The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly agreed to sign Japanese baseball player Kazuma Okamoto, adding another strong hitter to their team. Okamoto has played primarily as a third baseman and has a history of hitting many home runs.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays reached an agreement with Japanese player Kazuma Okamoto.
Okamoto is known for his power hitting, with 30 or more home runs each season from 2018 to 2023.
He played for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
In 2024, he hit 27 home runs, and in 2025, despite injuries, he hit 15 home runs in 77 games.
The Blue Jays have several infield players, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and possible returning player Bo Bichette.
Okamoto is expected to play as a third baseman due to the team's current lineup.
The Blue Jays have been active in signing new players this offseason, including Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Taylor Rogers.
Northwestern University has hired Chip Kelly as their offensive coordinator for the football team, aiming to enhance their performance after a 7-6 season. Jerry Neuheisel will also join the team as the new quarterbacks coach. These changes are part of Northwestern's efforts to build a stronger football program.
Key Facts
Northwestern University football team had a 7-6 season finish in 2025.
Chip Kelly was hired as the new offensive coordinator for the team.
Kelly previously worked with Ohio State, Oregon Ducks, Philadelphia Eagles, UCLA Bruins, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Jerry Neuheisel, former UCLA offensive playcaller, joined as the new quarterbacks coach.
Neuheisel worked with Kelly at UCLA for eight seasons.
Northwestern aims for a stronger program, reflected in its $862 million Ryan Field upgrade, projected for 2026 completion.
Shedeur Sanders, currently the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, received advice from former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer on improving his game. Sanders' performance this season includes 1,289 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions with a 57.4% completion rate. There is uncertainty about whether he will be the Browns' starting quarterback in 2026.
Key Facts
Shedeur Sanders plays as the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
Sanders has thrown for 1,289 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions in seven games.
His passer rating stands at 68.5, with a completion rate of 57.4%.
Former Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer advised Sanders to focus on eliminating mistakes to be successful.
Sanders improved by showing better performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers recently.
Sanders began the season as the third-string quarterback and became a starter after Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.
The Cleveland Browns, with a 4-12 record, hold two first-round picks and may consider trading up for a new quarterback in the NFL Draft.
Sanders' future as the starting quarterback may also depend on the team’s coaching decisions for the next season.
After losing to Miami in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State has seen 12 players decide to enter the transfer portal. These players are looking for more playing time and financial benefits elsewhere, which is a change from how top football programs have traditionally retained their depth.
Key Facts
Ohio State lost 12 players to the transfer portal following their loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl.
Players leaving include notable positions such as a quarterback, linebacker, offensive lineman, wide receiver, and EDGE rusher.
The transfer portal allows college football players to switch schools more easily, looking for better opportunities.
This change reflects broader shifts in college football, where players prioritize immediate playing time and financial incentives.
Indiana used the transfer portal to strengthen their team, contributing to their success over Ohio State.
The transfer portal remains open until January 16, 2026, giving other teams a chance to recruit these players.
Michigan Wolverines' offensive lineman Jake Guarnera has entered the NCAA transfer portal after a successful season where he played as Michigan's starting right guard. Guarnera, recognized for his performance in the All-Big Ten conference, is among several significant players leaving the team.
Key Facts
Jake Guarnera was Michigan's starting right guard in 2025.
He played 623 offensive snaps and allowed only two sacks and 11 pressures this season.
Guarnera was an All-Big Ten honorable mention and won Offensive Player of the Week twice.
He has entered the NCAA transfer portal and won't return next season.
Guarnera is the 12th Michigan player to enter the transfer portal recently.
Potential replacements for him include Brady Norton, Kaden Strayhorn, and Nathan Efobi.
The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to keep their head coach Zac Taylor despite not making the playoffs again. This decision was influenced by quarterback Joe Burrow's support for Taylor, showing that the organization values Burrow's opinion.
Key Facts
Zac Taylor will remain the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The decision is based on Joe Burrow's support for Taylor.
The Bengals have not made the playoffs for the past three seasons.
Coach Zac Taylor has a record of 52 wins, 62 losses, and 1 tie since 2019.
Taylor led the Bengals to the Super Bowl during the 2021-22 season.
Joe Burrow had a significant toe injury this season but has shown support for Taylor.
The Bengals' last game of the season is against the Cleveland Browns.
BetMGM is offering a special bonus for NFL Week 18 games. New users can get a $1,500 bet safety net or a $150 bonus, depending on where they live. The bonuses apply to the Panthers-Buccaneers and Seahawks-49ers games.
Key Facts
BetMGM is offering a bonus code "NEWSWEEK" for new users during NFL Week 18.
New users can choose between a $1,500 first bet safety net or a $150 bonus offer.
The $150 bonus requires an initial $10 bet win.
The Panthers-Buccaneers game could decide the NFC South champion.
The Seahawks-49ers game will determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
BetMGM's app offers a "second chance" touchdown scorer feature.
Users have to register and place a bet to activate their bonus offer.
TheScore Bet is offering a promotion for new users where they can place a $10 wager on any NFL game and receive a $100 bonus if the bet wins. This offer coincides with the important game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers on January 3, 2026, which will determine the NFC West champion. New users must download the app, register, and enter the promo code "NEWSWEEK" to access the promotion.
Key Facts
TheScore Bet provides a promotional offer of a $100 bonus for new users with a $10 initial wager that wins.
The offer is available for all NFL games, including the Seahawks vs. 49ers matchup on January 3, 2026.
The bonus is divided into five $20 bets, and new users have 7 days to use each one.
The Seahawks are favorites for the game against the 49ers, with a market odds shift from +160 to -145.
This promotional game is significant as it determines the NFC West champion and the conference's No. 1 seed.
New users need to download theScore Bet app, register, and use promo code "NEWSWEEK" to qualify.
The 49ers started as favorites but changed to underdogs with market confidence shifting to the Seahawks.
The bet and bonus apply to any sports betting market on the platform, not restricted to one game.
Kalshi is offering new users a $10 bonus for making NFL predictions during Week 18 if they sign up using a specific promo code. To get this bonus, users must create an account and make $100 worth of trades. Kalshi also offers markets for predicting outcomes in areas other than sports.
Key Facts
Kalshi is offering a $10 bonus for new users who sign up using the promo code "NEWSWEEK."
To receive the bonus, users must make $100 worth of trades on Kalshi.
The promotion includes making predictions on NFL games during Week 18.
Saturday's NFL games include matchups like Buccaneers vs. Panthers and 49ers vs. Seahawks.
The Panthers can win their division with a victory, while the Buccaneers need to win and rely on other teams' outcomes.
Kalshi allows predictions on various topics, including politics, economics, and crypto.
Setting up an account requires providing personal information and making a deposit.
Newsweek might earn a commission if users sign up through the promotion links in the article.
An LSU football player, Carius Curne, wants to transfer to another school, but he says LSU is delaying his paperwork. Curne is a top-ranked player, and he is trying to use the current transfer portal window to find a new school.
Key Facts
Carius Curne is an offensive tackle for LSU and a top-rated player from Arkansas.
He announced his intention to transfer during a 15-day transfer portal window.
Curne claims LSU is delaying his transfer paperwork.
He is ranked as the top offensive tackle and 18th overall player in the transfer portal according to 247Sports.
The transfer portal allows players to switch schools, and it closes on January 16, 2026.
Missing days in the transfer process can reduce a player's chances of exploring opportunities at other schools.
Lane Kiffin, LSU's new head coach, is actively using the transfer portal to strengthen the team.
Notre Dame's head basketball coach, Micah Shrewsberry, apologized after an incident following a game against Cal, where he charged at an official. The controversy arose from a disputed decision regarding a key scoring play that led to Cal's victory. Shrewsberry acknowledged his actions were inappropriate and promised to learn from the experience.
Key Facts
Micah Shrewsberry is the head coach of Notre Dame's basketball team.
Notre Dame lost to Cal 72-71 in a game that ended controversially.
The game's final moments involved a disputed call on a three-point shot and foul.
After the game, Shrewsberry charged at an official but did not physically engage.
Shrewsberry publicly apologized for his behavior, acknowledging it was inappropriate.
He promised to learn from the incident and improve his conduct in the future.
It is not clear if Shrewsberry will face any punishment for his actions.
Spencer Jones, a promising outfielder for the New York Yankees, may not make the team's starting roster for opening day. Although Jones had a strong performance in the minor leagues last season, his path to the major league roster might be blocked by other players and team signings.
Key Facts
Spencer Jones is a New York Yankees prospect drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft.
Jones is 6-foot-7 and has been compared to Yankees star Aaron Judge.
In the 2025 minor league season, Jones played 116 games, hitting .274 with 35 home runs.
Despite his good performance, Jones struck out 179 times, which is seen as a concern.
Trent Grisham has returned to the Yankees, which affects roster decisions.
The Yankees are considering signing Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker, impacting Jones's chances.
Jones may need to compete with Jasson Domínguez for a spot on the team.
Bleacher Report estimates Jones has a 10% chance of making the opening day roster.
The New York Yankees are planning to improve their team by potentially trading for Miami Marlins' star pitcher Sandy Alcántara. The Yankees need better starting pitchers and may trade some players to get Alcántara. This move might happen around the trade deadline next season.
Key Facts
The Yankees are looking to strengthen their team to compete in the American League East.
Last year, the Toronto Blue Jays won the division.
The Yankees might wait until the trade deadline to make major moves.
Sandy Alcántara is a top pitcher for the Miami Marlins.
Pete Caldera predicts the Yankees might trade Will Warren and Bryce Cunningham for Alcántara.
Alcántara has improved since his Tommy John surgery, a procedure to repair an elbow injury.
Yankees’ current pitchers, Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, are recovering from injuries.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, returned to the UK for funerals after a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his friends. Joshua was in the car during the crash but was treated and discharged from the hospital. The driver, charged with causing death by dangerous driving, received bail and is awaiting further court proceedings.
Key Facts
Anthony Joshua returned to the UK after a car crash in Nigeria.
The crash happened near Lagos, Nigeria, on a major roadway.
Two of Joshua's close friends were killed in the accident.
Joshua was in the hospital after the crash but was released on Wednesday.
The driver of the car faces charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.
The driver got bail set at 5 million naira.
The funerals for Joshua's friends will be held at a London mosque.
Joshua, an Olympic champion, was visiting family in Nigeria when the crash occurred.
The New York Yankees and New York Mets might make a significant trade at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. The trade could involve Yankees pitcher Luis Gil going to the Mets in exchange for infielder Mark Vientos. This move could change both teams' rosters.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees are considered one of the top teams but have not made major changes to their roster recently.
There is speculation about a trade between the Yankees and the Mets at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.
The potential trade would involve Luis Gil, a pitcher for the Yankees.
In exchange, the Mets would send Mark Vientos, a young infielder, to the Yankees.
This would be a significant move, as trades between the Yankees and Mets are rare.
For the trade to happen, the Yankees would need to acquire additional pitching to replace Gil.
Mark Vientos had a difficult season, but he is seen as a potential strong hitter for the future.
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is in the transfer portal, considering moving to a new college for his last season before the NFL Draft. Four schools, Kentucky, Oregon, Miami, and LSU, are potential destinations, with LSU seen as the top choice. His decision will likely depend on each school's offer and potential for exposure before he enters the 2027 NFL Draft.
Key Facts
Sam Leavitt is a quarterback currently in the transfer portal.
He played for Arizona State and is entering his final college season.
Leavitt is aiming for a high first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The top four schools interested in him are Kentucky, Oregon, Miami, and LSU.
Kentucky was a surprise entry, and Leavitt is meeting with their staff.
Oregon would welcome him back home, but decisions must be made first.
Miami has a good record with transfer quarterbacks and is in the CFP semifinals.
LSU, led by Lane Kiffin, is aggressively pursuing Leavitt and is seen as the best fit.
Ole Miss Rebels won against Georgia in a College Football Playoff game, avenging an earlier loss. Lane Kiffin, who left Ole Miss to coach LSU, does not seem upset despite speculation. Ole Miss will next play Miami in the semifinals.
Key Facts
Ole Miss beat Georgia 39-34 in a College Football Playoff game.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss' quarterback, threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns.
Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss to become the head coach at LSU.
Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris felt Kiffin's departure was personal.
Kiffin stated he is happy for Ole Miss' success after leaving.
Pete Golding is the new head coach at Ole Miss.
Ole Miss will face Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal on January 10th.
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway plans to transfer to a different college after his sophomore year. He is considering several programs, including Baylor, Louisville, Virginia, Missouri, and rival Florida State. Lagway, who was a highly ranked recruit, has two more years to play in college football.
Key Facts
DJ Lagway, a quarterback for the Florida Gators, is in the NCAA transfer portal.
He was a five-star recruit out of high school.
Lagway has two years of college football eligibility left.
Possible new teams for Lagway include Baylor, Louisville, Virginia, Missouri, and Florida State.
Florida State, a major rival of the Gators, has reportedly contacted Lagway.
Lagway is the third-best quarterback and 10th-best player in the transfer portal.
In two seasons, he has thrown 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
Lane Kiffin, a well-known college football coach, is making moves in the transfer portal to build his team. He recently re-signed a key player, Trey’Dez Green, to strengthen his new offense at LSU. Kiffin used social media to indicate that he is just beginning his work with transfers.
Key Facts
Lane Kiffin is a college football coach focused on using the transfer portal to improve his team.
Kiffin recently re-signed Trey’Dez Green, a talented tight end who caught seven touchdowns in 2025.
Green is considered a vital part of the team’s future plans.
Kiffin expressed on social media that he is just starting his transfer activities.
There is speculation about which quarterback might join LSU next, with names like Sam Leavitt and Brendan Sorsby mentioned.
The transfer portal will close on January 16, 2026.
Ole Miss coaches quickly left for LSU after a major win in the College Football Playoff, causing uncertainty due to the transfer portal opening. Lane Kiffin will need his staff to recruit new players while managing commitments to both Ole Miss and LSU during this busy period.
Key Facts
Ole Miss won against Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
Four Ole Miss coaches have joined LSU to work under Lane Kiffin starting in 2026.
These coaches are Charlie Weis Jr., Joe Cox, George McDonald, and Kevin Smith.
Kiffin's situation is complicated by the transfer portal, which is open until Jan. 16.
LSU needs its coaching staff to recruit players before the early signing period ends.
Kiffin's former team, Ole Miss, is still competing in the College Football Playoff.
Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU for better recruiting opportunities and resources.
