News

College Sports Roundup: Kansas Ruling, UCLA Injury and Unbeaten Contenders

North American Talk Radio | September 30–October 6, 2026

A $12 million coaching settlement, a court ruling affecting Kansas basketball and a season-ending UCLA injury led college sports news over the past seven days. Meanwhile, Nebraska and Pittsburgh remained unbeaten in volleyball, while leading soccer programs strengthened their positions in the national race.

Kansas State settles Jerome Tang dispute for $12 million

Kansas State and former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang announced a $12 million settlement October 5, ending their dispute over his dismissal. The university will pay the amount through the end of 2027.

The agreement resolves a disagreement over an $18.7 million buyout following Tang’s February firing. He finished 71-57 in four seasons and led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in his first year. Tang has since returned to Baylor as associate head coach. Yahoo Sports

Court ruling brings Melvin Council Jr. back to Kansas

Kansas announced October 4 that guard Melvin Council Jr. would return after a New York court granted a preliminary injunction allowing him another season.

Coach Bill Self said Council would begin practicing immediately, adding an experienced guard alongside returning wing Tre White. However, the injunction provides temporary relief while the case proceeds, rather than a final resolution of the eligibility dispute. kwch.com

UCLA loses Lena Bilić for the season

UCLA announced October 4 that sophomore wing Lena Bilić will miss the entire 2026-27 women’s basketball season after tearing her ACL in practice.

Bilić appeared in 33 games as a freshman, averaging 12.1 minutes. Her absence removes a returning contributor as the Bruins prepare for the season. Coach Cori Close said the program would support Bilić throughout her recovery. UCLA Bruins

UConn and Sarah Strong lead Big East preseason selections

UConn topped the Big East women’s basketball preseason coaches poll released October 1, receiving 10 first-place votes and 100 points. Villanova finished second, followed by Creighton.

The Huskies also swept the individual awards. Junior forward Sarah Strong earned Preseason Player of the Year, while center Olivia Vukosa received Preseason Freshman of the Year. The selections establish UConn as the conference favorite entering the season. gocreighton.com

Jeremy Fears Jr. earns Big Ten preseason honor

Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. received Big Ten men’s basketball Preseason Player of the Year recognition as the conference unveiled its selections October 5.

Meanwhile, Illinois placed David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic on the 11-player preseason all-conference team. Michigan guards Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney also made the list, highlighting several returning players expected to shape the league race. UM Hoops.com

Nebraska and Pittsburgh remain unbeaten in volleyball

No. 1 Nebraska and No. 2 Pittsburgh maintained their unbeaten records in the October 5 volleyball rankings update.

Nebraska swept Penn State and Maryland on the road. Pittsburgh also avoided dropping a set in victories at Syracuse and Boston College. Those results kept both programs at the front of the national race as conference play moved deeper into October. Yahoo Sports

SMU, Indiana and North Carolina strengthen soccer positions

No. 1 SMU men’s soccer beat Wake Forest 2-0 on the road, improving to 9-0-1. Meanwhile, No. 2 Indiana defeated No. 7 Maryland 3-1, scoring twice in 196 seconds during the victory. AOL

On the women’s side, No. 1 North Carolina defeated No. 12 Notre Dame 4-1 to reach 11-1. The result featured prominently in October 6 rankings coverage as teams continued their push toward NCAA tournament qualification.

North American Talk Radio may earn a commission if you make a purchase through links in this article, at no additional cost to you.