NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Su...

<p><em>NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LX.</em></p><h3>AFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Broncos (x)</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 12-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Patriots</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 11-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td> Jaguars</td>
<td> South</td>
<td> 10-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td> Steelers</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 7-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td> Chargers</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 10-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> Bills</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 10-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td> Texans</td>
<td> South</td>
<td> 9-5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>x = clinched playoff berth</p><p>The Denver Broncos extended their winning streak to 11 games and officially became the first AFC team to clinch a playoff spot this season. With the New England Patriots' loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos are getting closer to claiming the AFC's No. 1 seed, which would give them a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Colts</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>8-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> Ravens</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 7-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Dolphins</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 6-7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Baltimore Ravens beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday to end their divisional rivals' slim playoff hopes and bolster their own chances in the race for the AFC North. The first-place Pittsburgh Steelers play the Miami Dolphins on Monday. Baltimore and Pittsburgh will also face off in their regular-season finale.</p><h3>NFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Rams (x)</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 11-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Bears</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 10-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 9-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td> Buccaneers</td>
<td> South</td>
<td> 7-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td> Seahawks</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 11-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td> 49ers</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 10-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Packers</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 9-4-1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>x = clinched playoff berth</p><p>We know that the Los Angeles Rams are going to the postseason after their triumph over the Detroit Lions, but the rest of the NFC playoff picture remains wide open. The Chicago Bears will finish the week as the conference's 2-seed, moving from the seventh spot after their blowout win over the Cleveland Browns and the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Broncos.</p><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td> Lions</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 8-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td> Panthers</td>
<td> South</td>
<td> 7-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td> Cowboys</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 6-7-1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Carolina Panthers had a chance to take a one-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South, but Dave Canales' outfit fell to the New Orleans Saints - one week after the Bucs did the same. At the moment, Tampa Bay wins the tiebreaker over Carolina for having a better win percentage in common games. However, they will face each other twice in the season's final three weeks.</p><h3>Projected NFL draft order</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Titans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Saints</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Commanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Rams (via Falcons)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A matchup between the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders in two weeks could decide which team gets the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans, who are stuck with them at the bottom of the standings with only two wins, are also in the mix. If it comes down to the tiebreaker, the team that played the schedule with the lowest winning percentage is awarded the higher pick.</p>

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NFL Playoff Picture: Postseason seeds, projected draft order

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL during a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Ch...

<p>Chiefs quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> sustained a torn ACL during a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that eliminated Kansas City from postseason contention Sunday.</p><p>"Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options," the team announced in a statement.</p><p>Mahomes shared a message on social media saying he'll be back "stronger than ever."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Don't know why this had to happen," the three-time Super Bowl MVP <a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/2000350945725845609">wrote</a>. "And not going to lie, it hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you, Chiefs kingdom, for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers."</p><p>Mahomes was hurt on a hit late in the fourth quarter while he was attempting a pass.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> superstar QB Patrick Mahomes just went down with a knee injury.<br><br>Does not look good at all. <a href="https://t.co/FL8o9a8JMU">pic.twitter.com/FL8o9a8JMU</a></p>— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryePulliNFL/status/2000312197684314450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cameras showed Mahomes receiving significant help getting to the locker room minutes later.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mahomes being helped off into the locker room <a href="https://t.co/jrOG1qHL23">pic.twitter.com/jrOG1qHL23</a></p>— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/2000313398685311364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94300" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94300">Gardner Minshew </a>entered the game and threw a late interception with Kansas City approaching field-goal range and needing three points to force overtime.</p><p>The Chiefs fell to 6-8 with Sunday's home loss. The defeat - combined with wins from the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans - mathematically ended the reigning AFC champions' chances of making the playoffs.</p><p>Mahomes completed 16 of 28 attempts for 189 yards and no touchdowns with one interception against the Chargers. He added 15 yards and one TD on the ground.</p><p>It's the first time the Chiefs will miss the postseason since 2014. They had reached the AFC title game each year since Mahomes became their starter in 2018, winning three Super Bowls in that span.</p><p>Kansas City started the 2025 campaign 0-2 but clawed back to 5-3 in the season's first half. However, Mahomes and Co. weren't able to replicate that success in recent weeks, losing five of their past six games.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 07: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Mahomes tears ACL, Chiefs ousted from playoff race

Rome Odunze won't face the Cleveland Browns after all.  The Chicago Bears wide receiver aggravate...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199761" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199761">Rome Odunze</a> won't face the Cleveland Browns after all.</p><p>The Chicago Bears wide receiver aggravated his foot injury minutes before kickoff Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2000263301394317747?s=20">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Odunze missed last week's matchup with the same injury but was expected to return to the lineup against the Browns. He leads the Bears with 44 receptions, 661 yards, and six touchdowns in 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With Odunze sidelined in Week 14, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210034" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210034">Luther Burden III</a> topped Chicago with 67 receiving yards in a 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field on December 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Odunze inactive after aggravating foot injury before kickoff

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has a simple reason why opposing athletic directors may wa...

<p>Notre Dame running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/183455" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/183455">Jeremiyah Love</a> has a simple reason why opposing athletic directors may want to freeze out the Irish from upcoming schedules. </p><p>"They're scared to play us. They don't want to play Notre Dame because we're Notre Dame," Love said Friday when asked about the threat of avoiding Notre Dame in the future, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeBerardino/status/1999609175236624855">Mike Berardino of NDInsider.com</a>.</p><p>Notre Dame stole headlines last week by declining to play a bowl game after the College Football Playoff committee moved the Miami Hurricanes into the 12-team field at the Irish's expense.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Athletic director Pete Bevacqua recently revealed that the Irish signed a memorandum of understanding with the CFP that guarantees the program a spot in the 12-team playoff field if it's ranked in the top 12 in 2026. As a result of that agreement, athletic directors in other conferences have threatened to freeze Notre Dame out of future schedules, according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/after-notre-dames-numerous-tantrums-whats-the-schools-endgame-a-divorce-from-the-acc-223358361.html?guccounter=1">Yahoo Sports' Dan Wolken</a>.</p><p>"You're leaving us out of your schedule; it's not a good look. Why not play us? That's how I think about it," Love added.</p><p>The star tailback spoke Friday before claiming the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back. Love, who's expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, could crown his spectacular junior season at Notre Dame on Saturday in New York City, where he'll be in attendance as one of the four finalists for the 2025 Heisman Trophy.</p>

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Jeremiyah Love #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish heads off the field after a win against the Stanford Cardinal in a game on November 30, 2025 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA.

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Love: ADs' threat to avoid Notre Dame is because 'they're scared to play us'

The Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday, but there's plenty of other hardware to hand out in ...

<p><em>The Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday, but there's plenty of other hardware to hand out in the meantime. Here are the winners from the 2025 College Football Awards show:</em></p><h3>Davey O'Brien Award (best quarterback)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Fernando Mendoza, Indiana</p><p>Mendoza becomes the first Indiana player to ever win the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback. The Cal transfer was an instant star in his first season with the Hoosiers, breaking the school record with 33 touchdown passes and leading the team to a Big Ten title. Mendoza provided plenty of dramatic moments this year - including some NFL-level throws in comeback wins over Penn State and Ohio State.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><em>Other finalists: Marcel Reed (Texas A&amp;M), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)</em></p><h3>Biletnikoff Award (best receiver)</h3><p><strong>Winner:</strong> Makai Lemon, USC</p><p>Lemon cashed in on an incredible season to become just the second USC player to win the award. The Trojans star was fourth in the nation in receiving yards and tied for sixth in touchdown grabs. He posted four games with at least 150 receiving yards - tied for most at the FBS level. </p><p><em>Other finalists: Skyler Bell (UConn), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)</em></p><h3>Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/cropped_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Moore III / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It would take a fantastic individual season for someone to claim this award over Caleb Downs, and that's exactly what Rodriguez did in 2025. The Texas Tech star linebacker recorded 117 tackles (11 for loss), four interceptions, and one sack in 13 games en route to finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.</p><p><em>Other finalists: Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Cashius Howell (Texas A&amp;M)</em></p><h3>Doak Walker Award (best running back)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame</p><p>No surprise here. Love once again was a beast for Notre Dame and became the first Fighting Irish player to win this award. The star tailback rushed for 1,372 yards (6.9 per carry) and 18 touchdowns in 2025 to go along with 280 receiving yards and three TD catches. </p><p><em>Other finalists: Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss)</em></p><h3>Outland Trophy (best interior lineman)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Spencer Fano, Utah</p><p>Fano came into the season with plenty of NFL buzz surrounding him and delivered all year for Utah. Fano allowed zero sacks in 382 pass-blocking snaps on the season, according to <a href="https://x.com/PFF_College/status/1999635803694334377?s=20">PFF</a>. The 6-foot-6, 302-pound junior is one of the more athletic interior linemen in the country and should be one of the top picks in April's NFL draft.</p><p><em>Other finalists: Logan Jones (Iowa), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)</em></p><h3>Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Caleb Downs, Ohio State</p><p>Downs became the third Ohio State player to be named college football's best defensive back - and no one should be surprised by it. A cornerstone of the Buckeyes' stout defensive unit, Downs was all over the field in 2025, finishing the campaign with 60 tackles (five for loss), two pass breakups, two interceptions, and one sack.</p><p><em>Other finalists: Mansoor Delane (LSU), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame)</em></p><h3>Coach of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Curt Cignetti, Indiana</p><p>They might as well rename this award for Cignetti after the Indiana coach took home the honors for the second year in a row. That being said, it's tough to argue with the decision, as he helped deliver Indiana's first Big Ten title in 58 years with a win over Ohio State in the conference championship game. That victory snapped a 37-game losing streak for the Hoosiers versus the Buckeyes and secured the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff.</p><h3>Ray Guy Award (best punter)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Brett Thorson, Georgia</p><p>Thorson joined Drew Butler (2009) as the only Georgia punters to win the Ray Guy Award. The Australian averaged 45.2 yards per punt this season to be named the nation's most outstanding punter in his second straight year as a finalist.</p><p><em>Other finalists: Evan Crenshaw (Troy), Palmer Williams (Baylor)</em></p><h3>Lou Groza Award (best kicker)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Tate Sandell, Oklahoma</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/cropped_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Bahr / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Short shorts, long kicks. Sandell is the first Sooner ever to win the Lou Groza Award as the nation's best kicker after converting 23 of 24 field-goal attempts in 2025. Additionally, he didn't miss any of his 32 extra-point attempts.</p><p><em>Other finalists: Aidan Birr (Georgia Tech), Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawaii)</em></p><h3>Maxwell Award (best player)</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Fernando Mendoza, Indiana</p><p>Mendoza added another major award to his outstanding 2025 season by winning the Maxwell Award after also being named the nation's top quarterback Friday. The Heisman Trophy finalist completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns, the highest mark at the FBS level in 2025.</p><p><em>Other finalists: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)</em></p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 6: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers holds the MVP trophy after the 2025 Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 6, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles called out his team in brutal fashion after its home ...

<p>Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles called out his team in brutal fashion after its home collapse in Thursday's 29-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.</p><p>"It's inexcusable," Bowles said postgame. "Don't make excuses. You gotta f-----g care enough where this shit hurts. You gotta f-----g care enough where this shit hurts. It's gotta f-----g mean something to you. It's more than a job. It's your f-----g livelihood. How well do you know your job? How well can you do your job? You can't sugarcoat that shit. It was inex-f-----g-cusable."</p><p>The Buccaneers, who've now lost five of their past six games, took a 28-14 lead in the fourth quarter but weren't able to hold on. Atlanta committed 19 penalties but still found a way to win, scoring 15 unanswered points to walk off Tampa Bay on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72438" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72438">Zane Gonzalez</a>'s 43-yard field goal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Bucs entered Thursday's matchup with a 124-1 record since 1991 when leading by at least 14 points in the fourth quarter, including in the playoffs, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoshDubowAP/status/1999341703204131055?s=20">Josh Dubow of The Associated Press</a>. The franchise's lone loss over that span came in an infamous 2003 game against Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts.</p><p>Bowles put the onus directly on his players after the Bucs fell to 7-7.</p><p>"The coaches have done everything they can do," he said. "This is a player-driven team in the last four or five weeks. You gotta execute and they gotta hold each other accountable.</p><p>"As a coach, you can sit there until you're blue in the face. Until they start holding each other accountable and doing the little things right - and that's not everybody, we're talking a small select few but the small select few is what is getting us beat. Until that happens, it's not going to get right, so we gotta get up and go to work tomorrow, no matter how bad today looks."</p><p>Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76543" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76543">Baker Mayfield</a> took responsibility for Tampa Bay's latest defeat.</p><p>"This one's gonna haunt me, this falls on my shoulders," said Mayfield, who threw a costly interception in crunch time. He finished the night with 19 completions on 34 attempts for 277 yards and two touchdowns against one pick.</p><p>The Bucs once seemed like a lock to win the NFC South, but Bowles' outfit now ranks second in the division behind the 7-6 Carolina Panthers, who face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The Bucs and Panthers play each other twice in the season's final three weeks.</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 11, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Bowles eviscerates Bucs in expletive-filled rant after TNF collapse

Mark your calendars, football fans.  Lane Kiffin will face Ole Miss in Oxford as LSU's head coach...

<p>Mark your calendars, football fans.</p><p>Lane Kiffin will face Ole Miss in Oxford as LSU's head coach for the first time Sept. 19, the SEC announced Thursday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SEC OPENER FOR BOTH TEAMS 🍿 <br><br>Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford in Week 3 👀 <a href="https://t.co/6C6VJ4dCDd">pic.twitter.com/6C6VJ4dCDd</a></p>— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/1999287499651264885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Week 3 matchup will be among the most talked-about regular-season games in college football next season after Kiffin left the Rebels for the Tigers to conclude a dramatic coaching saga.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kiffin helped Ole Miss reach the College Football Playoff this season with an 11-1 record, but took LSU's vacant job. Although he wanted to coach the Rebels through their playoff run, the school chose to continue without him.</p><p>Ole Miss now faces Tulane on Dec. 20 with former defensive coordinator Pete Golding as its new head coach.</p><p>The SEC announced the <a href="https://www.secsports.com/championships/2026-sec-football-schedule">full schedule</a> for its teams Thursday. Kiffin and LSU will kick off their 2026 season against Clemson on Sept. 5, while Ole Miss will begin the new campaign versus Louisville in Nashville.</p>

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Lane Kiffin speaks at a press conference as he is introduced as the new head football coach of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Kiffin to face Ole Miss for 1st time as LSU's coach Sept. 19

Sherrone Moore is in custody in the Washtenaw (Michigan) County Jail on Wednesday evening, hours ...

<p>Sherrone Moore is in custody in the Washtenaw (Michigan) County Jail on Wednesday evening, hours after Michigan fired him for cause as the program's head coach.</p><p>The school announced it had parted ways with Moore after an investigation found "credible evidence" that he "engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member," according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1998871830736916695">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.</p><p>Moore, 39, was detained by police in Saline, Michigan, around 4:10 p.m. as part of a Pittsfield Township Police Department assault investigation, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6879864/2025/12/10/michigan-sherrone-moore-coach-fire-policy/">Austin Meek and Sam Jane of The Athletic</a>. The City of Saline Police Department said that Moore was turned over to authorities "for investigation into potential charges," per <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47271571/ex-michigan-coach-moore-custody-county-jail-firing">Thamel and Dan Wetzel of ESPN</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office says it does not expect a decision Thursday on whether to file criminal charges, according to<a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47277170/fired-michigan-coach-sherrone-moore-custody-no-decision-charges"> Thamel and Wenzel</a>.</p><p>It's still unclear what charges Moore could be facing. Police were called to the listed address of a female Michigan football staffer, and officers were also sent to Moore's listed address.</p><p>Michigan fired Moore after his second full season with the team. The Wolverines went 9-3 in 2025.</p><p>The school investigation that resulted in Moore's firing had been underway since at least mid-November, sources told <a href="https://x.com/mzenitz/status/1998880003464077435?s=20">CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz</a>. It was sparked by an anonymous tip, according to <a href="https://x.com/byAustinMeek/status/1998882325275488270?s=20">The Athletic's Austin Meek</a>. At first, there was no evidence of the inappropriate relationship. However, new information emerged in the past 24 hours.</p><p>Michigan associate head coach Biff Poggi will become the team's interim head coach. The Wolverines are scheduled to play Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.</p><p>Moore's dismissal adds to one of the most notable coaching cycles in college football history. Sixteen of 68 Power 4 schools will have new head coaches in 2026, notes <a href="https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1998884326541570191?s=20">On3's Brett McMurphy</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michigan makes 29 CFB head coaching jobs opening since spring.</p>— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) <a href="https://twitter.com/colecubelic/status/1998873522958119419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Wolverines' opening instantly becomes the top coaching vacancy in the sport.</p>

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 25: Sherrone Moore head coach of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Michigan State Spartans during the second quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 25, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan.

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Moore detained by police after Michigan firing

Chip Kelly had an interview with Georgia Tech about the Yellow Jackets' vacant offensive coordina...

<p>Chip Kelly had an interview with Georgia Tech about the Yellow Jackets' vacant offensive coordinator job, sources told <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/target-emerging-in-georgia-tech-offensive-coordinator-search/">On3's Pete Nakos</a>.</p><p>Kelly was at Georgia Tech's bowl practice prep Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/jackets-online/news/jol-offensive-coordinator-hotboard-2-0/">Kelly Quinlan of Jackets Online</a>. The school faces BYU in the Pop Tarts Bowl on Dec. 27.</p><p>Kelly was fired by the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 23, putting a disappointing end to his return to the NFL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 62-year-old, who's coached Oregon and UCLA at the college level, served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State in 2024, helping the Buckeyes win the national title that season.</p><p>Georgia Tech recently signed head coach Brent Key to a five-year extension, and is searching for a new offensive coordinator to replace Buster Faulkner, who's now part of Jon Sumrall's staff at Florida.</p><p>The Yellow Jackets posted a 9-3 record in 2025, but their season ended with two straight losses to Pitt and Georgia. They ranked 25th in the nation with an average of 33.1 points per game, up from 28.9 in 2024.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 18: Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media during the Ohio State Buckeyes media day at the Georgia World Congress Center prior to the 2025 CFP National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Chip Kelly interviews for Georgia Tech's OC job

Several star players could make NFL history in the final stretch of the 2025 regular season. Here...

<p>Several star players could make NFL history in the final stretch of the 2025 regular season. Here are seven major milestones that could be reached over the last five weeks of the campaign.</p><h3>
<strong>JSN chasing Megatron </strong>👀</h3><p>Jaxon Smith-Njigba's been virtually unstoppable this season, and the Seattle Seahawks star could rewrite the record books.</p><p>He leads the league with 1,336 yards in 12 games, good for an average of 111.3 yards per contest. The Pro Bowler is coming off a quiet 23-yard outing, but if JSN catches fire again (he averaged 130 yards per game from Weeks 5-12), he could break Calvin Johnson's single-season record of 1,964 receiving yards set in 2012. At his current pace, Smith-Njigba would finish the season with 1,892 yards, the third most in a single NFL campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806517/cropped_GettyImages-2242287521.jpg?ts=1761026153" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806517/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242287521.jpg?ts=1761026153 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806517/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242287521.jpg?ts=1761026153 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806517/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242287521.jpg?ts=1761026153 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806517/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242287521.jpg?ts=1761026153 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806517/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242287521.jpg?ts=1761026153 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3><strong>More history for Garrett 😤</strong></h3><p>This season, Myles Garrett has already become the first player in NFL history with 12-plus sacks in six straight campaigns. He's passed Reggie White for the most sacks before the age of 30. Now the Cleveland Browns superstar, who's racked up 19 sacks in 12 games, is expected to shatter Michael Strahan's and T.J. Watt's single-season sacks record. They each posted campaigns with 22.5 sacks, with Strahan doing so in 2001 and Watt in '21.</p><p>Garrett is on pace to finish this season with 27 sacks. He's been even better in recent games, posting 15 sacks in his last six appearances. The Browns' next opponent is the Tennessee Titans, who've allowed the most sacks in the league.</p><h3><strong>Can Rodgers catch Manning? 🎯</strong></h3><p>Aaron Rodgers didn't throw any touchdowns Sunday in his return from injury and still ranks fourth all time with 522 career TD passes. The 41-year-old is 17 touchdown throws behind Peyton Manning, who's third on the all-time list behind Tom Brady and Drew Brees.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>#</th>
<th>QB</th>
<th>TD</th>
<th>INT</th>
<th>Yds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Brady</td>
<td>649</td>
<td>212</td>
<td>89214</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Brees</td>
<td>571</td>
<td>243</td>
<td>80358</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Manning</td>
<td>539</td>
<td>251</td>
<td>71940</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Rodgers</td>
<td>522</td>
<td>123</td>
<td>65038</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Brett Favre</td>
<td>508</td>
<td>336</td>
<td>71838</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Rodgers is unlikely to pass Manning with five games left for the Steelers, as he'd need to average more than three touchdown passes per contest. But he did have two four-touchdown performances - and three other multi-TD outings - in the first half of the season.</p><h3><strong>Stafford's special season 🤩</strong></h3><p>As Matthew Stafford seeks the first MVP trophy of his career, he'll likely continue moving up the NFL's all-time passing yards list.</p><p>The Los Angeles Rams star just passed Matt Ryan and is now eighth with 62,882 career passing yards. The 37-year-old is only 558 yards behind Philip Rivers (63,440), who's seventh. Even Ben Roethlisberger (64,088) at No. 6 isn't <em>that</em> far ahead.<strong> </strong>If Stafford maintains his 2025 average of 256 passing yards per game, he'll conclude his 17th pro campaign with 64,162 career yards.</p><h3><strong>King Henry still reigns 📈</strong></h3><p>Derrick Henry looked good in November, and he could continue to rise up the all-time rushing lists if he stays hot in the season's final stretch. The 31-year-old, who ranks 11th in NFL history with 12,354 career rushing yards, is 385 yards behind Tony Dorsett at No. 10. King Henry needs to average 77 yards per game to pass Dorsett this year.</p><p>Additionally, Henry needs four more rushing scores to catch Adrian Peterson (120) for the fourth-most TD runs ever. Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen is third on that list with 123. Henry found the end zone four times in his last three games. Could he potentially catch both Peterson and Allen this year?</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806186/cropped_GettyImages-2240771989.jpg?ts=1760836708" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806186/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240771989.jpg?ts=1760836708 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806186/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240771989.jpg?ts=1760836708 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806186/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240771989.jpg?ts=1760836708 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806186/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240771989.jpg?ts=1760836708 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806186/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240771989.jpg?ts=1760836708 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3><strong>Another one for Davante? ⭐</strong></h3><p>The race for most receiving touchdowns in the NFL this season is all but wrapped up. Davante Adams' 14 TD receptions represent a big lead over Amon-Ra St. Brown, who ranks second with nine but is expected to miss time due to an ankle injury.</p><p>Assuming the Rams wideout keeps his lead, this will be the third time he leads the league in single-season TD catches. He'll also become the <a href="https://x.com/ESPNInsights/status/1993725392729870363">first player</a> to ever do it for three different teams. Adams caught a league-high 18 touchdowns with the Green Bay Packers in 2020 and topped the NFL again with 14 TD receptions as a Las Vegas Raider in '22.</p><h3><strong>CMC does it again 🔥</strong></h3><p>McCaffrey is one of only three players in NFL history to collect 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. He accomplished that with the Carolina Panthers in 2019 to join Roger Craig (1985) and Marshall Faulk (1998). Now CMC needs just 151 yards on the ground and 194 receiving yards in four games to become the first player to ever record multiple 1,000-1,000 seasons.</p><p>Oh, and Faulk's single-season running back record of 1,048 receiving yards in the Super Bowl era is also within reach: McCaffrey is on pace to finish the 2025 regular season with 1,054.</p>

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7 major NFL milestones in sight ahead of season's final stretch

The Baltimore Ravens are signing tight end Mark Andrews to a three-year extension, general manage...

<p>The Baltimore Ravens are signing tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82707" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82707">Mark Andrews</a> to a three-year extension, general manager Eric DeCosta announced Wednesday.</p><p>The deal is worth $39.3 million and includes $26 million guaranteed, sources told <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1996348692505460877?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a>.</p><p>"We are excited and proud to announce a three-year contract extension with Mark Andrews," DeCosta said in a statement. "Mark is an all-time Raven - a top competitor and Pro Bowl tight end who is also a big part of our Baltimore community."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Andrews was scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the season. The 30-year-old has caught 37 passes for 332 yards and five touchdowns this year. He's also scored a rushing TD.</p><p>The three-time Pro Bowler is the Ravens' all-time leader with 57 total touchdowns, 473 career receptions, and 5,862 receiving yards.</p><p>Baltimore also rosters tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174166" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174166">Isaiah Likely</a>, who's posted 18 receptions this year. The 25-year-old is scheduled to become a free agent in 2026.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 17: Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) looks on during the regular season NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on November 17, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Ravens sign Andrews to 3-year extension worth reported $39.3M

The Buffalo Bills claimed veteran cornerback Darius Slay off waivers Wednesday, the team announce...

<p>The Buffalo Bills claimed veteran cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53740">Darius Slay</a> off waivers Wednesday, the team announced.</p><p>Slay began the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the two sides mutually agreed to part ways Tuesday. The Steelers had made Slay inactive for Sunday's loss to Buffalo despite the six-time Pro Bowler being healthy.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bills?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bills</a> successfully claim CB Darius Slay at a prorated veteran minimum $348,610 for the remainder of 2025.<br><br>Slay earned over $9.6M from the Steelers this season, including an $8.745M signing bonus.</p>— Spotrac (@spotrac) <a href="https://twitter.com/spotrac/status/1996362909077983351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 34-year-old signed with the Steelers during the offseason after posting a standout five-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay appeared in 74 regular-season games for the Eagles, registering nine interceptions while helping the club win the Super Bowl last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Eagles tried to reunite with Slay and put in a claim for him, but the Bills had priority, a source told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1996400012419547497">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Slay registered 36 tackles (one for loss) and three pass breakups across 10 appearances with the Steelers in 2025.</p><p>The former All-Pro defensive back brings immediate depth and experience to the Bills' secondary. Buffalo also rosters cornerbacks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174121" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174121">Christian Benford</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71558" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71558">Tre'Davious White</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/84859" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/84859">Taron Johnson</a>, and rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209903" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209903">Maxwell Hairston</a>, among others. Hairston joined the team as a first-round pick in April.</p><p>The Bills will be Slay's fourth team in his career. He also played for the Detroit Lions from 2013-19.</p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 16: Darius Slay #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Bills claim Slay off waivers

Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is in negotiations to become Cal's new head coach, source...

<p>Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is in negotiations to become Cal's new head coach, sources told <a href="https://x.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1995990674681069927">Bruce Feldman and Chris Vannini of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Cal has been looking for a new coach since firing Justin Wilcox on Nov. 23. The move took place after a blowout loss to rival Stanford. The Golden Bears capped their regular season with a 7-5 record following a 38-35 win over SMU on Saturday in Nick Rolovich's debut as the school's interim head coach. </p><p>If Cal and Lupoi reach an agreement, he'll become the latest Oregon assistant to leave Dan Lanning's coaching staff to become a head coach. Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein agreed to become Kentucky's sideline boss Monday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In 2022, Kenny Dillingham - Lanning's former OC - also left for the Arizona State job.</p><p>Oregon was once again one of the nation's most balanced teams in 2025, ranking in the top 10 for scoring on offense and defense. Lupoi's defensive unit allowed only 14.8 points per game this season, an improvement from 19.4 in '24.</p>

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 06: Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi coaches pregame drills during a college football game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks on September 6, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

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Report: Cal in negotiations to hire Oregon DC Lupoi as head coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines Tuesday with a pair of moves involving veteran players.  P...

<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines Tuesday with a pair of moves involving veteran players.</p><p>Pittsburgh claimed veteran wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72566" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72566">Adam Thielen</a> off waivers, the team announced. The move comes a day after Thielen asked the Minnesota Vikings to release him.</p><p>Additionally, the Steelers and cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53740">Darius Slay</a> mutually <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3416857" href="https://thescore.com/news/3416857">agreed to part ways</a>. Slay, who was inactive during Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills despite being healthy, joined Pittsburgh on a one-year deal during the offseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Thielen's addition provides a boost to a Steelers team with major questions at wide receiver. They've lacked depth at the position behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111570">DK Metcalf</a>, and their offense scored only seven points against the Bills. Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3415475" href="https://thescore.com/news/3415475">called out</a> his pass-catchers following the game.</p><p>Metcalf is the only Steelers wideout with at least 300 receiving yards this season. The club, which is 6-6, also rosters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174170" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174170">Calvin Austin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199795" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199795">Roman Wilson</a>, among others.</p><p>Thielen is a two-time Pro Bowler with three 1,000-yard seasons under his belt. However, the 35-year-old had minimal impact with the Vikings this year, catching only eight passes for 69 yards in 11 appearances.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 15: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Steelers claim Thielen off waivers, part ways with Slay

Michigan State hired Pat Fitzgerald as its new head coach, the program announced Monday.  "Pat Fi...

<p>Michigan State hired Pat Fitzgerald as its new head coach, the program announced Monday.</p><p>"Pat Fitzgerald is widely recognized as an exceptional football coach whose teams play with extreme toughness and grit, demonstrate continual improvement, and maximize potential," athletic director J Batt said in a statement.</p><p>"Pat is an excellent fit for Michigan State Football, as he understands the Big Ten, has great relationships throughout the Midwest, and embodies the values on which our program was built."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fitzgerald signed a five-year contract with Michigan State, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47169082/sources-michigan-state-hires-pat-fitzgerald-new-football-coach">ESPN</a>.</p><p>The 50-year-old hasn't coached since the 2022 season. Northwestern fired him in 2023 in the aftermath of a hazing scandal.</p><p>He was the longest-tenured head coach in Northwestern football history, posting a 110-101 record from 2006-22 with his alma mater.</p><p>The Spartans dismissed Jonathan Smith on Sunday. Smith posted a 9-15 record over two seasons at Michigan State.</p><p>Fitzgerald inherits a team that went 4-8 in 2025, including 1-8 in a highly competitive Big Ten. The Spartans beat Maryland on Saturday to snap an eight-game losing streak.</p>

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Pat Fitzgerald of the Northwestern Wildcats runs off the field after losing to the Wisconsin Badgers at Ryan Field on October 08, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois.

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Michigan State hires Fitzgerald as coach

<p><em>NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LX.</em></p><h3>AFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>10-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>10-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Jaguars</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>8-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>8-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Colts</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>8-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>8-4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Jacksonville Jaguars jumped to first place in the South after they beat the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts lost to the Houston Texans. Trevor Lawrence and Co. have a chance to solidify themselves as the division's top-ranked team next week when they get a crack at Indianapolis.</p><p>The Denver Broncos took over the AFC's No. 1 seed, at least momentarily, by beating the Washington Commanders in overtime on Sunday Night Football. However, New England hosts the New York Giants on Monday and can reclaim the top seed with a victory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Texans</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>7-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Dolphins</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>5-7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Texans have won four in a row and five of their past six; they're in a good position to make a playoff run as a wild-card team, if not as a division champion. Houston and its incredible defense have another big game coming up on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs.</p><h3>NFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Bears</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>8-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>7-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>8-3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>9-4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>You read it right - the Chicago Bears are the new No. 1 seed in the NFC. Chicago defeated the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday and saw the Los Angeles Rams fall to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Ben Johnson's outfit wins the tiebreaker over Sean McVay's team for having a better win percentage in conference games.</p><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>7-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>6-5-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>7-6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's hard to imagine any of the teams in the NFC playoff picture finishing outside the bubble, but multiple clubs in the hunt are gaining momentum. The Panthers just beat the Rams. The Dallas Cowboys have won three in a row and visit the Detroit Lions next.</p><h3>Projected NFL draft order</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Titans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Saints</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Commanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Rams (via Falcons)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The New Orleans Saints will finish Sunday with the projected No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after their loss to the Miami Dolphins. They haven't selected that high since picking Reggie Bush in 2006. The Giants still have to play the Patriots on Monday.</p>

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Week 13 of the NFL season presumably made Odell Beckham Jr. proud.  OBJ - and NFL fans across the...

<p>Week 13 of the NFL season presumably made Odell Beckham Jr. proud.</p><p>OBJ - and NFL fans across the nation - witnessed three remarkable one-handed catches during the latest Sunday slate, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188318" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188318">Puka Nacua</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199738" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199738">Brock Bowers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173990" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173990">Treylon Burks</a> coming up with jaw-dropping receptions in their respective games.</p><p>Here are the latest contenders for catch of the year in the NFL - and don't forget to let us know in the poll and the comments who did it better.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Puka Nacua</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A CATCH BY PUKA NACUA. <br><br>📺: FOX <a href="https://t.co/zhF5ygaAh7">pic.twitter.com/zhF5ygaAh7</a></p>— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1995225983457341756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Nacua snagged a one-handed reception for 30 yards over a Carolina Panthers defender. He didn't score a touchdown on the play, but the Los Angeles Rams went on to find the end zone moments later. Mind you, it was raining in Charlotte when Nacua made his spectacular grab.</p><h3>Brock Bowers</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"BOWERS CAUGHT THAT. YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME." - <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewCatalon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndrewCatalon</a> <a href="https://t.co/nksOeD9TRB">pic.twitter.com/nksOeD9TRB</a></p>— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1995279720556961906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>At first, it almost felt like Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith could have been trying to just get rid of the football. But Bowers somehow extended his left hand and scored one of the best touchdowns you'll see against a Los Angeles Chargers defensive back.</p><h3>Treylon Burks</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TREYLON BURKS.<br>CATCH OF THE YEAR? 🤯<br><br>📺 NBC and Peacock <a href="https://t.co/11WWo3m8X1">pic.twitter.com/11WWo3m8X1</a></p>— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1995330554057597319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There's a reason every NFL fan thought about Beckham after watching Burks' incredible one-handed touchdown grab on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos. We all remember Beckham's epic reception against the Dallas Cowboys as arguably the greatest catch in league history, and we'll be talking about Burks' play for years to come.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="640px" height="850px" src="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lKd39brCKkKoDREoACTP-YJd-kd38ENEvLNRfLU9oFpUQUJCMUFNN1NSUEc0R0Y0T0c2QUI3SjlOMS4u&amp;embed=true" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" style="border: none; max-width:100%; max-height:100vh" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen=""> </iframe></figure><blockquote><p><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/LBALtTccwV"><em>Click here for poll</em></a></p></blockquote>

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Treylon Burks #13 of the Washington Commanders catches a pass for a touchdown against Riley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Northwest Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.

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Who caught it better? Nacua vs. Bowers vs. Burks

Kentucky fired head coach Mark Stoops on Monday, completing a move that was initially reported to...

<p>Kentucky fired head coach Mark Stoops on Monday, completing a move that was initially reported to be in motion one day earlier.</p><p>"I want to thank Mark for his dedication and leadership over the past 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that is marked by walking these journeys together," athletic director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement. "His tenure transformed the program and reset expectations. His time here was filled with memorable victories, a historic run of consecutive bowl appearances, and a commitment to developing young men both on and off the field."</p><p>Stoops - who'd been with the Wildcats since 2013 - went 5-7 in 2025, up from 4-8 in '24. However, Kentucky's season ended with two straight losses, including a 41-0 defeat to rival Louisville on Saturday. The Wildcats ranked a paltry 102nd in points per game this year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Stoops posted an 82-80 record with Kentucky, including a 10-win 2021 campaign that was later vacated because of NCAA infractions. He's the school's winningest football coach.</p><p>Under his watch, Kentucky won four bowl games and finished in the top 20 of the final AP Poll twice.</p><p>The 58-year-old was signed through June 2031 with an annual salary of $9 million. Kentucky owes him 75% of his remaining salary in a buyout, which is approximately $37.7 million, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47159529/kentucky-expected-fire-football-coach-mark-stoops">ESPN</a>.</p>

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - SEPTEMBER 09: Mark Stoops the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats against the EKU Colonels at Kroger Field on September 09, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Kentucky fires coach Stoops after 13 seasons

Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Acrisure Stadium chanted for Mike Tomlin to be fired during Sunday's ...

<p>Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Acrisure Stadium chanted for Mike Tomlin to be fired during Sunday's 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, an unusual moment for the NFL's longest-tenured head coach who's never had a losing season.</p><p>Tomlin said postgame that he understands the fans' disappointment after the team's second straight loss and third defeat in the past four games.</p><p>"I share their frustrations tonight. We didn't do enough. That's just the reality of it," Tomlin said, according to <a href="https://x.com/CarterCritiques/status/1995292582402765003?s=20">Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fire Tomlin chants loud and clear at Steelers game. The city has finally had enough <a href="https://t.co/GNkLkUDLJt">pic.twitter.com/GNkLkUDLJt</a></p>— Simon Ince (@SirSimon43) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirSimon43/status/1995281693524337058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fans at Acrisure Stadium also booed during "Renegade," the Steelers' popular rally song played in the fourth quarter of every home game.</p><p>Notably, the Steelers have posted 18 consecutive non-losing seasons under Tomlin. They're 6-6 in 2025 and still tied atop the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens, who they'll face next week.</p><p>Although Pittsburgh has reached the playoffs in four of the past five years, the team failed to advance past the wild-card round in any of those runs. The Steelers - who've won one Super Bowl under Tomlin's watch - haven't enjoyed a playoff victory since the 2016 season.</p><p>The 53-year-old Tomlin is under contract through the 2027 season.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Steelers fans chant 'Fire Tomlin' in loss to Bills

A rematch between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will headline UFC ...

<p>A rematch between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will headline UFC 325 on Jan. 31 in Australia, UFC CEO Dana White announced Thursday.</p><p>The event, which will take place Feb. 1 locally in Sydney, comes after Volkanovski defeated Lopes in five rounds at UFC 314 in April.</p><p>Lopes returned to the win column after the loss by defeating Jean Silva via second-round TKO in September.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Volkanovski and Lopes' rematch has drawn negative reactions from MMA fans and fighters, as a pair of other featherweight contenders, Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, remain undefeated. Evloev has yet to fight in 2025 due to injury, but Murphy was rumored to be Volkanovski's potential next challenger. Evloev and Murphy reacted to White's announcement on social media.</p><p>"Missing the opportunity to fight one of the featherweight GOATs is what hurts me the most," Muprhy <a href="https://x.com/LeroneMurphy/status/1994186276711362684">wrote</a>. "It's not about who's the best anymore. It's about who's most popular."</p><p>Lopes ranks No. 2 in the featherweight division, while Evloev and Murphy hold the No. 1 and No. 4 spots, respectively.</p><p>"Leon Murphy, I will give you the opportunity to fight the No. 1 contender," Evloev <a href="https://x.com/MovsarUFC/status/1994194184647971020">said</a>. "Tell your people you're ready to fight me on the same card as the championship."</p><p>The UFC will kick off 2026 with back-to-back numbered events, with UFC 324 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3411648" href="https://thescore.com/news/3411648">announced</a> for Jan. 24. The event will be headlined by Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, and Amanda Nunes taking on Kayla Harrison for the women's bantamweight championship.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 12: Diego Lopes of Brazil (L) fights Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in a featherweight title fight during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida.