Ohio State's football team lost to Miami in the College Football Playoff. After the loss, several Ohio State players decided to transfer, and a coach from their team, Michael Hunter Jr., will move to the University of Tennessee. Hunter Jr. was a defensive backs assistant, and his departure follows Ohio State's exit from the playoff competition.
Key Facts
Ohio State lost to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Several Ohio State players plan to enter the transfer portal.
Michael Hunter Jr., an Ohio State defensive backs assistant, is leaving to join Tennessee in the SEC.
Hunter Jr. was with Ohio State for two years and previously coached at Tulsa and Oklahoma State.
The transfer portal will open for 15 days starting January 2, 2026, allowing players to move to other teams.
Tennessee hopes Michael Hunter Jr.'s coaching will strengthen their team for the 2026 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering trading for NBA player Dillon Brooks to improve their team before the 2025-26 trade deadline. Brooks, who has had past disagreements with Lakers' star LeBron James, is known for his strong defensive skills and ability to shoot three-point shots. The trade could help the Lakers in their playoff run, but they must consider the dynamics between Brooks and James.
Key Facts
The Lakers are thinking about trading for Dillon Brooks before the 2025-26 trade deadline.
LeBron James and Dillon Brooks have had conflicts in the past.
Brooks is praised for his defense and has a history of guarding top players.
He has a career 35.4% success rate in three-point shooting.
Brooks previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers want to improve their defense and shooting to compete for a top spot in the Western Conference.
The team might trade a future first-round draft pick to get Brooks.
The article discusses criticism of NBA player Luka Doncic's defensive skills during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Former NBA player Jeff Teague compares Doncic unfavorably to Cade Cunningham, highlighting Cunningham's defensive abilities. Despite Doncic's strong offensive performances, the Lakers have struggled defensively this season.
Key Facts
Luka Doncic is in his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have started struggling on defense as the season progresses.
Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague prefers Cade Cunningham over Luka Doncic due to Cunningham's defensive skills.
Cade Cunningham is performing well this season, leading the Pistons and is considered for an MVP spot.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.5 points and 8.7 assists per game.
Lakers' head coach JJ Redick has pointed out the team's defensive struggles.
The Lakers aim to improve their performance to compete for a championship.
The Denver Nuggets are experiencing injuries to key players, including their star Nikola Jokic, who is out due to a hyperextended knee. Veteran player Jonas Valanciunas is also sidelined for at least four weeks due to an injury during a recent game. Despite these setbacks, the Nuggets maintain a strong position in the NBA's Western Conference.
Key Facts
Nikola Jokic, a crucial player for the Denver Nuggets, is out with a knee injury.
Jokic is averaging 29.6 points and 11 assists per game this season.
Other injured players include Cameron Johnson, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon.
The Nuggets currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference with a 23-10 record.
Jonas Valanciunas, who stepped up during Jokic's absence, scored 17 points in his last game before his injury.
Valanciunas will be out for at least four weeks following his recent injury.
The Nuggets will next play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on their East Coast tour.
Head coach David Adelman will rely on DaRon Holmes II and Zeke Nnaji to fill the gaps in the team's lineup.
Indiana's football team, led by head coach Curt Cignetti, continues its undefeated season by defeating Alabama in the Rose Bowl. This victory secures a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals and earns Cignetti a $700,000 bonus. Additionally, this success activates a clause in Cignetti’s contract that may increase his salary.
Key Facts
Curt Cignetti is the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers football team.
Indiana beat Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl.
This win keeps Indiana's perfect season alive and advances them to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Cignetti recently signed an eight-year, $93 million contract extension.
He earned a $700,000 bonus for advancing to the CFP Semifinal.
Indiana has a 25-2 record under Cignetti, with a 17-1 record in the Big Ten conference.
Cignetti’s contract includes a clause that may require Indiana to raise his salary, making it one of the highest for active head coaches.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has entered the transfer portal after the team's loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the 2025 College Football Playoff. With Penn State looking for a new quarterback, Kienholz may be a possible option for them. Kienholz played sparingly for Ohio State and is now seeking a starting role elsewhere.
Key Facts
Lincoln Kienholz decided to enter the transfer portal after Ohio State lost to Miami in the 2025 College Football Playoff.
Kienholz has been with Ohio State since 2023 but played limited games.
During his time, he completed 21 passes out of 36 for 250 yards, one touchdown, and ran for 68 yards with two touchdowns.
Kienholz was a four-star recruit, ranked 11th among quarterbacks in the 2023 class.
Penn State may potentially look to Kienholz as a replacement for their departing quarterback, Drew Allar.
Penn State is also considering Rocco Becht from Iowa State as another option.
Colleges are actively seeking quarterbacks from the transfer portal, with Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati attracting significant interest. LSU, Miami, and Texas Tech are some of the schools considering him, with LSU and Miami particularly eager due to their current quarterback needs.
Key Facts
The transfer portal currently has a highly competitive class of quarterbacks.
Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati is considered one of the top quarterbacks available.
LSU, Miami, and Texas Tech are interested in acquiring Sorsby.
LSU needs a new quarterback as Garrett Nussmeier is graduating.
Miami is seeking a quarterback since their current starter, Carson Beck, will graduate after this season.
Miami recently advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
LSU has plans to recruit other quarterbacks if they do not acquire Sorsby.
The Indiana Hoosiers football team, led by head coach Curt Cignetti, won against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with a score of 38-3. Coach Cignetti praised his team's character and leadership after the game. This victory marks a significant achievement for Indiana, who will face Oregon in the semifinals.
Key Facts
Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
Indiana entered the game as 7½-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
The team was often underestimated due to past performance struggles.
Head coach Curt Cignetti shared a message about the team's strong character and leadership.
Cignetti took over the team last season and led them to the playoffs.
Indiana is currently 14-0 and has won the Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl.
They will face the Oregon Ducks in the semifinals with a chance to reach the national championship.
Alabama's football team lost to Indiana in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, with a score of 38-3. This was the first time Alabama has lost a game by over 30 points this century. Alabama's coach, Kalen DeBoer, emphasized the need to move forward and possibly rethink their strategy.
Key Facts
Alabama lost to Indiana 38-3 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
The game took place at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
This loss was Alabama's first by more than 30 points in the 21st century.
Alabama's coach, Kalen DeBoer, expressed frustration but stressed the importance of moving on.
DeBoer mentioned the need for rebuilding and setting a common goal to improve.
The transfer portal, a system for college athletes to switch schools, is opening soon, influencing team strategies.
DeBoer suggested Alabama may need to change its recruitment strategy to stay competitive.
Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 in the Rose Bowl. Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, led his team with strong performance, while Alabama's quarterback struggled. Alabama's coach, Kalen DeBoer, praised Indiana's team after the loss.
Key Facts
Indiana Hoosiers won against Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl with a score of 38-3.
Indiana's quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 196 yards and three touchdowns.
Alabama's quarterback Ty Simpson completed 12 of 16 passes for 67 yards and no touchdowns, and got benched during the game.
Indiana's defense held Alabama to just a field goal and a total of 170 passing yards and under 40 rushing yards.
Indiana's running backs, Kaelon Black and Roman Henby, combined for 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Alabama's coach Kalen DeBoer praised Indiana's high-level execution and teamwork.
Indiana will face the Miami Hurricanes in their next game, after Miami defeated Ohio State.
Parker Livingstone, a Texas Longhorns wide receiver and roommate to quarterback Arch Manning, plans to transfer to another college. Manning had a strong game in the Texas win over Michigan at the Citrus Bowl. Livingstone has three years of eligibility left and led the team in receiving yard average this season.
Key Facts
Texas Longhorns concluded their season with a 41-27 victory over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
Arch Manning threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns; he also ran for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone, Manning's roommate, plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Livingstone had 29 receptions for 516 yards and six touchdowns this season.
He was the third-leading receiver on the team, averaging 17.8 yards per catch.
Several Longhorns players, including top running backs, intend to transfer this month.
Texas hired Will Muschamp as the new defensive coordinator.
The Las Vegas Raiders might consider trading Maxx Crosby, a key player, due to disagreements and the team’s possible rebuild. There is speculation about a trade involving Crosby for Chicago Bears' wide receiver DJ Moore and a first-round draft pick.
Key Facts
Maxx Crosby was shut down by the Raiders at the end of the season due to a knee injury, against his wishes.
There's talk that Crosby might want to be traded because the Raiders could be rebuilding.
The Chicago Bears lead their division but have a weak defense.
DJ Moore has a four-year, $110 million contract starting in 2026.
A potential trade may involve exchanging Moore and a first-round draft pick for Crosby.
The Bears focus on a rush-heavy offense with strong tight end plays.
Any trade would need to balance Crosby's talent with Moore’s high salary impact.
The Philadelphia 76ers will play against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. They recently won against the Memphis Grizzlies, with standout performances by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The game will be available on TV and streaming platforms.
Key Facts
The game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks is on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 139-136 recently, thanks to a decisive 3-pointer.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scored 34 points for the 76ers in their last game.
Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg scored 15 points, eight assists, and three steals in a recent game.
The 76ers won against the Mavericks 121-114 on December 20, 2025.
The game will be shown on NBA TV and KFAA (Dallas) and can be streamed on Fubo.
Viewers should be aware of regional restrictions for the live stream.
The Las Vegas Raiders, likely to finish last in the NFL and receive the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, are expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. The team is struggling, both with internal conflicts and a lack of a strong quarterback, aiming to improve by selecting Mendoza, who is praised for his skills and leadership.
Key Facts
The Las Vegas Raiders are the worst team in the NFL this season.
Head coach Pete Carroll might not remain with the Raiders for long.
The team is having issues with their key player, Maxx Crosby, who is considering trades.
Quarterback Geno Smith has not met the team's expectations.
As of now, the Raiders are close to securing the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fernando Mendoza, an Indiana quarterback, is predicted to be their first draft pick.
Mendoza is noted for his strong skills and leadership qualities.
The Raiders have not had a top draft pick in nearly two decades.
The Ole Miss Rebels will face the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl, part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, happening on January 1, 2026, in New Orleans. Georgia, with a strong defense, and Ole Miss, known for its high-scoring offense, will compete for a spot in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Miami.
Key Facts
The game takes place on January 1, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The match is part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Georgia Bulldogs have a record of 12-1, and Ole Miss Rebels have a record of 11-1.
The game can be watched on ESPN channels and streamed live on Fubo.
Georgia previously defeated Ole Miss 43–35 in a game in Athens in October.
The Sugar Bowl features two teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Ole Miss is aiming to counter Georgia’s defense with fast-paced and high-scoring plays.
Alabama's football team suffered its worst bowl game loss ever, losing 38-3 to Indiana in the College Football Playoff. The game highlighted Indiana's effective use of the transfer portal, contrasting Alabama's traditional recruitment methods.
Key Facts
Alabama lost 38-3 to Indiana in the College Football Playoff.
This was Alabama's worst postseason loss in its history.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer watched his team suffer a significant defeat.
Indiana used the transfer portal effectively to build their team.
Alabama's traditional recruitment strategies were less effective in this game.
The loss came just before the transfer portal opened for players.
The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins are facing off in a hockey game on January 1, 2026. The game will be broadcast on the FanDuel Sports Network and live-streamed on Fubo. The Red Wings recently won a game against the Winnipeg Jets, while the Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes.
Key Facts
The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins will play on January 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
The game will take place at PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh.
It will be shown on the FanDuel Sports Network and available for live stream on Fubo.
The Red Wings have a record of 24 wins, 14 losses, and 3 ties this season.
The Penguins recently won against the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 5-1.
Dylan Larkin is the top goal-scorer for Detroit with 21 goals.
Sidney Crosby is the leading goal-scorer for Pittsburgh, also with 21 goals.
The Detroit Pistons will play against the Miami Heat on January 1, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena. Both teams recently won their last games, with key players delivering strong performances. The Pistons won their previous meeting with the Heat in November.
Key Facts
The Pistons have a record of 25 wins and 8 losses, leading the Eastern Conference.
The Heat have a record of 18 wins and 15 losses and have won their last three games.
The game will take place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
The game will be shown on FanDuel Sports Network, and it can be live-streamed on Fubo.
Cade Cunningham of the Pistons scored 27 points and had 11 assists in their last game against the Lakers.
Norman Powell led the Heat with 25 points in their win over the Denver Nuggets.
The Pistons won their first game against the Heat this season, with a score of 138-135.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are continuing their California trip with a game against the Los Angeles Kings. The Lightning are on a five-game winning streak, while the Kings have struggled recently, losing seven of their last nine games. Fans can watch the game on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET on FanDuel Sports Network or via live stream on Fubo.
Key Facts
Tampa Bay Lightning have a record of 23-13-3, totaling 49 points.
Los Angeles Kings hold a record of 16-13-9, accumulating 41 points.
The game will take place at the crypto.com Arena.
Darren Raddysh scored in overtime for the Lightning's recent win against Anaheim Ducks.
Lightning players Kucherov, Guentzel, and Hagel each have 18 goals this season.
Andrei Vasilevskiy is the Lightning's goalie with a record of 15-7-2.
Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with 32 points this season.
Fans can watch the game on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it on Fubo with a free trial available.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night. The Maple Leafs have recently been successful, winning three of their last four games. The Jets have struggled, losing their last seven games.
Key Facts
Toronto Maple Leafs host the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Arena.
The game will take place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
TV coverage is provided by the NHL Network, and it can be streamed on Fubo.
The Jets lost to the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 the night before.
The Maple Leafs recently defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-0.
John Tavares and Auston Matthews lead the Maple Leafs in goals with 15 each.
Winnipeg is currently in last place in the Central Division.
Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor have been strong performers for the Jets with 18 goals and 45 points each.
