Texas quarterback Arch Manning recently had foot surgery during the offseason to address a previous injury. Despite his injuries last season, he played every game, and he aims to start the 2026 season in good health. Other Texas players also had surgeries to prepare for a crucial upcoming season.
Key Facts
Arch Manning is the quarterback for Texas and had foot surgery during the offseason.
Manning's surgery is a preventive measure to ensure good health for the 2026 season.
Despite injuries last season, Manning did not miss any games.
Other Texas players, including Xavier Filsaime and Ty’Anthony Smith, also had surgeries.
The upcoming 2026 season is important for Texas and Manning's future prospects.
Texas recruited top players like Cam Coleman to strengthen their team.
Texas is investing heavily in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, adding pressure to perform well.
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Chicago Bears in a playoff game after an important interception by Rams safety Kam Curl. The play helped the Rams move forward in the playoffs, where they will next face the Seattle Seahawks.
Key Facts
The Rams beat the Bears in an NFC Divisional Round playoff game.
The game went into overtime after the Bears scored a touchdown.
Bears player Caleb Williams tried to pass to DJ Moore, but Rams' Kam Curl intercepted it.
The interception set up a field goal that won the game for the Rams.
DJ Moore received criticism for his route during the play that led to the interception.
Kam Curl explained his perspective during a TV interview, noting the play's importance in stopping the Bears.
After this win, the Rams will play against the Seattle Seahawks in their next playoff game.
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri has joined French club Marseille on loan for the rest of the season. Nwaneri, 18, is moving to get more playing time as new arrivals at Arsenal have limited his opportunities. Arsenal is performing well this season, leading in various competitions, which makes it tough for young players to secure regular first-team roles.
Key Facts
Ethan Nwaneri, 18, is on loan to Marseille from Arsenal for the rest of the season.
Nwaneri has played 12 games for Arsenal this season, scoring once in the Carabao Cup.
Nwaneri signed a contract with Arsenal that lasts until 2030.
New Arsenal signings, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, have reduced Nwaneri's chances of playing in the first team.
Marseille is currently third in the French Ligue 1.
Last season, Nwaneri scored nine goals in 37 games for Arsenal.
Arsenal is having a successful season, leading the Premier League and performing well in other competitions.
The Detroit Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal has requested a $32 million arbitration deal, which would set a new record in baseball arbitration. The Tigers offered $19 million, but experts predict Skubal might win the hearing and secure the higher amount.
Key Facts
Tarik Skubal is a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
He has asked for $32 million in arbitration, which would be a record.
The Tigers have offered $19 million.
The hearing could redefine baseball arbitration amounts.
arbitration is a process where a player and team present salary cases to a panel.
Skubal's request would surpass the previous arbitration record set by Juan Soto.
Skubal has won the American League Cy Young award twice, suggesting high performance.
Experts predict that Skubal may win the arbitration hearing.
Denny Hamlin has confirmed he will participate in the NASCAR Cup Cook Out Clash, even though he is still grieving the death of his father in a house fire. Despite feeling somewhat unprepared, Hamlin promised to race and shared an update on his mother's recovery.
Key Facts
Denny Hamlin will race in the NASCAR Cup Cook Out Clash on February 1st at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Hamlin's father died in a house fire on December 28, while his mother was injured.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the NASCAR community.
Hamlin considered not participating this season due to his personal circumstances.
He plans to fulfill his commitments to Joe Gibbs Racing.
Hamlin updated that his mother is recovering with some good and bad days.
Hamlin supports the return of the chase format in NASCAR's 2026 season.
The article discusses a promotional offer from Kalshi, a platform where users can trade event contracts. New users can receive a $10 sign-up bonus by using the promo code "NEWSWEEK" after making $100 in trades. The offer coincides with sports events, such as an NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Key Facts
Kalshi offers a $10 sign-up bonus for new users using the promo code "NEWSWEEK."
To receive the bonus, users need to trade a total of $100.
The promotion is available for those aged 18 and older in 45 U.S. states, excluding Illinois, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, and Ohio.
The article mentions predictions for an NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Users can trade on the outcome of the game using the moneyline market, predicting which team will win.
The Denver Nuggets have a net rating of 4.6, while the Milwaukee Bucks have a net rating of -2.3.
New users must download the Kalshi app, register, verify identity, and use the promo code during sign-up.
Notre Dame is facing criticism for its 2026 football schedule. The schedule includes mostly teams with losing records from the 2025 season. This comes after a change in playoff rules that offers Notre Dame a better chance to qualify if they rank in the top 12.
Key Facts
Notre Dame did not make the College Football Playoff this past season; Alabama and Miami (Hurricanes) were chosen instead.
Changes to the College Football Playoff rules mean a top 12 ranking will now get Notre Dame an automatic spot.
The 2026 schedule for Notre Dame includes many teams that had losing records in 2025.
Critics described the schedule as weak and questioned if it might be the easiest in Notre Dame's history.
Notre Dame will play against just four teams that had winning records in 2025.
The team's head coach is Marcus Freeman.
Some believe Notre Dame will be favored in most games in 2026.
The Toronto Blue Jays have strengthened their starting pitcher lineup by signing new players during the offseason. As a result, Chris Bassitt, a 36-year-old pitcher, may leave the team. He is linked with the Baltimore Orioles for potential free agency.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year deal.
They added Cody Ponce to their roster this offseason.
The Blue Jays still have pitchers Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Shane Bieber.
Chris Bassitt has shown consistent performance, with 30 or more starts in the last four seasons.
Bassitt has kept his ERA below 4.00 for most seasons since 2018.
The Baltimore Orioles are interested in adding Bassitt to their rotation.
The Orioles traded the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Shane Baz to improve their team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a star NBA player, may be traded from the Milwaukee Bucks either before the season's trade deadline or during the offseason. There's growing talk about his potential trade due to his dissatisfaction with the team's performance. Teams are preparing to offer trades if Antetokounmpo becomes available.
Key Facts
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks.
There is a possibility that he will be traded either before the trade deadline or in the off-season.
Antetokounmpo has shown frustration with the Bucks' performance and openly expressed his dissatisfaction.
NBA teams are reportedly holding assets in case Antetokounmpo is available for trade.
Key teams mentioned as potential suitors include the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Shams Charania, a well-known NBA insider, provided updates on this situation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has recently criticized his team for playing selfishly.
Jack Grealish, a football player on loan to Everton from Manchester City, has a stress fracture in his foot. He has played an important role for Everton this season, which makes his injury a setback for the team.
Key Facts
Jack Grealish has a stress fracture in his foot.
Grealish is on a season-long loan from Manchester City to Everton.
He has played 22 games for Everton this season, scoring two goals and assisting six.
Everton manager David Moyes says they don't have a recovery timeline from the doctors yet.
Everton recently won against Aston Villa, where Grealish played the entire match.
Everton is currently 10th in the Premier League standings.
There is discussion about Grealish's injury affecting his potential permanent transfer to Everton.
Grealish previously played for Manchester City and joined them for a then-record fee in 2021.
The New England Patriots, led by coach Mike Vrabel, will play the Denver Broncos to compete for the AFC championship. They will be without their key defensive player, Harold Landry, due to a knee injury. Despite Landry's absence, the Patriots must collaborate defensively against Denver's backup quarterback, Jarrett Stidham.
Key Facts
The Patriots are coached by Mike Vrabel in his first year.
The team will play against the Denver Broncos for the AFC championship title.
The game will be held at Mile High Stadium in Denver.
Defensive leader Harold Landry is out due to a knee injury.
Carlton Davis III is back at practice after being in concussion protocol but is still listed as questionable.
Anfernee Jennings is expected to step up in place of Landry.
The Patriots will face Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after an injury to Bo Nix.
The Patriots have won their previous playoff games against the Texans and Chargers.
Sports commentator Colin Cowherd made comments comparing NFL quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. Cowherd suggested a second Super Bowl win would put Stafford ahead of Rodgers in the rankings, sparking reactions from fans who debated the two players' legacies.
Key Facts
Colin Cowherd is a commentator for FOX Sports.
He commented on Matthew Stafford having a strong season with the Los Angeles Rams.
Stafford has thrown 46 touchdowns and only eight interceptions this season.
Cowherd suggested that Stafford could surpass Aaron Rodgers if Stafford wins a second Super Bowl.
Aaron Rodgers has one Super Bowl win and four MVP awards.
Matthew Stafford is a contender for this season’s MVP award.
Fans reacted strongly to Cowherd's comparison of Stafford and Rodgers.
Cameron Norrie, a standout player in British tennis, was the last Briton in the singles competition at the Australian Open. He lost in the third round, highlighting concerns about Britain's overall tennis performance. Despite being one of the wealthiest tennis nations, fewer UK players advance far in major tournaments compared to other countries.
Key Facts
Cameron Norrie, 30, often reaches the third round in Grand Slam events but struggles to go further.
Norrie was the last British singles player at the Australian Open, losing to Alexander Zverev.
Britain had only seven players in the Australian Open main singles draws, compared to 38 from the U.S.
Only three British players won their first-round matches at the tournament.
The Lawn Tennis Association cites a strong pool of players ranked between 101 and 300.
Despite challenges, there is optimism about emerging British tennis talent.
Recent promising performances by British players include strong results at the 2024 US Open.
Norrie switched allegiance to Britain at age 16 and excelled through the American college tennis system.
Framber Valdez, a top baseball pitcher currently with the Houston Astros, is a key player in offseason trade talks. Predictions suggest the Baltimore Orioles may sign Valdez after other teams, like the New York Mets, opted for different players. Signing Valdez could significantly strengthen the Orioles' pitching lineup.
Key Facts
Framber Valdez is a leading pitcher from the Houston Astros and a major figure in recent trade discussions.
The New York Mets were initially a top contender to sign Valdez, but they acquired another player, Freddy Peralta, instead.
ESPN analyst Paul Hembekides forecasts that the Baltimore Orioles might sign Valdez soon.
The Orioles have spent $195 million on four other free agents this offseason.
Valdez is expected to receive a contract offer of approximately six years and $180 million.
If the Orioles sign Valdez, they would become the top spenders in free agency, surpassing teams like the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
The Orioles aim to strengthen their pitching team, which struggled last season and led to missing the playoffs.
The New York Yankees may consider acquiring All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals if Anthony Volpe's performance does not improve by the 2026 season. Abrams is an accomplished player with strong offensive stats and speed on the bases. The Nationals have shown interest in trading him while the Yankees have resources to possibly complete this trade.
Key Facts
The Yankees are considering CJ Abrams as a potential replacement for Anthony Volpe.
CJ Abrams is a 25-year-old shortstop who played in the All-Star Game in 2024.
Abrams hit 19 home runs and had 60 RBIs with a .748 OPS last season.
Anthony Volpe has struggled with a career .662 OPS and a decline in defensive performance in 2025.
The Nationals are open to trading Abrams as part of a potential rebuild.
The Yankees have a strong group of minor league players, giving them resources to trade for Abrams.
The Nationals have already traded pitcher MacKenzie Gore this offseason.
Justin Verlander, a veteran pitcher, had a solid season with the San Francisco Giants and is now a free agent. ESPN's Eric Karabell predicts Verlander might sign with the Detroit Tigers, the team that originally drafted him. The Tigers are looking for experienced pitchers to improve their chances in the playoffs.
Key Facts
Justin Verlander played for the San Francisco Giants last season.
He is entering free agency again, looking for a one-year deal.
ESPN's Eric Karabell suggested the Detroit Tigers are likely to sign Verlander.
Verlander was drafted by the Tigers in 2004 and won 183 games over 13 years with them.
The Tigers need experienced pitchers as they aim for their third straight playoff appearance.
Verlander adds veteran leadership to any team he joins, despite not being at his best now.
The Houston Rockets are set to face the Detroit Pistons, with Cade Cunningham now probable to play after being previously listed as questionable due to a hip injury and illness. The Pistons, who are leading the Eastern Conference, won their last matchup against the Rockets in October.
Key Facts
The Rockets played a tough game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday and face the Pistons on Friday.
Cade Cunningham was added to the Pistons' injured list as questionable but has been upgraded to probable for the game against the Rockets.
Cunningham was seen practicing on Friday morning, indicating he might play.
The Pistons previously defeated the Rockets 115-111 in October.
In the October game, Cade Cunningham scored 21 points, with nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Pistons are currently the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 31-10 record.
The Rockets have the fourth position in the Western Conference.
Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' quarterback, will help choose the team's new head coach after the firing of Sean McDermott. Allen will participate in interviews with prospective coaches, signaling his desire to have a big role in the decision. The move comes as Allen seeks to build a championship-winning team.
Key Facts
Josh Allen is the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
The team's head coach, Sean McDermott, was recently fired.
Allen did not have any warning or input on McDermott's firing.
Allen will now help in the search for a new head coach by sitting in on interviews.
The decision will impact who leads the team in the 2026 season.
Allen's involvement shows his strong interest in winning a championship.
Buffalo has set up meetings with potential coaches, including Mike McDaniel, Grant Udinski, Anthony Lynn, and Anthony Weaver.
WWE fans are speculating about a possible return of Saraya, formerly known as Paige, at the Royal Rumble event. Her name was removed from a convention lineup due to date changes, leading to rumors that she might appear at the wrestling event in Saudi Arabia. No official confirmation has been given, but fans are excited about the possibility.
Key Facts
Saraya, previously known as Paige, is rumored to return to WWE at the Royal Rumble.
A change in her schedule at a convention in Nashville has led to speculation.
The convention was rescheduled, but Saraya's name was not listed for the new dates.
Fans are linking Saraya's absence to a potential WWE appearance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A fan shared a video of Saraya training, which increased the rumors.
Saraya is a free agent after leaving AEW last year.
The Royal Rumble event is known for surprise wrestler returns.
WWE has upcoming events in Montreal and Riyadh prior to the Royal Rumble.
The Chicago White Sox signed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million contract. This move is part of several changes the White Sox made during the offseason, aiming to strengthen their team after a challenging past season.
Key Facts
The White Sox signed Seranthony Domínguez for two years, valued at $20 million.
Domínguez played for the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays last season.
He is expected to be the closer for the White Sox.
The White Sox traded outfielder Luis Robert to the New York Mets earlier in the week.
The team added other new players, such as Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami.
They traded Garrett Crochet to Boston and received young talents like Kyle Teel.
The White Sox had a difficult season last year, winning only 60 games.
