http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:01:11 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/21/perrysburg-watkins-earns-scholarship-spot-with-michigan-state-mens-basketball/stories/20261021029 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/21/perrysburg-watkins-earns-scholarship-spot-with-michigan-state-mens-basketball/stories/20261021029#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:09:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/21/perrysburg-watkins-earns-scholarship-spot-with-michigan-state-mens-basketball/stories/20261021029 EAST LANSING, Mich. — Matthew Watkins’ ascent with the Michigan State University men’s basketball program has reached another level, as the Perrysburg native received a full scholarship spot for the 2026-27 season. Michigan State University men's basketball player Matthew Watkins, right, celebrates during an exhibition game against Incarnate Word. Michigan State University men's basketball player Matthew Watkins dribbles the ball during the team's media day. Michigan State University's Matthew Watkins drives the ball in a men's basketball exhibition game against Incarnate Word. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/20/where-toledo-bowling-green-rank-in-the-mac-basketball-preseason-polls/stories/20261020090 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/20/where-toledo-bowling-green-rank-in-the-mac-basketball-preseason-polls/stories/20261020090#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:50:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/20/where-toledo-bowling-green-rank-in-the-mac-basketball-preseason-polls/stories/20261020090 The Mid-American Conference released its men’s and women’s basketball preseason polls Tuesday with voting coming from the league’s 12 head coaches. Toledo’s Austin Parks, right, attempts to rebound the ball during a University of Toledo men’s basketball team practice at John F. Savage Arena in Toledo, Sept. 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/briggs-picks-ohio-state-indiana-pat-mcafee-bowling-green/stories/20261016109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/briggs-picks-ohio-state-indiana-pat-mcafee-bowling-green/stories/20261016109#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:18:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/briggs-picks-ohio-state-indiana-pat-mcafee-bowling-green/stories/20261016109 The leaves are falling, the stakes are rising, let’s make some picks ...  Toledo (4-2, 1-1) at Eastern Michigan (4-3, 3-0), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN+ Line: Toledo by 6.5 In 11 seasons as a head coach at the Division I and II levels, Mike Jacobs has lost consecutive regular-season Ohio State's Julian Sayin throws against Indiana's Stephen Daley during the second half of the Big Ten championship game Dec. 6, 2025 in Indianapolis. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/ncaa-sues-ohio-governor-over-his-executive-order-allowing-schools-to-ignore-new-eligibility-rule/stories/20261016108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/ncaa-sues-ohio-governor-over-his-executive-order-allowing-schools-to-ignore-new-eligibility-rule/stories/20261016108#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:39:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/ncaa-sues-ohio-governor-over-his-executive-order-allowing-schools-to-ignore-new-eligibility-rule/stories/20261016108 The NCAA sued the governor of Ohio on Friday, three days after he signed an executive order giving the state’s universities the option of allowing athletes who graduated from high school in 2022 to play a fifth year of college ball in defiance of the NCAA’s new eligibility rule. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, right, leads the team onto the field for the start of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Sept. 26 in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/no-2-notre-dame-no-8-byu-top-10-clash/stories/20261016026 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/no-2-notre-dame-no-8-byu-top-10-clash/stories/20261016026#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/16/no-2-notre-dame-no-8-byu-top-10-clash/stories/20261016026 PROVO, Utah — Both Notre Dame and Brigham Young were denied at-large berths to the College Football Playoff a season ago. Now the two teams face one another in a top-10 matchup with a huge opportunity to build a case for a CFP bid this season. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the team recognize their fans at the end of a game against North Carolina on Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. BYU running back Journee Tonga (20) blows a kiss to the crowd after scoring a touchdown against Iowa State on Oct. 9 in Provo, Utah. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks to pass against North Carolina behind the block of offensive lineman Sullivan Absher on Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier looks to pass the ball against Iowa State on Oct. 9 in Provo, Utah. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/14/ohio-governor-order-state-colleges-2022-athletes-5th-year-eligibility/stories/20261014100 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/14/ohio-governor-order-state-colleges-2022-athletes-5th-year-eligibility/stories/20261014100#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:40:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/14/ohio-governor-order-state-colleges-2022-athletes-5th-year-eligibility/stories/20261014100 Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order Tuesday giving the state’s colleges and universities the option of allowing athletes who graduated from high school in 2022 to play a fifth year in defiance of the NCAA’s new eligibility rule. Ohio State running back Bo Jackson, right, celebrates after his touchdown against Maryland with offensive lineman Joshua Padilla, left, Oct. 10 in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/11/georgia-takes-over-at-no-1-in-ap-top-25-with-notre-dame-2nd/stories/20261012023 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/11/georgia-takes-over-at-no-1-in-ap-top-25-with-notre-dame-2nd/stories/20261012023#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:32:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/11/georgia-takes-over-at-no-1-in-ap-top-25-with-notre-dame-2nd/stories/20261012023 NEW YORK — Georgia moved up to No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday following its win at Alabama, Texas dropped six spots to No. 7 after its loss to rival Oklahoma, and Oregon was unranked for the first time in four years after losing for the second time in the past month. Georgia defensive back Demello Jones celebrates with the fans as the final seconds wind off the clock in a win over Alabama during the second half of a college football game Oct. 10 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton celebrates his touchdown during the second half of a college football game against Stanford, Oct. 10 in South Bend, Ind. A Texas fan reacts at the end of their team's 27-24 loss to Oklahoma on a last-second field goal in a college football game, Oct. 10 in Dallas. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/10/no-3-notre-dame-uses-big-plays-rout-stanford-58-7/stories/20261010076 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/10/no-3-notre-dame-uses-big-plays-rout-stanford-58-7/stories/20261010076#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:34:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/10/no-3-notre-dame-uses-big-plays-rout-stanford-58-7/stories/20261010076 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Freshman Jonaz Walton scored on a 97-yard run — the third longest offensive play in Notre Dame Stadium history — and finished with 181 yards as the No. 3 Fighting Irish routed Stanford 58-7 on Saturday. Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) celebrates scoring a touchdown. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/09/briggs-picks-toledo-homecoming-favorite-bowling-green-mac/stories/20261009081 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/09/briggs-picks-toledo-homecoming-favorite-bowling-green-mac/stories/20261009081#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:12:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/09/briggs-picks-toledo-homecoming-favorite-bowling-green-mac/stories/20261009081 All right, we’re going no huddle today.  Our Week 6 college football picks …  Buffalo (2-3, 0-1) at Toledo (4-1, 1-0), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN+ Line: Toledo by 21 Come early for Unanimous Decision, the popular Toledo band that will provide the pregame entertainment in Toledo’s John Alan Richter throws a pass during a game against Temple University on Sept. 19 at UT’s Glass Bowl in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/09/no-3-notre-dame-school-record-win-streak-stanford/stories/20261009026 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/09/no-3-notre-dame-school-record-win-streak-stanford/stories/20261009026#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:53:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/09/no-3-notre-dame-school-record-win-streak-stanford/stories/20261009026 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 3 Notre Dame has emerged as a model of consistency in this ever-changing college football world. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the team recognize their fans at the end of a game against North Carolina on Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks to pass against North Carolina behind the block of offensive lineman Sullivan Absher Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison pulls in a touchdown pass against North Carolina on Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Notre Dame safety Luke Talich (28) celebrates his interception with defensive lineman Armel Mukam (88) and other teammates Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/07/faison-no-3-notre-dame-high-scoring-offense/stories/20261007101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/07/faison-no-3-notre-dame-high-scoring-offense/stories/20261007101#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:56:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/07/faison-no-3-notre-dame-high-scoring-offense/stories/20261007101 SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Jordan Faison came to Notre Dame as one of the nation’s top lacrosse recruits. Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) is tackled by Purdue defensive back Hudauri Hines (4) Sept. 26 in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison pulls in a touchdown pass against North Carolina on Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) and wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) tries to evade a tackle by North Carolina linebacker Peyton Seelmann (10) Oct. 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/03/carr-ground-game-help-no-3-notre-dame-push-past-north-carolina-37-26/stories/20261003087 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/03/carr-ground-game-help-no-3-notre-dame-push-past-north-carolina-37-26/stories/20261003087#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2026 21:30:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/03/carr-ground-game-help-no-3-notre-dame-push-past-north-carolina-37-26/stories/20261003087 CHAPEL HILL, N.C.  — CJ Carr threw for four touchdowns and ran for another and third-ranked Notre Dame leaned on its ground game in regaining control after halftime to beat North Carolina 37-26 on Saturday. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks to pass against North Carolina behind the block of offensive lineman Sullivan Absher (75). Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, right, runs back an interception against North Carolina running back Jaylen McGill, left. North Carolina defensive back Peyton Waters (7) breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame tight end Cooper Flanagan (87). https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/02/briggs-picks-ohio-state-upset-alert-keep-rolling/stories/20261002102 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/02/briggs-picks-ohio-state-upset-alert-keep-rolling/stories/20261002102#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:46:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/02/briggs-picks-ohio-state-upset-alert-keep-rolling/stories/20261002102 Seriously, is there a better month on the sports calendar than October? College football. The NFL. The baseball playoffs. Hockey and basketball getting going. Fall golf. Crisp air. Changing leaves. … Our Week 5 picks! October has everything. Anyway, here goes nothing …  Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin plays against Illinois on Sept. 26 in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/02/no-3-notre-dame-north-carolina-rushing-game-nfl-departures/stories/20261002018 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/02/no-3-notre-dame-north-carolina-rushing-game-nfl-departures/stories/20261002018#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/10/02/no-3-notre-dame-north-carolina-rushing-game-nfl-departures/stories/20261002018 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Notre Dame relied on a pair of NFL-bound running backs last year to nearly reach the College Football Playoff. The third-ranked Fighting Irish have a different-looking ground game for Saturday’s game at North Carolina. Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams leaps over Purdue defensive back John Slaughter on Sept. 26 in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame running back Nolan James Jr. stiff-arms Michigan State safety Devin Vaught on Sept. 19 in South Bend, Ind. North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. runs with the ball while pursued by Clemson defensive end Will Heldt on Sept. 19 in Clemson, S.C. 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.