The GIST: Sound the alarm — college football returns in full this weekend, but things have changed quite a bit since Michigan strutted away with the signs ’ship last January. With three top-25 matchups highlighting opening week, here’s what you need to know before kickoff.

There’s a new playoff format: The College Football Playoff (CFP) has expanded from four to 12 (!!!) teams, who’ll compete in a new bracket-style tournament that adds eight more playoff games, not to mention more postseason excitement, viewership, and advertising money. Make it rain.

• Most importantly, the expanded format will help put an end to wild playoff snubs, like the one that kept undefeated FSU from competing for the title last season.
• There’ll always be bubble teams, but this change brings more programs — namely one- or even two-loss teams — into the hunt, amping up the end-of-season drama.

No. 1 Georgia is the team to beat: The Bulldogs lost just one game in the past two seasons and are projected to be similarly dominant this year (despite some major roster moves). But No. 2 Ohio State could give them a run for their money, especially after some big transfer portal pickups.

• Rounding out the top four are two teams looking to make a splash in their new conferences: No. 3 Oregon (Big Ten) and No. 4 Texas (SEC), both of whom will be powered by star quarterbacks (QB): Dillon Gabriel for the Ducks and Quinn Ewers for the Longhorns. Touchdowns, loading.

The GIST: We’re less than one week out from the NFL season kicking off (six days, but who’s counting?), meaning fantasy football drafts are in full swing as folks select and manage imaginary rosters for the season ahead.

• Whether you’re new to fantasy football or a seasoned vet, our deep dive and today’s section are here to help you choose your squad. The only hard part will be coming up with a creative team name.

✅ Select running backs (RB) and wide receivers (WR) in the early rounds: RBs and WRs are drafted early and often, and for good reason — they accumulate the most points compared to other positions. This year, San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (aka Mr. Universe) is the consensus No. 1 overall pick after he averaged a league-best 24.5 points per game last season.

💡 You’ve selected your top dogs, what’s next? Use the “best available” list on your draft homepage to help fill out the rest of your roster. Try not to pick players with the same bye weeks…it’s all fun and games until all of your RBs are resting on the same Sunday.

💪 Top players to add to your draft day wishlist: Aside from the aforementioned CMC, RBs Breece Hall (NY Jets), Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) are topping draft boards while CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions), and Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) are holding it down for the WRs. May the draft order odds be ever in your favor.

• Notably missing from the top player picks? QBs. Though they’re the most important player on actual NFL rosters, don’t waste an early fantasy football pick on a signal-caller — most QBs will get the job done.

⭐ Most importantly, don’t forget to update your lineup weekly: Injuries, matchups, and bye weeks all impact which players you should start (the ones that can contribute points to your team’s total) and which ones will be riding the pine. P.S. you can also trade, drop, and add players to your lineup all season long. Happy managing!

Already making epic summer plans for 2025? Our pals at Heineken are here to help by giving one winner two tickets to a US Open finals match at New York’s iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium next year.

• Enter the contest today for a shot at some of the best seats in the house — plus exclusive BTS access — all courtesy of Heineken. And if you’re really lucky, you could instantly win a Heineken US Open hat. What do you have to lose?

The secret to living a long life? Picking up a tennis racket. Tennis players live 9.7 years longer than sedentary individuals, one of the many reasons why this year’s US Open is all about celebrating the power of the sport.

• From increasing self-esteem to building community, playing tennis is one of the smartest moves you can make to boost your health.
• Feeling motivated? Then catch the sport’s brightest stars at the US Open this week.

Immortalize it with Topps’ new Chrome Tennis collectible cards. The last Grand Slam of the season is shaping up to be legendary, and thanks to Topps, you can have your very own piece of it forever. Take this moment now, capture it, remember it.*

At SET The Bar, a new women’s sports bar in Omaha, Nebraska. Cheer for your faves with a crowd that’s just as passionate about leveling the playing field as you are.

In your inbox for The GIST Book Club’s discussion of August’s book of the month, Western Lane by Chetna Maroo. Subscribe to The GIST Book Club’s newsletters to keep the convo going.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Smashing.