The Pac-12 is in discussions with basketball powerhouse Gonzaga to join the rebuilding conference in 2026, three people with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press on Monday.

The Pac-12 is also targeting Mountain West schools UNLV and Utah State, two of the people said, as it pivots away from a group of American Athletic Conference schools that announced they remain committed to their current league. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the Pac-12’s strategy is not being made public.

The Pac-12 began to restock for a 2026 relaunch two weeks ago by landing Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Colorado State from the Mountain West to join Washington State and Oregon State, the only two Pac-12 schools left after a dramatic round of realignment.

The Pac-12 needs at least two more members in all sports to reach the eight required to be a recognized conference with access to NCAA championships and the College Football Playoff in 2026.

College football

Texas QB Ewers back in practice but still questionable >> Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers practiced Monday but remains questionable to play with an abdomen strain when the No. 1 Longhorns face Mississippi State in their Southeastern Conference opener, coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Ewers sat out last weekend’s 51-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe, and Arch Manning threw two touchdowns and two interceptions in earning his first career victory as a starter.

And if Ewers can’t play Saturday against Mississippi State (1-3, 0-1), it will be Manning leading the Longhorns (4-0) into the program’s first game in the SEC.

Ewers was injured in the first half of Texas’ win over UTSA.

Bush sues USC, Pac-12 and NCAA to seek NIL compensation >> Former Southern California football star Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against his school, the NCAA and the Pac-12 in a bid to recoup money made on his name, image and likeness during his career with the Trojans two decades ago.

In a brief news release from Bush’s attorneys announcing the filing Monday, the Heisman Trophy-winning tailback’s representatives claim he should be paid “to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of Reggie Bush’s name, image, and likeness during his tenure as a USC football player.”

Bush was one of the most exciting players in recent college football history during his three years at USC from 2003-05 while winning two national titles and the Heisman. He went on to an 11-year NFL career.

NFL

Browns All-Pro DE Garrett listed as ‘day to day’ with injuries >> Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett didn’t sustain any further injuries to his feet while continuing to play in Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants and is still listed as “day to day.”

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Garrett underwent an MRI on Monday. Stefanski did not provide any specifics about the test results or Garrett’s injuries, only offering the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year “is battling.”

Garrett had to be helped off the field at one point in Sunday’s 21-15 loss. He twice went into the sideline medical tent for attention and treatment before returning to the game. The All-Pro edge rusher was limping badly afterward and had to be driven to his car on a cart.

MLB

Reds will begin search for a new manager >> The search for a new manager for the Cincinnati Reds will begin immediately following the firing of David Bell after six seasons, president of baseball operations Nick Krall said Monday.

The team announced the move on Sunday night hours after a 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bench coach Freddie Benavides was named interim manager for the final five games of the season. Most of the other coaches will be retained until a new manager is hired.

The 52-year-old Bell — whose grandfather Gus and father Buddy both spent part of their careers playing in Cincinnati — was hired by the Reds in October 2018. He had a 409-456 record over six seasons.