DraftKings is offering a special promotion for new users during the New Year's Day College Football Playoff games. By placing a $5 bet and picking a winner, users can receive $200 in bonus credits. These credits can be used to make further bets on a wide range of sports.
Key Facts
DraftKings offers a promotion for the College Football Playoff games.
New users can get $200 in bonuses after a $5 bet if they win.
The promo is available for various sports, not just football.
Players in Missouri have a chance for a $300 bonus.
The games to bet on include the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl.
The Rose Bowl features Indiana vs. Alabama, and the Sugar Bowl has Georgia vs. Ole Miss.
New users can sign up without a promo code through specific links.
Newsweek might earn a commission if users sign up through their links.
The article discusses a special bonus offer from Bet365 for sports betting on college football games, including the Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Ole Miss. By using the bonus code WEEK365, new users can start betting with a $5 wager and earn a $150 bonus, with additional offers available in certain states.
Key Facts
Bet365 offers a bonus code WEEK365 for new users placing a $5 bet to receive a $150 bonus, regardless of the outcome.
In some states like Missouri, a $10 bet unlocks a $365 bonus.
A $1,000 safety net option is available in certain states, offering a refund in bonuses if the initial bet loses.
The sportsbook provides special boosted bets for the Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Ole Miss.
Bet365 promotions differ based on user location.
Users need to deposit at least $10 to activate these bonuses.
The Sugar Bowl game is a college football playoff featuring Georgia and Ole Miss.
Victor Wembanyama from the San Antonio Spurs injured his knee during a game, but an MRI showed no serious damage. He is not traveling for the next game but might play soon.
Key Facts
Victor Wembanyama is a key player for the San Antonio Spurs.
He hurt his knee during a game against the New York Knicks.
An MRI showed no ligament damage in his knee.
He will miss the team’s next game against Indianapolis.
He is questionable for the game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama averages 24.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game this season.
He missed part of last season due to a blood clot in his shoulder.
Liam Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg, is a top candidate for the head coach job at Chelsea, after Enzo Maresca left. Rosenior's current team is owned by the same investment group as Chelsea, and he has strong support within the club. Other potential candidates for the role include Porto's Francesco Farioli and Marseille's Roberto de Zerbi.
Key Facts
Liam Rosenior is the leading candidate to become Chelsea's new head coach.
Enzo Maresca left the Chelsea job due to tensions within the club.
Rosenior manages Strasbourg, a team owned by the same group that owns Chelsea.
Chelsea is looking at other candidates, including Porto's Francesco Farioli.
Strasbourg's team, under Rosenior, has done well in European competitions.
Allowing Rosenior to leave Strasbourg might upset their fans.
Chelsea had previously interviewed several candidates for the coach position, including Roberto de Zerbi and Kieran McKenna.
Cheltenham Racecourse set a new attendance record with over 44,000 people attending its New Year's Day event in 2026. The event attracted more visitors than any previous New Year's Day event and even beat previous records from the Cheltenham Festival.
Key Facts
Cheltenham Racecourse had a record attendance of 44,151 on New Year's Day 2026.
This is the first time the event has sold out.
The previous record for New Year's Day was 38,374 set in 2023.
Attendance was higher than the 41,949 people at the Cheltenham Festival's Wednesday event in 2025.
The standout race was the Relkeel Hurdle, won by Kabral Du Mathan.
Cheltenham's chief executive noted the growth of the event and the diversity of the crowd, including over 5,000 children attending.
The University of Kentucky's starting quarterback, Cutter Boley, announced he is entering the transfer portal, which is a system where college athletes can switch schools. This came shortly after Kentucky hired Will Stein as their new head coach, and the transfer portal will open on January 2, 2026.
Key Facts
Cutter Boley, Kentucky's starting quarterback, plans to transfer schools.
The transfer portal is a system for college athletes to change schools.
Kentucky has recently hired Will Stein as their new head coach.
Boley is known for his strong performance as a freshman with over 2,100 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.
The portal officially opens on January 2, 2026, initiating a busy period for college transfers.
Kentucky must find a potential new quarterback for the 2026 season.
Austin Novosad, who may join Stein at Kentucky, is also entering the transfer portal.
Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after starting seven games in the 2025 season and leading the team to four consecutive wins. He completed 69.1% of his passes, throwing for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns. The new head coach, Matt Campbell, will need to decide on a new quarterback for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Ethan Grunkemeyer is a quarterback at Penn State entering the NCAA transfer portal.
He is a redshirt freshman with three seasons left to play.
Grunkemeyer started seven games in the 2025 season.
He led Penn State to four straight wins to close out the season.
Grunkemeyer completed 69.1% of his passes during the season.
New head coach Matt Campbell will lead Penn State for the 2026 season.
Penn State has signed four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone.
Backup quarterback Bekkem Kritza will also enter the transfer portal.
Gabon's government has suspended its national soccer team and removed coach Thierry Mouyouma and star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following their three losses at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. Gabon's acting Sports Minister announced the decision after the team finished last in their group and was eliminated from the tournament.
Key Facts
Gabon's national soccer team was suspended by the government after losing all their matches at AFCON 2025.
The coach, Thierry Mouyouma, was fired, and star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was removed from the team.
Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the decision after Gabon finished last in its group.
Gabon lost its final match against Ivory Coast, 3-2, in Marrakesh.
Neither Aubameyang nor Bruno Ecuele Manga played in the final match; Aubameyang was injured.
Aubameyang suggests the team's issues are deeper than individual players.
Disbanding national teams has been common in Africa after poor performances, but FIFA discourages such actions.
Michigan's new head football coach, Kyle Whittingham, announced significant hires for his coaching staff, bringing in key offensive and defensive coordinators from Big 12 teams. Jason Beck from Utah will serve as the offensive coordinator, while Jay Hill from BYU will be the defensive coordinator. The new hires are part of Whittingham's initial setup for the Michigan football program.
Key Facts
Kyle Whittingham is the new head football coach at Michigan.
He announced almost complete coaching staff during the Citrus Bowl.
Jason Beck from Utah will join Michigan as the offensive coordinator.
Under Beck, Utah was highly ranked in various offensive categories.
Jay Hill from BYU will become Michigan's defensive coordinator.
Hill's BYU team was strong in scoring and total defense rankings.
Other former Utah staff members are also joining Michigan's coaching team.
Ohio State, led by Ryan Day, lost to the Miami Hurricanes and is out of the College Football Playoff for 2026. Following the loss, a top recruit, C.J. Hicks, announced he is transferring to another school. The transfer portal, which allows college athletes to transfer between schools, will open soon.
Key Facts
Ohio State was aiming to defend their national championship but lost to Miami Hurricanes.
This loss means Ohio State will not be in the College Football Playoff for 2026.
C.J. Hicks, a highly-ranked recruit, decided to transfer from Ohio State.
Injuries affected Hicks' performance and development at Ohio State.
Ryan Day, Ohio State's coach, plans to use the transfer portal to strengthen the team.
The transfer portal will officially open on January 2, 2026.
Many college football players use the portal to find new opportunities at other schools.
Derrick Henry, a running back for the Baltimore Ravens, was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after a standout performance against the Green Bay Packers. As the Ravens prepare for a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they rely on Henry to boost their chances of reaching the playoffs. Henry's performance included 216 yards and four touchdowns, marking his seventh career game with over 200 rushing yards.
Key Facts
Derrick Henry plays as a running back for the Baltimore Ravens.
He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week on December 31.
Henry ran for 216 yards and scored four touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers.
This performance took place on December 27.
The Ravens need to win their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4 to have a strong chance of making the playoffs.
Henry has set an NFL record with seven games of 200+ rushing yards in his career.
The Ravens are missing quarterback Lamar Jackson due to a back injury.
Henry emphasized teamwork and overcoming adversity in his pre-game speech.
Arch Manning, a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, had a strong performance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, leading his team to victory. Despite starting the season with high expectations, neither Manning nor Texas was in the College Football Playoff. ESPN's Paul Finebaum predicted that Manning could win the Heisman Trophy next year and be the top pick in the NFL Draft.
Key Facts
Arch Manning plays quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
Texas was not chosen for the College Football Playoff despite a 9-3 record.
Manning performed well in the Citrus Bowl, winning Most Valuable Player.
He threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns in the bowl game.
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum predicted Manning might win the Heisman Trophy next season.
Manning is related to football legends Peyton, Eli, and Archie Manning.
Walter Football's mock draft suggests Manning could be the No. 4 pick in a future NFL Draft.
Gary Anderson advanced to the semi-finals of the PDC World Championship by defeating Justin Hood. Ryan Searle also secured a semi-final spot after winning against Jonny Clayton.
Key Facts
Gary Anderson reached the semi-finals after his victory over Justin Hood.
Ryan Searle beat Jonny Clayton to progress to the semi-finals.
Gary Anderson previously won PDC world titles in 2015 and 2016.
Justin Hood made it to the quarter-finals in his first appearance at Alexandra Palace.
Justin Hood plans to use some of his prize money to open a Chinese restaurant.
Ryan Searle is ranked in the world's top 10 after his latest win.
Searle deals with a genetic eye condition called dominant optic atrophy.
Semi-final matches are scheduled for 2 January and will determine the finalists.
Alabama's Crimson Tide and Indiana's Hoosiers will compete in the Rose Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff on January 1, 2026. Indiana is undefeated this season and the game will decide who advances to the national championship semifinals.
Key Facts
Alabama plays against Indiana in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026.
The game will air at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN and other channels.
Indiana has a 13-0 record and won the Big Ten Championship.
Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, won the Heisman Trophy.
Alabama has an 11-3 record and recently defeated Oklahoma.
The winning team will move on to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
This is Indiana's first Rose Bowl appearance since 1968.
Oklahoma has decided to fire tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley due to offensive struggles in recent games. Finley served as the tight ends coach and briefly as offensive coordinator since 2021. Oklahoma aims to improve its offense for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Oklahoma's football team struggled offensively in recent important games.
The team scored only two field goals in a loss to Texas on October 11.
Against Missouri and LSU, the team scored just 17 points each game.
In the College Football Playoff, Oklahoma lost 34-24 to Alabama.
Joe Jon Finley, the tight ends coach, has been with Oklahoma since 2021.
Finley was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and offensive coordinator in 2024 but returned to coaching tight ends in 2025.
Head Coach Brent Venables highlighted the need for improved offensive strategies.
The team aims to improve its offensive play for the 2026 season.
Ohio State's football season ended after losing to Miami in the College Football Playoff. Following the loss, several players, including key recruits, announced they are leaving Ohio State via the NCAA transfer portal.
Key Facts
Ohio State lost to Miami Hurricanes, ending their season.
Ohio State was aiming to defend their national championship.
After the game, tight end Jelani Thurman entered the transfer portal.
Backup quarterback Mason Maggs also announced his transfer.
Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and cornerback Bryce West declared their plans to transfer.
Bryce West was a top 75 recruit in the 2024 class with three years of eligibility left.
Oklahoma State University's football team is losing many players to the transfer portal, including a promising quarterback named Hauss Hejny. The team's new head coach, Eric Morris, hopes to rebuild the roster by attracting top talents from other schools. The transfer portal opens on January 2, 2026.
Key Facts
Hauss Hejny, a four-star recruit, is entering the transfer portal.
Over 40 Oklahoma State players are joining the transfer portal.
Hejny played a brief part of the 2025 season, throwing for 96 yards in one game.
Oklahoma State had a difficult season, losing 11 games in a row after their single win.
Eric Morris, the new head coach, is from North Texas and is expected to bring in strong players.
The transfer portal opens on January 2, 2026.
There are hopes that quarterback Drew Mestemaker might join Oklahoma State.
A promotion on the Sleeper app offers new users a $100 bonus with the promo code NEWSWEEKXL. Players can use this bonus to make bets on events like the College Football Playoff and other sports. The promotion is available for new accounts and requires a deposit to qualify for the 100% match.
Key Facts
Sleeper offers a $100 bonus with the promo code NEWSWEEKXL for new users.
The bonus applies to a 100% deposit match up to $100.
Users can use the bonus for betting on College Football Playoff games and other sports like the NBA, NFL, and NHL.
To qualify, users must register, provide necessary information, and make a cash deposit.
An alternative $20 no-deposit bonus is available but offers less value.
Miami upset Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, impacting the playoff landscape.
The promotion is available only to first-time Sleeper users.
The Ohio State Buckeyes lost to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, ending their season. Miami advances to the semifinals, while Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is likely heading to the NFL. Downs had an impressive game and is expected to be a top draft pick.
Key Facts
The game took place on December 31 during the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, known as the Cotton Bowl.
Miami Hurricanes defeated Ohio State Buckeyes with a score of 24-14.
Miami will move on to play in the semifinals against the winner of the Georgia vs. Ole Miss game.
Ohio State's season ended with this loss, marking the end of the college careers for some players.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft and might be a top-10 pick.
During the Cotton Bowl, Downs recorded seven solo tackles and 10 combined tackles.
Over his past two seasons with Ohio State, Downs averaged two interceptions and 75 combined tackles each season.
Kyle Whittingham, now coaching at Michigan, is using the transfer portal to strengthen the team. The portal opens on January 2, 2026, allowing players to switch schools in a short time. John Henry Daley, a top defensive player, might join Michigan to boost their defense.
Key Facts
Kyle Whittingham became the coach of Michigan after previously coaching at Utah.
Michigan lost to Texas in the Citrus Bowl in 2025.
The transfer portal allows players to transfer between schools in a 15-day period.
John Henry Daley, a strong defensive player, plans to enter the transfer portal.
Daley previously played for BYU and then transferred to Utah.
Michigan aims to use the transfer portal to improve its defense for the 2026 season.
