Defensive back Xavier Lucas is transferring from Wisconsin to Miami without actually entering the...

<p>Defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/196422" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/196422">Xavier Lucas</a> is transferring from Wisconsin to Miami without actually entering the NCAA's transfer portal, his attorney, Darren Heitner, told <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/former-wisconsin-db-xavier-lucas-leaving-school-for-miami-without-entering-transfer-portal-222228423.html">Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger</a>.</p><p>It's potentially a precedent-setting move - Lucas joined the Hurricanes after signing a two-year revenue-sharing contract with the Badgers. This is the first known public dispute between a player and a school related to a revenue-share deal.</p><p>"NCAA rules do not prevent a student-athlete from unenrolling from an institution, enrolling at a new institution and competing immediately," an NCAA spokesperson said Friday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The move comes weeks after Lucas stated that Wisconsin refused to release him into the transfer portal Dec. 27. The freshman defender thanked the Badgers and declared his intentions to enter the portal Dec. 19.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I still intend to transfer, but at the moment Wisconsin is refusing to release me into the transfer portal. I’ve met all NCAA requirements of the transfer portal process. I’ve yet to be put into the transfer portal by Wisconsin which is impeding my ability to speak with schools.</p>— Xavier Lucas (@XavierL_25) <a href="https://twitter.com/XavierL_25/status/1872697059146645986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lucas' previous revenue-sharing agreement granted Wisconsin non-exclusive rights to use and market his name, image, and likeness. It also prohibited Lucas' rights from being used by any other school but allowed him to sign outside marking agreements.</p><p>Heitner had planned to file a lawsuit against both the NCAA and Wisconsin over antitrust claims related to the situation, per Dellenger. The suit would accuse the school of blatantly violating NCAA rules by not inserting Lucas' name into the transfer portal as requested.</p><p>Schools are not allowed to communicate with players who are not officially in the portal.</p><p>Lucas has enrolled academically at Miami for the fall 2025 semester but is expected to reclassify to spring 2025. He will presumably avoid NCAA transfer rules for not formally signing with the Hurricanes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The situation may set precedent in 2 ways:<br>- a school’s enforcement of settlement-contingent rev-share contracts.<br>- a player transferring at any time, even outside of the windows, if he/she withdraws.<br><br>Clear now more than ever, the portal is unenforceable.…</p>— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) <a href="https://twitter.com/RossDellenger/status/1880381366950658051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lucas recorded 18 tackles, two pass breakups, one sack, and one interception in 2024.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) lines up during a college football game between the Wisconsin Badgers against the USC Trojans on September 28, 2024, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA.

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Lucas leaves Wisconsin for Miami without entering transfer portal

The Tennessee Titans hired Mike Borgonzi as their new general manager, the team announced Friday....

<p>The Tennessee Titans hired Mike Borgonzi as their new general manager, the team announced Friday.</p><p>"Mike's experience speaks for itself: he has been part of the core team that delivered four AFC championships and three Super Bowls over the past five seasons. It's the type of standard I want to build here in Tennessee," said Titans' controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk in a statement.</p><p>The Titans are giving Borgonzi a five-year contract that signs him through the 2029 season, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1880384669897867764">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Borgonzi has been with the Kansas City Chiefs since 2009 and served as the team's assistant general manager in the last four seasons. He worked in multiple roles with the Chiefs - including director of player personnel and director of football operations - and was part of their three Super Bowl title runs in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> and Andy Reid era.</p><p>"Long time coming," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in reaction to Friday's reports about Borgonzi, according to <a href="https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/1880346739150078397">Albert Breer of TheMMQB</a>. "One of the hardest-working guys in the business. Tennessee made the right choice."</p><p>In Tennessee, Borgonzi will inherit a team that finished 2024 with a 3-14 record and missed the playoffs for the third straight year. It was the club's first campaign with head coach Brian Callahan.</p><p>The Titans' biggest question mark remains at quarterback, as second-year passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188135" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188135">Will Levis</a> didn't live up to the hype and lost the starting role throughout the season to veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83531" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83531">Mason Rudolph</a>. Finding a new franchise QB is presumably Tennessee's main priority in the 2025 offseason, and Borgonzi will have the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to use.</p><p>Borgonzi - who will replace Ran Carthon - also interviewed for the New York Jets' general manager job this year. Tennessee fired Carthon on Jan. 7 after going 9-25 during his tenure.</p>

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 17: A close-up view of a Tennessee Titans helmet against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau on November 17, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Titans hire Chiefs exec Borgonzi as GM

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman announced his retirement Friday during the promoti...

<p>Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman announced his retirement Friday during the promotion's weigh-in show.</p><p>"I'm hanging up the gloves in the UFC," Weidman said. "I'm no longer going to be fighting for the organization."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We will never forget "The All-American"!<br><br>Congrats on an amazing career, <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisweidman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisWeidman</a>! ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/907AZAA1pp">pic.twitter.com/907AZAA1pp</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1880332052287091015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 40-year-old most recently suffered a loss to Eryk Anders by TKO at UFC 310 in December. Weidman went 1-3 in his last four Octagon appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Weidman fought twice in 2024 and earned his first win in almost four years after defeating Bruno Silva in March. The victory was also Weidman's first since he broke his leg 17 seconds into an April 2021 fight against Uriah Hall.</p><p>Weidman posted a 16-8 record after debuting in the UFC in 2011. He notably won his first nine fights in the promotion in a streak that included a knockout win over MMA legend Anderson Silva to capture the middleweight belt, a title Weidman held from 2013-15. He eventually lost the middleweight championship to Luke Rockhold in December 2015.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29867067/related

Chris Weidman retires from UFC

It doesn't look like the Baltimore Ravens will have their No. 1 wide receiver in the divisional r...

<p>It doesn't look like the Baltimore Ravens will have their No. 1 wide receiver in the divisional round despite coach John Harbaugh's optimism.</p><p>Harbaugh said Friday that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188142" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188142">Zay Flowers</a> "has a chance" to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1880316723653460226">Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>However, the Ravens later officially listed the explosive wideout as doubtful for their highly anticipated playoff clash.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Flowers didn't practice this week due to a knee injury that also sidelined him for last week's wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old, who has a brace on his knee, did participate in a small workout before staying on the sideline during Friday's full practice, notes <a href="https://x.com/giana_jade/status/1880300433253757341">Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner</a>.</p><p>With Flowers sidelined, the run-heavy Ravens relied on other skill-position players in the passing game last week. Tight ends <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82707" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82707">Mark Andrews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174166" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174166">Isaiah Likely</a> combined for five receptions and 80 yards, while running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/108762" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/108762">Justice Hill</a> caught a team-high four passes for 13 yards and one touchdown.</p><p>Flowers led Baltimore with 74 receptions and 1,059 yards in 2024. The 2023 first-round pick also scored four touchdowns en route to a first Pro Bowl berth.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORINA - NOVEMBER 25: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during an NFL Football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, Califorina.

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Ravens' Flowers listed as doubtful to face Bills

If it's up to quarterback Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears will bring in an offensive-minded hea...

<p>If it's up to quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a>, the Chicago Bears will bring in an offensive-minded head coach this year.</p><p>"Selfishly, I want an offensive-minded guy so I can build with him and be with that coach for the next 19, 17, 15 years," Williams recently said on the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhC7ucAW7R8">St. Brown Podcast</a>." "So I can also learn and grow and things like that from him and what he's seen and what he's gone through with other QBs<strong> </strong>or been around."</p><p>The Bears are looking for a new coach after firing Matt Eberflus, a former defensive coordinator who lasted two-plus seasons in Chicago. With Eberflus and his staff - which featured Shane Waldron as the offensive coordinator - Williams fell short of mass expectations as a rookie after being drafted first overall.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old passer posted a 62.5% completion rate to go along with 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns against six interceptions. He was sacked 68 times, the most in the NFL.</p><p>"If we get an overall, like, grand-scheme coach (who) is good with time management, good with the clock, good with helping control the game - it's a big factor, obviously," Williams said. "... And then helping find the right guys to win championships. That's the only goal that I have for my NFL career is to go win a championship and championships."</p><p>The Bears fired Waldron nine games into the season and finished the campaign with interim coach Thomas Brown in charge of their offense. Chicago ranked 28th in points scored and 32nd in total yards in 2024.</p><p>The Bears have interviewed several head coaching candidates in this cycle, including well-known offensive minds such as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.</p><p>A video recently went viral on social media showing a fan calling Williams pretending to be Johnson, the most coveted candidate in the 2025 coaching pool.</p><p>"I was trying not to flip out because I knew they were probably recording," Williams said of the prank. "I was trying to keep my cool, but when I got off the phone I was fuming, I wanted to, like, smash some shit."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BRO 😭<br><br>These kids convinced Caleb Williams that they were Ben Johnson and he FaceTimed them 💀 <a href="https://t.co/WLd30YBOs5">pic.twitter.com/WLd30YBOs5</a></p>— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/woodwardsports/status/1877907779970593224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cowboys are also looking for a new head coach. The New England Patriots recently ended their search by hiring Mike Vrabel, who had previously interviewed with Chicago.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Titans 24-17.

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Caleb wants Bears to hire 'an offensive-minded guy'

North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi is trying to shut down speculation that new Tar H...

<p>North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi is trying to shut down speculation that new Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick could return to the NFL.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you. <a href="https://t.co/Z5sRAcYOCB">https://t.co/Z5sRAcYOCB</a></p>— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlombardiuncgm/status/1879915483459441101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Belichick and Lombardi both said that the legendary head coach was fully committed to North Carolina after Belichick joined the Tar Heels on Dec. 11 in a stunning move to the college level. However, six main NFL jobs are still available, including one with the Dallas Cowboys, who have been linked to Belichick after parting ways with Mike McCarthy on Jan 13.</p><p>Lombardi was responding to a report from <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/bill-belichicks-unc-contract-its-not-signed-yet-opening-up-consequential-questions-about-10m-buyout/">CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones</a> noting that Belichick has yet to officially sign his contract with North Carolina, which could lead to a legal dispute regarding the coach's buyout if he leaves for the pros. Belichick's buyout is $10 million if he terminates his deal before June 1 but drops to $1 million after that date.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Belichick did sign a term sheet with North Carolina, according to Jones.</p><p>North Carolina has "had coaches coach here for a year before they had an actual contract," a UNC spokesperson told Jones.</p><p>"All sources contacted for this story agreed: Should Belichick leave without paying a buyout, a legal dispute of some sort would likely take place for either all or part of the $10 million," Jones wrote.</p><p>Belichick, 72, helped the Patriots build the NFL's most dominant dynasty along with Tom Brady, and they won six Super Bowl titles together from 2000-23. Arguably the greatest football coach of all time, Belichick didn't land an NFL job in 2024 after parting ways with New England following the 2023 season.</p><p>With 333 career NFL wins, he's only 14 victories behind Don Shula for the most all time, including playoffs.</p><p>Lombardi joined North Carolina in December after working as an assistant for Belichick's Patriots from 2014-16.</p><p> </p>

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 14: North Carolina Tar Heels football head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the crowd during a basketball game against the La Salle Explorers at Dean E. Smith Center on December 14, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 93-67.

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UNC's Lombardi reiterates NFL isn't an option for Belichick 

Brian Kelly became Notre Dame's all-time leader in wins and helped change the program before leav...

<p>Brian Kelly became Notre Dame's all-time leader in wins and helped change the program before leaving for LSU in a shocking 2021 decision that angered Fighting Irish fans. More than three years later and despite the criticism from the Blue and Gold fan base, the veteran head coach hopes his former team can end its championship drought Monday against Ohio State.</p><p>"I'm happy for all those guys, I pull for them," Kelly told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/brian-kelly-pulling-for-notre-dame-as-ex-irish-coach-addresses-backlash-over-comments-stemming-from-departure/">CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello</a>. "A lot of the guys there that are on both sides of the ball, I recruited. Obviously, I want to see those guys win it all, and I think they're in a great position. Totally excited for those guys."</p><p>Kelly coached Notre Dame for 12 seasons and posted a 113-40 record that included a national title game appearance as well as two trips to the College Football Playoff. The 63-year-old, who never won a national title with his former team, was heavily criticized for abruptly leaving the Fighting Irish to join the Tigers in November 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>At the time, he mentioned differences with Notre Dame's administration were among the reasons for his departure. He also said he wanted to be "in an environment where I have the resources to win a national championship," Marcello recalled.</p><p>"They're selling it the way they want to sell it," Kelly said Tuesday. "Why do you leave Notre Dame? You leave Notre Dame because you're taking another challenge. I took Notre Dame to championships. It's just the way you want to twist it: 'You only leave Notre Dame to go win a championship.' I wasn't leaving Notre Dame because I couldn't win a championship. You can win championships at Notre Dame, but I chose another path because I wanted a different challenge."</p><p>The Irish haven't won it all since the 1988 season.</p><p>"I felt like I did everything that I could at Notre Dame, and they felt like they did everything they could do for me," Kelly said in 2021, according to Marcello.</p><p>Former defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman took over as Kelly's replacement at Notre Dame and has posted a 33-9 record. Freeman's outfit lost a shocker to Northern Illinois University in September but has since won 13 games in a row. The Irish eliminated Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in the CFP to set up a blockbuster meeting with Ohio State at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.</p><p>Meanwhile, LSU is 29-11 under Kelly. The Tigers reached the SEC title game during the coach's first year in town but lost to Georgia.</p>

NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 17: Louisiana State Tigers head coach Brian Kelly gestures while answering a question during Southeastern Conference Football Kickoff Media Day, July 17, 2023 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Kelly pulls for Irish in title game despite backlash over exit to LSU

Professional Fighters League is releasing Bellator featherweight champion Patricio "Pitbull" Frei...

<p>Professional Fighters League is releasing Bellator featherweight champion Patricio "Pitbull" Freire, PFL chairman Donn Davis announced Tuesday. </p><p>"I founded this company to create new, great opportunities for top fighters," Davis <a href="https://x.com/DonnDavisPFL/status/1879264781393355030">wrote</a> on X. "PFL has and will continue to do that for all top fighters who want to be here."</p><p>The decision to part ways with "Pitbull" comes hours after he strongly criticized the PFL for the end of Bellator MMA. Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188882">reported</a> Monday that the Bellator brand no longer exists after PFL - which acquired Bellator in 2023 - made several major changes to its structure.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Freire - who said Dec. 4 he wanted to leave Bellator and join the UFC - shared a series of tweets Tuesday criticizing the PFL, Davis, and their decision-making.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Look at the <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ufc</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DonnDavisPFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnDavisPFL</a>, they honor their OGs. She asked for a release and they gave it to her, made no fuss about it, they are honorable. That’s how big organizations do things when a fighter doesn’t want to continue with them. You should learn from it. <a href="https://t.co/R2nWNibepE">https://t.co/R2nWNibepE</a></p>— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatricioPitbull/status/1879200553768796162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP <a href="https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BellatorMMA</a>. It’s sad it’s come to an end and the org had such a painful death. Sabotaged by Viacom execs in its last years then sold to uncaring people that did their best to ruin it. <a href="https://t.co/Zr2XfBSmaA">pic.twitter.com/Zr2XfBSmaA</a></p>— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatricioPitbull/status/1879201676789510600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’ve seen Donn’s tweets and had to hold myself not to react to them, but after Pete Murray started ghosting us since last week and the official death of Bellator, while hearing about how some fighters are being sent absurd, never ending low pay deals, I just couldn’t stay silent</p>— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatricioPitbull/status/1879202458813227183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a little more context to those questioning about my contract. It was signed years before the sale when there was no indication <a href="https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BellatorMMA</a> would ever be sold. Ratings and ticket sales for my fights were bigger than every other champion. We had the numbers, we knew my worth.</p>— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatricioPitbull/status/1879236423230038186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>A longtime Bellator star, "Pitbull" leaves PFL with a 24-6 record that includes three featherweight title reigns and a lightweight championship. The 37-year-old fought just once in 2024, defeating Jeremy Kennedy by TKO in March.</p>

Inglewood, CA - July 22: Champion Patricio "Pitbull" Freire during the Bellator 263 open workout at The Forum in Inglewood, Thursday, July 22, 2021. The card features the $1 million featherweight title fight between Freire and AJ McKee on July 31 at The Forum.

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PFL releases longtime Bellator star Pitbull

Diontae Johnson is looking for a new team. Again.  The Houston Texans waived the veteran wide rec...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/102590" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/102590">Diontae Johnson</a> is looking for a new team. Again.</p><p>The Houston Texans waived the veteran wide receiver Tuesday, the team announced.</p><p>"Unfortunately, it didn't work out," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said, according to <a href="https://x.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1879276887912202268">Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Johnson joined the team Dec. 23 and made only two appearances, including Saturday's wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old caught one pass for 12 yards to help Houston advance to the divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs.</p><p>If Johnson signs elsewhere, it'll be his fifth different team within a year.</p><p>After playing his first five seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers during the 2024 offseason. His stint with the Panthers lasted only seven games before Carolina dealt him to the Baltimore Ravens. The former Pro Bowler was expected to make Baltimore's offense even more dangerous, but he caught just one pass in four appearances.</p><p>The Ravens waived Johnson on Dec. 20 after suspending him for one game because he refused to enter a contest versus the Philadelphia Eagles earlier that month. Houston then claimed him off waivers after losing wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188130" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188130">Tank Dell</a> to a season-ending knee injury. The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly also tried to add Johnson.</p><p>Johnson had a promising start to his NFL career after being drafted in the third round in 2019. He posted 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns on 107 receptions in 2021 and averaged 873 yards to go along with five TDs per season with the Steelers.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Houston Texans stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Texans waive Diontae Johnson after 2 games

The NFL's full schedule for the divisional round has been set after the Los Angeles Rams defeated...

<p>The NFL's full schedule for the divisional round has been set after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.</p><h3>AFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Matchup</th>
<th>Day</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Network</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Texans at Chiefs</td>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>4:30 p.m.</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ravens at Bills</td>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>6:30 p.m.</td>
<td>CBS</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>AFC wild-card results:</strong></p><ul>
<li>Texans 32, Chargers 12 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3187395" href="https://thescore.com/news/3187395">Read more</a>)</li>
<li>Ravens 28, Steelers 14 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3187541" href="https://thescore.com/news/3187541">Read more</a>)</li>
<li>Bills 31, Broncos 7 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188110" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188110">Read more</a>)</li>
</ul><h3>NFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Matchup</th>
<th>Day</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Network</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Commanders at Lions</td>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>8 p.m</td>
<td>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams at Eagles</td>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>3 p.m.</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NFC wild-card results:</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>Eagles 22, Packers 10 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188251" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188251">Read more</a>)</li>
<li>Commanders 23, Buccaneers 20 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188379">Read more</a>)</li>
<li>Rams 27, Vikings 9 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189199" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189199">Read more</a>)</li>
</ul><p>The final four in the AFC is the same as last season but with different matchups.</p><p>The heavyweight clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills headlines this year's divisional-round contests. It'll feature the season's top MVP contenders in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a>. The Bills quarterback finished the regular season as the favorite for the NFL's main individual award, but Jackson is now viewed as the front-runner after recently earning a 2024 first-team All-Pro berth over Allen. The Ravens blew out the Bills 35-10 in their Sept. 29 meeting.</p><p>The other AFC matchup is also a 2024 regular-season rematch. The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs - who had a bye this weekend as the AFC's 1-seed - defeated the Houston Texans 27-19 in December. Led by a strong defense, the Texans took down the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday to advance past the wild-card round for the second consecutive year with quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188132" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188132">C.J. Stroud</a>.</p><p>In the NFC, the Detroit Lions will play host to the Washington Commanders, who continued their special season with rookie quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> by upsetting the Tampa Buccaneers on the road. It's Washington's first playoff win since the 2005 campaign.</p><p>Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles will host the the Rams. Philly defeated Los Angeles in November by scoring 37 points, its second-best mark this season. </p><p>The NFL also announced its full schedule for the conference title games, which will take place Jan. 26. The NFC championship is scheduled for 3 p.m. that day on Fox, while the AFC title matchup is set for 6:30 p.m. on CBS.</p>

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills shakes hands with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens after the game at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17.

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Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm parted ways with the promotion, her agent, Le...

<p>Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm parted ways with the promotion, her agent, Lenny Fresquez, told <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1878963757063291028?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a>.</p><p>The 43-year-old, who had two fights left on her UFC deal, is now a free agent after asking the promotion to let her explore other opportunities, according to Helwani.</p><p>Fresquez said Holm plans to continue fighting and is open to extending her MMA career or boxing again. Holm is already a member of the Boxing International Hall of Fame after capturing in-ring titles in three weight classes before joining the UFC in 2015.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Holm exits the UFC with an 8-7 (1 NC) record that included a spectacular knockout win over former champion Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in 2015. Holm was a contender in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions for most of her career but didn't capture the belt again after losing it to Miesha Tate in 2016.</p><p>Holm most recently lost to Kayla Harrison by submission at UFC 300 in April 2024. The loss dropped Holm to No. 8 in the UFC women's bantamweight division.</p>

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 04: Holly Holm prepares to face Irene Aldana of Mexico in their women's bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on October 04, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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Former champ Holm parts ways with UFC

The Bellator brand no longer exists, and it'll be known as the "PFL Champions Series" featuring t...

<p>The Bellator brand no longer exists, and it'll be known as the "PFL Champions Series" featuring title fights for Professional Fighters League divisional titles, reports <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1878872400231829519">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a>, citing sources familiar with the situation.</p><p>"Bellator is dead," Helwani said Monday. "Bellator as we know it is no more. Bellator is dead. You will not see Bellator events anymore."</p><p>The reported new titles will be separate from PFL's traditional season tournament format, which crowns six divisional champions throughout four fights in one calendar year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is the structure: There are going to be what is being referred to as, 'PFL Champions Series events'," Helwani added. "Those events are going to be headlined by title fights. PFL is going to start having its own champions, not just season champions, not just tournament champions. Its own champion."</p><p>How they will crown those champions is unclear, according to Helwani.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bellator, as we know it, is no more. You will not see any more Bellator events. Also, there are some changes being made to the structure of PFL. <br><br>Here's what we know so far ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/HYp5IkzLJi">pic.twitter.com/HYp5IkzLJi</a></p>— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) <a href="https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/1878872400231829519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"The PFL season format is no more," he added. "What it is now is somewhere in the range of six-to-eight weight classes being featured. Eight fighters, two alternates, single-elimination tournament. There's no more standings. There's no more points or anything like that."</p><p>Helwani's report comes shortly after it was announced that PFL - which previously rewarded its division winners with $1 million - will give its season champions a bonus check for $500,000 on top of their contracted earnings leading up to the championship bout, according to <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/pfl-changes-1-million-winner-season-points-format-2025-mma">MMA Junkie</a>.</p><p>It had already been rumored that the end of Bellator was a matter of when, not if, after PFL acquired Bellator in a landmark deal for mixed martial arts in November 2023.</p><p>The Jan. 25 PFL event featuring Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov against Paul Hughes is presumably the final Bellator title fight in MMA history, notes <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/bellator-is-dead-pfl-implementing-several-major-changes-to-2025-season-185623063.html">Uncrowned's Drake Riggs</a>. The promotion's first event was held in 2009.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 13: The official Bellator belt sits on the desk ahead of the Bellator 297 media day on June 13, 2023, at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, IL.

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Report: Bellator brand 'dead' after major PFL changes

Head coach Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys are parting ways, the team confirmed Monday.  McC...

<p>Head coach Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys are parting ways, the team confirmed Monday.</p><p>McCarthy, whose contract with Dallas is set to expire Tuesday, couldn't agree on the length of a new deal with the team, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1878850049872212440">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>, who was the first to report that McCarthy was out as the Cowboys' coach. The two sides <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1878850861742653582">reportedly</a> had positive discussions last week but failed to reach an agreement.</p><p>"Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement Monday. "These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover. Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With McCarthy now free to speak to other teams, the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints have shown interest in the veteran coach, reports <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1878850401518395687">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>. Chicago requested an interview with him Jan. 6, but the Cowboys denied it.</p><p>McCarthy, 61, posted a 49-35 regular-season record across five seasons with the Cowboys, but they went 7-10 in 2024 in a season plagued by injuries. Dallas - a top-five team in scoring offense and defense in 2023 - ranked 31st in points allowed this past season after losing defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Offensively, the club placed 21st in points scored after quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a> missed the campaign's final nine games due to a hamstring injury.</p><p>Dallas made three playoff appearances under McCarthy's watch but wasn't able to get over its playoff hump, posting a 1-3 postseason record. The franchise hasn't advanced past the divisional round since the 1995 season.</p><p>McCarthy previously coached the Green Bay Packers for 13 years and helped the team win a Super Bowl title with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a>.</p><p>The Cowboys - who have Prescott and receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/120335" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/120335">CeeDee Lamb</a> signed long term and are expected to extend linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161667">Micah Parsons</a> - instantly become one of the NFL's most interesting head coaching vacancies this cycle.</p><p>"We will commence a search process immediately to hire the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys," Jones said. </p><p>The Cowboys don't have a front-runner for the job yet, but Bill Belichick could be near the top of Dallas' wish list, sources told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cowboys-working-quickly-to-find-mike-mccarthys-replacement-bill-belichick-could-be-near-top-of-wishlist/">Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports</a>. However, the New England Patriots legend recently became head coach at the University of North Carolina.</p><p>Another potential challenge for Dallas could be the timing. Given that the Cowboys won't interview members of the Detroit Lions or Kansas City Chiefs coaching staffs prior to Monday evening, Dallas would have to wait until the conclusion of those teams' playoff runs. Detroit has arguably the cycle's hottest candidate in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who's had four head coaching interviews. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo have also generated interest.</p><p>The Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets are also looking for a new boss. The Patriots recently hired head coach Mike Vrabel to replace Jerod Mayo.</p>

ATLANTA, GA NOVEMBER 03: Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy looks on prior to the start of the NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons on November 3rd, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

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A.J. Brown went viral Sunday after the TV broadcast showed the Eagles wide receiver reading a boo...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> went viral Sunday after the TV broadcast showed the Eagles wide receiver reading a book on the sideline during <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188251" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188251">Philadelphia's 22-10 wild-card victory</a> over the Green Bay Packers.</p><p>Brown - who finished the game with just one catch for 10 yards - explained the situation postgame, saying he brings the same inspirational book to every game.</p><p>"It gives me a sense of peace," Brown said about reading during games, according to <a href="https://x.com/StaceyDales/status/1878611035525140745">NFL Network's Stacey Dales</a>. "That's the book that I bring in every single game. My teammates call it the recipe. That's the first time I heard y'all got me on camera, but it's not the first game. It's got a lot of points in there, it's a lot of mental game, a lot of mental parts about it. Works for me."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He added: "It's something like how I refresh every drive."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AJ Brown is reading a book on the sideline? 📚😂<br><br>📺 FOX <a href="https://t.co/jQGv8smD9N">pic.twitter.com/jQGv8smD9N</a></p>— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1878597906321609099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It didn't take long for NFL fans to identify Brown's motivational book, which is called "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy.</p><p>"I was not frustrated at all (while reading the book)," Brown explained, according to <a href="https://x.com/ZachGelb/status/1878611786213269543">Zach Gelb of The Zach Gelb Show</a>. "I figured that's what y'all probably thought. I wasn't frustrated. Why do you always think I'm frustrated?"</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eagles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eagles</a> WR A.J. Brown handed me a beaten up paperback copy of Inner Excellence. Full of handwritten notes and highlighted sections. He has it with him every game and you can tell it’s been knocked off benches on sidelines week after week. Brown then showed me the passage he reads… <a href="https://t.co/y2p8vODaps">pic.twitter.com/y2p8vODaps</a></p>— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1878628638611865725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brown led the Eagles with 1,079 receiving yards across 13 games in 2024, but he apparently wasn't always happy with the team's passing attack. In December, Brown seemingly took a shot at Philly's passing game led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a>, and team veteran defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14840" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14840">Brandon Graham</a> said Dec. 9 that the relationship between the wideout and quarterback had changed. Brown and Hurts have addressed the situation multiple times, saying they have no issues.</p><p>Brown scored a touchdown in each of his last three regular-season games before the Eagles decided to rest most of their starters in Week 18.</p><p>The star wideout - who earned his third consecutive second-team All-Pro berth this year - battled a knee injury this week but was able to play in Sunday's win.</p><p>"Felt really good. Moved around really good. It didn't show it on the stats, but I did a lot today," Brown said of his wild-card performance.</p><p>The Eagles' defense put on a show against the Packers and intercepted quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> three times. Philly's offense did just enough to advance to the divisional round with Hurts completing 13-of-21 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 36 yards.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts in the fourth quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Eagles' Brown addresses reading book on sidelines: 'Works for me'

Nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack is unsure if his football career will continue after th...

<p>Nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/33866" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/33866">Khalil Mack</a> is unsure if his football career will continue after the Los Angeles Chargers were eliminated by the Houston Texans in the wild-card round Saturday.</p><p>"It's a lot of different thoughts in my head right now," the Chargers pass-rusher said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43387874/chargers-khalil-mack-says-unsure-football-future">ESPN's Kris Rhim</a>. "I can't really speak on a definitive decision in terms of what I'm going to do because I don't know if I'm going to play football moving forward, so there's some things I gotta talk through with my wife, spend some time with my kids, and try not to make a rash decision after a loss."</p><p>Mack, who turns 34 in February, played the last three seasons for the Chargers, but his contract expires this offseason, which will make him a free agent for the first time in his NFL career. He appeared in 16 games in 2024, registering 39 tackles (six for loss), six sacks, and two forced fumbles. The former first-round pick also had six tackles and two sacks versus Houston.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mack is only one season removed from a spectacular 17-sack campaign in 2023. If he decides to play another season, he believes the Chargers still offer him a great shot at competing for a Super Bowl.</p><p>"As long as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> is your quarterback. You got (safety) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94110" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94110">Derwin James</a> and all these guys that love the game of football and Jim Harbaugh coaching?" Mack said. "You know you always have a chance to win. Yeah, that's a no-brainer."</p><p>The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year began his NFL career with the then-Oakland Raiders, who drafted him fifth overall in 2014. The Raiders traded Mack to the Chicago Bears in 2018, and he appeared in 53 games for the Bears before being dealt to Los Angeles in 2022.</p><p>A member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Mack appeared in 167 games across his 11 seasons in the league. The Buffalo product has posted 107.5 career sacks, the second most among active players.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a sack against the Houston Texans in the second quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Khalil Mack considering retirement after playoff loss

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't planning on parting ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin desp...

<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't planning on parting ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin despite ending the season on a five-game losing streak, sources told <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/01/12/mike-tomlin-afc-playoffs-art-rooney-steelers-ravens/stories/202501070143">Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>.</p><p>Tomlin's future again became a hot topic after the Steelers lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round Saturday. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season and has gone one-and-done in its last five postseason appearances.</p><p>The Steelers had a strong start to the 2024 regular season with a 10-3 record, including 6-1 with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a>, whom Tomlin named QB1 in October in a surprise decision. However, the club struggled in the campaign's final stretch and lost its final four regular-season matchups before falling to the Ravens. Baltimore easily outgained Pittsburgh in total yards (464-280) and first downs (29-11).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tomlin, whose future was also uncertain after the 2023 season, signed a three-year extension with Pittsburgh in June that keeps him under contract through the 2027 campaign.</p><p>The 52-year-old has posted a 183-107-2 regular-season record since becoming Pittsburgh's head coach in 2007. He's 8-11 in the playoffs and helped the team win Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. </p><p>The Steelers' 10-7 season in 2024 was Tomlin's 18th consecutive non-losing campaign to begin his coaching career.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Steelers plan to keep Tomlin despite latest playoff loss

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers expects to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft once the Longhorns' 2024 ...

<p>Texas quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/166550" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/166550">Quinn Ewers</a> expects to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft once the Longhorns' 2024 season ends, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/43362410/texas-qb-quinn-ewers-expects-enter-nfl-draft-cfp">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.</p><p>Ewers provided an update regarding his future minutes before Texas' College Football Playoff semifinal Friday against Ohio State. He doesn't expect to play college football next season.</p><p>It had been rumored that Ewers could potentially play another year of college football and even transfer from the Longhorns, who are expected to turn to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/184393" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/184393">Arch Manning</a> at QB.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Haven't even paid attention to it," Ewers said of the speculation. "I'm not really sure what's goin' on."</p><p>Ewers' NFL draft stock is still unclear, and one general manager recently told Thamel he sees the Texas passer as a potential top-100 pick.</p><p>Texas has found success with Ewers under center and reached the CFP semifinals in back-to-back years. However, the fourth-year senior - who didn't play much at Ohio State before joining Texas - has lacked consistency.</p><p>His pass completion rate dropped from 69% in 2023 to 66.5% in 2024. He has passed for 3,189 yards and an SEC-high 29 touchdowns against 11 interceptions this season after posting a 3,479-22-6 campaign in '23.</p>

AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns throws the ball during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

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Texas' Ewers expects to enter NFL draft after CFP

The Rams are using the viral postgame interaction between Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell a...

<p>The Rams are using the viral postgame interaction between Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Vikings boss Kevin O'Connell as motivation ahead of Los Angeles' wild-card matchup versus Minnesota.</p><p>The Lions defeated the Vikings in a highly anticipated regular-season finale to clinch the NFC's 1-seed. Campbell then told O'Connell postgame, "I'll see you in two weeks." With last week's win, Detroit has a bye in the first round of the playoffs and could face the winner of Los Angeles-Minnesota in the divisional round.</p><p>Los Angeles hung a screenshot of the coaches interacting in its locker room.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Rams have a screenshot of the interaction between Kevin O’Connell and Dan Campbell, where the Lions coach said, “I’ll see you in two weeks” printed out and hung in the locker room.</p>— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahbarshop/status/1877837725069611300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dan Campbell to Kevin O'Connell: "I'll see you in two weeks." 👀 <a href="https://t.co/WVnFoNsIx5">pic.twitter.com/WVnFoNsIx5</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1876125127244718357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Rams play the Vikings on Monday. The NFL moved the game from SoFi Stadium to the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium due to the wildfires that have devastated areas around Los Angeles.</p><p>The Vikings would face the Lions in two weeks with a win over the Rams only if the Philadelphia Eagles also beat the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round. Both Philadelphia and Tampa Bay are favorites in their games.</p><p>Los Angeles and Detroit met in the wild-card round last year, with the Lions prevailing.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 5: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions talks with head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings after an NFL football game at Ford Field on January 5, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will fight Magomed Ankalaev next, sources told Yahoo ...

<p>UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will fight Magomed Ankalaev next, sources told <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1877808296314155078">Yahoo Sports' Ariel Helwani</a>.</p><p>Despite speculation that Pereira could move up to heavyweight, that's not happening anytime soon. Pereira's team said he would need at least six months to make the move properly, Helwani notes.</p><p>Pereira most recently defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. by TKO at UFC 307 in October to retain his belt. It was his third light heavyweight title defense. The 37-year-old's dominance in the division has led some to hope that he'll fight heavyweight champion Jon Jones next. The Brazilian has said that the idea of a superfight versus Jones <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3151963" href="https://thescore.com/news/3151963">excites</a> him.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ankalaev is currently the No. 1 ranked light heavyweight after defeating Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision at UFC 308. He hasn't lost a fight since his UFC debut against Paul Craig in 2018.</p><p>It's still unclear when and where the title fight between Pereira and Ankalaev would take place.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 05: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts after his TKO victory against Khalil Rountree Jr. in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft after deciding to stop his p...

<p>Syracuse quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/161696" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/161696">Kyle McCord</a> will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft after deciding to stop his pursuit of an NCAA eligibility waiver for another season, he told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1877788906642436279">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.</p><p>The senior passer transferred to Syracuse for the 2024 season after three years at Ohio State. The NCAA ruling on McCord's appeal for a fifth season of eligibility was expected to come this week, Orange head coach Fran Brown said Jan. 6, according to <a href="https://x.com/ccarlsononSU/status/1876422151999471655">Chris Carlson of syracuse.com</a>.</p><p>McCord led the nation with 391 completions, 592 pass attempts, and 4,779 passing yards and threw 34 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He helped Syracuse finish the campaign with a 10-3 record, including a Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State in which McCord set the ACC single-season passing yards record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'd be so thankful if Kyle comes back," Brown said earlier this week, according to <a href="https://cnycentral.com/sports/orange-zone/fran-brown-expects-an-ncaa-ruling-on-kyle-mccords-appeal-for-a-fifth-season-this-week">Ashley Wenskoski of CNY Central</a>.</p><p>"But, in the same sense, I do feel that this kid is ready to play in the National Football League. So, it's both sides for me because I care about him, and what's best for him. ... I think it will be great for college football if we did have a quarterback like him coming back here to play at Syracuse again. That would be amazing for us and our fanbase, for him and his family, because he truly is a leader."</p><p>Colorado star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> and Miami signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> are widely viewed as the top prospects under center ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Alabama quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162849">Jalen Milroe</a> has also declared, while former Georgia passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/148097" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/148097">Carson Beck</a> recently decided not to enter the draft and transferred to Miami instead.</p>

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 02: Kyle McCord #6 of the Syracuse Orange looks on prior to a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at JMA Wireless Dome on November 02, 2024 in Syracuse, New York.

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Syracuse's McCord will enter NFL draft, no longer pursue eligibility waiver

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