WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State is receiving votes in the 2025 AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll for NCAA Division II, released on Monday (Aug. 11). The MIAA has three teams ranked among the Top 25, including two in the Top 10, and FHSU joins Northwest Missouri State among the receiving votes list to give the MIAA five teams referenced in the first release of the poll. FHSU was fourth-highest vote receiving team outside the Top 25.

On paper, the Tigers look to have a strong strength of schedule going into the 2025 season. The Tigers will face a pair of preseason nationally ranked teams in non-conference play before facing three ranked MIAA teams later in the season. The three ranked MIAA teams include No. 5 Central Oklahoma, No. 9 Pittsburg State, and No. 22 Central Missouri.

Three of FHSU's first four games are against teams in the AFCA Preseason Top 25. Angelo State will come to Hays with a No. 13 national ranking for the season opener on August 28. A week later FHSU heads out west to face a CSU Pueblo squad that holds a preseason No. 6 ranking. In week four, FHSU faces Pittsburg State.

Central Oklahoma won the MIAA title last year at 8-1 and went 12-2 overall, while Pittsburg State placed second at 7-2 in MIAA action and went 8-3 overall. Both made the seven-team super regional field of the NCAA playoffs. FHSU (8-3 overall) and Central Missouri (9-3 overall) tied for third in conference play at 6-3, but FHSU won the head-to-head meeting in Hays. FHSU hosts UCO and UCM in home games this year.

Fort Hays State goes into its season opener with the same role it held last year, a receiving votes team looking to knock off a nationally ranked team. Angelo State came to Hays in the season opener last year with a No. 24 ranking and FHSU won that contest 21-7. Angelo State went 0-2 in non-conference play in 2024 before running the table in their conference (9-0) and making the NCAA playoffs. The Rams fell in the opening round of the playoffs in Super Region 4, making them 0-3 in non-conference games last year.

This year, the contests against Angelo State and CSU Pueblo will be within Fort Hays State's NCAA super region. The MIAA and GAC have now shifted to Super Region 4, while the NSIC moves over to Super Region 3. The MIAA and GAC are now aligned with the Lone Star Conference (LSC) and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Also new this year, the playoff field in each super region expands to eight teams. FHSU likely would have been in the playoffs last year if the eight-team format existed then, as it went into the final game of the 2024 season ranked No. 8 in the super region and just missed a playoff berth.

AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll Rank	School (1st votes)	2024 ▪ Rec.	▪ Pts.	▪ 2024 Final Rank	▪ Season Opener 1. Ferris State (30)	▪ 14-1&nbsp; ▪ 773	▪ 1	▪ Aug. 28 vs. No. 9 Pittsburg State 2. Harding	▪ 12-2	▪ 734	▪ 4	▪ Sept. 4 at Northwestern Oklahoma State 3. Grand Valley State ▪ 11-2	▪ 669	▪ 6	▪ Aug. 30 vs. Lincoln (Pa.) 4. Slippery Rock (1)	▪ 12-2	▪ 576	▪ 3	▪ Sept. 5 at Franklin Pierce 5. Central Oklahoma	▪ 11-2	▪ 569	▪ 9	▪ Aug. 30 at UT-Permian Basin 6. Colorado State-Pueblo	▪ 10-2	▪ 549	▪ 8	▪ Aug. 28 vs. South Dakota Mines 7. Kutztown	▪ 11-1	▪ 517	▪ 5	▪ Sept. 4 vs. Assumption 8. West Florida	▪ 7-3	▪ 504	▪ NR	▪ Aug. 29 vs. No. 17 Lenoir-Rhyne. 9. Pittsburg State ▪ 8-3	▪ 451	▪ 17	▪ Aug. 28 at No. 1 Ferris State 10. Western Colorado	▪ 11-2	▪ 450	▪ 10	▪ Aug. 28 vs. West Texas A&amp;M 11. Minnesota State ▪ 11-4	▪ 449	▪ 7	▪ Aug. 28 vs. Northwest Missouri State 12. Valdosta State ▪ 13-1	▪ 402	▪ 2&nbsp; ▪ Aug. 30 vs. Clark Atlanta 13. Angelo State ▪ 9-3	▪ 352	▪ 20	▪ Aug. 28 at Fort Hays State 14. Charleston	▪ 11-1	▪ 337	▪ 15	▪ Aug. 28 vs. Livingstone 15. California (Pa.)	▪ 10-3	▪ 275	▪ 12	▪ Sept. 4 vs. No. 14 Charleston 16. Bemidji State ▪ 10-4	▪ 254	▪ 13	▪ Aug. 28 at Michigan Tech 17. Lenoir-Rhyne	▪ 10-3	▪ 248	▪ 16	▪ Aug. 29 at No. 8 West Florida 18. Ouachita Baptist	▪ 10-2	▪ 246	▪ 14	▪ Sept. 4 at East Central 19. Virginia Union	▪ 10-4	▪ 228	▪ 11&nbsp;▪ Aug. 31 vs. No. 24t Miles 20. UIndy	▪ 10-2	▪ 191	▪ 19	▪ Aug. 28 at Marian 21. Central Washington	▪ 8-4	▪ 176	▪ 24	▪ Aug. 28 vs. Colorado Mesa 22. Central Missouri	▪ 9-3	▪ 149	▪ NR	▪ Aug. 28 at Delta State 23. Augustana (S.D.)	▪ 8-4	▪ 127	▪ 25	▪ Aug. 30 vs. Missouri Western State 24t.	Ashland	▪ 9-4	▪ 114	▪ 23	▪ Sept. 4 at Indiana (Pa.) 24t.	Miles	▪ 10-3	▪ 114	▪ 22	▪ Aug. 31 vs. No. 19 Virginia Union

Receiving Votes: West Alabama, 113; Carson-Newman, 100; Wingate, 74; Fort Hays St., 66; Colorado School of Mines, 42; Saginaw Valley State, 35; Minnesota-Duluth, 29; Albany St., 26; Northwest Missouri St., 21; Indiana (Pa.), 16; UT-Permian Basin, 16; Delta State, 13; Findlay, 12; UNC-Pembroke, 12; Davenport, 10; Johnson C. Smith, 9; East Stroudsburg, 7; Fairmont State, 7; Southern Arkansas, 6; Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville, 5; Colorado Mesa, 1; Truman State, 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754950255677.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWACO, Texas – Fort Hays State is receiving votes in the 2025 AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll for NCAA Division II, released on Monday (Aug. 11). The MIAA has three teams ranked among the Top 25, including two in the Top 10, and FHSU joins Northwest Missouri State among the receiving votes list to give the MIAA five teams referenced in the first release of the poll. FHSU was fourth-highest vote receiving team outside the Top 25.On paper, the Tigers look to have a strong strength of schedule going into the 2025 season. The Tigers will face a pair of preseason nationally ranked teams in non-conference play before facing three ranked MIAA teams later in the season. The three ranked MIAA teams include No. 5 Central Oklahoma, No. 9 Pittsburg State, and No. 22 Central Missouri.Three of FHSU's first four games are against teams in the AFCA Preseason Top 25. Angelo State will come to Hays with a No. 13 national ranking for the season opener on August 28. A week later FHSU heads out west to face a CSU Pueblo squad that holds a preseason No. 6 ranking. In week four, FHSU faces Pittsburg State.Central Oklahoma won the MIAA title last year at 8-1 and went 12-2 overall, while Pittsburg State placed second at 7-2 in MIAA action and went 8-3 overall. Both made the seven-team super regional field of the NCAA playoffs. FHSU (8-3 overall) and Central Missouri (9-3 overall) tied for third in conference play at 6-3, but FHSU won the head-to-head meeting in Hays. FHSU hosts UCO and UCM in home games this year.Fort Hays State goes into its season opener with the same role it held last year, a receiving votes team looking to knock off a nationally ranked team. Angelo State came to Hays in the season opener last year with a No. 24 ranking and FHSU won that contest 21-7. Angelo State went 0-2 in non-conference play in 2024 before running the table in their conference (9-0) and making the NCAA playoffs. The Rams fell in the opening round of the playoffs in Super Region 4, making them 0-3 in non-conference games last year.This year, the contests against Angelo State and CSU Pueblo will be within Fort Hays State's NCAA super region. The MIAA and GAC have now shifted to Super Region 4, while the NSIC moves over to Super Region 3. The MIAA and GAC are now aligned with the Lone Star Conference (LSC) and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Also new this year, the playoff field in each super region expands to eight teams. FHSU likely would have been in the playoffs last year if the eight-team format existed then, as it went into the final game of the 2024 season ranked No. 8 in the super region and just missed a playoff berth.AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll Rank	School (1st votes)	2024 ▪ Rec.	▪ Pts.	▪ 2024 Final Rank	▪ Season Opener 1. Ferris State (30)	▪ 14-1&nbsp; ▪ 773	▪ 1	▪ Aug. 28 vs. No. 9 Pittsburg State 2. Harding	▪ 12-2	▪ 734	▪ 4	▪ Sept. 4 at Northwestern Oklahoma State 3. Grand Valley State ▪ 11-2	▪ 669	▪ 6	▪ Aug. 30 vs. Lincoln (Pa.) 4. Slippery Rock (1)	▪ 12-2	▪ 576	▪ 3	▪ Sept. 5 at Franklin Pierce 5. Central Oklahoma	▪ 11-2	▪ 569	▪ 9	▪ Aug. 30 at UT-Permian Basin 6. Colorado State-Pueblo	▪ 10-2	▪ 549	▪ 8	▪ Aug. 28 vs. South Dakota Mines 7. Kutztown	▪ 11-1	▪ 517	▪ 5	▪ Sept. 4 vs. Assumption 8. West Florida	▪ 7-3	▪ 504	▪ NR	▪ Aug. 29 vs. No. 17 Lenoir-Rhyne. 9. Pittsburg State ▪ 8-3	▪ 451	▪ 17	▪ Aug. 28 at No. 1 Ferris State 10. Western Colorado	▪ 11-2	▪ 450	▪ 10	▪ Aug. 28 vs. West Texas A&amp;M 11. Minnesota State ▪ 11-4	▪ 449	▪ 7	▪ Aug. 28 vs. Northwest Missouri State 12. Valdosta State ▪ 13-1	▪ 402	▪ 2&nbsp; ▪ Aug. 30 vs. Clark Atlanta 13. Angelo State ▪ 9-3	▪ 352	▪ 20	▪ Aug. 28 at Fort Hays State 14. Charleston	▪ 11-1	▪ 337	▪ 15	▪ Aug. 28 vs. Livingstone 15. California (Pa.)	▪ 10-3	▪ 275	▪ 12	▪ Sept. 4 vs. No. 14 Charleston 16. Bemidji State ▪ 10-4	▪ 254	▪ 13	▪ Aug. 28 at Michigan Tech 17. Lenoir-Rhyne	▪ 10-3	▪ 248	▪ 16	▪ Aug. 29 at No. 8 West Florida 18. Ouachita Baptist	▪ 10-2	▪ 246	▪ 14	▪ Sept. 4 at East Central 19. Virginia Union	▪ 10-4	▪ 228	▪ 11&nbsp;▪ Aug. 31 vs. No. 24t Miles 20. UIndy	▪ 10-2	▪ 191	▪ 19	▪ Aug. 28 at Marian 21. Central Washington	▪ 8-4	▪ 176	▪ 24	▪ Aug. 28 vs. Colorado Mesa 22. Central Missouri	▪ 9-3	▪ 149	▪ NR	▪ Aug. 28 at Delta State 23. Augustana (S.D.)	▪ 8-4	▪ 127	▪ 25	▪ Aug. 30 vs. Missouri Western State 24t.	Ashland	▪ 9-4	▪ 114	▪ 23	▪ Sept. 4 at Indiana (Pa.) 24t.	Miles	▪ 10-3	▪ 114	▪ 22	▪ Aug. 31 vs. No. 19 Virginia UnionReceiving Votes: West Alabama, 113; Carson-Newman, 100; Wingate, 74; Fort Hays St., 66; Colorado School of Mines, 42; Saginaw Valley State, 35; Minnesota-Duluth, 29; Albany St., 26; Northwest Missouri St., 21; Indiana (Pa.), 16; UT-Permian Basin, 16; Delta State, 13; Findlay, 12; UNC-Pembroke, 12; Davenport, 10; Johnson C. Smith, 9; East Stroudsburg, 7; Fairmont State, 7; Southern Arkansas, 6; Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville, 5; Colorado Mesa, 1; Truman State, 1.

🏈 Tigers receiving votes in AFCA preseason top 25 poll

Fort Hays State seniors Josh Shaw and John Johnson have been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List for the 2025 season. This is the second-straight year Johnson has been named to this list, while Shaw receives recognition on the list for the first time in his career. Both received All-MIAA honors in 2024, Shaw a first-team selection on the offensive line and Johnson a second-team selection at linebacker.

Shaw and Johnson were two of 11 players in the MIAA named to the watch list. Shaw helped the Tiger offense produce 402 yards per game last season, which ranked 26th in NCAA Division II. FHSU's 30.4 points per game was among the top 40 in NCAA Division II as well. Shaw was one of three Tiger offensive linemen to receive all-conference recognition last year. He is a two-time All-MIAA selection overall.

Johnson is the top returning tackler for a Tiger team that led the MIAA in scoring defense (16.9 ppg) and ranked second in total defense (330.1 yds/game) last year. Battling through an injury issue at one point in the year, he still managed 63 tackles in just eight games, averaging eight per contest. He also had an interception, a blocked kick, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last year. He is a two-time All-MIAA selection as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754949985129.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State seniors Josh Shaw and John Johnson have been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List for the 2025 season. This is the second-straight year Johnson has been named to this list, while Shaw receives recognition on the list for the first time in his career. Both received All-MIAA honors in 2024, Shaw a first-team selection on the offensive line and Johnson a second-team selection at linebacker.Shaw and Johnson were two of 11 players in the MIAA named to the watch list. Shaw helped the Tiger offense produce 402 yards per game last season, which ranked 26th in NCAA Division II. FHSU's 30.4 points per game was among the top 40 in NCAA Division II as well. Shaw was one of three Tiger offensive linemen to receive all-conference recognition last year. He is a two-time All-MIAA selection overall.Johnson is the top returning tackler for a Tiger team that led the MIAA in scoring defense (16.9 ppg) and ranked second in total defense (330.1 yds/game) last year. Battling through an injury issue at one point in the year, he still managed 63 tackles in just eight games, averaging eight per contest. He also had an interception, a blocked kick, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last year. He is a two-time All-MIAA selection as well.

🏈 FHSU's Shaw and Johnson named to D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs starting cornerback Jaylen Watson was placed in the concussion protocol and backup safety Deon Bush lost for the season to a ruptured Achilles tendon in what proved to be a costly first preseason game for the Kansas City defensive backfield.

Watson missed most of the 2024 regular season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win at San Francisco. But after undergoing surgery, the fourth-year pro managed to make it back in time to help the Chiefs on their playoff run.

Bush has appeared in 24 games over the past three seasons in Kansas City. He spent his first six years in the NFL in Chicago.

In other injury news, defensive end Janarius Robinson — who'd been having a good camp as he tried to make the roster — broke his foot during the preseason opener. Wide receiver Marquise Brown remained out of practice with a foot and ankle issue, while backup offensive lineman Ethan Driskell was absent Monday following an appendectomy.

The Chiefs have two more practices at Missouri Western this week before breaking camp. They play their second preseason game Friday night in Seattle, then return to their practice facility in Kansas City for the remainder of the preseason.

Brown left practice in a cart after hurting his right ankle July 29. At the time, the injury appeared to be minor, but “Hollywood” Brown only recently started to run again. That has thrown into question whether Brown — who missed nearly all of last season to a shoulder injury — will be ready when Kansas City opens the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil.

“It's not really a high-ankle sprain. It's more the ankle-foot area,” Reid said Monday. “He's making great progress, though. He's up and running now a little bit. That's a positive. I don't think he's too far off but we'll see. He's doing good.”

His status could be important for the Chiefs should fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice get suspended to start the season.

Rice pleaded guilty in July to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, along with paying victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling about $115,000.

Once the case was settled, the NFL began its investigation into the incident. It could mete out its punishment at any time.

The one positive for Kansas City is that wide receiver is one of the deepest positions on the team. Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals are locks to make the roster alongside Brown and Rice, while Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, Jason Brownlee and Elijah Badger are in a tight competition for the last few roster spots.

“Listen, we'll have a tough decision to make," Reid admitted. “There's some good players there. We'll just see how it sorts out. We have a few more games, a few more practices. We'll see how it shakes out before we make those cuts. But I'm pleased with what we have there. Some of the young guys are going out and producing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754945187634.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) is carted off the field after an injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) is carted off the field after an injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs starting cornerback Jaylen Watson was placed in the concussion protocol and backup safety Deon Bush lost for the season to a ruptured Achilles tendon in what proved to be a costly first preseason game for the Kansas City defensive backfield.Watson missed most of the 2024 regular season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win at San Francisco. But after undergoing surgery, the fourth-year pro managed to make it back in time to help the Chiefs on their playoff run.Bush has appeared in 24 games over the past three seasons in Kansas City. He spent his first six years in the NFL in Chicago.In other injury news, defensive end Janarius Robinson — who'd been having a good camp as he tried to make the roster — broke his foot during the preseason opener. Wide receiver Marquise Brown remained out of practice with a foot and ankle issue, while backup offensive lineman Ethan Driskell was absent Monday following an appendectomy.The Chiefs have two more practices at Missouri Western this week before breaking camp. They play their second preseason game Friday night in Seattle, then return to their practice facility in Kansas City for the remainder of the preseason.Brown left practice in a cart after hurting his right ankle July 29. At the time, the injury appeared to be minor, but “Hollywood” Brown only recently started to run again. That has thrown into question whether Brown — who missed nearly all of last season to a shoulder injury — will be ready when Kansas City opens the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil.“It's not really a high-ankle sprain. It's more the ankle-foot area,” Reid said Monday. “He's making great progress, though. He's up and running now a little bit. That's a positive. I don't think he's too far off but we'll see. He's doing good.”His status could be important for the Chiefs should fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice get suspended to start the season.Rice pleaded guilty in July to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, along with paying victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling about $115,000.Once the case was settled, the NFL began its investigation into the incident. It could mete out its punishment at any time.The one positive for Kansas City is that wide receiver is one of the deepest positions on the team. Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals are locks to make the roster alongside Brown and Rice, while Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, Jason Brownlee and Elijah Badger are in a tight competition for the last few roster spots.“Listen, we'll have a tough decision to make," Reid admitted. “There's some good players there. We'll just see how it sorts out. We have a few more games, a few more practices. We'll see how it shakes out before we make those cuts. But I'm pleased with what we have there. Some of the young guys are going out and producing.”

🏈 Chiefs lose safety Deon Bush for season; cornerback Jaylen Watson in concussion protocol

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer

For the first time, Texas will open a college football season ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25.

The Longhorns hardly have a mandate in the poll released Monday: They edged out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998.

Texas received 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points to give the Southeastern Conference the preseason No. 1 team for a record fifth straight year. The Nittany Lions got 23 first-place votes and 1,547 points for their highest preseason ranking since they were No. 1 to open the 1997 season.

The Longhorns face a major test right away. Their Aug. 30 opener at defending champion and third-ranked Ohio State is a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal, a 28-14 Buckeyes win in the Cotton Bowl.

The Buckeyes received 11 first-place votes from the panel of 65 media members who cover college football. No. 4 Clemson got four first-place votes and No. 5 Georgia got one.

Notre Dame, Oregon (which got the final first-place vote), Alabama, LSU and Miami round out the top 10.

The SEC leads all conferences with 10 teams in the preseason Top 25, most ever by a conference and one more than a year ago. The SEC has four teams in the top 10 for the second straight year.

The Big Ten, which has won the last two national championships, has two of the top three teams in the poll for the third straight year and six in the Top 25 for the third year in a row.

Four Big 12 teams are ranked, with defending conference champion Arizona State the highest at No. 11. The Atlantic Coast Conference has three, led by Clemson.

“Arch Mania” is at a fever pitch in Texas with Arch Manning now the undisputed starting quarterback.

The Longhorns have been on an upward trajectory since they were 5-7 in 2021, Steve Sarkisian’s first season. They have won 25 of their last 30 games and reached two straight CFP semifinals. Last year, they were ranked No. 1 four of five weeks from mid-September to mid-October, and they reached the SEC championship game in their first season in the conference.

“But this is a new year, new faces, new team, and obviously expectations are high for our program,” Sarkisian said at SEC media days. “I’m not naive to that. I don’t put my head in the sand, and expectations are very high. But I also say we’re the University of Texas, and the standard is the standard here, and that’s competing for championships year in and year out.”

Twelve Texas players were taken in the NFL draft, including three-first-round picks, but elite recruiting and additions from the transfer portal should alleviate concerns about losses on the offensive line and at receiver. The defense brings back plenty of talent.

Still, Texas received just 38.5% of the first-place votes (25 of 65), the smallest share for a No. 1 team in the preseason poll since Georgia got 33.9% (22 of 65) in 2008.

The Longhorns have ended a season No. 1 in the AP poll three times (1963, 1969, 2005) but until now had never started a season higher than No. 2 (1962, 1965, 1970, 2005, 2009).

The second-ranked Nittany Lions are not only six points from being No. 1, they are 75 points ahead of the Buckeyes in what might be considered a slight to the national champs.

Penn State will have Drew Allar back under center for what many consider a light schedule ahead of a late September visit from Oregon before a Nov. 1 showdown at Ohio State.

The Buckeyes, in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year and 12th of the last 13, will have a new look with only five starters back on offense and three on defense.

“This team has its own identity,” coach Ryan Day said. “It wants to have its own identity, but it also wants to be the first Ohio State team to win back-to-back national championships.”

The opener against Texas will give the Buckeyes a good measure of themselves. Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz will be the third new starting quarterback in three years. Whoever gets the job will throw to one of the nation’s top players in Jeremiah Smith.

Day will also have another chance to figure out archrival and preseason No. 14 Michigan, which has beaten the Buckeyes four straight years.

— Texas will try to become the 12th team to start and finish No. 1 since the AP preseason poll debuted in 1950. The last team to do it was Alabama in 2017.

— Notre Dame is in the preseason top 10 for the third time in four years. The Fighting Irish will have a new quarterback, CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey. The two played a combined eight snaps last season as Notre Dame went all the way to the CFP title game won by Ohio State.

— With Boise State at No. 25, all 12 teams in the 2024 College Football Playoff are ranked in the preseason. The Mountain West’s Broncos are the first team from a Group of Five conference to crack the preseason Top 25 since Tulane was No. 24 in 2023.

— No. 16 SMU, which returns quarterback Kevin Jennings from its CFP team, is in the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years. The 1985 team was No. 3 and finished 6-5 and unranked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754945836362.jpeg" alt="FILE - Texas tight end Jordan Washington (84), coach Steve Sarkisian, defensive back Barryn Sorrell (88) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrate with their team after defeating Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Texas tight end Jordan Washington (84), coach Steve Sarkisian, defensive back Barryn Sorrell (88) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrate with their team after defeating Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP College Football WriterFor the first time, Texas will open a college football season ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25.The Longhorns hardly have a mandate in the poll released Monday: They edged out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998.Texas received 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points to give the Southeastern Conference the preseason No. 1 team for a record fifth straight year. The Nittany Lions got 23 first-place votes and 1,547 points for their highest preseason ranking since they were No. 1 to open the 1997 season.The Longhorns face a major test right away. Their Aug. 30 opener at defending champion and third-ranked Ohio State is a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal, a 28-14 Buckeyes win in the Cotton Bowl.The Buckeyes received 11 first-place votes from the panel of 65 media members who cover college football. No. 4 Clemson got four first-place votes and No. 5 Georgia got one.Notre Dame, Oregon (which got the final first-place vote), Alabama, LSU and Miami round out the top 10.The SEC leads all conferences with 10 teams in the preseason Top 25, most ever by a conference and one more than a year ago. The SEC has four teams in the top 10 for the second straight year.The Big Ten, which has won the last two national championships, has two of the top three teams in the poll for the third straight year and six in the Top 25 for the third year in a row.<h2>Top-ranked Texas</h2>Four Big 12 teams are ranked, with defending conference champion Arizona State the highest at No. 11. The Atlantic Coast Conference has three, led by Clemson.“Arch Mania” is at a fever pitch in Texas with Arch Manning now the undisputed starting quarterback.The Longhorns have been on an upward trajectory since they were 5-7 in 2021, Steve Sarkisian’s first season. They have won 25 of their last 30 games and reached two straight CFP semifinals. Last year, they were ranked No. 1 four of five weeks from mid-September to mid-October, and they reached the SEC championship game in their first season in the conference.“But this is a new year, new faces, new team, and obviously expectations are high for our program,” Sarkisian said at SEC media days. “I’m not naive to that. I don’t put my head in the sand, and expectations are very high. But I also say we’re the University of Texas, and the standard is the standard here, and that’s competing for championships year in and year out.”Twelve Texas players were taken in the NFL draft, including three-first-round picks, but elite recruiting and additions from the transfer portal should alleviate concerns about losses on the offensive line and at receiver. The defense brings back plenty of talent.Still, Texas received just 38.5% of the first-place votes (25 of 65), the smallest share for a No. 1 team in the preseason poll since Georgia got 33.9% (22 of 65) in 2008.The Longhorns have ended a season No. 1 in the AP poll three times (1963, 1969, 2005) but until now had never started a season higher than No. 2 (1962, 1965, 1970, 2005, 2009).<h2>Big Ten lurking</h2>The second-ranked Nittany Lions are not only six points from being No. 1, they are 75 points ahead of the Buckeyes in what might be considered a slight to the national champs.Penn State will have Drew Allar back under center for what many consider a light schedule ahead of a late September visit from Oregon before a Nov. 1 showdown at Ohio State.The Buckeyes, in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year and 12th of the last 13, will have a new look with only five starters back on offense and three on defense.“This team has its own identity,” coach Ryan Day said. “It wants to have its own identity, but it also wants to be the first Ohio State team to win back-to-back national championships.”The opener against Texas will give the Buckeyes a good measure of themselves. Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz will be the third new starting quarterback in three years. Whoever gets the job will throw to one of the nation’s top players in Jeremiah Smith.Day will also have another chance to figure out archrival and preseason No. 14 Michigan, which has beaten the Buckeyes four straight years.<h2>Poll nuggets</h2>— Texas will try to become the 12th team to start and finish No. 1 since the AP preseason poll debuted in 1950. The last team to do it was Alabama in 2017.— Notre Dame is in the preseason top 10 for the third time in four years. The Fighting Irish will have a new quarterback, CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey. The two played a combined eight snaps last season as Notre Dame went all the way to the CFP title game won by Ohio State.— With Boise State at No. 25, all 12 teams in the 2024 College Football Playoff are ranked in the preseason. The Mountain West’s Broncos are the first team from a Group of Five conference to crack the preseason Top 25 since Tulane was No. 24 in 2023.— No. 16 SMU, which returns quarterback Kevin Jennings from its CFP team, is in the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years. The 1985 team was No. 3 and finished 6-5 and unranked.

🏈 Texas is No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25, K-State No. 17

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Monday, August 11
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 6:00pm

Tuesday, August 12&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 6:00pm

Wednesday, August 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 12:30pm

Thursday, August 14
 none

Friday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pm

Saturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pm

Sunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday, August 11
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 6:00pmTuesday, August 12&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 6:00pmWednesday, August 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 12:30pmThursday, August 14
 noneFriday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pmSaturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pmSunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luke Keaschall hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, Ryan Fitzgerald homered for his first career hit, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday.

With two outs, Keaschall hit a fastball from Royals closer Carlos Estévez (4-4) to the first row of seats in right-centerfield for Minnesota’s ninth walk-off win of the season.

It was the third hit of the day for Keaschall, who has reached base in 12 straight games to start his career.

Michael Tonkin (1-0), Minnesota’s seventh pitcher, pitched scoreless 10th and 11th innings for his first win since July 30, 2024.

Adam Frazier had four hits and Maikel Garcia three for Kansas City. Vinnie Pasquantino hit his 20th home run for a 3-2 lead in the seventh.

The Twins tied it in the eighth when Ryan Jeffers drove in Austin Martin, who tripled on an ill-advised diving attempt by John Rave with the ball getting past the left fielder and rolling to the wall.

In his fourth career game, Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old who signed a minor league contract with Minnesota in January, hit a third-inning slider from Ryan Bergert off the top of the right field wall for a 2-1 Twins lead.

Seeking his second career five-hit game, Frazier flew out with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth. Kansas City was 1 for 15 with men in scoring position and left 15 runners on base.

The Royals lost for just the fourth time in 50 games when leading after seven innings. Minnesota won for the third time in 48 games when trailing after seven.

Kansas City LHP Bailey Falter (7-6, 4.14 ERA) hosts Nationals’ RHP Cade Cavalli (0-0, 0.00) on Monday.

RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) gets the ball Monday for Minnesota against Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44).

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luke Keaschall hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, Ryan Fitzgerald homered for his first career hit, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday.With two outs, Keaschall hit a fastball from Royals closer Carlos Estévez (4-4) to the first row of seats in right-centerfield for Minnesota’s ninth walk-off win of the season.It was the third hit of the day for Keaschall, who has reached base in 12 straight games to start his career.Michael Tonkin (1-0), Minnesota’s seventh pitcher, pitched scoreless 10th and 11th innings for his first win since July 30, 2024.Adam Frazier had four hits and Maikel Garcia three for Kansas City. Vinnie Pasquantino hit his 20th home run for a 3-2 lead in the seventh.The Twins tied it in the eighth when Ryan Jeffers drove in Austin Martin, who tripled on an ill-advised diving attempt by John Rave with the ball getting past the left fielder and rolling to the wall.In his fourth career game, Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old who signed a minor league contract with Minnesota in January, hit a third-inning slider from Ryan Bergert off the top of the right field wall for a 2-1 Twins lead.<h2>Key moment</h2>Seeking his second career five-hit game, Frazier flew out with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth. Kansas City was 1 for 15 with men in scoring position and left 15 runners on base.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals lost for just the fourth time in 50 games when leading after seven innings. Minnesota won for the third time in 48 games when trailing after seven.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Bailey Falter (7-6, 4.14 ERA) hosts Nationals’ RHP Cade Cavalli (0-0, 0.00) on Monday.RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) gets the ball Monday for Minnesota against Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44).

⚾Keaschall hits 2-run homer in 11th as Twins top Royals

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent some time before Saturday's preseason game running up and down the Kansas City Chiefs sideline, yelling, jumping and psyching himself up for his first game action since last season's Super Bowl.

He was ready — for all 48 seconds of it

Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champ entering his ninth season, took advantage of a short field after the Arizona Cardinals fumbled the opening kickoff,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1954335253960458350">hitting Jason Brownlee for a 1-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;and an early 7-0 lead less than one minute into the game.

Arizona rallied for a 20-17 win over Kansas City in the preseason opener for both teams.

Mahomes said coach Andy Reid told him before the game that he'd play just one series, but it was an even shorter night than he imagined.

“One series turned into one throw,” Mahomes said, grinning.

The TD pass was Mahomes' only completion of the game, ending a brief, effective outing. Backup Gardner Minshew took over on the next series and ran for a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Harrison Butker made a 58-yard field goal.

Mahomes' final line: 1-for-1 passing for 1 yard and one touchdown. The three-time defending AFC champions were playing for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8">since losing last season's Super Bowl 40-22</a>&nbsp;to the Philadelphia Eagles.

“There were some good things,” Reid said. “I thought the (starters) played well when they were in, they were sharp. After that, we were too sloppy. Too many penalties, going backward.”

While Kansas City got off to a good start, Arizona did not.

The Cardinals fumbled their first two kickoff returns, though they recovered the second one. Kyler Murray — playing in his first preseason game since 2021 — was intercepted on the offense's opening drive on a pass intended for second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Murray's second drive was hindered when tight end Tip Reiman was called for a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. The miscue was part of the reason the Cardinals had to settle for a 33-yard field goal by Chad Ryland.

Murray chose to remain positive about the outing, saying that even with the mistakes, it was good to get on the field and play at game speed.

“You can’t replicate it in practice, moving around with the speed that you’re moving, going left to right, lateral, bodies moving. I had fun. I had a lot of fun out there,” Murray said.

Murray played two drives, completing 7 of 8 passes for 96 yards and the interception. Tight end Trey McBride caught one pass for 21 yards and Harrison had a catch for 15 yards.

The Cardinals trailed 14-3 early but Emari Demercado caught a 43-yard touchdown pass to cut the margin to 14-10. Xavier Weaver caught a 1-yard touchdown pass that gave the Cardinals a 17-14 lead at halftime.

Both touchdowns were thrown by Arizona's new backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who completed 5 of 8 passes for 81 yards. The Cardinals outgained the Chiefs 355 yards to 249.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon echoed Murray's positive outlook, even after the early mistakes.

“The team — not just Kyler — understood why we're doing what we're doing tonight,” Gannon said. "They were excited to get under the lights. That's the AFC champs coming in here. Andy Reid — Hall of Fame coach. They were excited to play a really good team, get lathered up and bang a little on someone other than themselves.

“It was good to see our guys ready to roll.”

The Cardinals — who are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021 — finished last season with an 8-9 record, which was a four-win improvement over the previous season. Arizona revamped its defensive front during the offseason, adding Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell.

Chiefs: Cornerback Jaylen Watson (concussion protocol) left the game in the first half. Safety Deon Bush (Achilles tendon) was carted off the field in the second quarter.

Cardinals: Gannon said postgame that offensive lineman Christian Jones had a knee injury.

Chiefs: visit the Seahawks on Friday, Aug. 15.

Cardinals: visit the Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754791888557.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent some time before Saturday's preseason game running up and down the Kansas City Chiefs sideline, yelling, jumping and psyching himself up for his first game action since last season's Super Bowl.He was ready — for all 48 seconds of itMahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champ entering his ninth season, took advantage of a short field after the Arizona Cardinals fumbled the opening kickoff,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1954335253960458350">hitting Jason Brownlee for a 1-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;and an early 7-0 lead less than one minute into the game.Arizona rallied for a 20-17 win over Kansas City in the preseason opener for both teams.Mahomes said coach Andy Reid told him before the game that he'd play just one series, but it was an even shorter night than he imagined.“One series turned into one throw,” Mahomes said, grinning.The TD pass was Mahomes' only completion of the game, ending a brief, effective outing. Backup Gardner Minshew took over on the next series and ran for a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Harrison Butker made a 58-yard field goal.Mahomes' final line: 1-for-1 passing for 1 yard and one touchdown. The three-time defending AFC champions were playing for the first time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8">since losing last season's Super Bowl 40-22</a>&nbsp;to the Philadelphia Eagles.“There were some good things,” Reid said. “I thought the (starters) played well when they were in, they were sharp. After that, we were too sloppy. Too many penalties, going backward.”While Kansas City got off to a good start, Arizona did not.The Cardinals fumbled their first two kickoff returns, though they recovered the second one. Kyler Murray — playing in his first preseason game since 2021 — was intercepted on the offense's opening drive on a pass intended for second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.Murray's second drive was hindered when tight end Tip Reiman was called for a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. The miscue was part of the reason the Cardinals had to settle for a 33-yard field goal by Chad Ryland.Murray chose to remain positive about the outing, saying that even with the mistakes, it was good to get on the field and play at game speed.“You can’t replicate it in practice, moving around with the speed that you’re moving, going left to right, lateral, bodies moving. I had fun. I had a lot of fun out there,” Murray said.Murray played two drives, completing 7 of 8 passes for 96 yards and the interception. Tight end Trey McBride caught one pass for 21 yards and Harrison had a catch for 15 yards.The Cardinals trailed 14-3 early but Emari Demercado caught a 43-yard touchdown pass to cut the margin to 14-10. Xavier Weaver caught a 1-yard touchdown pass that gave the Cardinals a 17-14 lead at halftime.Both touchdowns were thrown by Arizona's new backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who completed 5 of 8 passes for 81 yards. The Cardinals outgained the Chiefs 355 yards to 249.Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon echoed Murray's positive outlook, even after the early mistakes.“The team — not just Kyler — understood why we're doing what we're doing tonight,” Gannon said. "They were excited to get under the lights. That's the AFC champs coming in here. Andy Reid — Hall of Fame coach. They were excited to play a really good team, get lathered up and bang a little on someone other than themselves.“It was good to see our guys ready to roll.”The Cardinals — who are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021 — finished last season with an 8-9 record, which was a four-win improvement over the previous season. Arizona revamped its defensive front during the offseason, adding Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: Cornerback Jaylen Watson (concussion protocol) left the game in the first half. Safety Deon Bush (Achilles tendon) was carted off the field in the second quarter.Cardinals: Gannon said postgame that offensive lineman Christian Jones had a knee injury.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: visit the Seahawks on Friday, Aug. 15.Cardinals: visit the Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16.

🏈 1 pass, 1 TD: Mahomes, Chiefs get off to good start in preseason loss 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Noah Cameron and four relievers combined on an eight-hitter, Mikel Garcia had two hits and an RBI, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Saturday night.

Cameron (6-5) pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and striking out four. Carlos Estévez struck out two in the ninth for his 29th save.

The Twins left 10 men on base and were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Garcia broke the scoreless tie in the third with an RBI single, and the Royals added an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI single from Jonathan India.

Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (4-7) pitched six innings, giving up four hits and allowing one run.

Second baseman Adam Frazier scored on India's hit in the ninth, his 30th run of the season.

Twins catcher Matt Jeffers extended his hitting streak to 12 games. He went 3 for 4, with one strikeout.

Ryan Bergert (1-1) will start for the Royals in the final game of the series against the Twins tomorrow afternoon. The Twins have not yet announced their starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754790974764.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas CIty Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas CIty Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Noah Cameron and four relievers combined on an eight-hitter, Mikel Garcia had two hits and an RBI, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Saturday night.Cameron (6-5) pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and striking out four. Carlos Estévez struck out two in the ninth for his 29th save.The Twins left 10 men on base and were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.Garcia broke the scoreless tie in the third with an RBI single, and the Royals added an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI single from Jonathan India.Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (4-7) pitched six innings, giving up four hits and allowing one run.<h2>Key moment</h2>Second baseman Adam Frazier scored on India's hit in the ninth, his 30th run of the season.<h2>Key stat</h2>Twins catcher Matt Jeffers extended his hitting streak to 12 games. He went 3 for 4, with one strikeout.<h2>Up next</h2>Ryan Bergert (1-1) will start for the Royals in the final game of the series against the Twins tomorrow afternoon. The Twins have not yet announced their starter.

⚾ Royals beat the Twins as Cameron and relievers combine on eight-hitter

Saturday, August 9
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday, August 9
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 6:00pmSunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kody Clemens and Matt Wallner homered, Ryan Jeffers had three hits and two RBIs, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Friday night.

Rookie Luke Keaschall continued his hot hitting with two singles and two RBIs. He has six hits and eight RBIs in three games after returning from a three-month stint on the IL&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luke-keaschall-twins-injury-1e3d5878ef6070d4d1cd40e91e2f0448">due to a broken bone in his right forearm</a>.

Joe Ryan (11-5) allowed one run on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts over five innings for the Twins, who have won three straight.

Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals, who have lost three of four.

The Twins roughed up Royals starter Seth Lugo (8-6), scoring multiple runs in three of the four innings he pitched.

Keaschall had RBI singles in the first and second innings. Jeffers also had a RBI single in the second as the Twins built a 5-1 lead.

Clemens set a career high with his 13th homer, a two-run shot in the fourth.

After Yastrzemski hit a leadoff homer in the first, the Twins responded immediately when Wallner hammered a sinker into the bullpens in left-center with one out in the bottom of the inning.

Ryan is 8-0 with a 1.34 ERA in 10 career starts against the Royals.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kody Clemens and Matt Wallner homered, Ryan Jeffers had three hits and two RBIs, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Friday night.Rookie Luke Keaschall continued his hot hitting with two singles and two RBIs. He has six hits and eight RBIs in three games after returning from a three-month stint on the IL&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luke-keaschall-twins-injury-1e3d5878ef6070d4d1cd40e91e2f0448">due to a broken bone in his right forearm</a>.Joe Ryan (11-5) allowed one run on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts over five innings for the Twins, who have won three straight.Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals, who have lost three of four.The Twins roughed up Royals starter Seth Lugo (8-6), scoring multiple runs in three of the four innings he pitched.Keaschall had RBI singles in the first and second innings. Jeffers also had a RBI single in the second as the Twins built a 5-1 lead.Clemens set a career high with his 13th homer, a two-run shot in the fourth.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Yastrzemski hit a leadoff homer in the first, the Twins responded immediately when Wallner hammered a sinker into the bullpens in left-center with one out in the bottom of the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>Ryan is 8-0 with a 1.34 ERA in 10 career starts against the Royals.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Clemens and Wallner homer as Twins beat the Royals

By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post Sports

HAYS, Kan. — After three seasons with the Kansas State
Wildcats, former Hays High School standout Gavin Meyers is returning home to
play for the Fort Hays State Tigers.

Meyers, a linebacker, entered the transfer portal this
spring after new NCAA rules limited Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs to
105 players. He said the whole process was a unique experience.

"Leaving K-State, obviously, it's what God wanted me to
do," Meyers said. "It's a journey he put me on. It's a new journey
I'm excited to take on and I guess I'm just excited to see where this
goes."

Meyers joins a few familiar faces on the Tigers roster. He
is reunited with former K-State teammates, including linebacker Shadryon Blanka
and cornerback Darell Jones. Meyers is also excited to play alongside former
high school teammate Gaven Haselhorst, a defensive end in his fourth season
with the Tigers.

"I'm obviously excited to be a Tiger," Meyers
said. "I love my brothers on this team. We've gotten close really fast,
and obviously being able to play with some of the K-State buddies that
transferred here as well. And then also Gaven Haselhorst, which we were pretty
tight in high school, and that was fun, so I'm glad I get to be on the field
with him again."

Meyers, an all-state selection and the Kansas Football
Coaches Association Top 11 selection at Hays High, finished his prep career
with a school-record 384 tackles. He was also named Sports in Kansas' Class 5A
Defensive Player of the Year. He said playing in front of family and friends
was a significant factor in his decision to return home.

"That was a big part of my decision as well,"
Meyers said. "Just the amount of family and support that I've had in Hays
has been awesome throughout my football career, and just to get to do that
again was definitely on my mind. And I'm excited to excited to play in front of
the home crowd again."

The Tigers open their 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28, at home against Angelo State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754683002064.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State linebacker Gavin Meyers (40) lines up to run a play during preseason camp at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State linebacker Gavin Meyers (40) lines up to run a play during preseason camp at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. — After three seasons with the Kansas State
Wildcats, former Hays High School standout Gavin Meyers is returning home to
play for the Fort Hays State Tigers.Meyers, a linebacker, entered the transfer portal this
spring after new NCAA rules limited Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs to
105 players. He said the whole process was a unique experience."Leaving K-State, obviously, it's what God wanted me to
do," Meyers said. "It's a journey he put me on. It's a new journey
I'm excited to take on and I guess I'm just excited to see where this
goes."<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2150185203&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-meyers" title="FHSU FB Camp - Meyers" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Meyers</a></div></div>Meyers joins a few familiar faces on the Tigers roster. He
is reunited with former K-State teammates, including linebacker Shadryon Blanka
and cornerback Darell Jones. Meyers is also excited to play alongside former
high school teammate Gaven Haselhorst, a defensive end in his fourth season
with the Tigers."I'm obviously excited to be a Tiger," Meyers
said. "I love my brothers on this team. We've gotten close really fast,
and obviously being able to play with some of the K-State buddies that
transferred here as well. And then also Gaven Haselhorst, which we were pretty
tight in high school, and that was fun, so I'm glad I get to be on the field
with him again."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754683071584.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State linebacker Gavin Meyers (40) fights off a block during preseason camp at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State linebacker Gavin Meyers (40) fights off a block during preseason camp at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>Meyers, an all-state selection and the Kansas Football
Coaches Association Top 11 selection at Hays High, finished his prep career
with a school-record 384 tackles. He was also named Sports in Kansas' Class 5A
Defensive Player of the Year. He said playing in front of family and friends
was a significant factor in his decision to return home."That was a big part of my decision as well,"
Meyers said. "Just the amount of family and support that I've had in Hays
has been awesome throughout my football career, and just to get to do that
again was definitely on my mind. And I'm excited to excited to play in front of
the home crowd again."The Tigers open their 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28, at home against Angelo State.

🏈🎧 Full circle: Gavin Meyers' journey brings him home

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling head coach Alijah Jeffery announced the signing of 13 newcomers for the upcoming 2025-26 season. It will be the program's second official season of team competition after going 8-2 in dual competition in 2024-25 and qualifying nine wrestlers to the NCWWC Championships for NCAA schools. This will be the first year women's wrestling is an official NCAA championship sport and will conduct regional and national championship events in 2026.

Below are capsules with information about each of the newcomers. They will join 23 returners on the roster from 2024-25, making a total squad size of 36 going into 2025-26. All but one of the nine NCWWC national qualifiers from last year return to the team this year.

Jaidyn Alvarado, Fr., Junction City, Kan. / Junction City HS

Junction City HS: State champion as a senior in Kansas Class 6A with a record of 33-1.

Jade Blackheart, Fr., White Rock, N.M. / Los Alamos HS

Los Alamos HS: Undefeated state champion as a junior at 145…State runner-up as a senior…Three-time state placer overall and four-time state qualifier.

Maddy Blow, Fr., Topeka, Kan. / Washburn Rural HS

Washburn Rural HS: Three-time state qualifier and finished fourth at the Kansas Class 6A state championship as a senior…Reached 100 wins in her prep career.

Kennedy Farrar, Fr., Yuma, Ariz. / Gila Ridge HS

Gila Ridge HS: Two-time Arizona Division 1 state champion…Four-time state qualifier and placer…Earned folkstyle All-America honors…Ranked 13th nationally for her class.

Olivia Griffin, Fr., Puyallup, Wash. / Peninsula HS

Peninsula HS: State placer in both freestyle and folkstyle disciplines.

Ashlyn Hahn, Fr., Stockton, Kan. / Stockton HS

Stockton HS: Undefeated state champion as a senior in Kansas Class 3-2-1A with a record of 41-0…Had an overall record of 140-15 in high school, recording 117 wins by fall…Four-time state qualifier and three-time state placer.

Peyton Hellmann, Fr., Tabor, S.D. / Bon Homme-Scotland-Avon HS

Bon Homme-Scotland-Avon HS: First ever five-time state champion in the state of South Dakota…Won 128 consecutive matches to close out her prep career, spanning from early her sophomore year to the end of her senior year…Won all five of her titles in different classes (2025-145, 2024-138, 2023-132, 2022-126, 2021-129)…Three-time Mitchell Republic Girls Wrestler of the Year…Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for South Dakota from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame…Freestyle All-America honors…Third-place finisher in World Team Trials.

Kaylan Hitchcock, Fr., Olathe, Kan. / Olathe North HS

Olathe North HS: Two-time state champion…Four-time state placer overall, which includes a pair of runner-up finishes…First to record 150 wins in a prep career for girls wrestling in Kansas and finished with 181 wins…Recorded 150 falls throughout her high school career…Region Wrestler of the Year as a senior…Sunflower League Wrestler of the Year as a senior.

Leiannah Landreth, Fr., Peck, Kan. / Mulvane HS

Mulvane HS: Undefeated state champion as a senior…Posted a record of 150-7 in high school…Fargo All-American…Four-time state placer overall, including a pair of runner-up finishes and a third-place finish… Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for Kansas from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Samara Markwardt, Jr., Muskogee, Okla. / Carl Albert State College

Carl Albert State: Earned NJCAA All-America honors with a sixth place finish nationally her freshman year in 2022-23…

Will Rogers HS: Oklahoma state champion and folkstyle nationals All-American…Oklahoma Coaches Association Wrestler of the Year… Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for Oklahoma from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Camila Martinez, Fr., Benton, Kan. / Remington HS

Remington HS: State champion in Kansas Class 3-2-1A as a senior…Wichita Eagle All-Metro selection.

Hayleen Martinez, Fr., Liberal, Kan. / Liberal HS

Liberal HS: Two-time state champion in Kansas Class 6A, winning as a junior and senior…Earned Fargo All-America honors…Ranked among the top 10 nationally at 190.

Morgan Maschmann, Fr., Beatrice, Neb. / Beatrice HS

Beatrice HS: Undefeated state champion as a senior in Nebraska…Earned Fargo All-America honors…USA Junior Folkstyle national finalist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754685580129.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling head coach Alijah Jeffery announced the signing of 13 newcomers for the upcoming 2025-26 season. It will be the program's second official season of team competition after going 8-2 in dual competition in 2024-25 and qualifying nine wrestlers to the NCWWC Championships for NCAA schools. This will be the first year women's wrestling is an official NCAA championship sport and will conduct regional and national championship events in 2026.Below are capsules with information about each of the newcomers. They will join 23 returners on the roster from 2024-25, making a total squad size of 36 going into 2025-26. All but one of the nine NCWWC national qualifiers from last year return to the team this year.Jaidyn Alvarado, Fr., Junction City, Kan. / Junction City HSJunction City HS: State champion as a senior in Kansas Class 6A with a record of 33-1.Jade Blackheart, Fr., White Rock, N.M. / Los Alamos HSLos Alamos HS: Undefeated state champion as a junior at 145…State runner-up as a senior…Three-time state placer overall and four-time state qualifier.Maddy Blow, Fr., Topeka, Kan. / Washburn Rural HSWashburn Rural HS: Three-time state qualifier and finished fourth at the Kansas Class 6A state championship as a senior…Reached 100 wins in her prep career.Kennedy Farrar, Fr., Yuma, Ariz. / Gila Ridge HSGila Ridge HS: Two-time Arizona Division 1 state champion…Four-time state qualifier and placer…Earned folkstyle All-America honors…Ranked 13th nationally for her class.Olivia Griffin, Fr., Puyallup, Wash. / Peninsula HSPeninsula HS: State placer in both freestyle and folkstyle disciplines.Ashlyn Hahn, Fr., Stockton, Kan. / Stockton HSStockton HS: Undefeated state champion as a senior in Kansas Class 3-2-1A with a record of 41-0…Had an overall record of 140-15 in high school, recording 117 wins by fall…Four-time state qualifier and three-time state placer.Peyton Hellmann, Fr., Tabor, S.D. / Bon Homme-Scotland-Avon HSBon Homme-Scotland-Avon HS: First ever five-time state champion in the state of South Dakota…Won 128 consecutive matches to close out her prep career, spanning from early her sophomore year to the end of her senior year…Won all five of her titles in different classes (2025-145, 2024-138, 2023-132, 2022-126, 2021-129)…Three-time Mitchell Republic Girls Wrestler of the Year…Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for South Dakota from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame…Freestyle All-America honors…Third-place finisher in World Team Trials.Kaylan Hitchcock, Fr., Olathe, Kan. / Olathe North HSOlathe North HS: Two-time state champion…Four-time state placer overall, which includes a pair of runner-up finishes…First to record 150 wins in a prep career for girls wrestling in Kansas and finished with 181 wins…Recorded 150 falls throughout her high school career…Region Wrestler of the Year as a senior…Sunflower League Wrestler of the Year as a senior.Leiannah Landreth, Fr., Peck, Kan. / Mulvane HSMulvane HS: Undefeated state champion as a senior…Posted a record of 150-7 in high school…Fargo All-American…Four-time state placer overall, including a pair of runner-up finishes and a third-place finish… Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for Kansas from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.Samara Markwardt, Jr., Muskogee, Okla. / Carl Albert State CollegeCarl Albert State: Earned NJCAA All-America honors with a sixth place finish nationally her freshman year in 2022-23…Will Rogers HS: Oklahoma state champion and folkstyle nationals All-American…Oklahoma Coaches Association Wrestler of the Year… Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for Oklahoma from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.Camila Martinez, Fr., Benton, Kan. / Remington HSRemington HS: State champion in Kansas Class 3-2-1A as a senior…Wichita Eagle All-Metro selection.Hayleen Martinez, Fr., Liberal, Kan. / Liberal HSLiberal HS: Two-time state champion in Kansas Class 6A, winning as a junior and senior…Earned Fargo All-America honors…Ranked among the top 10 nationally at 190.Morgan Maschmann, Fr., Beatrice, Neb. / Beatrice HSBeatrice HS: Undefeated state champion as a senior in Nebraska…Earned Fargo All-America honors…USA Junior Folkstyle national finalist.

🤼 FHSU women’s announces 13 newcomers for 2025-26 season

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas redshirt senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryce-foster/16194">Bryce Foster</a>&nbsp;was one of 40 centers to be named to the Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Friday. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.

Foster, of Katy, Texas, started all 12 games at center for the Jayhawks in 2024, paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit. Foster recently was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List on July 29, awarded to college football's premiere interior lineman.

Following the end of the 2024 season, Foster was named Second Team All-Big 12 and earned All-America honors in track &amp; field at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.

The Rimington Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football's most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935.

Dave Rimington, the award's namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. For more on the Rimington Trophy, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rimingtontrophy.com/">www.rimingtontrophy.com</a>.

The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754679811272.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas redshirt senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryce-foster/16194">Bryce Foster</a>&nbsp;was one of 40 centers to be named to the Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Friday. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.Foster, of Katy, Texas, started all 12 games at center for the Jayhawks in 2024, paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit. Foster recently was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List on July 29, awarded to college football's premiere interior lineman.Following the end of the 2024 season, Foster was named Second Team All-Big 12 and earned All-America honors in track &amp; field at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.The Rimington Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football's most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935.Dave Rimington, the award's namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. For more on the Rimington Trophy, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rimingtontrophy.com/">www.rimingtontrophy.com</a>.The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025.

🏈 KU's Bryce Foster named to Rimington Trophy preseason watch list

Friday, August 8
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 6:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Friday, August 8
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 6:30pmSaturday, August 9
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 6:00pmSunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

Junction City native and Kansas State University star DJ Giddens made his NFL debut in the Colts preseason opener at Baltimore on Thursday.&nbsp; Giddens carried the ball 6 times for 17 yards.&nbsp;

Giddens was chosen with the 14th pick of the fifth round – No. 151 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts on the final day of the NFL draft in May.

Giddens finished his three-year K-State career by ranking in the top 10 in school history in 11 career categories, most notably a No. 2 ranking in rushing yards per attempt (5.97), third in rushing yards (3,087), fourth in total scrimmage yards (3,766) and receiving yards by a running back (679). He became just the fourth player in school history to produce multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining fellow NFL Draft picks Darren Sproles, Daniel Thomas, Deuce Vaughn.

BALTIMORE (AP) — With Lamar Jackson sitting this one out, Baltimore’s passing game sputtered for 60 minutes.

The Ravens needed a few big plays on special teams to pull through.

LaJohntay Wester scored on an 87-yard punt return, fellow rookie Tyler Loop kicked a 52-yard field goal and Rasheen Ali added a long kickoff return to lift Baltimore to a 24-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.

“Obviously, what LaJohntay did was awesome,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You see Rasheen hit that kick return was good. That was big field position for us.”

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson exited on their second offensive possession of this preseason opener with a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand. Daniel Jones relieved him, and Riley Leonard came on in the second half to guide Indianapolis to its lone touchdown.

Richardson went 2 for 3 for 21 yards in his brief outing. Jones went 10 of 21 for 144 yards, and Leonard was 12 of 24 for 92 yards with an interception.

“I made some plays on my feet, but I think I can’t rely on that. In certain situations, you have to go through your reads and trust these guys,” said Leonard, who led Notre Dame to the national title game last season. “They were getting open for me, so I just had to find them. You can’t always just use that as a bailout escape route in the NFL. That’s what I’m learning.”

Cooper Rush started for the Ravens and threw for just 16 yards. Devin Leary passed for 43. Each was intercepted once.

“We’d like to pass for more than 59 yards. I assure you,” Harbaugh said.

But the Indianapolis quarterback situation was always the more compelling aspect of this game. After leading the Colts to a field goal on their opening drive, Richardson left with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indianapolis-colts-anthony-richardson-e02fee0eb74ec5adf1e780a26d16010b">an injured finger</a>&nbsp;in the middle of their second possession after being sacked by David Ojabo.

Jones came in and played the rest of the first half but could not lead the Colts to the end zone.

“Got to be ready to go. That’s part of the game,” Jones said. “Some good, some bad. Caught a rhythm there I think at points, and we were moving the ball well, executing, but a couple things here and there kept us from getting in the end zone.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754656421242.png" alt="D J Giddens photo Indianapolis Colts" />
 <figcaption>D J Giddens photo Indianapolis Colts</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City native and Kansas State University star DJ Giddens made his NFL debut in the Colts preseason opener at Baltimore on Thursday.&nbsp; Giddens carried the ball 6 times for 17 yards.&nbsp;Giddens was chosen with the 14th pick of the fifth round – No. 151 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts on the final day of the NFL draft in May.Giddens finished his three-year K-State career by ranking in the top 10 in school history in 11 career categories, most notably a No. 2 ranking in rushing yards per attempt (5.97), third in rushing yards (3,087), fourth in total scrimmage yards (3,766) and receiving yards by a running back (679). He became just the fourth player in school history to produce multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining fellow NFL Draft picks Darren Sproles, Daniel Thomas, Deuce Vaughn.BALTIMORE (AP) — With Lamar Jackson sitting this one out, Baltimore’s passing game sputtered for 60 minutes.The Ravens needed a few big plays on special teams to pull through.LaJohntay Wester scored on an 87-yard punt return, fellow rookie Tyler Loop kicked a 52-yard field goal and Rasheen Ali added a long kickoff return to lift Baltimore to a 24-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.“Obviously, what LaJohntay did was awesome,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You see Rasheen hit that kick return was good. That was big field position for us.”Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson exited on their second offensive possession of this preseason opener with a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand. Daniel Jones relieved him, and Riley Leonard came on in the second half to guide Indianapolis to its lone touchdown.Richardson went 2 for 3 for 21 yards in his brief outing. Jones went 10 of 21 for 144 yards, and Leonard was 12 of 24 for 92 yards with an interception.“I made some plays on my feet, but I think I can’t rely on that. In certain situations, you have to go through your reads and trust these guys,” said Leonard, who led Notre Dame to the national title game last season. “They were getting open for me, so I just had to find them. You can’t always just use that as a bailout escape route in the NFL. That’s what I’m learning.”Cooper Rush started for the Ravens and threw for just 16 yards. Devin Leary passed for 43. Each was intercepted once.“We’d like to pass for more than 59 yards. I assure you,” Harbaugh said.But the Indianapolis quarterback situation was always the more compelling aspect of this game. After leading the Colts to a field goal on their opening drive, Richardson left with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indianapolis-colts-anthony-richardson-e02fee0eb74ec5adf1e780a26d16010b">an injured finger</a>&nbsp;in the middle of their second possession after being sacked by David Ojabo.Jones came in and played the rest of the first half but could not lead the Colts to the end zone.“Got to be ready to go. That’s part of the game,” Jones said. “Some good, some bad. Caught a rhythm there I think at points, and we were moving the ball well, executing, but a couple things here and there kept us from getting in the end zone.”Derrick Henry joined Jackson in sitting this game out for the Ravens, but Keaton Mitchell showed he could be a useful backup for Baltimore this season. He broke away for a 23-yard run, then scored from 22 yards out two plays later to give the Ravens a 7-3 lead.Wester, who was drafted in the sixth round this year out of Colorado, made it 14-3 with his touchdown on special teams. He apparently called his shot to some extent in practice.“He said he was going to take one to the crib, and he did it,” Mitchell said.Wester also contributed a 30-yard reception in the second half.Ali added a 69-yard kickoff return late in the first half, setting up his own 2-yard TD run that gave the Ravens a 21-9 halftime lead.Indianapolis scored in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Khalil Herbert.<h2>Kicking update</h2>Spencer Shrader made three field goals for Indianapolis but also hit the left upright from 52 yards in the second quarter. Maddux Trujillo did not get to try a field goal but made an extra point in the second half.Loop, the rookie draft pick trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-ravens-justin-tucker-john-harbaugh-c7385349cbf2e6c85ba22d6217d99eb9">replace Justin Tucker</a>&nbsp;for Baltimore, missed his first field goal try from 46, but then connected in the fourth quarter to give the Ravens an eight-point lead.<h2>Injuries</h2>Baltimore DB Bilhal Kone was carted off in the first quarter with a severe knee injury that is expected to keep him out for the season.<h2>Up next</h2>Baltimore’s next preseason game is at Dallas on Aug. 16. Indianapolis hosts Green Bay that same day.