The 2023 MLS Cup features one team aiming to become the league’s first repeat champion in more than a decade (Los Angeles FC) and another (Columbus Crew) vying to become the third team to win at least three MLS Cups.

Los Angeles FC, the reigning league champion, can become just the fourth club in league history to win back-to-back MLS Cup titles. LAFC earned its trip to MLS Cup with a thorough 2-0 defeat of Houston Dynamo FC in the Western Conference final.

With a win, the Crew could join the Los Angeles Galaxy (five) and D.C. United (four) as clubs with three or more titles. (Though, to be fair, the Galaxy haven’t won an MLS Cup in nearly a decade and D.C. United’s last title came when the league had 10 teams. That’s ancient history, folks.) The Crew won an epic Eastern Conference final against rival FC Cincinnati in the realest ‘Hell is Real’ derby yet to reach MLS Cup.

What time does MLS Cup start?

Kickoff for the MLS championship game between the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 9.

What TV channel is MLS Cup on?

How can I watch MLS Cup online via live stream?

MLS Cup is available to be streamed via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Pregame coverage starts at 3 p.m. ET.

Where is MLS Cup 2023 taking place?

The MLS championship game will be held at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Lower.com Field opened in July 2021, replacing Crew Stadium, which had hosted three MLS Cups (2001, 2015, 2020). In the only other previous final at Lower.com Field, the Columbus Crew defeated Cruz Azul, 2-0, to win the 2021 Campeones Cup.

Why is MLS Cup 2023 being played in Columbus?

The MLS championship game is held in the home stadium of the finalist that finished the regular season with the most points. While both teams finished the 2023 regular season in third place in their respective conferences, the Columbus Crew had 57 points, which is higher than the 52 points earned by Los Angeles FC.

What are the odds for MLS Cup 2023?

According to BetMGM, the Columbus Crew (-160) are favorites to lift the trophy over Los Angeles FC (+120). The over/under for number of goals scored is 2.5.

MLS Cup 2023 storylines

Players to watch

➤ Dénis Bouanga, forward, Los Angeles FC: Bouanga earned 2023 MLS Golden Boot honors after leading the league with 20 goals, becoming the third Golden Boot winner during the short history of LAFC (Carlos Vela, 2019; Diego Rossi, 2020). When Bouanga scores, he does so in bunches; he had a league-high five multi-goal games, including two hat tricks, this season.

➤ Cucho Hernández, forward, Columbus Crew: Two of the league’s most prolific goal-scorers — both of whom were also 2023 MLS Best XI selections — will be on display in MLS Cup. Hernández followed up a 16-goal, 11-assist regular season with a dominant postseason, scoring four goals in five games, including a highlight-reel strike from midfield.

➤ Diego Rossi, forward, Columbus Crew: The former LAFC player is helping Columbus possibly do what couldn’t be done during his time in Los Angeles … win an MLS Cup. Rossi helped LAFC win the Supporters’ Shield in 2019, but that team ultimately couldn’t reach the MLS Cup. After leaving LAFC for Turkish side Fenerbahçe in 2021, Rossi returned to MLS this season, helping boost the Crew’s prospects after the team lost 2020 MLS Cup MVP Lucas Zelarayán to the Saudi league.

➤ Carlos Vela, forward, Los Angeles FC: If franchise icon Vela can lead LAFC to back-to-back MLS Cup titles in what might be his final game with the team, they might just erect a statue of him outside BMO Stadium.

➤ Giorgio Chiellini, defender, Los Angeles FC: Speaking of possible finales for legends of the game, the 2023 MLS Cup could be the last match for the decorated 39-year-old Italian star. The veteran of two World Cups who captained the Azzurri to UEFA Euro glory in 2021, has won 10 top-flight league championships (nine with Juventus, one with LAFC) and is playing for an 11th on Saturday.

➤ Darlington Nagbe, midfielder, Columbus Crew: The former USMNT player is a vital piece in the Crew’s attack, entrusted with getting the ball to the playmaking feet of Hernández and Rossi. With a win on Saturday, Nagbe can become just the 10th MLS player with four or more league titles. Nagbe previously won MLS Cup with the Portland Timbers (2015), Atlanta United (2018) and Crew (2020).

➤ Maxime Crépeau, goalkeeper, Los Angeles FC: Crépeau’s gruesome leg injury in extra time of the most dramatic MLS Cup ever played was a major subplot in LAFC’s remarkable victory last season. After enduring 10 months of rehabilitation, Crépeau made his first league start on Sept. 16 in the El Trafico rivalry game against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Crépeau has since returned to form, entering MLS Cup having recorded three consecutive clean sheets.

Los Angeles FC aims to be first repeat MLS Cup winner in 11 years

LAFC entered the 2023 season with a chance to win six trophies (MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, Leagues Cup, Campeones Cup), only to lose out on winning five of those prizes. A victory Saturday won’t make up for the opportunities missed — particularly in losing the CONCACAF Champions League final and Campeones Cup — but winning back-to-back MLS Cups would be a historic consolation prize. The Los Angeles Galaxy, LAFC’s El Trafico rivals, are the last franchise to repeat as MLS Cup winners, doing so in 2011-12.

Wilfried Nancy guides Columbus Crew to title game in first season at helm

After guiding CF Montréal to a club-record for points (65) and wins (20) and a second-place Eastern Conference finish in 2022, Nancy left a contentious situation behind to join the Crew, who — after missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons following their 2020 MLS Cup win — paid a transfer fee in order to be able to hire the coach away from Montreal. Under the guidance of the French coach, the Crew have returned to prominence, with Nancy making history as the first Black coach to lead his team to the MLS Cup final. The Nancy-led Crew also have done so with an entertaining, all-gas, no-brake approach, which resulted in a league-high 67 goals.

Which teams have won MLS Cup?

MLS CUP: Ranking all of the previous 27 championship games

2022: Los Angeles FC over Philadelphia Union (Banc of California Stadium), 3-3 (LAFC won penalty shootout, 3-0)2021: New York City FC over Portland Timbers (Providence Park), 1-1 (NYCFC won penalty shootout, 4-2)2020: Columbus Crew over Seattle Sounders FC (Mapfre Stadium), 3-02019: Seattle Sounders FC over Toronto FC (CenturyLink Field), 3-12018: Atlanta United over Portland Timbers (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 2-02017: Toronto FC over Seattle Sounders FC (BMO Field), 2-02016: Seattle Sounders FC over Toronto FC (BMO Field), 0-0 (Sounders won penalty shootout, 5-4)2015: Portland Timbers over Columbus Crew (Mapfre Stadium), 2-12014: Los Angeles Galaxy over New England Revolution (StubHub Center), 2-1 (extra time)2013: Sporting Kansas City over Real Salt Lake (Sporting Park), 1-1 (SKC won penalty shootout, 7-6)2012: Los Angeles Galaxy over Houston Dynamo (Home Depot Center), 3-12011: Los Angeles Galaxy over Houston Dynamo (Home Depot Center), 1-02010: Colorado Rapids over FC Dallas (BMO Field), 2-1 (extra time)2009: Real Salt Lake over Los Angeles Galaxy (Qwest Field), 1-1 (RSL won penalty shootout, 5-4)2008: Columbus Crew over New York Red Bulls (Home Depot Center), 3-12007: Houston Dynamo over New England Revolution (RFK Stadium), 2-12006: Houston Dynamo over New England Revolution (Pizza Hut Park), 1-1 (Dynamo won penalty shootout, 4-3)2005: Los Angeles Galaxy over New England Revolution (Pizza Hut Park), 1-0 (extra time)2004: D.C. United over Kansas City Wizards (Home Depot Center), 3-22003: San Jose Earthquakes over Chicago Fire (Home Depot Center), 4-22002: Los Angeles Galaxy over New England Revolution (Gillette Stadium), 1-0 (extra time)2001: San Jose Earthquakes over Los Angeles Galaxy (Crew Stadium), 2-1 (extra time)2000: Kansas City Wizards over Chicago Fire (RFK Stadium), 1-01999: D.C. United over Los Angeles Galaxy (Foxboro Stadium), 2-01998: Chicago Fire over D.C. United (Rose Bowl), 2-01997: D.C. United over Colorado Rapids (RFK Stadium), 2-11996: D.C. United over Los Angeles Galaxy (Foxboro Stadium), 3-2 (extra time)

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The Heisman Memorial Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate football player, is one of the most recognizable and prestigious trophies in all of sports, with the ball carrier encased in bronze, stiff-arming his way down the field.

The Heisman is also one of the heaviest trophies in sports and hasn’t changed much over the years, coming in at 45 pounds. It is 14 inches long, 13 inches in height, and six inches in width, and no doubt winners will have issues getting it through airport security. Perhaps the thrill of winning a trophy is the ability to pick it up. Some sports trophies don’t have that luxury.

Here are some of the heaviest trophies in sports:

Fremont Cannon

This behemoth of a trophy goes to the winner of UNLV and Nevada. Its namesake comes from soldier and explorer John C. Fremont and is a replica of a cannon he used in the 1840s. It weighs 545 pounds and is by far the heaviest trophy in collegiate sports.

America’s Cup Trophy

This trophy, also known as the Auld Mug, is the crown jewel in sailing, specifically yacht racing, and is made of sterling silver. It weighs 33 pounds and was first awarded in 1851, making it international sports’ oldest trophy. Sailors from the United States have won the competition 30 times.

The Stanley Cup

Perhaps the most recognizable trophy outside the Heisman, the Stanley Cup is given to the National Hockey League champions. The trophy is almost 3 feet tall and weighs 34.5 pounds. The bowl holds 209 fluid ounces and the names of the members of the winning team are engraved on bands on the base. Each player and staff member from the winning team can spend a day with the trophy.

The Borg-Warner Trophy         

The winner of the Indianapolis 500 gets to pose with this 110-pound beauty after enjoying a bottle of milk. But the nearly 5½-foot tall trophy, which features the likenesses of every winner of the historic race, stays put at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the driver who crosses the finish line first at the Brickyard takes home a much smaller replica, called the “Baby Borg.”

Floyd of Rosedale

The winner of the annual Big Ten slugfest between Iowa and Minnesota gets to stare at this bronze swine, which was created because it’s not practical to pass around a live pig every year.

The Floyd of Rosedale is currently in the possession of the Golden Gophers (don’t mention punt return to Hawkeyes fans). It weighs 98 pounds and is 21 inches long and 15 inches tall. Since the first Floyd of Rosedale was awarded in 1935, Iowa leads the series 44–43–2.

The Harley J. Earl Trophy

The Daytona 500 winner is presented with this trophy, which features an XP-21 Firebird on the top and tops the scales at more than 100 pounds. Like the Borg-Warner Trophy, it doesn’t leave the confines of Daytona International Speedway, and the winner takes home a replica. But the replica is no slouch either, weighing 54 pounds and standing 18 inches tall.

The Victory Bell Trophy

When you have to carry a trophy on a carriage and need multiple people to lug it around, you know your muscles will get a workout. This version of the Liberty Bell weighs 295 pounds and has been given to the winner of the crosstown USC-UCLA rivalry since 1942.  

Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert said Friday her cancer has returned and she will not broadcast the Australian Open for ESPN while undergoing treatment.

“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,” Evert said in a statement released by ESPN. “Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy.”

The 68-year-old Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December of 2021.

Evert is an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion. The Australian Open begins next month.

“I’ll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!” Evert said.

GREEN BAY − The Green Bay Packers will get out of salary-cap jail at some point.

In fact, depending on how far they’re willing to go with contract restructures this offseason, they probably can participate in a meaningful way in free agency as early as 2024.

But they won’t be free and clear from the double whammy of COVID-19 revenue losses and going all in with Aaron Rodgers and Co. until the 2025 season. Rodgers will be off their books after this season, but other costly cap bills remain.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

College football conference championships are wrapped. The College Football Playoff field is set. The final US LBM Coaches Poll of the regular season is out. We know the complete bowl schedule. Now, the college football transfer portal opens, with eyes on some of the top players who might enter and where they may go.

USA TODAY Sports will track the moves of all college football’s top players as they make decisions on where they will play next season. (Need a refresher on how the transfer portal works? We got you covered here.) Follow along. 

When does the transfer portal open for football? 

In the Football Bowl Subdivision, a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal begins Dec. 4. There is also a spring window from April 15-30. It’s worth noting that these windows restrict when an athlete’s name can be entered into the portal, not when they actually transfer to a different school. 

When does the transfer portal close? 

The transfer portal window closes on Jan. 2, 2024.

Ex-Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel heads to Oregon

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel says he is going to play for Oregon next season. Gabriel threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns this season and will be attending his third school. He started his collegiate career at UCF before moving on to Oklahoma.

Gabriel is expected to compete to replace Heisman Trophy candidate Bo Nix, who spent the last two seasons with the Ducks.

QB Blake Shapen commits to Mississippi State

Former Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen told ESPN Friday that he is committing to Mississippi State.

Shapen, a junior, entered the transfer portal following a season during which he threw for 2,188 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Bears’ leading passer. He presumably will step into the lineup for new coach Jeff Lebby, the former offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. The Bulldogs saw multi-year starter Will Rogers exit via the portal after their 5-7 campaign came to a close.

Jo’Quavious Marks transfer portal

Running back Jo’Quavious Marks will enter the transfer portal after four seasons as Mississippi State. Marks, a reliable lead back with capable receiving skills, holds the program record for receiving yards by a running back, putting up 1,225 yards through four years.

The 5-10, 210-pound Marks did considerable damage to opposing defenses for the Bulldogs in both the ground game and as a receiver. He rushed for 1,883 yards and 22 touchdowns and added 1,225 receiving yards and five touchdowns over four seasons.

The Atlanta native has participated in 45 games and made 32 starts in four years with the Bulldogs, with only one absence, on Sept. 24, 2022, against Bowling Green. Marks had at least one reception in every game of his collegiate career. — Sahil Kurup, Clarion Ledger

Trevor Etienne transfer portal

Sophomore running back Trevor Etienne, one of the top offensive players for Florida football in 2023, has entered his name into the transfer portal.

The 5-9, 205-pound Etienne finished 2023 with 753 yards and eight TDs rushing on 5.7 carries in splitting carries with Montrell Johnson Jr. for the second consecutive season. He also added 172 yards receiving on 21 carries and returned kickoffs for the Florida Gators, averaging 24.9 yards per return.

Etienne’s combination of speed and field vision made him one of Florida’s most dynamic offense players, but his inability to consistently pick up blitzes landed him in head coach Billy Napier’s doghouse at times. He wound up rushing for 1,472 yards and scoring 15 TDs in two seasons with the Gators. – Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun

Raheim Sanders transfer portal

Junior running back Raheim Sanders released a statement saying he has decided to enter the transfer portal.

‘After much prayer and reflection, it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life,’ Sanders wrote. ‘In order for me to reach further goals, it’s best for me to enter my name in the transfer portal with one year of remaining eligibility.’

Sanders rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Razorbacks in 2022, but injuries limited him to six games this season. He rushed for 209 yards and two TDs for Arkansas, which was 4-8 in 2023.

Nyland Green transfer portal

Sophomore defensive back Nyland Green is the latest Bulldogs player to put his name in the transfer portal.

Green registered 13 tackles across three seasons for Georgia, where he was part of the team’s 2021 signing class.

Gunnar Gundy transfer portal

Oklahoma State sophomore quarterback Gunnar Gundy, who is also the son of coach Mike Gundy, has entered the transfer portal.

As an graduate transfer, Gundy has up to two years of eligibility remaining. He appeared in three games during the 2023 season, throwing for 202 yards on 21-of-34 passing with one touchdown. He also rushed for 39 yards.

Brock Vandagriff transfer portal

UPDATE: Brock Vandagriff is staying in the SEC. Two days after the former Georgia QB entered the transfer portal, the sophomore committed to Kentucky.

Georgia sophomore quarterback Brock Vandagriff is entering his name in the transfer portal.

Vandagriff was 12 of 18 for 165 yards with two touchdowns in eight appearances for the Bulldogs in 2023

‘Dawg Nation, thank you for the unwavering support over the past 3 years,’ Vandagriff wrote on social media. ‘I was able to accomplish a huge goal of mine, which is graduating from the University of Georgia. … I will be entering the portal as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility. I am excited for the opportunities that are ahead of me.’

Vandagriff’s future team could rest with the decision of Georgia starting QB Carson Beck, who could enter the NFL draft.

Is the transfer portal the same for every sport? 

While football and basketball might get the most media talk (and fan interest), yes, the transfer portal database includes athletes for all sports.

Tyler Shough from transfer portal

Louisville football coach Jeff Brohm’s success in the portal continues with the addition of Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough, who posted his commitment on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Shough broke his fibula in the Red Raiders’ Big 12 opener against West Virginia on Sept. 23. He applied for a waiver to get an extra year of eligibility due to medical hardship after playing in only four games in each of the 2021 and 2023 seasons. It’s unclear if the waiver has officially been approved yet, but Shough should have no problem winning his case.

Alexis Cubit, Louisville Courier Journal

Andrew Mukuba transfer portal

Safety Andrew Mukuba and defensive end David Ojiegbe on Tuesday became the seventh and eighth Clemson football players, respectively, to enter the transfer portal since season’s end.

Mukuba started 10 games this season and finished with a career-low 42 tackles in 578 snaps. He was a Freshman All-American in 2021 and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Ojiegbe, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound freshman from Largo, Maryland, played 11 snaps in two games this season while redshirting.

Scott Keepfer, Greenville News

Patrick Payton transfer portal

Patrick Payton, a redshirt sophomore defensive end at Florida State, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on X, formerly Twitter. ‘Im Sorry Nole Nation I Plan To Enter The Transfer Portal…..,’ he wrote. Payton started all 13 games for FSU this season, recording 42 tackles, a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

LT Overton transfer portal

LT Overton, a defensive lineman who was one of the five-star prospects in Texas A&M’s top-ranked 2022 recruiting class, told On3 that he plans to enter the transfer portal. Overton, who at one point was the No. 1 prospect in the 2023 class before he reclassified, has two years of eligibility remaining.

Jalen Catalon transfer portal

Texas senior safety Jalen Catalon is back in the transfer portal for a second consecutive year.

After starting four of Texas’ first six games, Catalon suffered a leg injury against Oklahoma that caused him to miss the next four games. He finished having played eight games with the Longhorns in 2023.

Catalon transferred to Texas last January after four seasons at Arkansas.

Dequan Finn transfer portal

Toledo’s Dequan Finn has become the latest quarterback to express intent to enter into the transfer portal.

Finn, a junior, had the best season of his three years with the Rockets in 2023. He completed 201-of-317 passes for 2,657 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 563 yards and another seven scores.

Toledo (11-2) will play Wyoming in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl on Dec. 30.

Arch Manning transfer portal

Texas freshman quarterback Arch Manning’s name started to bubble up as a potential transfer portal candidate, especially following the announcement by Ohio State starting quarterback Kyle McCord.

However, according to 247Sports, Manning is expected to remain in Austin, and current backup QB and fellow freshman Maalik Murphy is the more likely of the two to transfer. Starting QB Quinn Ewers is coming off a highly productive sophomore season, passing for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns with just six interceptions.

Manning saw his only action of the season in Texas’ 57-7 blowout against Texas Tech. He completed 2-of-5 passes for 30 yards and rushed for 7 yards on three attempts.

Aidan Chiles transfer portal

Oregon State freshman quarterback Aidan Chiles announced on social media Monday that he is entering the transfer portal.

‘I am truly grateful that I had the chance to come to Oregon State and to be a Beaver. I appreciate all of the coaches, players, and fans who have supported me throughout my freshman year here in Corvallis,’ Chiles wrote on X.

Chiles saw limited action in nine games for Oregon State in 2023, working as the primary backup to starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

Tyler Buchner transfer portal

Alabama redshirt sophomore Tyler Buchner entered the transfer portal Monday, and is expected to switch to lacrosse at his next school, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Buchner, who transferred to Alabama after spending 2022 at Notre Dame, made one start at quarterback for the Crimson Tide before Jalen Milroe seized control of the starting gig.

Ohio State football players entering the transfer portal

DE Omari AborRB Deamonte TrayanumS Cam MartinezOL Victor CutlerRB Evan PryorCB Ryan TurnerK Parker LewisCB Jyaire BrownS Kye StokesQB Kyle McCordOL Jakob JamesLB Reid CarricoWR Julian Fleming

Walter Nolen transfer portal

Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen, who was the No. 2 overall recruit in 2022, announced his intent to enter the transfer portal with an Instagram post on Sunday night.

Nolen played 22 games for the Aggies, compiling 66 tackles, five sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Nolen was a five-star recruit when he signed with Texas A&M. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Julian Fleming transfer portal

Ohio State senior wide receiver Julian Fleming thanked Ohio State fans with a post on X and said he will enter his name into the transfer portal for his final season.

‘It was an amazing four years and I have built relationships that will last a lifetime with so many of my fellow players as well as coaches,’ Fleming wrote Monday.

Fleming caught 79 passes for 963 yards and seven touchdowns in four seasons with the Buckeyes. His 2022 season was his best, as he hauled in 34 receptions for 533 yards and six touchdowns.

Spencer Petras transfer portal

After recently entering the transfer portal, former Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras has found a new home. Petras is headed to Utah State with his final remaining year of eligibility.

The quarterback served in a coaching role this season as he rehabbed his shoulder following an injury late in the 2022 season that required surgery. Petras is headed back west after spending five years on Iowa’s roster.

Petras joins the Aggies just as they have an opening in their quarterback room due to some rather uncommon circumstances. Utah State quarterback Levi Williams is going to play in the Aggies’ bowl game but then forego his final year of eligibility. Rather than transferring or heading to the NFL, he is going to undertake Navy SEAL training. — Hawkeyes Wire

Tyler van Dyke transfer portal 

All Van Dyke could need is a change of scenery. He was a revelation as a redshirt freshman in 2021, tossing at least three touchdowns in each of his final six starts and 25 overall against six interceptions. While that made him a Heisman contender heading into 2022, his career quickly fizzled: Van Dyke has 17 picks across the past two years and has looked uncomfortable and hesitant since coach Mario Cristobal arrived. There will plenty of coaching staffs that look at Van Dyke and see an impactful reclamation project, and they may be right. — Paul Myerberg 

Taylen Green transfer portal

Boise State sophomore quarterback Taylen Green announced on X that he will be entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the Broncos.

‘I love Boise State University, and I have truly enjoyed my time here,’ Green wrote. ‘From the bottom of my heart, it has been an honor competing for this great University, and there is nothing I have taken more pride in than representing all of you when I took the field in the Blue and Orange every week.’

Green passed for 3,794 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions the past two years. He added more than 1,000 rushing yards and 19 scores on the ground.

Blake Shapen transfer portal

Baylor junior quarterback Blake Shapen has entered the transfer portal following a season during which he threw for 2,188 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Bears’ leading passer.

Baylor’s quarterback room now consists of junior RJ Martinez, sophomore Sawyer Robertson and freshmen Brayson McHenry and Cade Tessier.

Samuel Okunlola transfer portal

Pittsburgh edge rusher Samuel Okunlola, who led the Panthers in sacks this season, has entered the transfer portal.

Okunlola just completed his freshman season and has three years of eligibility remaining.

South Carolina football players entering transfer portal

QB Tanner BaileyDB Kajuan BanksWR O’Mega BlakeQB Colten GauthierDL Felix HixonWR Kylic HortonPK Mitch JeterDL D’Andre MartinDL Xzavier McLeodOL JonDarius MorganDB Isaiah NorrisWR Landon SamsonWR Zavier ShortWR Antwane WellsDL Donovan Westmoreland

Juice Wells transfer portal

South Carolina senior Antwane ‘Juice’ Wells Jr. enters the transfer portal as an intriguing option at wide receiving, and one with two years of eligibility remaining.

Wells went to South Carolina after spending his first two seasons at James Madison. He had 68 receptions for 928 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. He played in just three games in 2023 due to a foot injury he suffered during the preseason.

How has the transfer portal changed college sports? 

It’s important to understand that the NCAA transfer portal is merely a tool used by coaches and players to find new schools. What really changed the landscape of college sports, and allowed a sort of free agency frenzy, was the NCAA’s rule change on immediate eligibility. 

It used to be that if athletes wanted to transfer, they had to sit out a year before suiting up for their new school. But in spring 2021, the NCAA voted to allow athletes to transfer once and become immediately eligible. (Athletes are allowed to transfer a second time without penalty if they’ve completed their undergraduate degrees and are enrolling in a graduate program.) Since that rule change, hundreds of athletes have entered the portal each offseason, though not all find what they’re looking for in their decision to switch schools. 

Will Howard transfer portal

After an ugly start to his career upon being thrust into the lineup as a freshman, Howard developed into one of the most prolific and accomplished passers in Kansas State history. But the writing is on the wall: Avery Johnson is ready to take over as the Wildcats’ starter, making this a good time for Howard to hit the open market. As a veteran starter with a proven track record and noticeable year-to-year improvement, Howard should draw interest from some of the biggest programs in the country. Though his biggest suitors should come from traditional members Big Ten, Howard will draw interest from Notre Dame and Big Ten newcomers Oregon, Washington, UCLA and Southern California. — Paul Myerberg

Can players choose to stay at their school if they enter the transfer portal? 

Absolutely, though it’s somewhat rare in high-level college football. According to NCAA data, only 5% of FBS athletes who entered the transfer portal in 2020 or 2021 later withdrew and are assumed to be back at their original school. 

Will Sheppard transfer portal

Vanderbilt senior wide receiver Will Sheppard announced on social media that he is entering the transfer portal.

Sheppard has pulled in 2,067 yards and 21 touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Commodores.

QB transfer portal 2024 

This week, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said the price for a Power Five-caliber starting quarterback is ‘$1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now.’ That’s for a transfer portal class that is currently deep in experience but devoid of a transcendent passer. 

But programs in the Bowl Subdivision will pay the cost, and sometimes the investment will pay off. Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels were not seen as game-changing transfers when they joined Oregon and LSU, respectively, and the pair head into Saturday as the overwhelming favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. is a third former transfer in the mix for postseason hardware. 

Coaches are looking at three different types of quarterbacks: one-year rentals looking to cash in a final year of eligibility, plug-and-play starters with more than one season on campus, and high-ceiling but inexperienced players who transfer as redshirt freshmen or sophomores. 

What does entering the transfer portal mean? 

Because the transfer portal is really just an online database, entering it just means that an athlete’s name is uploaded to the database. When an athlete decides they want to explore transferring to another school, they have to notify their current school’s compliance office. And the compliance office then has two business days to put that athlete’s name in the portal. 

Dillon Gabriel transfer portal

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel announced Monday that he will be leaving Norman with a social media post that thanked Sooner Nation.

‘My time in the palace was a game time experience I will never forget,’ Gabriel wrote. ‘Sooner Nation, you held me accountable and I am better for it.’

Gabriel is a redshirt senior and could decide to enter the NFL draft, but he also has one more year of eligibility remaining. He played his first three seasons at UCF before transfer to Oklahoma in 2022. He threw for a career-best 3,660 yards with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions last year, and also posted a career-best 172.0 passer rating.

Freshman Jackson Arnold would likely become the front-runner to take over for Gabriel. Arnold was a five-star recruit who got playing time in a handful of games, throwing for 202 yards on 18 of 24 passing with two touchdown passes and another TD on the ground.

Who are the top transfer portal players? 

Here are the best quarterbacks available: Washington State’s Cam Ward, Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei, Kansas State’s Will Howard, UCLA’s Dante Moore, Duke’s Riley Leonard, Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall, Arizona State’s Drew Pyne, Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke, Texas Tech’s Tyler Shough, Ohio State’s Kyle McCord, New Hampshire’s Max Brosmer and Holy Cross’ Matthew Sluka. — Paul Myerberg 

How does the transfer portal work? 

The transfer portal is not a shortcut for the rest of the recruiting process. Coaches still have to recruit. Athletes still have to ensure they’re eligible to compete at a new school. The portal is simply a way to help the two sides connect more easily, and earlier. 

Kyle McCord transfer portal

Ohio State junior quarterback Kyle McCord, who started all 12 of the Buckeyes games in 2023, has put his name in the portal, according to the Columbus Dispatch, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

In his debut season as a starter, McCord threw for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions and received third-team All-Big Ten recognition last week. But his status as the starter moving forward was unclear.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day was noncommittal about McCord remaining the starting quarterback as a senior next season or even for the Cotton Bowl at the end of this month as he met with reporters at a news conference Sunday.

‘We’ll just kind of see how practice goes,’ Day said.

Day mentioned all of the passers would have opportunities to compete for reps ahead of the matchup against Missouri on Dec. 29. Ohio State has three other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster with sophomore Devin Brown, as well as graduate student Tristan Gebbia and Lincoln Kienholz. — Columbus Dispatch

What is a transfer portal in college football? 

A 2019 article on the NCAA’s website describes the transfer portal as a ‘compliance tool to systematically manage the transfer process from start to finish.’ Put more simply: It’s a database. The NCAA made this database in an attempt to simplify the first step in the transfer process. In the pre-portal days, athletes would have to ask their coach for permission to contact other schools, then find ways to get the word out that they were available. Coaches, meanwhile, would have to use their connections and word-of-mouth referrals to identify transferring athletes. Now, it’s all just there in one spot.

For most NFL fans, December means trying to game out possible playoff scenarios for their favorite teams. Yet for a select and unfortunate few, this time of year has them already fast-forwarding to the offseason.

With only five weeks left in the regular season, some teams will soon see their postseason hopes be officially shut down, with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday becoming the first team to be officially eliminated. Still, for the devotees of the league’s most moribund franchises, the best way to endure this final stretch is to envision what could be different next year.

With that in mind, here’s USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2024 NFL mock draft:

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Between Carolina’s widespread dysfunction and a schedule that looks unlikely to afford the Panthers another two wins in the final weeks, Chicago looks to be the overwhelming favorite to land the No. 1 pick via its trade with the Panthers this past offseason. Resisting either Williams or Drake Maye will prove exceedingly difficult for general manager Ryan Poles, who can cut his losses with Justin Fields and start over with the kind of transformational talent this franchise has lacked behind center throughout the Super Bowl era. Despite any issues that surfaced during a disappointing follow-up campaign to his Heisman Trophy-winning season, Williams still boasts a singular combination of elite arm strength, creativity and accuracy to every level of the field.

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2. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

How bad are things with New England’s offense? With the 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the Patriots became the first team in 85 years to lose three consecutive games in which they surrendered 10 or fewer points. That incompetence, however, has put the franchise in prime position to nab one of the draft’s top quarterbacks. The 6-4, 230-pound Maye is essentially everything that Mac Jones isn’t: a rifle-armed passer with the mobility to extend plays and pick up first downs as a runner. And while it’s unclear whether Bill Belichick will still be the one at the controls in 2024, if New England can use its abundant cap space (an estimated $90 million currently available, according to OverTheCap.com) to overhaul the receiving corps and offensive line, this rebuild could get fast-tracked. 

3. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Best-case scenario here for Kyler Murray, as Arizona ends up unable to grab a top quarterback and instead pivots to the best non-passer in the draft. Harrison has been nearly uncoverable at the college level, displaying a unique flair for hauling in acrobatic catches. With second-year tight end Trey McBride emerging as one of the top young talents at his position and third-round Michael Wilson flashing some promise before getting hurt, the Cardinals have the makings of a promising receiving corps – though it still needs a premier talent like Harrison to take it over the top.

4. Washington Commanders – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Bringing Caleb Williams back home was always going to be a stretch for a Washington team that seemed just good enough to earn a few wins, putting the top pick out of reach. Still, not a bad consolation prize if the Commanders can reel in Fashanu, Williams’ former high school teammate and the most promising pass protector in this class. While there will be an undeniable learning curve for a blindside protector who will only be 21 as a rookie, the 6-6, 317-pound blocker should help Washington better safeguard – and evaluate – Sam Howell, who ranks second in passing yards (3,466) but leads the NFL with 14 interceptions and 58 sacks.

5. Bears – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

This seems like a classic Poles pick. After landing his franchise signal-caller at the top of the draft, the Bears general manager and former NFL offensive lineman can get back to building in the trenches. The 6-8, 322-pound Alt is exceedingly difficult to throw off his game, as he keeps his composure by rarely straying from his refined approach. With bookend tackles in Alt and Darnell Wright, the No. 10 overall pick this year holding down the right side, Chicago would have an impressive protection plan for whoever is behind center in 2024 and beyond.

6. New York Jets – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

Gang Green will remain all in for Aaron Rodgers’ return in 2024, but the offense’s multifaceted failure leaves Joe Douglas with plenty to address in a crucial offseason. Improving Rodgers’ protection will be an essential task, and the 6-6, 360-pound Latham routinely manhandles anyone in his orbit.

7. New York Giants – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

General manager Joe Schoen recently backed Daniel Jones as New York’s expected starting quarterback for 2024. If the Giants are going to stick to that plan, they’ll need to figure out another avenue for jolting an offense that is ahead of only the Panthers with a paltry 4.1 yards per play. The 6-4, 215-pound Coleman could help unlock the downfield passing game that has been absent for the last two seasons, though he can also make life easier for the maligned signal-caller with his run-after-catch prowess and steady hands.

8. Tennessee Titans – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

If Tennessee is intent on finding out whether Will Levis can be a viable long-term starting quarterback, it needs to equip him with some weapons beyond DeAndre Hopkins. Nabers, who leads the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,546 receiving yards, could form a deadly downfield connection with the strong-armed signal-caller.

9. New Orleans Saints – Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA

Yes, New Orleans has made significant investments in defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson. But with the Saints defense sitting ahead of only the Bears with just 19 sacks, the pass rush needs some juice. Latu makes up for his lack of top-tier physical traits with a hard-charging and polished approach that allow him to generate consistent pressure.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Even amid middling results, the Buccaneers don’t look inclined to blow things up as they cling to the remnants of a roster still shaped by the Tom Brady era. Nabbing Bowers, who has shown he can shoulder a substantial load as both a receiver and blocker, would be a boon to Baker Mayfield – assuming Tampa Bay brings him back. Bowers’ addition would be even more important if Mike Evans opts to move on after not receiving a contract extension this offseason.

11. Las Vegas Raiders – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Hard to tell what direction a new regime will go in, but unless there’s a top-tier offensive tackle here, a defense due for more building blocks is a good starting point. Picking up McKinstry, a 6-1, 195-pound cornerback with rare fluidity for his size, would aid a secondary that will have to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert for years to come.

12. Los Angeles Chargers – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

No matter how much Brandon Staley protests, the Bolts’ last-ranked pass defense is in an obvious state of disrepair. At 6-2 with the speed to stick to receivers downfield, Wiggins could be a valuable piece in coverage, though he’ll need to fill out his wiry frame to match up with more physical pass catchers.

13. Buffalo Bills – Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Losing DaQuan Jones to a season-ending torn pectoral exposed how perilously thin the Bills’ defensive front was on the interior. With Jones turning 32 in December and set to be a free agent, Buffalo should take a long look at Newton, an undersized (6-2, 295 pounds) but massively disruptive force who could help get Sean McDermott’s unit back on track. 

14. Denver Broncos – Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama

While Denver’s league-best 22 takeaways have played an integral part in saving the team’s season, there’s no consistent pass rush to fall back on. At 6-4 and 242 pounds, Turner won’t be a fit for every scheme, but the Broncos are well-positioned to unleash his explosiveness off the edge. 

15. Seattle Seahawks – Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Probably time to hit the panic button on Seattle’s defense, which gave up 41 points to the Cowboys and has consistently underperformed this season despite having several standout starters. While Verse has flown a bit under the radar this season, he highlighted his game-breaking ability by recording 4½ sacks over his last two games.

16. Los Angeles Rams – Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

This could be the last go-around for the Bengals’ receiving triumvirate of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, with the latter two on the final year of their contracts. As far as replacement options go, though, there’s plenty to like about Odunze, whose knack for winning at the catch point and overpowering defensive backs should help him make a fast transition to this offense. 

18. Cardinals (from Houston Texans) – Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State

Taking Robinson in the top 20 picks would represent a bet on potential over production, as the Maryland transfer has yet to string together the kind of season one might expect from a player with his outstanding first step and pliability. That’s a gamble, however, that might suit the Cardinals, who have taken a long-term view of reconstructing a roster that lacks defenders with Robinson’s immense upside.

19. Atlanta Falcons – J.T. Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

The revamped defense has handled a seriously underwhelming slate of offenses, but Atlanta doesn’t size up as much more than the front-runners for the league’s worst division right now. Though he’s still in search of consistency and a more complete pass-rush arsenal, the 6-4, 270-pound Tuimoloau delivers the kind of splash plays that few others on this unit are capable of.

20. Green Bay Packers – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The offensive youth movement led by Jordan Love and his band of green pass catchers is coming together, so let’s keep it going. Selecting a raw blocker might seem like an uncharacteristic move for an organization that hasn’t drafted a first-round offensive lineman since 2011 (well before general manager Brian Gutekunst took over in 2018), but the potential payoff in a hyperathletic successor to David Bakhtiari at left tackle might be worth the risk.

21. Minnesota Vikings – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Is this the year that Minnesota finally snags a young quarterback to bring along? Being this far back in the first round might seem as though it would preclude such a move, especially in a class that lacks much certainty among the passing prospects beyond Williams and Maye. In this scenario, however, everything comes together for the Vikings. A wildly efficient pocket passer who can stress defenses with his running ability, the ascendant Daniels would make a lot of sense for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who has openly pontificated about what a signal-caller with a diverse skill set could do for this offense.

22. Indianapolis Colts – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

If Alec Pierce continues to show progress as a deep-threat complement to top target Michael Pittman Jr. – who looks due for a massive extension this offseason – then perhaps Indianapolis will stand pat at receiver. Still, the thought of what Anthony Richardson could do with Thomas – who has averaged 18 yards per catch and recorded 15 touchdowns this season – should prove tantalizing.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

For all the consternation about the offensive shortcomings in Pittsburgh, cornerback play remains a sore spot that warrants addressing. Man coverage seems to come naturally to the 6-0, 196-pound Arnold, who should continue to grow at the position after moving over from safety.

24. Texans (from Cleveland Browns) – Kalen King, CB, Penn State

With C.J. Stroud and his receiving corps continuing to exceed expectations, this is a prime opportunity for Houston to continue building up DeMeco Ryans’ defense. The 5-10, 191-pound King exhibits impressive feistiness both in coverage matchups and as a tackler. He would make for a fine running mate for Derek Stingley Jr. if the team doesn’t bring back Steven Nelson, who turns 31 in January and will be a free agent.

25. Kansas City Chiefs – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Think Patrick Mahomes might be interested in a wide receiver with sure hands and a knack for creating separation? As Kansas City’s floundering attack continues to provide little support for Mahomes, the ever-reliable Egbuka could step in and immediately ease the burden on the reigning MVP.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas

Between Josh Allen’s impending payday after a career season and 2022 No. 1 pick Travon Walker’s lagging development, there’s much left to be settled with a front seven that should be giving Jacksonville more. Though he’s hardly a finished product, Jackson’s appeal is readily evident in his 6-7, 281-pound frame, which affords him a number of ways to overwhelm blockers.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Troy Fautanu, G, Washington

With much still up in the air regarding Tyron Smith and the future of the Cowboys’ offensive line, versatility could be the key for this group in the near future. That shouldn’t be a problem for Fautanu, a well-rounded left tackle who looks poised to move inside as a pro.

28. Detroit Lions – Bralen Trice, DE, Washington

No need to sell Dan Campbell on this pick. The 6-4, 274-pound Trice is a wrecking ball off the edge, consistently blasting blockers back with sheer force. With the Lions’ defense unraveling in several key spots this season, he could help serve an important role as someone capable of punishing opponents who overcommit against Aidan Hutchinson.

29. San Francisco 49ers – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

San Francisco’s offense looks nearly unstoppable when all of its key parts are healthy, but an offensive line short on stability outside of Trent Williams could use reinforcements. Even-keeled play is what you get from Morgan, who displays smooth movements and ample power.

30. Baltimore Ravens – Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (Fla.)

Justin Madubuike’s breakout season might have priced him out of the cost-conscious Ravens’ spending range this offseason. Taylor has shown flashes of dominance during his time with the Hurricanes, and Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald might be the right person to help him properly tap into his top-tier talent.

31. Miami Dolphins – Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Both DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones are set to become free agents this offseason. Physical and hypercompetitive, Nubin would pair nicely with Jevon Holland on the back end of the Dolphins’ defense.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Howie Roseman must be irate with a 29th-ranked pass defense that was lit up by the 49ers. The Georgia-to-Philadelphia pipeline could remain in place with Lassiter, a savvy coverage piece who could be an early contributor before eventually taking over for Darius Slay or James Bradberry.

The head of security for the Philadelphia Eagles is banned from being on the sidelines for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Dom DiSandro will perform his regular duties and will be in Dallas, but will not appear on the sidelines.

DiSandro was ejected from last Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers after a scuffle with linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Both DiSandro and Greenlaw were ejected from the game.

Greenlaw picked up Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith and slammed him to the turf leading to the altercation. The NFL fined Greenlaw $10,927 for unnecessary roughness.

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“This is an ongoing conversation with the NFL, and we are going to respect the restriction that is currently in place. Although Dom will not be on the sideline this Sunday, he will continue to fulfill his role with the team in all other capacities,’ the Eagles said in a statement.

The NFL also sent a memo to all 32 teams reminding them that all game-day staff are not to be involved with on-the-field interactions.

Greenlaw said earlier this week that he and DiSandro had exchanged apologies.

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix’s outstanding 2023 season has propelled him not only as a Heisman Trophy finalist but also has him shooting up NFL mock draft boards.

Nix already has won the Pac-12’s Offensive Player of the Year and the Campbell Trophy, or the “academic Heisman,” as the nation’s best scholar-athlete, He hopes to add more hardware when the Heisman Trophy is handed out Saturday night in New York City.  He is the school’s fourth finalist and hopes to become its first winner since Marcus Mariota in 2014.

Here are a few things to know about Oregon quarterback Bo Nix:

High school stud

Bo Nix won back-to-back Class 6A state championships at Pinson Valley in Alabama. He received Mr. Football honors as a senior in 2018 after racking up more than 12,000 yards in total offense and accounting for 161 touchdowns during his prep career. He was also named Gatorade’s Alabama Player of the Year. He signed with Auburn that December and enrolled in classes in January.

Rough times on the Plains

Nix was named Auburn’s starting quarterback in 2019 after enrolling early and beating out two others for the job. His first start coincidentally was against Oregon and he threw a 26-yard touchdown pass with 9 seconds remaining to complete the 27-21 win. He capped off the regular season by leading the Tigers to a victory over rival Alabama.

The Tigers went 6-5 during the 2020 COVID season, which led to the firing of coach Gus Malzahn. Nix’s final season at Auburn led to a benching and ended when he broke his ankle in a November game against Mississippi State.

Nix was booed by home fans and explained how he tried to win over the tough Auburn faithful.

Impressive 2023 season

The 23-year-old Nix came into the 2023 season, his second with Oregon, with high expectations. The Ducks were ranked 15th in the US LBM Coaches Poll and won their first five games before losing 36-33 to Washington on Oct. 14. The Ducks’ only other loss was to the Huskies in last week’s Pac-12 Championship.

Nix completed a nation-leading 77.2 percent of his passes for 4,145 yards with 40 touchdowns and three interceptions, while also topping the FBS in completions and tied for the lead in touchdown passes.

Nix has played in 60 games during his college career and even though many players opt of a postseason bowl to prepare for the NFL draft, Oregon coach Dan Lanning says the quarterback will play in the Fiesta Bowl against Liberty to close out his career.

“I had to do this or I had to do that for the whole, entire university and do it for all the fans. I just wanted to do it all and I tried to be Superman at times,” Nix told ESPN earlier this season.

His father played at Auburn

Nix’s father, Patrick, played at Auburn from 1992-95, appearing in 32 games. He was the starting quarterback during the 1994 and 1995 seasons. He delivered one of the most iconic moments in Auburn history in 1994 when he led the Tigers to a comeback victory over top-ranked Florida, throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Frank Sanders with 30 seconds left. 

The elder Nix finished his Auburn career as a 59 percent passer, throwing for 4,957 yards with 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He is currently the head coach at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama.