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--PLAYOFFS-BACKUP QB HISTORY

DESCRIPTION: Bo Nix’s broken ankle has placed Jarrett Stidham into most unusual territory. Stidham will be the seventh quarterback since starts began being tracked in 1950 to start a playoff game in a season when he didn’t start in the regular season. Here’s a look at the the other six. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-PORTAL PLOTTING

DESCRIPTION: A year ago, Notre Dame and Ohio State made the title game by bringing in QBs who had started multiple years at other schools. Indiana and Miami fit the mold. Is this the model going forward for national championship contenders? Story at 6 a.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text’

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FBC--CFP CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Take a long downtrodden team that happens to have the world’s largest alumni base and another playing a home game while in search of its first national title in 25 years and the math is simple. This is the toughest ticket in town. And, in fact, Monday night’s title game between Indiana and Miami will be among the most expensive tickets in college football history, with a get-in price topping $3,600. Indiana is trying to wrap up an undefeated season with the program’s first national title. Miami, playing in its home stadium, is looking to bring the first title back to “The U” since 2001. By Eddie Pells. Game begins at 7:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-CORETTA SCOTT KING CLASSIC

DESCRIPTION: NEWARK, N.J. __ Getting a chance to play in the Coretta Scott King Classic has special meaning for Ohio State senior Chance Gray. Her great grandfather Benjamin Hooks worked with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr and was onetime executive director of the NAACP. Gray remembered when she was young hearing stories from Hooks, who died in 2010. Gray’s team — the No. 14 Buckeyes — faces 10th-ranked TCU on Monday in the opener of the women’s basketball doubleheader. Fifth-ranked Vanderbilt plays No. 8 Michigan in the second game. It’s the second year of the tournament. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. 550 words, photo.

1. UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL

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

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

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BKC--T25-MENS POLL

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

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

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BKW--T25-OHIO ST-TCU

DESCRIPTION: No. 10 TCU plays 14th-ranked Ohio State in the opener of the Coretta Scott King Classic doubleheader. Game tips at noon.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-MICHIGAN-VANDERBILT

DESCRIPTION: Fifth-ranked Vanderbilt faces No. 8 Michigan in the Coretta Scott King Classic doubleheader.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--PATRIOTS ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: In just one year on the job, first-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has the team on the cusp of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season. The only thing standing in their way is a trip to Denver where they will face the AFC’s top seed. But the Broncos won’t have starting quarterback Bo Nix, who was lost to a broken ankle in their divisional round win. The Patriots are also the NFL’s only unbeaten team on the road this season. By Jimmy Golen.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BBO--HALL OF FAME

DESCRIPTION: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones appear headed to election to the Hall of Fame on Tuesday when voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America is announced. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 500 words, photos, by 5 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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HKN--JETS-TOEWS

DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — Winnipeg center Jonathan Toews plays his first game in Chicago since signing with the Jets in the offseason. Toews won three Stanley Cup championships while spending his first 15 seasons with the Blackhawks. By Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--49ERS-WRAPUP

DESCRIPTION: The main emotion for the San Francisco 49ers after their blowout playoff loss to Seattle was pride about how much the team overcame in an injury-plagued season. Now the question is whether the foundation is in place to end a 31-season title drought with better health next season. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/19/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Coco Gauff advances to second round at Australian Open despite serving struggles

SUMMARY: Third-seeded Coco Gauff defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3 on Monday in a first-round match at the Australian Open. Gauff has won two Grand Slam titles but has never gone past the semifinals at Melbourne Park. She was knocked out in the quarterfinals last year. Gauff has struggled with double-faults and had 431 in 2025 on the WTA Tour, by far the most of any player. No one else had more than 300. Gauff had six in the first set in the victory over Rakhimova and one in the second set. Meanwhile, former champion Sofia Kenin’s struggles continue as she lost to Peyton Stearns.

WORDS: 706 - MOVED: 01/19/2026 1:27 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cec6ffd3e3b84fb9bee6a0fc30dbaec6&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEARS-WILLIAMS

Caleb Williams’ ‘ridiculous’ TD pass draws raves from his coach and teammates after Bears’ loss

SUMMARY: Caleb Williams almost led the Chicago Bears to another surprising win. He threw a breathtaking touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but his third interception led to a winning field goal for the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional playoffs. The 24-year-old Williams led Chicago to an NFL-record seven wins when trailing in the last two minutes of regulation. Despite the loss in the playoffs, Williams remains optimistic, calling it a learning experience. His coach and teammates praised his incredible skills and potential for the future.

WORDS: 690 - MOVED: 01/19/2026 1:07 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03f40e7765c8732feaa5c5c2003770a9&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-BEARS

Rams shake off wild, late TD pass by Caleb Williams, beat Bears 20-17 in OT to reach NFC title game

SUMMARY: Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams survived an incredible throw by Caleb Williams that forced overtime, beating the Chicago Bears 20-17 to advance to the NFC championship game. Harrison Mevis kicked a 42-yard field goal in OT after Kam Curl intercepted a deep pass by Williams on the Bears’ first possession of the extra period. Stafford completed a 16-yard pass to Puka Nacua to get the Rams into field-goal range and set up Mevis. The Rams will visit NFC West rival Seattle next Sunday in their first trip to the conference championship game since the 2021 team won the Super Bowl.

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 01/19/2026 12:24 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e97bcf5c6bdfa7510cf31d744b94955&mediaType=text

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BKN--RAPTORS-LAKERS

Luka, LeBron get the Lakers back into form in a 110-93 victory over the Raptors

SUMMARY: Luka Doncic had 25 points and seven assists, LeBron James added 24 points and seven assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to form with a 110-93 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Deandre Ayton had 25 points and 13 rebounds in his impressive return from a knee injury for the Lakers, who won for just the second time in seven games while playing their final home game before an eight-game, 15-day road trip. Scottie Barnes had 22 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors, who have lost back-to-back games for the first time in four weeks.

WORDS: 334 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 11:57 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9272fddf2ae08967ae279262d47a625&mediaType=text

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GLF--SONY OPEN

Chris Gotterup opens PGA Tour season by winning Sony Open for his 3rd straight year with a title

SUMMARY: Chris Gotterup didn’t take much time adding to his PGA Tour victory total. He rallied for a 64 on the final day of the Sony Open for a two-shot victory. Gotterup started the final round two shots behind and took advantage of a meltdown by Davis Riley. The victory is his third in three years since getting a PGA Tour card. Gotterup was at No. 195 in the world when he left the Sony Open last year. Now he’s up to No. 17 and closing in on the elite in golf. Ryan Gerard shot 65 and finished second.

WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 11:25 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5fdd7b3e7139642960e98991b7055eeb&mediaType=text

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BKN--ROCKETS-DURANT

Durant moves past his ‘idol,’ Dirk Nowitzki, into 6th place on the NBA’s career scoring list

SUMMARY: Kevin Durant moved into sixth place on the NBA’s career scoring list, passing his friend and idol Dirk Nowitzki. Durant scored 18 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans and raised his career scoring total to 31,562 points. Durant says he tried to emulate Nowitzki in his career and was thankful that the former Dallas Mavericks player took time to send a video message of congratulations. Next on the scoring list is Michael Jordan at 32,292 points. Durant says he wants to continue climbing up the list and that so far the ride as been amazing.

WORDS: 511 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 11:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:938bf2f3c7e388a3f2c4ee14b4c41eb2&mediaType=text

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FBN--CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS-LOOKAHEAD

Patriots will face Broncos in the AFC title game. Seahawks will host Rams in the NFC

SUMMARY: NFL Championship Sunday is set. It’ll be Rams vs. Seahawks and Patriots vs. Broncos. It’s an NFC West showdown between Los Angeles and Seattle, and the AFC matchup is a rematch from 10 years ago when Tom Brady lost to Peyton Manning. This time, Denver has to turn to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham because Bo Nix broke his ankle, while New England has second-year sensation Drake Maye. The Patriots are 5 1/2-point favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, while the Seahawks are 2 1/2-point favorites.

WORDS: 965 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 10:53 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:924b7f0811dfc2588734ca6f731fb3b0&mediaType=text

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SOC--AFCON-SENEGAL-CELEBRATIONS

Senegal erupts in joy after dramatic win to take the Africa Cup of Nations

SUMMARY: Senegal is celebrating after its soccer team defeated Morocco 1-0 to win the Africa Cup of Nations. On Sunday night, fireworks lit up Dakar, and people danced in the streets, waving Senegalese flags. The final took place in Rabat, Morocco, where Pape Gueye scored in extra time for the Teranga Lions. The match was chaotic, with fans trying to storm the field and Senegal’s players protesting a penalty decision. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye praised the team and announced a public holiday on Monday. This is Senegal’s second Africa Cup win, following their 2021 victory against Egypt.

WORDS: 422 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 10:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3c66008dc043132757b1cb4be3bce080&mediaType=text

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BKN--PELICANS-ROCKETS

Durant passes Nowitzki for 6th place on NBA career scoring list as Rockets beat Pelicans 119-110

SUMMARY: Kevin Durant had 18 points and moved into sixth place on the NBA’s career points list, and Jabari Smith Jr. scored a season-high 32 points as the Houston Rockets beat the New Orleans Pelicans 119-110 Sunday night. Alperen Sengun had 21 points and eight rebounds and Amen Thompson finished with 20 points as Houston won for the third time in four games. Trey Murphy III scored 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting and Zion Williamson had 20 points and six rebounds. Derik Queen finished with 15 points for the Pelicans, who lost for the fourth time in five games and 13th time in 15 games.

WORDS: 321 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 10:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f8e9a7444f75fb252f75d43918b58df2&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-WHAT’S A CATCH

NFL again faces questions about the definition of a catch after disputed pick in Bills-Broncos game

SUMMARY: Once again, many NFL fans, coaches and commentators are questioning the definition of a catch. A disputed interception helped eliminate the Buffalo Bills from the playoffs in a 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Josh Allen’s deep pass to Brandin Cooks in overtime was wrestled out of the veteran receiver’s hands by Ja’Quan McMillian, and officials ruled that McMillian had the ball before Cooks was down by contact. Some NFL analysts said they were shocked that the play was ruled an interception because those calls usually favor the offensive player. Bills coach Sean McDermott was frustrated that officials didn’t spend more time looking at replays.

WORDS: 1135 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 9:16 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba29037d5216ac8979362b29d05a5b80&mediaType=text

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FBN--TURNOVER TEXANS

C.J. Stroud’s 4 interceptions dig a hole the Texans’ defense can’t get out of in loss to Patriots

SUMMARY: C.J. Stroud’s four first-half interceptions handed New England a 28-16 victory over Houston, securing the Patriots a spot in the AFC championship game. Stroud also had three turnovers in last week’s wild-card win at Pittsburgh. On Sunday, Houston’s defense couldn’t compensate for the offensive mistakes. Stroud says it “wasn’t my day.” The Texans have reached the playoffs for three consecutive years but has fallen in the divisional round each time. Coach DeMeco Ryans says he never lost faith in Stroud and says the loss can’t be blamed on one person.

WORDS: 913 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 8:59 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:27a3fac4954ee8014b10d64878885b92&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP FUTURE

College football leaders debate playoff expansion ahead of Friday deadline from ESPN

SUMMARY: College football leaders have given every indication that they remain stuck in a yearlong debate about expanding the playoff from 12 teams to 16 or beyond. Commissioners and school presidents met on the eve of the College Football Playoff title game, facing a Friday deadline from ESPN to decide on changing or staying with the current 12-team model. ESPN bankrolls the postseason. The debate boils down to two conferences, the Big Ten and SEC, that have widely different visions of where the playoff should go. The SEC wants a 16-team playoff, the Big Ten wants 24. If they can’t agree, the playoff will stay at 12 teams for next season.

WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 8:16 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ada22d513d05f353349f7c7691cbcf0&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-PATRIOTS

Maye throws 3 TD passes, Stroud has 4 INTs as Patriots top Texans 28-16 to advance to AFC title game

SUMMARY: Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes, Marcus Jones returned one of C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions for a TD and the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 to advance to the AFC championship game for the first time in seven years. They will play at Denver next Sunday. Their last AFC title game trip was during their run to their sixth Super Bowl title in the 2018 season. Maye finished 16 of 27 for 179 yards, but had an interception and fumbled four times, losing two. The eight combined turnovers were the most in a playoff game since 2015. The Texans have lost in the divisional round in three straight seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans.

WORDS: 1011 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 8:09 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b6a88ac639993cc99af286f5ca90e68&mediaType=text

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SOC--AFCON FINAL

Senegal wins Africa Cup after walk-off protest, chaos over controversial penalty for host Morocco

SUMMARY: Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations in dramatic fashion. Pape Gueye scored in extra time for the Teranga Lions to beat host Morocco 1-0 in a chaotic final on Sunday which at one point saw Senegal’s players leave the field to protest a penalty decision. After a 14-minute delay, Édouard Mendy saved Brahim Díaz’s Panenka penalty in the last kick of normal time. Gueye then scored the winning goal in the first half of extra time. The 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium emptied quickly after the final whistle. Few were left to see the Senegalese players lift the trophy. It’s Senegal’s second Africa Cup win. The Teranga Lions won the 2021 edition after a penalty shootout against Egypt.

WORDS: 821 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 7:48 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:42b24de1f77dd2a129fe6a1d9031a77d&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-MORANT

Grizzlies star Ja Morant says he’s a very loyal guy and cites his tattoo of team logo

SUMMARY: Ja Morant says there should be no doubt about his desire to keep playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. After a dominant performance in a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic, the two-time All Star addressed recent trade speculation about him. He says, “I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.” Morant has a tattoo of the team logo. He had 24 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup after a six-game absence because a right calf injury. He says, “If anybody in here knows me — I’m a very loyal guy.”

WORDS: 332 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 4:40 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8ee9cbde2e6bc978ad839b7027168571&mediaType=text

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BKW--T25-SOUTH CAROLINA-HBCU VISIT

South Carolina’s Staley on playing at Coppin State: I think it’s good on all fronts

SUMMARY: Dawn Staley’s visit to Coppin State was a success for just about everyone. South Carolina won by 42 points, and the Eagles had more than 3,000 fans in their arena. Staley and the Gamecocks beat Coppin State 90-48 on Sunday. The attendance was 3,371 in the 4,100-seat PEC Arena. Coppin State got to host Maryland in 2021 and LSU two years later. This was a chance to bring another big-name program to Baltimore. South Carolina is 28-0 against HBCU teams during Staley’s coaching tenure, and four of those games have been on the road.

WORDS: 407 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 4:08 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb1024781199afd418ecab51aa481000&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAGIC-GRIZZLIES

Ja Morant scores 24 points in return to lineup as Grizzlies beat Magic 126-109 in London

SUMMARY: Ja Morant had 24 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in the first NBA regular-season game in London since 2019. Jock Landale added 21 points and 8 rebounds and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 17 points as Memphis avenged its 118-111 loss to Orlando in Berlin on Thursday in the first of their European doubleheader. Anthony Black led the Magic with 19 points and Wendell Carter Jr. added 18 points and 7 rebounds. Paolo Banchero finished with 16 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds.

WORDS: 326 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 3:29 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c08d1ef3cc119512d8345b55c127b2b2&mediaType=text

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BKN--WEMBANYAMA VS EDWARDS

Edwards, Wembanyama enjoy another showdown between two of the West’s best as Spurs top Timberwolves

SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards doesn’t want to be the face of the NBA, but the Minnesota Timberwolves star is becoming a focus of one the league’s marquee matchups when he goes up against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Edwards had a career-high 55 points, but Wembanyama scored 39 points and captured a key offensive rebound in the final seconds as San Antonio held off Minnesota 126-123 on Saturday. Wembanyama and Edwards exchanged highlights and baskets in the final minutes of a showdown between two of the Western Conference’s top teams.

WORDS: 647 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 2:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b789dcd5e4f6174a36078776076b5824&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Villa loses to Everton to complete set of surprising results for Premier League title challengers

SUMMARY: Aston Villa has become the latest title challenger to trip up on a weekend of surprising results in the Premier League after losing 1-0 at home to Everton because of a defensive blunder. Villa center back Pau Torres gave the ball away and goalkeeper Emi Martinez fumbled a soft shot, allowing Thierno Barry to score in the 59th minute. Villa could have climbed above Manchester City to second place and trimmed the gap to leader Arsenal to four points with a win. Wolverhampton, the league’s last-placed team, continued its resurgence by holding Newcastle to a 0-0 draw to extend its unbeaten run to five games in all competitions. Wolves are still 14 points from safety.

WORDS: 463 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 2:22 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:42d22bccef0437c6819c2e3bd423ff02&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDYCAR-POWER’S FRESH START

Will Power is determined to make Penske regret writing him off as he joins Andretti

SUMMARY: Will Power has joined Andretti Global after a long career with Team Penske. Power, one of IndyCar’s top drivers, was briefly sidelined by Penske’s decision to replace him with David Malukas. Despite a potential contract extension, Power chose Andretti, eager to bring his experience to the team. Penske held him to his contract, delaying his start with Andretti until January. Power is now focused on proving himself and helping Andretti succeed. He already is working closely with the team, aiming to outperform Penske. Power’s determination and experience are expected to boost Andretti’s performance this season.

WORDS: 1287 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 2:03 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0273dc79b636d9362d2b5ec81f93713&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP CHAMPIONSHIP

College football’s surprise: Miami and Indiana meet for a title in a matchup nobody saw coming

SUMMARY: Indiana and Miami are playing for the national title Monday night, and if that has you scratching your head thinking “Who?” or “What?” then you are not alone. Even though a new world of paying players and rapid-fire transfers from school to school has shuffled the deck in college sports, nobody thought it would get mixed up this much. And even though both schools have been trending upward of late, both were listed as 100-1 long shots to win the championship at some point this season. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosiers head into the game being played on Miami’s home field at Hard Rock Stadium as 8 1/2-point favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

WORDS: 1076 - MOVED: 01/18/2026 1:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b1cdcae4304846a94c40586536789216&mediaType=text