Virginia Defeats Virginia Tech 3-1 Behind Becca Wight's 11 Kills, Extends Rivalry Win Streak to Nine

Texas retained the No. 1 ranking in the 2026 AP Top 25 college football Week 5 poll, released September 27, while Florida made the biggest move of the week following a commanding victory over Ole Miss. The Longhorns remained undefeated at 4-0, receiving 62 first-place votes to maintain their position atop the national rankings. Georgia and Notre Dame held the next two spots, while Miami and Ohio State climbed into the top five. The week's biggest story, however, belonged to Florida, which surged 13 positions from No. 21 to No. 8 after defeating previously fourth-ranked Ole Miss 52-28. The Gators' breakthrough highlighted a weekend of significant movement, with four new teams entering the rankings and several established contenders losing ground. Texas Maintains No. 1 Ranking Texas remained the nation's top-ranked team following a hard-fought 20-17 road victory over Tennessee. The Longhorns improved to 4-0 and collected 1,737 points in the AP voting, maintaining their advantage over Georgia. Texas received 62 first-place votes, while Georgia earned six. Miami and Indiana each received one. The Longhorns' ability to survive a difficult road matchup reinforced their position among the leading national championship contenders. Although the top three remained unchanged, the competition immediately behind Texas intensified as Miami and Ohio State moved upward. Florida Makes Biggest Jump After Dominating Ole Miss Florida delivered the defining result of Week 5's rankings. The Gators defeated No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28, producing a 24-point victory that transformed their national standing. Under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall, Florida climbed from No. 21 to No. 8, returning to the AP top 10 for the first time since 2021. The ranking was also Florida's highest since 2020. The victory demonstrated the Gators' ability to compete against highly ranked SEC opponents and gave the program one of its most significant early-season results. Ole Miss experienced the opposite outcome, dropping five positions from No. 4 to No. 9. The Rebels remained inside the top 10 but faced renewed questions after surrendering 52 points against a conference opponent. Miami and Ohio State Rise Into Top Five Miami climbed two positions to No. 4 following a dominant 52-3 victory over Central Michigan. The Hurricanes improved to 4-0, strengthening their undefeated start while moving ahead of several established contenders. Ohio State also gained two positions, rising from No. 7 to No. 5 after defeating Illinois 42-19. The Buckeyes improved to 3-1 and continued recovering from their earlier defeat. Indiana slipped one position to No. 6 despite remaining undefeated, while Alabama climbed to No. 7 following a 49-18 victory over South Carolina. The movement demonstrated how the AP rankings consider both results and the relative performances of competing teams. Complete AP Top 25 College Football Week 5 Rankings (2026) The official Week 5 poll, released September 27, 2026, featured Texas at No. 1, Florida's dramatic rise and four newcomers to the rankings. Texas Longhorns (4-0) Georgia Bulldogs (4-0) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) Miami Hurricanes (4-0) Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1) Indiana Hoosiers (4-0) Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) Florida Gators (4-0) Ole Miss Rebels (3-1) BYU Cougars (3-0) LSU Tigers (3-1) Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0) Utah Utes (4-0) Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0) Oregon Ducks (3-1) Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-0) Tennessee Volunteers (3-1) USC Trojans (4-1) Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) Houston Cougars (3-1) SMU Mustangs (3-1) Boise State Broncos (3-1) UCLA Bruins (4-0) Kentucky Wildcats (3-1) Missouri Tigers (3-1) Four New Teams Enter the AP Top 25 The Week 5 rankings welcomed four programs that were unranked in the previous poll. Oklahoma State entered at No. 19 with a 3-1 record, becoming the highest-ranked newcomer. Boise State joined at No. 22, followed by undefeated UCLA at No. 23 and Kentucky at No. 24. Their arrival pushed several established programs out of the rankings, including Penn State, Louisville, Michigan and Texas A&M. Mississippi State also made an impressive climb, rising eight positions to No. 16 following its undefeated start. Iowa advanced four places to No. 14, while Oregon climbed five positions to No. 15. These movements reflected the growing importance of conference competition as teams attempted to establish themselves as legitimate postseason contenders. Ole Miss Suffers Biggest Setback Ole Miss experienced the week's largest decline among teams remaining in the rankings. The Rebels entered their matchup against Florida ranked fourth nationally but dropped to No. 9 following their 52-28 defeat. Tennessee also fell three positions to No. 17 after its narrow loss to Texas. USC slipped six places to No. 18, while Missouri dropped from No. 19 to No. 25. Despite the movement, all four programs remained ranked, leaving opportunities to recover during upcoming conference matchups. Week 5 Rankings Highlight Growing Playoff Competition  The September 27 poll reinforced the importance of remaining undefeated while demonstrating how one major victory can transform a team's national outlook. Texas, Georgia and Notre Dame continued holding the top three positions, while Miami and Ohio State strengthened their standing. Florida emerged as the week's biggest winner, using its victory over Ole Miss to return to the national top 10. The arrival of Oklahoma State, Boise State, UCLA and Kentucky also created additional competition throughout the lower half of the rankings. As the college football season moved deeper into conference play, the Week 5 AP Top 25 provided an early picture of the teams building momentum toward the College Football Playoff.

North Carolina delivered a major ACC upset Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 25 Pittsburgh 21-17 at Acrisure Stadium behind a spectacular fourth-quarter touchdown pass from quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. The Tar Heels trailed 17-14 when Edwards connected with Shamar Easter for a 75-yard touchdown, immediately reclaiming the lead before North Carolina's defense secured the victory with three consecutive fourth-down stops. The win gave head coach Bill Belichick his first victory over a ranked opponent at North Carolina. The Tar Heels improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in ACC play, while Pittsburgh suffered its first defeat of the season, falling to 5-1 and 2-1 in conference competition. Pittsburgh Establishes Early Control Pittsburgh entered Saturday's matchup looking to remain undefeated despite starting a new quarterback. With Mason Heintschel sidelined for the remainder of the season because of a torn ACL, fifth-year senior Holden Geriner made his first collegiate start. The Panthers immediately established their rushing attack. Pittsburgh opened the game with a 12-play touchdown drive, including eight rushing attempts for 53 yards. Running back La'Vell Wright completed the possession with a one-yard touchdown run, giving the Panthers a 7-0 advantage. Pittsburgh continued controlling possession during the first half, using its running game to keep North Carolina's offense off the field. Antonio Chadha added a 41-yard field goal midway through the second quarter, extending the Panthers' lead to 10-0. However, North Carolina responded before halftime. Billy Edwards Jr. Sparks Tar Heels' Comeback Facing a 10-point deficit, North Carolina needed an offensive breakthrough. Edwards delivered one with a quick five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. The quarterback opened the possession with a 49-yard completion to Jordan Shipp, immediately moving the Tar Heels into scoring position. Edwards later connected with tight end Jelani Thurman for an eight-yard touchdown, reducing Pittsburgh's advantage to 10-7. The scoring drive demonstrated North Carolina's ability to generate explosive passing plays despite struggling to establish its rushing attack. Pittsburgh had an opportunity to extend its lead before halftime but missed a field goal during the final 30 seconds. The Panthers entered the locker room leading 10-7. Although Pittsburgh controlled much of the first half, North Carolina remained within striking distance. North Carolina Defense Changes the Game The third quarter became a defensive battle as both teams struggled to maintain possession. Pittsburgh initially gained momentum when Cole Woodson intercepted Edwards on North Carolina's opening second-half drive. The turnover gave the Panthers possession at the Tar Heels' 31-yard line. However, North Carolina's defense immediately responded. A well-timed blitz pressured Geriner into an interception by Greg Smith III in the end zone, preventing Pittsburgh from extending its lead. The interception was Smith's third of the season. The teams combined for three interceptions during the opening 6:06 of the second half. North Carolina eventually capitalized on its defensive improvement. Running back Demon June scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The score gave the Tar Heels their first lead of the afternoon at 14-10. Shamar Easter Delivers Game-Winning Touchdown Pittsburgh responded early in the fourth quarter with another lengthy scoring drive. The Panthers marched 75 yards before Wright scored his second rushing touchdown of the game. With 12:47 remaining, Pittsburgh regained a 17-14 advantage. The lead lasted only one offensive play. On North Carolina's next possession, Edwards found Easter running down the middle of the field. Easter broke free from Pittsburgh's coverage and completed a 75-yard touchdown reception, giving the Tar Heels a 21-17 lead. The explosive play completely shifted momentum. Instead of facing another long comeback drive, North Carolina had immediately reclaimed control. Edwards finished the afternoon completing 18 of 26 passes for 249 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His ability to produce decisive scoring plays helped overcome Pittsburgh's advantage in rushing yards and possession time. Tar Heels Defense Secures Historic Victory North Carolina's defense delivered its strongest performance during the final stages. Pittsburgh continued moving the football but struggled to finish drives. Geriner had opportunities to regain the lead, including a fourth-down pass that reached an open Cataurus Hicks but was dropped. The Panthers later advanced deep into North Carolina territory before another fourth-down attempt failed. The Tar Heels ultimately forced three consecutive turnovers on downs, protecting their four-point advantage. North Carolina's second-half defensive adjustments were especially important. After Pittsburgh averaged 4.4 yards per rushing attempt during the first half, the Tar Heels limited the Panthers to 36 rushing yards and 2.4 yards per carry after halftime. Despite allowing 369 total yards, North Carolina repeatedly produced stops when the game was on the line. Billy Edwards Jr. Leads North Carolina's Offense Edwards' performance highlighted North Carolina's ability to generate scoring opportunities through the passing game. The quarterback finished with 249 passing yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive 75-yard connection with Easter. Shipp led the Tar Heels' receivers with six catches for 93 yards, providing an important target throughout the afternoon. Thurman added six receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. North Carolina finished with 269 total offensive yards, including just 20 rushing yards. However, the Tar Heels compensated for their limited rushing production with timely passing plays and improved defensive execution. Pittsburgh held significant statistical advantages, including a 150-20 edge in rushing yards and more than 13 additional minutes of possession. Those advantages were not enough to overcome North Carolina's fourth-quarter execution. Holden Geriner Makes First Collegiate Start Geriner faced a difficult challenge replacing injured Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel. The Auburn transfer completed 27 of 44 passes for 219 yards and two interceptions. Although Geriner helped sustain several drives, North Carolina's defensive pressure created problems during the second half. Wright provided Pittsburgh's most important offensive production, scoring both Panthers touchdowns. However, Pittsburgh struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, including a missed field goal and multiple failed fourth-down attempts. The defeat prevented the Panthers from opening a season 6-0 for the first time since 2024. Bill Belichick Earns First Ranked Victory at UNC Saturday's result represented an important milestone for Belichick. The former NFL head coach earned his first victory against a ranked opponent since taking over North Carolina's program. It was also the Tar Heels' first victory over a ranked team since defeating No. 25 Miami in 2023. North Carolina had not defeated a ranked opponent on the road since beating No. 9 Miami in 2020. The victory carried additional significance because it came at Acrisure Stadium, where Belichick previously enjoyed considerable success coaching the New England Patriots. Belichick compiled an 8-3 NFL coaching record at the stadium, including two AFC Championship Game victories. Saturday's win added another memorable result to his coaching career. North Carolina Prepares for Duke Rivalry Matchup North Carolina will attempt to build on its momentum when it travels to face Duke on Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the matchup scheduled to air on ESPN2. Pittsburgh will look to rebound when it visits Boston College on October 17. For the Tar Heels, the victory demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity against a nationally ranked opponent. With Edwards producing explosive passing plays and the defense delivering critical fourth-quarter stops, North Carolina secured one of its most important wins under Belichick.

No. 3 Notre Dame continued its undefeated 2026 college football season Saturday, overwhelming Stanford 58-7 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Freshman running back Jonaz Walton delivered a record-breaking performance, rushing for 181 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries, including a spectacular 97-yard scoring run. The Fighting Irish improved to 6-0, extending their overall winning streak to 16 games. Every victory during that stretch has come by double digits. Notre Dame finished with 598 total offensive yards, including 361 rushing yards, while holding Stanford to just 202 yards. The Cardinal dropped to 2-4 after suffering their second consecutive lopsided defeat. Notre Dame Defense Creates Immediate Scoring Opportunity Notre Dame established control before its offense had an opportunity to settle into the game. On Stanford's first offensive play, defensive lineman Boubacar Traore sacked quarterback Davis Warren, forcing a fumble recovered by Jaiden Ausberry. The turnover gave Notre Dame possession at Stanford's 18-yard line. Running back Nolan James Jr. quickly capitalized, scoring on a short touchdown run to give the Fighting Irish a 7-0 advantage. Notre Dame's defense continued applying pressure, forcing consecutive Stanford punts. The offense later produced a 70-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by several completions from quarterback C.J. Carr to Jaden Greathouse. Carr finished the possession with a three-yard touchdown pass to Greathouse, extending Notre Dame's lead to 14-0. The Fighting Irish entered the second quarter firmly in control. Jonaz Walton Breaks Notre Dame Freshman Rushing Record The game's defining moment came early in the second quarter. Stanford pinned Notre Dame near its own goal line with a punt that was downed at the one-yard line. After Carr gained two yards on a quarterback sneak, Walton took a handoff and exploded through an opening along the right side of the offensive line. The freshman sprinted 97 yards for a touchdown, leaving Stanford's defenders behind. The remarkable run was the third-longest offensive play in Notre Dame Stadium history. Only 98-yard touchdown runs by Josh Adams in 2015 and Jeremiyah Love in 2024 have covered more distance at the stadium. Walton added a 40-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, completing an extraordinary performance. His 181 rushing yards established a Notre Dame single-game record for a true freshman and represented the highest rushing total by a Fighting Irish player this season. He averaged 13.9 yards per carry. Fighting Irish Build Commanding 37-0 Halftime Lead Notre Dame continued dominating throughout the second quarter. Traore intercepted Warren on a third-down pass, giving the Fighting Irish another scoring opportunity. Although the offense could not reach the end zone, kicker Erik Porath converted a 33-yard field goal. Later, Jordan Faison returned a Stanford punt 37 yards to set up another touchdown drive. James broke free for a 31-yard rushing touchdown, extending Notre Dame's advantage. Carr then connected with Aneyas Williams on a 70-yard touchdown pass, showcasing the Fighting Irish's explosive passing attack. Williams caught the ball downfield before maneuvering past Stanford's secondary to reach the end zone. Notre Dame entered halftime leading 37-0. The Fighting Irish had accumulated 320 offensive yards while limiting Stanford to just 86. C.J. Carr Throws Three Touchdowns Carr delivered another efficient performance directing Notre Dame's offense. The quarterback completed 14 of 20 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns, adding 41 rushing yards on five carries. His scoring passes went to Greathouse, Williams and Elijah Burress. Carr connected with Burress for a 30-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving the sophomore receiver his first career scoring reception. The touchdown extended Notre Dame's advantage to 44-0. Carr's ability to distribute the football complemented the team's dominant rushing attack. Notre Dame finished with 237 passing yards as a team, while backup quarterback Noah Grubbs completed five of seven passes for 56 yards. The balanced offensive performance allowed the Fighting Irish to maintain control throughout the afternoon. Stanford Avoids Shutout in Third Quarter Stanford struggled to establish consistent offensive momentum against Notre Dame's defense. However, the Cardinal finally produced a scoring drive during the third quarter. Warren connected with Caden High on a 52-yard completion, moving Stanford deep into Notre Dame territory. Warren later found Benji Blackburn for a three-yard touchdown pass, reducing the deficit to 44-7. The touchdown prevented Notre Dame from recording its second shutout of the season. Warren finished 12 of 22 passing for 144 yards and one touchdown. Stanford managed only 58 rushing yards against a Notre Dame defense that entered the game ranked first nationally in total defense. The Cardinal also extended its road losing streak to 14 games. Notre Dame Rushing Attack Produces 361 Yards Notre Dame's running backs controlled the contest from beginning to end. Alongside Walton's historic performance, James finished with 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Williams added 28 rushing yards while contributing his 70-yard touchdown reception. Freshman Javian Osborne also joined the scoring effort, finishing a 90-yard fourth-quarter drive with a three-yard touchdown run. The Fighting Irish totaled 361 rushing yards, their highest output through six games this season. Notre Dame's offensive production reached 598 total yards, surpassing its previous season high of 478 against Rice. Five of the team's touchdowns covered at least 30 yards, demonstrating the explosiveness of its offense. Boubacar Traore Leads Dominant Defensive Performance While Notre Dame's offense produced several spectacular plays, its defense played an equally important role. Traore delivered one of his most impactful performances of the season, recording a sack, forced fumble, interception and tackle for loss. His strip-sack on Stanford's opening play immediately established momentum. Senior captain Drayk Bowen led Notre Dame with six tackles, while Mark Zackery IV added a late interception. The Fighting Irish held Stanford to 202 total yards, including 144 passing yards and 58 rushing yards. Notre Dame also limited the Cardinal to seven points, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation's strongest defensive units. Notre Dame Extends Winning Streak to 16 Games Saturday's victory continued Notre Dame's remarkable run under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish have now won 16 consecutive games, all by at least 10 points. That streak places Notre Dame within reach of Miami's 17 consecutive double-digit victories from 2000 to 2001. Army holds the record with 21 straight double-digit wins from 1944 through 1946. Notre Dame's latest victory demonstrated its ability to dominate through explosive offense, disciplined defense and contributions from younger players. Walton's emergence provides another dangerous option in an already productive rushing attack. Notre Dame Prepares for Top-10 Showdown Against BYU Notre Dame now turns its attention to a significantly tougher opponent. The Fighting Irish will travel to face No. 8 BYU on Saturday, October 17, in a highly anticipated top-10 matchup. Stanford will attempt to rebound when it hosts Elon on the same day. For Notre Dame, the 58-7 victory reinforced its national championship ambitions. With Walton setting records, Carr distributing the football efficiently and Traore leading a dominant defense, the Fighting Irish enter their next challenge undefeated and carrying considerable momentum.

Georgia Tech delivered a dramatic ACC upset Saturday, October 10, 2026, defeating No. 23 Duke 28-25 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta after a thrilling final-minute finish. Running back Trelain Maddox scored three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning one-yard run with 54 seconds remaining, helping the Yellow Jackets overcome a late four-point deficit. Duke nearly forced overtime, but freshman kicker Gavin Strange missed a 33-yard field goal with five seconds left. The victory improved Georgia Tech to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in ACC play, while Duke fell to 4-1 and suffered its first loss of the season. Georgia Tech Strikes First Against Ranked Duke Georgia Tech opened the contest with an impressive 12-play, 78-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza directed the offense downfield before connecting with wide receiver Jordan Allen for a five-yard touchdown. The score marked Allen's first career receiving touchdown and gave Georgia Tech an early 7-0 advantage. Duke responded behind running back Nate Sheppard, who entered the matchup among the nation's leading rushers. Sheppard scored on a five-yard Wildcat run early in the second quarter, tying the contest at 7-7. Georgia Tech regained the lead when Maddox finished a 92-yard possession with a five-yard touchdown run. Duke added a field goal before halftime, sending the teams into the break with the Yellow Jackets ahead 14-10. Trelain Maddox Breaks Free for 60-Yard Touchdown Georgia Tech created separation early in the third quarter. Facing first-and-15, Maddox found an opening along the right side and accelerated past Duke's defense for a 60-yard touchdown run. The explosive play extended Georgia Tech's lead to 21-10. It was the Yellow Jackets' longest offensive play of the season and demonstrated their ability to challenge a Duke defense that entered the game ranked sixth nationally against the run. Duke had allowed just 63.8 rushing yards per contest before facing Georgia Tech. However, the Yellow Jackets finished with 165 rushing yards, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. Maddox's performance was particularly important as Georgia Tech repeatedly found ways to generate offense against one of the ACC's strongest defensive units. Duke Rallies With 15 Unanswered Points Despite trailing by 11 points, Duke refused to surrender its undefeated record. The Blue Devils gradually regained momentum through their passing attack and Sheppard's versatility. Duke scored 15 unanswered points during the second half, turning a 21-10 deficit into a four-point advantage. Sheppard delivered the go-ahead touchdown on another five-yard Wildcat run with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter. The score gave Duke a 25-21 lead, putting Georgia Tech under considerable pressure. Sheppard finished with 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding 91 receiving yards. Although Georgia Tech limited him below his season rushing average, his production kept Duke competitive throughout the afternoon. With less than three minutes remaining, the Yellow Jackets needed a touchdown to avoid another close defeat. Alberto Mendoza Engineers Game-Winning Drive Georgia Tech's final offensive possession began with an important special teams play. Rahkeem Smith returned Duke's kickoff 39 yards, giving the Yellow Jackets possession at their own 39-yard line. Mendoza then took control. The quarterback connected with Allen for a 20-yard gain before finding Dalen Penson for another 13 yards. A costly Duke personal foul also helped extend the possession. Mendoza later completed a 14-yard pass to Allen, moving Georgia Tech into scoring position. Maddox finished the eight-play, 61-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The score gave Georgia Tech a 28-25 advantage with just 54 seconds remaining. Mendoza accounted for 53 yards during the decisive possession, delivering under pressure after the Yellow Jackets had previously struggled to finish late-game drives. Duke Misses Potential Game-Tying Field Goal The drama continued after Maddox's touchdown. Duke quickly moved downfield, advancing to Georgia Tech's 16-yard line in approximately 50 seconds. The Blue Devils positioned themselves for a field goal that could have sent the game into overtime. However, Georgia Tech's defense delivered a crucial third-down stop. Linebacker E.J. Lightsey broke up a pass, forcing Duke to attempt a 33-yard field goal. With five seconds remaining, Strange lined up for the potential tying kick. His attempt sailed wide left. The miss sealed Georgia Tech's 28-25 victory and ended Duke's eight-game overall winning streak. Jordan Allen Delivers Career-Best Receiving Performance Allen emerged as Mendoza's most reliable target throughout the matchup. The sophomore wide receiver recorded a career-high 10 receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. His catches during Georgia Tech's final drive were especially important, helping the Yellow Jackets move quickly into scoring position. Allen became the first Georgia Tech player to record 10 receptions in a game since Calvin Johnson accomplished the feat against Maryland in October 2006. Mendoza completed 23 of 30 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown, providing the efficiency needed to challenge Duke's defense. Justice Haynes added 69 rushing yards. Georgia Tech finished with 383 total offensive yards and committed no turnovers. Georgia Tech Defense Limits Duke's Rushing Attack Georgia Tech's defense faced a difficult challenge against Sheppard. The Duke running back entered the matchup averaging 161 rushing yards per game. The Yellow Jackets held him to 99 yards, limiting his production despite allowing two rushing touchdowns. Safety Tae Harris and defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas led Georgia Tech with seven tackles apiece. Linebackers Kyle Efford and Lightsey added six tackles each, while Kelvin Hill contributed two tackles for loss. The defensive effort was particularly significant because Duke entered the game averaging just 11 points allowed per contest. Georgia Tech exceeded that mark substantially while containing one of the nation's most productive rushing attacks. Brent Key Continues Success Against Ranked ACC Teams Saturday's victory represented an important result for Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key. The Yellow Jackets improved to 8-1 against nationally ranked ACC opponents under Key, continuing their success in major conference matchups. Georgia Tech also secured its sixth consecutive victory over Duke. The result ended the Yellow Jackets' six-game losing streak against FBS opponents and delivered their first ACC victory of the season. For Duke, penalties proved costly. The Blue Devils committed six penalties for 71 yards, including a late personal foul that helped Georgia Tech sustain its winning drive. Despite converting 10 of 17 third-down attempts and recording 28 first downs, Duke could not protect its fourth-quarter lead. Georgia Tech Looks Ahead to Virginia Tech Georgia Tech will attempt to build on its momentum when it travels to face Virginia Tech on Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET, with coverage scheduled on ACC Network. Duke will return home to face rival North Carolina on October 17. For the Yellow Jackets, the victory demonstrated resilience after several difficult losses. With Maddox producing three touchdowns, Mendoza leading the decisive drive and the defense making a critical final stop, Georgia Tech secured one of its most memorable victories of the season.

Louisville turned a disastrous opening quarter into a dominant ACC victory Friday night, rallying from a 14-point deficit to defeat Florida State 44-20 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Running back Isaac Brown rushed for a career-high 235 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, including a record-breaking 97-yard touchdown run that transformed the game. The Cardinals scored 35 unanswered points after falling behind 14-0, improving to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in ACC play while snapping a two-game losing streak. Florida State dropped to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference competition despite another productive performance from quarterback Ashton Daniels. Florida State Builds Early 14-0 Lead Florida State opened the game with an impressive 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. The Seminoles established their rushing attack immediately, running the ball on 11 plays during the possession. Daniels completed the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run, giving Florida State a 7-0 advantage. The Seminoles' defense then stopped Louisville on fourth-and-one, allowing their offense to regain possession near midfield. Daniels capitalized with another scoring drive. Facing fourth-and-four, he connected with wide receiver Micahi Danzy to extend the possession. On the following play, Danzy made a spectacular one-handed reception for a 25-yard touchdown, extending Florida State's lead to 14-0. The Seminoles appeared positioned to take complete control when they advanced inside Louisville's five-yard line early in the second quarter. Instead, the game changed dramatically. Isaac Brown's 97-Yard Touchdown Changes Everything Florida State faced fourth-and-goal near Louisville's two-yard line with an opportunity to extend its advantage to three touchdowns. Daniels completed a short pass to Jasen Lopez, but Louisville defensive back Kaleb Beasley stopped him short of the goal line. The defensive stand gave Louisville possession deep in its own territory. On the very next play, Brown exploded through the Florida State defense for a 97-yard touchdown run. The remarkable play established a new Louisville program record for the longest play from scrimmage, surpassing the previous 93-yard mark set in 1958. More importantly, it completely changed the momentum. Instead of trailing 21-0, Louisville had reduced the deficit to 14-7 with 9:16 remaining in the second quarter. The Cardinals' defense responded with improved execution, preventing Florida State from extending its advantage. Louisville eventually tied the game when Marquise Davis scored on a three-yard touchdown run with 3:21 remaining before halftime. After trailing by two touchdowns, the Cardinals entered the break tied 14-14. Louisville Takes Control in Third Quarter Louisville carried its momentum into the second half. Brown opened the third quarter with a 71-yard kickoff return that positioned the Cardinals deep in Florida State territory. A penalty added additional yardage, creating an immediate scoring opportunity. Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz capitalized with a three-yard touchdown run, giving Louisville its first lead at 21-14. The Cardinals continued applying pressure. On their next scoring possession, Kienholz finished an eight-play, 76-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Louisville extended its advantage to 28-14, completing a dramatic turnaround after struggling throughout the opening quarter. The Cardinals' rushing attack repeatedly created problems for Florida State, while their defense prevented the Seminoles from regaining their early offensive rhythm. Cardinals Complete 35-Point Scoring Run Louisville continued its offensive dominance early in the fourth quarter. Running back Braxton Jennings broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run, extending the Cardinals' advantage to 35-14. The score completed an extraordinary stretch in which Louisville produced 35 consecutive points after falling behind 14-0. Florida State finally responded with a 10-play, 79-yard touchdown drive. Daniels connected with Jayvan Boggs for a 22-yard gain on fourth-and-seven before finding Ousmane Kromah and Landen Thomas for additional first downs. The possession ended with a two-yard touchdown pass to Danzy, reducing Louisville's lead to 35-20. However, the Cardinals immediately answered. Brown delivered another explosive rushing touchdown, this time from 58 yards, effectively ending Florida State's comeback hopes. Carson Hilbert later added a 39-yard field goal to complete Louisville's 44-20 victory. Isaac Brown Delivers Career-Best Performance Brown's performance was the centerpiece of Louisville's remarkable comeback. The junior running back finished with 235 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 17 attempts. His 97-yard touchdown represented the longest play from scrimmage in Louisville history, while his 58-yard fourth-quarter score demonstrated his ability to break open the game repeatedly. Brown's 235 rushing yards were also the highest single-game total by an FBS running back at that point in the 2026 season. His production became even more important because Louisville entered the matchup without injured running back Keyjuan Brown. Despite that absence, the Cardinals dominated on the ground. Louisville finished with 397 rushing yards and 537 total offensive yards. The rushing total was the program's highest since producing 411 yards against Syracuse in November 2018. The Cardinals generated all six of their touchdowns on the ground. Lincoln Kienholz and Louisville's Rushing Attack Shine Although Brown delivered the biggest plays, Louisville received important contributions throughout its offense. Kienholz completed 11 of 15 passes for 140 yards while adding 40 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His third-quarter scoring runs helped Louisville turn a halftime tie into a commanding lead. Davis contributed the game-tying touchdown before halftime, while Jennings added the 44-yard fourth-quarter score. Louisville's offensive balance forced Florida State to defend multiple rushing threats. The Cardinals also received a stronger defensive performance after their difficult opening quarter. Stanquan Clark and T.J. Capers recorded 10 tackles apiece, helping limit Florida State's offensive opportunities. Beasley added a late interception, his fourth of the season, after making the crucial fourth-down stop that preceded Brown's record-setting touchdown. Ashton Daniels Sets Florida State Quarterback Record Despite the defeat, Daniels reached an important milestone for Florida State. The fifth-year quarterback completed 21 of 37 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 45 yards and one score. His first-quarter touchdown was his 10th rushing touchdown of the season, establishing a new Florida State single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Daniels became the first Seminole to record at least 10 rushing touchdowns in a season since Trey Benson accomplished the feat in 2023. Kromah led Florida State's rushing attack with 88 yards on 19 carries, adding four receptions for 43 yards. Danzy finished with four catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. However, Florida State struggled to sustain its early momentum after Louisville's defensive stand and Brown's historic touchdown run. Louisville Earns Important ACC Victory Friday's result provided Louisville with a much-needed conference victory after consecutive losses. The Cardinals demonstrated resilience by overcoming an early 14-point deficit and responding with explosive rushing plays and improved defensive execution. For Florida State, the defeat extended its road losing streak to 11 games. The Seminoles must address their defensive struggles after allowing nearly 400 rushing yards and surrendering 44 points. Louisville will travel to face Syracuse on Saturday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage scheduled on ACC Network. Florida State will visit No. 4 Miami on October 17 at 7 p.m., with the matchup scheduled to air on ESPN. For Louisville, Brown's record-breaking performance and the Cardinals' dominant response after falling behind could provide an important turning point in their 2026 season.

No. 1 Nebraska continued its undefeated 2026 women's college volleyball season Thursday night, sweeping No. 15 Indiana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-19) in a nationally ranked Big Ten showdown at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. The Huskers improved to 16-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play, extending their regular-season winning streak to 47 matches while handing Indiana its first home defeat of the season. Harper Murray led Nebraska with 11 kills, while Teraya Sigler added 10 as the Huskers hit .379 against an Indiana team that entered the matchup looking to protect its home court. Despite the defeat, Indiana produced the highest hitting percentage Nebraska has allowed since October 2024, finishing at .282. Nebraska Takes Command in Opening Set Nebraska wasted little time establishing control against the Hoosiers. The Huskers scored the opening three points and quickly built an 8-2 advantage, forcing Indiana into an early timeout. Sigler helped establish the offensive rhythm, recording five kills during the opening frame. Setter Bergen Reilly distributed the ball effectively, allowing Nebraska to generate scoring opportunities from multiple attacking positions. Indiana briefly reduced the deficit to 8-4, but Nebraska maintained its advantage and eventually extended the lead to 17-9. Reilly contributed consecutive kills during that stretch, demonstrating the offensive versatility that has helped the Huskers remain undefeated. The Hoosiers continued battling and used consecutive blocks to narrow the score to 22-15. However, Nebraska answered with three straight points, finishing the set on a block by Virginia Adriano and Manaia Ogbechie. The Huskers secured a 25-15 victory, taking a 1-0 match advantage. Harper Murray Helps Nebraska Secure Second Set Nebraska maintained its momentum in the second frame, using aggressive serving to create early separation. Olivia Mauch delivered a service ace during a four-point run that pushed the Huskers ahead 5-1. Laney Choboy followed with another ace, extending Nebraska's advantage to 7-2. Indiana responded with improved offensive execution, reducing the deficit to 12-9. However, the Huskers continued finding answers whenever the Hoosiers threatened to close the gap. Consecutive kills from Ogbechie and Sigler helped Nebraska extend its lead to 20-14, forcing another Indiana timeout. Murray became increasingly influential during the closing stretch. The Nebraska outside hitter delivered timely attacks that prevented Indiana from building momentum. Murray eventually recorded the decisive kill to secure a 25-19 second-set victory. Nebraska entered the break holding a commanding 2-0 advantage, needing only one more set to complete the sweep. Indiana Challenges Nebraska in Third Set The third set produced Indiana's strongest sustained challenge of the evening. After Nebraska established an early advantage, the Hoosiers responded with a four-point run to move ahead 12-10. Indiana's improved attacking efficiency forced the Huskers to work harder defensively. Nebraska answered behind Mauch, whose consecutive service aces helped the visitors regain a 14-13 advantage. The teams continued exchanging points until the score reached 15-15. With the set approaching its decisive stretch, Nebraska produced another important scoring run. The Huskers scored four consecutive points, with Murray contributing from the service line, to establish a 19-15 lead. Indiana continued competing, but Nebraska maintained control. Late in the set, the Huskers strengthened their blocking presence by using Ogbechie and Kenna Cogill together in the front row. The adjustment helped Nebraska close the match with consecutive blocks. The Huskers secured another 25-19 victory, completing the three-set sweep and preserving their undefeated record. Harper Murray Leads Balanced Nebraska Attack Murray delivered another productive performance for Nebraska, finishing with 11 kills on .364 hitting, seven digs and two blocks. Her offensive production was especially important during the second and third sets, when Indiana threatened to narrow Nebraska's advantage. Sigler contributed 10 kills while hitting .389, adding five digs and two blocks. Andi Jackson also provided efficient offense, recording nine kills on a .471 hitting percentage. Ogbechie finished with eight kills while hitting .500, complementing her offensive performance with a team-high six blocks. Reilly directed Nebraska's offense with 35 assists, adding seven digs and three kills. Mauch contributed a team-high 10 digs, six assists and three service aces. Nebraska finished with a 46-34 advantage in kills and a 36-20 edge in digs, demonstrating its ability to control multiple phases of the match. Indiana Shows Offensive Efficiency Despite Defeat Although Indiana suffered its first home loss, the Hoosiers delivered an impressive offensive performance against the nation's top-ranked team. Indiana hit .282, the highest percentage recorded by a Nebraska opponent this season and the best against the Huskers since October 2024. Middle blocker Ella Boersema led Indiana with nine kills while hitting .438, continuing her recent stretch of efficient attacking. Boersema has now recorded at least eight kills in six consecutive matches. Jaidyn Jager added nine kills, while Avry Tatum contributed six. Setter Teodora Krickovic finished with 25 assists, four digs and three blocks. Indiana also recorded six team blocks, providing resistance against Nebraska's balanced offensive attack. However, serving mistakes proved costly. The Hoosiers committed 13 service errors compared with Nebraska's three, limiting their opportunities to build sustained scoring runs. Indiana dropped to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play. Nebraska Extends Historic Winning Streak Nebraska's victory carried significance beyond another conference win. The Huskers extended their regular-season winning streak to 47 matches, continuing one of the most impressive runs in college volleyball. Nebraska also improved its road and neutral-site winning streak to 23 matches, tying for the 11th-longest such streak in NCAA history. The victory came in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 2,700 spectators at Wilkinson Hall. Thursday's matchup marked the first time Indiana had hosted a contest featuring two top-15 teams. Despite the difficult environment, Nebraska maintained its composure and relied on efficient offense, aggressive serving and timely blocking to secure another ranked victory. The Huskers remain undefeated through 16 matches, with their next opponent presenting another major challenge. Nebraska Prepares for No. 7 Wisconsin Showdown Nebraska returns home for a highly anticipated top-10 Big Ten matchup against No. 7 Wisconsin on Saturday, October 10. The contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center and will air nationally on FOX. Indiana will look to rebound when it hosts USC on Sunday, October 11, at 2 p.m. at Wilkinson Hall, with coverage on Big Ten Network. For Nebraska, Thursday's sweep reinforced its position as the nation's top-ranked program. With Murray leading a balanced offense and the Huskers continuing to deliver under pressure, Nebraska enters its upcoming showdown against Wisconsin carrying an undefeated record and considerable momentum.

No. 3 Louisville continued its unbeaten start to ACC play Thursday night, overcoming a determined California team to secure a 3-1 victory at L&N Federal Credit Union Arena in Louisville, Kentucky. The Cardinals won 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18, improving to 15-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play. California dropped to 12-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC after pushing Louisville through a competitive four-set battle. Middle blocker Brooke Bultema led Louisville with a season-high 13 kills while hitting an outstanding .750, helping the Cardinals remain undefeated in conference competition. Louisville also delivered its strongest blocking performance of the season, recording 15 team blocks while holding California to a .130 hitting percentage. Louisville Takes Control of Opening Set The opening set began with both teams trading points as California attempted to challenge one of the nation's highest-ranked programs. The score was tied at 4-4 before Louisville began creating separation. Chloe Meester, Addison Makun and Kalyssa Blackshear each contributed a kill and a block during a stretch that helped the Cardinals establish a 12-7 advantage. California continued fighting and reduced the deficit to 15-12 shortly after the media timeout. However, Louisville responded with an impressive offensive run. The Cardinals outscored the Golden Bears 8-3 to extend their advantage to 23-15, putting the opening set firmly under their control. California scored two more points, but kills from Chloe Chicoine and Bultema secured a 25-17 victory. Louisville's offense was especially efficient during the opening frame, producing 17 kills while hitting .424. The strong start gave the Cardinals momentum heading into the second set. Cardinals Dominate Second Set Behind Strong Blocking Louisville carried its early momentum into the second frame. The Cardinals scored the first four points, forcing California to call an early timeout. Although the Golden Bears settled into the match, Louisville maintained control with a 9-5 advantage. Blackshear and Makun then combined for consecutive blocks during a 6-2 scoring run, extending the Cardinals' lead to 15-7. Louisville continued applying pressure after the media timeout. Bultema recorded back-to-back kills as the Cardinals pushed their advantage to 18-8. California attempted to recover late, but Louisville's defense prevented the Golden Bears from generating enough consistent offense to threaten the lead. A California service error eventually secured another 25-17 Louisville victory, giving the Cardinals a commanding 2-0 match advantage. The Cardinals recorded five blocks in the second set and limited California to a .105 hitting percentage. With two sets secured, Louisville appeared positioned to complete another conference sweep. California had other plans. California Ends Louisville's ACC Set-Winning Streak The Golden Bears entered the third set determined to avoid a straight-set defeat. California immediately established momentum by scoring the first three points. Louisville responded and eventually tied the score at 9-9, but the Golden Bears continued challenging the Cardinals. California scored three of the next four points to regain control before Louisville answered with a 5-1 run to move ahead 15-13 at the media timeout. The teams continued exchanging points as the set became increasingly competitive. California eventually moved ahead 22-21, forcing Louisville to call a timeout. The Cardinals responded to tie the score at 22-22, setting up a tense finish. However, the Golden Bears delivered when it mattered most. California scored three of the next four points to secure a 25-23 victory, extending the match into a fourth set. The result carried additional significance because California became the first ACC opponent to win a set against Louisville during the 2026 conference season. The Golden Bears had interrupted Louisville's dominant run and created an opportunity to force a deciding fifth set. Louisville Responds in Fourth Set California carried some of its third-set momentum into the fourth frame, scoring the opening point. Louisville quickly responded. Bultema contributed a kill and two blocks during an early stretch that helped the Cardinals build a 6-2 advantage. California refused to let the match slip away. The Golden Bears reduced the deficit to 9-8 and remained within striking distance as Louisville carried a 15-12 lead into the media timeout. California continued applying pressure, trimming the Cardinals' advantage to 16-14. That was when Louisville delivered the decisive run. Makun recorded consecutive blocks to ignite a 6-0 scoring surge, extending Louisville's advantage to 22-14. The sudden momentum shift left California facing an eight-point deficit late in the frame. Although the Golden Bears continued competing, Louisville maintained control. Blackshear eventually delivered the match-winning kill, securing a 25-18 fourth-set victory and completing the 3-1 win. Louisville's defense was particularly effective in the final frame, holding California to a .026 hitting percentage. Brooke Bultema Leads Louisville's Offense Bultema produced one of her most efficient performances of the season. The middle blocker recorded a season-high 13 kills while hitting .750, marking her sixth match this year with a hitting percentage of at least .600. Her offensive efficiency gave Louisville a reliable scoring option throughout the contest. Blackshear matched Bultema with 13 kills, hitting .333 while contributing six blocks. The sophomore has now recorded double-digit kills in 11 matches this season and has also hit at least .300 on 11 occasions. Her six blocks matched her season high and strengthened Louisville's defensive presence at the net. Setter Nayelis Cabello directed the Cardinals' offense with 37 assists, adding 15 digs, two blocks and a service ace. Libero Payton Petersen contributed a team-high 18 digs and two service aces, helping Louisville remain competitive during California's strongest offensive stretches. Together, the Cardinals finished with 47 kills on a .290 hitting percentage, along with 55 digs and four service aces. Louisville Defense Records Season-High 15 Blocks Louisville's blocking was one of the biggest differences in the match. The Cardinals finished with a season-high 15 team blocks, repeatedly disrupting California's attacking opportunities. Their defensive pressure helped limit the Golden Bears to a .130 hitting percentage across four sets. The second and fourth sets were particularly impressive. Louisville held California to .105 hitting in the second frame and just .026 in the fourth, preventing the Golden Bears from sustaining offensive momentum. Makun's consecutive blocks during the fourth-set scoring run were especially important, helping Louisville regain control after California had reduced the deficit to two points. The Cardinals' ability to respond defensively ultimately prevented the match from reaching a fifth set. Sawyer Thomsen Leads California's Comeback Effort Despite the defeat, California received an outstanding individual performance from senior middle blocker Sawyer Thomsen. Thomsen recorded a career-high 16 kills, leading the Golden Bears' offensive effort against one of the nation's strongest teams. Freshman setter Anna Flores also delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 44 assists. California showed resilience after dropping the opening two sets by becoming the first ACC opponent to take a set from Louisville this season. The Golden Bears also challenged the Cardinals throughout the fourth frame before Louisville's late scoring run created separation. Three of California's four losses this season have come against opponents ranked among the nation's top five at the time of their meetings. Louisville Remains Unbeaten in ACC Play Thursday's victory kept Louisville firmly positioned among the ACC's leading programs. The Cardinals improved to 5-0 in conference play, continuing their strong start against a challenging schedule. Although California interrupted Louisville's ACC set-winning streak, the Cardinals responded with timely blocking and efficient offense to finish the match. Louisville has now secured five victories against ranked opponents during the 2026 season, reinforcing its position among the nation's top volleyball programs. The Cardinals will face another major challenge in their next match. No. 3 Louisville hosts No. 14 Stanford on Sunday, October 11, at 1 p.m. ET, at L&N Federal Credit Union Arena. The nationally ranked ACC matchup is scheduled to air on ESPN.