The Indiana Hoosiers won the national championship against the Miami Hurricanes with a score of 27-21. After the game, a disagreement between players Mark Fletcher Jr. of Miami and Tyrique Tucker of Indiana led to Fletcher throwing a punch. Miami's recruiting director claimed the punch happened due to a comment Tucker made about Fletcher's deceased father.
Key Facts
Indiana Hoosiers won the national championship against the Miami Hurricanes, 27-21.
Miami player Mark Fletcher Jr. punched Indiana's Tyrique Tucker after the game.
Miami director Mike Rumph said Tucker made a comment about Fletcher’s late father, prompting the punch.
Tucker claimed he was only trying to congratulate Fletcher and received a "cheap punch" instead.
Despite the altercation, Fletcher was praised for a positive postgame interaction with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Fletcher had an outstanding performance with 112 yards and two touchdowns in the championship game.
The Buffalo Bills lost to the Denver Broncos, ending their season. Following the loss, Bills owner Terry Pegula criticized player Keon Coleman and former head coach Sean McDermott. Pegula's comments have drawn criticism from sports analysts.
Key Facts
The Buffalo Bills lost to the Denver Broncos with a score of 33-30 in overtime.
The loss marked the end of the Bills' season.
Sean McDermott, the Bills' head coach, was fired after the season ended.
Bills owner Terry Pegula criticized wide receiver Keon Coleman and suggested drafting him was a mistake.
Pegula stated that the coaching staff, not general manager Brandon Beane, pushed for the draft pick.
ESPN analyst Field Yates criticized Pegula's comments about Coleman.
Keon Coleman has played in 26 games over two seasons with the Bills, recording 67 catches, 960 yards, and eight touchdowns.
The Atlanta Falcons have hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, and he is expected to bring in Tommy Rees as the team's offensive coordinator. Rees previously worked with Stefanski at the Cleveland Browns. The Falcons aim to improve their offensive performance, with Rees working closely with quarterback Michael Penix.
Key Facts
Kevin Stefanski was hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Tommy Rees, who worked with Stefanski at the Cleveland Browns, is expected to join as the Falcons' offensive coordinator.
Rees previously held the position of offensive coordinator at the Browns and worked with Stefanski for two years.
The Browns struggled with their offense, ranking 31st in scoring and 30th in total offense.
The Browns had a challenging quarterback situation, with several players filling the role over the season.
Michael Penix, the Falcons' quarterback, had a difficult year in 2025 with injuries but is known for his deep-ball accuracy.
The Falcons have strong offensive players, including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts.
Travis Kelce, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, has shared his opinion on who he believes is the best football commentator. He prefers Greg Olsen over Tom Brady, despite Brady's recent improvements in commentary. Greg Olsen was replaced by Brady on FOX's lead commentary team.
Key Facts
Travis Kelce is a player for the NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tom Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX as a commentator.
Greg Olsen was replaced by Tom Brady on FOX's No. 1 commentary team.
Travis Kelce expressed his preference for Greg Olsen as the best commentator.
Brady will cover the upcoming NFC Championship game, not Olsen.
An exhibition called 'Get in the Game' is touring the United States. The exhibition explores the relationship between sports and art. It coincides with the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Key Facts
'Get in the Game' is an exhibition about sports and art.
The exhibition is traveling across the United States.
It looks at how sports and art are connected.
The timing of the exhibition aligns with the Winter Olympics.
Jeffrey Brown reported on the exhibition for the CANVAS arts and culture series.
The Cleveland Browns are searching for a new head coach, and one of the finalists is Nathan Scheelhaase, a promising young coach. Shedeur Sanders, a rookie quarterback for the Browns, had a mixed performance, but the new coach could help unlock his potential. Scheelhaase, currently with the Los Angeles Rams, is seen as someone who might effectively develop Sanders.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns are looking for a new head coach.
Shedeur Sanders is a rookie quarterback for the Browns with a mixed record.
Sanders broke a long-standing team record by winning a game as a rookie quarterback.
Nathan Scheelhaase is one of the finalists for the Browns' head coach position.
Scheelhaase is currently the passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Scheelhaase is regarded as a young, talented coach in the NFL.
James Gladstone, another young coach with the Rams, joined the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Browns may consider an experienced quarterback if they opt for a more traditional coach.
New users of DraftKings can place a $5 bet on the basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks. If their initial bet wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets. The game takes place at Madison Square Garden on January 21.
Key Facts
DraftKings is offering a special promotion for new users to bet on the Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks game.
To qualify, users must place a $5 bet, and if it wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets.
The $300 bonus is divided into 12 separate $25 bets.
These bonus bets are valid for seven days.
The game between the Nets and the Knicks is scheduled for January 21 at 7:30 PM EST at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks are favorites to win with a moneyline of -599.
The Knicks have struggled at home recently, with a record of 1-4 in their last five games.
Both teams have similar defensive statistics, allowing around 114 points per game.
USC is reportedly close to hiring Gary Patterson as their new defensive coordinator after the departure of D'Anton Lynn. Patterson previously coached at TCU and has a long history of success in college football.
Key Facts
USC is looking for a new defensive coordinator after D'Anton Lynn left for Penn State.
Reports suggest that USC is in talks with Gary Patterson for the position.
Patterson was the head coach at TCU from 2000 to 2021, achieving a 181-79 record.
He won six conference championships and had 11 seasons with at least 10 wins at TCU.
Patterson worked as a consultant for Baylor in 2024.
Patterson was recently named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.
If hired, he will be the third defensive coordinator under USC's head coach, Lincoln Riley.
Ireland has announced a 37-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations rugby tournament. Notably missing is Iain Henderson, while Nathan Doak and six other Ulster players have been selected. The squad features new faces and aims to improve on last year's performance.
Key Facts
Andy Farrell named a 37-man squad for the Six Nations rugby tournament.
Nathan Doak and Edwin Edogbo have received their first call-ups to the Ireland squad.
Seven players from Ulster have been selected, due to improved form this season.
Notable omissions from the squad include Iain Henderson and Zac Ward.
Several key players are unavailable due to injuries; replacements have been selected.
The Ireland team hopes to challenge favourites France and England this season.
Nathan Doak has impressed with his strong performance, leading to his selection.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL draft to the Las Vegas Raiders after winning the national championship. Some question whether joining the Raiders is a good move, partly due to the team's poor recent performance. Analyst Stephen A. Smith suggested that Raiders minority owner Tom Brady should make key decisions for improving the team.
Key Facts
Fernando Mendoza played as quarterback for Indiana Hoosiers and is expected to be the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a national championship victory and won the Heisman Trophy.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who might draft Mendoza, have a poor performance record, with only two playoff appearances in the last 20 years and none since 2002.
In 2025, the Raiders had a 3-14 record and one of the lowest-rated offenses in the league.
Stephen A. Smith criticized the Raiders on ESPN, saying Tom Brady is the only positive aspect of the team.
Smith suggested that Tom Brady should have decision-making power in drafting Mendoza, rather than the general manager, John Spytek.
Mendoza's achievements at Indiana include 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in a season.
The situation at the Raiders parallels Indiana's situation before Mendoza and Coach Curt Cignetti's arrival, which saw significant improvements afterwards.
The Golden State Warriors' plans are uncertain after Jimmy Butler suffered a serious knee injury, ending his season. Warriors' general manager Mike Dunleavy stated that there are no plans to trade Butler, even though the team needs to adjust before the approaching trade deadline. Jonathan Kuminga, another player, may see more playtime due to Butler's injury.
Key Facts
Jimmy Butler injured his knee during a game against the Miami Heat, ending his season.
Butler averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 38 games this season.
Mike Dunleavy, the Warriors' general manager, said there are no current plans to trade Butler.
The trade deadline for NBA teams is on February 5.
The Warriors currently hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.
Jonathan Kuminga, who was previously benched, might play more due to Butler's absence.
Kuminga scored 20 points in a recent game against the Toronto Raptors.
The Warriors have a 7-3 record in their last ten games.
Jamie George, a former captain of the England rugby team, will retire at the end of 2027. He plans to play one more season with Saracens before ending his career.
Key Facts
Jamie George will retire from rugby after the 2026-27 season.
He has agreed to a contract extension with Saracens for one more year.
George has played 105 matches for England.
He served as England's captain in 2024 and later as vice-captain.
Jamie George has been part of the British and Irish Lions for three tours.
He has spent his entire career at Saracens, playing over 300 games.
George wants to enjoy his final season and end his career successfully with Saracens.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker addressed questions about his passion for baseball during a press conference. Tucker explained that despite perceptions, he is committed to his team and the game. The Dodgers chose to sign Tucker, indicating no concerns about his dedication.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is the newest player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tucker faced questions about his passion for baseball during his introduction to the team.
He stated that he focuses on performing well on the field, regardless of outside opinions.
Tucker emphasized the importance of teamwork and the small contributions that lead to wins.
The Dodgers' management is careful about maintaining a positive team culture.
Signing Tucker suggests the Dodgers do not doubt his commitment to baseball.
The Seattle Seahawks, with quarterback Sam Darnold, are set to face the Rams in the NFC Championship game on January 25. Darnold, who played a key role in the Seahawks' successful season, is dealing with an oblique injury but plans to play in the upcoming game. The team is managing his injury carefully as they prepare for the championship.
Key Facts
The NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Rams is on January 25, in Seattle.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold joined the team from the Minnesota Vikings.
In the 2025 season, Darnold threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 17 games.
Darnold has an oblique injury but played in a recent game against the 49ers.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is carefully managing Darnold's practice reps due to his injury.
Coach Macdonald expressed confidence that Darnold will play, despite the injury.
The article explains a promotion for sports betting using a Betr promo code partnered with Newsweek. By using the code, users can get up to $210 in bonuses for placing bets on NBA games and NFL conference championships. The article provides steps on how to sign up and use the bonuses for different payout options.
Key Facts
A promo code called NEWSWEEK is available for users who want to bet on sports.
Users can receive up to $210 in bonuses, which include a $10 immediate bonus and a 50% deposit match up to $200.
The offer applies to NBA games and NFL conference championship games.
Users must make picks for at least two players from two different teams.
Two payout options are available: max payout (requires all picks to be correct) and flex payout (allows some picks to be incorrect).
To claim the offer, users must enter the promo code and provide personal details.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through their links.
FanDuel offers a welcome bonus for new customers betting on the NBA. By depositing and betting $5, new users can receive $300 in bonus bets if their initial wager wins. This promotion applies to the Knicks vs. Nets game or any NBA game.
Key Facts
FanDuel provides a special offer for new users.
New users must deposit and wager a minimum of $5.
If the user's first bet wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets.
The offer is valid for the Knicks vs. Nets game on January 21, 2026, or any NBA game.
There is no promo code needed to access this offer.
The promotion is only available to new FanDuel customers.
Betting options include moneyline and spread bets on Knicks vs. Nets.
The New York Mets traded for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and are now focusing on improving their pitching lineup. They are considering trade options and free-agent signings to strengthen their pitching staff, including discussions with the Milwaukee Brewers about pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Key Facts
The New York Mets traded to acquire outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
The Mets were previously interested in acquiring Cody Bellinger.
The Mets' management, led by David Stearns, is now focusing on enhancing their pitching staff.
They are in talks with the Milwaukee Brewers about pitcher Freddy Peralta.
The Mets have not yet added any new starting pitchers this offseason.
If trade talks do not succeed, they may consider signing mid-tier free agents like Chris Bassitt and Jose Quintana.
Framber Valdez is mentioned as the best free-agent option still available.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a new head coach, with Mike McCarthy emerging as a leading candidate. McCarthy, who is from Pittsburgh and has previous Super Bowl success, is scheduled for an interview with the team.
Key Facts
The Steelers are looking for a new head coach to replace Mike Tomlin.
Mike McCarthy, a former Green Bay Packers coach, is a top candidate.
He led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory against the Steelers.
McCarthy also coached the Dallas Cowboys until 2024.
He has a record of 125-77 with the Packers and 49-35 with the Cowboys.
McCarthy is being interviewed by the Steelers and is considered a favorite.
Other candidates are also being considered, including Brian Flores and Jesse Minter.
The Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969, indicating the importance of this decision.
The San Francisco 49ers' general manager, John Lynch, stated that Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to play for the team again after his season-ending injury. Aiyuk, who joined the 49ers in 2020, was a key player but suffered significant injuries that affected his gameplay and contract status.
Key Facts
The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round, ending their season.
Brandon Aiyuk is not expected to return to the 49ers after his injury issues.
John Lynch, the 49ers' general manager, indicated Aiyuk's departure is forthcoming.
Aiyuk was drafted as the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He suffered an ACL and MCL tear in 2024, affecting his performance and contract obligations.
Aiyuk led the team as a receiver in 2023 with notable performance stats.
The 49ers have other veteran receivers to rely on moving forward.
The Kansas City Chiefs have rehired Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator after Matt Nagy left the position. Patrick Mahomes shared his enthusiasm about the decision on social media, posting a picture with Bieniemy. Travis Kelce also expressed his excitement about Bieniemy's return on his podcast.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs are making changes to their roster and coaching staff.
Head coach Andy Reid will remain with the team.
Eric Bieniemy is returning as offensive coordinator, a position he held for ten seasons before.
Bieniemy helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowl titles in the past.
Mahomes shared a supportive post about Bieniemy on Instagram.
Mahomes achieved significant career milestones with Bieniemy as coordinator, including Pro Bowl selections and three Super Bowl wins.
Travis Kelce spoke positively about Bieniemy's return on his podcast.
