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This week, Ohio sports delivered hard goodbyes, icy quotes, and the kind of cross-state losses that leave a sting. From Cleveland to Columbus to Cincinnati, here's what made headlines.
Guardians Swept in the Ohio Cup
After shutting out the Yankees 4–0 to end last week, the Guardians came home looking like a team ready to climb. Instead, they ran into a surging Reds squad and dropped both games in the Ohio Cup series.
Cincinnati took the opener 7–4 with timely hitting and bullpen dominance, then finished the job with a 1–0 shutout. The Guardians’ offense, which looked promising earlier this season, has gone frustratingly cold. With divisional matchups looming and the AL Central tightening, Cleveland has little room for error if they want to stay in the mix.
Browns Quarterback Race: Four-Man Puzzle
The Browns opened mandatory minicamp with four quarterbacks sharing reps and no clear starter in sight.
Joe Flacco, steady and professional, is getting the early work. Rookie Dillon Gabriel has quietly emerged as one of the most accurate arms in camp. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders continues to draw attention — both for his mechanics and a highlight-reel deep ball that had reporters buzzing. Kenny Pickett is still in the room too, making this one of the most wide-open QB competitions the Browns have had in years.
The coaching staff insists they’re keeping an open mind. Given the stakes, fans are hoping that translates into the best player actually winning the job — not the safest one.
Myles Garrett on Aaron Rodgers: “Good Opportunity to Put Him in the Graveyard”
Aaron Rodgers is officially a Pittsburgh Steeler, and that means he’ll face the Browns — and Myles Garrett — twice a year.
When asked about the matchup, Garrett delivered a now-viral quote: “It’s a good opportunity to put him in the graveyard.” That’s not just bravado. It’s a direct reference to Garrett’s annual Halloween tradition, where he decorates his lawn with tombstones featuring the names of quarterbacks he’s sacked.
Rodgers hasn’t faced Garrett since joining the AFC North, but it’s safe to say both matchups this season just got a little more personal.
Nick Chubb Signs with Houston, Ending an Era in Cleveland
This week also brought some closure — and heartbreak — for Browns fans as Nick Chubb signed with the Houston Texans. After a devastating knee injury last season, it became increasingly likely his future wouldn’t be in Cleveland, but the finality still stings.
Chubb was everything fans could ask for in a franchise player: consistent, humble, tough, and loyal. In a league full of headlines and egos, he just did the work. Cleveland loses a piece of its identity, and Houston gains one of the most respected veterans in the NFL.
Bengals Navigate Distractions While Burrow Stays Steady
Trey Hendrickson’s holdout continued this week, casting a shadow over Bengals minicamp. The Pro Bowl pass rusher is demanding a new deal, and as each day passes, tension grows. Quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged that the situation is “of course” a distraction, but emphasized the team is staying focused.
While the Bengals weigh their options on defense, Burrow is keeping things calm — and prepping for his turn in the spotlight when season two of Netflix’s Quarterback drops this fall.
Buckeyes Push On: Championships and NIL Expansion
Ohio State sent twelve athletes to the NCAA Track & Field Championships this week, competing on the national stage while back in Columbus, the university launched a new NIL platform designed to give student-athletes more control over their personal brand and earnings.
It’s another sign that Ohio State isn’t just trying to compete — it’s positioning itself as a leader in the modern college sports landscape.
Ohio State Men’s Basketball Hopes Transfers Can Flip the Script
In basketball, the Buckeyes are banking on the transfer portal to breathe new life into a program that’s missed the tournament two years in a row. The staff is working to bring in experience and scoring, but expectations are high and patience is running low.
There’s no off-season in Ohio — just new storylines. Whether it’s the Guardians dropping momentum, Garrett preparing for blood, or a farewell to one of the Browns’ most beloved players, this week reminded us why we care in the first place. These aren't just rosters and contracts. They're rivalries, traditions, and legacies in motion.
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