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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin running backs coach John Settle told Jonathan Taylor he needed to run track while recruiting the New Jersey native in high school. Taylor took Settle's advice and never looked back. The standout running back is set for a big season, which begins for him and the Badgers on Aug. 30 at South Florida. Taylor is a Heisman Trophy candidate and has already run for more than 4,000 yards in two seasons.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska defense is counting on Ben Stille and his linemates as the 24th-ranked Cornhuskers try to rebound from a 4-8 record last year. Stille and twin brothers Carlos and Khalil Davis are back, and another returnee Damion Daniels is joined by older brother and graduate transfer Darrion Daniels. Junior college transfer Jahkeem Green arrived last week and is expected to be a contributor. The Huskers must improve their run defense and generate more takeaways and three-and-outs.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Justin Fields officially has been named Ohio State's starting quarterback. It was practically a foregone conclusion that Fields had transferred to Ohio State from Georgia in January to succeed quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr., who left a year early for the NFL. For the first few weeks of preseason camp, coach Ryan Day insisted the QB competition was close between Fields and graduate transfer Gunnar Hoak. Hoak is expected to be Fields' backup.
UNDATED (AP) — Defending national champion Clemson is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 for the first time. The Tigers won their second national title in three seasons in January. They can now claim equal standing with Alabama at the top of college football. The Crimson Tide, coming off a 44-16 loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship, is No. 2. Clemson received 52 first-place votes and Alabama 10. Georgia is No. 3, followed by No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 5 Ohio State.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin football officials say receiver Quintez Cephus is back on the team after a jury acquitted him of sexual assault charges but it might be some time before he plays in a game. The university expelled Cephus earlier this year, months before his trial. Brian Lucas is a spokesman for Wisconsin football. He says Cephus has officially rejoined the team but he faces "eligibility issues" before he can participate in a game.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois freshman defensive back Marquez Beason is out for the season with a knee injury. Coach Lovie Smith announced Beason would have surgery after getting hurt in practice last week. Beason was a consensus four-star recruit from Duncanville, Texas, and the Illini's top-rated high school recruit in 10 years. Smith said Beason had been one of the highlights of early practices.
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Carson Strong, a redshirt freshman who appeared in one game last season, will start at quarterback for Nevada in its Aug. 30 season opener at home against Purdue. The Reno Gazette Journal reports Wolf Pack Coach Jay Norvell announced over the weekend that Strong won the job over Malik Henry, a junior transfer from Florida State.
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