WASHINGTON — Without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami dropped points in the MLS Supporters’ Shield race, with a reserve-heavy lineup settling for a 1-1 draw against struggling D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday, Aug. 23.

With Messi (right hamstring) and another big name, Jordi Alba (knee), both sidelined with injury, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano opted to swap out most of his starting lineup against one of MLS’s weakest teams. Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suárez all began the game on the bench, though the trio of global stars did enter the match in the second half.

In the meantime, United took a shock 13th-minute lead via a fine finish from Jackson Hopkins, capping off a strong opening phase from the hosts. However, Miami improved in the second half, with Baltasar Rodríguez scoring a world-class half-volley to equalize in the 64th minute.

For Miami, a draw against United — who were eliminated from the playoff race with the result — will go down as a disappointment. The Herons (13W-7D-5L) currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points, and trail the Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia Union by eight points.

Here are highlights and what to know about D.C. United vs. Inter Miami MLS game:

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United highlights

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United final score: 1-1

That’s full time at Audi Field, with D.C. United and Inter Miami playing to a 1-1 draw.

Jackson Hopkins’ first-half goal gave the hosts a lead in a livelier performance than their fans have seen in a while, but a rocket from Baltasar Rodríguez got Miami level midway through the second half. Both sides hit the post in the final stages, but the Herons will wonder how all their second-half pressure didn’t amount to a game-winner.

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: De Paul hits post

Inter Miami has put D.C. United under intense pressure as the game wears down, and Rodrigo De Paul nearly claimed a game-winner in stoppage time just now.

It would have been very lucky, as his free kick missed all of its targets, but the ball bent towards goal and hit the post, with Luis Barraza beaten.

It remains 1-1 in the final seconds.

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Murrell goal called back, final subs

This game has turned into something of a thriller, with Jacob Murrell having a goal called back over what seemed like a very narrow offside call.

Inter Miami’s last sub sees defender Ryan Sailor replaced by Ian Fray, while D.C. United goes for broke by throwing forward Dominique Badji into the mix and taking off defender Connor Antley.

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Two more DCU subs

D.C. United has added more fresh legs, with René Weiler sending on João Peglow and Rida Zouhir for Jackson Hopkins and Brandon Servania in the 74th minute.

Meanwhile, one of Weiler’s earlier subs, Jacob Murrell, hit the post on an increasingly rare break forward for the hosts.

Goal Inter Miami! Rodriguez scores unreal goal

We’ve had a flurry of activity, most notably a sensational goal by substitute Baltasar Rodríguez in the 64th minute.

A seemingly wayward corner kick floated over another second-half substitute, Luis Suárez (like we said, a lot has happened in the last few minutes), and Rodríguez took advantage, hitting a spectacular half-volley that bent into the furthest reaches of the upper corner to equalize.

This came shortly after a flurry of substitutions from both teams. First, Javier Mascherano opted for a triple substitution, bringing on Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Baltasar Rodríguez for Gonzalo Luján, David Ruíz, and Telasco Segovia. United made a double-swap of their own, sending Jared Stroud and Jacob Murrell on for Gabriel Pirani and Hosei Kijima, seconds before Suárez entered the fray in place of Tadeo Allende.

Second half underway between Inter Miami and D.C. United

No changes for either team as play resumes at Audi Field.

However, Inter Miami has Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul warming up, which could flip this game on its head should head coach Javier Mascherano bring them on.

Halftime: D.C. United leads Inter Miami 1-0

It’s a surprising scoreline at Audi Field, with D.C. United leading Inter Miami 1-0 on a 13th-minute Jackson Hopkins goal.

This may be a heavily rotated Inter Miami side, with Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul on the sidelines, but it’s arguably a fair reflection of play. D.C. created some good looks in the first half-hour, and while Miami has played their way into the game, United goalkeeper Luis Barraza has had little to do.

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Peltola booked

D.C. United rapidly picks up a second yellow card, this time for holding midfielder Matti Peltola.

The Finn dove in trying to poke a loose ball away from Inter Miami’s Telasco Segovia, but his trailing leg wiped the Venezuelan out.

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Yellow card to Herrera

Aaron Herrera is the first player booked, with the D.C. United defender (playing as a midfielder for the second straight game) tripping up Fafà Picault as Inter Miami attempted a counter-attack.

Goal D.C. United! Hopkins gives hosts lead

Miami’s B-team lineup is struggling with D.C. United, who have created several chances and now lead 1-0 in the 13th minute.

The Herons partially cleared a corner kick, but when it was looped back into the area by Matti Peltola, United’s Jackson Hopkins provided an authoritative finish from 10 yards.

Inter Miami at D.C. United kicks off

Miami’s massively rotated lineup kicks off against a D.C. United side that needs to win to keep their incredibly remote playoff hopes alive.

Inter Miami starting lineup: No Messi vs. D.C. United

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has rotated heavily, even without Lionel Messi (hamstring) available. The Herons’ other biggest names are not available to start either, with Jordi Alba (knee) not in uniform after picking up his injury Wednesday.

Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul are all on the bench, as a star-studded Miami side has turned heavily towards reserves and second-choice players.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Time, TV, streaming

• Date: Saturday, August 23
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
• TV channel: None
• Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Watch Inter Miami at D.C. United on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

D.C. United starting lineup

Under new manager René Weiler (who oversaw his first match last weekend, a 1-1 road draw against CF Montréal), D.C. United has chosen a defense-first starting lineup.

Captain and star striker Christian Benteke is here at Audi Field in street clothes, as he and midfielder Boris Enow are both suspended due to yellow-card accumulation. United is also missing trade deadline addition Caden Clark, who was announced as out yesterday in Weiler’s first press conference.

Patrick Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood are tied for the lead at 16-under-par after Saturday’s third round of the 2025 Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.

Fleetwood is seeking his first career PGA Tour win and hoping to finally get over the hump this weekend after squandering two opportunities in recent months. He blew a two-stroke lead with four holes to go at the Travelers Championship in June and another two-stroke advantage with three to go at the FedEx St. Jude in Memphis just two weeks ago. 

Lurking on the leaderboard are Russell Henley (-14), Keegan Bradley (-13) and reigning FedEx Cup winner Scottie Scheffler (-12). Cantlay is seeking his second FedEx Cup win, having won the playoff in 2021.

USA TODAY Sports provided updates from Saturday’s Round 3 action at the Tour Championship, the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Scroll below for leaderboard and highlights.

Tour Championship leaderboard

• T1. Patrick Cantlay: -16 (F)
• T1. Tommy Fleetwood: -16 (F)
• 3. Russell Henley: -14 (F)
• 4. Keegan Bradley: -13 (F)
• 5. Scottie Scheffler: -12 (F)
• 6. Cameron Young: -10 (F)
• T7. Sam Burns: -9 (F)
• T7. Ben Griffin: -9 (F)
• T7. Shane Lowry: -9 (F)

Tour Championship Round 3 highlights

Tommy Fleetwood loses lead early in 3rd round

Fleetwood was tied for the lead coming into the round and is now tied with two other golfers, Patrick Canlay and co-36-hole leader Russell Henley. Keegan Bradley is 4-under for the round and is two shots off the lead.

Final group tees off

All 30 golfers have hit the course, and Tommy Fleetwood and Russell Henley, who have the 36-hole lead, are the ones to catch. Scottie Scheffler began his day five shots back of the lead and bogeyed the first hole, which has given golfers trouble all day. There have been only 10 birdies on that hole during the entire tournament.

Moving day starts

The first two golfers have started their third round, with Viktor Hovland and J.J. Spaun teeing off. Each of the 30 golfers vying for the FedEx Cup is under par as moving day starts. All are trying to catch Tommy Fleetwood and Russell Brand, who are 13-under entering the day.

Tour Championship tee times, pairings

Round 3, Saturday

• 12:16 p.m. – J.J. Spaun, Viktor Hovland
• 12:27 p.m. – Sepp Straka, Justin Rose
• 12:38 p.m. – Hideki Matsuyama, Brian Harman
• 12:49 p.m. – Corey Conners, Andrew Novak
• 1:00 p.m. – Harry Hall, Sungjae Im
• 1:16 p.m. – Collin Morikawa, Maverick McNealy
• 1:27 p.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Ludvig Åberg
• 1:38 p.m. – Harris English, Nick Taylor
• 1:49 p.m. – Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley
• 2:00 p.m. – Ben Griffin, Akshay Bhatia
• 2:16 p.m. – Sam Burns, Rory McIlroy
• 2:27 p.m. – Shane Lowry, Chris Gotterup
• 2:38 p.m. – Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler
• 2:49 p.m. – Cameron Young, Robert MacIntyre
• 3:00 p.m. – Tommy Fleetwood, Russell Henley

How to watch Tour Championship: TV channel, streaming 

The 2025 Tour Championship, the final event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, will be televised nationally on the Golf Channel and NBC. It can be live streamed via ESPN+, Peacock and Fubo. Here’s the full broadcast schedule: 

Saturday, Aug. 23 

• Noon-7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ 
• 1-2:30 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo 
• 2:30-7 p.m. on NBC, Peacock 

Sunday, Aug. 24 

• 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+ 
• Noon-1:30 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo 
• 1:30-6 p.m. on NBC, Peacock 

Most NFL teams carry a maximum of three quarterbacks on their 53-man rosters. The Cleveland Browns may buck that trend during the 2025 NFL season.

‘Honestly, it’s not much of a decision for us,’ Berry told announcers Chris Rose and Joe Thomas on the Browns broadcast, per the Akron Beacon Journal.

Berry’s comments came as Cleveland navigated a logjam in its quarterback room. The Browns named 40-year-old Joe Flacco their starter but had three young signal-callers behind him in which they invested 2025 NFL Draft capital.

That included third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders and Kenny Pickett, whom the Browns acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick during the offseason.

Thus far, Berry has been pleased with the performance of Cleveland’s quarterbacks.

‘All four guys have done what we’ve asked,’ Berry said. ‘We have a room that we like all the guys in there.’

As such, the 38-year-old executive doesn’t view carrying four quarterbacks ‘as a problem.’

‘We more see it as an opportunity,’ he explained. ‘The reality of it is, you have a 53-man roster. You can build your [48-player] game day roster, unless you’re wiped out from injury, you can be pretty creative.’

What might that creativity look like? Berry outlined the Browns could choose to carry one less linebacker or safety, given the overlap those positions sometimes have in Cleveland’s defense.

Either way, it appears Cleveland’s lean is to keep four quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster. That would make the second consecutive season the Browns have taken such an approach.

In 2024, the Browns kept Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley past the 53-man roster deadline. That arrangement only lasted a couple of days, however, as Huntley was released on Aug. 29, 2024 after Cleveland was unable to trade the veteran.

Sanders, the team’s current fourth-string quarterback, will be hoping to avoid a similar fate in 2025. The rookie was lauded by Berry, who spoke well of the Colorado product’s progress and in Kevin Stefanski’s pro-style offense.

‘He’s going from a college offensive system where… imagine you were fluent in English and now you have to learn Mandarin,’ Berry said on the Browns broadcast. ‘His growth, really since the spring on, you know, with the mental side of things, having command of the offense, has been real impressive.’

AI-assisted summary
• Ryan Blaney won the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, earning his second win of the season.
• Blaney’s victory solidified the final NASCAR Cup Series playoff spots for Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman, despite Bowman’s early exit from the race due to a crash.
• The race featured a dramatic last-lap surge by Blaney, who climbed from 13th to first place.

Ryan Blaney ended the NASCAR Cup Series regular season with a victory and a surge of momentum after capturing the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, earned his second win of the season in an eventful race that determined the final two playoff berths. Because no new winner emerged at Daytona, Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman clinched the last two spots in the 16-driver playoff field on points, despite Bowman’s night ending early following a massive multicar crash in the opening stage that destroyed his No. 48 Chevrolet.

The 10-race NASCAR Cup Series playoffs being next weekend at Darlington Raceway.

Blaney, who won this race in 2021, led 27 laps but was not among the leaders as the final stage wound down. That all changed when his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano spun to bring out a caution with 12 laps remaining, necessitating one final restart.

Blaney didn’t pounce immediately as a handful of winless drivers fought for the lead and the last playoff berth in the final laps. But with two laps remaining, he made his move surging from 13th to first in the final turn of the last lap as drivers raced three-wide to the checkered flag.

Blaney edged Daniel Suarez by 0.031 seconds and Justin Haley by 0.036 seconds for his 15th career NASCAR Cup Series victory. Cole Custer and Erik Jones rounded out the top five. Kyle Larson finished sixth, followed by Chris Buescher, Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry and Chase Elliott.

‘This is such a cool victory lane, looking up and seeing the World Center of Racing,’ Blaney said. ‘It’s something I’ll never forget when we won here in ‘21. It’s just a cool place to be, so it’s really special.

“I think this team is really doing a good job of hitting our stride when we need to. … it’s great to win this one and good momentum for next week.”

Bowman, who was forced to watch the final two stages of the race from his trailer after crashing out early, was probably the second happiest person to see Blaney take the checkered flag since Blaney’s win assured Bowman of the last spot in the playoffs.

When asked after the race what he owed Blaney, Bowman joked ‘Seven million beers.’

‘I’m certainly thankful for him,’ Bowman continued. ‘Ryan’s a good dude, happy to see him win. … It’s tough, and you know we crashed, and it’s something that is outside of our control. And then you just have to sit and watch. It’s not fun for any of these guys (on my team).’

USA TODAY Sports had full coverage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, Aug. 23. Scroll below for full race highlights.

Which drivers made the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs?

Here are the 16 drivers who will race in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs in order of reset points following the Coke Zero Sugar 400 (Number of wins in parentheses):

1. Kyle Larson (3) ….. 2032
2. William Byron (2) ….. 2032
3. Denny Hamlin (4) ….. 2029
4. Ryan Blaney (2) ….. 2026
5. Christopher Bell (3) ….. 2023
6. Shane van Gisbergen (4) ….. 2022
7. Chase Elliott (1) ….. 2013
8. Chase Briscoe (1) ….. 2010
9. Bubba Wallace (1) ….. 2008
10. Austin Cindric (1) ….. 2008
11. Ross Chastain (1) ….. 2007
12. Joey Logano (1) ….. 2007
13. Josh Berry (1) ….. 2006
14. Tyler Reddick (0) ….. 2006
15. Austin Dillon (1) ….. 2005
16. Alex Bowman (0) ….. 2002

NASCAR at Daytona: Coke Zero Sugar 400 highlights

Ryan Blaney wins the NASCAR Cup race at Daytona

Ryan Blaney took the lead in Turn 4 of the final lap and edged Daniel Suarez and Justin Haley to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

Blaney raced from 13th to second in the final two laps to earn his 15th career NASCAR Cup Series victory. Cole Custer, who finished fourth and Chris Buescher, who finished sixth, spun after crossing the start/finish line.

NASCAR at Daytona full results

Here is the final finishing order from the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway (with starting position in parentheses, car number and manufacturer, laps completed):

1. (1) Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford, 160, Running
2. (12) Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Chevrolet, 160, Running
3. (37) Justin Haley, No. 7 Chevrolet, 160, Running
4. (29) Cole Custer, No. 41 Ford, 160, Running
5. (26) Erik Jones, No. 43, No. Toyota, 160, Running
6. (3) Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet, 160, Running
7. (24) Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford, 160, Running
8. (18) Ty Gibbs, No. 54, No. Toyota, 160, Running
9. (11) Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford, 160, Running
10. (30) Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet, 160, Running
11. (28) Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Ford, 160, Running
12. (20) Michael McDowell, No. 71 Chevrolet, 160, Running
13. (15) Christopher Bell, No. 20, No. Toyota, 160, Running
14. (31) Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford, 160, Running
15. (19) Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet, 160, Running
16. (17) Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 88 Chevrolet, 160, Running
17. (34) John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42, No. Toyota, 160, Running
18. (10) Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford, 160, Running
19. (8) William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet, 160, Running
20. (35) Cody Ware, No. 51 Ford, 160, Running
21. (27) Tyler Reddick, No. 45, No. Toyota, 160, Running
22. (23) Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet, 160, Running
23. (9) Chase Briscoe, No. 19, No. Toyota, 160, Running
24. (7) Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet, 160, Running
25. (6) Denny Hamlin, No. 11, No. Toyota, 160, Running
26. (21) AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Chevrolet, 159, Running
27. (4) Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford, 159, Running
28. (40) Joey Gase, No. 44 Chevrolet, 157, Running
29. (39) Casey Mears, No. 66 Ford, 156, Running
30. (36) Austin Hill, No. 33 Chevrolet, 155, Running
31. (13) Zane Smith, No. 38 Ford, 154, Running
32. (38) BJ McLeod, No. 78 Chevrolet, 137, Accident
33. (14) Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet, 95, Running
34. (16) Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet, 81, Engine
35. (25) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet, 28, Accident
36. (2) Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet, 27, Accident
37. (22) Bubba Wallace, No. 23, No. Toyota, 27, Accident
38. (32) Noah Gragson, No. 4 Ford, 27, Accident
39. (5) Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford, 27, Accident
40. (33) Riley Herbst, No. 35, No. Toyota, 27, Accident

Joey Logano brings out caution with 12 laps to go at Daytona

Joey Logano got loose while leading the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with 12 laps remaining at Daytona International Speedway and spun into the grass to bring out the caution.

Erik Jones and Justin Haley will lead the field when the race restarts, followed by Kyle Larson and Ryan Preece in Row 2 and Chris Buescher and Chase Elliott in Row 3.

NASCAR at Daytona: 20 laps to go

Joey Logano continues to lead the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with 20 laps remaining at Daytona International Speedway. The reigning Cup Series champion leads Erik Jones, Justin Haley and Chris Buesher.

NASCAR at Daytona: Lap 120 update

Joey Logano and Austin Dillon, last week’s winner, lead the field with 40 laps remaining in the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Erik Jones, Kyle Larson, Justin Haley, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher are racing in the top 7.

Denny Hamlin brings out the caution at Daytona

A rough race continued for Denny Hamlin as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver suffered a flat right front tire, bringing out the caution flag on Lap 108 of 160. Hamlin is tied with Shane van Gisbergen for most wins this season with four.

Stage 3 begins at Daytona

John Hunter Nemechek , Christopher Bell, Erik Jones and Chris Buescher lead the field as the green flag drops on the final stage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400, the final race of the NASCAR regular season.

Ross Chastain wins Stage 2 at Daytona

Ross Chastain outdueled Joey Logano with a push from Christopher Bell to win Stage 2 of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Bell edged Logano for second, while William Byron and John Hunter Nemechek rounded out the top five. Ryan Blaney finished sixth, followed by Chase Briscoe, Ryan Preece, Ty Gibbs and Ty Dillon.

The final stage of tonight’s race is scheduled for 65 laps.

NASCAR race at Daytona: Lap 75 update

Michael McDowell, who won the 2021 Daytona 500, took the lead on Lap 73 over road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen, who has four victories this year. Three laps later, three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano shot to the lead with Cody Ware battling alongside.

NASCAR race at Daytona: Lap 50 update

Cody Ware and Brad Keselowski lead the Coke Zero Sugar 400 through 50 of a scheduled 160 laps at Daytona International Speedway.

Kyle Larson wins Stage 1 at Daytona

Kyle Larson withstood all the crashes in the opening laps of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 to win the first stage of the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona Internatioanl Speedway. Ross Chastain finished second in the 35-lap stage, Ryan Blaney third, Michael McDowell fourth and Justin Haley fifth. Joey Logano, Todd Gilliland, Ryan Preece, Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell rounded out the top 10.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Alex Bowman, Bubba Wallace, Noah Gragson, Kyle Busch, Austin Cindric and Riley Herbst all had their race end early after massive damage to the cars during a multicar crash near the end of Stage 1.

Tyler Reddick clinches playoff berth with Alex Bowman knocked out

Tyler Reddick, who entered the Coke Zero Sugar 400 as the top winless driver in the standings, clinched one of the two remaining playoff spots despite a crash in the first stage. Reddick entered the race ranked 15th in the standings, and with a 29-point lead over 16th-ranked Alex Bowman and 60-point lead over 17th-place Chris Buescher. After Bowman’s No. 48 sustained unrepairable damage in the multicar crash on Lap 27, Reddick was guaranteed enough points to make the playoffs.

Huge multicar crash takes out contenders at Daytona

Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch got together near the front of the field, triggering a massive multicar crash on Lap 27 of the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Kyle Larson pushed Wallace from behind but caught the No. 23 Toyota on the quarter panel turning him into Busch and Logano as they were all battling for third position. Wallace spun across the track into other cars while the field stacked up behind them.

Austin Cindric, Noah Gragson, Denny Hamlin, Austin Hill, Riley Herbst, Zane Smith, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Alex Bowman also sustained damage in the aftermath.

NASCAR dropped the red flag, pausing the race, to clean up the track and remove the wrecked cars.

Bubble driver Tyler Reddick involved in accident at Daytona

Tyler Reddick makes contact with Todd Gilliland on Lap 19 and careened into the inside wall off Turn 4. Reddick’s No. 45 23XI Toyota spun around near the entrace to pit road before hitting the wall front first and damaging the nose. Reddick was in position to make the playoffs on points as the top winless driver in the standings entering the race.

Casey Mears brings out first caution at Daytona

Casey Mears spun in Turn 4 in his No. 66 Ford to bring out the first caution on Lap 12 of the Coke Zero Sugar 400. While that’s bad news for Mears, it was great news for William Byron, who had gone a lap down after serving a stop-and-go penalty to start the race. Byron will get the free pass and will be back on the lead lap for the restart.

NASCAR race at Daytona: Lap 10 update

Team Penske teammates Ryan Blaney and Joey lead the Coze Zero Sugar 400 after 10 laps at Daytona International Speedway. The opening stage is 35 laps.

NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona begins

The final regular season race of the NASCAR Cup Series has begun, and the green flag has waved at Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman lead the front row.

Points leader William Byron penalized, will start from rear at Daytona

NASCAR Cup Series points leader William Byron and his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team were penalized for an unapproved adjustment after his Chevrolet went through technical inspection. NASCAR dropped Byron to the rear of the field to start the Coke Zero Sugar 400 and will require him to serve a stop-and-go on pit road after taking the green flag. Byron’s crew chief Rudy Fugle was ejected for the race; engineer Brandon McSwain will handle crew chief duties Saturday night.

How to watch NASCAR race today: Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 23
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET; Green flag: 7:55 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock, HBO Max, Sling TV and Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.
• Location: Daytona International Speedway

Stream NASCAR Cup race at Daytona on Fubo

Who is starting on the pole in the NASCAR race at Daytona?

Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is starting on the pole in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. He will be joined on the front row by Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman, who is fighting to join Blaney in the 2025 playoffs – either via a victory or on points.

What is the weather forecast for the NASCAR race at Daytona?

Summertime in Florida means there’s always a chance of rain, but NASCAR may actually benefit from the Coke Zero 400 being a night race with the heaviest precipitation coming during the morning and afternoon. The Weather Channel is calling for mostly cloudy skies when the green flag is scheduled to drop just before 8 p.m. ET, with temperatures around 80 degrees. But the National Weather Service says there is still a 47% chance of rain at 7 p.m. ET, so it may come down to how quickly the storms push out. The start of the race could also be impacted if the track is not yet dry, so a delayed green flag is a possibility.

What is the lineup for the Coke Zero Sugar 400?

Here is the lineup for tonight’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway (Car number in parentheses):

1. (12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
2. (48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
3. (5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
4. (22) Joey Logano, Ford
5. (2) Austin Cindric, Ford
6. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
7. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
8. (24) William Byron, Chevrolet
9. (19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
10. (6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
11. (21) Josh Berry, Ford
12. (99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
13. (38) Zane Smith, Ford
14. (8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
15. (20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
16. (77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
17. (88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
18. (54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
19. (1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
20. (71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
21. (16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
22. (23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
23. (10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
24. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford
25. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
26. (43) Erik Jones, Toyota
27. (45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
28. (34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
29. (41) Cole Custer, Ford
30. (9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
31. (60) Ryan Preece, Ford
32. (4) Noah Gragson, Ford
33. (35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
34. (42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
35. (51) Cody Ware, Ford
36. (33) Austin Hill, Chevrolet
37. (7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
38. (78) BJ McLeod, Chevrolet
39. (66) Casey Mears, Ford
40. (44) Joey Gase, Chevrolet

How many laps is the NASCAR Cup race at Daytona?

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is 160 laps around the 2.5-mile track for a total of 400 miles. The race will have three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 35 laps; Stage 2: 60 laps; Stage 3: 65 laps.

Odds to win NASCAR Cup race at Daytona today

Here are the drivers with the best odds to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, via BetMGM (as of 6:25 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 23):

• Ryan Blaney ……. +1000
• Joey Logano ……. +1000
• Austin Cindric ……. +1200
• Brad Keselowski ……. +1300
• Kyle Busch ……. +1600
• Chase Elliott ……. +1600
• Kyle Larson ……. +1600
• William Byron ……. +1600
• Denny Hamlin ……. +1800
• Christopher Bell ……. +1800
• Chris Buescher ……. +1800
• Alex Bowman ……. +2000
• Tyler Reddick ……. +2200
• Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ……. +2200
• Bubba Wallace ……. +2500
• Ryan Preece ……. +2500

Drivers on the NASCAR Cup Series playoff bubble

Here are the winless drivers with the most point entering the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway – two above the 16-driver cutoff line and four below (including regular-season points, and points above or below cut line):

• 15. Tyler Reddick ….. 714 ….. +89
• 16. Alex Bowman ….. 685 ….. +60
• 17. Chris Buescher ….. 625 ….. -60
• 18. Ryan Preece ….. 591 ….. -94
• 19. Kyle Busch ….. 537 ….. -148
• 20. Ty Gibbs ….. 512 ….. -173

What time does the NASCAR Cup race at Daytona start?

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

What TV channel is the NASCAR Cup race at Daytona on?

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be broadcast on NBC. Pre-race coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET.

Will there be a live stream of the NASCAR Cup race at Daytona?

Yes, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be streamed on Peacock, HBO Max, Sling TV and Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Who won the NASCAR Cup race at Daytona last year?

It took seven caution periods that saw nearly half the field taken out of contention before Harrison Burton made it past Kyle Busch to win his first career Cup Series race. Burton’s win came shortly after Wood Brothers Racing announced he’d be replaced for 2025. Busch, Christopher Bell, Cody Ware and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five drivers.

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No more crazy playoff ideas. No more lone wolves. 

The Big Ten set the bar this summer for College Football Playoff change, and the SEC just met and exceeded it. 

Your move, Big Ten.

It’s time to see just how badly the Big Ten wants CFP expansion.

The SEC on Thursday, Aug. 22 made the first move to the center of the room, adding a ninth game to its annual conference schedule starting in 2026 — the one thing the Big Ten said it had to see before moving forward with CFP expansion.

The Big Ten has played nine conference games since 2016, and the SEC playing eight has been a sticking point between the super conferences. 

The Big Ten claimed it had a more difficult road to the playoff by playing nine. The SEC countered with, well, “We’re the SEC, and you’re not.” 

That all ended with the SEC’s long-awaited move to nine conference games. 

There’s nothing left to argue now for the Big Ten. It wanted the SEC on a level playing field, and the SEC called the Big Ten’s bluff.   

It not only moved to nine conference games, it kept a rule that forces league schools to schedule at least one non-conference game against a power conference opponent. 

Now the future of College Football Playoff expansion rests with the Big Ten, which can agree to the 5-11 format that every other Bowl Subdivision conference favors – automatic qualifiers from the five highest-ranked conference champions, and 11 at-large teams – or it can continue down the road of obstruction.

By demanding a unrealistic 4-2-1-3 format (it’s too dumb to explain), or an expansion to 24 or 28 teams (speaking of dumb), the Big Ten will expose its true desire: increased revenue at the cost of others.  

If the Big Ten still refuses the 5-11 format – which it said was more advantageous to the SEC because it could earn more at-large selections with an easier road of less conference games – it never cared about the SEC moving to nine games in the first place. 

For years, the SEC has been seen as the college football boogeyman, the all-powerful conference that controlled all things on and off the field. The death of fun, even.

It recruited the best players, won the most championships, and got the most breaks by whatever postseason plan was in place (hello, Alabama). An embarrassment of riches no one could deny or overcome. 

Until Michigan and Ohio State won back-to-back national titles the past two seasons, slowly pulling the SEC’s invincibility into question. The Big Ten then flexed and executed a power play, forcing the SEC to move off its eight-game conference schedule.

It even dragged the Big 12 into the fray, using the prop of the Big 12 playing nine conference games, too. So why couldn’t the SEC?

The Big Ten said it wanted everyone on the same page, including the ACC. Or maybe that was just another Alliance thing.

The next thing you know, SEC coaches left their conference spring meetings in May and declared their desire to play the Big Ten in non-conference games. As soon as possible. 

And for the first time, there was real momentum to move to a nine-game league schedule. Even the longtime holdouts – Kentucky, the Mississippi schools, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, South Carolina – moved toward the inevitability of it all.

“They’ve won the last two national titles,” LSU coach Brian Kelly. “We need to play them, they’re on top now.”

But you know the old southern adage, the higher you get on the ladder, the more your ass shows. The Big Ten is now in danger of this power play blowing up in its lap. 

In a perfect world, playoff strife ends quickly. The Big Ten sees the SEC’s move as genuine, and responds accordingly. 

The 5-11 format passes, and college football moves to a 16-team CFP field beginning with the 2026 season. 

It’s time to see how badly the Big Ten wants playoff expansion.

Or if it’s interested in showing more of its ass. 

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

AI-assisted summary
• Sanders aims to destigmatize incontinence by openly discussing his experience and incorporating the product into his image.
• The ad campaign follows Sanders’ surgery where his bladder was removed and replaced with a neobladder.
• Sanders uses Depend to manage the changes in his bathroom habits post-surgery.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders did his first advertisement for the Depend adult diaper brand after having his cancerous bladder removed in May.

But it’s not just the latest sponsorship deal for Sanders, who also is seen in advertisements for Blenders eyewear, Aflac insurance and California Almonds.

This one is about his personal health.

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“I wasn’t joking! I truly DEPEND on @Depend,” Sanders said on Instagram on Friday Aug. 22. “Ain’t NO SHAME in taking care of yourself. NO SHAME in getting health screenings. And there certainly ain’t NO SHAME in needing added protection or using Depend to stay in the game. That’s not weakness – that’s WINNING”

The ad shows packages of the underwear underneath his Nike shoes.

The company that owns the brand confirmed to USA TODAY Sports in July that it has a partnership with Sanders. Depend often is associated with jokes about old age and embarrassing problems with incontinence. But Sanders has said he wants to take the shame out of it by discussing it openly and associating it with his personal fashion.

‘I’m about to sexy ’em up,’ Sanders told retired NFL receiver Michael Irvin in an interview posted July 28.

Sanders said after bladder surgery that “I truly depend on Depend. I cannot control my bladder.”

After his bladder was removed, a neobladder was put in its place from his small intestine. It’s led to changes with how he goes to the bathroom. Sanders talked about it with Irvin.

“You have to push through your stomach and force the pee out,” Sanders said. “Like you can’t just pee, and when you feel like you gotta go pee, you need to pee or you gonna start leaking.”

This product helps him deal with that.

“No shame at all!” Depend responded to Sanders on social media site X. “We’re proud to help you stay in the game, Coach Prime.”

Sanders has recovered from cancer and is coaching his team as normal this month. His team opens the season Aug. 29 at home against Georgia Tech.

Follow Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bscrhotenb@usatoday.com

The Minnesota Lynx’s longest losing streak of the season ends at two.

The Lynx overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Fever 95-90 in Indianapolis Friday in a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title game. Lynx guard Kayla McBride led the way with a game-high 29 points (10-of-19 FGs, 4-of-8 on 3-pointers), five assists and one block. Center Jessica Shepard added 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, marking only the second triple-double in Minnesota franchise history.

Minnesota withstood a barrage of 3-pointers from the Fever, who knocked down 10 3-pointers in the first half alone and finished shooting 65% (13-of-20) from the 3-point line. The Lynx took its first lead of the game in the third quarter and extended it to 14 points, before the Fever came within five points.

Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell finished with a team-high 27 points and five assists in the loss, while Lexie Hull recorded a new career high with 23 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Fever guard Caitlin Clark (right groin) and Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (right ankle) were both ruled out of Friday’s matchup. It marked Clark’s 14th consecutive absence and Collier’s 7th consecutive game missed.

Minnesota (29-7) has already clinched a playoff bid marking their 14th in the past 15 seasons. Indiana (19-17) is in playoff contention, sitting in sixth place in the standings.

The Fever and Lynx will face each other two more times this season after Friday’s matchup. They will meet on Sunday, Aug. 24 in Minneapolis and on Sept. 9 in Indianapolis.

Here’s a recap of Friday’s matchup between the Fever and Lynx:

Halftime: Fever 52, Lynx 50

It’s raining 3-pointers in Indianapolis.

The Fever started the game 14-20 from the field and shot 71.4% from the 3-point line, knocking down 10-of-14 shots from beyond the arc. Fever guard Lexie Hull is up to 18 points in 18 minutes (3-of-5 3PT), surpassing her previous season-high of 17 points. She’s closing in on her career-high off 22 points scored against the Seattle Storm in 2024. Kelsey Mitchell (3-of-4 3PT) added 13 points and three assists.

Despite the Fever’s barrage of 3-pointers, the Lynx only trail by two heading into halftime. Minnesota, who is coming off a 75-73 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, isn’t playing bad by any means. The Lynx are shooting 54.1% from the field and 5-of-11 from the 3-point line and have been able to hang with the Fever on second-chance points. The Lynx had 22 rebounds (7 offensive) in the first half, compared to the Fever’s 14 (1 offensive).

Lynx guard Kayla McBride has a team-high 16 points (3-of-4 3PT), while center Jessica Shepard is on triple-double watch already with 11 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Minnesota guard Courtney Williams got off to a rough start and was held scoreless, going 0-of-4 from the field and 0-of-2 from 3 so far.

End of Q1: Fever 27, Lynx 22

The Fever led the Lynx by as many as nine points in the first quarter, but Minnesota cut its deficit to five points heading into the second quarter. Fever guard Lexie Hull came out on a mission on Friday, scoring 11 of the Fever’s 27 first-quarter points. The Fever are shooting 64.3% from the field and 71.4% from the 3-point line.

The Lynx collectively shot 58.8% from the field, but Minnesota gave up seven points on four turnovers, which marks the difference in the game. Center Jessica Shepard leads the Lynx with 10 points and three rebounds.

What time is Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx?

The Indiana Fever host the Minnesota Lynx in Indianapolis at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on Friday, Aug. 22 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game will be broadcast on ION.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx: TV, stream

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
• TV channel: ION
• Streaming: Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)

Indiana Fever starting lineup

The Fever are sending guard Odyssey Sims, guard Kelsey Mitchell, guard Lexie Hull, forward Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston to the floor.

Is Caitlin Clark playing today?

Clark (right groin) was ruled out of Friday’s matchup against the Lynx, marking her 14th consecutive absence and 23rd missed game overall this season. Sydney Colson (left knee), Aari McDonald (right foot) and Sophie Cunningham (right knee) are all out with season-ending injuries. Chloe Bibby (left knee) was also ruled out.

Minnesota Lynx starting lineup

Forward Bridget Carleton, forward Alanna Smith, center Jessica Shepard, guard Kayla McBride and guard Courtney Williams will start for the Lynx on Friday.

Napheesa Collier ruled out

Collier was listed as questionable ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Fever due to her right ankle, but the MVP frontrunner was downgraded to out less than an hour before tipoff.

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