The first College Football Playoff rankings delivered immediate controversy, placing Notre Dame at No. 11 while Alabama sits at No. 5. The SEC appeared to receive preferential treatment, and Ohio State would be left out of the playoff if the season ended today.
Baltimore Ravens will start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback in Week 9 after Lamar Jackson undergoes thumb surgery and backup Tyler Huntley deals with turf toe. The team also signed Kedon Slovis off Green Bay's practice squad for depth.
Seattle Mariners hired Jason Kanzler, 36, as their new manager despite no prior managerial experience, replacing Dan Wilson after a disappointing 2026 season. Kanzler is the second-youngest manager in MLB.
In UEFA Champions League Matchday 4, Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford, easing pressure on manager Michael Carrick. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain all won comfortably.
Fantasy football waiver-wire targets for Week 9 include Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr., while J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix are top quarterback adds. Early NBA Bracketology projects the Knicks as a fourth seed in the East despite an 0-3 start, and Pete Prisco's NFL Power Rankings have the Steelers rising to No. 10 after their win over Cleveland.
