More than 1,200 matches into his managerial career, David Moyes has a lengthier past than most. As he made his return to the place where it all began, it did not come back to bite him. It is more than 24 years since Moyes left Preston for Everton. A belated first return for a competitive game – though he has often been spotted in the crowd – brought applause from the Preston faithful before and after an Everton rout.

“I loved being back,” said Moyes. It was a happy homecoming for a man who lived in Preston long after he managed them. Deepdale was being rebuilt during his time in charge, he recalled. He is a builder of a different kind at Everton and Thierno Barry’s first hat-trick in English football may have served as a reminder of Moyes’ enduring ability to make plenty from players with certain imperfections. As Liam Delap, a forward Everton targeted last summer, instead left Chelsea for Nottingham Forest this week, Moyes is getting a return from a striker he signed in 2025. “He found it really difficult last year which it is for a lot of boys coming in from overseas and it is worse for centre-forwards,” said Moyes. But now Barry’s campaign is two games old and has yielded four goals.

Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson’s cameo may also cast Everton’s summer of frustration in the transfer market in a different light. Swapping the winger for Dwight McNeil meant he arrived without a transfer fee. He cost Crystal Palace £35m, never scored in 26 games for them and, in his second outing for Everton, had both a goal and an assist. The obvious caveat is that Preston are Championship stragglers, but Everton dispatched them from the Carabao Cup. They get a third-round meeting with Wolves, who eliminated them at that stage last year.

They did so courtesy of an outstanding performance from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who belongs to the long tradition of terrific Moyes signings and who was pivotal to each of Barry’s treble. He was serenaded by the extensive Everton following. He may never be a particularly stylish player, but there are days when he can be a very effective one.

His first and third were high-class goals, with Dewsbury-Hall curling a pass over the Preston defence for the overlapping Vitalii Mykolenko to centre for Barry’s first-time finish for the opener and the third a devastating counter-attack masterminded by Dewsbury-Hall and featuring a low cross from Johnson. To call his second a low-class goal may be harsh, but Barry seemed to know little about the finish. The excellence again came from Dewsbury-Hall, whose ferocious shot was parried by Lee Nicholls and bounced in off Barry.

“I would still like more, you think of the one or two opportunities he had that he didn’t score, I am annoyed with those ones,” reflected Moyes. But Barry was getting in the right positions and also provided a fine, defence-splitting pass for Johnson to advance and slot in his first goal since Wales beat North Macedonia in November. “I was really pleased,” said Moyes. “Everyone remembers Brennan at Tottenham. He got 15 or 16 goals one season. That was more like the Brennan Johnson people recognise and hopefully his confidence gets a big lift.”

Johnson had scored Tottenham’s Europa League final winner. Everton’s own bid for silverware is confined to these shores but it dates back to 1995. Moyes’ suggestion staying in the Premier League was of rather greater importance than winning a trophy had riled some Evertonians. Yet he only made three changes, to Preston’s seven; actions may have spoken louder than words as Everton cruised to victory.

There was the rarity of a start for the lesser-spotted Tyler Dibling – just his seventh for Everton – and almost his first goal, with Lee Nicholls denying him. Yet otherwise Dibling did too little to indicate why Everton paid £35m for him or to suggest he will be seen much in the immediate future, especially with Johnson’s immediate impact.

At the other end, Callum Lang, a former Everton season ticket holder, tested Jordan Pickford’s reactions with an overhead kick. The Preston assistant manager Stuart McCall struck twice for Everton in the 1989 FA Cup final; yet only two men have scored for them in finals in the subsequent 37 years.

Yet the greatest link between the clubs was in the dugout. Moyes served Preston for 194 games as player and 234 as manager, almost taking them into the Premier League; his picture adorns the wall of Deepdale’s Greats’ Room. Moyes used to have a Friday cup of tea with Tom Finney, the greatest Preston footballer, during his time in charge, and was briefly a teammate of a young loanee called David Beckham.

He, like Moyes, was bound for bigger things. The Scot has shown a generous side to Preston since then, including loaning them Harrison Armstrong for the first half of last season, but this was a day for rather more ruthlessness. A curiosity of Preston’s Carabao Cup campaign was that they had won at Goodison Park and then exited to Everton; unable to use Deepdale, they borrowed Everton’s historic home for the first-round tie against Huddersfield. That was an incongruous sight. Moyes hopes for another. Preston have not played in the top flight since 1961, the year after Finney retired. “I hope Preston do before I go,” he said.

The 2026 SEC football season kicks off with a new nine-game conference slate and a run of marquee matchups from Athens to Dallas to Tuscaloosa. Here is your complete guide to the schedule, including dates, kickoff times, TV channels and how to watch every game.

2026 SEC Schedule

(All times Eastern)

Dates, kickoff times and TV assignments are subject to change. Games without an announced kickoff time or network are listed as TBA.

Week 1

Thursday, Sept. 3

Friday, Sept. 4

Saturday, Sept. 5

Sunday, Sept. 6

Week 2

Friday, Sept. 11

Saturday, Sept. 12

Week 3

Saturday, Sept. 19

Week 4

Saturday, Sept. 26

Week 5

Saturday, Oct. 3

Week 6

Saturday, Oct. 10

Week 7

Saturday, Oct. 17

Week 8

Saturday, Oct. 24

Week 9

Saturday, Oct. 31

Week 10

Saturday, Nov. 7

Week 11

Saturday, Nov. 14

Week 12

Saturday, Nov. 21

Week 13

Friday, Nov. 27

Saturday, Nov. 28

SEC Championship

Saturday, Dec. 5

• SEC Football Championship Game – 4 p.m. ET (ABC)

Where Can I Watch SEC Football Games? What Channel Will They Be On?

SEC football games will be spread across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and SEC Network throughout the 2026 season. The SEC Championship Game will air on ABC on Dec. 5.

How Can I Stream SEC Football or Watch Without Cable?

Select games will be available to stream on ESPN’s app through ESPN Unlimited as well as on SEC Network Plus. Select SEC nonconference games will air on FOX, and fans can get those games and more in one subscription with FOX One. Streaming services such as YouTube TV or Fubo can also be used to stream games airing on participating broadcast and cable networks.

How Can I Watch SEC Football for Free?

If you have an over-the-air antenna that picks up your local channels, you can watch games airing on ABC for free.

FOX Sports will continue to provide full coverage and reporting on the SEC football schedule, scores and storylines throughout the 2026 season.

Akwa United defender and Nigeria U-20 international Somto Nnoli has presented his Flying Eagles jersey to the club’s Chairman, Mr Joseph Eno, and General Manager, Mr Jimmy Joshua, during training on Tuesday.

The presentation came after the defender returned to club duty following his participation in the recently concluded WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nnoli was part of the Flying Eagles squad that finished as runners-up at the regional tournament, playing his part as Nigeria battled their way to the final.

Welcoming Nnoli back to the club, Chairman Joseph Eno praised the defender for his discipline and commitment, describing these qualities as an important asset to Akwa United.

“We are happy to welcome Somto back from his national team duties. His discipline, commitment and dedication have been impressive, and these qualities are a great asset to this club. We are proud of what he has achieved with the Flying Eagles and we expect him to continue working hard,” Eno said.

General Manager Jimmy Joshua also congratulated Nnoli on his achievement with the national team, expressing confidence that the experience will be valuable to the club.

“We congratulate Somto on his achievement with the national team. It is a big experience for him, and we are optimistic that what he has learnt with the Flying Eagles will be key to our push for promotion in the upcoming season,” Joshua said.

Nnoli had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, where he also presented a souvenir Nigeria U-20 jersey.

During the visit, Bassey congratulated Nnoli for representing Nigeria and Akwa United with distinction and described his progress as another sign of the growing football talent coming through the club.

Nnoli earned his place in the national team after an impressive season with Akwa United in the Nigeria National League (NNL). He featured in about 90 per cent of the club’s league matches and was one of the most consistent players in Coach Paul Offor’s squad.

Although Akwa United narrowly missed promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League after losing out on the final day of the season, Nnoli’s performances impressed the national team coaches.

The defender has now returned to training with the rest of the squad as Akwa United step up preparations for the new season.

Akwa United will continue their pre-season preparations when they face Heartland FC in a friendly match on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:00am.

NEW DELHI: Indian dressage rider Shruti Vora has sought the immediate intervention of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), alleging that the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) failed to process horse owner accreditation for the Asian Games despite receiving the required documents nearly two months before the deadline.In a letter addressed to the IOA, a copy of which is with TOI, Shruti, a member of the Indian dressage team for the Asian Games, alleged that all required horse owner details, duly notarised, were submitted to the EFI on June 3. According to her, neither she nor fellow athletes received an acknowledgement or response from the federation despite repeated follow-ups on July 13, 17, 19 and 30.Shruti has alleged that the EFI raised the issue with the Asian Games Organising Committee in Japan only on July 29 — nearly two months after receiving the documentation from the athletes. Further reminders were sent by athletes on August 2 and 3, she said.The matter, according to Shruti’s letter, took a more serious turn on August 14, when the Asian Games Organising Committee informed the EFI that while FEI regulations permit two horse owner accreditations or passes per horse, the names of the horse owners were required to have been submitted along with the Definite Entries.Shruti has alleged that the delay by the EFI has consequently left horse owners at risk of being denied accreditation, despite the athletes having submitted the required information well in advance.“This is not an unavoidable administrative issue,” Shruti alleged in her communication to the IOA, describing the situation as a consequence of what she termed a “serious failure” by the federation to act on documentation submitted in time.The dressage rider also questioned whether athletes’ interests and essential administrative requirements were being handled with the seriousness expected of a national sports federation representing India at the Asian Games.For equestrian athletes, horse owners and support personnel can play an important role during major international competitions, and Shruti argued that athletes should not be made to bear the consequences of an administrative delay when they had completed the required formalities within the stipulated time.Shruti has now requested the IOA to intervene with the EFI and the Asian Games Organising Committee and ensure that the horse owner accreditations are processed as originally requested.She has also sought written confirmation of the resolution, stressing that the matter is “urgent and time sensitive” with the Games approaching.The rider said repeated attempts by athletes to resolve the matter directly with the EFI had allegedly resulted in neither timely action nor meaningful communication, prompting them to seek IOA intervention.Shruti’s letter is an allegation from the athlete’s side, and the claims regarding the EFI’s handling of the accreditation process have not been independently established. The EFI’s response to the allegations was not included in the communication shared by Shruti.The Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to be held in Japan, with the Indian equestrian contingent preparing for the continental multi-sport event. Shruti has urged the IOA to ensure that athletes are not prejudiced by what she alleges are administrative failures beyond their control.

Andy Robertson will return to Anfield for the first time as Liverpool host Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The Scotland captain joined Spurs on a free transfer this summer after nine successful years at Liverpool, where he became one of the world’s best left backs and a fan favourite.

The 32-year-old is now set for an emotional return to Liverpool in September when Andoni Iraola’s side host Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look side in the pick of the third-round draw.

There are four more definite all-Premier League ties with Coventry facing Aston Villa in a Midlands derby Premier League champions Arsenal going to Ipswich.

Manchester United face Brighton, who knocked the Red Devils out of last season’s FA Cup at Old Trafford, while Everton host Wolves, who knocked the Toffees out last year.

Chelsea could host Leeds United should they defeat Luton and Sunderland host Hull in another all-Premier League tie.

Holders Manchester City are home to Norwich and Bournemouth and Crystal Palace also host Championship opposition with respective ties against Lincoln and Middlesbrough.

West Ham will be at home to the winners of Fulham or Wimbledon, Brentford make the short trip to Reading, while the remaining ties see Sheffield United at Fleetwood, Leyton Orient at home to Bradford and Peterborough meeting Barnsley.

The two remaining ties, between Chelsea and Luton and Fulham and AFC Wimbledon, will take place on Thursday night. The third-round fixtures will be held across the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September.

The five Premier League clubs playing in this season’s Champions League will be in action in the second week due to their European commitments. The eight teams involved in the Champions League and Europa League could not play each other in the third round.

Everton and Tottenham secure big wins to progress in Carabao Cup

Thierno Barry scored his first hat-trick for Everton in their 4-0 Carabao Cup second-round win at Preston. The striker capped his performance with an assist for new signing Brennan Johnson, who netted his first goal in 35 games.

Tottenham new boy Savio scored on his debut in a sparkling cameo display to help inspire a 5-1 thrashing of Charlton. The 71st-minute substitute got off the mark for his new club with 82 minutes on the clock with a fizzing low effort into the bottom corner.

It was a much-needed feel-good night for Roberto De Zerbi’s team, who lost 3-0 on the opening day of the season at Brentford, but bounced back with Mikey Moore, Dominic Solanke and Kevin Danso also on target to book a place in round three.

Harvey Barnes’ second-half brace helped Newcastle clinch a 3-2 win over West Brom. Isaac Price sent the Baggies in front with a brilliant free-kick, but Newcastle responded through debutant Bazoumana Toure and substitute Barnes either side of the break.

The tie took a twist when Price levelled from the penalty spot in the 77th minute, but Barnes struck four minutes later against his former club to seal the Magpies’ place in the third round.

Bradford compounded Burnley’s uncomfortable start to the season with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win after their tie had finished goalless at Valley Parade. Jon McCracken saved from Jacob Bruun Larsen after Zeki Amdouni had hit the post with the first spot-kick.

Includes reporting from PA

Former Chicago Bulls player Derrick Rose speaks to the audience during a ceremony retiring his #1 Chicago Bulls jersey at the United Center on January 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. AFP

CEBU—Derrick Rose saw this progressive province for the first time in his latest Philippine visit and soaked in the experience of still being loved and revered in this basketball-loving country.

The NBA legend also got to see the sights, including beaches along Lapu-Lapu and the famous Mactan Shrine, while also showing off his dancing moves by doing the “tinikling” in the event hosted by ArenaPlus.

An NBA all-time great, Rose has been in the country five times, starting when he joined Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Kevin Durant in a two-day exhibition at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Since last year, Rose has landed thrice here in performing his duties as brand ambassador, and being familiar with the Philippines has made Rose recall one of his early experiences.

“The first time I got here [in the Philippines], me, my friend and my workout trainer were just in the park playing one-on-ones,” Rose said. “There wasn’t any media. It wasn’t a promotional day or anything. We were just there working out.”

“It went from us playing one-on-ones to one person seeing us play one-on-ones to by the end of the game, we almost had to get escorted out of the park because everybody showed up once they heard that I was at the park.”

The Chicago Bulls great and 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player continued that the experience gave him his biggest realization about the country and its passion towards basketball.

“I knew that’s what separates Filipino fans from [everybody] else. They’re really fanatics,” Rose said. “I didn’t know anyone knew me over there in Manila at the time, so I knew basketball was like a gym.”

“I knew that you all cherish basketball, and that’s one of the reasons why we put this on just the, I would say, the books, or we made it prominent, I would say, because of the love.”

“I never forgot the experience [of] leaving that park and seeing everybody follow us out of that park, and that stayed here to my heart,” he concluded.

The Houston Texans are adding much-needed depth at wide receiver. 

Houston has agreed to a deal to acquire wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, The Ringer reported on Monday. 

The draft selection sent to New England originally belonged to the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Network.

The trade addresses an immediate roster need for Houston following a season-ending knee injury to wide receiver Jayden Higgins during last week’s joint practice session with the Las Vegas Raiders. Higgins was expected to hold a starting role in the Houston offense before suffering a torn ACL.

Boutte spent his first three seasons with New England after being selected in the 2023 draft. Last season, the receiver recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in a bit of a breakout year.

However, Boutte became expendable this offseason following the Patriots’ moves at wide receiver. They made a big trade for A.J. Brown and signed Romeo Doubs to a pricey contract. Brown and Doubs joined a wide receiver room that also features DeMario “Pop” Douglas, Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins. 

So, Boutte’s name emerged in trade rumors over the offseason and into training camp. He addressed the trade speculation during training camp last week.

“I’m just blocking out the noise. That’s the main thing. We all hear the stuff that’s going on,” Boutte told reporters. “But like I always said, I’m where I’m at. My feet are here, so I’m not worried about what’s next or what’s behind me. Just being present.”

In return, New England acquires Reed to bolster their secondary along with future draft compensation. Boutte now joins a Houston receiving group that features Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Tank Dell.

Matt Gogel has been handed a six-month ban after placing bets on golf.

The PGA Tour confirmed on Wednesday that none of his wagers involved events in which he was playing.

The 55-year-old, whose best PGA Tour Champions finish this year was runner-up in the Senior British Open, can return on 22 February 2027.

Gogel called the situation an honest mistake.

“In 2024 and 2025, I unknowingly violated the PGA Tour policy by placing small, recreational wagers on golf,” Gogel said in a statement provided by the tour.

“I want to be clear that these wagers were not placed on regular PGA Tour events, PGA Tour Champions events or any tournament in which I participated.”

The tour did not disclose details of his violation, though his statement would indicate the wagers involved major championships.

Gogel, who grew up in Kansas, was best known on the PGA Tour for shooting 40 on the back nine in 2000 when Tiger Woods overcame a seven-shot deficit in the final seven holes at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for his sixth straight victory.

Gogel atoned for that two years later by winning at Pebble Beach, his lone PGA Tour title.

He worked briefly for Golf Channel and CBS, returning to competition when he turned 50 and became eligible for the PGA Tour Champions.