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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FBN--SAINTS-FALCONS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints each will be trying to finish losing seasons with winning streaks which show they are on track for better success when they meet in Sunday’s final regular-season game. The Saints will take a four-game winning streak into the game while the Falcons, who won the first game of the season series, have won three straight. By Charles Odum. 700 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 11:31 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--RICE-TEXAS STATE

DESCRIPTION: Rice plays Texas State in the Armed Forces Bowl. 150 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--PACKERS-VIKINGS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Green Bay Packers are just trying to get healthy for the playoffs, while the Minnesota Vikings are merely aiming to finish strong against their division rival. By Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell. 650 words.

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-49ERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The playoffs start a week early for the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. The top two teams in the NFC West will square off on Saturday night in a rare regular season game with such high stakes as the winner will earn the top seed in the NFC playoffs with a first-round bye and home-field advantage before the Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKC--IMPROVED ACC

DESCRIPTION: The Atlantic Coast Conference enters league play in better standing from the previous year thanks to a better start in nonconference play. By Aaron Beard. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--LIBERTY BOWL

DESCRIPTION: No. 22 Navy plays Cincinnati on Friday in the Liberty Bowl as the Midshipmen look to finish off the season tying the program record with an 11th victory. By Clay Bailey. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 4:30 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 4:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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HKN--RANGERS-PANTHERS

DESCRIPTION: The New York Rangers visit the Panthers in the NHL’s first outdoor game in the state of Florida on a day the forecast calls for a high of about 70 degrees. By Tim Reynolds. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/02/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBC--CFP-SUGAR BOWL

Chambliss, Carneiro lift Mississippi past Georgia 39-34 in Sugar Bowl and into CFP semifinals

SUMMARY: Trinidad Chambliss passed for 362 yards and two touchdowns, and Lucas Carneiro kicked his third field goal of the game with 6 seconds left to put No. 6 Mississippi in front for good in a 39-34 victory over third-ranked Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal in the Sugar Bowl. In an unusual twist, Ole Miss was awarded a safety on its final kickoff when Georgia’s return team tried a cross-field lateral that hit the pylon. Gunner Stockton ran for two TDs and rallied Georgia from a 10-point, fourth quarter deficit before Chambliss drove the Rebels for Carniero’s decisive 47-yard kick in less than a minute.

WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 01/02/2026 12:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6055d6013f59d5edf5202660c1e762ab&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP SEMIFINALS

Oregon-Indiana headed for a rematch, Ole Miss to play Miami as college football’s final four is set

SUMMARY: When Indiana met Oregon in October, the game served as the best test yet of whether the Hoosiers were a one-year wonder or a program that was here to stay. They met that challenge with a double-digit win that snapped Oregon’s 18-game home winning streak. Next week comes a rematch with a trip to the national title game at stake. A pair of Big Ten blowouts — Indiana 38, Alabama 3 and Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0 — set up Oregon-Indiana, Part 2 in the national semifinals at the Peach Bowl next Friday. Miami will play Ole Miss, a 39-34 winner over Georgia.

WORDS: 843 - MOVED: 01/02/2026 12:17 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:66bdedaa074f898fcaea24944fe82760&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-MIAMI ADVANCES

Texas two-step in CFP has Miami within a win of playing for a national title at home

SUMMARY: Miami is a win away from a chance to play for a national championship in its home stadium. The Hurricanes have advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl with a Texas two-step in the CFP. After getting an at-large playoff berth, the 12-2 Hurricanes won in the first round at Texas A&M and then knocked off defending national champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, on New Year’s Eve. Miami has a six-game winning streak since an overtime loss to SMU in Dallas at the start of November. The Hurricanes play No. 6 seed and 13-1 Ole Miss next Thursday in the semifinal game.

WORDS: 785 - MOVED: 01/02/2026 12:14 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6292caf86c5ca376647495ca85f4b7f&mediaType=text

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BKW--LSU-KIFFIN

LSU football coach Kiffin attends Tigers’ women’s hoop game as Ole Miss beats Georgia at Sugar Bowl

SUMMARY: New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin attended the No. 5 Tigers’ women’s basketball game on Thursday night as his former team — Mississippi — was taking on Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Sugar Bowl. Kiffin and women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey emerged from the tunnel holding hands before the Tigers faced No. 11 Kentucky. Kiffin and Mulkey’s appearance on the court drew a roar from the crowd, and Mulkey raised her left hand to point at Kiffin while the pair responded by raising their joined hands in the air. Kiffin’s appearance at the LSU game came at just about the same time as his old team, Ole Miss, was kicking off its CFP game. LSU lost the game 80-78.

WORDS: 417 - MOVED: 01/02/2026 12:11 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e6d35de0024697e99845307a40dc0e44&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-ROSE BOWL

Top-seeded Indiana routs Alabama 38-3 for its first Rose Bowl victory, roaring into CFP semifinals

SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes, Indiana’s defense thoroughly throttled Alabama, and the top-seeded Hoosiers roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 38-3 victory in the 112th Rose Bowl. Mendoza passed for 192 yards in his first game since winning his school’s first Heisman Trophy, but the hard-nosed Hoosiers won the Rose Bowl for the first time in school history by dominating the Crimson Tide at the line of scrimmage. Indiana scored the game’s first 24 points before pouring it on with fourth-quarter rushing TDs from Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby, wrapping up a jubilant win in the 112th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All.

WORDS: 1052 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 9:37 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:86520296479531ebf7c16ecd56b7879b&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-ROSE BOWL-ALABAMA-SIMPSON

Alabama QB Ty Simpson says a cracked rib sidelined him in 2nd half of blowout Rose Bowl loss

SUMMARY: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson says a cracked rib sidelined him in the second half of the Crimson Tide’s 38-3 loss to top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Simpson got hurt when an Indiana player’s helmet hit him in the torso and caused a fumble after he made a courageous scramble through the Hoosiers’ defense for a first down late in the first half. He had an X-ray at halftime that revealed the injury, Simpson said after the College Football Playoff quarterfinal ended. Simpson acknowledged that he might have tried to do too much on that play after he came up one yard short of a first down on an earlier run.

WORDS: 415 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 8:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0e2cffcf32f5292cbdb2715be1f1708&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-VENUS WILLIAMS

Venus Williams is back at the Australian Open 5 years after her last appearance, 28 after her 1st

SUMMARY: Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning Jan. 18 in Melbourne. The tournament announced Friday that the 45-year-old Williams would make a return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance. In 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before eventually losing in the quarterfinals to Lindsay Davenport. Venus had announced in November that she would play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, and also at the Hobart International a week later and just before the start of the Australian Open.

WORDS: 291 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 8:13 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e9458c388d15ab7ebc9bd3cc93725dc&mediaType=text

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BBO--ASTROS-IMAI

Right-hander Tatsuya Imai and Houston Astros agree to $54 million, 3-year contract, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that right-hander Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros have agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract. Imai gets a $2 million signing bonus and salaries of $16 million this year and $18 million in each of the final two seasons. He can earn an additional $9 million in escalators based on innings. A 27-year-old righty, Imai went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA last season for the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions. He struck out 178 batters in 163 2/3 innings. He is a three-time All-Star.

WORDS: 394 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 7:38 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1c16a9648a11469ff288f58a065bf32&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-ORANGE BOWL

Defense carries the day for Oregon, as Ducks move into CFP semifinals by topping Texas Tech 23-0

SUMMARY: Oregon dominated Texas Tech with a 23-0 victory in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl. Matayo Uiagalelei caused a fumble that set up a touchdown, and Jordon Davison rushed for two scores. Dante Moore threw for 234 yards, and Atticus Sappington kicked three field goals. Oregon, now 13-1, will face either Indiana or Alabama in the Peach Bowl on January 9. Texas Tech, which finished 12-2, struggled offensively, turning the ball over four times. This win marks Oregon’s first shutout of an AP-ranked opponent since 2012.

WORDS: 892 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 7:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3c15b6a324327fde45dba63dbebf202&mediaType=text

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BKL--UNRIVALED-COLLIER

Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and be sidelined for four to six months

SUMMARY: Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and is expected to be sidelined four to six months, including the upcoming Unrivaled season. The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league made the announcement Thursday. Collier had been rehabbing ankle injuries suffered during the WNBA season. She said last month she was working back to full strength so she could be available for Unrivaled’s second season, which begins Monday. She suffered a sprained right ankle during an August game and missed several weeks. She then hurt her left ankle in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.

WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 6:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:166374e2a5f55bc8aba122c300657f35&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS WEMBANYAMA-HURT

Wembanyama’s MRI shows no ligament damage in hyperextended knee; All-Star to miss Spurs-Pacers game

SUMMARY: The San Antonio Spurs say an MRI showed center Victor Wembanyama sustained no ligament damage in his injured left knee, and their All-Star center will not play Friday in Indiana. The Spurs said Thursday that Wembanyama’s status is day-to-day. He did not travel with the team to Indiana, and instead will rehabilitate the injury in San Antonio. Wembanyama hyperextended his left knee with just under 11 minutes remaining in San Antonio’s 134-132 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Wembanyama said he felt fine after the game and expected to play Friday against the Pacers, but said San Antonio’s medical staff could decide otherwise depending on tests.

WORDS: 323 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 6:05 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:738942cc313cb06603a6d9698bfa09d3&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP FUTURE

More campus games? Big 12 commish says ‘everything is on the table’ when it comes to playoff reboot

SUMMARY: While fans trickled into the Orange Bowl stadium where tickets were going for as little as $39, the commissioner of the Big 12 said “everything is on the table” when it comes to rebooting the College Football Playoff, including potentially moving another round of games onto campus. The commissioners have until Jan. 23 to figure out what the playoff will look like next year. Expansion and automatic bids have been the two biggest headlines in that discussion, though attendance and travel schedules for this week’s quarterfinal games could play into the thinking, as well.

WORDS: 845 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 5:19 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:90397f0e4b909688a7ad723a269781ee&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON

Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson says he’s playing Sunday at Pittsburgh: ‘A hundred percent’

SUMMARY: Lamar Jackson says he’s expecting to play when the Baltimore Ravens take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh for the AFC North title Sunday night. Jackson returned to practice Wednesday and was a full participant, but he didn’t talk with reporters at the podium until Thursday. He said he’s feeling good after missing last weekend’s game at Green Bay because of a back injury. That was the fourth game this season Jackson has missed, the first three because of hamstring problems. The Ravens need a win this weekend to make the playoffs after they entered the season as a popular Super Bowl pick.

WORDS: 198 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 4:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:87192fca20e374219d1cdcfa052721d9&mediaType=text

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HKN--WINTER CLASSIC-PREVIEW

Outdoor hockey. In Miami. It’s finally going to happen on Friday, when Panthers play Rangers

SUMMARY: The NHL is hosting its first outdoor game in Florida on Friday. The Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. The retractable roof will be opened just before the game. This marks a significant event for the Sunshine State, which has seen its teams reach the Stanley Cup Final multiple times in recent years. The NHL has worked hard to create suitable ice conditions, using custom refrigeration units and a thicker ice sheet. Panthers players and fans are excited for this unique experience, highlighting hockey’s growth in Florida.

WORDS: 1059 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 2:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59689dda080c92cfcf1be265704bd2a5&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHELSEA-MARESCA

Maresca leaves Chelsea midway through turbulent season after reported clash with ownership

SUMMARY: Enzo Maresca has left his post as Chelsea head coach after a reported deterioration in his relationship with the Premier League club’s hierarchy. The BBC and The Athletic reported that Liam Rosenior is a leading contender to replace Maresca. Rosenior coaches French team Strasbourg, a club in the same ownership group as Chelsea. Maresca was midway through his second season in charge. In his first season, he won the Conference League and Club World Cup. Last month, Maresca said he had experienced his “worst” 48 hours at Chelsea but didn’t specify why. Chelsea is in fifth place in the Premier League and has advanced to the English League Cup semifinals.

WORDS: 558 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 2:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa10e32e5e176ea34cf5f52a4491f61e&mediaType=text

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