Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons plans to transfer to a different football program after the team's success in the Sugar Bowl. Simmons, who began the season as the starting quarterback, will stay with the team during their College Football Playoff games but is looking to move to another school afterward.
Key Facts
Ole Miss won against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and advanced in the College Football Playoff.
Austin Simmons, originally the starting quarterback, was sidelined by an injury and replaced by Trinidad Chambliss.
Simmons intends to transfer and has listed himself in the transfer portal with a "do not contact" tag.
He will remain part of the team as a backup during their current playoff run.
Chambliss has had a successful season as the Ole Miss quarterback.
Simmons might transfer to Missouri, an SEC rival, where they need a new starting quarterback.
The transfer portal will close on January 16, 2026.
Ole Miss will play next in the Fiesta Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes.
The article discusses NFL Week 18 games with a focus on the Seattle Seahawks versus San Francisco 49ers matchup. This game will decide the NFC West division winner and determine who gets homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs. The piece also covers betting odds for this game and mentions some player injuries affecting both teams.
Key Facts
The Seahawks and 49ers are competing for the NFC West title in Week 18.
Winner of the game gets homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs.
San Francisco won their earlier season matchup against Seattle.
Seattle's defense has been one of the league's top performers.
San Francisco's offense is on a scoring streak, having scored 90 points in the last two games.
Key 49ers players, like Trent Williams and George Kittle, are questionable due to injuries.
Seahawks are considered Super Bowl favorites by some betting platforms.
Both traditional sportsbooks and prediction markets are offering bets on these games.
Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini, aged 17, died in a fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day. The fire killed at least 40 people and injured over 100, with many in critical condition. Galeppini was recognized as a promising young golfer, having achieved significant success in junior competitions.
Key Facts
Emanuele Galeppini was a 17-year-old Italian golfer.
He died in a fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
The fire occurred early on New Year's Day.
At least 40 people died, and over 100 were injured in the fire.
Galeppini was from Genoa but lived in Dubai with his family.
The Italian Golf Federation confirmed his death and expressed condolences.
Galeppini had success in junior golf competitions, winning the 2025 Omega Dubai Creek Amateur Open.
His highest ranking in the World Amateur Golf was 2,440th.
Anthony Joshua's driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged after a crash in Nigeria. The crash injured Joshua and killed two of his team members. The charges against the driver include causing death by dangerous driving.
Key Facts
Anthony Joshua was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed in Nigeria.
The crash resulted in the deaths of Joshua's personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami.
Anthony Joshua was injured in the crash but has been discharged from the hospital.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and other related charges at Sagamu Magistrates' Court.
The crash involved a collision with a stationary truck on a highway in Ogun state.
The court has set the next hearing date for 20 January.
Joshua expressed sadness over the deaths of his team members and visited a funeral home to pay respects.
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy spoke about the need for patience as he adjusts to his new role at the club. He has faced criticism after losing five of his first seven matches but remains confident about the future. Nancy emphasized that time and support are crucial for achieving success.
Key Facts
Wilfried Nancy has lost five out of the first seven matches since becoming Celtic's manager.
He took over the managerial role from interim manager Martin O'Neill in December.
Celtic recently lost 2-0 to Motherwell, adding pressure on Nancy.
Celtic is currently three points behind league leaders Hearts and three points ahead of Rangers.
Nancy stated the club's board, players, and staff are supportive of him.
He mentioned having only had 13 training sessions with the team so far.
Nancy asked for more time to prove his methods and improve team performance.
The article discusses backup quarterbacks expected to start in Week 18 of the fantasy football season. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers are resting key players, providing opportunities for backup quarterbacks such as Tanner McKee and Trey Lance. These changes impact fantasy football strategies for players in the final week of the season.
Key Facts
The Eagles will rest their starting players, allowing Tanner McKee to start against the Washington team.
Trey Lance will start for the Chargers, who are playing against the Denver Broncos.
Tyler Shough of the New Orleans Saints faces challenges due to the absence of top receiver Chris Olave.
Aidan O’Connell and Kenny Pickett are expected to share playing time for the Las Vegas Raiders, indicating a low priority on winning the game.
Clayton Tune is set to start for the Green Bay Packers, who are playing in a low-stakes game against the Vikings.
Several quarterbacks are identified as more reliable choices for fantasy football due to their teams still having something to play for in Week 18.
LSU and Tennessee are competing to sign Chaz Coleman, a top defensive player, from the transfer portal. Coleman is leaving Penn State after one year and considering new schools, with the SEC schools LSU and Tennessee showing strong interest.
Key Facts
Chaz Coleman is a highly-ranked pass-rusher leaving Penn State.
He is using the transfer portal to find a new school.
LSU and Tennessee are the main schools interested in signing him.
The transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to switch schools.
LSU hopes Coleman will help improve their defense.
Tennessee wants to strengthen their team after a mixed 2025 season.
The transfer portal window closes on January 16, 2026.
Bet365 is offering special promotions for new players who join their sports betting platform. By using a specific bonus code, new users can receive bonuses when they place their first bets on various sports like the NBA and NFL. The offers vary by state, providing bonuses of different amounts or a safety net bet option.
Key Facts
Bet365 is giving new players bonuses when they place their first bets using the bonus code WEEK365.
In Missouri, a $10 bet unlocks a $365 bonus for new users.
In states like Arizona, Colorado, and Indiana, a $5 bet provides a $150 bonus or a $1,000 safety net bet.
The safety net bet offers a refund of up to $1,000 in bonuses if the first bet loses.
The promotions apply to bets on sports such as the NBA, NFL, college basketball, and college football.
New accounts must be created to access these offers, requiring a minimum $10 deposit.
Bet365 also provides daily bet boosts on various sports matchups, increasing potential winnings.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through links in the article.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to play against the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North Division title. Steelers player T.J. Watt, who had surgery after a collapsed lung, is feeling better and ready to return to the game.
Key Facts
The Steelers and Ravens will compete for the AFC North Division title and a home playoff game spot.
The game is scheduled for "Sunday Night Football" on January 4.
Steelers' wide receiver DK Metcalf is suspended due to an altercation with a fan.
Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson will play despite a back injury.
T.J. Watt recently returned to practice after recovering from surgery for a collapsed lung.
Watt’s injury was caused by a pain relief method called dry needling.
Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has played in fewer games this season due to injuries.
The Steelers' defense needs to perform well, especially since the offense struggled in a recent game.
A spoiler for the upcoming episode of "WWE SmackDown" suggests that former TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace will appear in a pre-recorded segment. This segment will also feature WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill and wrestler Charlotte Flair. WWE is reportedly bringing several "NXT" wrestlers to the main roster, and Grace is one of the wrestlers expected to move up.
Key Facts
Jordynne Grace is a former TNA Knockouts World Champion.
Grace is set to appear on "WWE SmackDown" in a pre-taped segment.
The segment will include WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill and Charlotte Flair.
WWE plans to move several "NXT" wrestlers to the main roster.
Trick Williams has already joined the "SmackDown" roster.
Oba Femi and Je'Von Evans are also expected to be moved to "SmackDown" soon.
Grace was a surprise participant in the 2024 women's "Royal Rumble" match.
Grace has been active in WWE's "NXT" with notable rivalries.
The article discusses the potential free agency move of star baseball player Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is speculation about Tucker's high market value and possible team choices as he remains unsigned ahead of the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is a star outfielder and a top free agent this offseason.
He visited the Toronto Blue Jays' spring facility as part of his free agency.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and other big market teams are interested in Tucker.
MLB insider Robert Murray suggests the Dodgers are strong candidates to sign Tucker.
Tucker is expected to get a significant contract, possibly over $300 million.
Despite expectations, Tucker remains unsigned before the start of the 2026 season.
BetMGM is offering new users a chance to place a $1,500 first bet on various sports. If their first bet doesn't win, they will get the amount they bet back in bonuses. Users in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia can also get a special odds boost offer.
Key Facts
BetMGM offers a $1,500 first bet for new users. If the bet loses, users get their money back in bonuses.
The offer is available for NBA, NFL, college basketball, college football, NHL, soccer, and UFC.
Users in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia can place a $10 bet and receive a $150 bonus if they win, thanks to a 15-1 odds boost.
New accounts can be set up easily using the bonus code NEWSWEEK.
Players need to make a cash deposit of at least $10 to start betting.
BetMGM also offers odds boost tokens for NBA, college basketball, and NHL games.
The article states that sign-ups through Newsweek links could result in affiliate commissions for Newsweek.
A new daily fantasy sports offer from the app Betr Picks gives users the chance to receive up to $210 in bonuses for making sports selections. This offer is available for events in the NBA, NFL, and other leagues, and is co-owned by Jake and Logan Paul.
Key Facts
Betr Picks is a daily fantasy sports app co-owned by Jake and Logan Paul.
A new promotion offers up to $210 in bonuses for users who create a new account.
The offer consists of an immediate $10 bonus and a 50% deposit match up to $200.
Users can make picks for players in various sports, including the NBA and NFL.
Upcoming NBA games include matchups like Hawks vs. Knicks and Thunder vs. Warriors.
NFL playoff positions will be finalized after the weekend's games.
The app has gained popularity within the daily fantasy sports industry.
Myles Garrett, a defensive player for the Cleveland Browns football team, spoke about possibly giving his opinion on the future of head coach Kevin Stefanski if team leaders ask him. Garrett was preparing for a game where he might break an NFL record for sacks. Stefanski has won the Coach of the Year award twice, but the team's recent record has been poor.
Key Facts
Myles Garrett is a star player for the Cleveland Browns.
He might share his views on head coach Kevin Stefanski's future if the team's management asks.
Garrett aims to break the NFL single-season sack record in an upcoming game.
Kevin Stefanski won the NFL Coach of the Year twice, in 2020 and 2023.
Stefanski led the Browns to the playoffs in those years but has an overall record of 44 wins and 56 losses.
The Browns have a poor record of 7-26 since the start of 2024.
Stefanski's background is in coaching quarterbacks and offensive plays, but the team's offense needs major changes.
Michigan All-Big Ten cornerback Zeke Berry has decided to enter the transfer portal after four years with the team. Berry, recognized for his defensive skills, was a standout player for Michigan, and several college programs are now interested in recruiting him.
Key Facts
Zeke Berry is an All-Big Ten cornerback from the University of Michigan.
He played four seasons with Michigan and started in 22 games as a defensive back.
Berry recorded 55 solo tackles and 74 combined tackles during his time at Michigan.
He led the Big Ten with 10 passes defended in 11 games this season.
Berry received multiple honors, including the team's Defensive Skill Player of the Year in 2024.
Several universities, including Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida State, are interested in Berry following his decision to transfer.
Michigan is undergoing changes, including the replacement of their head coach with Kyle Whittingham.
Berry's decision comes after the dismissal of former head coach Sherrone Moore, which followed Michigan's loss to the Texas Longhorns.
Ole Miss is getting ready to file a tampering complaint against LSU. This is happening because Ole Miss allowed coaches scheduled to join LSU to stay with them during the College Football Playoffs, and concerns have arisen about recruiting tampering. The situation is urgent because the transfer portal has opened, and Ole Miss will play Miami soon.
Key Facts
Ole Miss and LSU are involved in a tampering dispute over coaching staff moves.
Ole Miss's former head coach, Lane Kiffin, left for LSU after the regular season.
Staff members who plan to join LSU were allowed to stay with Ole Miss for the playoffs.
The transfer portal, a system that lets players transfer between schools, has opened.
Ole Miss believes LSU may have tampered with recruiting efforts during this time.
Ole Miss is preparing to play Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
There is limited time to resolve these issues before the upcoming game.
LSU finds it unrealistic for the staff to remain with Ole Miss now that the portal is open.
A humorous online character called "Old Ball," depicted as an old basketball, has become popular on social media. Old Ball "discusses" his past experiences and the changes in basketball, like the modern way teams play. The character is part of a comedy group called Benched Studios.
Key Facts
Old Ball is a fictional character portrayed as an old basketball gaining popularity online.
Old Ball was "forgotten" in a shed for about 30 years since the 1990s.
The character is part of Benched Studios, a comedy group consisting of Ben Bayouth, Christian Heuer, and Adam Aseraf.
Old Ball "talks" about the differences in basketball now compared to the 1990s.
Social media and other technological changes are part of Old Ball's learning experience.
Old Ball finds modern basketball to be a "spectacle" compared to his era.
John Stockton is an NBA player that Old Ball believes would still be successful today.
The Navy football team will play against Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Friday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and viewers can also stream it through Fubo. Navy recently won against Army, while Cincinnati ended their season with a losing streak and several player changes.
Key Facts
The Navy and Cincinnati football teams are competing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
The game is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM EDT.
ESPN will broadcast the game, and Fubo offers a streaming option.
Navy won their last game against Army and has a 10-2 season record.
Cincinnati has a 7-5 record and ended the season with four losses.
Cincinnati's quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, will not return, as he is entering the transfer portal.
Navy's quarterback, Blake Horvath, played a key role in their recent victory over Army.
WWE wrestler Dominik Mysterio, who recently injured his shoulder, will not need surgery and is expected to recover in three to four weeks. This means he should return to wrestling in time for the upcoming "Royal Rumble" event.
Key Facts
Dominik Mysterio injured his shoulder during a tag team wrestling match in Mexico.
The injury happened when his father, Rey Mysterio, performed a move called a DDT.
Dominik Mysterio received a positive medical evaluation, indicating no surgery is needed.
He is expected to recover in three to four weeks.
WWE removed him from a live event on December 26 as a precaution.
He is anticipated to return for the "Royal Rumble" event after his recovery period.
The New York Mets may not pursue signing Framber Valdez, a 32-year-old star pitcher, despite being linked to him. The team lost several key players this offseason and has made some new signings. The Mets might look for trading options instead of offering a large contract to Valdez.
Key Facts
The New York Mets are linked to free agent pitcher Framber Valdez.
The Mets have lost key players Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz this offseason.
The team has added new players like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
Mark Feinsand from MLB.com suggested the Mets might not pursue Valdez.
Mets’ president David Stearns usually avoids long-term contracts for pitchers.
Valdez could get a six-year deal worth around $200 million.
The Mets might consider trading for a pitcher instead of signing Valdez.
