http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:31 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/30/no-3-notre-dame-top-ranked-defense-north-carolina/stories/20260930099 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/30/no-3-notre-dame-top-ranked-defense-north-carolina/stories/20260930099#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:19:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/30/no-3-notre-dame-top-ranked-defense-north-carolina/stories/20260930099 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame’s defense seems to have turned a corner. Notre Dame defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) sacks and forces a fumble by Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne (15) on Sept. 26 in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) sacks and forces a fumble by Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne (15) on Sept. 26 in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman gestures after a touchdown against Purdue on Sept. 26 in West Lafayette, Ind. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/28/senate-vote-college-sports-bill-athlete-payments-transfers/stories/20260928100 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/28/senate-vote-college-sports-bill-athlete-payments-transfers/stories/20260928100#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:19:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/28/senate-vote-college-sports-bill-athlete-payments-transfers/stories/20260928100 WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan bill on Monday that would regulate college sports, an attempt to end “chaos” in an industry that has been upended by skyrocketing athlete payments and near-unrestricted transfers between schools. Southern California quarterback Jayden Maiava, right, jumps away from Oregon linebacker Teitum Tuioti on Sept. 26 in Los Angeles. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D., Wash.), left, speaks as Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) listens during a news conference Sept. 14 on Capitol Hill in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/27/briggs-coaches-ads-agree-rivals-coms-new-pay-scout-service-exploitative/stories/20260927151 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/27/briggs-coaches-ads-agree-rivals-coms-new-pay-scout-service-exploitative/stories/20260927151#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:35:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/27/briggs-coaches-ads-agree-rivals-coms-new-pay-scout-service-exploitative/stories/20260927151 You almost have to respect it. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is lifted by offensive lineman Carson Hinzman as they celebrate his touchdown against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/27/cj-carr-throws-3-tds-runs-another-help-no-3-notre-dame-rout-rival-purdue/stories/20260927135 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/27/cj-carr-throws-3-tds-runs-another-help-no-3-notre-dame-rout-rival-purdue/stories/20260927135#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:19:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/27/cj-carr-throws-3-tds-runs-another-help-no-3-notre-dame-rout-rival-purdue/stories/20260927135 WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — CJ Carr threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score, linebacker Drayk Bowen scored his first career TD on a 15-yard fumble return and No. 3 Notre Dame beat Purdue 49-10 on Saturday. Notre Dame wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates a touchdown in front of Purdue linebacker Jojo Hayden (0). https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/25/briggs-picks-momentum-packed-glass-bowl-san-diego-state/stories/20260925093 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/25/briggs-picks-momentum-packed-glass-bowl-san-diego-state/stories/20260925093#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:55:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/25/briggs-picks-momentum-packed-glass-bowl-san-diego-state/stories/20260925093 Week 4 is here, and the schedule is a beauty. Let’s get to the picks … San Diego State (1-2) at Toledo (2-1), noon, Saturday, CBS Sports Network Line: Toledo by 2.5 Don’t let the Aztecs’ record deceive, their losses coming to UCLA and James Madison.  San Diego Toledo players and fans celebrate on the field after a Rockets 49-48 overtime victory over and Temple University on Sept. 19 at UT’s Glass Bowl in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/25/purdue-struggling-defense-big-challenge-no-3-notre-dame-high-scoring-offense/stories/20260925023 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/25/purdue-struggling-defense-big-challenge-no-3-notre-dame-high-scoring-offense/stories/20260925023#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:51:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/25/purdue-struggling-defense-big-challenge-no-3-notre-dame-high-scoring-offense/stories/20260925023 Kevin Kane came back to Purdue to fix one of the nation’s worst defenses. Notre Dame running back Nolan James Jr. stiff-arms Michigan State safety Devin Vaught on Sept. 19 in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) celebrates his interception with defensive lineman Tionne Gray (0) on Sept. 19 in South Bend, Ind. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/19/no-3-notre-dame-takes-command-second-half-beat-michigan-state-27-10/stories/20260919113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/19/no-3-notre-dame-takes-command-second-half-beat-michigan-state-27-10/stories/20260919113#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:07:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/19/no-3-notre-dame-takes-command-second-half-beat-michigan-state-27-10/stories/20260919113 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A.J. Carr threw for 234 yards and ran for a touchdown, Nolan James Jr. rushed for 121 yards and a score, and No. 3 Notre Dame took control in the second half to beat Michigan State 27-10 on Saturday night. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) pump fakes. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/18/briggs-picks-can-toledo-make-some-noise-in-big-group-of-six-test-at-glass-bowl/stories/20260918096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/18/briggs-picks-can-toledo-make-some-noise-in-big-group-of-six-test-at-glass-bowl/stories/20260918096#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:08:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/18/briggs-picks-can-toledo-make-some-noise-in-big-group-of-six-test-at-glass-bowl/stories/20260918096 Anyone notice this blind squirrel picked Texas 24, Ohio State 23 last week? Yep. Nailed the score. Completely missed the plot.  Fortunately, they don’t award style points for forecasting games. On to Week 3 …  Temple (1-1) at Toledo (1-1), 3 p.m., Saturday, CBS Sports Toledo’s Connor Walendzak reaches the ball in to the end zone Sept. 12 at the University of Toledo’s Glass Bowl in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/18/no-3-notre-dame-and-michigan-state-historic-rivalry/stories/20260918027 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/18/no-3-notre-dame-and-michigan-state-historic-rivalry/stories/20260918027#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/18/no-3-notre-dame-and-michigan-state-historic-rivalry/stories/20260918027 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 3 Notre Dame and Michigan State have a storied rivalry without a recent chapter. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr throws Sept. 12 in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman embraces quarterback CJ Carr on Sept. 12 in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, center, looks on during a game against Wisconsin on Sept. 6 in Green Bay, Wis. Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald walks the sideline Sept. 4 in East Lansing, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/17/walk-on-to-starter-luke-talich-notre-dame/stories/20260917090 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/17/walk-on-to-starter-luke-talich-notre-dame/stories/20260917090#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:57:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/17/walk-on-to-starter-luke-talich-notre-dame/stories/20260917090 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Luke Talich became a Notre Dame fan because the Fighting Irish wore the same blue-and-gold colors as his beloved Cody High School Broncs. He joined the program to challenge himself. Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27), safety Adon Shuler, and safety Luke Talich (28) celebrate a fumble recovery against Rice on Sept. 12 in South Bend, Ind. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/15/mac-football-moving-to-nine-game-conference-schedule/stories/20260915079 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/15/mac-football-moving-to-nine-game-conference-schedule/stories/20260915079#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:25:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/15/mac-football-moving-to-nine-game-conference-schedule/stories/20260915079 The Mid-American Conference is shifting to a nine-game conference schedule for its football programs, starting in 2028. Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher speaks during MAC Media Day at Ford Field on July 22 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/14/big-ten-blues-week-2-ohio-state-oregon-collapse-sec-boost/stories/20260914081 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/14/big-ten-blues-week-2-ohio-state-oregon-collapse-sec-boost/stories/20260914081#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:02:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/14/big-ten-blues-week-2-ohio-state-oregon-collapse-sec-boost/stories/20260914081 CHICAGO — The Big Ten took quite the gut punch in Week 2 with Ohio State blowing a 20-point fourth-quarter lead at Texas and Oregon getting embarrassed at Oklahoma State. Texas quarterback Arch Manning, left, tries to evade Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., during the first half Sept. 12 in Austin. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day reacts to an Ohio State score against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Sept. 12 in Austin. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning stands on the sidelines during the NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Sept. 12. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) hands the ball off to running back Dierre Hill Jr. (6) in the first half of the NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State on Sept. 12 in Stillwater, Okla. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/12/c-j-carr-throws-4-touchdowns-no-3-notre-dame-routs-visiting-rice-52-0/stories/20260912091 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/12/c-j-carr-throws-4-touchdowns-no-3-notre-dame-routs-visiting-rice-52-0/stories/20260912091#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:14:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/12/c-j-carr-throws-4-touchdowns-no-3-notre-dame-routs-visiting-rice-52-0/stories/20260912091 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — C.J. Carr threw for four touchdowns and No. 3 Notre Dame overpowered visiting Rice early on the way to a 52-0 victory on Saturday. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) throws before an NCAA college football game against Rice on Sept. 12 in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) recovers a fumble and returns it for a touchdown against Rice during the first half. Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams, top, jumps over Rice safety Koa Akui (3). Notre Dame cornerback DJ McKinney (2) attempts to run down Rice quarterback Jacurri Brown (11). Notre Dame running back Nolan James Jr. (2) scores a touchdown. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/11/briggs-picks-biggest-party-osu-um-monster-weekend-college/stories/20260911097 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/11/briggs-picks-biggest-party-osu-um-monster-weekend-college/stories/20260911097#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:12:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/11/briggs-picks-biggest-party-osu-um-monster-weekend-college/stories/20260911097 No time to waste ahead of a monster weekend of college football. Our Week 2 picks …  Central Connecticut State (0-2) at Toledo (0-1), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN+ Line: Toledo by 33.5 Central Connecticut might be the third-best team in the Nutmeg State — shout out to Connecticut Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin throws a pass against Ball State on Sept. 5 in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/11/no-3-notre-dame-tries-avoid-another-early-season-stumble-home-opener/stories/20260911050 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/11/no-3-notre-dame-tries-avoid-another-early-season-stumble-home-opener/stories/20260911050#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/11/no-3-notre-dame-tries-avoid-another-early-season-stumble-home-opener/stories/20260911050 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — When No. 3 Notre Dame faces Rice in its home opener Saturday, the Fighting Irish won’t just be facing the Owls. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, center, drops back to pass against Wisconsin on Sept. 6 in Green Bay, Wis. Notre Dame fans celebrate scoring a touchdown with pushups Sept. 6 in Green Bay, Wis. Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams, left, is tackled by Wisconsin safety Matt Jung, right, Sept. 6 in Green Bay, Wis. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/09/michigan-won-the-game-on-a-hail-mary-and-got-dropped-out-of-the-ap-top-25-anyway/stories/20260909124 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/09/michigan-won-the-game-on-a-hail-mary-and-got-dropped-out-of-the-ap-top-25-anyway/stories/20260909124#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:13:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/09/michigan-won-the-game-on-a-hail-mary-and-got-dropped-out-of-the-ap-top-25-anyway/stories/20260909124 Michigan won the game against Western Michigan but lost most of its support in the Associated Press Top 25 college football poll. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) talks with Chris Bracy (7) after an NCAA college football game against the Western Michigan on Sept. 5 in Ann Arbor. Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham watches against Western Michigan. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/09/sorry-but-what-took-the-mac-so-long-to-stand-up-for-itself-against-big-ten/stories/20260909120 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/09/sorry-but-what-took-the-mac-so-long-to-stand-up-for-itself-against-big-ten/stories/20260909120#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:34:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/09/sorry-but-what-took-the-mac-so-long-to-stand-up-for-itself-against-big-ten/stories/20260909120 The Mid-American Conference’s first response may have been to slink into its shell, showing all the fight and urgency of a snail at a crosswalk. Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher speaks to reporters in Cleveland in 2020. With sports betting now legal in more than half the states and generating millions in revenue for once-apprehensive professional sports leagues, college conferences are starting to explore ways to cash in, too. The MAC was the first to jump in, selling the rights to its data and statistics to a company called Genius Sports, which will in turn sell it to sportsbooks. Steinbrecher said it is impossible to ignore the changing reality. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/07/starting-out-strong-clay-product-heintschel-puts-up-big-numbers-pitt-opener/stories/20260908034 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/07/starting-out-strong-clay-product-heintschel-puts-up-big-numbers-pitt-opener/stories/20260908034#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:10:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/07/starting-out-strong-clay-product-heintschel-puts-up-big-numbers-pitt-opener/stories/20260908034 PITTSBURGH — Clay High School graduate Mason Heintschel was able to share the wealth in the University of Pittsburgh’s season opener Saturday against Miami (Ohio). Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel, shown during last season’s Military Bowl, threw for 453 yards and seven touchdowns Saturday against Miami (Ohio). https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/06/no-4-notre-dame-overcomes-sluggish-start-beat-wisconsin-41-13/stories/20260906166 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/06/no-4-notre-dame-overcomes-sluggish-start-beat-wisconsin-41-13/stories/20260906166#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2026 04:01:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/06/no-4-notre-dame-overcomes-sluggish-start-beat-wisconsin-41-13/stories/20260906166 GREEN BAY, Wis. — CJ Carr threw two touchdown passes, Aneyas Williams ran for 90 yards and two more scores and No. 4 Notre Dame pulled away in the second half to beat Wisconsin 41-13 on Sunday night at Lambeau Field Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf) https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/02/mac-football-preview-western-michigan-banks-continuity/stories/20260823044 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/02/mac-football-preview-western-michigan-banks-continuity/stories/20260823044#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:19:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/09/02/mac-football-preview-western-michigan-banks-continuity/stories/20260823044 CLEVELAND — Western Michigan is a rarity in today’s college football universe. Western Michigan QB Broc Lowry was the Mid-American Conference offensive player of the year last season. Western Michigan running back Jalen Buckley, left, runs against Akron defensive back Malcom DeWalt IV during an NCAA football game in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 2024.