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Lane Kiffin wearing a headset

Lane Kiffin reacts to Ole Miss losing in CFP semifinals

January 8, 2026 by Larry Brown
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Lane Kiffin shared his reaction via social media on Thursday to the Ole Miss Rebels losing to the Miami Hurricanes 31-27 in their College Football Playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Kiffin shared a GIF of a cartoon heart breaking and added a blue heart to his post, representing the Ole Miss colors.

“Amazing effort and grit. @OleMissFB

“best season ever in the history of Ole Miss!!

“love guys,” Kiffin wrote on X.

Amazing effort and grit. @OleMissFB 😢 best season ever in the history of Ole Miss!!
💙 love guys pic.twitter.com/4F6u9kE6Uj

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) January 9, 2026

This was Ole Miss’ first time playing in the CFP, and it was the culmination of six hard years of work from Kiffin during his time in Oxford, Miss. And guess what? Kiffin thought so little of the team he built that he left them ahead of the playoffs, feeling that LSU would give him a better chance of winning national championships.

Maybe Kiffin is right that LSU will be a better spot for winning championships. But it still doesn’t change that the person who should have believed in his team the most is the one who believed in them the least. His heart may be broken for his former team, but fans think he may feel otherwise.

College FootballLane KiffinOle Miss Football
Ole Miss agains Miami

Fans said the same thing after Ole Miss lost to Miami

January 8, 2026 by Larry Brown
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Ole Miss lost to Miami 31-27 in their College Football Playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Thursday night, and their defeat had fans all saying the same thing.

The Rebels and Hurricanes were neck-and-neck for most of the game, with no team ever trailing by more than one score. The fourth quarter was especially thrilling, with the lead changing four times during the quarter. The Hurricanes prevailed thanks to a touchdown by Carson Beck with 18 seconds left.

The outcome of the game changing in the final seconds — and going in favor of Miami — had fans all commenting about how relieved Lane Kiffin must have been.

Lane Kiffin pic.twitter.com/sL1FoO2yX4

— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) January 9, 2026

Lane Kiffin watching Carson Beck score that final touchdown Miami pic.twitter.com/DEIO3FTnyZ

— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) January 9, 2026

That huge sigh of relief you just heard came from Lane Kiffin.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 9, 2026

Lane Kiffin after watching Ole Miss almost make it to the championship pic.twitter.com/4n71pibeGi

— Arslan (@thega1nz) January 9, 2026

Nothing would have made Lane Kiffin look worse than seeing Ole Miss advance to the national championship game right after he deserted the program because he felt LSU offered a better chance to win a title. He can try to pretend all he wants that wanted Ole Miss to keep winning and get to the championship game, but most people recognize he feels relief that the team lost. How could he not?

College FootballLane KiffinOle Miss Football
Trinidad Chambliss in Ole Miss uniform

Everyone said the same thing about Trinidad Chambliss after Ole Miss’ loss to Miami

January 8, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Trinidad Chambliss did not get Ole Miss past Miami on Thursday in the College Football Playoff. But he did convert thousands of fans into believers in his talent.

The Ole Miss quarterback did all he could to get the Rebels over the hump against the Hurricanes at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Chambliss made huge plays down the stretch, including a go-ahead touchdown pass to Dae’Quan Wright that gave Ole Miss a 27-24 lead with just over three minutes remaining.

TRINIDAD CHAMBLISS MIGHT BE THE BEST QB IN THE 2026 DRAFT 🔥

pic.twitter.com/6kvTkSGl8j

— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) January 9, 2026

Miami QB Carson Beck answered with a rushing touchdown of his own with 18 seconds left to put the Hurricanes back on top. Chambliss made two quick strikes to get Ole Miss into Miami territory, but ran out of time to make a game-winning play.

Chambliss did win over several armchair scouts. Many fans expressed that Chambliss, who is lobbying to be eligible for one more season at Ole Miss, was talented enough to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Trinidad Chambliss should absolutely think about entering the draft after the way he’s played in the #CFBPlayoff

Light QB draft… https://t.co/0K684laUMR

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 9, 2026

Trinidad Chambliss is going to save a NFL franchise. pic.twitter.com/kBI4f1m39Q

— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) January 9, 2026

Trinidad Chambliss, your mission – should you choose to accept it – is to be given 50 million dollars by the New York Jets.

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 9, 2026

Trinidad Chambliss turns 24 years old in August. It’s a weak QB class. Why is he even petitioning the NCAA for another year of eligibility?

— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) January 9, 2026

The Ole Miss star finished Thursday’s contest with 277 yards and a touchdown on a 24/37 passing clip.

Chambliss announced Monday that he was returning to Ole Miss, so long as the NCAA approves his appeal for a medical redshirt waiver, which would give him one final year of eligibility. Fans seem to believe, however, that losing his eligibility wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

Chambliss went from playing Division II football to having the attention of NFL scouts looking for a franchise savior at QB.

College FootballFeatured StoriesOle Miss fansOle Miss FootballTrinidad Chambliss
Eli Manning with a stressed look on his face

Eli Manning becomes a meme during Ole Miss-Miami CFP game

January 8, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Eli Manning was really going through it during Thursday night’s CFP game.

The retired former Pro Bowl quarterback Manning was in attendance for Thursday’s CFP semifinal between Ole Miss and Miami at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Manning, who played his college ball at Ole Miss from 2000-03, also served as an honorary captain for the game.

Multiple times throughout the contest, the ESPN broadcast cut to Manning in the luxury box looking extremely stressed at the up-and-down roller coaster of a game. Take a look.

How are we feelin' Ole Miss fans? pic.twitter.com/lUe3xvoAQK

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 9, 2026

Uptight Eli then quickly became a meme over social media. Many fans found it quite relatable how deeply invested Manning was in his favorite team’s success.

Eli Manning is me and I am him. Clutching any and everything on every play. pic.twitter.com/q3m0p3n3Qa

— Brandi Ratliff (@SouthrnGrlRebel) January 9, 2026

Eli Manning on the Giants didn’t look as stressed as he does with Ole Miss against Miami pic.twitter.com/O5FRF1CgZL

— Mannie. (@PremierVee) January 9, 2026

Eli look like your uncle with $50 on the game pic.twitter.com/CHgA1aawX0

— br_betting (@br_betting) January 9, 2026

Eli Manning we feel your stress

— Barstool Ole Miss (@BarstoolOleMiss) January 9, 2026

Unfortunately for Manning, he walked away disappointed after Thursday’s game. Ole Miss lost to Miami by a final score of 31-27 after Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck scored one of the latest touchdowns in CFP history to give his team the lead.

The two-time Super Bowl MVP Manning has been a great ambassador for his alma mater and even had a great post to social media about the Lane Kiffin saga last month. But he wasn’t enough to carry Ole Miss to victory in the CFP semifinal as it will instead be Miami who gets to play the winner of Indiana and Oregon for a shot at the national championship later this month.

College FootballCollege Football PlayoffEli Manning
Miami QB Carson Beck screaming after scoring a touchdown

Carson Beck runs in game-winning touchdown to beat Ole Miss

January 8, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Carson Beck made the decisive play underneath the bright lights of the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday to get Miami to the College Football Playoff title game.

The Hurricanes trailed the Ole Miss Rebels 27-24 with 24 seconds left in the do-or-die contest at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Beck showed his veteran poise with 2nd-and-goal from the three-yard line.

Beck scanned every option and realized the best one was to take it in himself, scrambling for a go-ahead touchdown to give Miami a 31-27 lead.

CARSON BECK TAKES THE LEAD. TOUCHDOWNpic.twitter.com/WzGHftkJ8l

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 9, 2026

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss made things interesting with a couple of quick throws to get to Miami territory with seconds remaining. But his final pass sailed past the scrum of players waiting in the end zone, giving the Hurricanes a 31-27 victory.

The rushing touchdown was Beck’s first on the ground since Miami’s third game of the season against South Florida. That’s what you call saving your legs for exactly the right moment. Beck’s touchdown with 18 seconds left was also the second-latest go-ahead touchdown in CFP history.

Carson Beck scored the second-latest go-ahead touchdown in regulation in College Football Playoff history with 18 seconds remaining 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rAux9hnuG3

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) January 9, 2026

Beck went 23/37 in the contest for 268 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception. He had -6 yards on 12 carries, but all that mattered was his game-sealing TD in the closing seconds.

College FootballHeadlinesCarson BeckMiami Football
Kawhi Leonard stumbling on a fan

Video shows the moment Kawhi Leonard hurt his ankle stepping on a fan

January 8, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Kawhi Leonard appears to have discovered yet another way to get hurt.

The LA Clippers star forward Leonard is being listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a right ankle sprain. Leonard hurt his ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.

Law Murray of The Athletic shared video of the moment that Leonard suffered the injury. In the third quarter against the Knicks, Leonard stepped back and hit a baseline jumper over New York’s Mitchell Robinson. But his momentum carried him into the front row of seats, and Leonard ended up stepping on the foot of a courtside fan.

Here is the video.

Here's where Leonard injured his ankle. Made 10/16 FGs for 25 points through 3 quarters. Subbed out after this bucket

Played in 4th quarter until garbage time but missed all 4 shots. Kawhi didn't mention it postgame but same foot that cost Kawhi most of November https://t.co/I3TCl8XpTZ pic.twitter.com/He0D1PWTZw

— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) January 8, 2026

The six-time All-Star Leonard, now 34, has been absolutely magnificent over the last couple of weeks for the Clippers. In his last nine games, Leonard is averaging a robust 33.9 points to go along with 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game on 50/38/94 shooting splits as the Clippers have gone 7-2 over that stretch. That included one particularly absurd performance against the Detroit Pistons.

But the oft-injured Leonard already missed 10 straight games in November due to a sprain of that exact same ankle. Given Leonard’s notorious history, it might be fair to expect him to miss a few more games due to this latest (and unusual) ailment.

BasketballKawhi Leonard
Kyrie Irving in his Mavericks uniform

Big update surfaces about Kyrie Irving’s status

January 8, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Kyrie Irving may be taking the 2025-26 season as a full-on gap year.

The injured Dallas Mavericks star Irving will not be playing before the NBA trade deadline, Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported this week on the “Howdy Partners” podcast. MacMahon also cast doubt on the potential of Irving playing at all this season.

“Kyrie is not coming back before the trade deadline,” MacMahon said, per ClutchPoints.

“I don’t know at this point if Kyrie is playing this season,” added MacMahon. “I know he wants to. We’ll see if that’s in his best interest. We’ll see if it’s in the franchise’s best interest. Those are things that need to be sorted out.”

The nine-time All-Star Irving tore the ACL in his left knee during a game in early March 2025 (see the video here) and has been sidelined ever since. ACL tears generally tend to be 9-to-12-month injuries, so Irving is just about nearing completion of that timeline.

Of course, complicating matters is Irving’s age (he will be turning 34 in a couple of months) as well as the Mavericks’ poor record this season. Dallas is at just 14-24 on the year, which has them outside of the play-in tournament zone in an extremely difficult Western Conference.

A few months ago, we heard a much more optimistic report about Irving’s recovery. But with Dallas continuing to struggle and Irving now under contract with the Mavericks through 2028 (pursuant to a recent extension), it might not make much sense for him to return to the court this year.

BasketballDallas MavericksKyrie Irving
Tarik Skubal walking off the field

Tarik Skubal makes unprecedented demand in arbitration

January 8, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is looking to set the new standard in MLB salary arbitration.

The Tigers were unable to reach an agreement with the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner before Thursday night’s deadline, leaving arbitration to resolve how much Detroit will have to pay Skubal next season.

The process involves both the Tigers and Skubal submitting a dollar figure they believe to be a fair amount for the player’s services. Several reporters confirmed Thursday that the team submitted $19 million as their figure, while Skubal requested for a whopping $32 million.

Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal filed for a $32 million salary this year while the Detroit Tigers countered at $19 million, sources tell ESPN. The $13 million spread is by far the largest in salary-arbitration history and sets up for a fascinating hearing in February.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 9, 2026

The $13 million gap is the widest in arbitration history. If Skubal wins, his $32 million figure would also be the largest awarded to a player ever, besting the $31 million mark set by Juan Soto. Skubal’s total would also be over 50% more than David Price’s $19.5 million arbitration record for a pitcher.

While Skubal’s demand is unprecedented, most would have a tough time arguing he isn’t worth the price. The Tigers star is the back-to-back Cy Young winner with a WAR over 6.0 in each of his last two seasons. He’s the consensus best pitcher in the American League, but the $32 million figure would only make him the 6th-highest paid starter in the majors.

BaseballDetroit TigersTarik Skubal
Cody Bellinger celebrates in the dugout

Details emerge on Yankees’ latest offer to Cody Bellinger

January 8, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees are still in a staring contest, and there may be at least one key sticking point in negotiations.

The Yankees’ most recent offer to Bellinger’s camp is a multi-year contract featuring an average annual value of over $30 million per year, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported on Thursday. However, Bellinger’s camp is continuing to push for a seven-year contract, Kuty adds.

Bellinger, the former NL MVP, is represented by agent Scott Boras. He will turn 31 years old in the summer, meaning that a seven-year contract would take Bellinger into his late 30s.

There is a fair argument for Bellinger to be worth that kind of commitment. He hit .272 last season with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs while also providing strong defense in the outfield.

But when you look at other player comps from this offseason, Bellinger’s stance makes a little bit less sense. Both Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, two other elite power hitters, were only able to land five-year contracts (both at around the $30 million AAV figure).

The Yankees would obviously like to retain Bellinger after their successful partnership in 2025 but likely not on a seven-year contract commitment. If the two sides ultimately cannot make things work, the Yankees will have some outfield options elsewhere while the lefty hitter Bellinger himself may also have a few elite suitors to choose from.

BaseballCody BellingerNew York Yankees
Trae Young in his Hawks uniform

Report: Wizards could pull an unusual move with Trae Young

January 8, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Washington Wizards fans might stunningly have to wait another nine months to see Trae Young actually suit up for their team.

The Wizards made the blockbuster move on Wednesday night to acquire the four-time All-Star point guard Young from the Atlanta Hawks. The move ended Young’s tenure in Atlanta after seven-and-a-half seasons.

On Thursday, Wizards writer Josh Robbins of The Athletic made a surprising revelation about Young and the Wizards. Robbins says that he would be “surprised” if Young plays much for the Wizards this season, if at all.

Young, 27, is currently sidelined with a quad injury. The former All-NBA selection is obviously a tremendous floor-raiser. But that might not benefit the Wizards much at this point since they are a brutal 10-26 on the year (14th in the Eastern Conference). With at least four elite talents projected to be at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft (Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson), the incentive is incredibly strong for Washington to simply pull the plug on the 2025-26 season.

While rare, there is some precedent for former All-Stars never playing in a game for their new team during the season in which they were acquired. For one, the Toronto Raptors acquired Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans at last season’s NBA trade deadline, and he did not play in a single game for Toronto that year. As a result, the Raptors went 30-52 but were able to land a top-10 pick in the ensuing draft (selecting Collin Murray-Boyles). With Ingram, Toronto now sits at 23-15 this season, which is fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Young is signed for $46 million this season and holds a $49 million player option for next season. While that means Young could hypothetically leave Washington this summer, the Wizards probably feel strongly about their chances of an extension considering Young’s strong feelings for them as well.

BasketballFeatured StoriesTrae YoungWashington Wizards
Zion Williamson in a purple jersey

Zion Williamson linked to 1 team in trade rumors

January 8, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Zion Williamson might be going from The Big Easy to The Windy City.

The New Orleans Pelicans star forward Williamson is being scouted by the Chicago Bulls ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints said during a recent livestream. Siegel adds that the Bulls would have plenty of assets with which to make a run at Williamson.

“I’ve heard that there’s been some smoke there about Chicago scouting New Orleans in recent weeks,” said Siegel. “Zion would be the ideal buy-low candidate for a team like the Bulls, who have a lot of expiring contracts.”

The Pelicans are once again in the toilet this season at 8-31 on the year (dead last in the Western Conference). With New Orleans trading away their unprotected first-round pick in 2026 to the Atlanta Hawks as a part of the Derik Queen deal last summer, the time may be ripe for the Pelicans to replenish their cupboard of assets by selling off some of their current roster pieces.

As for Williamson, who is still only 25 years old, his baggage is very well-known at this point. A chronic struggler with weight and injury woes, Williamson has played in just 23 of a possible 39 games for the Pelicans this season. His stats are down on the year as well (22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game), and Williamson has dealt with some troubling off-court scandals in recent months too.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are 17-20, which places them squarely in the play-in tournament zone at 10th in the Eastern Conference. With Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Coby White all on expiring contracts at $13 million or higher, some combination of those may be enough (along with draft capital) to entice New Orleans to finally part ways with Williamson, who remains signed through 2028.

BasketballHeadlinesChicago BullsZion Williamson
Aaron Rodgers in a Steelers hoodie

Aaron Rodgers has message for fans who wanted Mike Tomlin fired

January 8, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Aaron Rodgers has done the talking for Mike Tomlin with the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff-bound.

The Steelers head coach was seemingly on the hot seat during the middle stretch of the season. After a 5-1 start, Pittsburgh lost five of its next seven games to fall to 6-6. There was naturally some chatter about Tomlin being forced out at season’s end.

With the Steelers sneaking into the playoffs, Rodgers was vocal about the team being able to “shut all those comments down.”

“At 6-6, there were a lot of people thinking we were going to be stumbling to the finish, and then who knows what was going to happen,” Rodgers told reporters on Thursday. “A lot of you probably in this group, either publicly or privately, were talking about Mike T getting axed. So it feels good to shut all those comments down.

“They’ve gotta try to find something to get after him. Mike T’s probably like me. Doesn’t give a whole lot of s— about any of those comments. But it is nice because we all love him and want to play for him and want to win for him.”

Rodgers added that the circumstances that led to the Steelers making the playoffs no longer matter. Pittsburgh needed a huge choke job from Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop to get in. But as far as Rodgers is concerned, the Steelers have a “clean slate” and that “anyone can make a run.”

While the team does not appear inclined to fire Tomlin, there remains a real possibility that the longtime Steelers head coach steps back on his own this offseason.

H/T NFL.com

FootballAaron RodgersMike TomlinPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers logo

Steelers starter dealing with illness ahead of Wild Card game

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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The Pittsburgh Steelers survived with a 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the final game of the regular season on Sunday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Tyler Loop’s missed field goal as time expired gave the Steelers the victory, the AFC North division title and a home playoff game against the Houston Texans.

Unfortunately, Steelers starting running back Jaylen Warren was absent from practice on Thursday due to an illness. He was then spotted in the locker room after wearing a mask and gloves.

The Steelers are in a good spot from a health standpoint going into Monday.

Jaylen Warren was ill today and DNP. He was wearing a mask and gloves in the locker room.

Cam got a rest day.

Everyone else full go. pic.twitter.com/O623paPZwP

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 8, 2026

Warren is the Steelers’ leading rusher this season with 958 yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries.

On December 21 against the Detroit Lions, Warren had 143 yards with a pair of touchdowns in the 29-24 win at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

The departure of Najee Harris opened the door for Warren to be the starting RB, and he had also caught 40 passes for 333 yards and a pair of scores. His biggest highlight came against the Los Angeles Chargers when he hurdled a defender.

If Warren isn’t able to suit up, Kenneth Gainwell figures to be the RB1, but the good news is there is still time for Warren to recover.

The Steelers host the Texans on Monday night at Heinz Field with the game on ABC.

FootballJaylen WarrenPittsburgh Steelers
Kalen DeBoer wearing a black Alabama hoodie

Alabama losing star WR to transfer portal

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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The beginning of the 2026 calendar year has not gone well for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

It began with a 38-3 blowout loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. A week later, Alabama saw star wide receiver Isaiah Horton enter the transfer portal, per Hayes Fawcett of On3.

Horton’s departure comes one day after Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson announced his decision to declare the the 2026 NFL Draft, so it’s been a string of unfortunate events in Tuscaloosa.

Horton had 42 receptions for 511 yards and eight touchdowns (a team high) in 2025. Before that, he spent three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes and had 56 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns in 2024 with Cam Ward throwing him passes.

Horton was third in the Alabama WR room with Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams ahead of him. Horton had a three-touchdown game on November 29 in a 27-20 win over the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl.

The Alabama WR was a four-star prospect from the state of Tennessee, and he revealed last year that one reason why he came to Tuscaloosa was because of Simpson, as the two played 7-on-7 football in high school.

“That’s my guy,” Horton said last year after transferring to Alabama.  “We had that little chemistry. That’s my guy. That’s kind of one of the reasons I came here, too, just to get back with him.

Horton’s entering the portal is a surprise for Alabama and the rest of college football, and he should be a big name to watch before the portal closes on Jan. 16.

College FootballAlabama Football
Tom Brady looking ahead

Tom Brady makes his pick for NFL MVP

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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The NFL MVP award is usually a difficult choice, and this year’s race is no exception.

The MVP award appears to be down to either New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye or Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford.

On Thursday, seven-time Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL MVP winner Tom Brady made his pick for the award, and he went with Stafford.

🏆 @TomBrady explains why Matthew Stafford is his pick for MVP this season on @TheHerd pic.twitter.com/N2VyuTR2XO

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 8, 2026

Both signal-callers have had incredible seasons. Maye and the Patriots are the No. 2 seed in the AFC and face off against the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Chargers.

Stafford’s Rams are the No. 5 seed in the NFC and take on the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round.

When you examine the two QBs’ stats side by side, it is a toss-up for the NFL MVP winner.

  • Drake Maye: 4.394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 8 INT, 77.2 QBR
  • Matthew Stafford: 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, 8 INT, 71.0 QBR

Stafford leads the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns and yards per game (276.9), while Maye is in the top-5 in many categories in just his second season in the NFL.

However, Maye has done all of that with zero Pro Bowl players on offense, and if he wins the MVP, it would be the first time that has happened.

Drake Maye can do what no QB has ever done

He can be the 1st QB all-time to win NFL MVP in a season with 0 Pro Bowl teammates on offense

There's been 49 instances of a QB winning MVP ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nOk5jYghPh

— Doug Clawson (@doug_clawson) January 5, 2026

Last year, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen beat out Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson for the award, and this year’s race could come down to two signal-callers as well, although San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey should garner some votes.

The NFL MVP award will be announced in the week leading up to the Super Bowl during the “NFL Honors” show on Feb. 5.

FootballDrake MayeMatthew StaffordTom Brady
Marshon Lattimore mug shot

Commanders’ Marshon Lattimore arrested on weapons charge

January 8, 2026 by Larry Brown
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Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore was arrested Wednesday in Lakewood, Ohio, and is facing two charges.

Lattimore, who played college football at Ohio State, is facing charges of carrying concealed weapons and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. Lattimore was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for having expired license plates, and other traffic violations. Lattimore was arrested because he did not inform police officers that there was a gun in the vehicle, which is why he received the improper handling charge.

Lattimore was booked into jail in Lakewood and later released.

“We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We have informed the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time,” the Commanders said in a statement.

Lattimore, 29, is a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback who has played for both the New Orleans Saints and Commanders. He had 27 tackles and an interception in 9 games this season.

Lattimore has faced legal problems in the past. In 2021, he faced a charge for allegedly accepting stolen property. He later pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor charge for carrying a concealed weapon.

FootballPolice BlotterMarshon Lattimore
The Green Bay Packers helmet

Packers DC is lining up head coach interviews

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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The Green Bay Packers are preparing for their Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday at Soldier Field.

But, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is also lining up plenty of head coach interviews. As of Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans have all submitted requests to interview the Packers’ DC, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

With the Packers playing on Saturday, Hafley won’t be able to interview this week.

The Falcons, Cardinals and Titans have put in requests to interview Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their HC jobs, per sources. Hafley can't interview until next week, with Green Bay going to Chicago Saturday.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 8, 2026

Before coming to Green Bay, Hafley spent four seasons as the Boston College head coach and compiled a 22-26 record.

Hafley was a defensive backs coach in the NFL before that, including stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but leaving a Power 5 head coaching job for a DC job is a bit of a surprise.

The Packers’ defense this season is in the top-12 in passing yards and points, but 28th in interceptions and 21st in sacks.

On Wednesday, Hafley said it is “extremely flattering and very humbling” to see his name involved in head coach discussions, although he is focused on the Wild Card game.

FootballGreen Bay PackersJeff Hafley
Mike McDaniel at a press conference

Mike McDaniel already contacted by 1 team for OC job

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday, and he is widely expected to get interviews for a head coach job or an offensive coordinator role.

Just hours after he was fired, the Detroit Lions were in contact with McDaniel for their open OC role, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The #Lions have reached out to former #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive coordinator position, sources say. McDaniel is a top candidate for any open OC job. pic.twitter.com/Eg7jc6zTdg

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2026

McDaniel went 35-33 in four seasons as the Dolphins’ head coach, but Miami decided to move on in what owner Stephen M. Ross said was part of a “comprehensive change.”

The Lions fired OC John Morton, who replaced Ben Johnson after he left for the Chicago Bears head coaching job.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell had stripped Morton of playcalling duties in November, so it wasn’t a surprise to see Morton let go after just one year as the Detroit OC.

The Lions have a lot of young players on offense, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LePorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown to go with veteran quarterback Jared Goff.

McDaniel is widely recognized as an offensive guru. He spent four seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ run game coordinator before becoming the OC in 2021.

The Washington Commanders have also been floated as a “logical destination” if McDaniel takes an OC job, so there is already a lot of buzz around the former Dolphins head coach.

FootballDetroit LionsMiami DolphinsMike McDaniel
A Philadelphia Phillies hat in the dugout

Report: Phillies to meet with prized free agent shortstop

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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The MLB free agency frenzy has slowed down a bit, but big names such as Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette are still on the market.

Bichette’s return to the Toronto Blue Jays continues to look unlikely, and now the Philadelphia Phillies have scheduled a meeting with him, according to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

“Bichette is expected to meet with Phillies officials on a video conference call in the coming days, those sources said. The club’s interest in Bichette is legitimate.”

If the Phillies do sign Bichette, it could signal the end of the run in Philadelphia for catcher J.T. Realmuto or infielder Alec Bohm.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post first mentioned the Phillies as a team of interest at the start of January, along with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and others.

The Phillies are among a number of big-market teams to have interest in Bo Bichette, an ultra young (27) free agent. Yanks, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and incumbent Jays, too. Bichette is the only player to hit .300 vs. fastballs, breaking balls and also changeups/splits.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 3, 2026

Heyman reported on Thursday that the Yankees were looking “more seriously” at a possible contract for Bichette, so it seems his free agency pursuit is slowly beginning to ramp up.

Bichette has spent his entire MLB career with Toronto, and he is coming off a strong 2025 season where he hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs.

Adding a bat such as Bichette to a lineup that includes Trea Turner, Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper would be a big bonus as the Phillies try to make a World Series run.

BaseballBo BichettePhiladelphia Phillies
Bo Bichette in a Blue Jays cap

American League team looking ‘more seriously’ at Bo Bichette

January 8, 2026 by Matt Wadleigh
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Former Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette is one of the biggest names available on the MLB free agent market.

His chances of returning to Toronto took a hit after the signing of Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto. On Thursday, MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post gave an update on Bichette, and he mentioned the New York Yankees are looking “more seriously” at Bichette.

“The Yankees and No. 1 target Cody Bellinger have exchanged multiple proposals but haven’t closed the gap quite enough to shut off other possibilities — either for Bellinger or the Yankees, who are now looking more seriously at superstar infielder Bo Bichette,” Heyman wrote.

The Blue Jays reportedly increased their efforts to land Kyle Tucker, which would make the signing of Bichette even more unlikely.

At the beginning of January, Heyman mentioned the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs as three possible contenders for Bichette, so it’s not a surprise to see the Yankees still interested.

The interesting tidbit is that the Yankees don’t have an infield position open for Bichette. He stated earlier in the offseason that he would move to second base if needed, and the Yankees have also reportedly listened to offers on Jazz Chisholm Jr. as well.

Heyman also noted that the Yankees are still trying to bring back Cody Bellinger, so there are a lot of fluid situations in the Bronx.

ESPN previously projected Bichette’s contract to be for five years and $150 million, so it could be a big payday for the Blue Jays star.

BaseballBo BichetteNew York YankeesToronto Blue Jays

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