Issue #914 Thu 3 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 3, 2026
Today's grid asks for a bit of hustle. Expect a brisk pace as you navigate the lines.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The damp scent of cut grass, a whistle blowing, and the collective intake of breath as the leather arcs high toward the goal.
American collegiate and professional sports
GRIDIRON ATHLETIC CONTEST
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
8 letters.
Starts with F, ends with L.
FOOTBALL
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 D (4 letters)
- 2 K (4 letters)
- 3 P (4 letters)
- 4 P (4 letters)
- 5 R (4 letters)
- 6 S (7 letters)
- 7 T (6 letters)
- 8 U (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 DO (4 letters)
- 2 KI (4 letters)
- 3 PA (4 letters)
- 4 PL (4 letters)
- 5 RU (4 letters)
- 6 ST (7 letters)
- 7 TA (6 letters)
- 8 UP (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
When the knee hits the turf, the sequence ends.
4 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DO.
DOWN
Theme word 2 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A sharp strike with the instep sends the leather sphere soaring through the air.
4 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KI.
KICK
Theme word 3 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A clean arc from one set of hands to another across the field.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PA.
PASS
Theme word 4 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The coach signals a specific tactical maneuver for the team to execute.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PL.
PLAY
Theme word 5 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Charging forward against the line with everything you have.
4 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RU.
RUSH
Theme word 6 of 8 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A massive concrete bowl filled with the roar of thousands.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STADIUM
Theme word 7 of 8 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Bringing an opponent to the ground with a firm wrap around the waist.
6 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TA.
TACKLE
Theme word 8 of 8 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The vertical metal posts that define the scoring zone at the end of the field.
7 letters.
Starts with U.
Starts with UP.
UPRIGHT
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- DOWN
- KICK
- PASS
- PLAY
- RUSH
- STADIUM
- TACKLE
- UPRIGHT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 3, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for September 3, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 3, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 3, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 8 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the September 3, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "F" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on September 3, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 8 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram