Sports
Mateen Bhaghani kicking his way into UCLA's football record book
DeShaun Foster acknowledged that both of the game balls he’s been given this season to commemorate coaching firsts could have gone to someone equally worthy.
His kicker.
That’s how valuable Mateen Bhaghani has been in his first season at UCLA.
The transfer from California made a game-winner against Hawaii that represented Foster’s first coaching victory (earning him a game ball from athletic director Martin Jarmond) and converted a career-long 57-yarder against Iowa last Friday to help give Foster his first home victory (and a second game ball from his boss).
“I’m glad we got him from that other school up the road,” Foster said Tuesday.
Bhaghani’s consistency in making 14 of 17 field-goal attempts this season has done more than put the sophomore in the conversation to join Norm Johnson, John Lee, Chris Sailer, Justin Medlock and Ka’imi Fairbairn as one of the Bruins’ all-time great kickers; it has also earned him the nickname “Money Bhags” from special teams coordinator Kodi Whitfield.
“Super cool,” Bhaghani said. “I’ve been enjoying it.”
Bhaghani’s 57-yarder topped the 54-yarder he made earlier this season against Oregon and was the second-longest field goal in school history, trailing only Fairbairn’s 60-yarder against Cal in 2015.
Foster said he was confident in Bhaghani’s ability to connect on the long field goal based on the lack of wind at the Rose Bowl and the way Bhaghani had been booming kicks in pregame warmups. So how far does Foster think Bhaghani’s range might extend to?
“I think 60 might be it,” Foster said. “He’s pretty consistent — he thinks he can hit 60. That’s what he tells me.”
Bhaghani said his range extended to 65 yards in practice and he’d be willing to kick from wherever he was given an opportunity in a game.
The key to consistency, Bhaghani said, is keeping the same routine for every kick. He wants his mind to be clear and to keep the same form on the snap and the hold.
That could be tricky Friday evening given there’s a chance of rain when the resurgent Bruins (4-5 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) face Washington (5-5, 3-4) at Husky Stadium in Seattle. Foster said his specialists have practiced with wet balls in preparation for the conditions they might encounter.
“I’m honestly not too concerned about it,” Bhaghani said. “I’ve played in some wet conditions last year and we’ve been practicing with wet balls and stuff like that. So feeling confident, feeling good.”
Bhaghani holds an appreciation for the kickers who have come before him at UCLA, recalling Fairbairn’s school record from memory. He also credited former UCLA kicker J.J. Molson — who happened to be kicking 50-yarders on the Bruins’ practice field in hopes of catching on with an NFL team as Bhaghani spoke with reporters — for giving him advice.
Being of Pakistani descent, Bhaghani said he wanted to be a trailblazer for others like him with an interest in football. Several kids have reached out on social media to say it’s nice to see someone like themselves do so well on such a big stage.
“I definitely want to show kids of my skin color and my race,” Bhaghani said, “that anything’s possible.”
Etc.
Foster said left tackle Niki Prongos, who departed the game against Iowa because of an unspecified injury, would likely miss the game against Washington but could return for the Bruins’ rivalry game against USC on Nov. 23. … Redshirt freshman wide receiver Carter Shaw is out for the season because of an unspecified injury, Foster said. … Linebacker Carson Schwesinger is one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, which goes to the top college football player who started his career as a walk-on. Schwesinger was also selected the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week after making two interceptions against Iowa. Foster closed his session with reporters by lobbying for them to help put Schwesinger on as many postseason awards ballots as possible.
Sports
Golf star records lowest round in LPGA major history with astounding performance at Evian Championship
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There are good days on the golf course, and then there is what Haeran Ryu just did on Saturday.
Ryu, 25, recorded the lowest round in LPGA major history on Saturday with an 11-under 60 at the Evian Championship. With the South Korean golfer’s historic round, she holds a three-stroke lead.
Ryu’s round comes just two weeks after winning her first major at the Women’s PGA Championship. On the 18th hole, Ryu left a 30-foot eagle putt a few inches short, and instead settled for a birdie.
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Haeran Ryu of South Korea reacts on the 18th green after the third round of The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, on July 11, 2026. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
She said after the round that she had no idea what she had done until she counted up her scorecard.
“But after the putt and I counted my score with my caddie,” she said. “Oh my God, it’s 11-under par today. It was so amazing. My caddie says, ‘Yep.’ I’m so happy right now.”
If Ryu had made the eagle putt on the 18th hole, she would have been just the second player to shoot a 59 in LPGA history.
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Haeran Ryu of South Korea celebrates a birdie on the 15th green during the third round of The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 11, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Her 60 broke the record for the lowest round in an LPGA major by one shot. Leona Maguire and Jeungeun Lee6 in 2021, and Hyo Joo Kim in 2014, each shot 61 at the Evian Championship, which was designated as an LPGA major in 2013.
The lowest round in a men’s major is 62, which is shared by four players — Branden Grace at Royal Birkdale in the 2017 British Open, Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler in the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, and Schauffele and Shane Lowry in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
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Haeran Ryu of South Korea and Lottie Woad of England interact after their round on the 18th green during the third round of the Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, on July 11, 2026. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Ryu hopes her historic third round can help propel her to a second major win in three weeks.
“That is amazing, amazing dream,” Ryu said. “So I just want that one to come true, but we have one more day.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Taylor Crabb is no stranger to South California beaches. The Long Beach State alum returns home this weekend to compete in AVP League matches.
It marks the first time AVP will compete in Long Beach since 2020 and allows players to compete at the 2028 Olympics beach volleyball venue.
Crabb, 34, made his AVP debut in 2013 with his brother, Trevor, and advanced from the qualifier in Manhattan Beach before finishing 25th in his first tournament.
After years of competing with various different partners, Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh have delivered the top performances this AVP season.
The following interview with Crabb has been edited for clarity and length.
Are you excited to compete in this weekend’s event at Long Beach?
Crabb: Very excited. A lot of my college teammates and part of the school have reached out, saying that they’re gonna come. So I’m excited to get a chance to play in front of them again.
When was the last time you were in Long Beach?
Crabb: I always try to go down there for alumni events or any big games they have. I went to UCLA against Long Beach last year, when it was No. 1 versus No. 2, so I always try to get down there and support them.
You missed out on the chance to compete in the 2020 Olympics because of COVID-19 restrictions and chose not to pursue a spot at the 2024 Olympics. Are you fired up to try to compete in the 2028 Olympics, knowing that Long Beach will host the competition?
Crabb: Yeah, it’s definitely an exciting time having the Olympics in Long Beach, and we kind of get to break it in this weekend. As you said, Tokyo didn’t go the way I wanted, but I’m going full force now. I have a great partner in Andy Benesh, who obviously went to the Paris Olympics, and if it weren’t for the Olympics being in Long Beach, and me getting a partner like Andy, I’m not even sure I’d be going for it, but because of those two things, I want to make the most of it.
You mentioned that if it wasn’t for a partner like Andy, you wouldn’t be going for it. What do you mean by that?
Crabb: I didn’t feel motivated by playing in all the international events, but now, I think, sitting out kind of lit the fire under me, and I’m really motivated now.
You’ve had different partners throughout your time. What other motivation does Andy give you?
Crabb: He’s been, in my mind, the top blocker for the U.S. the last four or five years. Seeing the professionalism he brings every day to practice, on and off the court, while traveling and when showing up to tournaments, it rubs off on you and that’s really motivating to see. And I just want to make him proud.
Why do you love volleyball?
Crabb: A lot of reasons, but it’s just a feeling I have when I’m out there on the court. It feels natural. It feels like home. I was born into a volleyball family. I had a volleyball in my hands my entire life, so I’ve always just enjoyed it.
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CM Punk appeared on “Friday Night SmackDown” ready to take on any challenger that was ready to step to him after winning the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn.
Punk entered the ring in Oklahoma City and called back to the “Monday Night Raw” after WrestleMania 42 when he told Cody Rhodes he’d be ready to deliver if a championship opportunity fell “out of the sky.”
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Cody Rhodes and CM Punk face off during SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. (Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images)
“When championship opportunities fall out of the sky, CM Punk catches them,” he said.
Punk named potential SmackDown superstars he’d think might come for the title, including Gunther, Finn Balor, Royce Keys, Damian Priest and Trick Williams. He even said that Zayn could come back around and get his rematch if he wanted. He didn’t mention Rhodes’ name, but the “American Nightmare” came out uncalled and marched his way down to the ring.
“I don’t think you and I can run away from each other anymore,” Punk told Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes looks on during SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on July 10, 2026. (Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images)
Rhodes agreed and mentioned that Punk would want a match with him, just “say when.” It was a quick retort from Punk, who said, “when.” SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, who was in the ring for the segment, booked the match for SummerSlam.
Punk will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, which takes place Aug. 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
First, however, Punk and Rhodes will be involved in a tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in New York City next week. Aldis made the match after Gunther demanded that Aldis put him in a match against Punk. Gunther was hoping it would be for the championship. Instead, Gunther will tag with Zayn.
Gunther didn’t take too kindly to that and attacked Aldis. Rhodes came back out to break up the calamity. He wanted to take on Gunther after the show went off air but Gunther walked away.
Gunther makes his entrance during SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on July 10, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)
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Punk definitely has his hands full as he moves to SmackDown to become a fighting champion.
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