Florida State University is looking for a new starting quarterback following the departure of Tommy Castellanos. They have hosted DJ Lagway, a highly regarded player in the transfer portal, as a potential candidate. Lagway is considering Florida State after visiting and speaking positively about the team's facilities and coaching staff.
Key Facts
Florida State needs a new quarterback after Tommy Castellanos didn't get a waiver for another college football year.
DJ Lagway, a former five-star recruit, is exploring new team options due to a coaching change at his previous school.
Lagway visited Florida State and spoke positively about the school's environment and coaching team.
Florida State's head coach, Mike Norvell, is under pressure after two poor seasons.
The school has also shown interest in former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and quarterbacks coach Austin Tucker contacted Lagway quickly after he entered the transfer portal.
Lagway is known for his dual-threat capability, meaning he can both pass and run effectively.
The Phoenix Suns' owner, Mat Ishbia, stated he will not trade key players before the upcoming trade deadline. Despite suggestions to trade Suns' forward Dillon Brooks for Lakers' guard Austin Reaves, Ishbia expressed his intent to keep Brooks, highlighting the team's successful performance this season.
Key Facts
The Phoenix Suns have a 21-14 record in the Western Conference.
The Suns are currently the seventh seed in their conference.
Mat Ishbia, the Suns’ owner, said he will not trade his core players.
Former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins suggested the Lakers trade Austin Reaves for Dillon Brooks.
Ishbia quickly dismissed the trade suggestion involving Brooks.
Dillon Brooks is averaging 21.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Austin Reaves is set to become a free agent next summer and could earn over $35 million annually.
Joe Flacco, a veteran quarterback, decided not to retire after a short time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the Bengals missing the playoffs, Flacco plans to play in the next NFL season. His future team is not certain, but he remains open to various opportunities.
Key Facts
Joe Flacco is a 40-year-old veteran NFL quarterback.
He joined the Cincinnati Bengals midseason when their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, was injured.
Flacco threw for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions with a 61.4% completion rate in six starts for the Bengals.
Despite the team's overall 6–11 record, his presence was positively received by fans and the organization.
Flacco confirmed he will not retire and intends to find a team for the next season.
The Bengals may consider him as a backup to Joe Burrow if no starting opportunities arise for him elsewhere.
Sheffield United has denied delaying the inquest into the death of Maddy Cusack, a former captain of their women's team who died in September 2023 at age 27. The court postponed the inquest until June after lawyers for Cusack's family received a large number of documents from the club just before Christmas. Sheffield United insists they have complied with all legal requirements, and an investigation found no wrongdoing by the club related to Cusack's death.
Key Facts
Maddy Cusack, a former Sheffield United women's team captain, died suddenly in September 2023.
Her death was not considered suspicious by the police.
Cusack's family claims that Sheffield United's conduct put pressure on her.
The inquest into her death was initially set for April but is now delayed until June.
Cusack's family received 699 pages of documents from the club just before Christmas.
The Cusack family lawyers found this timing unacceptable and said it impacted them.
An earlier investigation by Sheffield United found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The Football Association is conducting its own investigation into the matter.
The article discusses a promotion by Sleeper, a fantasy sports platform, offering a $100 bonus to new users who register and make an initial deposit using the promo code NEWSWEEKXL. The bonus applies to various sports, including the NBA and NFL, for games taking place in 2026.
Key Facts
Sleeper offers a $100 bonus to new fantasy sports players who use the promo code NEWSWEEKXL.
The promotion requires new users to register and make an initial cash deposit.
The deposit bonus is a 100% match up to $100.
New users can alternatively choose a $20 no-deposit bonus.
The promotion is available for sports like NBA, NFL, NHL, college basketball, UFC, and soccer.
Interested users must provide personal information and select a payment method during registration.
Newsweek may receive a commission if users sign up through the article's links.
The article discusses a promotion where new users can sign up for theScore Bet using a special ESPN BET promo code and receive a $100 bonus after placing a $10 winning bet. This promotion is active as theScore Bet rebrands from ESPN BET. Users can wager on various sports like NBA, NHL, and college sports to qualify for the bonus.
Key Facts
TheScore Bet has rebranded from ESPN BET.
New users can use the ESPN BET promo code NEWSWEEK to receive a $100 bonus.
To earn the bonus, users need to place a $10 initial bet and win.
The promotion offers a 10-to-1 odds boost for new users.
Users can bet on NBA, NHL, college basketball, college football, NFL, and more.
TheScore Bet app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
NBA has eight games on Monday, providing many betting options.
The Kansas City Chiefs are facing challenges as key players and coaches may be leaving. Patrick Mahomes had knee surgery, and Travis Kelce might retire. The team is also over the salary cap and might lose their defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, who is considering a head coach position elsewhere.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time in 10 years.
Patrick Mahomes had knee surgery for a torn ACL.
Travis Kelce is considering retirement.
The Chiefs ended the season with a 6-11 record, the worst under head coach Andy Reid.
The team is $52 million over the next season's salary cap.
The Tennessee Titans have asked to interview the team's defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.
Spagnuolo has previously transformed the Chiefs' defense into a top-ranking unit.
Spagnuolo has a history of success, including coaching a high-ranking defense and serving as a head coach and interim head coach.
The WWE "Raw" episode on Monday will feature a major match between CM Punk and Bron Breakker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match is expected to be the main event of the show at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This continues Punk's ongoing feud with Breakker, which has become personal.
Key Facts
WWE "Raw" will have its first show of 2026 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
CM Punk, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, will defend his title against Bron Breakker.
The match between Punk and Breakker is expected to be the main event.
CM Punk has been feuding with Breakker, building on a storyline rivalry.
The conflict became personal when Breakker brought up Punk's wife, AJ Lee, in their exchanges.
CM Punk previously regained the championship by defeating Jey Uso.
The outcome of the match will decide if Punk retains his title or if Breakker will become the new champion.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto, a Japanese baseball player, for four years at $60 million. This signing could impact the team's decisions regarding other players, such as Bo Bichette, who might now be more likely to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move may result in player position changes within the Blue Jays.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Japanese free agent Kazuma Okamoto for four years at $60 million.
Okamoto's signing might affect the team's lineup and player positions, such as Addison Barger potentially moving to right field.
There is speculation the Blue Jays might focus on signing Kyle Tucker instead of Bo Bichette.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a better chance of signing Bo Bichette due to the Blue Jays signing Okamoto.
If signed by the Dodgers, Bichette could play second base, a position he is open to.
The move reflects the Blue Jays' aggressive approach in the offseason.
An FCS Championship football game will take place on January 5 in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring Illinois State and Montana State competing for a national title. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and will air on ESPN. Safety Caden Dowler, a key player, may not be fully fit to play due to an injury.
Key Facts
The FCS Championship game is on January 5, in Nashville, Tennessee.
The match features Illinois State (12-4) against Montana State (13-2).
Montana State is favored to win according to FanDuel.
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
Safety Caden Dowler is a standout player for this game but may not play due to an injured arm.
The 2024 FCS Championship winner was North Dakota State.
The FCS playoffs included 24 teams, with 11 conferences receiving automatic bids.
Three college football playoff games remain this season, with the national championship on January 19.
Georgia's football team, led by Coach Kirby Smart, lost their star player Zachariah Branch, who is skipping his final college year to join the NFL Draft. This follows their recent loss to Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff and the departure of multiple players via the transfer portal.
Key Facts
Zachariah Branch, a star receiver for Georgia, declared for the NFL Draft.
Branch was previously at USC before transferring to Georgia.
He performed well with 81 catches for 811 yards in a successful season.
Branch also excelled as a punt returner, showing his versatility.
Georgia, under Coach Kirby Smart, recently lost to Ole Miss in the CFP.
The team is dealing with multiple player losses through the transfer portal.
The transfer portal remains open until January 16, 2026.
Alabama's football team is seeing changes as they lose key player Jaylen Mbakwe to Georgia Tech through the NCAA transfer portal. The team, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, is adjusting after this loss as they also deal with other player transfers. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is strengthening its roster under head coach Brent Key.
Key Facts
Alabama's football team had a disappointing season end with a loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff.
The NCAA transfer portal opened, allowing players to move between college teams.
Jaylen Mbakwe, a top-ranked cornerback and wide receiver, will transfer from Alabama to Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech, coached by Brent Key, ended their season with a 9–4 record.
Alabama has lost 15 players to the transfer portal, including four wide receivers.
Alabama is still connected with potential new players to strengthen their team.
Quarterback Ty Simpson might return to Alabama next season.
The New York Yankees are considering trading a pitching prospect to improve their shortstop position by acquiring Nico Hoerner from the Chicago Cubs. Anthony Volpe, the current shortstop, struggled last season, making the Yankees look for alternatives. Yankees analyst Ryan Garcia suggested this trade could offer a substantial upgrade.
Key Facts
Anthony Volpe struggled as the Yankees' shortstop, with a .663 OPS, 150 strikeouts, and 19 errors.
The Yankees are reportedly interested in trading for Chicago Cubs' infielder Nico Hoerner.
Nico Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glove winner with a contract ending after the coming season.
The Yankees' second-ranked pitching prospect, Will Warren, is suggested in the trade proposal.
Will Warren had a successful rookie season with a 4.44 ERA and 171 strikeouts.
Hoerner had a 6.2 WAR in 2025, while Volpe had a 1.6 WAR.
The Yankees are seeking to improve their lineup with another strong right-handed batter.
Wilfried Nancy's time as Celtic's manager ended after just eight matches with six losses. He was replaced after becoming the manager with the shortest tenure in the club's history. Nancy's decision to use a 3-4-3 formation and his management style were heavily criticized during his brief time at the club.
Key Facts
Wilfried Nancy was sacked by Celtic after eight games in charge.
He lost six out of his eight matches as manager.
Nancy replaced interim boss Martin O'Neill, who had a successful interim period with Celtic.
Nancy's tenure at Celtic became the shortest in the club's history.
His use of a 3-4-3 formation and management choices were criticized.
Nancy lost his first two matches against Hearts and Roma.
Celtic lost the Scottish League Cup final 3-1 to St Mirren under Nancy's management.
Fans and commentators criticized Nancy's performance and game strategy.
The New York Mets are considering a trade for pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers to strengthen their starting rotation. The Mets have faced challenges with their pitching staff and see Peralta, a successful 29-year-old player, as a potential solution.
Key Facts
The New York Mets need to improve their starting rotation after recent roster changes and a quiet offseason.
They've lost key players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz to free agency.
Rookie pitcher Nolan McLean is expected to play a significant role in the Mets’ rotation.
There are concerns over injuries and performance with other pitchers, such as Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea.
The Mets are interested in trading for Freddy Peralta, a two-time All-Star pitcher from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Peralta had a strong season with a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts.
Peralta is only under contract for one more season, making him a short-term solution.
The Mets could also consider signing other free-agent pitchers if trades don't work out.
The Philadelphia Phillies need to fill a gap in their outfield for the upcoming baseball season. They are interested in Randal Grichuk, a former player for the Toronto Blue Jays, to help meet this need. The Phillies are also considering options for their catcher position.
Key Facts
The Phillies have a vacancy in their outfield after Harrison Bader, who played well, became a free agent.
Bader hit .305 with five home runs in his time with the Phillies.
The Phillies are also expected not to have Nick Castellanos for the next season.
The team is considering Randal Grichuk, who played for the Blue Jays and had a .228 average last season.
Grichuk had nearly a .300 average a year before last season.
The Phillies are also looking at options for the catcher position, including J.T. Realmuto or other available players.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto for four years. This move leads to speculation about Bo Bichette's future with the team. The Chicago Cubs show interest in Bichette, who might change positions.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal.
Okamoto is a Japanese player and is expected to take on various roles on the team.
Bo Bichette has been a shortstop, but there’s talk he might need to switch positions.
Bichette recently played second base in the World Series.
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly interested in acquiring Bichette.
Bichette is a productive player despite recent knee injury concerns.
The Cubs could position Bichette at third base or move another player to fit him.
Nico Hoerner from the Cubs is nearing free agency, and the team might trade him.
Notre Dame's football team is dealing with changes as their wide receiver KK Smith enters the NCAA transfer portal. Smith was a key player, appearing in 10 games last season and contributing to the team’s performance. The team previously missed the College Football Playoff and is now looking to adjust its roster.
Key Facts
Notre Dame's wide receiver KK Smith has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Smith played in 10 games last season, with eight catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
The NCAA transfer portal allows college athletes to switch schools, open from January 2 to January 16.
Last season, Smith was Notre Dame's sixth most active wide receiver, with 107 snaps.
Notre Dame missed the College Football Playoff despite only losing two games last season.
Another Notre Dame wide receiver, Leo Schneider, entered the transfer portal recently.
Notre Dame has already seen 14 players enter the transfer portal.
The team looks to replace outgoing players by recruiting others from the portal.
Ruben Amorim was the head coach of Manchester United for 14 months before being removed from his position. Issues with his tactics, including sticking to a specific formation, and conflicts with players and team management contributed to his departure. His final game as head coach was a draw against Leeds, which left the team in sixth place in the Premier League.
Key Facts
Ruben Amorim served as Manchester United's head coach for 14 months.
He refused to change his preferred 3-4-3 formation, despite pressure and criticism.
Amorim's tactics became a concern, and he faced criticism for handling players harshly.
Manchester United experienced their first loss to a fourth-tier team, Grimsby, during his tenure.
Amorim admitted to being affected by emotions, leading to controversial public comments.
His departure followed internal splits and disagreements within the team.
The club spent over £200 million on players while exploring options different from Amorim's tactics.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking into strengthening their quarterback options for the future, potentially affecting current quarterback J.J. McCarthy's role on the team. McCarthy had a challenging season due to injuries and his performance, prompting the team to consider other established quarterbacks through trade or free agency. The Vikings aim to improve their team to a playoff level by exploring all available options.
Key Facts
The Vikings are planning to look at new quarterback options for the 2026 free agency.
J.J. McCarthy, 22, played his first year as a starter for the Vikings, and the team did not make the playoffs.
McCarthy faced more competition last offseason, and this might continue with the team exploring other quarterbacks.
The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported that Minnesota might aggressively pursue experienced quarterbacks through trade or free agency.
McCarthy had a record of 6 wins and 4 losses as a starter, with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
He missed seven games owing to ankle and hand injuries and a concussion.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell did not confirm if McCarthy would remain the starter for the next season.
