INGLEWOOD, CA– To wrap up their exciting regular season campaign, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. LA enters the NFC Playoffs as the NO. 5 Seed, a first-round matchup against the Carolina Panthers next Saturday.
It also marked head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead’s 100th win (across regular season and postseason) as a head coach-general manager duo, becoming the 15th such duo to reach the 100-win mark (third among active duos).
Matthew Stafford had another brilliant performance against the pitiful Cardinals. completing 25 of 40 pass attempts for 259 passing yards and four touchdowns in the win, passing Dan Marino for seventh on the NFL’s all-time career passing touchdowns list.
In his 17th season, Stafford had his best season as an NFL Quarterback. Its a neck and neck race between him and New England QB Drake Maye. It would surprise nobody if they were named co MVP’s.
Tyler Higbee returned to the lineup, posting five receptions for a team-high 91 receiving yards and one touchdown. His presence makes the Rams even more formidable on their quest to Super Bowl LX(60).
Puka Nacua added to his NFL-leading receptions with 10 catches for 76 yards and a TD.
Let’s preview this Playoff game; a Ram fighting a Panther would be quite a sight to see in nature, the game is an intriguing test for Los Angeles.
In Week 13, the Carolina Panthers beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-28 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Overall, it will mark just the second-ever postseason meeting between the two teams – the last was in January 2004 – and 25th overall across the postseason and regular season.
The Rams captured the No. 5 seed thanks to their win over the Cardinals on Sunday, plus the Seahawks’ win over the 49ers Saturday night. Despite losing to the Buccaneers on Saturday, the Panthers still won the NFC South and captured the No. 4 seed thanks to the Falcons’ win over the Saints on Sunday.
“Really good defense,” Stafford said of the Panthers. “Timely guys making big plays on offense for them, too, in the skill position area.’
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, January 10 at 1:30 p.m. The game will air on FOX.
Westwood, CA – No. 17 USC’s Kara Dunn landed the first punch, hitting a deep triple to give USC their first short-lived lead before No. 4 UCLA warmed-up behind the hot post play of Lauren Betts’ double-double, dropping 18 points and 12 rebounds for the game to break the overall series tiebreaker with a 80-46 statement victory on Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion.
“Someone told me before the game our programs were 54-54 in the all-time matchup, so this was the rubber match,” said coach Cori Close, “One thing we share is that we want to grow the game together in L.A. I’m proud to partner with Lindsay [Gottlieb] in that.”
Pauley Pavillion
USC Coach Lindsay Gottleib embarrassed by her team’s 34-point loss mentioned about her team’s growth through intentional scheduling of gut-checking games in the start of the season.
“I’ve learned, from what we’ve seen right now in three games, that we’re not as competitive as we want to be with the top five teams in the country, coach Gottlieb said. “I’m not sorry we have them on our schedule. We’re not trying to be a top-25, top-15 team — we’re trying to be the national champions. We’re trying to be the best program in the country… I’m also not trying to kid ourselves or pad our stats and just play whoever and think we’re as good as we need to be.”
While Women of Troy had their three-game win streak ended, this was the Bruins’ eighth consecutive win and still undefeated in Big Ten action. Utah Transfer Gianna Kneepkens pitched in 15 points, six rebounds and five assists while KiKi Rice added 14 for the Bruins (14-1, 4-0 Big Ten), ranking first place now in their conference.
Dunn had the team high 11 points and standout freshman Jazzy Davidson added 10 points despite another challenging offensive nite, shooting 4-of-15 and slightly better from behind the arc, 2-of 6 plus three blocks for the Women of Troy (10-4, 2-1).
Pauley Pavillion
Former Bruin and USC transfer, Londynn Jones, started this game her third time for the season but was completely shutdown with a dismal shooting night, 1-of-9 from field and 1-of-5 from deep. Bruins fans did not make her return a comfortable one with constant booing even in her pregame announcement as well as her former team blowing out her current team.
“Londynn will always be a part of our journey here,” coach Close said. “The continued building process includes her, even though she’s wearing a different jersey now. She made a tough decision that her and her family felt was right for her.”
The crosstown rivals were head-to-head at 16-all to close the opening period.
UCLA broke the game open after a few defensive stops turned into easy scores, eventually outscoring USC 27-12. Women of Troy were outrebounded 15-3, leading to several extra possessions for the Bruins whom closed the first half on a 16-2 run, 43-28.
Pauley Pavillion
“This is the hardest-working team I’ve ever been around, I’ve got to kick them out of the gym,” coach Close said. “There’s a difference between hard work and competing. Now I want them all to transfer that hard work into competitive awareness.”
UCLA dominated on both ends, leading almost every stats with L. Betts breaking down Women of Troy post defenders like legos advantaging the Bruins, 42-10 in the paint. USC had no answers for UCLA which includes seven former McDonald High School All-Americans after that first period.
Women of Troy were outplayed and perhaps outmatched by Bruins big lineup and overall roster, pounding the boards, 46-26.
USC has not won against a top-5 teams this season without their star top scorer, JuJu Watkins nor much of solid post presence since KiKi Iriafen graduated to the WNBA, with early season losses to No. 1 UConn and prior No. 3 South Carolina. This time with a better start in the game, USC were held to six points in the fourth quarter.
Photo by Jason Purisima
“We decided we’re not going to let them shoot any more threes,” Betts said. “That was keeping them in the game. I was helping on ball screens but it was a team effort.”
UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez added 12 points and six rebounds to give Bruins four starters in double digits. Plenty of media attention including ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith and alumni celebrities like Reggie and Cheryl Miller whom celebrated a birthday came out in the rain to support both teams as well as women’s basketball following Coach Close’s outcry about previous limited media during a road game between UCLA vs Ohio State.
Pauley Pavillion
USC hosts Oregon on Tuesday, January 6th and UCLA travels to No. 20 Nebraska on January 11th.
Texas State defensive end Tymere Jackson (0) celebrates a fumble recovery during the third quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Garter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 2, 2026. (fi360 News / Jeff Dahlia)
DFW, Tx- The Texas State-Rice intrastate matchup became a prominent part of the Bobcats’ history. A little over two years ago, Texas State knocked off Rice 45-21 in the First Responder Bowl, marking Texas State’s first bowl game and win in school history. Friday’s Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl brought back the same memories for Texas State and its fans, as the Bobcats dominated Rice on both offense and defense, 41-10.
“[Friday’s win] was important for us as a program,” Texas State head coach GJ Kinne said. “Chris [Dawn Jr.] has been here for three years now and has three bowl victories, three rings, with the opportunity to go make it four next year. In college football now, that’s hard.”
Friday’s game started as a defensive battle. Rice punted twice, and Texas State punted, along with turning the ball over on downs. Then Texas State picked up the big play of the first half, an interception thrown by Patrick Crayton Jr. to Bobcats Jaden Rios. Rice’s quarterback pool was already thin entering Friday’s bowl game. Both Chase Jenkins and Drew Devillier entered the transfer portal and opted out of Friday’s bowl game. Therefore, the Owls showcased their two quarterbacks, Crayton Jr. and Lucas Scheerhorn.
Texas State defensive end DonTerry Russell (15) tackles Rice running back Quinton Jackson (10) for a loss during the second quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Garter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 2, 2026. (fi360 News / Jeff Dahlia)
“Pretty tough day for us,” Rice head coach Scott Abell said. “Our young quarterbacks struggled and never let us get into a rhythm. No matter what you are doing, [the] quarterback position still remains [a] very important position. As the game went on, [it] put our defense in a bad situation in our second half.”
After the Rios takeaway, Texas State moved down 38 yards on eight plays. Bobcats’ quarterback, Brad Jackson, took it himself to the left side of the end zone to put Texas State on the board first, 20 minutes into the game.
Texas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Garter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 2, 2026. (fi360 News / Jeff Dahlia)
On Texas State’s ensuing possession, there was a third and 10 on their own 10-yard line. It appeared Rice stopped the Bobcats at the 5-yard line and forced fourth down. However, an unsportsmanlike penalty where one of the Rice coaches made contact with an official on the sideline kept the drive alive, followed by another penalty, a block below the waist, on Rice, which took Texas State into field goal range. Tyler Robles knocked a 30-yard field goal to extend the Bobcats’ lead to 10-0.
In the final minute of the half, Crayton found Payton Matthews for 54 yards. Before that completion, Rice had 49 yards of total offense and 29 yards of passing. After a couple of failed attempts from the 1-yard line, Crayton tossed it to Aaron Turner as Rice cut the Texas State lead to 10-7 at halftime.
Texas State tight end Blake Smith (16) tries to break free from Rice defensive backs Omari Porter (7) and Peyton Stevenson (9) of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Garter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 2, 2026. (fi360 News / Jeff Dahlia)
“We didn’t really change anything [or] make any adjustments,” Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson said on the offensive difference between the first and second half. “[It] came down to just play in our game.”
Texas State responded in the opening minute of the second half with Jackson finding Beau Sparks in the flat for 69 yards. Sparks sped down 65 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown. Sparks also completed his first college pass earlier in the day for 22 yards to Blake Smith. He had not attempted a pass in the 30 previous games Sparks played.
Rice running back Quinton Jackson (10) passes the ball to receiver Aaron Turner (1) during the third quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Garter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 2, 2026. (fi360 News / Jeff Dahlia)
“We tried to run it earlier in the season, and it kind of blew up a little bit,” Beau Sparks said about the pass completion. I live with Blake, and we’re all the time in the backyard playing catch [and] practicing it. It came to tuition today, so we were super excited about it.” Beau added that there were no nerves, but he was more proud of the completion than the 69-yard catch and run.
Later in the quarter, Kalil Alexander forced a Crayton Jr. fumble recovered by Tymere Jackson, setting up Texas State inside the Rice 15-yard line. Two plays later, Jackson found Chris Dawn Jr. up the middle for another touchdown throw.
Lincoln Pare stamped his name on Friday’s win with a 63-yard sprint touchdown. On the next drive, Jackson found Dawn Jr. for 14 yards for another Bobcats touchdown. Texas State forced 3 Rice turnovers, scoring 17 points off turnovers, and accumulated 436 yards of total offense Friday.
Rice running back Quinton Jackson (10) runs past Texas State defensive end Kalil Alexander (2) during the third quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Garter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 2, 2026. (fi360 News / Jeff Dahlia)
The Bobcats will make the move to the Pac-12 starting next season and finish with three straight winning seasons and three straight bowl victories.
“I’m not sure it was about the Pac-12, just more [with] this program [and] where we want to head,” Bobcats head coach Kinne said regarding carrying the momentum of a bowl win to the Pac-12 next season. “We’ve been able to do that three years in a row, and that creates so much momentum.”
While not the most ideal situation for Rice, Friday’s bowl loss was an experience that coach Abell wouldn’t give up.
“I take it again and say yes again. Three weeks of practice, I can’t replicate that [and] that moment out there on the field today.”
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 02: SMU Mustangs running back Chris Johnson Jr. (6) runs the ball for a gain during the 46th Annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl between the Arizona Wildcats versus the SMU Mustangs on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
SAN DIEGO, CA — SMU spent the second half hanging on, and when the final seconds ticked away Friday night, that was more than enough to make history.
The Mustangs survived a late surge from No. 20 Arizona to claim a 24-19 victory in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl on Jan. 2 at Snapdragon Stadium, earning their first bowl win since the 2012 Hawaii Bowl and punctuating a season that reestablished the program on the national stage.
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 02: SMU Mustangs wide receiver Yamir Knight (8) catches the ball for a gain during the 46th Annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl between the Arizona Wildcats versus the SMU Mustangs on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
SMU (9-4) built a 24-7 halftime lead behind a sharp offensive performance, then relied on its defense to withstand Arizona’s second-half push. The Wildcats (9-4) trimmed the margin to five points in the final minute but were unable to recover an onside kick, allowing the Mustangs to run out the clock.
“We’re just very thankful here to get a win and to win the Holiday Bowl,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. “It’s the first bowl we’ve won in a while here at SMU, and to do it against a Top 20 team we have a lot of respect for makes it even more special.”
SMU’s offense dominated early, racking up 328 yards and all 24 of its points before halftime. Quarterback Kevin Jennings was efficient and poised in the opening half, spreading the ball around and capitalizing on short fields. Arizona struggled to slow the Mustangs, committing five penalties for 50 yards and allowing SMU to dictate tempo throughout the first two quarters.
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 02: Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Javin Whatley (6) catches the ball for a gain during the 46th Annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl between the Arizona Wildcats versus the SMU Mustangs on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
The Wildcats’ defense regrouped after the break and flipped the momentum. Arizona shut out SMU in the second half, holding the Mustangs to just 64 total yards after halftime. Jennings finished 21-of-32 passing for 278 yards with three interceptions, two of which came on SMU’s first two possessions of the third quarter.
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita kept the Wildcats within striking distance, completing 28 of 43 passes for 265 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His 15-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Barmore with 33 seconds remaining pulled Arizona within 24-19 and briefly ignited the crowd.
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 02: Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) looks to throw the ball during the 46th Annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl between the Arizona Wildcats versus the SMU Mustangs on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
SMU’s defense answered with its most important play of the night moments later, recovering the onside kick attempt and preventing Arizona from getting the ball back.
“Our defense kept playing really well, forcing the turnovers and getting fourth-down stops,” Lashlee said. “You saw in the second half what they’ve done to most people defensively all year, so you’ve got to give Arizona credit.”
The win marked a significant milestone for an SMU program that had not celebrated a bowl victory in more than a decade. Lashlee credited the senior class with helping return the Mustangs to prominence, citing sustained success and postseason achievements.
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 02: SMU Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) looks to throw the ball during the 46th Annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl between the Arizona Wildcats versus the SMU Mustangs on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
“These guys have put us back on the national stage,” Lashlee said. “With a Holiday Bowl win and finishing the season with a win, it gives our program a lot of momentum.”
For Jennings, the victory was about resilience and finishing what the team started in August.
“We talked about it a lot — finishing the season with a win,” Jennings said. “Through the ups and downs that we had this year, we found a way to bounce back each and every time.”
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 02: SMU Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee holds the holiday bowl trophy after the 46th Annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl between the Arizona Wildcats versus the SMU Mustangs on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
Both teams ended the season with identical 9-4 records, but SMU left San Diego with more than a trophy. The Mustangs departed having erased a long-standing drought and delivered a postseason win that reinforced the program’s renewed relevance.
Orange Bowl Texas Tech vs Oregon. (Photo by John Chapman / fi360 News)
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Oregon capped a dominant 2025 season with a methodical, defense-driven performance, shutting out Texas Tech 23-0 in the Orange Bowl on Wednesday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Ducks (13-1) leaned on balance, discipline and a stifling defense to control the game from start to finish, holding the Red Raiders (8-5) scoreless while limiting them to 271 total yards. It marked Oregon’s first shutout in a New Year’s Six bowl game and its most complete defensive showing of the season.
Orange Bowl Texas Tech vs Oregon. (Photo by John Chapman / fi360 News)
“It was about finishing the right way,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “Our guys were locked in, played physical and did exactly what we asked them to do.”
Oregon opened the scoring midway through the first quarter on a 50-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington, then added another from 39 yards late in the second quarter to take a 6-0 halftime lead. While the Ducks moved the ball consistently, they struggled early to turn red-zone trips into touchdowns.
That changed early in the third quarter when Jordon Davison powered in from 6 yards out on Oregon’s first offensive snap of the half, pushing the lead to 13-0. Davison added a 1-yard touchdown run with 16 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Orange Bowl Texas Tech vs Oregon. (Photo by John Chapman / fi360 News)
“Once we got rolling, it was about wearing them down,” Davison said. “Our line did a great job, and I just trusted the gaps.”
Sappington was a perfect 3 for 3 on field goals, connecting again from 43 yards midway through the fourth quarter. Oregon finished with 468 total yards and averaged 7.2 yards per play, while Texas Tech managed just 4.4.
Quarterback Dante Moore completed 246 of 340 passes on the season and guided an offense that totaled 6,096 yards overall. While Oregon did not rely heavily on the passing game in the bowl, its efficiency and field position control proved decisive.
Orange Bowl Texas Tech vs Oregon. (Photo by John Chapman / fi360 News)
The Ducks’ defense forced Texas Tech into repeated third-and-long situations, holding the Red Raiders to 35% on third-down conversions and intercepting two passes. Oregon’s front seven limited Texas Tech to 113 rushing yards and just 3.4 yards per carry.
“We couldn’t get anything going,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “Credit Oregon — they won up front and never let us find a rhythm.”
Oregon dominated time of possession and field position throughout, punting just once in the first half and committing no turnovers. The shutout underscored a season in which the Ducks allowed just 16.3 points per game.
Orange Bowl Texas Tech vs Oregon. (Photo by John Chapman / fi360 News)
With the Orange Bowl victory, Oregon closed the year with momentum and reaffirmed its place among college football’s elite entering the 2026 season. Next up the Oregon Duck will face off against Rose Bowl Quarterfinal winner No.1 Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl Semifinal.
Orange Bowl Texas Tech vs Oregon. (Photo by John Chapman / fi360 News)
Rose Bowl 2026 Alabama vs. Indiana (Photo by William 'Jaye" Johnson)
Pasadena, CA- Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdowns to lead No. 1 Indiana to a 38-3 win over Alabama in the College Football Playoffs quarterfinals on Thursday at the Rose Bowl.
This is Indiana’s first Rose Bowl victory and now they are headed to a matchup in the semifinals against No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl.
“Coach Cignetti did a fantastic job with the trickle down effect of really making sure there’s no complacency because we had 26 days off and that’s very tough,” Mendoza said. “In the first drive as an offense, myself included, we got into a slow start but we overcame that challenge.”
Rose Bowl 2026 Alabama vs. Indiana (Photo by William ‘Jaye” Johnson)
This is the first scoreless first quarter since the year 2000. Nico Radicic made a 31-yard field goal to get Indiana on the board. After Alabama turned the ball over on downs, Mendoza hit Charlie Becker down the middle for a 21-yard touchdown and a 10- lead in the second quarter.
Alabama was driving down the field when Ty Simpson scrambled for nine yards but was hit and fumbled. Indiana recovered the fumble and capitalized on the turnover with a Mendoza 1-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. The Hoosiers took a 17-0 lead into halftime.
Rose Bowl 2026 Alabama vs. Indiana (Photo by William ‘Jaye” Johnson)
Indiana extended their lead in the third quarter when Mendoza connected with Elijah Sarratt for a 24-yard touchdown. Alabama drove down the field on the ensuing drive with Austin Mack at the helm but managed to only get a field goal to cut the lead, 24-3. On defense, the Hoosiers dominated the Crimson Tide, holding them to 193 total yards.
The Hoosiers came right back with a 25-yard touchdown run by Kaelon Black in the third quarter. Roman Hemby scored on an 18-yard to give Indiana a 38-3 lead. Black finished with 99 rushing yards.
“It was a hard fought game early. Alabama made some plays,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said. “They had us off balance offensively. But we were able to make the plays when we needed to and take over in the second half. It’s a big win against a team that’s got a lot of tradition like that.”
Rose Bowl 2026 Alabama vs. Indiana (Photo by William ‘Jaye” Johnson)
Oregon gets the rematch with Indiana, who beat the Ducks during the regular season 30-20. Oregon defeated Texas Tech 23–0 to advance to the semifinals.
“It’s hard to beat a team twice,” Mendoza said. “Those guys are legit. This is going to be a great matchup. They are a tough opponent.”
Rose Bowl 2026 Alabama vs. Indiana (Photo by William ‘Jaye” Johnson)
Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) tackles Ohio State linebacker Tarvos "TJ" Alford (17) during the fourth quarter of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
On November 1st, Miami suffered a 26-20 overtime loss to SMU in Dallas, falling to 6-2. Two months later, the Hurricanes returned 23 miles southwest to Arlington to vie for the College Football Playoff Semifinals. On Wednesday, though, they took on Ohio State, the defending National Champions, who had lost their first game on December 6th vs. Indiana in the Big 10 Championship Game.
While Wednesday’s Cotton Bowl Playoff appeared as a mismatch favoring Ohio State, it was Miami that came out executing out of the gate, and ultimately pulled up a 24-14 upset of the Buckeyes.
Miami defensive back Keionte Scott (0) returns an interception for touchdown during the second quarter of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
“They have two really good edge rushers, so we knew we had to get the ball out of our hand quickly,” Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin said about Miami’s defensive front line after the game. “There were times today where I held on [to] the football, and they were able to get to me.”
Miami dominated the first 16 minutes of the game. On their second drive, Mark Fletcher Jr. ran it up the middle in the red zone, but fumbled and recovered by Ohio State. In Miami’s next drive, the offense worked it down the field on a 13-play and 83-yard drive, ending with a Carson Beck touchdown throw to Fletcher Jr.
“Those guys up front; they are the hardest working group,” Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. said about the offensive line on Wednesday’s win. “We know we needed them to step up big in this game. But if you look at that tape, they weren’t the only ones moving people out of the way. You got tight ends doing it and receivers. They just move people out of the way, and I choose a hole and run.”
Ohio State started its next drive with a 59-yard Julian Sayin throw to Jeremiah Smith. Two plays later, Keionte Scott read Sayin’s throw to the flat and took it the other way 72 yards for a pick six. It was the first interception return for a touchdown in 5 years (Tre Norwood from Oklahoma took one back against Florida in 2020).
Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) breaks through an arm tackle from Ohio State defensive back Davison Igbinosun (1) during the third quarter of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
“With all the skill players on one side of the ball, [I] knew the ball was coming in that area,” Miami cornerback Keionte Scott said about his interception return for a touchdown. “As soon as the tight end motioned, I confirmed in my head [and] made up in my mind that I was going at that moment. Shot my shot, and the ball went in my hands.”
In the final 90 seconds of the first half, Ohio State marched down to field goal range, a drive that started at the Buckeyes’ two-yard line. They moved 67 yards in a game in which they had only 87 yards in the half before the drive. However, Jayden Fielding missed a 49-yard field goal, which went wide left.
“I felt like it took us a while to get the rhythm of the game,” Buckeyes’ coach Ryan Day said about the slow start of Wednesday’s Cotton Bowl loss. “When you have the start that we did, you put yourself at risk of having to be really darn near perfect in the second half to go win the game.”
The Buckeyes did pick up the rhythm in the second half. On the opening possession of the half, Ohio State took an 11-play and 82-yard drive lasting nearly 7 minutes. The drive consisted of two completions of 14 yards or more and a Bo Jackson 18-yard run. Jackson ran up the middle for the Buckeyes’ first score of the game to cut Miami’s lead by 7.
Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) tackles Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek (89) during the during the third quarter of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
The Hurricanes responded on a scoring drive of their own, a drive that nearly turned disastrous. On third down inside the Buckeyes’ 40, Beck found Malachi Toney on a short completion, but Toney fumbled. Although Toney recovered the fumble, it forced a Carter Davis 49-yard successful field goal attempt, extending the Hurricanes’ lead to 10.
Ohio State took the next drive down 75 yards on 10 plays, with a couple of big catches by Jeremiah Smith, ending on a Smith touchdown catch from Sayin, which continued to add pressure to Miami.
Miami running back CharMar Brown (6) scores a rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
Miami clinched the victory with another lengthy five-plus-minute drive that ended with a CharMar Brown touchdown run. All three of the Hurricanes’ offensive scores consisted of drives lasting five minutes or longer and nine plays or more.
“It was frustrating. We didn’t get the stop on third down,” Ohio State safety Caleb Downs said on the last Miami offensive drive.”
Ohio State suffers its second loss in its last three Cotton Bowl appearances. It is also their first non-Big 10 loss since December 29, 2023, when Missouri beat Ohio State in Arlington during the Cotton Bowl.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal hoists the Championship trophy at the conclusion of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
For Miami, they will face the winner of Georgia and Ole Miss in their Sugar Bowl matchup on Thursday night. That semifinal matchup will take place at Glendale, Arizona, for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
“Incredibly proud of these guys,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobel said after the game. They’re the absolute best human beings and next competitors I’ve been around. Looking forward to all the things that I could have done better. We could have done better to keep improving so that we could be prepared to go to Arizona.”
NFL Hall of Famers and Miami Alumni Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis look on during the fourth quarter of the 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
DEVON DAMPIER BREAKS INTO THE OPEN FIELD 2 (Photo by Juan Lainez / fi360 News)
LAS VEGAS, NV — No. 15 Utah turned an early deficit into a rout, scoring 37 consecutive points after the first quarter to defeat Nebraska 44-22 in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Wednesday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.
Utah (11-2) trailed 14-7 after one quarter before dominating the remainder of the game behind quarterback Devon Dampier, the unanimous Rich Abajian Most Valuable Player. Dampier accounted for a Las Vegas Bowl-record 458 yards of total offense, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 148 yards and three more scores. Nebraska (7-6) managed just one touchdown after its fast start.
(Photo by Juan Lainez / fi360 News)
“We stayed calm and trusted the plan,” Dampier said. “Once we settled in, we knew we could play our game and keep attacking.”
The game marked a historic moment for Utah, which appeared in its record seventh Las Vegas Bowl and improved to 5-2 all-time in the event, the most wins by any program. It was also the head coaching debut for Morgan Scalley, who took over five days earlier and became the first person to both play in and coach a Las Vegas Bowl.
“I’m incredibly proud of how these guys responded,” Scalley said. “They believed in each other, played physical and finished the way Utah football is supposed to.”
(Photo by Juan Lainez / fi360 News)
Nebraska struck first with a 38-yard touchdown run by Mekhi Nelson and added another score to take a 14-7 lead late in the opening quarter. From there, Utah seized control. The Utes scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 24-14 halftime lead, then pulled away with three more touchdowns in the second half.
Dallen Bentley led Utah receivers with six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Moroni Anae recorded nine tackles, and Rock Caldwell sealed the outcome with a late interception, the game’s only turnover.
Nebraska freshman quarterback TJ Lateef threw for 182 yards with one passing touchdown and one rushing score, but the Cornhuskers struggled to sustain drives after the first quarter. Nelson finished with 88 rushing yards on 12 carries, while defensive back Caleb Benning had a game-high 13 tackles.
(Photo by Juan Lainez / fi360 News)
“We didn’t handle the momentum shift very well,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “Utah played faster and more physical, and once they got rolling, it was hard to stop.”
The crowd of 38,879, mostly dressed in red, was the largest for the Las Vegas Bowl since it moved to Allegiant Stadium after the 2019 season and the ninth-largest in the game’s history. The New Year’s Eve matchup was the latest-ever Las Vegas Bowl and just the third played after Christmas.
(Photo by Juan Lainez / fi360 News)
Utah finished with 44 points, its highest total in the bowl since scoring 45 in 2014, while Nebraska suffered the Big Ten’s first loss in three all-time Las Vegas Bowl appearances.
TCU running back Jeremy Payne (26) tries to escape USC defensive back Marcelles Williams (25)after making a catch during the fourth quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
San Antonio, TX- TCU capped a late comeback and dramatic finish Tuesday night, defeating Southern California 30-27 in overtime in the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome.
Jeremy Payne caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Ken Seals on third-and-20 in overtime to give the Horned Frogs the win after USC settled for a field goal on its opening possession. The score completed a rally that saw TCU erase a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and improve to 9-4.
TCU quarterback Ken Seals (9) celebrates after a touchdown score during the second quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
“On third-and-long, we trusted our preparation and our quarterback trusted his read,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “That’s the kind of moment you dream about, and our guys made the play when it mattered most.”
USC (9-4) struck first and led most of the night behind kicker Ryon Sayeri, who tied an Alamo Bowl record by going 4-for-4 on field goals. His 22-yard kick in overtime put the Trojans ahead 27-24, but their defense could not hold after a controversial overturned replay gave TCU new life on its possession.
TCU tight end Chase Curtis (81) tries to escape an ankle tackle from USC defensive back Marcelles Williams (25) during the fourth quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
The Trojans opened the scoring on Sayeri’s 40-yard field goal late in the first quarter. TCU responded in the second with touchdown runs by Josh Denman and Kenyatta Seals, briefly taking a 14-10 lead before USC answered. Jayden Maiava threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Richardson early in the third quarter, and Sayeri added a 41-yard field goal midway through the fourth to push USC ahead 24-14.
USC receiver Jaden Richardson (15) makes a touchdown catch over TCU defensive back Channing Canada (7) during the third quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
“We had opportunities to finish it and didn’t,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “Against a good team, you have to make the routine plays in big moments, and we left too many out there.”
TCU’s comeback began with Payne’s 5-yard touchdown run with 4:24 remaining in regulation. Kicker Kyle Lemmermann then tied the game with a 27-yard field goal as time expired, sending the contest to overtime before a crowd of 54,751.
Seals finished 29 of 40 for 258 yards and the decisive touchdown, while Payne totaled 123 all-purpose yards and scored twice. Maiava threw for 280 yards for USC, but was intercepted twice.
TCU defensive backs Jamel Johnson (2) and Bud Clark (21) attempt to take down USC tight end Taniela Tupou (88) after making a catch during the second quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
Payne said the Horned Frogs never doubted the outcome. “We believed the whole time,” he said. “When we got the ball in overtime, we knew one play could change everything, and it did.”
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes hoists the championship trophy to his team and fans at the conclusion of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Jeff Dahlia / fi360 News)
Colorado LaJohntay Wester (10) is wrapped up by Oklahoma State Kobe Hylton (0) in the first quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Friday November 29, 2024. Colorado won by a score of 52 to 0. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News).
The University of Colorado Boulder has selected Fernando Lovo to lead its premier athletic department, CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced today. Lovo, who comes to Boulder from the University of New Mexico, was approved by unanimous vote of the CU Board of Regents and will succeed Rick George, who will transition to an AD Emeritus role. Lovo will officially start on January 1, 2026.
“When we began our national search for a new Director of Athletics, we sought someone of high character, committed to the student-athlete experience who has an innovative approach to revenue generation,” said Schwartz. “Fernando is a dynamic leader who is perfect for these dynamic times and embodies CU’s high standards and values. He has a proven track record of leading student-athletes to success both in competition and in the classroom, and I’m confident that he is the perfect steward to lead CU Athletics into this new era of college athletics. We are thrilled to welcome Fernando, Jordan, Liam and Layla to the Buffalo family.”
After joining New Mexico as Vice President/Director of Athletics in December, 2024, Lovo presided over eight Mountain West titles, tied for the fourth-most in school history and the most of any Mountain West school last year. UNM finished 2024-2025 ranked 49th in the Learfield Director’s Cup, tops among all Group of 5 schools and is off to another strong start this year, finishing the fall ranked 20th, which also leads the G5. The Lobos also set numerous academic records, including a Mountain West record 231 Scholar-Athlete selections, which goes to student-athletes who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher, and 273 conference All-Academic Team members, which recognizes those student-athletes who have cumulative GPA for the academic year of 3.0 or higher.
“I’m honored to join this incredible group of student-athletes, coaches and staff at a tremendous institution that strives for excellence and espouses the right values,” said Lovo. “We are in a time of extraordinary change in college athletics and Colorado should lead the way in shaping what comes next. I look forward to helping our student-athletes succeed in every aspect of their lives while bringing championships to Buff Nation. I am sincerely grateful to the CU Board of Regents, President Saliman, and Chancellor Schwartz for this incredible opportunity to lead this iconic department and its storied programs. I am also honored to take over leadership of CU Boulder Athletics from Rick George, one of the legendary athletic directors in the country.”
In just his second week on the job at New Mexico, Lovo was tasked with hiring a new football coach and brought in Jason Eck, who promptly led the Lobos to a 9-3 regular season record, their first nine-win season since 2016 and a berth in the Rate Bowl against Minnesota, while earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors. Lovo also hired basketball coach Eric Olen from UC San Diego in what is widely considered one of the best hires of the offseason and who has UNM off to a 10-2 start this year.
Lovo also led the UNM Athletic Department to a record revenue year, growing the overall operating budget of the department by 17.6% from FY25 to FY26, and achieving record marks in ticket sales, multimedia rights, parking, concessions, and trademark and licensing revenue, along with a record year in Lobo Club fundraising.
Prior to becoming Vice President/Director of Athletics for New Mexico, Lovo had two stints at the University of Texas at Austin, during which he served in a number of administrative roles. Beginning in December 2021, he was Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations before quickly being promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director, Facilities, Capital Projects & Game Operations. His final position with the Longhorns was as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director- Operations, where, in addition to serving as sports coordinator for men’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis, he oversaw nearly half a billion dollars in capital projects.
Lovo first joined UT as Chief of Staff for Football from 2016 through early 2021 before taking the position of Chief of Staff with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
He began his collegiate career at the University of Florida, working in football equipment and operations while completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees. During his time in Gainesville, he was a part of the Gators’ 2008 National Championship football team, establishing a championship pedigree that he’s carried throughout his career.
Later, Lovo served as a Football Operations Coordinator at The Ohio State University from 2012-2015, where he was also a part of the Buckeyes’ 2014 National Championship football team. He then moved to the University of Houston, where he was Assistant A.D. for Football Operations for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. During that time, Houston went 22–5 and laid the foundation for the university’s eventual move to the Big 12.
Lovo earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government in 2010 and a Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management in 2012, both from the University of Florida.
A native of New Orleans, Lovo grew up in Miami. He and his wife, Jordan, have two children, Liam and Layla.
Steve Hurlbert, Director of Strategic Communications Press Release
