Oregon Ducks' head coach Dan Lanning looks forward to the 2026–27 season as Oregon signs top transfer quarterback Dylan Raiola. Raiola, previously committed to several other schools, has now transferred from Nebraska to potentially start for Oregon depending on Dante Moore's decision about his future.
Key Facts
The Oregon Ducks lost to Indiana Hoosiers in a recent College Football Playoff semifinal.
Oregon signed Dylan Raiola, a leading quarterback from the transfer portal.
Raiola has previously committed to Ohio State, Georgia, and Nebraska.
He started nine games this season before a broken fibula ended his season.
Raiola recorded a 72.4% completion rate, 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Raiola may start for Oregon if Dante Moore decides to leave for professional prospects.
Moore is considered a top quarterback prospect, potentially being one of the top picks in the NFL draft.
The Chicago Cubs have signed pitcher Tyler Beede to a minor-league contract. Beede, originally a first-round pick for the San Francisco Giants, will join the Cubs for spring training as the team seeks to improve its pitching depth.
Key Facts
The Chicago Cubs signed Tyler Beede on a minor-league contract with a spring training invite.
Beede was the San Francisco Giants' first-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft.
He played a key role in Vanderbilt University's win at the 2014 College World Series.
Beede has a career earned run average (ERA) of 5.55 over 71 major league games.
Most recently, he played for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024.
Beede has also played baseball in Japan and Mexico and made appearances for the Long Island Ducks.
The Cubs are looking to strengthen their pitching staff as they enter the new season.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is looking into clashes that happened after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals involving Algeria and Nigeria. CAF mentioned possible disciplinary actions for those involved. This investigation could affect Nigeria's team plans as they prepare for their next game against Morocco.
Key Facts
CAF is investigating clashes after the Algeria vs. Nigeria AFCON quarterfinal match.
The incident occurred in Morocco after Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0.
CAF criticized any bad behavior during matches, especially towards referees and officials.
The Algerian Football Federation filed a complaint regarding the referee's performance.
Video showed fights among media members as they waited for post-game interviews.
CAF is also investigating similar incidents in another match between Morocco and Cameroon.
Disciplinary actions might impact Nigeria's team ahead of their semifinal against Morocco.
Belinda Bencic, a Swiss tennis player, has returned to the top 10 in world rankings after an 11-month maternity break. She has shown strong performances recently, winning titles and beating top-ranked players, and is now a contender for the upcoming Australian Open.
Key Facts
Belinda Bencic dropped to 421st in world rankings after taking a maternity break.
She returned to the top 10 after performing well in 2025 and starting 2026 strongly.
Bencic is the first woman since Serena Williams to reach the top 10 after giving birth.
She won all her singles matches at the United Cup, helping Switzerland reach the final.
Bencic celebrated her tournament wins with her daughter Bella and husband Martin Hromkovic.
Her recent victories include beating world number two Iga Swiatek and seventh-ranked Jasmine Paolini.
Bencic aims to perform well in the upcoming Australian Open, having never gone beyond the fourth round there.
Ohio State's football team, led by head coach Ryan Day, has added former Duke safety Terry Moore to their roster through the transfer portal. Moore, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, will replace Caleb Downs, who is entering the NFL Draft. Despite a late-season loss, Ohio State had a strong defense and finished their 2025 campaign with high recognition.
Key Facts
Ohio State's football team finished the 2025 season with a 12-2 record and reached the playoffs.
The team had the best defense in terms of points and yards allowed during the season.
Ohio State lost to Miami in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, ending their championship hopes.
Terry Moore, a former Duke player, is joining Ohio State through the transfer portal.
Moore missed the 2025 season because of an ACL injury and is using a medical redshirt.
Moore had an impressive season in 2024 with 71 tackles and received honors for his performance.
Starting safety Caleb Downs is leaving Ohio State for the NFL Draft, creating an opening for Moore.
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers lost their playoff game against the New England Patriots, with a score of 16-3. After the game, Herbert accepted responsibility for the team's poor performance on offense. This marks Herbert's third playoff loss since he became the Chargers' quarterback in 2020.
Key Facts
Justin Herbert and the Chargers lost to the Patriots in the playoff game 16-3.
Herbert threw for 159 yards and completed 19 out of 31 passes.
The Chargers' offensive line struggled, allowing six sacks on Herbert.
The Chargers failed to score after getting an interception early in the game.
Herbert has not won any of his three playoff games as a Chargers quarterback.
This season, Herbert played with a broken bone in his left hand and was missing two starting offensive tackles.
Herbert ended the season with 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and was selected for the Pro Bowl.
England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, has named a training squad that includes 11 new players who have not yet played for the team in international matches. This squad will participate in preparations as part of a new phase following their recent Rugby World Cup victory. The team is also set to potentially break attendance records for a women's rugby match when they play against Ireland in the Six Nations tournament.
Key Facts
Sophie Hopkins, an England Under-20s player, is among 11 new players in the Red Roses squad.
Hopkins is combining her studies in biochemistry with a year abroad in France and playing for a French rugby team, Lyon.
Many of the squad's experienced players, including those from the World Cup, remain, except for two who retired.
The squad will have a focus on building team communication and culture as they enter a new competitive cycle, according to head coach John Mitchell.
The Red Roses might break the attendance record for a women’s rugby match during their upcoming game against Ireland.
Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the April match against Ireland at Twickenham.
The team looks forward to their Six Nations opener at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.
The New York Yankees are considering reuniting with veteran pitcher David Robertson. This move could add experience to their bullpen, which the team wants to strengthen for the upcoming season. Robertson, who played a key role in the Yankees' 2009 World Series win, might return to help them compete for another championship.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees want to improve their bullpen before the next season.
David Robertson is a veteran pitcher who might rejoin the Yankees.
Robertson played an important role in the Yankees' 2009 World Series victory.
The Yankees wish to add experienced players to support their relief pitchers.
Robertson, despite being over 40, is still considered capable of contributing to the team.
The Yankees are planning for their main starting pitchers to return from injuries later in the season.
The New England Patriots won a playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a 16-3 score. Quarterback Drake Maye noted his performance issues but praised his team's defense for their strong play, highlighting its role in the victory.
Key Facts
The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in an NFL playoff game.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye acknowledged that he did not play his best during the game.
Maye completed a key touchdown pass to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots' defense sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert six times.
Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards but did not throw any interceptions.
The Patriots are set to face the winner of the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers Wild Card Game.
Maye, once a favorite for NFL MVP, continues to be highly regarded despite recent odds shifts.
The top-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt, has decided to transfer to LSU after visits to several universities. Leavitt, who played for Arizona State, was a highly sought-after player despite an injury. He is expected to join LSU under the new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Key Facts
Sam Leavitt is the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal.
Leavitt played for Arizona State and had a foot injury that ended his season.
He visited Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee, and Miami before making his choice.
Leavitt decided to transfer to LSU.
While at Arizona State, he threw for over 4,500 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Lane Kiffin is the new head coach at LSU.
Leavitt led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff in 2024.
Other top quarterbacks remain in the transfer portal.
Notre Dame's football team has strengthened its defense by acquiring Keon Keeley, a top college recruit, from the Alabama Crimson Tide via the transfer portal. Keeley was once committed to Notre Dame before choosing Alabama, where he played in 19 games. He now has two more years to play in college football.
Key Facts
Notre Dame has added Keon Keeley, a top defensive player, to their team.
Keeley was originally committed to Notre Dame before switching to Alabama.
He is 6-foot-5 and was a highly ranked player in his recruiting class.
Keeley played for Alabama in 19 games over two seasons, recording 19 tackles and 3 sacks.
He has two remaining years of college football eligibility.
Notre Dame has also added two other transfers this year: Quincy Porter and DJ McKinney.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to win their third straight World Series title. Sports writer Cristian Crespo predicts they will keep free agent Kiké Hernández. Hernández has been a key player for the Dodgers, noted for his versatility and strong postseason performance.
Key Facts
The Dodgers aim to win a third consecutive World Series title.
They have already signed some key players, like Edwin Diaz.
Kiké Hernández is a free agent this winter.
Hernández is known for his strong performance in postseason games, with a batting average of .272.
He has hit 16 home runs and has 42 RBIs in 103 postseason games.
Hernández can play almost every position on the team except catcher.
Sports writer Cristian Crespo expects the Dodgers to re-sign Hernández.
The Dodgers see Hernández as an important player for both his on-field skills and experience.
The New York Yankees are negotiating with free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger but have hit a roadblock. The Yankees offered Bellinger a five-year contract worth $155-$160 million, but Bellinger wants a seven-year deal instead.
Key Facts
The Yankees and Cody Bellinger are in talks for a new contract.
ESPN reported that the Yankees might move away from Bellinger as their main target.
Cody Bellinger and his agent are seeking a seven-year deal.
The Yankees offered a five-year contract valued between $155-$160 million.
Cody Bellinger previously played for the Chicago Cubs before joining the Yankees.
Spring training is approaching, but Bellinger's contract situation remains unresolved.
The San Diego Padres are thinking about trading infielder Jake Cronenworth. They might do this to strengthen their team by getting a better hitter or improving their pitching. The team is already strong in most positions, so they are looking at trades to make further improvements.
Key Facts
The Padres might trade Jake Cronenworth to improve their team.
They are considering getting a better batter or more pitching help.
Chris Spiering suggests including prospects in a trade for a top first baseman.
The Padres have most of their key positions set.
The team's current contracts limit their ability to sign new players in free agency.
Trading Cronenworth is seen as a way to add more power to their lineup.
The New York Jets are interested in Don "Wink" Martindale as a candidate for their defensive coordinator position after firing Steve Wilks. Head coach Aaron Glenn appointed Chris Harris as the interim defensive coordinator while they search for a permanent replacement. Martindale has previous experience as a defensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams and recently parted ways with the New York Giants.
Key Facts
The New York Jets fired their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks.
Chris Harris is serving as the interim defensive coordinator for the Jets.
The Jets' defense ranked 31st in points allowed, with 29.6 points per game.
The Jets had a 3-14 record for the season.
Don Martindale is a candidate for the new defensive coordinator position.
Martindale has coached for the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Giants.
Martindale did not continue with the Michigan Wolverines after 2025.
Martindale began his NFL coaching career with the Oakland Raiders in 2004.
The article discusses the search for a new head coach by several NFL teams, focusing on John Harbaugh, who was recently let go by the Baltimore Ravens. Harbaugh is reportedly considering offers from two teams, the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons, as he plans his next coaching position.
Key Facts
John Harbaugh was recently the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons.
Harbaugh has won a Super Bowl as a head coach.
He is currently a candidate for head coach positions with the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Giants and Falcons both have young quarterbacks, Jaxson Dart and Michael Penix Jr., respectively.
The Cleveland Browns were also mentioned as a potential candidate but are seen as less likely to successfully sign Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has been interviewing with multiple NFL teams after being released by the Ravens.
A West Ham player, Estelle Cascarino, was unable to make her debut because she was wearing an earring covered by tape, which goes against Football Association rules. The rules do not allow jewelry on the field, even if it is taped. West Ham was playing against Chelsea in the Women's Super League and eventually lost 5-0.
Key Facts
Estelle Cascarino was set to make her debut for West Ham against Chelsea.
Cascarino could not play because she was wearing an earring, which was covered by tape.
Football Association rules do not allow any jewelry, even if tape is used to cover it.
Cascarino needed a doctor to remove the earring, which she had played with in other leagues using tape.
Fara Williams, a former England midfielder, referred to the situation as a "schoolgirl error."
Rita Guarino was managing her first game as West Ham's new boss.
West Ham lost the match to Chelsea with a final score of 5-0.
The Green Bay Packers are considering renewing head coach Matt LaFleur's contract despite criticism after a recent playoff loss. There are rumors the team might offer a contract extension they believe LaFleur won't accept, possibly as a strategy for a smoother trade. LaFleur has faced criticism for his playoff performance despite a strong regular-season record.
Key Facts
The Packers lost a playoff game to the Chicago Bears after leading 21-3 at halftime, ending with a score of 31-27.
After the loss, many Packers fans have called for a change in head coach.
ESPN reports that the Packers might try to negotiate a new contract with head coach Matt LaFleur.
There is speculation the Packers could offer a contract they believe LaFleur might not accept.
Some rumors suggest that the Packers might consider trading LaFleur instead of firing him.
Matt LaFleur has been head coach since 2019 and holds a 76-40-1 regular-season record.
Despite regular-season success, LaFleur's playoff record has faced criticism.
The San Francisco 49ers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23–19 in an NFC Wild Card game, ending the Eagles' hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions. Saquon Barkley took responsibility for the Eagles' offensive struggles during the game and acknowledged recurring issues throughout the season. Despite Barkley's efforts and previous successes, Philadelphia's offense couldn't overcome San Francisco's defense.
Key Facts
The 49ers defeated the Eagles 23–19 in the NFC Wild Card game.
Christian McCaffrey's late touchdown helped seal the 49ers' win.
Philadelphia's offense struggled, highlighted by a sideline disagreement between A.J. Brown and coach Nick Sirianni.
Saquon Barkley had 106 rushing yards on 26 carries in the game.
Barkley acknowledged the team's offensive struggles and took responsibility for not making enough plays.
In the 2025 season, Barkley had fewer rushing yards compared to his record-setting 2024 season.
Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension with the Eagles in March 2025.
Key Eagles players, like Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, are under contract for multiple seasons going forward.
Dylan Raiola, a star college quarterback, has decided to transfer from the Nebraska Cornhuskers to the Oregon Ducks. He plans to join the Oregon team under coach Dan Lanning and has two years of playing eligibility left.
Key Facts
Dylan Raiola was a top high school recruit who initially committed to Nebraska.
He played two seasons with Nebraska, starting nine games in his sophomore year.
Raiola suffered a broken fibula, ending his sophomore season early, but is expected to be ready for the next season.
He completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards, with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions during his last season.
Raiola has entered the NCAA transfer portal and decided to move to the University of Oregon.
He will join the Oregon Ducks, hoping to be part of their national title pursuits.
Oregon has recently participated in consecutive College Football Playoffs but lost in both attempts.
