Sports - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Boyd Buchanan softball slugger Keke Jordan commits to Missouri

Even after Boyd Buchanan junior Keke Jordan's prep softball career ends, she will still have gold in her future.

By Patrick MacCoon September 3, 2026

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton/ Boyd Buchanan junior Keke Jordan announced her commitment Thursday night to Missouri. Jordan was named the Buck Johnson Best of Preps softball player of the year after a standout sophomore season last spring.

Chattanooga’s Boo Carter seals Colorado’s dramatic win at Georgia Tech

Chattanooga native Boo Carter's Colorado debut was a victory for the Buffaloes. The Tennessee transfer made sure of that Thursday night at Georgia Tech.

By MAURA CAREY / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

Colorado defensive back Boo Carter (6) celebrates after blocking Georgia Tech's field-goal attempt at the end of Thursday night's season opener for both teams in Atlanta. The play by Carter, a Chattanooga native and Tennessee transfer who made his Colorado debut, sealed a 14-13 victory for the Buffaloes after their last-minute touchdown to take the lead. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Georgia coach Kirby Smart has familiar focus ahead of season opener

On the day of Georgia's first preseason practice last month, coach Kirby Smart emphasized where he wants the Bulldogs to excel: running the ball and stopping the run.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

Georgia's Kirby Smart will kick off his 11th season as the head football coach at his alma mater Saturday, when the Bulldogs host Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium in Athens. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Judge’s ruling against NCAA clears path to LSU for ex-NFL players

LSU's chances of fielding a team that includes former NFL players improved Thursday night as a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA.

By BRETT MARTEL / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris stands on the field before the team's NFL preseason exhibition game against the host Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 22 in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

North Carolina football GM resigns as school continues investigation

University of North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has resigned, the school announced Thursday.

By AARON BEARD / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

Michael Lombardi stands on the home sideline before North Carolina's ACC game against Stanford last Nov. 8 in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

UMass ends 16-game skid that was longest active losing streak in FBS

The UMass Minutemen have won a game against a fellow Football Bowl Subdivision program for the first time in three years.

By EVERETT MERRILL / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

UMass football coach Joe Harasymiak guided the Minutemen to a season-opening 37-21 road win against Rutgers on Thursday night. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

New version of Pac-12 Conference ready for first weekend of football

The Pac-12, the self-dubbed "Conference of Champions," turned into the conference of ashes. Now the league is doing its best to rise from them.

By JOHN MARSHALL / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

Football players for Pac-12 members Oregon State, left, and Washington State take part in a coin toss before their game last Nov. 29 in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka win in second round at US Open

Alex Eala and her fans are headed to the weekend at the U.S. Open, along with two-time women's singles champion Naomi Osaka and 2023 winner Coco Gauff.

By BRIAN MAHONEY / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

Coco Gauff celebrates during the second set of her second-round win against Paula Badosa during the U.S. Open on Thursday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

US women’s basketball team’s title streak on line at FIBA World Cup

The United States has dominated the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup for nearly two decades, winning the past four titles.

By DOUG FEINBERG / The Associated Press September 3, 2026

Members of the U.S. team practice Thursday in Berlin, where the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup tips off Friday with games that include the Americans facing China. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

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Chattanooga-area prep football teams adjust to stay safe in extreme heat

East Ridge High School football players spent part of Tuesday afternoon unloading more than 20 cases of sports drink donated by a local food pantry.

By Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young September 2, 2026

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