By MARK ANDERSON&nbsp; AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Daniel Carlson made a career-long 60-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give Las Vegas a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and end the Raiders' 10-game losing streak.

Carlson and Kansas City's Harrison Butker each made four field goals, with Butker hitting a 41-yarder with 1:01 left to give the Chiefs a short-lived 12-11 lead.

This was the first victory for the Raiders (3-14) over the Chiefs (6-11) at Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs, who had won all five previous meetings in Las Vegas, lost their sixth straight game and eighth in 10.

Las Vegas' Ashton Jeanty rushed for 87 yards, giving him 975 for the season that is second among Raiders rookies to the 1,150 yards Josh Jacobs gained in 2019. Jeanty's 1,321 yards from scrimmage broke the club rookie record set by Jacobs (1,316).

Much of the intrigue about the outcome was eliminated before kickoff when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-giants-score-jaxson-dart-d25b1d9cbb8f9ac00bd6e953924bfa93?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-2026-708f08b50bcd7b519c5ba132d03cedaf?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">guaranteeing the Raiders the top pick</a>&nbsp;in this year's NFL draft. A Giants loss would have meant that Las Vegas would get that selection only with a loss to the Chiefs.

Less certain is the future of Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who was hired about a year ago with the hopes that his championship pedigree of a Super Bowl title in Seattle and two college championships at Southern California would translate to Las Vegas. There was no immediate indication whether he would return, but the typical coach's day-after news conference was not on the club's media schedule.

This also could be have the final game for Kansas City's Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old, who became the third tight end to reach 13,000 yards in his career, has not said if he will retire after playing all 13 seasons in Kansas City.

Both teams in large ways treated the finale like a preseason game.

Whether for injuries or other reasons, the Chiefs sat wide receiver Xavier Worthy, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Tyreke Smith among others, and the Raiders had a number of players hurt that included running back Raheem Mostert, guard Dylan Parham and defensive tackle Adam Butler.

Kansas City entered the game without quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, each out with knee injuries. The Chiefs hope to get Mahomes back by early next season in what they hope is the return to becoming more like the team that appeared in five of the previous six Super Bowls, three ending in championships.

Chris Oladokun started for the Chiefs and completed 11 of 17 passes for 58 yards before giving way to Shane Buechele in the second half. Buechele was 7 of 14 for 88 yards.

The Raiders were without quarterback Geno Smith, out with an ankle injury that also might have ended his playing days in Las Vegas after just a season. Kenny Pickett started and was replaced by Aidan O'Connell in the second quarter as expected. Pickett was just 1 of 4 for 3 yards with an interception, and O'Connell completed 10 of 22 passes for 102 yards.

Tyree Wilson had two sacks for the Raiders, including a fourth-quarter safety for an 11-6 lead. He also forced two fumbles.

Chris Jones recorded two sacks to give him 86 1/2 for third most in Chiefs history.

Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) did not play.

Raiders: QB Geno Smith (ankle), DT Adam Butler (bicep), LT Kolton Miller (ankle), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and G Dylan Parham (illness) did not play. ... S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder) went out late in the second quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767611639756.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK ANDERSON&nbsp; AP Sports WriterLAS VEGAS (AP) — Daniel Carlson made a career-long 60-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give Las Vegas a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and end the Raiders' 10-game losing streak.Carlson and Kansas City's Harrison Butker each made four field goals, with Butker hitting a 41-yarder with 1:01 left to give the Chiefs a short-lived 12-11 lead.This was the first victory for the Raiders (3-14) over the Chiefs (6-11) at Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs, who had won all five previous meetings in Las Vegas, lost their sixth straight game and eighth in 10.Las Vegas' Ashton Jeanty rushed for 87 yards, giving him 975 for the season that is second among Raiders rookies to the 1,150 yards Josh Jacobs gained in 2019. Jeanty's 1,321 yards from scrimmage broke the club rookie record set by Jacobs (1,316).Much of the intrigue about the outcome was eliminated before kickoff when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-giants-score-jaxson-dart-d25b1d9cbb8f9ac00bd6e953924bfa93?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-2026-708f08b50bcd7b519c5ba132d03cedaf?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">guaranteeing the Raiders the top pick</a>&nbsp;in this year's NFL draft. A Giants loss would have meant that Las Vegas would get that selection only with a loss to the Chiefs.Less certain is the future of Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who was hired about a year ago with the hopes that his championship pedigree of a Super Bowl title in Seattle and two college championships at Southern California would translate to Las Vegas. There was no immediate indication whether he would return, but the typical coach's day-after news conference was not on the club's media schedule.This also could be have the final game for Kansas City's Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old, who became the third tight end to reach 13,000 yards in his career, has not said if he will retire after playing all 13 seasons in Kansas City.Both teams in large ways treated the finale like a preseason game.Whether for injuries or other reasons, the Chiefs sat wide receiver Xavier Worthy, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Tyreke Smith among others, and the Raiders had a number of players hurt that included running back Raheem Mostert, guard Dylan Parham and defensive tackle Adam Butler.Kansas City entered the game without quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, each out with knee injuries. The Chiefs hope to get Mahomes back by early next season in what they hope is the return to becoming more like the team that appeared in five of the previous six Super Bowls, three ending in championships.Chris Oladokun started for the Chiefs and completed 11 of 17 passes for 58 yards before giving way to Shane Buechele in the second half. Buechele was 7 of 14 for 88 yards.The Raiders were without quarterback Geno Smith, out with an ankle injury that also might have ended his playing days in Las Vegas after just a season. Kenny Pickett started and was replaced by Aidan O'Connell in the second quarter as expected. Pickett was just 1 of 4 for 3 yards with an interception, and O'Connell completed 10 of 22 passes for 102 yards.Tyree Wilson had two sacks for the Raiders, including a fourth-quarter safety for an 11-6 lead. He also forced two fumbles.Chris Jones recorded two sacks to give him 86 1/2 for third most in Chiefs history.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) did not play.Raiders: QB Geno Smith (ankle), DT Adam Butler (bicep), LT Kolton Miller (ankle), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and G Dylan Parham (illness) did not play. ... S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder) went out late in the second quarter.

🏈 Daniel Carlson's 60-yard field goal lifts Raiders over the Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today they have agreed to a contract extension with Manager&nbsp;Matt Quatraro. The new deal begins in 2027 and is for three years (through 2029), with a club option for the 2030 season.

In three seasons under Quatraro, the Royals have gone 224-262 (.461). His 224 wins are already the 7th most by a Manager in franchise history. Among Royals Managers in their first three full seasons with the organization, Quatraro’s 224 wins rank 5th, behind only&nbsp;Whitey Herzog&nbsp;(284),&nbsp;Dick Howser&nbsp;(253),&nbsp;John Wathan&nbsp;(251) and&nbsp;Ned Yost&nbsp;(229).

After going 56-106 during Quatraro’s first season in 2023, the Royals went 86-76 in 2024—and advanced to the American League Division Series—and finished 82-80 in 2025.

The last two seasons (2024-25) have been Kansas City’s first consecutive winning campaigns since 2013-15. In fact, the Royals under Quatraro are just the eighth team in the Wild Card Era, according to&nbsp;Elias, to have back-to-back winning seasons following a 100-loss season.

In 2024, Quatraro was the runner-up in the American League Manager of the Year voting. The 2024 Royals were the sixth team in the 162-game Era (since 1961), according to&nbsp;Elias, to have a 30-win improvement from one season to the next (excluding shortened seasons). They were the third team ever, according to&nbsp;Elias, to make the postseason after a 100-loss season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today they have agreed to a contract extension with Manager&nbsp;Matt Quatraro. The new deal begins in 2027 and is for three years (through 2029), with a club option for the 2030 season.In three seasons under Quatraro, the Royals have gone 224-262 (.461). His 224 wins are already the 7th most by a Manager in franchise history. Among Royals Managers in their first three full seasons with the organization, Quatraro’s 224 wins rank 5th, behind only&nbsp;Whitey Herzog&nbsp;(284),&nbsp;Dick Howser&nbsp;(253),&nbsp;John Wathan&nbsp;(251) and&nbsp;Ned Yost&nbsp;(229).After going 56-106 during Quatraro’s first season in 2023, the Royals went 86-76 in 2024—and advanced to the American League Division Series—and finished 82-80 in 2025.The last two seasons (2024-25) have been Kansas City’s first consecutive winning campaigns since 2013-15. In fact, the Royals under Quatraro are just the eighth team in the Wild Card Era, according to&nbsp;Elias, to have back-to-back winning seasons following a 100-loss season.In 2024, Quatraro was the runner-up in the American League Manager of the Year voting. The 2024 Royals were the sixth team in the 162-game Era (since 1961), according to&nbsp;Elias, to have a 30-win improvement from one season to the next (excluding shortened seasons). They were the third team ever, according to&nbsp;Elias, to make the postseason after a 100-loss season.

Royals Announce Contract Extension with Manager Matt Quatraro

HILLSBORO, Kan. - The Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball team could not slow down the Tabor College Bluejays in the second half of Saturday's game inside the Tabor College Gymnasium.

Tabor shot 64.5 percent from the field and scored 62 points in the second half as the Bluejays came away with a 97-90 win over the Coyotes.

Wesleyan led by 10 points at 55-45 with 15:51 left in the game, but Tabor turned the tides on the heels of a 21-2 run that gave the Bluejays a 66-57 lead with 10:44 to go.

The difference proved to be too much for the Coyotes to overcome.

KWU made it interesting down the stretch though, getting within three with 7:37 left on a 3-pointer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38e5dd76-a6e6-4d2d-b640-2f0895644e93?elinkdata=34749">Brandon Avedon</a>, but the Coyotes could get no closer the rest of the way.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c5f96ad0-3ecf-4e7e-af92-ffc950e43408?elinkdata=34749">Gabe Phillips</a> got the Coyotes within four with 5:27 left at 78-74, but an 8-0 run by Tabor gave the Bluejays a 12-point cushion.

Wesleyan made one last push getting within five with less than a minute left, but could not get any closer.

Things started out slow for both teams who hadn't played in over two weeks - Tabor since December 13, and KWU since an exhibition game on December 17.

KWU had the lead in the first half, but couldn't shake the Bluejays entirely during the first 20 minutes. The Coyotes led by five 21-16 with 10:29 left on a free throw by Aidan Leckband, but Tabor again cut it to two points at 21-19.

The Coyotes used an 8-0 run to take a 29-19 lead with 6:04 left in the first but Tabor hung close, cutting the difference to six at the half at 41-35.

KWU opened the second half keeping the Bluejays at arm's length, holding the 55-45 lead when Tabor made its big run.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb709c54-b4ab-4155-b693-48228b4efc80?elinkdata=34749">Brandon Avedon</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fc25a01f-6d00-4a25-b777-0c3ca75c5b3f?elinkdata=34749">Evens Appolon</a> scored 19 each to lead the Coyotes while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c98efb6c-aeb1-4f33-989c-5db0e47b87e9?elinkdata=34749">Matthew Garber</a> had 13 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/78442b80-887c-4cc5-b644-32251e0065e1?elinkdata=34749">Braylin Goins</a> had 12. KWU was 33 of 79 from the field for 41.8 percent for the game. Appolon led the Coyotes with eight rebounds and a 39-25 advantage on the boards.

Tabor had three players score 20 or more led by Khalil Allen with 24. Marque Wilkerson had 22 and Jake Weaver had 20. The Bluejays were 34 of 62 from the field for 54.8 percent for the game.

HILLSBORO, Kan. - The Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball team could not slow down the Tabor College Bluejays in the second half of Saturday's game inside the Tabor College Gymnasium.Tabor shot 64.5 percent from the field and scored 62 points in the second half as the Bluejays came away with a 97-90 win over the Coyotes.Wesleyan led by 10 points at 55-45 with 15:51 left in the game, but Tabor turned the tides on the heels of a 21-2 run that gave the Bluejays a 66-57 lead with 10:44 to go.The difference proved to be too much for the Coyotes to overcome.KWU made it interesting down the stretch though, getting within three with 7:37 left on a 3-pointer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38e5dd76-a6e6-4d2d-b640-2f0895644e93?elinkdata=34749">Brandon Avedon</a>, but the Coyotes could get no closer the rest of the way.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c5f96ad0-3ecf-4e7e-af92-ffc950e43408?elinkdata=34749">Gabe Phillips</a> got the Coyotes within four with 5:27 left at 78-74, but an 8-0 run by Tabor gave the Bluejays a 12-point cushion.Wesleyan made one last push getting within five with less than a minute left, but could not get any closer.Things started out slow for both teams who hadn't played in over two weeks - Tabor since December 13, and KWU since an exhibition game on December 17.KWU had the lead in the first half, but couldn't shake the Bluejays entirely during the first 20 minutes. The Coyotes led by five 21-16 with 10:29 left on a free throw by Aidan Leckband, but Tabor again cut it to two points at 21-19.The Coyotes used an 8-0 run to take a 29-19 lead with 6:04 left in the first but Tabor hung close, cutting the difference to six at the half at 41-35.KWU opened the second half keeping the Bluejays at arm's length, holding the 55-45 lead when Tabor made its big run.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb709c54-b4ab-4155-b693-48228b4efc80?elinkdata=34749">Brandon Avedon</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fc25a01f-6d00-4a25-b777-0c3ca75c5b3f?elinkdata=34749">Evens Appolon</a> scored 19 each to lead the Coyotes while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c98efb6c-aeb1-4f33-989c-5db0e47b87e9?elinkdata=34749">Matthew Garber</a> had 13 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/78442b80-887c-4cc5-b644-32251e0065e1?elinkdata=34749">Braylin Goins</a> had 12. KWU was 33 of 79 from the field for 41.8 percent for the game. Appolon led the Coyotes with eight rebounds and a 39-25 advantage on the boards.Tabor had three players score 20 or more led by Khalil Allen with 24. Marque Wilkerson had 22 and Jake Weaver had 20. The Bluejays were 34 of 62 from the field for 54.8 percent for the game.

🏀 KWU Men’s Basketball falls to Tabor 97-90

HILLSBORO - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/68770b68-6ab0-4635-9068-75b231ed7fff?elinkdata=34714">Odessa Ozuna</a> was sensational, but her career-best effort wasn't quite enough.

Ozuna, a junior point guard, scored 30 points in Kansas Wesleyan's 81-74 Kansas Conference overtime loss to Tabor on Saturday afternoon inside Tabor Gymnasium.

She made 12 of 18 shots from the field, 5 of 6 free throws, grabbed eight rebounds and had two assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/96292978-3188-49cd-9959-25708f1c5f83?elinkdata=34714">Izzy McCool</a> joined her in double figures with 15 points on 6 of 12 shooting.

"(Ozuna) is really leading our group and trying to take all of her experience and put it on the floor," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e3a2b72-b1cc-4fc3-89cf-bd3fffe2fcf0?elinkdata=34714">Harper Taylor</a> said on the postgame radio show. "I just need a couple more people to go with her. I think she's doing everything she can for our team. I'm asking a lot of her but she's very positive and she works really hard which is definitely why she's getting 30 points in 41 minutes."

Tabor (7-7, 5-3 KCAC) led 30-26 at halftime and 48-45 after three quarters. McCool's layup tied the game 64-64 with 1.7 seconds left in regulation and forced the extra period.

The Bluejays scored the first five points in overtime. KWU got within three twice 71-68 on a McCool basket with 2:57 left and 74-71 following Ozuna's three-point play with 1:24 remaining.

The Bluejays pulled away from there scoring the next five points and led 81-72 with five seconds left. Ozuna scored at the buzzer for the final points.

Tayton Smith, Tabor's 6-foot-2 senior post player, had 32 points on 13 of 16 shooting and snagged 13 rebounds. Lillie Veer scored 17, including 8 of 8 at the foul line. They had 14 of the Bluejays 17 points in overtime.

Wesleyan shot 45.2 percent for the game (28 of 62) including 3 of 9 from 3-point range. Tabor shot 45.9 percent (28 of 61) and was 4 of 14 from deep. The Bluejays won the rebounding battle 32-26 and had 13 turnovers while KWU committed 15.

"We've got to be able to react appropriately in the games and kind of adjust," Taylor said. "I thought we made some really good strides in our previous games, but as we continue to go on with the season, no game is going to be easy, no game is going to be given to us. So, if we want to win then we've got to earn it and at the end of the day I just don't think that we earned it enough today."

HILLSBORO - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/68770b68-6ab0-4635-9068-75b231ed7fff?elinkdata=34714">Odessa Ozuna</a> was sensational, but her career-best effort wasn't quite enough.Ozuna, a junior point guard, scored 30 points in Kansas Wesleyan's 81-74 Kansas Conference overtime loss to Tabor on Saturday afternoon inside Tabor Gymnasium.She made 12 of 18 shots from the field, 5 of 6 free throws, grabbed eight rebounds and had two assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/96292978-3188-49cd-9959-25708f1c5f83?elinkdata=34714">Izzy McCool</a> joined her in double figures with 15 points on 6 of 12 shooting."(Ozuna) is really leading our group and trying to take all of her experience and put it on the floor," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e3a2b72-b1cc-4fc3-89cf-bd3fffe2fcf0?elinkdata=34714">Harper Taylor</a> said on the postgame radio show. "I just need a couple more people to go with her. I think she's doing everything she can for our team. I'm asking a lot of her but she's very positive and she works really hard which is definitely why she's getting 30 points in 41 minutes."Tabor (7-7, 5-3 KCAC) led 30-26 at halftime and 48-45 after three quarters. McCool's layup tied the game 64-64 with 1.7 seconds left in regulation and forced the extra period.The Bluejays scored the first five points in overtime. KWU got within three twice 71-68 on a McCool basket with 2:57 left and 74-71 following Ozuna's three-point play with 1:24 remaining.The Bluejays pulled away from there scoring the next five points and led 81-72 with five seconds left. Ozuna scored at the buzzer for the final points.Tayton Smith, Tabor's 6-foot-2 senior post player, had 32 points on 13 of 16 shooting and snagged 13 rebounds. Lillie Veer scored 17, including 8 of 8 at the foul line. They had 14 of the Bluejays 17 points in overtime.Wesleyan shot 45.2 percent for the game (28 of 62) including 3 of 9 from 3-point range. Tabor shot 45.9 percent (28 of 61) and was 4 of 14 from deep. The Bluejays won the rebounding battle 32-26 and had 13 turnovers while KWU committed 15."We've got to be able to react appropriately in the games and kind of adjust," Taylor said. "I thought we made some really good strides in our previous games, but as we continue to go on with the season, no game is going to be easy, no game is going to be given to us. So, if we want to win then we've got to earn it and at the end of the day I just don't think that we earned it enough today."

🏀 Ozuna's career high not enough as Women's Basketball falls to Tabor in overtime

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Riley Kugel had 19 points and a crucial three-point play with less than 10 seconds remaining to lead UCF over No. 17 Kansas 81-75 on Saturday.

Themus Fulks had 16 points and Jordan Burks scored 14 for UCF (12-1, 1-0 Big 12), which is off to its best start since 14-0 in 2010-11.

Kansas (10-4, 0-1) played most of the second half without star guard Darryn Peterson, who scored 23 of his 26 points in the first half. Peterson missed the previous two games with cramps and missed seven prior games with a hamstring injury.

Without him, the Jayhawks struggled to find much offense. He checked out for the final time with the game tied at 59 and 10:55 remaining.

Kansas found itself enough to tie the game with 3:02 to play after a 9-0 run. Burks made a 3-pointer to pull UCF ahead for good.

Melvin Council Jr. had 20 points, and Tre White had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767478767438.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Riley Kugel had 19 points and a crucial three-point play with less than 10 seconds remaining to lead UCF over No. 17 Kansas 81-75 on Saturday.Themus Fulks had 16 points and Jordan Burks scored 14 for UCF (12-1, 1-0 Big 12), which is off to its best start since 14-0 in 2010-11.Kansas (10-4, 0-1) played most of the second half without star guard Darryn Peterson, who scored 23 of his 26 points in the first half. Peterson missed the previous two games with cramps and missed seven prior games with a hamstring injury.Without him, the Jayhawks struggled to find much offense. He checked out for the final time with the game tied at 59 and 10:55 remaining.Kansas found itself enough to tie the game with 3:02 to play after a 9-0 run. Burks made a 3-pointer to pull UCF ahead for good.Melvin Council Jr. had 20 points, and Tre White had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Kansas.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Hosts TCU on Tuesday.UCF: Visits Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

🏀 UCF pulls off win over KU to earn best start since 2010-11

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A.J. Dybantsa had 24 points to offset seven turnovers in his Big 12 Conference debut, Robert Wright III added 18 points and No. 10 BYU held off Kansas State 83-73 on Saturday to extend the Cougars' longest winning streak since 2010.

Richie Saunders had 13 points and Keba Keita pulled down 16 rebounds for the Cougars (13-1, 1-0), whose 10th win since a two-point loss to fourth-ranked UConn in late November is their best unbeaten stretch since Jimmer Fredette's senior season.

P.J. Haggerty led the Wildcats (9-5, 0-1) with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Abdi Bashir Jr. added 16 points, David Castillo scored 13 and Khamari McGriff finished with 12 points and eight boards.

Not only was the game a rare matchup of BYU and Kansas State — just the 11th time the schools met — it was a showdown between Dybantsa, the nation's second-leading scorer at 23.1 points per game, and Haggerty, who came in third at 22.9 per game.

The two stars, one a freshman and the other a fourth-year junior, lived up to the billing.

Dybantsa scored 14 of his points in the first half, mostly on the kind of midrange jumpers that could soon make him a fortune in the NBA. Haggerty answered with 14 of his own, most of those coming on physical drives to the basket.

The Cougars had the better supporting cast, though, and built a 45-35 lead by halftime.

Kansas State tried to mount a comeback in the second half, and Bashir had an open 3-point look to cut the lead to three with about 14 minutes to go. But after his shot rimmed out, Wright drilled a 3 at the other end for BYU — a six-point swing in a matter of seconds.

The Cougars never allowed the Wildcats to make another run over the final 10 minutes.

BYU plays Arizona State on Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767477506730.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A.J. Dybantsa had 24 points to offset seven turnovers in his Big 12 Conference debut, Robert Wright III added 18 points and No. 10 BYU held off Kansas State 83-73 on Saturday to extend the Cougars' longest winning streak since 2010.Richie Saunders had 13 points and Keba Keita pulled down 16 rebounds for the Cougars (13-1, 1-0), whose 10th win since a two-point loss to fourth-ranked UConn in late November is their best unbeaten stretch since Jimmer Fredette's senior season.P.J. Haggerty led the Wildcats (9-5, 0-1) with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Abdi Bashir Jr. added 16 points, David Castillo scored 13 and Khamari McGriff finished with 12 points and eight boards.Not only was the game a rare matchup of BYU and Kansas State — just the 11th time the schools met — it was a showdown between Dybantsa, the nation's second-leading scorer at 23.1 points per game, and Haggerty, who came in third at 22.9 per game.The two stars, one a freshman and the other a fourth-year junior, lived up to the billing.Dybantsa scored 14 of his points in the first half, mostly on the kind of midrange jumpers that could soon make him a fortune in the NBA. Haggerty answered with 14 of his own, most of those coming on physical drives to the basket.The Cougars had the better supporting cast, though, and built a 45-35 lead by halftime.Kansas State tried to mount a comeback in the second half, and Bashir had an open 3-point look to cut the lead to three with about 14 minutes to go. But after his shot rimmed out, Wright drilled a 3 at the other end for BYU — a six-point swing in a matter of seconds.The Cougars never allowed the Wildcats to make another run over the final 10 minutes.<h2>Up next</h2>BYU plays Arizona State on Wednesday night.

🏀 Dybantsa scores 24 to lead BYU over Kansas State

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline basketball teams played to a split with Republic County on Friday night, with the 9th-ranked Lady Trojans dominating in a blowout win.

Girls: SE of Saline 60, Republic County 24

At the top of this game, the two teams traded buckets to the tune of a 4-4 score, but Southeast quickly took control, dominating the remainder of the first quarter and using an 18-0 run to pull away.

The Lady Trojans would extend their 22-7 lead to 41-13 at the halftime intermission thanks in large part to 19 first-half points from Reese Heinrich.

In the second half, SES did more of the same, putting the car in cruise control through a fourth quarter with a running clock on their way to a 60-24 victory.

Heinrich didn’t score in the second half but didn’t really need to, still leading all scorers on the night with 19 points.

Six different Lady Trojans chipped in seven or more points with Suttyn Douglas (11) joining Heinrich in double digits.

Kylie Stone led Republic County with ten points in the loss.

With this result the 9th-ranked Lady Trojans improve to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in league play while the Lady Buffs fall to 2-6 and 0-4 respectively.

Boys: Republic County 38, SE of Saline 34

The boys game got off to a slow start offensively and remained at a slow pace throughout the game, with a score of 3-0 persisting until the final three minutes of the opening quarter.

Southeast would go on a 7-0 run to take a 10-5 lead at the end of the first, but Republic County found its way back into the game, hitting an alley-oop off a missed three to take a 17-16 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Buffaloes got back to playing their game, getting to the free-throw line ten times and capitalizing on eight of those chances to keep the game close.

Southeast scored a crucial and one bucket to tie the game at 34 with three minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but went 0-7 from the floor down the stretch as Republic County held on for their first win over SES since 2013.

Aden Morris (12) and Connor Martin (11) led the Buffaloes as the only players on the night in double figures.

SES was led in scoring by Tiernan Ptacek (8) and Adam Thiel (8)

With this result, Republic County improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in league play, while Southeast falls to 1-6 and 0-2 respectively.

You can watch both games on demand below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline basketball teams played to a split with Republic County on Friday night, with the 9th-ranked Lady Trojans dominating in a blowout win.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls: SE of Saline 60, Republic County 24At the top of this game, the two teams traded buckets to the tune of a 4-4 score, but Southeast quickly took control, dominating the remainder of the first quarter and using an 18-0 run to pull away.The Lady Trojans would extend their 22-7 lead to 41-13 at the halftime intermission thanks in large part to 19 first-half points from Reese Heinrich.In the second half, SES did more of the same, putting the car in cruise control through a fourth quarter with a running clock on their way to a 60-24 victory.Heinrich didn’t score in the second half but didn’t really need to, still leading all scorers on the night with 19 points.Six different Lady Trojans chipped in seven or more points with Suttyn Douglas (11) joining Heinrich in double digits.Kylie Stone led Republic County with ten points in the loss.With this result the 9th-ranked Lady Trojans improve to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in league play while the Lady Buffs fall to 2-6 and 0-4 respectively.Boys: Republic County 38, SE of Saline 34The boys game got off to a slow start offensively and remained at a slow pace throughout the game, with a score of 3-0 persisting until the final three minutes of the opening quarter.Southeast would go on a 7-0 run to take a 10-5 lead at the end of the first, but Republic County found its way back into the game, hitting an alley-oop off a missed three to take a 17-16 lead at halftime.In the third quarter, the Buffaloes got back to playing their game, getting to the free-throw line ten times and capitalizing on eight of those chances to keep the game close.Southeast scored a crucial and one bucket to tie the game at 34 with three minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but went 0-7 from the floor down the stretch as Republic County held on for their first win over SES since 2013.Aden Morris (12) and Connor Martin (11) led the Buffaloes as the only players on the night in double figures.SES was led in scoring by Tiernan Ptacek (8) and Adam Thiel (8)With this result, Republic County improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in league play, while Southeast falls to 1-6 and 0-2 respectively.You can watch both games on demand below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vOzW4cvj0bI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Lady Trojans dominate Republic County in Friday night split

BY NOAH HELGET Salina Post Contributor

The Sacred Heart basketball teams picked up where they left off before the Christmas Break. The Lady Knights started things off with a blistering win over the Minneapolis Lady Lions, 60-32. On the Boys’ side the Knights were never down and won 67-27.

Girls: Sacred Heart 60 Minneapolis 32

The Lady Knights would find themselves locked in defensively and only allowing the Lions to 3 points in the first quarter, leading 10-3 after one. The press defense by the Lady Knights&nbsp; made it difficult for the Lady Lions to move the ball, forcing 17 turnovers in the first half and would lead 33-8 at intermission.

Emmy Lee would get on fire from deep range and contribute 6 of the 18 points in the third quarter they would keep their foot on the petal and lead 51-27 going into the fourth quarter. Sacred Heart’s defense won the game for them as they only allowed 5 points in the fourth and would be victorious 60-32.

Sacred Heart was led in scoring by Skylar Douglas she compiled 26 points while Emmy Lee finished with 14, Addie Lee ended her night with 12.

Minneapolis was led in scoring by Addison Abell she finished with 15.

The Lady Knights move to 6-2 overall 2-0 in League and hit the road on Tuesday to take on the Southeast Lady Trojans.

Boys: Sacred Heart 67 Minneapolis 27

Sacred Heart would find themselves battling back and forth in the early going of the boys contest tonight but found themselves up 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. Will Tuttle would play physical and fast in the second quarter moving the ball he had 11 points in the second and the quarter was topped off by a half quart bucket by Maddox Wells, and the Knights would lead 40-16 at intermission.

Ben Disberger, getting his third start of the season, would contribute under the basket and win the rebounding battle for most of the second half. Sacred Heart only allowed three different shooters to make shots for Minneapolis and lead 58-23 going into the final quarter.

The Knights defense allowed four points in the fourth quarter and would win the game 67-27.

&nbsp;The Knights were led in scoring by Will Tuttle he finished with 22 and Ben Disberger finished his night with 12.

The Knights stay perfect on the season and move to 8-0 overall 2-0 in league play. They play the Southeast of Saline Trojans on Tuesday in Gypsum.

BY NOAH HELGET Salina Post ContributorThe Sacred Heart basketball teams picked up where they left off before the Christmas Break. The Lady Knights started things off with a blistering win over the Minneapolis Lady Lions, 60-32. On the Boys’ side the Knights were never down and won 67-27.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls: Sacred Heart 60 Minneapolis 32The Lady Knights would find themselves locked in defensively and only allowing the Lions to 3 points in the first quarter, leading 10-3 after one. The press defense by the Lady Knights&nbsp; made it difficult for the Lady Lions to move the ball, forcing 17 turnovers in the first half and would lead 33-8 at intermission.Emmy Lee would get on fire from deep range and contribute 6 of the 18 points in the third quarter they would keep their foot on the petal and lead 51-27 going into the fourth quarter. Sacred Heart’s defense won the game for them as they only allowed 5 points in the fourth and would be victorious 60-32.Sacred Heart was led in scoring by Skylar Douglas she compiled 26 points while Emmy Lee finished with 14, Addie Lee ended her night with 12.Minneapolis was led in scoring by Addison Abell she finished with 15.The Lady Knights move to 6-2 overall 2-0 in League and hit the road on Tuesday to take on the Southeast Lady Trojans.Boys: Sacred Heart 67 Minneapolis 27Sacred Heart would find themselves battling back and forth in the early going of the boys contest tonight but found themselves up 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. Will Tuttle would play physical and fast in the second quarter moving the ball he had 11 points in the second and the quarter was topped off by a half quart bucket by Maddox Wells, and the Knights would lead 40-16 at intermission.Ben Disberger, getting his third start of the season, would contribute under the basket and win the rebounding battle for most of the second half. Sacred Heart only allowed three different shooters to make shots for Minneapolis and lead 58-23 going into the final quarter.The Knights defense allowed four points in the fourth quarter and would win the game 67-27.&nbsp;The Knights were led in scoring by Will Tuttle he finished with 22 and Ben Disberger finished his night with 12.The Knights stay perfect on the season and move to 8-0 overall 2-0 in league play. They play the Southeast of Saline Trojans on Tuesday in Gypsum.You can watch both games on demand below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q-puaASz2NM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Sacred Heart blows past the Lions in a sweep

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Thad Ward, who served as the Wildcats’ wide receivers coach during their 2022 Big 12 Championship season and has spent the last three seasons at Illinois, has been hired as Kansas State’s associate head coach and will tutor the wide receivers, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Friday.

Ward comes back to Manhattan after working the last three seasons at Illinois as the running backs coach, which included the title of assistant head coach during the final two years. Over the last two seasons, he helped lead the Illini to consecutive seasons with at least nine victories and back-to-back bowl wins for the first time in program history.

“My family and I are extremely honored and excited about returning to Kansas State University to build something special,” Ward said. “I am super excited to get to work with Coach Klein and this staff and looking forward to getting right to work.”

Aside from K-State, Ward has also coached wide receivers at Gardner-Webb (2011), Western Michigan (2012), Northern Illinois (2013-15) and Temple (2019-21). He also served as the passing game coordinator at both Gardner-Webb and Temple.

“Thad is a winner!” said Klein. “He is competitive, detailed and caring as a person. Every player in his room gets better over time. I am excited to have him lead our wide receivers and help lead our explosive offense.”

During his first season in Manhattan in 2022, K-State earned a 10-4 record, including a 31-28 overtime win over eventual National Championship Runner-Up TCU in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats finished the season with a No. 14 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 and a trip to the Sugar Bowl thanks in part to its offense, which ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including offensive yards (2nd; 5,863), plays (2nd; 958) and yards per game (5th; 418.8).

Ward’s unit claimed the top three receiver spots for the Wildcats that season, combining for 139 receptions for 1,768 yards and 11 touchdowns. Malik Knowles led the way with 48 receptions for 725 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Kade Warner had 46 catches for 456 yards and five scores. Both players signed with NFL clubs following the season as Knowles was picked up by Minnesota and Warner inked with Tampa Bay.

This past season at Illinois, Ward helped Illinois to a 9-4 record, which culminated with a victory in the Music City Bowl, a game in which the Illini rushed for 221 yards, including 150 from the running backs. Ward coached a trio of running backs that combined for 1,503 yards and 14 touchdowns in Ca’Lil Valentine, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery, all three of which logged starts in 2025.

Ward’s running back room was key to the Fighting Illini’s offensive success in 2024, helping Illinois go 10-3 – tying the single-season record for wins – and a No. 16 final ranking in the Associated Press Top 25. The Illini’s top four backs – McCray, Feagin, Laughery and Valentine – combined for 1,716 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Ward helped the 2024 Illinois offense rank in the top five in the Big Ten in total offense (3rd; 391.0 yards per game) and scoring (5th; 24.5 points per game) during the first season of his second tenure in 2023. Ward guided the emergence of Feagin, one of the top true freshman running backs in the nation that season, to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention accolades and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.

Ward’s first stint in Manhattan came on the heels of working three seasons at Temple where he tutored the Owl wide receivers and served as the pass game coordinator. He coached Jadan Blue to a pair of All-AAC honors, including the 2019 season when Blue set the school’s all-time record for receptions (95) and yards (1,067), becoming the first player in school history to top the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Opposite Blue, Branden Mack caught 59 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns, each of which ranked among the best in school history.

In 2019, Ward’s wideouts were the top three receivers for the Owls as the position group combined for 152 catches for 1,568 yards and 10 scores.

Ward went to Temple following his first three seasons at Illinois from 2016 through 2018 where he also coached the running backs. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida A&amp;M in 2022 before moving to the high school ranks to coach at Tallahassee Richards High School in 2003 and 2004, the latter year serving as the interim head coach.

A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Ward got back into the college game by working with the running backs at Western Illinois from 2005 through 2010 before a season at Gardner-Web where he coached the wide receivers and served as the passing game coordinator. He also coached wide receivers at Western Michigan (2012) and Northern Illinois (2013-15) before his first stint in Champaign.

Ward played three seasons at UCF from 1999 to 2001. As a senior, he was the team’s second-leading receiver for 44 catches for 446 yards and a touchdown. In 1999, Ward returned a pair of blocked punts for touchdowns, one at Georgia and the other at Middle Tennessee. He went to UCF after spending two seasons at Coffeyville Community College.

Ward obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at UCF in 2001. He and his wife, Jocelyn, have two daughters, Jayda and Journie, and one son, Thaddaeus, Jr.

Hometown:&nbsp;Tallahassee, Florida

College:&nbsp;UCF – Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (2001)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Jocelyn; Children: Jayda, Journie, Thaddaeus Jr.

Playing Career:&nbsp;Coffeyville CC (wide receiver), 1997-98; UCF (wide receiver), 1999-2001

2002, Florida A&amp;M (Graduate Assistant)

2003-04, Tallahassee Rickards High School (Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs/Interim Head Coach [2004])

2005-10, Western Illinois (Running Backs)

2011, Gardner-Webb (Wide Receivers/Passing Game Coordinator)

2013-15, Northern Illinois (Wide Receivers)

2019-21, Temple (Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers)

2024-25, Illinois (Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Thad Ward, who served as the Wildcats’ wide receivers coach during their 2022 Big 12 Championship season and has spent the last three seasons at Illinois, has been hired as Kansas State’s associate head coach and will tutor the wide receivers, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Friday.Ward comes back to Manhattan after working the last three seasons at Illinois as the running backs coach, which included the title of assistant head coach during the final two years. Over the last two seasons, he helped lead the Illini to consecutive seasons with at least nine victories and back-to-back bowl wins for the first time in program history.“My family and I are extremely honored and excited about returning to Kansas State University to build something special,” Ward said. “I am super excited to get to work with Coach Klein and this staff and looking forward to getting right to work.”Aside from K-State, Ward has also coached wide receivers at Gardner-Webb (2011), Western Michigan (2012), Northern Illinois (2013-15) and Temple (2019-21). He also served as the passing game coordinator at both Gardner-Webb and Temple.“Thad is a winner!” said Klein. “He is competitive, detailed and caring as a person. Every player in his room gets better over time. I am excited to have him lead our wide receivers and help lead our explosive offense.”During his first season in Manhattan in 2022, K-State earned a 10-4 record, including a 31-28 overtime win over eventual National Championship Runner-Up TCU in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats finished the season with a No. 14 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 and a trip to the Sugar Bowl thanks in part to its offense, which ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including offensive yards (2nd; 5,863), plays (2nd; 958) and yards per game (5th; 418.8).Ward’s unit claimed the top three receiver spots for the Wildcats that season, combining for 139 receptions for 1,768 yards and 11 touchdowns. Malik Knowles led the way with 48 receptions for 725 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Kade Warner had 46 catches for 456 yards and five scores. Both players signed with NFL clubs following the season as Knowles was picked up by Minnesota and Warner inked with Tampa Bay.This past season at Illinois, Ward helped Illinois to a 9-4 record, which culminated with a victory in the Music City Bowl, a game in which the Illini rushed for 221 yards, including 150 from the running backs. Ward coached a trio of running backs that combined for 1,503 yards and 14 touchdowns in Ca’Lil Valentine, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery, all three of which logged starts in 2025.Ward’s running back room was key to the Fighting Illini’s offensive success in 2024, helping Illinois go 10-3 – tying the single-season record for wins – and a No. 16 final ranking in the Associated Press Top 25. The Illini’s top four backs – McCray, Feagin, Laughery and Valentine – combined for 1,716 yards and 19 touchdowns.Ward helped the 2024 Illinois offense rank in the top five in the Big Ten in total offense (3rd; 391.0 yards per game) and scoring (5th; 24.5 points per game) during the first season of his second tenure in 2023. Ward guided the emergence of Feagin, one of the top true freshman running backs in the nation that season, to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention accolades and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.Ward’s first stint in Manhattan came on the heels of working three seasons at Temple where he tutored the Owl wide receivers and served as the pass game coordinator. He coached Jadan Blue to a pair of All-AAC honors, including the 2019 season when Blue set the school’s all-time record for receptions (95) and yards (1,067), becoming the first player in school history to top the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Opposite Blue, Branden Mack caught 59 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns, each of which ranked among the best in school history.In 2019, Ward’s wideouts were the top three receivers for the Owls as the position group combined for 152 catches for 1,568 yards and 10 scores.Ward went to Temple following his first three seasons at Illinois from 2016 through 2018 where he also coached the running backs. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida A&amp;M in 2022 before moving to the high school ranks to coach at Tallahassee Richards High School in 2003 and 2004, the latter year serving as the interim head coach.A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Ward got back into the college game by working with the running backs at Western Illinois from 2005 through 2010 before a season at Gardner-Web where he coached the wide receivers and served as the passing game coordinator. He also coached wide receivers at Western Michigan (2012) and Northern Illinois (2013-15) before his first stint in Champaign.Ward played three seasons at UCF from 1999 to 2001. As a senior, he was the team’s second-leading receiver for 44 catches for 446 yards and a touchdown. In 1999, Ward returned a pair of blocked punts for touchdowns, one at Georgia and the other at Middle Tennessee. He went to UCF after spending two seasons at Coffeyville Community College.Ward obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at UCF in 2001. He and his wife, Jocelyn, have two daughters, Jayda and Journie, and one son, Thaddaeus, Jr.THE THAD WARD FILEHometown:&nbsp;Tallahassee, FloridaCollege:&nbsp;UCF – Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (2001)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Jocelyn; Children: Jayda, Journie, Thaddaeus Jr.Playing Career:&nbsp;Coffeyville CC (wide receiver), 1997-98; UCF (wide receiver), 1999-2001THAD WARD’S COACHING CAREER2002, Florida A&amp;M (Graduate Assistant)2003-04, Tallahassee Rickards High School (Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs/Interim Head Coach [2004])2005-10, Western Illinois (Running Backs)2011, Gardner-Webb (Wide Receivers/Passing Game Coordinator)2012, Western Michigan (Wide Receivers)2013-15, Northern Illinois (Wide Receivers)2016-18, Illinois (Running Backs)2019-21, Temple (Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers)2022, K-State (Wide Receivers)2023, Illinois (Running Backs)2024-25, Illinois (Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs)

Thad Ward Returns to K-State as Associate Head Coach

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Longtime K-State supporter Bob Tointon passed away last Friday at the age of 92. Bob and his wife Betty, who passed away in 2020, both graduated from Kansas State University in 1955 and gave much of their time, expertise and financial support to the university, K-State Athletics, the K-State Alumni Association and the KSU Foundation.

Bob, a graduate of Almena High School in Almena, Kansas, received his degree in civil engineering. Hailing from nearly opposite ends of the state, Bob and Betty met at K-State and served together in the Mortar Board and Blue Key honoraries and as senior class officers. The Tointons built a life together in Greeley, Colorado, but K-State remained an important part of their philanthropy and community service.

“Bob, and the entire Tointon family, cared deeply for Kansas State University and K-State Athletics,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “All of our student-athletes, baseball in particular, have benefited greatly from their generous support. He will be missed, and the Tointon family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”

Members of the 2006 K-State Athletics Hall of Fame class, the Tointons supported the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, as well as K-State Athletics and the K-State Alumni Association.

The Tointons supported K-State Athletics by investing in every one of its major facility projects and gave at the highest annual level at the National Leadership Circle Diamond level. Their name adorns the baseball stadium, which they contributed to twice — once for the initial construction and again in 2019 for its renovation.

In the College of Health and Human Sciences, from which Betty received her degree, the Tointons supported the Hoeflin Stone House Early Childhood Education Center, the renovation of Justin Hall, and established the Betty L. Tointon Deanship, the second endowed deanship at K-State. In 2004, Betty and Bob received the Friend of the College of Human Ecology award.

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Longtime K-State supporter Bob Tointon passed away last Friday at the age of 92. Bob and his wife Betty, who passed away in 2020, both graduated from Kansas State University in 1955 and gave much of their time, expertise and financial support to the university, K-State Athletics, the K-State Alumni Association and the KSU Foundation.Bob, a graduate of Almena High School in Almena, Kansas, received his degree in civil engineering. Hailing from nearly opposite ends of the state, Bob and Betty met at K-State and served together in the Mortar Board and Blue Key honoraries and as senior class officers. The Tointons built a life together in Greeley, Colorado, but K-State remained an important part of their philanthropy and community service.“Bob, and the entire Tointon family, cared deeply for Kansas State University and K-State Athletics,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “All of our student-athletes, baseball in particular, have benefited greatly from their generous support. He will be missed, and the Tointon family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”Members of the 2006 K-State Athletics Hall of Fame class, the Tointons supported the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, as well as K-State Athletics and the K-State Alumni Association.The Tointons supported K-State Athletics by investing in every one of its major facility projects and gave at the highest annual level at the National Leadership Circle Diamond level. Their name adorns the baseball stadium, which they contributed to twice — once for the initial construction and again in 2019 for its renovation.In the College of Health and Human Sciences, from which Betty received her degree, the Tointons supported the Hoeflin Stone House Early Childhood Education Center, the renovation of Justin Hall, and established the Betty L. Tointon Deanship, the second endowed deanship at K-State. In 2004, Betty and Bob received the Friend of the College of Human Ecology award.

K-State Mourns the Loss of Bob Tointon

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, the guys that didn’t practice today were Trey Smith, (Xavier) Worthy and then (Jerry) Tillery for personal reasons, it’s not a health thing there. Look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders. It’s Raider week and so I know they’ll be fired up and our guys will be fired up. They’re a well-coached team, I think we all know that and they’ve been banged up a little bit like we’ve been banged up so things have gone a little bit different (of a) direction than probably either of us thought they would go but it’ll be a heck of a game. With that, time’s yours.”

Q: Outside of a win, what is going to make this game a success?

REID:&nbsp;“Every chance some of these young guys have to play, benefits the team (and) benefits them being a part of the team. I’d tell you that the last few games. If there’s a plus that you can take out of it, then that’d be it.”

Q: How have you seen Kingsley Suamataia grow at guard?

REID:&nbsp;“I thought he (Kingsley Suamataia) did a nice job throughout the year. Got better every game and there was that stretch where we went against a lot of the good defenses and good defensive lines and we have another test here. These guys inside are – that front is pretty good. But he’s had a nice test against the best and he’s held up pretty good there.”

Q: What are you going to do next week?

REID:&nbsp;“You do the self-evaluation stuff and go back through that and we did it periodically throughout the season. We’ll hit on that then I jump into the personnel with (General Manager) Brett (Veach). He loads me up on that stuff.”

Q: On Chris Oladokun getting a full week of practice.

REID:&nbsp;“I thought he (Chris Oladokun) did a nice job handling everything and staying on top of it. We gave him a few more things this week so we’ll see how he handles that but I’m confident he’ll take care of it. He did well in practice with it. The challenge will be they’ve (Las Vegas Raiders) had a chance to look at him now, so it’ll be a nice test for him.”

Q: What have you seen from your young guys and your old guys getting ready for this final game?

REID:&nbsp;“They’ve been doing good, so I appreciate the old guys for not hanging their heads and kind of fighting through this thing and the young guys come with the veteran guys, that’s how it rolls.”

Q: Is it fair to say that you don’t expect Trey Smith or Xavier Worthy to play on Sunday?

REID:&nbsp;“Xavier (Worthy), we’ll have to see. He’s sick so we just have to see where he’s at, but Trey (Smith) won’t play.”

Q: How are you going to use this extra time in the offseason as a positive?

REID:&nbsp;“There’s plenty to work on so we’ll dive in and try to evaluate everything we possibly can and get it right. That’s what we’re going to do. It is what it is here but what we do is we work at the problems and make sure we fix them.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel like you’ve improved this year?

SMITH:&nbsp;“I think I improved on just slowing down. I feel like I play pretty fast but just slowing down in my head I feel like I’ll be a way better player just slowing everything down in my head. Just being confident. I feel like if I’m confident I’ll be okay.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you think your position will be in the future, a wide receiver or a running back?

SMITH:&nbsp;“It doesn’t really matter to me. I feel like I’m an athlete (and) I could play anything the coach would want me to play. Just being available also at any position, I feel like that is a plus. I probably don’t just have one name, but it doesn’t matter to me, I like making plays.”

Q:&nbsp;What are your goals for the offseason?

SMITH:&nbsp;“Just getting bigger, stronger (and) actually look like a running back (chuckles). Just actually look like a running back but still play exactly how I play. That’s the biggest thing to me, just gaining weight and keeping my speed.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you learned from this year that you can apply to next year?

BASSA:&nbsp;“I’m going to go back and look after this season and review on all the things that I did right and on all the things that I did bad and then where can I grow? That’s going to be looking in the mirror and taking a whole look at myself on where do I need to improve, where am I good right now, what do I need to change in my routine and what not when it comes to being in the season, OTA’s (and) having a full offseason. That’s going to be on me finally becoming a pro and then having to do that on my own, so I’m excited for that as well.”

Q:&nbsp;What was the most eye-opening experience you learned in your rookie year?

BASSA:&nbsp;“I wouldn’t say unexpected but when it comes to surprises, I would have to say the time management (and) being on your own. When it comes to the time off the field, I feel like I really did a good job of kind of sorting that out too – there’s time where you can spend time for your wellbeing and on your own like hanging out with your family or doing whatever you need to do, right? And then there are also times where you need to take care of your body outside of the facility as well. Where there’s days you’re off, if you play on a Thursday game you’re off for a couple of days. I think it would really have to be the time management piece when it comes to that. Just treating it like I always have and taking that process one day at a time.”

Q:&nbsp;On what he wants to improve on in the offseason.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesJanuary 2, 2026HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, the guys that didn’t practice today were Trey Smith, (Xavier) Worthy and then (Jerry) Tillery for personal reasons, it’s not a health thing there. Look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders. It’s Raider week and so I know they’ll be fired up and our guys will be fired up. They’re a well-coached team, I think we all know that and they’ve been banged up a little bit like we’ve been banged up so things have gone a little bit different (of a) direction than probably either of us thought they would go but it’ll be a heck of a game. With that, time’s yours.”Q: Outside of a win, what is going to make this game a success?REID:&nbsp;“Every chance some of these young guys have to play, benefits the team (and) benefits them being a part of the team. I’d tell you that the last few games. If there’s a plus that you can take out of it, then that’d be it.”Q: How have you seen Kingsley Suamataia grow at guard?REID:&nbsp;“I thought he (Kingsley Suamataia) did a nice job throughout the year. Got better every game and there was that stretch where we went against a lot of the good defenses and good defensive lines and we have another test here. These guys inside are – that front is pretty good. But he’s had a nice test against the best and he’s held up pretty good there.”Q: What are you going to do next week?REID:&nbsp;“You do the self-evaluation stuff and go back through that and we did it periodically throughout the season. We’ll hit on that then I jump into the personnel with (General Manager) Brett (Veach). He loads me up on that stuff.”Q: On Chris Oladokun getting a full week of practice.REID:&nbsp;“I thought he (Chris Oladokun) did a nice job handling everything and staying on top of it. We gave him a few more things this week so we’ll see how he handles that but I’m confident he’ll take care of it. He did well in practice with it. The challenge will be they’ve (Las Vegas Raiders) had a chance to look at him now, so it’ll be a nice test for him.”Q: What have you seen from your young guys and your old guys getting ready for this final game?REID:&nbsp;“They’ve been doing good, so I appreciate the old guys for not hanging their heads and kind of fighting through this thing and the young guys come with the veteran guys, that’s how it rolls.”Q: Is it fair to say that you don’t expect Trey Smith or Xavier Worthy to play on Sunday?REID:&nbsp;“Xavier (Worthy), we’ll have to see. He’s sick so we just have to see where he’s at, but Trey (Smith) won’t play.”Q: How are you going to use this extra time in the offseason as a positive?REID:&nbsp;“There’s plenty to work on so we’ll dive in and try to evaluate everything we possibly can and get it right. That’s what we’re going to do. It is what it is here but what we do is we work at the problems and make sure we fix them.”Chiefs Player QuotesJanuary 2, 2026RB BRASHARD SMITHQ:&nbsp;How do you feel like you’ve improved this year?SMITH:&nbsp;“I think I improved on just slowing down. I feel like I play pretty fast but just slowing down in my head I feel like I’ll be a way better player just slowing everything down in my head. Just being confident. I feel like if I’m confident I’ll be okay.”Q:&nbsp;What do you think your position will be in the future, a wide receiver or a running back?SMITH:&nbsp;“It doesn’t really matter to me. I feel like I’m an athlete (and) I could play anything the coach would want me to play. Just being available also at any position, I feel like that is a plus. I probably don’t just have one name, but it doesn’t matter to me, I like making plays.”Q:&nbsp;What are your goals for the offseason?SMITH:&nbsp;“Just getting bigger, stronger (and) actually look like a running back (chuckles). Just actually look like a running back but still play exactly how I play. That’s the biggest thing to me, just gaining weight and keeping my speed.”LB JEFFREY BASSAQ:&nbsp;What have you learned from this year that you can apply to next year?BASSA:&nbsp;“I’m going to go back and look after this season and review on all the things that I did right and on all the things that I did bad and then where can I grow? That’s going to be looking in the mirror and taking a whole look at myself on where do I need to improve, where am I good right now, what do I need to change in my routine and what not when it comes to being in the season, OTA’s (and) having a full offseason. That’s going to be on me finally becoming a pro and then having to do that on my own, so I’m excited for that as well.”Q:&nbsp;What was the most eye-opening experience you learned in your rookie year?BASSA:&nbsp;“I wouldn’t say unexpected but when it comes to surprises, I would have to say the time management (and) being on your own. When it comes to the time off the field, I feel like I really did a good job of kind of sorting that out too – there’s time where you can spend time for your wellbeing and on your own like hanging out with your family or doing whatever you need to do, right? And then there are also times where you need to take care of your body outside of the facility as well. Where there’s days you’re off, if you play on a Thursday game you’re off for a couple of days. I think it would really have to be the time management piece when it comes to that. Just treating it like I always have and taking that process one day at a time.”Q:&nbsp;On what he wants to improve on in the offseason.

Chiefs Quotes: 1-2-26

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold announced Friday that Andy Kotelnicki, the leader of some of the most prolific offenses in school history, will return to the Jayhawks’ coaching staff for the 2026 season. With 21 years of coaching experience, including three seasons at Kansas, Kotelnicki will serve as the Jayhawks’ Associate Head Coach.

Kotelnicki rejoins the Jayhawks, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2021-22 and associate head coach/offensive coordinator in 2023. Kotelnicki and Kansas head coach Lance Leipold worked together for 11 seasons at Kansas, Buffalo and UW-Whitewater.

The veteran coach spent the past two seasons at Penn State, helping lead the Nittany Lions to a win in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and a semifinal appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff. Under his direction, the Nittany Lions consistently ranked among the nation’s top offenses, leading the country in first downs (367) and explosive plays of&nbsp;more than 10 yards (253) in 2024. This past season, Kotelnicki helped Penn State to four straight wins to close out the season and a victory in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl.

“We are excited to welcome Andy and his family back to Lawrence,” head coach Lance Leipold said. “Andy is familiar with our staff and culture, has run successful offenses for nearly two decades, and his experience over the past two seasons at Penn State will add to our program in a variety of ways. Having worked with Andy for 11 years, I’m looking forward to him rejoining this current staff as associate head coach.”

In his three seasons with the Jayhawks, Kotelnicki helped Kansas to back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in school history, including appearances in the 2022 AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, while the offensive production at KU reached new heights. The 2022 and 2023 teams are two of the three highest scoring offenses in program history with the 2022 squad averaging 35.6 points per game and the 2023 team averaging 34.8. In 2022, the Jayhawks averaged 7.0 yards per play, which established a new school record that still stands.

“I care deeply about the University of Kansas, and my family and I are thrilled to be back at a university that has been so good to us” Kotelnicki said. “Working alongside Coach Leipold has been one of the highlights of my career, and I’m excited to rejoin him and the entire staff at KU. I’m very grateful to Coach, Athletic Director Travis Goff and Chancellor Doug Girod for welcoming us back. I can’t wait to get to work.”

The 2023 247Sports Offensive Coordinator of the Year while at Kansas, Kotelnicki led a KU offense ranking seventh in the nation in yards&nbsp;per completion (14.8), eighth in yards per play (7.0), rushing (211.3), yards per rush (5.51) and explosive play percentage (17.2), and ninth in first down efficiency percentage (56.4) and rushing touchdowns per game (2.5).

In 2022, Kotelnicki oversaw one of the prolific offensive attacks in KU school history. Kansas averaged 7.0 yards per play that season, ranking second nationally behind Ohio State (7.60). Kansas’ 7.0 yards per play also broke the program record of 6.40 set in 1950. Kansas had 41 plays of 31-plus yards throughout the 2022 season, which ranked seventh nationally.

In his first season with the Jayhawks, Kansas saw marked improvements in several key offensive categories. The Jayhawks averaged 324.2 yards per game, after averaging 259.2 yards in 2020. The offensive line allowed just 16 sacks in 12 games after surrendering 47 in nine games the season before Kotelnicki arrived.

Prior to his arrival at Kansas, Kotelnicki directed some of the best offenses in school history at the University of Buffalo, alongside Leipold.

In 2020, Kotelnicki was named one of four finalists for the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award. The Bulls went 6-1 and averaged school records of 478.4 yards of total offense and 287.4 rushing yards per contest. UB ranked second in the nation in rushing (287.4) and fifth in scoring at 43.5 points per game. Bulls All-American running back Jaret Patterson led the nation in rushing, averaging 178.7 yards per game in 2020.

In 2019, under Kotelnicki, the Buffalo offense ranked 10th in the nation in rushing, tallying 3,256 yards, shattering the single-season school record. Patterson rushed for a school-record 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2019 and ranked fifth in the nation in rushing, while Kevin Marks rushed for 1,035 yards – marking the first time in school history UB had two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season.

Buffalo featured a record-breaking offense in 2018, setting single-season school records for total offense (5,803 yards) and offensive touchdowns (64) with quarterback Tyree Jackson being named the 2018 MAC Offensive Player of the Year – the first time in school history a Buffalo player won the award.

Buffalo's offense made significant progress under Kotelnicki in 2017, ranking sixth in the nation in most improved scoring offense, sixth in most improved passing offense and eighth in fewest turnovers.

Prior to Buffalo, Kotelnicki spent two seasons at Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he won two national championships under Leipold and went 30-0 overall as offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator.

The Warhawks led the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in scoring (40.1), rushing (218.2) and passing (269.5) in 2014 and paced the WIAC and ranked among the top five in the nation in first downs (311), interceptions allowed (1) and turnover margin (+2.3) in 2013.

Prior to Whitewater, Kotelnicki served as offensive coordinator at the University of Mary, an NCAA Division II school in Bismarck, North Dakota, for two seasons.

Kotelnicki spent six seasons as an assistant coach at UW-River Falls, including four as offensive coordinator, in 2003 and from 2006-10. The Falcons set 24 offensive school records during his second stint, and he was promoted to assistant head coach for the 2010 campaign.

Kotelnicki also worked at Western Illinois, where he coached tight ends, special teams and the offensive line, from 2004-06. He was also an assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2004-05 and the interim strength and conditioning coach in 2006.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold announced Friday that Andy Kotelnicki, the leader of some of the most prolific offenses in school history, will return to the Jayhawks’ coaching staff for the 2026 season. With 21 years of coaching experience, including three seasons at Kansas, Kotelnicki will serve as the Jayhawks’ Associate Head Coach.Kotelnicki rejoins the Jayhawks, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2021-22 and associate head coach/offensive coordinator in 2023. Kotelnicki and Kansas head coach Lance Leipold worked together for 11 seasons at Kansas, Buffalo and UW-Whitewater.The veteran coach spent the past two seasons at Penn State, helping lead the Nittany Lions to a win in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and a semifinal appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff. Under his direction, the Nittany Lions consistently ranked among the nation’s top offenses, leading the country in first downs (367) and explosive plays of&nbsp;more than 10 yards (253) in 2024. This past season, Kotelnicki helped Penn State to four straight wins to close out the season and a victory in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl.“We are excited to welcome Andy and his family back to Lawrence,” head coach Lance Leipold said. “Andy is familiar with our staff and culture, has run successful offenses for nearly two decades, and his experience over the past two seasons at Penn State will add to our program in a variety of ways. Having worked with Andy for 11 years, I’m looking forward to him rejoining this current staff as associate head coach.”In his three seasons with the Jayhawks, Kotelnicki helped Kansas to back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in school history, including appearances in the 2022 AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, while the offensive production at KU reached new heights. The 2022 and 2023 teams are two of the three highest scoring offenses in program history with the 2022 squad averaging 35.6 points per game and the 2023 team averaging 34.8. In 2022, the Jayhawks averaged 7.0 yards per play, which established a new school record that still stands.“I care deeply about the University of Kansas, and my family and I are thrilled to be back at a university that has been so good to us” Kotelnicki said. “Working alongside Coach Leipold has been one of the highlights of my career, and I’m excited to rejoin him and the entire staff at KU. I’m very grateful to Coach, Athletic Director Travis Goff and Chancellor Doug Girod for welcoming us back. I can’t wait to get to work.”The 2023 247Sports Offensive Coordinator of the Year while at Kansas, Kotelnicki led a KU offense ranking seventh in the nation in yards&nbsp;per completion (14.8), eighth in yards per play (7.0), rushing (211.3), yards per rush (5.51) and explosive play percentage (17.2), and ninth in first down efficiency percentage (56.4) and rushing touchdowns per game (2.5).In 2022, Kotelnicki oversaw one of the prolific offensive attacks in KU school history. Kansas averaged 7.0 yards per play that season, ranking second nationally behind Ohio State (7.60). Kansas’ 7.0 yards per play also broke the program record of 6.40 set in 1950. Kansas had 41 plays of 31-plus yards throughout the 2022 season, which ranked seventh nationally.In his first season with the Jayhawks, Kansas saw marked improvements in several key offensive categories. The Jayhawks averaged 324.2 yards per game, after averaging 259.2 yards in 2020. The offensive line allowed just 16 sacks in 12 games after surrendering 47 in nine games the season before Kotelnicki arrived.Prior to his arrival at Kansas, Kotelnicki directed some of the best offenses in school history at the University of Buffalo, alongside Leipold.In 2020, Kotelnicki was named one of four finalists for the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award. The Bulls went 6-1 and averaged school records of 478.4 yards of total offense and 287.4 rushing yards per contest. UB ranked second in the nation in rushing (287.4) and fifth in scoring at 43.5 points per game. Bulls All-American running back Jaret Patterson led the nation in rushing, averaging 178.7 yards per game in 2020.In 2019, under Kotelnicki, the Buffalo offense ranked 10th in the nation in rushing, tallying 3,256 yards, shattering the single-season school record. Patterson rushed for a school-record 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2019 and ranked fifth in the nation in rushing, while Kevin Marks rushed for 1,035 yards – marking the first time in school history UB had two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season.Buffalo featured a record-breaking offense in 2018, setting single-season school records for total offense (5,803 yards) and offensive touchdowns (64) with quarterback Tyree Jackson being named the 2018 MAC Offensive Player of the Year – the first time in school history a Buffalo player won the award.Buffalo's offense made significant progress under Kotelnicki in 2017, ranking sixth in the nation in most improved scoring offense, sixth in most improved passing offense and eighth in fewest turnovers.Prior to Buffalo, Kotelnicki spent two seasons at Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he won two national championships under Leipold and went 30-0 overall as offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator.The Warhawks led the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in scoring (40.1), rushing (218.2) and passing (269.5) in 2014 and paced the WIAC and ranked among the top five in the nation in first downs (311), interceptions allowed (1) and turnover margin (+2.3) in 2013.Prior to Whitewater, Kotelnicki served as offensive coordinator at the University of Mary, an NCAA Division II school in Bismarck, North Dakota, for two seasons.Kotelnicki spent six seasons as an assistant coach at UW-River Falls, including four as offensive coordinator, in 2003 and from 2006-10. The Falcons set 24 offensive school records during his second stint, and he was promoted to assistant head coach for the 2010 campaign.Kotelnicki also worked at Western Illinois, where he coached tight ends, special teams and the offensive line, from 2004-06. He was also an assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2004-05 and the interim strength and conditioning coach in 2006.

Kansas Football Announces Andy Kotelnicki as Associate Head Coach

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Mike Schmidt, who has helped teams rank in the top 30 nationally in rushing offense multiple times in his 14 seasons as a full-time assistant coach, has been hired as the offensive line coach at Kansas State, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Friday.

Schmidt comes to K-State after working the past two seasons as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at his alma mater, San Diego State. It was his second stint with the Aztecs as he also served as a graduate assistant from 2009 through 2011 and offensive line coach from 2012 through 2020.

“My family and I are excited to join the K-State Football Family,” said Schmidt. “We can’t wait to add to the proud tradition of excellence here in Manhattan.”

Schmidt has also worked at two Power 4 schools, guiding the Syracuse offensive line in 2021 and 2022 – the latter of which he was the run game coordinator – while he was the run game coordinator and worked with the tight ends and tackles at Mississippi State in 2023.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Mike Schmidt, who has helped teams rank in the top 30 nationally in rushing offense multiple times in his 14 seasons as a full-time assistant coach, has been hired as the offensive line coach at Kansas State, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Friday.Schmidt comes to K-State after working the past two seasons as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at his alma mater, San Diego State. It was his second stint with the Aztecs as he also served as a graduate assistant from 2009 through 2011 and offensive line coach from 2012 through 2020.“My family and I are excited to join the K-State Football Family,” said Schmidt. “We can’t wait to add to the proud tradition of excellence here in Manhattan.”Schmidt has also worked at two Power 4 schools, guiding the Syracuse offensive line in 2021 and 2022 – the latter of which he was the run game coordinator – while he was the run game coordinator and worked with the tight ends and tackles at Mississippi State in 2023.<a>“Watching the offensive lines that Mike has coached is extremely impressive,” Klein said. “They are physical, detailed and diverse schematically. It became clear quickly that he was the perfect fit for our offense. He is a person of high integrity and family. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”</a>This past season at San Diego State, Schmidt coached an offensive line that led the way for a rushing attack that averaged 198.7 yards per game to rank 20th in the nation during a nine-win campaign. The Aztecs tallied six games with at least 200 rushing yards, culminating with a 326-yard, five-touchdown output against North Texas in the New Mexico Bowl. Schmidt tutored Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli to All-Mountain West First Team honors in addition to Christian Jones to second-team honors and Bayo Kannike to honorable-mention accolades.Prior to returning to San Diego State and his one-year stint at Mississippi State, Schmidt spent two seasons at Syracuse as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach. In his first season with the Orange, Schmidt’s offensive line ranked 16th in the nation – and tops in the ACC – with 213.5 rushing yards per game while they ranked 20th nationally and third in the conference by averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Syracuse’s 2,562 rushing yards in 2021 was the fifth most in school history, while they blocked for Sean Tucker, who ranked fourth nationally by averaging 124.7 rushing yards per game en route to First Team All-America honors and being named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker and Maxwell awards.Schmidt coached Matthew Bergeron to All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades in 2021 before picking up second-team honors in 2022. Bergeron went on to be selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Atlanta.Schmidt’s offensive lines dominated the running game during his first tenure at SDSU. The Aztecs ranked 16th nationally by combining to average 207.0 rushing yards per game from 2012 through 2020, while they ranked 24th in yards per attempt (4.8) and tied for 29th in rushing touchdowns (227).Including his time as an offensive graduate assistant coach, San Diego State played in 10-straight bowl games from 2010 through 2019 and posted four 10-win seasons over the final six years of his first tenure.Across his nine seasons as a full-time coach during his first tenure at San Diego State, Schmidt oversaw 15 different offensive linemen earn All-Mountain West honors, including six first-team recipients in his final six seasons. He also mentored multiple NFL Draft selections, including Nico Siragusa (2017 – Baltimore), Terry Poole (2015 – Seattle) and Keith Ismael (2020 – Washington).His initial nine-year run in San Diego saw him coach an Aztec front unit that led the way for five teams that ranked in the top 30 in rushing offense, including a highwater mark of seventh place in 2016 with 262.9 rushing yards per game. That season, San Diego State set program records for rushing yards (3,680), rushing touchdowns (34), rushing yards per carry (5.8) and points (493) behind Schmidt’s offensive lines. Additionally, SDSU ranked 10th in rushing yards per game in 2017 (252.5) and 14th in 2015 (233.3).Schmidt received his start in coaching as an offensive graduate assistant – working primarily with the offensive line – at San Diego State from 2009 to 2011. While in that role, the Aztecs ranked tied for fifth nationally in fewest sacks allowed (0.69 per game) in 2010 and seventh (0.85 per game) in 2011.A native of San Diego, California, Schmidt played offensive line for the Aztecs from 2005 to 2008, including serving as a team captain his senior season. A former walk-on as a defensive lineman, he changed sides of the ball and earned a scholarship in the fall of 2007.Schmidt graduated from San Diego State with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in the fall of 2009. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons, Brayden and Beau.THE MIKE SCHMIDT FILEHometown:&nbsp;San Diego, CaliforniaCollege:&nbsp;San Diego State – Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (2009)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Jennifer; Children: Brayden, BeauPlaying Career:&nbsp;San Diego State (offensive line), 2005-08MIKE SCHMIDT’S COACHING CAREER2009-11, San Diego State (Offensive Graduate Assistant)2012-20, San Diego State (Offensive Line)2021, Syracuse (Offensive Line)2022, Syracuse (Running Game Coordinator/Offensive Line)2023, Mississippi State (Running Game Coordinator/Tight Ends and Tackles)2024-25, San Diego State (Running Game Coordinator/Offensive Line)