A promising football player, Carde Smith, plans to leave the University of Colorado after one season by entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. Smith, a highly regarded recruit, played only a few games. Coach Deion Sanders is working to strengthen the team after a challenging season.
Key Facts
Colorado's football team finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record.
The team had struggled after key players left, including Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.
Deion Sanders is the head coach and is planning significant changes to improve the team.
Carde Smith, a four-star recruit from Alabama, was a top player in Sanders' 2025 recruiting class.
Smith played minimally in his first season, participating in three games.
Smith joined Colorado after initially committing to USC.
Deion Sanders previously turned a struggling team into a successful one before the recent downturn.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is managing the departure of several players through the college football transfer portal. Among these players, Gavin Marsh, a wide receiver, and others like Omarion Miller and Brandon Davis-Swain have entered the portal. Sanders expressed support and encouragement for Marsh, acknowledging his effort and potential.
Key Facts
Coach Deion Sanders of Colorado Buffaloes is facing player departures to the transfer portal.
Gavin Marsh and several other players, including Omarion Miller and Brandon Davis-Swain, have entered the portal.
Gavin Marsh, who has three years of eligibility left, shared a message indicating his availability for new college teams.
Sanders shared a supportive message for Marsh, praising his hard work and resilience.
Colorado Buffaloes finished the season with a 3-9 record, which means they did not qualify for a bowl game.
Multiple players from the Colorado team entered the transfer portal around the same time.
Sanders now has time to find new players to fill the gaps in the roster caused by these departures.
The New York Mets are considering a trade with the Boston Red Sox to acquire outfielder Jarren Duran. This move could involve trading prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to the Red Sox. The Mets hope to improve their team after losing key players to free agency.
Key Facts
The Mets lost several important players to other teams during the offseason.
To strengthen their team, the Mets may trade for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.
In exchange, the Red Sox could receive prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams.
Jarren Duran, a former All-Star, is under contract until 2028.
Duran played well in 2024, with strong defensive statistics.
The Mets have also been interested in Cody Bellinger but have not made a deal.
Acquiring Duran could help the Mets save money to pursue a top pitcher in free agency.
Wilfried Nancy has made the worst start as a manager in Celtic's 138-year history, losing his first four matches. This includes a recent defeat against Dundee United, marking their first loss to the team in over ten years. Celtic fans are concerned about the team's performance and Nancy's future as manager.
Key Facts
Wilfried Nancy is the first Celtic manager to lose his opening four matches.
Celtic lost 2-1 to Dundee United, their first loss to this team in more than a decade.
Tommy McLean held the previous record for losing his first three games as Rangers' caretaker in 1983.
Before Nancy, no Celtic manager had lost more than one opening game.
Nancy replaced Martin O'Neill, who temporarily managed Celtic after Brendan Rodgers left.
Celtic had previously performed well under interim manager O'Neill.
Fans are upset with recent losses, including a Scottish League Cup final to St Mirren.
Nancy, MLS Coach of the Year in 2024, has struggled with his teams in recent matches.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed 24-year-old Geovanny Planchart to a minor-league contract as a potential backup catcher to Alejandro Kirk. Planchart, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league system, is known for his defense and might advance to a major league spot in the future.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed Geovanny Planchart to a minor-league contract.
Alejandro Kirk is the main catcher for the Blue Jays, having recently signed a long-term contract.
Planchart is 24 years old and previously played in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system.
The Blue Jays are looking for better backup options behind Kirk.
Planchart is noted for his defensive skills, with a past caught-stealing rate of 41%.
Valenzuela is expected to be the immediate backup if needed this season.
Planchart has yet to play in Triple-A and may take a year or more to reach the major leagues.
The New York Mets are looking to improve their pitching rotation and are showing interest in mid-tier pitchers Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt. Both pitchers are seen as potential additions that could strengthen the team without requiring high spending.
Key Facts
The Mets are focused on enhancing their starting rotation.
The team is being "aggressive" in searching the mid-tier market for pitchers.
Pitchers Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt are being considered by the Mets.
Chris Bassitt made 30 starts per season since 2022 and had played for the Mets in 2022.
Giolito had a strong season after an injury in 2024, posting a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts.
Both pitchers, who are veterans, are working to increase their market value.
The starting pitcher market has been calm recently, with little movement after some big deals.
The addition of Giolito and Bassitt could make the Mets' rotation stronger.
President Donald Trump has taken actions that influence international sports events like the World Cup and the Olympics. His administration's policies affect immigration and transgender athlete participation, impacting how these events are organized and perceived in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump appeared at a major soccer event, where FIFA presented him with a new award called the "FIFA Peace Prize."
The Trump administration has made changes affecting sports, such as immigration policies and rules about transgender athletes.
Trump's executive order aims to limit transgender participation in sports to the gender assigned at birth.
The NCAA adjusted its rules to align with the Trump administration's stance on transgender athletes.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee also changed its policies to match government guidance.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased activities, deporting over 605,000 since Trump took office.
A "FIFA Pass" was created to help World Cup ticketholders get visas faster, contrasting with expanded travel bans.
Notre Dame was not chosen for the College Football Playoff this year, despite their strong performance. The decision to select other teams like James Madison and Miami has sparked debate, especially from well-known figures like Nick Saban. The committee's choice has raised questions about how they balance automatic bids with traditional team strengths.
Key Facts
Notre Dame finished the season with a 10-2 record and was ranked in the top 10 nationally.
The College Football Playoff committee chose Miami, Tulane, and James Madison instead of Notre Dame.
The committee’s selection criteria include automatic spots for the highest-ranked conference champions and additional slots for other top teams.
Notre Dame ranked No. 11 in the final playoff list and was left out.
Miami, which beat Notre Dame earlier in the season, took the last available playoff slot.
Notre Dame has decided not to participate in any bowl games this year.
Nick Saban criticized the decision, likening it to allowing lower-level teams into top-tier competitions.
The New York Yankees signed pitcher Bradley Hanner to a minor league contract. Hanner, known for his effective pitch called a "sweeper," will join the team for spring training to compete for a spot in the major leagues.
Key Facts
The Yankees signed right-handed pitcher Bradley Hanner to a minor league contract.
Hanner was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2019.
He played up to Triple-A level but hasn't yet played in a major league game.
In 2022, Hanner joined the Cleveland Guardians organization.
Hanner's pitching includes a "sweeper," a type of pitch noted for its movement.
The Yankees have invited Hanner to spring training in 2023.
New York's bullpen struggled last postseason and lost players Luke Weaver and Devin Williams in free agency.
The Indiana Hoosiers football team had a successful 2025 season, winning the Big Ten title and earning the No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff. Head coach Curt Cignetti was named Coach of the Year, and quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy. The team has secured contracts with key coaching staff ahead of upcoming playoff games.
Key Facts
Indiana Hoosiers completed a perfect season in 2025.
They defeated Ohio State to win the Big Ten title.
Curt Cignetti won Coach of the Year.
Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy.
Indiana is the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Indiana secured new contracts with defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan.
This is Indiana's first Big Ten title since 1967.
The Hoosiers set new records for touchdowns and points scored.
The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing top free agents in Major League Baseball's offseason, focusing on signing outfielder Kyle Tucker. They recently hosted Tucker for a visit, making them a strong contender among a few interested teams, including the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays are seeking to enhance their roster after a strong performance in the previous World Series.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in signing outfielder Kyle Tucker, a four-time All-Star.
The Blue Jays have signed pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce and acquired submariner Tyler Rogers.
Other interested teams for Tucker include the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers are not expected to offer a long-term deal to Tucker.
The Blue Jays may also consider re-signing their current shortstop, Bo Bichette.
The Mets face challenges due to their current roster needs and financial commitments.
Toronto recently hosted Tucker for a visit, indicating their strong interest.
The Dallas Cowboys are making a coaching change as they struggle to make the playoffs. Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus will now call plays from the coaching booth instead of the sidelines for the final games of the season. The Cowboys need to win all their remaining games to have a chance at the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Dallas Cowboys have a season record of 6–7–1.
They recently lost two games in a row, including a 34–26 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Cowboys' defense is allowing an average of 29.1 points per game, which is the fourth-highest in the NFL.
Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus will call plays from the coaching booth to gain a better view of the game.
The Cowboys traded for two defensive players this season: Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.
Projections show that the Cowboys have less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs.
To make the playoffs, the Cowboys need to win all their remaining games and have the Philadelphia Eagles lose their last three games.
The Philadelphia Phillies might trade their reliever Matt Strahm as the value of bullpen pitchers rises. Strahm, who performed well last season, could be a popular target among teams due to his experience and contract situation.
Key Facts
The Phillies signed Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million deal.
Reliever Matt Strahm is likely to be traded by the Phillies.
Strahm pitched in 66 games last season with a 2.74 ERA and 70 strikeouts.
He was an All-Star in 2024, recording a 1.87 ERA that year.
Strahm's current contract has a $7.5 million vested option for next year.
Many teams are interested in left-handed relievers like Strahm.
A strong market for relievers could lead to a bidding war for Strahm.
Brennan Johnson, a forward for Tottenham, might leave the club if they receive a good offer. Although Tottenham is not actively trying to sell him, other teams, including Crystal Palace, are interested in him. Johnson has played less this season under the new coach.
Key Facts
Tottenham is open to selling Brennan Johnson if they get a suitable offer.
Crystal Palace is very interested in Johnson, with other clubs also watching.
Johnson was Tottenham's top Premier League scorer last season with 11 goals.
He scored the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United.
Johnson has made only six starts this season under new coach Thomas Frank.
Johnson joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for £47.5 million in 2023.
He has scored a total of 27 goals for Tottenham.
A possible World Cup with Wales might make a transfer attractive for Johnson.
"College GameDay," a popular ESPN show, will feature celebrity guest pickers during the College Football Playoff matchups. Oklahoma football legend Brian Bosworth will appear on Friday, and former quarterback Johnny Manziel will appear on Saturday. The show has seen significant growth in viewership.
Key Facts
"College GameDay" will broadcast during the College Football Playoff.
The first game is between Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide.
Brian Bosworth will be a guest on Friday’s show for the Oklahoma game.
Johnny Manziel will feature on Saturday's show for the Texas A&M game.
The show is popular and reached its highest viewership this year.
It averaged 2.7 million viewers, a 22% increase from the previous season.
The New York Mets are in need of strong starting pitchers and are interested in signing Michael King. The Mets would prefer to make a short-term deal with King, who had a good season with the San Diego Padres in 2024 but faced injuries last year. A short-term contract aligns with the team's strategy and allows future pitchers to develop.
Key Facts
The Mets want to strengthen their starting rotation with top-level pitchers.
They aim to sign pitchers on short-term contracts rather than long-term deals.
Michael King, a pitcher from the San Diego Padres, is considered a potential target.
King had a 2.95 ERA in 2024 and finished seventh in the Cy Young Award race.
He faced injuries last season with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts.
King's limited experience as a starter might make a short-term deal attractive.
The Mets' short-term plan would support their long-term pitching development strategy.
The article discusses predictions for NFL Week 16 games, providing picks against the spread for each matchup. It highlights key games like the Seahawks vs. Rams and the Buccaneers vs. Panthers, and includes information on team records and injuries. The analysis is aimed at guiding sports betting decisions.
Key Facts
NFL Week 16 includes key matchups like Seahawks vs. Rams, Eagles vs. Commanders, and Buccaneers vs. Panthers.
The Seahawks and Rams both have records of 11-3; their game may decide the top seed in the NFC.
The Eagles recently ended a losing streak and are facing the Commanders, who have lost 8 of their last 9 games.
The Packers are missing key players, including linebacker Micah Parsons, due to injuries.
The Buccaneers and Panthers are both 7-7, and their game is crucial for deciding the NFC South division leader.
The Bills are favored by 10 points against the Browns, who have struggled this season with a 3-11 record.
The article discusses a proposed trade involving New York Yankees player Jazz Chisholm Jr. and two Cincinnati Reds players, Brady Singer and Matt McLain. This trade is considered because Chisholm might be more valuable as a trade asset for the Yankees to strengthen their chances of winning a championship.
Key Facts
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a player for the New York Yankees.
There is talk of potentially trading Chisholm in the offseason.
The proposed trade involves the Cincinnati Reds.
Reds players involved in the trade proposal are Brady Singer, a pitcher, and Matt McLain, a second baseman.
Brady Singer has been consistent, making 32 starts with a 4.03 ERA.
Matt McLain had shoulder surgery and could be a promising player for the Yankees if he returns to form.
The trade aims to help the Yankees in their goal to win a championship.
The article mentions that this trade idea is hypothetical and not confirmed as being discussed.
Cody Bellinger, a well-known baseball player, is being pursued by several teams, including the New York Yankees and his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the Yankees do not sign him, there are suggestions he could join the New York Mets, who are interested in his defensive skills and hitting ability.
Key Facts
Cody Bellinger is currently a free agent and several baseball teams are interested in signing him.
The New York Yankees want to re-sign him, but other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are also interested.
Bellinger used to play for the Dodgers and won an MVP Award during his time there.
The Dodgers have many star players, making them an attractive option for Bellinger.
The New York Mets are looking to improve their team and see Bellinger as a strong addition, especially since they traded Brandon Nimmo and lost Pete Alonso.
Bellinger is known for his excellent defensive skills and strong hitting, making him a valuable player.
The Mets may offer more money than the Dodgers to sign Bellinger, showing their serious interest in him.
Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Women's Champions League quarter-final if they beat Leuven in the play-offs. Chelsea has already qualified for the quarter-finals, along with Barcelona, Lyon, and Bayern Munich. The play-off games are scheduled for February, with the quarter-finals in March and April.
Key Facts
Arsenal must beat Leuven to face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League.
Chelsea automatically qualified for the quarter-finals by finishing in the top four.
Manchester United will play Atletico Madrid in their play-off match.
Lyon and Barcelona are also in the quarter-finals, on the same side of the draw as Chelsea and Arsenal.
The two-legged play-off matches occur on February 11-12 and February 18-19.
Quarter-final matches will take place on March 24-25 and April 1-2.
Arsenal won against Leuven 3-0, and Manchester United won against Atletico previously in the league stage.
