AP Sports SummaryBrief at 9:41 p.m. EST

College Football Playoff decides to double down and a 24-team playoff is set for next season The College Football Playoff will expand to 24 teams next year, ending a three-decade era of conference title games. College leaders announced the new format Monday after ESPN agreed to rework its contract to add 11 new games. The deal is for five years and an additional $1.7 billion. The new format will have five automatic qualifiers, including champions from the Power Four leagues. The other teams will be chosen by a selection panel. The top eight seeds will receive first-round byes, and the playoff will start on the second weekend in December. Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year, Reds slugger Sal Stewart takes NL honor Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle has won the American League Rookie of the Year award after a stellar all-around season that sets him up to be a franchise cornerstone. Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart took home the National League honor. The 22-year-old McGonigle had a .278 batting average and .806 OPS with 18 homers, 72 RBIs, 28 doubles and 12 stolen bases while splitting time between shortstop and third base. He’s the first Tigers player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016 and the first Detroit infielder since Lou Whitaker in 1978. Stewart was a force in the middle of the Reds’ lineup with 32 homers and 112 RBIs while playing in all 162 games. Reid: Patrick Mahomes day to day after hurting throwing elbow in lopsided win over the Jets KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is considered day to day after injuring his elbow during a game against the Jets, coach Andy Reid said Monday. Mahomes was strip-sacked by David Bailey, causing a fumble and leaving his arm dangling. He was examined but returned to the game, finishing with 242 yards and two touchdown passes. Reid added that wide receiver Xavier Worthy and right tackle Jaylen Moore are day to day with injuries. The Chiefs face the Falcons on Sunday. Reid also hasn't decided whether to bench kicker Harrison Butker after another missed kick, with Justin Tucker as a potential replacement. Rams receiver Puka Nacua to miss at least a month with sprained knee ligaments and turf toe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rams receiver Puka Nacua is expected to be out for at least a month after he sprained ligaments in his right knee and developed turf toe during Los Angeles’ win at Washington. Coach Sean McVay says the Rams expect to put Nacua on injured reserve. He’ll join fellow star receiver Davante Adams, who has no set return date from his hamstring injury. McVay’s offense will be without Matthew Stafford’s top two targets for an extended period, dealing a devastating blow to a team that began the season as a Super Bowl favorite. Jaguars take a Super Bowl swing by trading for Eagles DT Jordan Davis and Falcons S Jessie Bates The Jacksonville Jaguars are making a Super Bowl push. The Jaguars acquired defensive tackle Jordan Davis from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2029 second-rounder. It was the most significant of three trades for the Jaguars, who believe they have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a chance to make the franchise’s first Super Bowl. The 6-2 Jaguars previously traded for Atlanta safety Jessie Bates III and for New Orleans defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. Nonprofit local news isn't free! It takes reporters, editors, and resources to do this work right. Your donation keeps that work alive. MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY NBA picks Miami for 2028 All-Star weekend, AP source says MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is planning a Nov. 30 event to announce Miami as the site of the 2028 All-Star weekend, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Miami Heat chairman Micky Arison and other league officials are expected at the event, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because neither side announced any details publicly. Miami was picked by the league “months ago,” said the person, adding that the Nov. 30 date is slightly fluid. But the biggest parts of the agreement have been reached. NFL reinstates receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the 49ers after he left the team last year Receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been reinstated to the San Francisco 49ers by the NFL after leaving the team a year ago. The league removed Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list and gave the 49ers a two-game exemption before they need to add him to the 53-man roster. Aiyuk had submitted his request for reinstatement after hiring Drew Rosenhaus as his agent. He met with the 49ers last week as part of his attempt to get back into the NFL. The Niners have said they have no plans to play Aiyuk again and could either trade him before Tuesday’s deadline or release him before the two-game exemption expires. Jets coach criticizes Devils' decision not to play Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel says he’s disappointed Connor Hellebuyck won’t play against the Jets Tuesday night. Arniel argued the decision made by the New Jersey Devils only prolongs a difficult chapter for the organization in the aftermath of granting the goaltender’s public request to be traded. The Devils announced Hellebuyck would not play at Winnipeg, citing analysis that it would reduce their probability of winning. Arniel says Hellebuyck gave up on the team and the Jets were hoping for closure. He adds that he's not sure how analytics factors in the decision. Lionel Messi wins the MLS Golden Boot for a second straight season Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons. The Inter Miami forward scored a league-high 26 goals this season. He also had 17 assists with 43 goal contributions. Messi edged out FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge for the award. Messi won the MLS Golden Boot in 2025 with 29 goals and 19 assists. Messi could also become the first three-time winner of the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. Miami faces the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup Playoffs. UCLA jumps into top 10 of men's AP Top 25 basketball poll as Florida, Duke, Illini lead the rankings UCLA has climbed into the top 10 in the first regular-season AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll. Florida remains No. 1, with the top four unchanged. The Gators earned 53 of 60 first-place votes after wins over Miami and Jacksonville. Duke, Illinois, and UConn follow in the rankings. Michigan State is fifth. UCLA moved from No. 22 to No. 9 after beating then-No. 5 Arizona. Virginia, Texas, Houston, and Louisville round out the top 10. Arizona and Tennessee dropped in the rankings. The Southeastern Conference leads with seven teams in the Top 25. Donate now to support local nonprofit news in Lancaster County Newsletter Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Sports Our daily sports newsletter, delivered at 6 a.m. Please enter a valid email address. Sign up By opting into newsletters you are agreeing to our privacy policy . What to Read Next