610388">here</a>.

🏀 Big 12 releases men's hoops TV schedule unveiled with 5 national partners

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Five Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) football teams were recognized in the latest Netting Professionals NAIA Football Coaches’ Poll, released Monday by the national office — with McPherson College leading a strong contingent of Kansas programs making noise on the national stage.

Friends University stayed put at No. 5 after breaking into the Top 5 last week, while Southwestern College remained at No. 16. McPherson College continued its steady climb, moving up one spot into a tie for No. 20. Evangel University and Kansas Wesleyan University were among those receiving votes.

This week’s KCAC spotlight matchup features No. 5 Friends hosting No. 20 McPherson, with both teams entering undefeated in conference play. Friends leads the NAIA in rushing offense, averaging 488 yards per game, more than 200 yards better than any other program in the nation. McPherson, meanwhile, continues its best start in recent history behind a balanced attack and improving defense.

Elsewhere in Kansas, No. 3 Benedictine remains the state’s top-ranked NAIA program outside the KCAC, sitting at 5-1 heading into a road matchup with Central Methodist (Mo.). MidAmerica Nazarene of Olathe climbed to No. 22 after a 5-1 start.

The next edition of the NAIA Football Coaches’ Poll will be released Monday, Oct. 20.

Top Kansas Programs in Latest NAIA Poll
 5. Friends (6-0)
 16. Southwestern (5-1)
 T-20. McPherson (6-0)
 22. MidAmerica Nazarene (5-1)
 Receiving Votes: Evangel, Kansas Wesleyan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755005155752.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KCAC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KCAC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Five Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) football teams were recognized in the latest Netting Professionals NAIA Football Coaches’ Poll, released Monday by the national office — with McPherson College leading a strong contingent of Kansas programs making noise on the national stage.Friends University stayed put at No. 5 after breaking into the Top 5 last week, while Southwestern College remained at No. 16. McPherson College continued its steady climb, moving up one spot into a tie for No. 20. Evangel University and Kansas Wesleyan University were among those receiving votes.This week’s KCAC spotlight matchup features No. 5 Friends hosting No. 20 McPherson, with both teams entering undefeated in conference play. Friends leads the NAIA in rushing offense, averaging 488 yards per game, more than 200 yards better than any other program in the nation. McPherson, meanwhile, continues its best start in recent history behind a balanced attack and improving defense.Elsewhere in Kansas, No. 3 Benedictine remains the state’s top-ranked NAIA program outside the KCAC, sitting at 5-1 heading into a road matchup with Central Methodist (Mo.). MidAmerica Nazarene of Olathe climbed to No. 22 after a 5-1 start.The next edition of the NAIA Football Coaches’ Poll will be released Monday, Oct. 20.Top Kansas Programs in Latest NAIA Poll
 5. Friends (6-0)
 16. Southwestern (5-1)
 T-20. McPherson (6-0)
 22. MidAmerica Nazarene (5-1)
 Receiving Votes: Evangel, Kansas Wesleyan

🏈 McPherson is No. 20 in latest NAIA rankings

1) Maize, 6-0 (1) 2) Wichita NW, 5-1 (2) 3) Junction City, 4-2 (3) 4) Olathe West, 5-1 (NR) 5) Lawrence Free State, 4-1 (5)

1) St. Thomas Aquinas, 5-1 (1) 2) Great Bend, 6-0 (2) 3) Hays, 5-1 (3) 4) St. James Academy, 5-1 (5) 5) Mill Valley, 4-2 (4)

1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 6-0 (1) 2) Eudora, 5-1 (3) 3) Bishop Miege, 2-4 (2) 4) Wellington, 5-1 (5) 5) Mulvane, 5-1 (NR)

1) Andale, 6-0 (1) 2) Topeka Hayden, 6-0 (2) 3) Holcomb, 6-0 (3) 4) Rock Creek, 6-0 (4) 5) Hugoton, 6-0 (5)

1) Southeast of Saline, 6-0 (1) 2) Nemaha Central, 6-0 (2) 3) Osage City, 6-0 (3) 4) Hoisington, 5-0 (4) 5) Garden Plain, 5-1 (5)

1) Jackson Heights, 6-0 (1) 2) Sterling, 6-0 (2) 3) Rossville, 5-1 (3) 4) St. Mary's Colgan, 6-0 (4) 5) Smith Center, 6-0 (5)

1) South Central, 5-0 (1) 2) WaKeeney-Trego, 6-0 (3) 3) Central Plains, 5-1 (4) 4) Lyndon, 5-0 (5) 5) Ell-Saline, 5-1 (NR)

1) Axtell, 6-0 (1) 2) Victoria, 5-0 (2) 3) Hanover, 6-0 (3) 4) Hodgeman County, 6-0 (4) 5) Hutchinson-Central Christian, 6-0 (5)

1) Weskan, 5-1 (1) 2) Cunningham, 5-1 (2) 3) South Barber, 5-1 (5) 4) Ingalls, 5-1 (3) 5) Tescott, 5-1 (4)

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

🏈 Kpreps rankings ahead of Week 7

🎧⚾ ALCS & NLCS scores; 🏈 KU-KSU set for 11 a.m. kick; 🏀 AP Preseason Top 25 released 

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a>&nbsp;safety&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-fight-brian-branch-e1f8f03a80052ad16856673846b2791c">Brian Branch</a>&nbsp;was suspended for one game without pay by the NFL on Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City.

Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a postgame melee.

“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players," Jon Runyan, league vice president of football operations, wrote in a letter to Branch. "Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.”

Detroit (4-2) will host NFC South-leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay</a>&nbsp;(5-1) without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary.

Branch will be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the team's bye week ahead of its home game against NFC North rival Minnesota on Nov. 2.

After Kansas City beat Detroit 30-17, quarterback Patrick Mahomes extended his hand toward Branch and the third-year pro walked past the superstar. Smith-Schuster then walked toward Branch. They exchanged a few words and Branch responded by throwing a right hook that knocked Smith-Schuster to the ground.

Smith-Schuster leapt to his feet and went after Branch. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco tried to get between them, but Branch ripped Smith-Schuster’s helmet off as a slew of players converged on the scrum.

Smith-Schuster came away with a bloody nose.

“I did a little childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it," Branch said after the game. "They be trying to bully me out there and I don’t — I shouldn’t have did it. It was childish.”

Branch was fined $23,186 for facemask and unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties against Green Bay last month.

“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it’s not going to be accepted here," Lions coach Dan Campbell said Sunday night. "It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re about. I apologized to coach (Andy) Reid and the Chiefs, and Smith-Schuster. That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here. It’s not going to be OK. He knows it. Our team knows it. That’s not what we do.”

Detroit drafted Branch out of Alabama in the second round in 2023 and he has been one of the franchise's top players during its recent run of success. He was a Pro Bowl player last season after finishing fifth in voting for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760444688451.jpeg" alt="Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) fights with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) while be held back by Chiefs' James Winchester, left, and Isiah Pacheco (10) following an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) fights with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) while be held back by Chiefs' James Winchester, left, and Isiah Pacheco (10) following an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a>&nbsp;safety&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-fight-brian-branch-e1f8f03a80052ad16856673846b2791c">Brian Branch</a>&nbsp;was suspended for one game without pay by the NFL on Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City.Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a postgame melee.“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players," Jon Runyan, league vice president of football operations, wrote in a letter to Branch. "Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.”Detroit (4-2) will host NFC South-leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay</a>&nbsp;(5-1) without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary.Branch will be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the team's bye week ahead of its home game against NFC North rival Minnesota on Nov. 2.After Kansas City beat Detroit 30-17, quarterback Patrick Mahomes extended his hand toward Branch and the third-year pro walked past the superstar. Smith-Schuster then walked toward Branch. They exchanged a few words and Branch responded by throwing a right hook that knocked Smith-Schuster to the ground.Smith-Schuster leapt to his feet and went after Branch. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco tried to get between them, but Branch ripped Smith-Schuster’s helmet off as a slew of players converged on the scrum.Smith-Schuster came away with a bloody nose.“I did a little childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it," Branch said after the game. "They be trying to bully me out there and I don’t — I shouldn’t have did it. It was childish.”Branch was fined $23,186 for facemask and unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties against Green Bay last month.“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it’s not going to be accepted here," Lions coach Dan Campbell said Sunday night. "It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re about. I apologized to coach (Andy) Reid and the Chiefs, and Smith-Schuster. That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here. It’s not going to be OK. He knows it. Our team knows it. That’s not what we do.”Detroit drafted Branch out of Alabama in the second round in 2023 and he has been one of the franchise's top players during its recent run of success. He was a Pro Bowl player last season after finishing fifth in voting for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Lions safety Brian Branch gets 1-game suspension for punching Chiefs' JuJu Smith-Schuster

Purdue is No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 college basketball poll for the first time.

The Boilermakers earned 35 of 61 first-place votes to top Monday’s poll to begin the 2025-26 season. That put Matt Painter’s squad ahead of the two teams that played in last year’s NCAA title game, with runner-up Houston at No. 2 and reigning champion Florida at No. 3.

“We are obviously excited to get the season going and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason is a great indicator of what we feel this team can accomplish," Painter said. "But the goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the year. We’re thrilled that people think this highly of our team, but there is a long ways to go and a lot of work to do to reach that goal in April.”

Purdue started a year ranked as high as No. 2 once before, in 1987-88 under Gene Keady.

It’s another milestone for Painter, the former Keady player who has built his own successful program that is still looking for its NCAA title breakthrough as he enters his 21st season. Purdue had never been ranked No. 1 in any AP poll before the 2021-22 season, which marked the first of three straight seasons in which the Boilermakers have reached the top. The last was during the 2023-24 season behind two-time AP national player of the year Zach Edey in a run all the way to the national title game.

The Boilermakers reached last year’s Sweet 16 before falling to Houston on a last-second basket, but return a first-team AP All-American in point guard Braden Smith, scoring leader Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1) and veteran guard Fletcher Loyer.

Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars earned 16 first-place votes to match the program’s best-ever preseason AP ranking after last year's finals run. The other No. 2 appearance was by the 1967-68 team led by Elvin Hayes.

Todd Golden's Gators earned eight first-place votes to start this year with their highest preseason ranking since the last time they entered a year as reigning champions in 2006-07, the start of a run to a second straight title.

UConn was next at No. 4 and earned the remaining two first-place votes. St. John's was fifth, with Rick Pitino's Red Storm surpassing the program's previous best ranking in a preseason AP poll (No. 7 in 1984-85).

Duke was next at No. 6, followed by Michigan, BYU — which landed the nation's No. 1 recruit in A.J. Dybantsa — Kentucky and Texas Tech to round out the top 10.

It hasn't taken long for Pat Kelsey to get Louisville back among the national elite, with the Cardinals checking in at No. 11 after a 27-win season to start his tenure. The Cardinals were 12-52 in the two seasons before his arrival.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760390326033.jpeg" alt=" Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) celebrates while taking a lead against McNeese State during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)" />
 <figcaption> Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) celebrates while taking a lead against McNeese State during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Purdue is No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 college basketball poll for the first time.The Boilermakers earned 35 of 61 first-place votes to top Monday’s poll to begin the 2025-26 season. That put Matt Painter’s squad ahead of the two teams that played in last year’s NCAA title game, with runner-up Houston at No. 2 and reigning champion Florida at No. 3.“We are obviously excited to get the season going and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason is a great indicator of what we feel this team can accomplish," Painter said. "But the goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the year. We’re thrilled that people think this highly of our team, but there is a long ways to go and a lot of work to do to reach that goal in April.”Purdue started a year ranked as high as No. 2 once before, in 1987-88 under Gene Keady.It’s another milestone for Painter, the former Keady player who has built his own successful program that is still looking for its NCAA title breakthrough as he enters his 21st season. Purdue had never been ranked No. 1 in any AP poll before the 2021-22 season, which marked the first of three straight seasons in which the Boilermakers have reached the top. The last was during the 2023-24 season behind two-time AP national player of the year Zach Edey in a run all the way to the national title game.The Boilermakers reached last year’s Sweet 16 before falling to Houston on a last-second basket, but return a first-team AP All-American in point guard Braden Smith, scoring leader Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1) and veteran guard Fletcher Loyer.The top tierKelvin Sampson’s Cougars earned 16 first-place votes to match the program’s best-ever preseason AP ranking after last year's finals run. The other No. 2 appearance was by the 1967-68 team led by Elvin Hayes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760390367733.jpeg" alt="FILE - Houston's Emanuel Sharp (21), Milos Uzan (7) and Mylik Wilson (8) celebrate during a timeout against Kansas during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, March 3, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Houston's Emanuel Sharp (21), Milos Uzan (7) and Mylik Wilson (8) celebrate during a timeout against Kansas during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, March 3, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Todd Golden's Gators earned eight first-place votes to start this year with their highest preseason ranking since the last time they entered a year as reigning champions in 2006-07, the start of a run to a second straight title.UConn was next at No. 4 and earned the remaining two first-place votes. St. John's was fifth, with Rick Pitino's Red Storm surpassing the program's previous best ranking in a preseason AP poll (No. 7 in 1984-85).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760390426259.jpeg" alt="FILE - Florida celebrates after defeating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Florida celebrates after defeating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Duke was next at No. 6, followed by Michigan, BYU — which landed the nation's No. 1 recruit in A.J. Dybantsa — Kentucky and Texas Tech to round out the top 10.Quick transitionsIt hasn't taken long for Pat Kelsey to get Louisville back among the national elite, with the Cardinals checking in at No. 11 after a 27-win season to start his tenure. The Cardinals were 12-52 in the two seasons before his arrival.Louisville is one of five programs with a second-year coach in the preseason poll, joining Michigan, BYU, Kentucky and No. 14 Arkansas with John Calipari.Jayhawks lowerKansas checked in at No. 19, the lowest preseason rank for Bill Self's Jayhawks since starting at No. 24 in the 2008-09 season as the reigning national champion. Kansas had been ranked outside the top 10 only once since that year (No. 13 in 2011-12) while starting at No. 1 in 2019-20 as well as each of the last two seasons in that stretch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697474162097.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas head coach Bill Self reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas head coach Bill Self reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Pearl's debutAuburn opens at No. 20 as it enters its first season since the unexpected retirement of coach Bruce Pearl following last year's Final Four run.Pearl stepped aside last month after 11 seasons, triggering a transition to his 38-year-old son Steven, who climbed his father's staff through the elder Pearl's Auburn tenure but has never been a head coach nor coached elsewhere in college.Conference watchThe Southeastern Conference, Big Ten and Big 12 each had six ranked teams to make up 72% of the field. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East were next with three each, while the West Coast Conference had one with No. 21 Gonzaga. The Big 12 was the only league of that group to have three top-10 teams.Watch listWill Wade's arrival at N.C. State and subsequent roster shakeup has the Wolfpack as the first team outside the poll, sitting just three points behind 25th-ranked rival North Carolina from the ACC. Oregon is lurking close behind entering its 16th year under Dana Altman.