ESPN Releases Final Update to Preseason College Football Rankings

ESPN, originally the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is a dominant American sports media corporation headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut. Founded in 1979 by Bill Rasmussen, Scott Rasmussen, and Ed Eagan, ESPN pioneered the concept of a 24-hour all-sports cable network, quickly establishing itself as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports." Today, ESPN is owned 80% by The Walt Disney Company and 20% by Hearst Communications, operating as ESPN Inc. The organization broadcasts from its main studios in Bristol, with additional offices and studios across the U.S., and reaches audiences globally through 64 linear networks and digital platforms in 141 countries. ESPN’s rise was fueled by securing broadcast rights to major professional and collegiate sports, making it a household name. At its peak in 2011, ESPN reached over 100 million U.S. pay TV households, though that number has since declined to about 70 million as viewership shifts toward digital platforms. ESPN’s portfolio now includes seven U.S. cable networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network), ESPN on ABC, ESPN Radio, and a robust digital presence via ESPN.com, the ESPN App, and ESPN Fantasy Sports. A key achievement in recent years is the launch of ESPN+, its direct-to-consumer streaming service introduced in 2018, which has expanded to include thousands of live events and original programming. In August 2025, ESPN launched a new flagship direct-to-consumer product, offering two subscription tiers—ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select—providing access to all ESPN networks and exclusive content. This move reflects ESPN’s strategic pivot to adapt to changing media consumption habits, including partnerships with entities like WWE for premium live events. Despite facing challenges such as rising broadcast costs and criticism over coverage biases, ESPN remains a major force in sports media,

When referring to "Oklahoma," it's essential to clarify that it is a U.S. state rather than a business organization. Here's a summary of Oklahoma's governmental structure and notable aspects: ## Overview of Oklahoma Oklahoma, admitted as the 46th state in 1907, operates under a system of separation of powers, with three main branches: executive, legislative, and judicial[3][4]. The government is structured to ensure checks and balances among these branches. ## Structure and Functions - **Executive Branch**: Led by the Governor, this branch includes cabinet positions such as the Secretary of State and the Adjutant General, who oversee various state agencies[1][4]. - **Legislative Branch**: Comprises the Oklahoma House of Representatives (101 members) and the Senate, responsible for lawmaking and budget creation[5][8]. - **Judicial Branch**: Focuses on interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality[3]. ## Local Governments Oklahoma has a complex network of local government entities, including 77 counties, 590 cities and towns, 528 school districts, and 635 special districts, each providing specific services to residents[2]. ## History and Achievements Oklahoma's history is marked by its significant role in the oil and gas industry, as well as its resilience in the face of economic challenges. The state has made notable strides in agricultural innovation and has a strong tourism sector, with attractions like the Cherokee Heritage Center and the Philbrook Museum of Art. ## Current Status Currently, Oklahoma is focusing on economic diversification and infrastructure development. The state's budget management has improved, with efforts to increase transparency in budget negotiations[5]. ## Notable Aspects Oklahoma is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with an emphasis on Native American heritage and cowboy culture. The state also hosts several major events, including the Oklahoma State Fair and the Tulsa State Fair. In terms of business, Oklahoma offers a