FIU opens season with big challenge at USF | JQJO

Florida International opens its 2026 season Saturday against South Florida in Tampa, with the Panthers entering as underdogs. FIU will play at Raymond James Stadium at 7 p.m. ET, with ESPN+ carrying the game. The Panthers went 7-6 in 2025, became bowl eligible for the first time since 2019 and finished the regular season with four consecutive victories. South Florida went 9-4 last season and begins a new era under first-year head coach Brian Hartline, the former Ohio State offensive coordinator. LSU transfer Michael Van Buren Jr. was officially named the Bulls’ starting quarterback on Aug. 25 after competing with Luke Kromenhoek. FIU quarterback JJ Kohl will make his first career start after transferring from Appalachian State. Both programs underwent roster changes, making the opener an early test of their new identities. FIU’s coaches view the game as an opportunity to measure FIU against stronger competition before conference play.

Julia Stiles performed a contemporary routine on Dancing With the Stars Dedication Night, joined by her 10 Things I Hate About You castmates to tribute late co‑star Heath Ledger. The routine echoed Ledger’s 1999 performance in the film, where his character sang to Stiles’ character from the bleachers. Stiles described the moment as trippy, noting her age difference and the emotional impact of revisiting the film’s legacy. Ledger died in January 2008 at the age of twenty‑eight.

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The New York Knicks unveiled their first new rafter banner in 53 years at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, a ceremony that marked a historic moment for the franchise. The banner, which took its time ascending from the floor to the left of the “M” in the arena’s name, was the only one to be displayed that evening. The event was attended by notable figures including Mariska Hargitay, Spike Lee, Roger Goodell and Jon Bon Jovi. While the Knicks celebrated the banner, the 76ers, led by LeBron James, stole the spotlight with a 106‑100 victory over the Knicks on opening night. The Garden, a venue that also hosts concerts, hockey, bull riding and monster trucks, remains the epicenter of a basketball city whose playgrounds have produced legends worldwide. The banner’s arrival was described as a “beautiful curtain” that honors the luckiest of the lucky. The ceremony took place before the 6:30 p.m. opening‑night game, which drew the highest ticket price in NBA history for an opener, according to Forbes. The Knicks’ fans, wearing jerseys and championship gear, filled the arena in anticipation of the new chapter for the team.

A thirty‑seven‑year‑old man was struck by a federal immigration vehicle on Tuesday morning while documenting ICE activity in Woodland, California. The collision occurred at nine‑thirty‑eight a.m. near Clover Street and College Street. The driver, an ICE agent, immediately notified police and cooperated with investigators. The victim, Antonio Moreida, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. Video evidence shows the SUV swerving into the pedestrian’s path. Woodland police are investigating the incident.

Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown said he is praying for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season with multiple blood clots in his lungs. Brown, who was traded from Philadelphia in June after a four‑season stint, expressed love and respect for Hurts and confidence that the former teammate can handle the situation. The two had played together for four seasons, with Brown recording 339 catches for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns, earning two Pro Bowls and helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl. They had not spoken since the trade until a joint practice in August.