http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:03 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/10/02/resiliency-prevails-browns-watson-sets-up-szmyt-s-56-yard-winner-vs-steelers/stories/20261002095 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/10/02/resiliency-prevails-browns-watson-sets-up-szmyt-s-56-yard-winner-vs-steelers/stories/20261002095#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:30:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/10/02/resiliency-prevails-browns-watson-sets-up-szmyt-s-56-yard-winner-vs-steelers/stories/20261002095 CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns are developing a knack for coming up big in the fourth quarter. Cleveland place-kicker Andre Szmyt connects on the game-winning field goal from 56 yards with 10 seconds remaining Thursday against Pittsburgh. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson celebrates after their win. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers passes under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Browns during the second half. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/10/02/knies-has-2-goals-assist-columbus-debut-blue-jackets-beat-sabres/stories/20261002094 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/10/02/knies-has-2-goals-assist-columbus-debut-blue-jackets-beat-sabres/stories/20261002094#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:06:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/10/02/knies-has-2-goals-assist-columbus-debut-blue-jackets-beat-sabres/stories/20261002094 COLUMBUS — Matthew Knies had two goals and an assist in his Columbus debut and the Blue Jackets beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-3 on Thursday night for their first season-opening victory in five years. Columbus Blue Jackets' Matthew Knies celebrates after his goal against the Buffalo Sabres. 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/walleye/2026/10/01/goalie-gylander-assigned-walleye-3-goalies-preseason-roster/stories/20261001102 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/10/01/goalie-gylander-assigned-walleye-3-goalies-preseason-roster/stories/20261001102#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:25:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/10/01/goalie-gylander-assigned-walleye-3-goalies-preseason-roster/stories/20261001102 Goaltender Carter Gylander, who has played in 68 games for the Walleye over the past two seasons, will start the upcoming season in Toledo. Toledo’s Carter Gylander blocks a shot by Wheeling’s Logan Pietila on April 17 at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/01/high-school-boys-golf-st-johns-ottawa-hills-win-district-titles/stories/20261001114 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/01/high-school-boys-golf-st-johns-ottawa-hills-win-district-titles/stories/20261001114#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:31:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/01/high-school-boys-golf-st-johns-ottawa-hills-win-district-titles/stories/20261001114 A pair of Toledo-area teams claimed victories Thursday in district boys golf competition, with St. John’s Jesuit and Ottawa Hills taking home championship trophies. Ottawa Hills won the boys Division III boys golf district tournament Oct. 1 at Stone Ridge Golf Club in Bowling Green. St. John's Jesuit won the Division I boys district golf tournament Oct. 1 at Shawnee Country Club in Lima, Ohio. St. John's Jesuit's Jake Craig claimed medalist honors at the Division I district golf tournament. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/01/high-school-football-games-watch-perrysburg-findlay-clash-nll-buckeye-batt/stories/20261001109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/01/high-school-football-games-watch-perrysburg-findlay-clash-nll-buckeye-batt/stories/20261001109#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:14:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/01/high-school-football-games-watch-perrysburg-findlay-clash-nll-buckeye-batt/stories/20261001109 The battles for high school football league titles intensify on Friday as teams enter the stretch run of regular-season play. Perrysburg’s Brady Maxwell runs the ball during a high school football game between Perrysburg and Anthony Wayne at Steinecker Stadium in Perrysburg on Oct. 17, 2025. Findlay quarterback Riley Korkos turns the corner. Clay’s Landon Echelberry runs through Findlay defenders. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/10/01/simon-edvinsson-remains-unsigned-red-wings-opening-rangers/stories/20261001098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/10/01/simon-edvinsson-remains-unsigned-red-wings-opening-rangers/stories/20261001098#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:20:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/10/01/simon-edvinsson-remains-unsigned-red-wings-opening-rangers/stories/20261001098 DETROIT — Simon Edvinsson remained unsigned as a restricted free agent the day before the Detroit Red Wings were to open the season at home against the New York Rangers. Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 13 in Tampa, Fla. Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, right, celebrates near Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly on Dec. 28 after scoring the winning goal during overtime in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/30/briggs-matt-hofer-is-a-stalwart-tackle-for-the-toledo-football-team-minister/stories/20260930105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/30/briggs-matt-hofer-is-a-stalwart-tackle-for-the-toledo-football-team-minister/stories/20260930105#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:15:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/30/briggs-matt-hofer-is-a-stalwart-tackle-for-the-toledo-football-team-minister/stories/20260930105 Matt Hofer spends Saturdays knocking people down, the rest of the week building them up. Matt Hofer, University of Toledo offensive line, calls out bingo during a Super Bowl Bingo Party at Keyser Elementary in Toledo on Feb. 6. Toledo’s Connor Walendzak, top, is hoisted up by teammate Matt Hofer after a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Toledo and Temple University on Sept. 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/09/30/2026-week-5-scouting-report-bgsu-football-at-miami-ohio/stories/20260928105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/09/30/2026-week-5-scouting-report-bgsu-football-at-miami-ohio/stories/20260928105#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:29:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/09/30/2026-week-5-scouting-report-bgsu-football-at-miami-ohio/stories/20260928105 BOWLING GREEN — The Bowling Green State University football team opens Mid-American Conference play against Miami (Ohio), which is seeking a fourth straight conference title game appearance. Miami (Ohio) wide receiver Damarion Witten hauls in a pass against Connecticut. Miami (Ohio) defenders swarm the ball against UConn. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/09/30/steelers-cleveland-matchup-aaron-rodgers-final-thursday-game/stories/20260930108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/09/30/steelers-cleveland-matchup-aaron-rodgers-final-thursday-game/stories/20260930108#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:26:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/09/30/steelers-cleveland-matchup-aaron-rodgers-final-thursday-game/stories/20260930108 BEREA, Ohio — Aaron Rodgers’ NFL farewell tour continues with his final scheduled Thursday night game when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, on the field Sept. 27 in Pittsburgh. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/30/2026-week-5-scouting-report-toledo-football-vs-ball-state/stories/20260930020 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/30/2026-week-5-scouting-report-toledo-football-vs-ball-state/stories/20260930020#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:41:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/30/2026-week-5-scouting-report-toledo-football-vs-ball-state/stories/20260930020 Toledo has had a different leading receiver in every game and last week, it was a hometown hero — Fremont Ross graduate Bryson Hammer. The junior, who earned second team All-Mid-American Conference honors at kick returner, had three career catches coming into this season, but surpassed that Ball State second-year running back Jalen Bonds recorded 93 all-purpose yards in Ball State's 26-13 Mid-American Conference opener loss at Kent State on Sept. 26. 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/browns/2026/09/30/jared-verse-pressure-surge-browns-pass-rush/stories/20260930092 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/09/30/jared-verse-pressure-surge-browns-pass-rush/stories/20260930092#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:02:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/09/30/jared-verse-pressure-surge-browns-pass-rush/stories/20260930092 BEREA, Ohio — Jared Verse is making his impact felt on the Cleveland Browns defense, even though he hasn’t had a sack. Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse runs onto the field Sept. 27 in Cleveland. Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse walks off the field after the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Browns on Sept. 13 in Jacksonville. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/early-barrage-lifts-springfield-boys-soccer-against-bowling-green/stories/20260929118 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/early-barrage-lifts-springfield-boys-soccer-against-bowling-green/stories/20260929118#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 02:10:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/early-barrage-lifts-springfield-boys-soccer-against-bowling-green/stories/20260929118 BOWLING GREEN — In pursuit of a fourth-straight Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division title, the Springfield boys soccer team extended its undefeated run in divisional play against Bowling Green on Tuesday with a 4-1 win. Springfield’s Aiden Foos twists to kick the ball against Bowling Green in a high school boys soccer game on Sept. 29 in Bowling Green. Bowling Green’s Carter Hamilton, top, fights for ball control against Springfield in a high school boys soccer game on Sept. 29 in Bowling Green. Springfield’s Jackson Miller works the ball from Bowling Green’s Kyzen Smallwood, left. Springfield’s Jackson Miller, center, looks for control against Bowling Green. Springfield’s Dennis Rakosik, left, fights for ball control against Bowling Green. Springfield’s Jackson Miller heads the ball against Bowling Green. Springfield’s Cal Kurdziel toes the ball against Bowling Green. Springfield’s Brody Akenberger shoots high against Bowling Green. Bowling Green’s Isaac Metzger toes the ball. Springfield’s Reid Whitacre, center. dribbles through traffic. Springfield’s Dennis Rakosik, second from right, scores against Bowling Green. Springfield’s Jackson Miller, right, shoots on goal. Springfield’s Dennis Rakosik, second from right, scores against Bowling Green. Springfield keeper Tristan Geske makes the save from his back. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/09/29/white-sox-strike-first-in-al-wild-card-beating-astros-6-3-in-game-1/stories/20260930083 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/09/29/white-sox-strike-first-in-al-wild-card-beating-astros-6-3-in-game-1/stories/20260930083#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:33:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/09/29/white-sox-strike-first-in-al-wild-card-beating-astros-6-3-in-game-1/stories/20260930083 HOUSTON — Colson Montgomery hit a solo homer and Sam Antonacci drove in two runs to lead the Chicago White Sox over the Houston Astros 6-3 in Game 1 of an AL Wild Card Series on Tuesday. Chicago White Sox's Colson Montgomery runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros Sept. 29 in Houston. Chicago White Sox's Chase Meidroth, right, celebrates with Kyle Teel after scoring off a 2-run single hit by by Sam Antonacci during the second inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros Sept. 29 in Houston. Houston Astros starting pitcher AJ Blubaugh delivers during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox Sept. 29 in Houston. Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Grant Taylor follows through on a pitch during the seventh inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros Sept. 29 in Houston. Fans sit among empty seats during the second inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Wild Card Series between the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox Sept. 29 in Houston. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/northview-s-feldmann-st-ursula-finish-on-top-at-girls-district-golf-tournament/stories/20260929115 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/northview-s-feldmann-st-ursula-finish-on-top-at-girls-district-golf-tournament/stories/20260929115#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:24:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/northview-s-feldmann-st-ursula-finish-on-top-at-girls-district-golf-tournament/stories/20260929115 BOWLING GREEN — Local standouts led the way at the Division I girls golf district tournament at Stone Ridge Golf Club on Tuesday. Northview's Katelyn Feldmann poses after winning the Division I girls golf district championship on Tuesday at Stone Ridge Golf Club. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/09/29/austin-riley-s-3-run-homer-off-jhoan-duran-rallies-braves-past-phillies-5-3-in-nlwcs-opener/stories/20260929114 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/09/29/austin-riley-s-3-run-homer-off-jhoan-duran-rallies-braves-past-phillies-5-3-in-nlwcs-opener/stories/20260929114#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:20:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/09/29/austin-riley-s-3-run-homer-off-jhoan-duran-rallies-braves-past-phillies-5-3-in-nlwcs-opener/stories/20260929114 ATLANTA — Austin Riley hit a three-run homer off All-Star closer Jhoan Duran in the eighth inning as the Atlanta Braves rallied past the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 on Tuesday in the opener of a best-of-3 National League Wild Card Series. Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto hits a two-run triple off Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes in the seventh inning during Game 1 of baseball's National League Wild Card Series Sept. 29 in Atlanta. Philadelphia's Trea Turner, front, hits Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim while being tagged out attempting to steal second base in the third inning during Game 1 of baseball's National League Wild Card Series Sept. 29 in Atlanta. Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning during Game 1 of baseball's National League Wild Card Series Sept. 29 in Atlanta. Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale throws against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning during Game 1 of baseball's National League Wild Card Series Sept. 29 in Atlanta. Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto runs out his two-run triple against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning during Game 1 of baseball's National League Wild Card Series Sept. 29 in Atlanta. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/short-routson-headline-local-standouts-at-boys-district-golf-tournament/stories/20260929113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/short-routson-headline-local-standouts-at-boys-district-golf-tournament/stories/20260929113#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:22:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/short-routson-headline-local-standouts-at-boys-district-golf-tournament/stories/20260929113 The Division II boys golf district tournament was held at Maumee Bay State Park on Tuesday with a pair of local players leading the field. Archbold's Grady Short shows off his plaque after winning the Division II boys golf district championship at Maumee Bay State Park on Tuesday. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/four-nll-schools-rank-in-state-football-poll-liberty-center-remains-no-1/stories/20260929096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/four-nll-schools-rank-in-state-football-poll-liberty-center-remains-no-1/stories/20260929096#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:32:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/09/29/four-nll-schools-rank-in-state-football-poll-liberty-center-remains-no-1/stories/20260929096 Four Northern Lakes League teams are ranked in the latest high school football state poll released by the Ohio Associated Press on Tuesday. Liberty Center’s Ethan Gray runs with the ball as Garrison Kruse jumps out of his way during a high school football game at Eastwood High School in Pemberville, Aug. 28. The sunset puts on a show in the sky as Central Catholic runs an offensive play during a high school football game between Central Catholic and St. John’s Jesuit at Central Catholic High School’s Gallagher Stadium in Toledo on Sept. 18. Clouds in the sky during a high school football game between Eastwood and Otsego at Eastwood High School’s Jerry Rutherford Stadium in Pemberville on Sept. 25. Perrysburg head coack Dirk Conner talks with quarterback Brady Maxwell during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg. 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.