Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-TOUR
DESCRIPTION: LA QUINTA, Calif. -- For the Sony Open, “aloha” felt more about goodbye under a growing sense that was the end of the PGA Tour in Hawaii. And it’s not just there. The level of uncertainty is so great this year players have reason to wonder which tournaments will be the last. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 800 words, photos. With Golf Notes (sent) and Golf Glance (sent).
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBC--CFP-CIGNETTI’S DOZEN
DESCRIPTION: When Curt Cignetti arrived at Indiana, he recruited 13 players from his old school, James Madison, over to his new program. They formed the backbone of at what he called “one of the greatest sports stories of all time” — the rise of the nation’s most losing program of all time into a national champion. By Eddie Pells and Maura Carey
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 3:48 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--UTAH ST-CONSISTENT AGGIES
DESCRIPTION: Utah State seems to go through coaches every two years as success leads to jobs at bigger programs. The changes don’t seem to affect the Aggies, who keep right on winning. By John Marshall. 600 words, photos by 3 p.m. MT.
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: Salford City plays Swindon in the FA Cup 3rd round on Tuesday. The winner will face the mighty Manchester City in the next round.
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF-GUIDE
DESCRIPTION: The NFL’s postseason is down to its final four teams and both of the top seeds are still alive. The NFC West is well-represented with the division rival Seahawks and Rams meeting for the conference title. In the AFC, it’s Drake Maye and the New England Patriots against the Denver Broncos, who turn to backup QB Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix broke his ankle. 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BBO--HALL OF FAME
DESCRIPTION: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones are the leading candidates to gain election to the Hall of Fame in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 6:10 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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BKC--T25-PURDUE-UCLA
DESCRIPTION: No. 4 Purdue visits UCLA on a night when the late John Wooden is honored. By Beth Harris. 300 words, photos. Begins 10 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 01/20/2026 11:59 p.m. EST, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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US--GOVERNORS’ BET-COLLEGE FOOTBALL
DeSantis loses bet on Miami Hurricanes, owes Indiana governor key lime pie and stone crabs
SUMMARY: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he owes Indiana Gov. Mike Braun some key lime pie and stone crabs after losing a bet. Indiana’s 27-21 win over Miami in college football earned the team the national championship. On Tuesday, DeSantis announced he will send the pie and crabs from Joe’s Stone Crab to the Indiana governor. The bet was on the Miami Hurricanes, who lost to the Indiana Hoosiers on Monday night. DeSantis joked that he might just drop off the pie and crabs at Marco Island, a popular spot for Midwestern vacationers.
WORDS: 202 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 1:39 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f1d8fb448f090cbdf4f6b616052e63b&mediaType=text
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OLY--HKO-NORTH AMERICAN DOMINANCE
Rivals US and Canada could put North American dominance on display at the Olympics in Milan
SUMMARY: The U.S. men’s hockey team is gearing up for a showdown with Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Canada has dominated international tournaments for 16 years, but the U.S. is closing the gap. With stars like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, Canada is the gold medal favorite. However, the U.S. team, bolstered by grassroots growth, is seen as a strong contender. Retired U.S. winger T.J. Oshie believes this is the best U.S. team he’s seen. European teams like Sweden and Finland are also in the mix, but the focus is on the North American rivalry.
WORDS: 812 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 1:22 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:028880ccdeb774a1186634247125775e&mediaType=text
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BBO--PHILLIES-REALMUTO
Realmuto almost mourned loss of Phillies career until collapsed Bichette deal brought him back
SUMMARY: Catcher J.T. Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a three-year, $45 million contract. Realmuto will earn $15 million annually and can receive up to $5 million in bonuses each year. He made his decision a month after designated hitter Kyle Schwarber agreed to a $150 million, five-year deal with the Phillies. Realmuto, a three-time All-Star, hit .257 with 12 homers last year. The Phillies also signed Brad Keller and Adolis García this offseason. The 35-year-old Realmuto has a .270 career batting average with 180 homers and 677 RBIs in 12 seasons with the Miami Marlins and Phillies.
WORDS: 761 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 1:15 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68022e7f61871583f0cdaef3b1f705b8&mediaType=text
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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP
Champions League returns with Arsenal at Inter and Real Madrid, PSG and Man City all in action
SUMMARY: The Champions League has resumed after its winter break with Arsenal protecting the only 100% record heading to Inter Milan and defending champion Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City seeking wins to close on automatic qualification. Arsenal has six straight wins and needs a point to become the first team to secure a spot in the round of 16. Only the top eight progress directly to the last 16 so many of Europe’s top teams are battling to avoid dropping into positions 9-24 and having to go through the playoffs. Third-place PSG visits Sporting Lisbon, fourth-place Man City is at Bodø/Glimt and new coach Alvaro Arbeloa leads seventh-place Madrid against Monaco. Club Brugge beat Kairat Almaty 4-1 in the early game.
WORDS: 374 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 1:06 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92e27633e5d3026b422fbca3df384b22&mediaType=text
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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
McDermott disparages call that led to Bills’ loss and his firing but should safety have ended game?
SUMMARY: Sean McDermott insists the Buffalo Bills should have advanced in the playoffs after a call he vehemently disputed. The Denver Broncos won 33-30 in overtime in the divisional playoff, but McDermott argued a catch by Brandin Cooks was wrongly ruled an interception. This decision set up Denver’s winning drive. McDermott, who lost his job Monday, called for an explanation, which was provided by referee Carl Cheffers. The call has sparked debate among analysts and former players. Denver coach Sean Payton also pointed out what he said was a missed safety call earlier in overtime that should have ended the game.
WORDS: 929 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 12:40 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:16fcfaf69b34591294e16a0e1cb0c79f&mediaType=text
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FBC--ALL-PLAYOFF TEAM
Fernando Mendoza headlines AP’s all-College Football Playoff team after leading Indiana to title
SUMMARY: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza spent the College Football Playoff showing the nation just why he earned the Heisman Trophy. He threw more touchdown passes than incompletions in Indiana’s first two playoff wins. Mendoza also delivered the signature moment of the playoff with his 12-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-4 play in Indiana’s 31-27 championship game victory over Miami. That makes him an easy pick as the quarterback of the Associated Press all-CFP team that recognizes the best playoff performers at each position.
WORDS: 1755 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 12:27 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5223f412ae6b286056d2a39baa7f2492&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL
No. 1 Indiana tops final AP Top 25 football poll of season as Big Ten’s title run reaches 3 straight
SUMMARY: Indiana is No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 after finishing a 16-0 season with a victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff championship game. The Hoosiers are the third straight Big Ten national champion and No. 1 team in the final poll, following 2024 Ohio State and 2023 Michigan. No. 2 Miami ended with its highest ranking since the 2002 season. The last time the Hurricanes finished in the top 10 was in 2003. Mississippi, Oregon and Ohio State were next. The Big Ten had three teams in the top five for the second straight year.
WORDS: 718 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 11:21 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d20d33aecbec2021a90e1f8ce8eead7c&mediaType=text
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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-OSAKA
Naomi Osaka makes grand entrance and big fashion statement at Australian Open
SUMMARY: Naomi Osaka has made a fashion statement and quite an entrance to the Australian Open. Osaka was wearing a wide-brim hat, veil and holding a white parasol as she walked onto Rod Laver Arena for her first-round match. The No. 16 seed then won a tough three-setter against Antonia Ruzic in 2 hours and 22 minutes. Osaka has won two of her four Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open. She said the symbolic butterfly on her hat and the umbrella was a reference to her title run at the Australian Open in 2021.
WORDS: 434 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 10:36 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b3dbbb2afd43d062cafa5d2bbe8908e3&mediaType=text
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FBO--FLAG FOOTBALL FOR DUMMIES
QB Diana Flores hypes flag football ahead of its 2028 LA Olympics debut, now an open book on subject
SUMMARY: Quarterback Diana Flores has become a prominent figure in women’s flag football, winning world titles and MVPs. She’s even starred in a popular Super Bowl commercial. Flores is leading efforts to promote flag football ahead of the sport making its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The NCAA has added flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program, and the University of Nebraska will introduce it as a varsity sport. Flores is now an open book on the subject as she authored “Flag Football For Dummies.” Her achievements on the field include guiding Team Mexico to back-to-back World Games gold medals.
WORDS: 662 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 9:41 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a2719d40b1f90e63ac95765940544eb&mediaType=text
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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Sinner’s bid for Australian Open three-peat begins with anticlimactic win
SUMMARY: Jannik Sinner has started his Australian Open campaign with a win after Hugo Gaston retired from their match. Sinner was leading 6-2, 6-1 when Gaston withdrew. Sinner is aiming to become the fourth player to win three consecutive men’s titles at the Australian Open. Madison Keys has also advanced after overcoming a tough start against Oleksandra Oliynykova. Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka capped off Day 3 with a big fashion statement and a first-round win on Rod Laver Arena.
WORDS: 769 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 8:33 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:45a1ded3c66d74f08bc0b580f1ceb86e&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP CHAMPIONSHIP
Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating Miami 27-21 in CFP final
SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night. The Hoosiers toppled Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season and the national title. The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game. Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes.
WORDS: 1158 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 8:12 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8b4fb15e43e10c890e16b57551b48523&mediaType=text
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BKN--AROUND THE NBA
The Thunder are winning a ton of games, again. They don’t let wins, or losses, faze them much
SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Thunder have been handling wins and losses with a calm demeanor. On Saturday night, they lost to the Miami Heat 122-120, but their reaction was surprisingly composed. Despite a controversial foul call and missed violations, the Thunder remain focused on long-term goals. They lead the league with a 36-8 record after a win in Cleveland on Monday. Coach Mark Daigneault emphasizes learning from experiences rather than getting caught up in emotions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine, and the team maintains a strong home and away record, trusting their process and development.
WORDS: 756 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aadea760ed9261301a049289ad8d149a&mediaType=text
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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-T-SHIRT FOR UKRAINE
T-shirt for Ukraine: a player’s heartfelt tribute to her country and her dad at the Australian Open
SUMMARY: With a very offbeat style of play and even more unique body art, Oleksandra Oliynykova stood out in her Australian Open loss to defending champion Madision Keys. Emblazoned on her T-shirt, the daughter of a Ukrainian army soldier, had the message: “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can’t talk about it here.” Keys praised Oliynykova, who signed autographs, accepted loud applause, and waved a Ukrainian flag on court after the match.
WORDS: 466 - MOVED: 01/20/2026 2:50 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d8ce3f9b86f8a90eb6cfb694eb094cae&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW ___
—TEN--Australian Open
—SOC--Champions League Roundup
—FBN--Inside The Numbers
—OLY--FIG-Malinin
