http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:13:51 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2026/10/02/no-5-ohio-state-no-14-iowa-momentum/stories/20261002017 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2026/10/02/no-5-ohio-state-no-14-iowa-momentum/stories/20261002017#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2026/10/02/no-5-ohio-state-no-14-iowa-momentum/stories/20261002017 IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kinnick is no picnic. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, left, tries to get open against Kent State defensive back A'tiq Muhammad on Sept. 19 in Columbus. Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee celebrates his 16-yard touchdown reception against Michigan on Sept. 26 in Ann Arbor. 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/Redwings/2026/10/02/dylan-garand-makes-23-saves-1st-career-shutout-rangers-beat-red-wings/stories/20261002151 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/10/02/dylan-garand-makes-23-saves-1st-career-shutout-rangers-beat-red-wings/stories/20261002151#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:15:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/10/02/dylan-garand-makes-23-saves-1st-career-shutout-rangers-beat-red-wings/stories/20261002151 DETROIT — Dylan Garand made 23 saves for his first career shutout and the New York Rangers spoiled the Detroit Red Wings' opener with a 2-0 victory on Friday. New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand, left, stops a shot by Detroit Red Wings center Marco Kasper (92) with Rangers center Joseph Veleno (90) helping defend the goal. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/10/02/toledo-volleyball-earns-1st-home-win-over-ball-state-since-2020/stories/20261002147 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/10/02/toledo-volleyball-earns-1st-home-win-over-ball-state-since-2020/stories/20261002147#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2026 02:50:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/10/02/toledo-volleyball-earns-1st-home-win-over-ball-state-since-2020/stories/20261002147 Toledo volleyball has already defeated two power conference teams this season, but its 3-1 win over Ball State on Friday was an ultimate statement. Toledo’s Kayla Ozanich celebrates with her teammates after a play. Taylor Alt, far right, former University of Toledo volleyball player, stands with family and supporters while being recognized and having her jersey retired. Toledo’s Sophie Catalano spikes the ball. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/10/02/michigan-too-much-for-bowling-green-hockey-to-handle-in-season-opener/stories/20261002148 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/10/02/michigan-too-much-for-bowling-green-hockey-to-handle-in-season-opener/stories/20261002148#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2026 02:01:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/10/02/michigan-too-much-for-bowling-green-hockey-to-handle-in-season-opener/stories/20261002148 ANN ARBOR — The Bowling Green State University hockey team fell to national powerhouse Michigan 7-2 in its season opener on Friday. Bowling Green’s Breck McKinley passes the puck during a college hockey game between Bowling Green State University and the University of Notre Dame at BGSU’s Slater Family Ice Arena in Bowling Green on Jan. 31. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/perrysburg-remains-undefeated-decisive-31-6-win-over-findlay/stories/20261002125 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/perrysburg-remains-undefeated-decisive-31-6-win-over-findlay/stories/20261002125#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:56:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/perrysburg-remains-undefeated-decisive-31-6-win-over-findlay/stories/20261002125 FINDLAY — Facing its first big test of the season, Perrysburg passed with flying colors in a 31-6 win over Findlay on Friday night. Perrysburg QB Brady Maxwell looks to throw against Findlay in a high school football game at Donnell Stadium on Oct. 2 in Findlay. Perrysburg RB Liam Nowakowski carries the ball and Findlay defenders in a high school football game at Donnell Stadium on Oct. 2 in Findlay. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/clay-football-remains-unbeaten-blanks-anthony-wayne/stories/20261002143 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/clay-football-remains-unbeaten-blanks-anthony-wayne/stories/20261002143#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:15:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/clay-football-remains-unbeaten-blanks-anthony-wayne/stories/20261002143 The Clay football team’s perfect season continued at home on Friday, as a 23-0 triumph against Anthony Wayne in a Northern Lakes League Buckeye Division contest marked the seventh straight win. Clay quarterback Landon Echelberry warms up prior to a home football game against Anthony Wayne. 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/high-school/2026/10/02/photo-gallery-56-25/stories/20261002098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/photo-gallery-56-25/stories/20261002098#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:55:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/10/02/photo-gallery-56-25/stories/20261002098 Waite beat Woodward in a City League football game Thursday at Mollenkopf Stadium. Waite won 49-14 to move to 6-2, 4-0 in City League play. Waite RB Carl Foard fights for yards against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite coach Russ Jennings looks to his sideline against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite receiver Brooklyn Hudson runs through the Woodward defense in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite coach Russ Jennings smiles at a call against his team as they play Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Woodward RB Derrick Johnson, Jr., lays a block against Waite in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite returner Dezmend Jackson runs from the Woodward defense in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite returner Dezmend Jackson runs from the Woodward defense in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite’s band waits to play halftime against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite linebacker Myell Carter flips over the Woodward ball carrier in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite defenders chase a loose ball against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite lineman Charles Smith ends up with the ball after a QB fumble against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite RB Carl Foard is lifted in celebration after scoring against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. A young Waite player considers the game from the sidelines against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite WR Antwaun Williams leaps to make the catch against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite QB Shayne Kurns against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite’s Carl Foard looks for openings against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite’s defense celebrates recovering a fumble against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite aQB Shayne Kurns throws gainst Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite RB Carl Foard stiff arms the defense against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Woodward QB Daveair Watson runs against Waite in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite’s Dezmend Jackson scores on a punt return against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite coach Russ Jennings implores his team against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite defender Carl Ford makes the tackle against Woodward in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. Waite defenders swallow Woodward RB Derrick Johnson, Jr., in a City League high school football game at Mollenkopf Stadium on Oct. 1 in East Toledo. 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/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/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/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/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/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/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.