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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BKC--T25-MENS POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text, DigitalPlans

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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text, DigitalPlans

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BKC--T25-GEORGIA-BIG OFFENSE

DESCRIPTION: No. 23 Georgia showed in its Southeastern Conference-opening overtime win over Auburn that its high-scoring offense is no fluke. The Bulldogs’ three-guard lineup also showed rebounding concerns must be addressed to be a factor in the SEC and remain in the Top 25. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN—COMMANDERS WRAPUP

DESCRIPTION: The Washington Commanders and their star quarterback, Jayden Daniels, took a major step back this season, one year after reaching the NFC title game. By Howard Fendrich. 700 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-RUNNING HOOSIERS

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza draws most of the attention when people talk about Indiana football. But even Mendoza knows the top-seeded Hoosiers would not be here, one win away from playing for a national championship, without a physical offensive line paving the way for one of the nation’s premiere running games. By Michael Marot. 750 words, with photos by 6 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--FIESTA BOWL-QUARTERBACKS

DESCRIPTION: Miami quarterback Carson Beck was a five-star recruit who rakes in NIL money and has an affinity for European cars. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chamblis has a much different background, working his way up from a Division II program after nearly giving up football. By John Marshall. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--ALL-BOWL TEAM

DESCRIPTION: Breaking down the top performers at each position in all the bowl games that weren’t part of the College Football Playoff. By Steve Megargee. 1,100 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--49ERS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: This NFL season has been full of obstacles for the San Francisco 49ers with defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner missing of the season, quarterback Brock Purdy sidelined for eight games and a string of other injuries that could have easily derailed the campaign. The Niners overcame all of that to make it back to the playoffs but now face another hurdle after a 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night sends them on the road as a wild-card team to start the playoffs instead of sitting at home with a first-round bye. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--FCS CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Illinois State is playing for the Football Championship Subdivision title Monday night for the first time since 2014. Montana State is back for a second straight season looking to take the title that eluded the Bobcats last year. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 550 words.

UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 11:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKO--WORLD JUNIOR

Czechia beats Canada 6-4 in world junior hockey to set up all-European final with Sweden

SUMMARY: Tomas Poletin scored on a deflection off his skate with 1:14 left and Czechia beat Canada 6-4 on Sunday night to advance to face Sweden in the first all-European world junior hockey final since 2016. Earlier, Anton Frondell scored in the eighth round of a shootout to give Sweden a 4-3 victory over Finland. The final is Monday night. In the last all-European final, Finland beat Russia 4-3 in overtime in Helsinki in 2016. Czechia and Sweden are each trying to win their third title. Czechia won in 2000 and 2001, and Sweden in 1981 and 2012. Poletin scored 1:27 after Porter Martone tied it for 20-time champion Canada. Vojtech Cihar scored twice for Czechia.

WORDS: 605 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:36 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:873bfd7e1297d170773cb5ef5baa0d79&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS-STEELERS

Rodgers and Steelers win AFC North, beating Ravens 26-24 after Loop misses kick at buzzer

SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left, and the Steelers beat the Ravens 26-24 on Sunday night when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired, giving Pittsburgh the AFC North title. Pittsburgh will host Houston in the opening round of the playoffs on Monday, Jan. 12, following an electric fourth quarter that saw four lead changes, including three in the final four minutes. Lamar Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 28-yard gain that put the Ravens within Loop’s range. But the rookie’s kick never had a chance.

WORDS: 1064 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1934f7e1c3eea95d16b9138da60956a&mediaType=text

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TEN--UNITED CUP-COCO GAUFF

Gauff clarifies comments on American tennis fans, loses to Bouzas Maneiro

SUMMARY: Coco Gauff has tried to clarify her comments about American tennis fans on social media before her United Cup singles match against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The match, held Monday in Perth, Australia, didn’t go well for Gauff, who lost 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0. Gauff explained her earlier comments about American fans being the “worst,” saying she was comparing the obvious support players from smaller countries receive to that of American players abroad. She emphasizes that her remarks were an observation and expresses gratitude for any support.

WORDS: 531 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:14 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:22823ed54a92b355ee6a5c92e94a9fca&mediaType=text

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FBC--TRANSFER PORTAL

No. 1 Indiana starts post-Mendoza era by adding former TCU quarterback, new receiver, AP source says

SUMMARY: Indiana is gearing up for Friday’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Oregon, and coach Curt Cignetti is already planning ahead. On Sunday, the Hoosiers added two key players through the transfer portal. Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh are heading to Indiana. Hoover could potentially replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Marsh is expected to fill the shoes of Elijah Sarratt. Meanwhile, quarterback Brendan Sorsby announced his transfer to Texas Tech. Colorado also made significant additions, including San Jose State receiver Danny Scudero, as they bolster their lineup under coach Deion Sanders.

WORDS: 1112 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:25 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b5a5adf382f9abb4362aa6cbca684df&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF PICTURE

Steelers, Panthers, Jaguars secure division titles. Broncos clinch AFC’s No. 1 seed

SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers sent Lamar Jackson and the Ravens home for the playoffs. The Panthers are NFC South champions for the first time in 10 years. The Broncos are the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Rodgers threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left and Pittsburgh secured the AFC North title with a 26-24 victory when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal wide right as time expired on Sunday night in the final game of the NFL’s regular season. Carolina clinched its division title when the Falcons beat the Saints 19-17 on Sunday to eliminate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

WORDS: 926 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 11:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b3feea18e0c9876e3185aa2ba004bf2&mediaType=text

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FBN--FALCONS-FIRINGS

Falcons fire coach Raheem Morris, GM Terry Fontenot hours after finishing 8-9 season

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The team announced the moves hours after completing its its second straight 8-9 finish under Morris and eighth consecutive losing season. Morris said after Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints that he expected to return for a third season. Instead, his 16-18 record was not enough for him to keep his job after the year began with optimism that the Falcons would reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Owner Arthur Blank said in a statement that he has “great personal affinity” for Morris and Fontenot but he believes a change is needed.

WORDS: 796 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 10:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69499fae4ba4d818adf1326ca61e20f6&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-GARRETT-SACK RECORD

Myles Garrett breaks NFL single-season sack record with 23 and laments not getting 2 more

SUMMARY: The Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett has set the NFL’s single-season sack record with his 23rd. He reached the milestone during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Garrett sacked Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss, surpassing the previous record of 22 1/2 sacks shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. The sack came with 5:09 remaining in the fourth quarter. Garrett has sacked 51 players over his nine-year NFL career. Burrow is at the top of the list at 12 in 10 meetings. The NFL began counting sacks as an official statistic in 1982.

WORDS: 1050 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 10:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5937c3174f7b5e9edad6ee56024f7eb0&mediaType=text

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FBN--JETS-BILLS

Bills celebrate home finale with 35-8 rout of the Jets in potential final game at Highmark Stadium

SUMMARY: After taking the first snap, Josh Allen headed to the sideline and joined the 70,000-plus fans to watch backup Mitch Trubisky throw four touchdown passes as the Buffalo Bills bid a likely farewell to their long-time home with a 35-8 rout of the New York Jets. Gabe Davis caught two touchdown passes and Ty Johnson scored a touchdown rushing and receiving in an outing the playoff-bound Bills rested a majority of their starters. The win coupled with the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss at Denver, led to Buffalo moving up one spot in clinching the No. 6 seed. The Bills will travel to play AFC South champion Jacksonville in the wild-card round on Sunday.

WORDS: 998 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 10:03 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:264e64fad47a93a39f21f57142131560&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHARGERS-BRONCOS

Broncos secure AFC’s top playoff seed with 19-3 win over Chargers

SUMMARY: The Denver Broncos secured the AFC’s top playoff seed with a 19-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Ja’Quan McMillian’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown fueled the victory. Wil Lutz was 4 for 4 field goals, helping the Broncos tie their franchise record for most wins in a season with 14. They earned their first No. 1 playoff seed since 2015. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix struggled but tied Russell Wilson’s record of 24 wins in his first two NFL seasons. The Chargers rested key players including QB Justin Herbert as they prepare for the wild-card round.

WORDS: 958 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 9:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a038dd06acbdd09f63765b639b21631&mediaType=text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-LANDESKOG

Gabriel Landeskog injured in Avalanche’s game against Florida. He’ll miss some time, the team says

SUMMARY: Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog is set to miss some time after being injured in a game against Florida on Sunday night. The Avalanche confirmed he has an upper body injury, not related to his previously troubled knee. Landeskog was hurt when he crashed into a goalpost, requiring assistance to leave the ice. The severity of the injury is still being evaluated. Landeskog, who helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022, missed nearly three years due to knee issues before returning last season. He has played all 41 games this season, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

WORDS: 555 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 8:39 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4b41f647b569f6e2672706c9a431161e&mediaType=text

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FBN--TITANS-JAGUARS

Streaking Jaguars clinch AFC South title with a 41-7 drubbing of Titans

SUMMARY: Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes, breaking the franchise’s single-season record for total scores, and the Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South and earned a home playoff game with a 41-7 drubbing of Tennessee. It was most lopsided outcome in series history. The Jaguars (13-4) clinched their third division title in nine years, swept the Titans (3-14) for the third time in four seasons and topped a dozen wins for just the second time in the team’s 31-year history. Titans rookie Cam Ward injured his throwing shoulder early and spent most of the game on the sideline in a sling.

WORDS: 850 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 7:39 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ab632d6156c5d9a30923d05de03bd77&mediaType=text

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BKN--NUGGETS INJURIES

Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun return to a Nuggets team needing healthy bodies after Jokic’s loss

SUMMARY: Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun returned from lengthy injury absences Sunday in Brooklyn, bringing good news to a Denver team desperate for healthy bodies after the loss of Nikola Jokic. Coach David Adelman said both players showed improvements in recent days and they were cleared to play after testing themselves during warmups. Gordon came off the bench and scored 20 points in the Nuggets’ 127-115 loss. Braun started and had three points in 24 minutes.

WORDS: 409 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 6:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9bd18c4d5ac71b776a757daeb09b15f9&mediaType=text

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FBN--VIKINGS-JEFFERSON-1000 YARDS

Vikings get Justin Jefferson past the 1,000-yard mark in the final game of a trying season

SUMMARY: Justin Jefferson finally passed the 1,000-yard mark in the last game of the season for the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson hit the milestone on his fifth catch on Sunday against the rival Green Bay Packers after a simple hitch route he turned into a 17-yard gain. The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has reached 1,000 yards in each of his six NFL seasons. The only other players in league history to do so were Randy Moss and Mike Evans. Jefferson already has the most receiving yardage all time over a player’s first six years.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 5:58 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5373a8c2327cd0c68b34ff5d1218469e&mediaType=text

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TEN--DJOKOVIC-PTPA

Novak Djokovic cuts ties with the PTPA players’ association he co-founded

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic has cut ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association, the players’ union he co-founded, saying his values are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization. The 24-time Grand Slam champion launched the breakaway organization with Vasek Pospisil in 2020. Djokovic said Sunday evening on social media that he had concerns about how the PTPA has represented his voice and image. The PTPA filed a class-action lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies in March. Djokovic was not among the players named as plaintiffs.

WORDS: 345 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 5:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:70320aa176243601881b404be1ca0c23&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAIDERS-TOP PICK

Raiders secure No. 1 overall pick in NFL draft after Giants’ win over Cowboys

SUMMARY: The Las Vegas Raiders will pick first in this year’s NFL draft. The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17 on Sunday, ensuring the Raiders would have the worst record. The Raiders were 2-14 entering their Sunday home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Giants had lost to Dallas, Las Vegas would have needed a loss to the Chiefs to secure the top pick. This is only the second time the Raiders have had the top pick. In 2007, they selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who became one of the franchise’s top draft busts.

WORDS: 167 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 4:22 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:708f08b50bcd7b519c5ba132d03cedaf&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Liverpool and Man City stunned by late goals. Amorim raises questions over his role at Man United

SUMMARY: Liverpool and Manchester City have been stunned by late goals to drop points in the Premier League. Harrison Reed’s spectacular strike in the seventh minute of stoppage time earned Fulham a 2-2 home draw with Liverpool. Enzo Fernandez poked home an equalizer in the 94th in a 1-1 draw for managerless Chelsea that dented City’s title hopes. Second-placed City led through Tijjani Reijnders at halftime but is now six points behind Arsenal. Defending champion Liverpool is fourth and 14 points adrift of Arsenal after substitute Reed let fly from around 25 meters to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim appeared frustrated as he raised questions about his role at the club after a 1-1 draw at Leeds.

WORDS: 1003 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 4:07 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6bb391f44a191fc7dad18bdbc881b3d1&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-MIAMI’S PAST

As Hurricanes navigate the CFP challenge, the echoes from the past tend to inspire

SUMMARY: Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. surprised everyone with a halftime speech during the Hurricanes’ win over Ohio State in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Bain’s words echoed a famous speech by Ed Reed in 2001, inspiring his teammates to victory. Miami beat Ohio State 24-14 and moved into the CFP semifinal against Mississippi. Coach Mario Cristobal is balancing honoring past legends while focusing on the current team. Miami’s history, with stars like Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis, continues to inspire players. The legacy of “The U” motivates the team to strive for greatness.

WORDS: 841 - MOVED: 01/04/2026 2:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b917af2191b236d0098336573aa35e0f&mediaType=text