Lane Kiffin is considered an ideal candidate to coach the Florida Gators due to his entertaining personality and offensive coaching style.
Despite past interest, Kiffin may no longer desire the Florida job as he has found success and stability at Ole Miss.
Kiffin has transformed Ole Miss into a College Football Playoff contender, a status Florida currently lacks.

There once was a time when Lane Kiffin would have crawl-stroked through a canal full of alligators to become Florida’s football coach. He’s suited to the job.

Southern California once ranked as Kiffin’s “dream job,” but coaching the Gators would be the dream fit of program and personality.

Florida fans don’t just want to win. They want to be entertained. Steve Spurrier, with his Fun ‘N’ Gun offense and his epic zingers, spoiled them that way.

Kiffin idolized Spurrier, and, shoot, they both look good in a visor.

Since Spurrier left the Gators sideline, Florida’s been in this never-ending quest to replace him. Urban Meyer answered the bell for a spell, but the Head Ball Coach remains the gold standard in Gainesville.

With Spurrier retired, who’s more entertaining in this era of college football than Kiffin? He’s one part troll, one part “Portal King,” and another part offensive genius.

Kiffin’s the ideal candidate for Florida, after the Gators fired Billy Napier. He could breathe an instant turnaround into a languishing program.

Kiffin’s career is soaring at Mississippi. His Rebels are College Football Playoff contenders, even after a loss at Georgia. That playoff pursuit would complicate Kiffin’s exit, and it further incentivizes him to stay put. But, you’d be kidding yourself if you think he’s never cast a wistful eye at floundering Florida and fancied how he could do that job so much better than it’s been done these past several seasons.

Nowadays, Kiffin wouldn’t need to swim through gator-infested waters to coach Florida. He might only need to answer his phone.

The question I’m wondering: Does Kiffin still want this job? I’m not so sure he does. I’m not so sure he should.

The salty truth of the matter is, Florida needs Kiffin a whole lot more than he needs the Gators.

Lane Kiffin makes Ole Miss into what Florida should be

Kiffin’s winning at a rate and with a consistency level he’s never before experienced. He’s toned down his hijinks, and he’s found peace and stability in Oxford. He’s built Ole Miss into what Florida should be. He’s pumping out good quarterbacks.

Before he arrived at Ole Miss, Kiffin’s career had been anything but a smooth ride.

He became persona non-grata with Al Davis and the Raiders. He became a traitor to Tennessee. He got fired from Southern California in an office off the LAX tarmac. He subjected himself to Nick Saban’s butt-chewings.

The turbulence leveled out at Ole Miss.

Maybe, it’s the wisdom of age. Maybe, it’s all that hot yoga he does. Maybe, it was his decision to get sober. Maybe, it’s those rocking chairs Kiffin placed on his front porch to signify his acceptance and embrace of Mississippi’s slower pace of life. Maybe, it’s how he’s reunited with his family. Maybe, it was the death of his dad, Monte, and hearing from people far and wide about Monte’s impact on their life, which forced Kiffin to ponder his desire for his own legacy.

Whatever the case, Kiffin appears to be living his best life. He calls this his quest to be the higher version of himself, and it’s coinciding with the highest version of Kiffin’s coaching career.

Lane Kiffin: ‘I look at life completely different.’

Before the season, Kiffin and I talked at length about what he wants out of life, and how his desires have changed.

“The earlier version of me was like, ‘I want a statue’” Kiffin told me in April. “I wouldn’t have said that publicly, but it was like, ‘I want to win enough where they build a statue of you.’ Like, at Alabama, there are statues of the coaches. That means you made it in life.”

“I don’t even think that way anymore,” he continued. “Now, I just want to be a really good neighbor, dad, brother, coworker, boss. I look at life completely different, and a lot of that had to do with growth and my personal growth — losing my dad, seeing his legacy. He’s someone who had both those, championships and treated people (well), and just realizing which one is a lot more important.”

I’m wondering whether a guy who says all that would swim through an alligator-filled canal to get to Florida. I wonder whether this visor-wearing coach still wants to coach Florida at all, when he’s found so much rhythm and success and adoration at Ole Miss.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

Doug Martin, a two-time Pro Bowl running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who played seven seasons in the NFL, died Saturday, according to his family. He was 36.

“It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning,’ Martin’s family said in a statement, per Fox Sports and The Tampa Bay Times. ‘Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.’

A first-round pick out of Boise State in 2012, Martin stormed onto the NFL scene as a rookie by recording 1,926 yards from scrimmage, a total that at the time trailed only Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James for the most in league history by a first-year player.

After two down seasons, he enjoyed a resurgence with the Buccaneers in 2015, when he finished second in the NFL in rushing with 1,402 yards. That performance would earn him an All-Pro nod and his second Pro Bowl nod.

Martin signed a five-year, $35.75 million contract the following offseason to remain with Tampa Bay. But the team released him in 2018 after he failed to reach 450 yards in either of his two seasons with the franchise following the deal.

He joined the Oakland Raiders in 2019 and took over as the lead option when Marshawn Lynch was injured, starting nine games and recording 723 rushing yards. After re-signing with the team in 2019, however, he was later released from injured reserve with a settlement and would not play in the NFL again.

‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin,’ the Buccaneers said in a statement Sunday. ‘From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise. He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.’

Listed at 5-9 and 223 pounds, he earned the nickname ‘Muscle Hamster’ for his compact frame and powerful running style. But Martin actively pushed back against the nickname, making it clear he preferred ‘Dougernaut’ instead.

‘The name ‘Muscle Hamster’ is the worst nickname possibly ever given to somebody,’ Martin told USA TODAY Sports in 2015. ‘I hope it changes, and I hope that I play to a level where my nickname changes. That’s what my goals are.’

Chase Briscoe will race for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship after winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Briscoe shot to the lead in his No. 19 Toyota in the final lap of overtime in the YellaWood 500 and held off Front Row Motorsports’ Todd Gilliland and Ty Gibbs – who were both seeking their first career Cup Series victories – at the checkered flag.

Briscoe’s win in the second race of the Round of 8 assured him of a spot in the Championship Race in just his first season at Joe Gibbs Racing. He joins JGR teammate Denny Hamlin in the final four, leaving the remaining two title hopefuls to be decided at Martinsville Speedway next weekend.

‘I don’t know what’s more unbelievable – the fact that we’re going to the Championship 4 or that I won a superspeedway race,’ Briscoe said. ‘What an amazing day.

‘I can’t thank Ty Gibbs enough. He was an incredible teammate there at the end. Honestly, it was just so selfless. He could’ve easily tried to make a move to try and win the race and he pushed me to the win.’

When the green flag flew for the two-lap overtime shootout, it appeared a Hendrick Motorsports car would capture the win at NASCAR’s largest track. Playoff drivers William Byron and Kyle Larson led the field and battled side-by-side before Larson pulled in front of his teammate. But then Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet ran out of gas, forcing Byron to check up. As Bryon tried to regather his No. 24 Chevy to battle for the win, he was hit from behind in the tri-oval by Carson Hocevar, sending Byron spinning all the way out of the top 20.

“Certainly, a finish would have helped us be a little bit closer on the points side of things,” said Byron, who ultimately finished 25th. “We just lost control of the race. We just couldn’t get the pushes going the way we needed to on the bottom lane.”

Larson finished 26th, one spot behind Byron.

Briscoe took advantage of the Hendrick drivers’ misfortune for his third win of the season and the fifth of his Cup career. His teammate Christopher Bell also finished in the top 10, putting JGR in position to possibly send three drivers to the Championship 4 in two weeks at Phoenix Raceway.

Meanwhile, another championship hopeful from Hendrick Motorsports was knocked out of the race before Stage 1 ended. Chase Elliott was caught up in a multicar crash with a handful of laps remaining in the opening stage, with his No. 9 Chevy suffering major damage that could not be repaired. He now faces a must-win situation at Martinsville to make the Championship 4.

Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney looked strong for much of the race, but the playoff drivers were forced to pit for fuel before overtime began, taking them out of contention. Logano finished 16th and Blaney 23rd.

Updated NASCAR playoff standings

With just one race remaining before the NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 2, here are the updated playoff standings following the YellaWood 500:

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing … Clinched berth in Championship 4
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing … Clinched berth in Championship 4
Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing … +37 points
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports … +36
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports … -36 points
Joey Logano, Team Penske … -38
Ryan Blaney, Team Penske … -47
Chase, Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports … -62

NASCAR Talladadega extended highlights

Chase Briscoe wins at Talladega to make NASCAR Championship 4

Chase Briscoe drove his No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to the front of the pack in overtime and outdueled Todd Gilliland and Ty Gibbs to win the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. With the win, Briscoe clinched a spot in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship race, joining his JGR teammate Denny Hamlin, who won last weekend at Las Vegas.

Chris Buescher brings out caution, sends race to overtime

Chris Buescher got hit from behind while leading and swerved in front of the field and into the inside wall to bring out the caution in the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Buescher was leading William Byron, who got shoved from behind by Carson Hocevar and into Buescher to send the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford across the track.

Team Penske playoff drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney were forced to come down pit road because neither had enough fuel to complete overtime.

Talladega playoff race: Lap 150 update

Reigning series champion Joey Logano leads the field with 38 laps to go in the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Logano is getting a strong push from Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney, a fellow playoff driver. Ross Chastain, Michael McDowell and Brad Keselowski also race in the top five.

Chase Briscoe wins Stage 2 of Talladega playoff race

Playoff drivers took four of the top five spots in Stage 2, with Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe winning the second segment over Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson. Carson Hocevar finished third, the only non-playoff driver in the top three. Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron finished fourth, followed by JGR’s Christopher Bell. Ty Gibbs, Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland, John Hunter Nemechek and Alex Bowman rounded out the top 10.

Talladega playoff race: Lap 90 update

Hendrick Motorsports drivers have not made much of an impact through 90 laps of the Yellawood 500, whether by strategy to ride in the back for the first half of the race or because their Chevrolets are not as fast as other cars in the field.

Meanwhile, the Team Penske Fords of Joey Logano and Ryan Penske have been able to drive through the field and are back near the front of the pack – the only playoff drivers currently in the Top 10.

Ty Gibbs wins Stage 1 of Talladega playoff race

Ty Gibbs edged fellow Toyota driver Tyler Reddick by a nose to win the opening stage of the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. John Hunter Nemechek finished third, followed by playoff driver Ryan Blaney in fourth and Bubba Wallace in fifth. Joey Logano, seeking his second consecutive series championshp, finished sixth, with Zane Smith, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar and playoff driver Christopher Bell rounding out the Top 10.

Chase Elliott knocked out of Talladega race

Chase Elliott’s day at Talladega ended before Stage 1 after his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet suffered catastrophic damage during a multicar crash on Lap 53. Elliott now heads to next week’s playoff race at Martinsville Speeday at a huge points disadvantage and could be facing a must-win situation to make the championship race in two weeks.

Big crash takes out a number of cars, including Elliott

Erik Jones pushed leader Noah Gragson, trying to propel him forward on the outside in Turn 3, but the contact turned Gragson into inside lane leader AJ Allmendinger, triggering a multicar wreck on Lap 53. A number of cars suffered massive damage, with Allmendinger having to be helped out of the car and into the safety crew vehicle transporting him to the infield care center.

Playoff driver Chase Elliott was among the drivers involved, with his No. 9 car suffering big damage. Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, Justin Haley and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. also got collected in the incident.

Cars make green flag pit stops in Stage 1

Drivers began green-flag pit stops during Stage 1 of the YellaWood 500, coming in for fuel starting with about 20 laps to go. Three drivers were penalized for speeding: Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain and playoff driver Chase Briscoe. All three had to come back down pit road to serve pass-thru penalties.

NASCAR Talladega race: Lap 20 update

Drivers had immediately made the race three-wide when the green flag flew, but after 20 laps, the race has settled down to two packs driving two-wide. Kyle Busch leads with Shane van Gisbergen, Justin Haley, Bubba Wallace, Christopher Bell, Josh Berry and Chase Briscoe rounding out the top 7.

Green flag waves for NASCAR playoff race at Talladega

Michael McDowell and Chase Briscoe lead the field as the green flag waves for the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The opening stage is 60 laps.

When is the green flag for NASCAR playoff race at Talladega?

The green flag for the YellaWood 500 is expected to drop at 2:28 p.m. ET (1:28 p.m. local), per Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass after some track drying earlier today.

What time does the NASCAR playoff race at Talladega start?

The YellaWood 500 is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama.

What TV channel is the NASCAR playoff race at Talladega?

The YellaWood 500 will be broadcast on NBC, the home of the Cup Series’ final three races of the season. Pre-race coverage will start at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Will there be a live stream of the NASCAR playoff race at Talladega?

Yes, the YellaWood 500 will be streamed on Peacock, Sling TV and Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Stream the NASCAR race at Talladega on Fubo

Who is on the pole for NASCAR playoff race at Talladega?

Michael McDowell won the pole for today’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega. Playoff driver Chase Briscoe will start alongside on the front row.

How many laps is the NASCAR playoff race at Talladega?

The YellaWood 500 is 188 laps around the 2.66-mile track for a total of 500.08 miles. The race will have three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 60 laps; Stage 2: 60 laps; Stage 3: 68 laps.

NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings

Here’s how things look as the playoff field hits the second race in the Round of 8. The bottom four drivers will be eliminated after Martinsville.

Denny Hamlin
Kyle Larson (+4)
Christopher Bell (+19)
Chase Briscoe (+24)
William Byron (+39)
Chase Elliott (+47)
Joey Logano (+48)
Ryan Blaney (+55)

Who won the NASCAR playoff race at Talladega last year?

Last year’s YellaWood 500 featured one of the closest finishes of the year. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. earned his lone win of the season by 0.006 seconds over Brad Keselowski. The No. 47 Chevrolet driver ended his win drought on a superspeedway after previously winning the 2023 Daytona 500. William Byron’s push on the final lap got Stenhouse Jr. ahead of Keselowski to cause a bit of chaos in the Round of 12. Stenhouse Jr. led a total of 19 laps in a race affected by a massive wreck with five laps remaining. With 28 cars involved, it was the biggest Cup Series wreck since 2002. Keselowski, Byron, Kyle Larson and Erik Jones rounded out the top five runners.

What is the lineup for the YellaWood 500 at Talladega?

Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
Ryan Preece, No. 60 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota
Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford
William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford 
Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford 
John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Austin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford
Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet
BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet
Casey Mears, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford

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Let’s be truthful. There sure was a lot of ugly football played out there on Sunday.

From London to Cleveland to Kansas City, fantasy football managers had to slog through several blowouts — desperately hoping for some garbage-time points for their players. (Thank you, Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams.)

The day was notable for the return of several players coming back from multiple-week absences. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb showed he’s fully recovered from an ankle injury in Week 3 by catching a 74-yard touchdown bomb against the Commanders.

On the other hand, Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard’s first appearance since Week 4 (14 carries, 31 yards) put an end to Rico Dowdle’s amazing two-week run as the starter.

Fantasy football winners for Week 7

WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense already were operating at a high level through the first six weeks, but add in their most explosive playmaker and a date with the Las Vegas Raiders and you have a definite possibility of spontaneous combustion. As his six-game suspension came to an end, Rice made his presence felt immediately with seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns as K.C. called off the dogs after three quarters.

RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

The rookie became the latest running back to torch the Miami Dolphins defense (the most recent being Dowdle and the Chargers’ Kimai Vidal). Judkins sloshed through the rain and wind for 84 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries as the Dolphins looked like fish out of water. Even more encouraging for fantasy managers, two of Judkins’ TDs came on plays where he took direct snaps from center in the Browns’ goal-line offense.

WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

In a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Hunter saw his most extensive work on offense all season. After going without a catch in the first half, he finished with eight receptions on 14 targets for 101 yards and his first NFL touchdown. That’s not a sustainable model for success, but the Jags could certainly use their Week 8 bye to find more ways to get Hunter involved in the passing game.

WR Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings

VIkings QB Carson Wentz didn’t look great early, but still threw for 313 yards. Addison was his favorite receiver as the Eagles secondary rolled its coverage scheme toward star wideout Justin Jefferson. The third-year wideout caught nine of his 12 targets for 128 yards. The performance could have been even more fantasy-friendly if he’d just been able to find the end zone.

TE Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers

In an offensive shootout, Gadsden emerged as yet another potent receiver for Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who threw for 386 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. While WRs Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston had touchdown catches, Gadsden seemed to come up with big play after big play. He finished with six receptions for a career-high 156 yards and a TD.

Fantasy football losers for Week 7

QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Things have gone from bad to worse in Miami. After tossing three interceptions a week ago, Tagovailoa was overly cautious in the wind and rain at Cleveland. After losing tight end Darren Waller to injury early, Tua hit on 12-of-23 passes for 100 yards and no touchdowns. He also threw a pick-six among his three interceptions — and was two yards away from a second one.

QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Going up against the NFL’s worst pass defense in Dallas, Daniels had the best possible matchup. Unfortunately, he had perhaps the worst possible set of weapons to take advantage. The team’s top three wide receivers — Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown — were all inactive due to injuries. You can now add Daniels to the injury report after he exited early with a hamstring issue. He did run for a touchdown, but Daniels only completed 12-of-22 passes for 156 yards and a TD.

RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

Trade rumors have surrounded Kamara for the past few weeks, but the Saints don’t seem inclined to accept any of the offers. Too bad for Kamara’s fantasy value because he would probably benefit from a change of scenery. The veteran carried 11 times for 28 yards (2.5 per carry) and caught three passes for 1 yard in a drubbing by the Chicago Bears.

RB Breece Hall, New York Jets

Hall’s situation is similar to Kamara’s as he toils away on the NFL’s only winless team. The Jets benched starting QB Justin Fields, but it didn’t provide a spark — or help the offense reach the end zone. Hall was marginalized by the Carolina Panthers, gaining just 36 yards on 11 rushes and catching two passes for 14 yards.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was injured in the second half of his team’s Week 7 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The injury occurred when Daniels was twisted awkwardly to the ground while being sacked by Shemar James, who landed on the quarterback’s ankle as he went to the ground. Daniels remained on the ground after the play and immediately reached for the back of his right leg.

Eventually, Daniels was able to hobble to the sidelines with help from Washington’s medical staff. He was brought to the blue medical tent for further evaluation but eventually exited and went to the locker room.

Jayden Daniels injury update

Commanders coach Dan Quinn gave reporters a small update about Daniels during his postgame news conference.

‘He definitely wanted to go back in,’ Quinn said. ‘He’ll get an MRI on his hamstring tomorrow.’

Quinn further specified Daniels could not have returned to the game regardless of the score. The 55-year-old coach told reporters he would have more information about the extent of the quarterback’s injury at his media availability Monday.

Daniels completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game. He also added 35 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Who is the Commanders backup quarterback?

Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota will take control of Washington’s offense with Daniels sidelined for the remainder of the game.

Mariota, 31, is in his second season with the Commanders and has made 76 starts during his career. He is 1-1 in relief of Daniels this season and has completed 64.6% of his passes for 363 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Commanders QB depth chart

The Commanders have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order among the group.

Jayden Daniels
Marcus Mariota
Josh Johnson

The Commanders also have Sam Hartman on the practice squad.

(This story will be updated as more information becomes available.)

As expected, the chaotic college football weekend produced considerable changes in the US LBM Coaches Poll. There was, however, one element of stability with unanimity at No. 1.

Ohio State claimed all 65 first-place votes cast this week after pitching a shutout against Wisconsin. Indiana moves up a spot to No. 2, surpassing its all-time high ranking achieved last week. Texas A&M, the last unbeaten team in the SEC, climbs a notch to No. 3, the highest ranking for the Aggies since 1995. Alabama and Georgia round out the top five.

Oregon climbs three positions to No. 6. Georgia Tech, which kept its record unblemished with a win at Duke, vaults five places to No. 7, the highest ranking for the Yellow Jackets since 2007. Mississippi and Miami (Fla.) fall out of the top five but hold on to the No. 8 and 9 positions respectively. Brigham Young, the last team unscathed in the Big 12, enters the top 10.

TOP 25: Complete US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 8

Vanderbilt checks in at No. 12, its highest position ever in the coaches poll, after upending LSU, which tumbles to No. 19. Louisville joins the poll at No. 22 thanks to its upset of Miami. No. 24 Michigan and No. 25 Arizona State also move back in.

Memphis, Southern California and Utah are the week’s dropouts.

(This story has been updated to change a video.)

Former catcher Jesus Montero, who played parts of five MLB seasons with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, died at the age of 35, the Yankees confirmed on Sunday.

Montero, who made his debut with the Yankees in 2011 as a rising young prospect, was involved in an automobile accident in his native Venezuela, according to local reports.

He played in just 18 games with the Yankees in 2011 before being sent to the Mariners in a deal that brought right-hander Michael Pineda to New York.

‘The Mariners were saddened to learn today of the passing of former Mariners player Jesus Montero,’ the Mariners said in a statement. ‘Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones.’

Montero, who played his last MLB game in 2015, finished his career as a .253 hitter with 28 home runs and 104 RBIs over 226 games. He notched career highs in homers (15) and RBIs (63) for the Mariners over 135 games in 2012, his only full season in the majors.

TORONTO – The hunger of two franchises will be palpable when Game 6 of the American League Championship Series jumps off from Rogers Centre.

In one dugout: The Seattle Mariners, just one win from their first AL pennant and World Series appearance in franchise history, already advancing further than they ever have by virtue of holding a 3-2 lead in this ALCS.

Across the field, the Toronto Blue Jays, still searching for their first World Series trip since winning consecutive titles in 1992-93 and hoping to avoid a third ALCS loss in a decade after losing to the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and Cleveland a year later.

It’s a pitching rematch from Game 2, when Logan Gilbert lasted only three innings but got 10 runs of support from Seattle’s offense. Rookie Trey Yesavage bore the brunt of that damage, giving up five runs in four-plus innings.

Now, he’s pitching to save the season, though the game’s stakes ensure Yesavage and Gilbert will both be on very short leashes.

What time is Mariners vs Blue Jays game today?

First pitch for Game 6 of the ALCS is set for 8:03 p.m. ET in Toronto.

Where to watch Mariners vs Blue Jays: TV channel, stream ALCS Game 6

TV: Fox Sports 1
Live stream: Watch this game on Fubo

Watch ALCS Game 6 live on Fubo

Blue Jays’ John Schneider criticized for moves in Game 5 loss

TORONTO – John Schneider subscribes to a sage theory in this extremely online era: Never read the comments.

He has taken a beating online and even from the sports network that broadcasts Toronto Blue Jays games after the manager inserted Brendon Little into the eighth inning of Game 5 of the ALCS. As you may have heard, the move backfired terribly, the Blue Jays lost 6-2 and now they face a must-win Game 6 against the Seattle Mariners to stay alive in this ALCS.

When asked before a must-win Game 6 whether he doomscrolls late into the night, Schneider had a ready answer.

“For one, I don’t have TikTok,” he says.

“Two, I don’t have Twitter; and three, I could care less what people think about me other than in my clubhouse.”

Is George Springer playing tonight?

TORONTO — George Springer is back in the Blue Jays’ lineup for ALCS Game 6. 

Manager John Schneider had confidence Springer would return, two days after he was drilled on the right knee by a Bryan Woo fastball in Game 5. X-rays and a CT scan taken Friday were both negative, and Schneider said Springer would play if he could handle any pain. 

Springer is batting .318 (7-for-22) with two homers in the ALCS, and he’s hit three homers with a .933 OPS this postseason. 

“It’s pretty incredible to take 97 off the kneecap and be back in the lineup,’ Daulton Varsho said before Game 6.

— Gabe Lacques

Mariners lineup today

Julio Rodríguez (R) CF
Cal Raleigh (S) C
Jorge Polanco (S) DH
Josh Naylor (L) 1B
Randy Arozarena (R) LF
Eugenio Suárez (R) 3B
J.P. Crawford (L) SS
Dominic Canzone (L) RF
Leo Rivas (S) 2B

Blue Jays lineup today

George Springer DH
Nathan Lukes LF
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B
Alejandro Kirk C
Daulton Varsho CF
Ernie Clement 3B
Addison Barger RF
Isiah Kiner-Falefa 2B
Andrés Giménez SS

Have the Mariners ever won a World Series?

Seattle is one of five teams that has never won a World Series title and is the only club in Major League Baseball that has never even reached the Fall Classic.

The Mariners came into existence in 1977 and didn’t make the playoffs for the first time until 1995. This year marks Seattle’s fourth appearance in the ALCS after losing in 1995 (Cleveland), 2000 (Yankees) and 2001 (Yankees).

When did the Blue Jays win the World Series?

The Toronto Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.

They defeated the Atlanta Braves in six games in 1992 for their first title and then beat the Philadelphia Phillies in six to repeat, clinching on Joe Carter’s walk-off home run.

Mariners vs Blue Jays predictions, Game 6 odds

When does the World Series start?

Game 1: Friday, Oct. 24
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 25
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 27
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 28
*Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 29
*Game 6: Friday, Oct. 31
*Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 1, TBD on TBD

* — if necessary

A few weeks ago, Lucas Havrisik was looking for part-time work as a substitute teacher. This week, Havrisik set a Green Bay Packers franchise record.

Green Bay’s new placekicker has the new Packers record for longest made field goal after nailing a 61-yard attempt on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Havrisik was far from a likely candidate to take that record for the Packers. He spent the spring with the UFL’s Arlington Renegades after previous stints with four other NFL teams and signed with Green Bay just last week.

A quad injury to Packers kicker Brandon McManus forced Green Bay to sign his replacement, and in Havrisik’s second game with the Packers, he etched his name into the franchise’s record books.

Havrisik’s record-setting field goal came right at the end of the first half of Sunday’s Week 7 game. The successful kick has kept the 26-year-old perfect through one and a half games with Green Bay.

As of the third quarter of the Week 7 game against the Cardinals, Havrisik is 4-for-4 on field goal attempts and 3-for-3 on point-after tries.

Before McManus’ injury, the 34-year-old veteran was 7-for-9 on field goal attempts with a season-long of a 56-yard field goal he hit in Week 2. McManus was also 11-for-12 on extra points.

Florida has fired football coach Billy Napier, the school announced Sunday. The move comes after an 23-21 win against Mississippi State improved the Gators to 3-4 on the season.

Napier ends his tenure with the Gators with an overall record of 22-23 in his four seasons at the school.

‘As coach Napier has often said, this is a results-driven business, and while his influence was positive, it ultimately did not translate into the level of success we expect on the field,’ Florida AD Scott Stircklin said in a statement.

Napier’s run at Florida was immediately under scrutiny after his success at Louisiana-Lafayette, where he was 40-12 overall and 33-5 in his final three seasons. The Gators went 6-7 in his first season after replacing Dan Mullen and then followed that with a 5-7 campaign that saw the team miss a bowl game for just the third time since 1990.

Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin gave Napier a vote of confidence after a slow start to the 2024 season. Against one of the toughest schedules in the country, Florida finished 8-5 after turning things around in the second half with freshman quarterback DJ Lagway leading the offense in upset wins over Mississippi and LSU.

Florida entered the 2025 season with high expectations following the strong finish and was ranked as the No. 17 team in the country in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll.

However, the Gators stumbled after a win over Long Island in their opener with losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M. The lone victory during that span was at home against No. 7 Texas on Oct. 4

Among the lowpoint to his time in Gainesville, Napier finishes his career with a 3-12 mark against Florida’s rivals ― Georgia, Miami, LSU, Tennessee and Florida State. Napier also had an 0-14 record against ranked opponents away from home.

Napier is the first coach for Florida to have a losing career record since Raymond Wolf finished his tenure with a 13-24 record between 1946-49.

Florida is headed for a bye week and then its annual game against Georgia in Jacksonville, Florida on Nov. 1.

‘Making this decision during the open date provides our team valuable time to regroup, refocus, and prepare for the challenges ahead,’ Stricklin said. ‘The timing also allows us to conduct a thoughtful, thorough, and well-informed search for our next head coach. We remain fully committed to utilizing every resource available to identify the right leader to guide Gators Football into the future.’

Billy Napier buyout with Florida

Florida owes Napier nearly $21.7 million, according to contract information obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The Gators will pay Napier 85% of his annual compensation, which expires Jan. 31, 2029.

The first installment of his buyout must be paid within 30 days of his firing, and is set to be 50% of what he is due for the total buyout. Napier has no duty to mitigate, and Florida is not entitled to an offset from his future revenue.