It was a ‘Thursday Night Football’ game for the ages.

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 38-37 in overtime, in the first game of Week 16 to take over the top spot in the division and conference with a 12-3 record.

It featured a 457-yard, three-touchdown game from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and a season-defining overtime drive led by Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who quashed the narrative that he can’t win big games.

Seattle successfully converted three straight two-point attempts in the final two periods – the fourth quarter and overtime – to come away with the massive win. Now, both the Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers control their destiny in the NFC West title chase and hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

The Seahawks-49ers Week 18 matchup in Santa Clara suddenly looms very large with potentially huge implications in the NFC playoff picture.

Here’s a look at how the thriller unfolded with USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage of the Seahawks’ big win as it happened:

Rams vs. Seahawks takeaways

Sean McVay – that’s it, that’s the message: There are few head coaches who routinely scheme up the right call, in the right time, to wide open receivers. McVay is better than any head coach in the game at dialing up the right play at the right time. It was a masterclass in offensive play-calling. Well, almost.
Run the dang ball: That all said, the Rams’ decision to stray away from running the ball late felt like questionable game management. Seattle’s pass rush started moving bodies and Stafford had trouble finding receivers with ease as he did in the first half. The pairing of Blake Corum and Kyren Williams should have gotten more run late: On LA’s last three regulation possessions, the running backs paired for two rushing attempts. While Stafford was cooking, the Rams’ clock may have benefited from some more ground game.
MVP in a loss: Matthew Stafford seemed to clinch the NFL MVP award with his performance, even in a loss. Missing Davante Adams, his No. 2 wide receiver and top red-zone threat, Stafford still managed to throw for 457 yards and three touchdowns – including a no-look beauty – against the Seahawks. In a game that had NFC West title and conference No. 1 seed implications – a game that was on the road and against one of the league’s best defenses – Stafford did not flinch. He extended his multi-touchdown streak to nine straight games, extended his league-leading passing touchdowns mark to 40 and avoided turning the ball over to keep his interception count for the season at five. His ‘Thursday Night Football’ performance against the Seahawks was also his fourth game with more than 300 passing yards. It may not have ended in a win, but Stafford did just about everything he could have.
The Deeds of Shaheed: Rashid Shaheed turned this game on its head. In the Seahawks’ biggest game of the season so far, Seattle’s speedy trade deadline acquisition made two plays in the fourth quarter that helped pull his team back into the game late. The Seahawks were trailing by 16 points and had just turned the ball over in the red zone with under 10 minutes left. After the defense forced a punt, Shaheed pulled the Seahawks (and their home fans) back into the game with a 58-yard punt return touchdown. An ensuing two-point conversion suddenly pulled Seattle back within one score, and Shaheed got back to work with a massive play on his team’s next possession. On his only touch on offense in regulation, the Seahawks’ wide receiver took an end-around handoff and sprinted up the right sideline for a 31-yard gain. The Seahawks scored a game-tying touchdown – helped by a wild 2-point conversion – on the following play. Shaheed’s two big plays shifted the momentum back in Seattle’s favor, which was enough to help force overtime and an eventual win.
Waiting all day for…Thursday night?: That ‘Thursday Night Football’ game lived up to all of its high expectations. There was plenty of drama in a game that had big implications for the NFC West title and NFC’s top seed. Early on, the Rams struggled to take advantage of their red-zone trips. But the defense kept Los Angeles in it long enough for the offense to flip the script as MVP favorite Matthew Stafford took over. The Seahawks’ chances seemed dead in the water when they trailed by 16 points and turned the ball over in the red zone with fewer than 10 minutes left. Then, a punt return touchdown by Shaheed and a two point conversion pulled them back to within one score. Seattle’s pass-rush attack started to come alive in the fourth quarter and helped force a three-and-out that led to another big play by Shaheed, another Seahawks touchdown, then the wildest 2-point conversion of the season to tie the game. To close things out, there was an overtime to remember. An apparent Stafford interception on a tipped pass was overturned, and he threw a 41-yard touchdown to Puka Nacua a few plays later. The Seahawks took over and marched back down the field in a drive highlighted by some nice plays by Jaxon Smith-Njigba – who had been limited in his production during regulation – and a few excellent throws by quarterback Sam Darnold. In the end, the Seahawks came away with the big, prime-time win on a final 2-point conversion attempt following Smith-Njigba’s four-yard touchdown catch.

Rams vs Seahawks score update: Darnold, Seattle walk off

A touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba brought the Seahawks to within a single point. With the game on the line, Seattle opted for the 2-point conversion rather than the tie, and Darnold found Eric Saubert for the game-winning score. Seattle wins, 38-37.

Rams vs Seahawks score update: Puka Nacua strikes in OT

Matthew Stafford found Puka Nacua for another touchdown, this time, a critical OT strike. That puts the Rams up 37-30 with the Seahawks getting a chance to tie or win the game.

NFL overtime rules 2025

Overtime rules during the regular season changed for 2025 to match what’s been used in the postseason since 2022. The overtime period will be 10 minutes long, with each team getting two timeouts and all reviews initiated by the booth.

Both teams have a chance to possess the football in overtime. A coin toss is used to determine who chooses to get the ball first. The only exception for both teams getting possession is when the kicking team scores a safety on the receiving team’s first possession.

After each team possesses the ball, the team with more points wins. If it is still tied after one possession each, the team that scores next wins. If the score is still tied after those 10 minutes, the game will end in a tie.

Rams vs Seahawks score update: Harrison Mevis misses

The ‘Thiccer Kicker’s’ first miss of the year couldn’t have come at a worse time: Mevis’ attempt to put the Rams up a field goal with the clock nearing the 2-minute warning sailed wide of the uprights, giving the Seahawks a short field to set up a potential go-ahead or game-winning field goal. Rams 30, Seahawks 30

Matthew Stafford injury update: Rams QB makes quick visit to medical tent

The Rams passer was shaken up after a hit by a Seahawks defender, and paid a trip to the blue medical tent. He wouldn’t miss a play, however, and he was back on the field on the ensuing Los Angeles possession.

Seahawks convert wild 2-point conversion

A Sam Darnold pass was initially deemed incomplete and a failed 2-point try. After further review, the pass was deemed backwards, and it was recovered in the end zone, meaning the Seahawks tied the game up.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Sam Darnold finds AJ Barner for TD

Shaheed’s touchdown may have sparked something in the Seahawks: Sam Darnold found tight end A.J. Barner for a touchdown pass to bring it within two points.

A bizarre 2-point conversion means that this game is tied with time ticking down in the fourth quarter.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Rashid Shaheed makes house call

The Seahawks are showing signs of life midway through the fourth. A Rashid Shaheed punt return touchdown, followed by a Darnold 2-point conversion, brings this game back to within one score late. Rams 30, Seahawks 22

Kobie Turner comes up with Sam Darnold interception

Sam Darnold has looked less-than sharp in this matchup, especially indicated by the second interception of the night. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner dropped into coverage to pick off the Seahawks passer in the red zone, ending a Seahawks scoring threat.

Rams vs Seahawks score update: Puka Nacua extends LA lead

Three plays after picking up 58 yards on a reception to end the third quarter, Nacua found the end zone on a one-yard catch for his seventh touchdown of the season.

Los Angeles has pulled ahead to a two-touchdown lead, 30-14, with 13:34 left to play.

Who is the Seahawks’ backup QB?

Drew Lock is Darnold’s backup in Seattle. The former Broncos second-round pick is in his third season with the Seahawks and the first year of a second stint. Lock spent last year with the New York Giants as Daniel Jones’ backup quarterback before re-signing with the Seahawks in the offseason.

Rookie quarterback and Seahawks 2025 third-round pick Jalen Milroe is behind Lock on the depth chart. He’s serving as Seattle’s emergency third quarterback on Thursday night, so he can only enter the game if Darnold and Lock are both ruled out by the Seahawks’ training staff.

Sam Darnold stats today

Completion rate: 10-of-16 (62.5%)
Passing yards: 126
Yards per attempt: 7.9
Touchdowns: 0
Interceptions: 1
Passer rating: 60.9

Through three quarters of play, Darnold has yet to cross the 150-yard mark and has one interception and zero touchdowns. He’s also been sacked twice for losses of nine total yards.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Sam Darnold INT leads to Rams TD

Rams cornerback Josh Wallace picked off Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and returned his interception to Seattle’s 1-yard line. Corum got the final yard on a handoff on Los Angeles’ first play of their ensuing possession.

The Rams have extended their lead to 23-14 with 6:30 left in the third quarter.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Harrison Mevis stays perfect

The Rams’ 23-year-old kicker is 3-for-3 on field goal attempts on Dec. 18 and 8-for-8 on the season after his 41-yard field goal puts Los Angeles back in front.

It’s 16-14 Rams with 8:37 left in the third quarter.

NFC West standings

Los Angeles Rams (11-3, 3-1 NFC West)
Seattle Seahawks (11-3, 2-2)
San Francisco 49ers (10-4, 4-1)
Arizona Cardinals (3-11, 0-5)

The Rams lead the NFC West thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker they held over the Seahawks entering Week 16.

Tonight’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ game has huge implications for the division title race. If the Rams win, they control their own destiny to secure the NFC West crown and No. 1 seed in the NFC.

But if the Seahawks win, both Seattle and San Francisco control their own destinies for the division title and conference’s No. 1 seed. If either team were to win out (which would have to include a head-to-head victory in their Week 18 matchup), they’d earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Kenneth Walker breaks free for TD

It didn’t take long for Seattle to open the second half scoring. Just 2:03 into the the third quarter, Kenneth Walker broke a 55-yard touchdown run, exploding off the right side for the score. The Seahawks retake the lead. Seahawks 14, Rams 13

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Stafford, Ferguson give Rams lead

Los Angeles has taken the lead after capping off an 11-play, 62-yard drive with a touchdown pass to the rookie tight end. After establishing the run for the entire drive, the Rams ran a play-action-pass in the red zone. Ferguson ran a slide route after a brief block-and-release and caught quarterback Matthew Stafford’s three-yard pass for the score, making up for his earlier touchdown catch that was nullified by a penalty.

It was the second touchdown of Ferguson’s career, and the Rams now lead, 13-7, with 3:43 left in the first half.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Rams draw closer with FG

Los Angeles lined up to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Seahawks’ 5-yard line but took a delay of game penalty when Seattle didn’t jump offsides. After the penalty, the ‘Thiccer Kicker’ jogged out for his second field goal of the night, only marginally more difficult than the first.

Mevis’ 28-yard field goal draws the Rams within one point of the Seahawks. Seattle holds a 7-6 lead with 12:45 left in the first half.

LA Rams kicker Harrison Mevis: What to know

Mevis is the Rams’ 23-year-old kicker. After playing four seasons for Missouri in college, he signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but ultimately was waived before the season.

He spent the spring in 2025 with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL. Mevis signed with the Rams’ practice squad in early November and signed to the active roster on Nov. 19.

Mevis, who is listed as 6 feet tall and 245 pounds, filed a trademark on the phrase ‘THICCER KICKER’ in 2022, while he was still in college, according to the Columbia Daily Tribune, part of the USA TODAY Co. Network.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Rams answer with FG

Los Angeles appeared to score a touchdown on a fourth-and-goal play from the Seahawks’ 1-yard line, but it was nullified by an ineligible player downfield penalty.

After the Rams backed up to the 6-yard line, kicker Harrison Mevis nailed a chip shot field goal to get his team on the board.

It’s 7-3 Seahawks as they take over possession with 1:43 left in the first quarter.

Seahawks vs Rams score update: Zach Charbonnet gets scoring started

Two plays after fellow running back Kenneth Walker got the ball down to the Rams’ 5-yard line on a 46-yard catch-and-run, Charbonnet hit pay dirt for the first points of the night.

The Seahawks have taken a 7-0 lead at home after Jason Myers knocked through an extra point. Los Angeles will take over for its second possession with 7:09 left in the first quarter.

NFL virtual measurement: What to know

If the ball is close to the line to gain, the referee can call for a virtual measurement.

Once the ball is placed by an official, the operator zooms in on the ball to confirm it’s location. The cameras in the stadium then cut back to the location of the ball on the previous play, determining the distance between those points.

The camera system will not spot the ball for referees, leaving that human element intact. All it will do is determine if the ball carrier achieved a first down based on the official’s spot.

Other critics have highlighted that the virtual measurement can sometimes take a long time. Since players, officials and fans are left standing around waiting for an image to generate on the in-stadium screens, there is a noticeable lack of movement compared to the drama that was built as the chain gang ran out onto the field. – Nick Brinkerhoff

Seahawks Rivalry jerseys

The Seattle Seahawks will add an intriguing visual layer to Thursday night’s highly anticipated rematch with the Los Angeles Rams as they become the penultimate team to debut their Nike ‘Rivalries’ uniforms this season.

Get ready for the ‘High Decibel Zone’ look.

‘(T)here’s something about rivalries − going back to when you were a kid − it brings out the best in everybody. Because that one game can make your season,” former Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said when the new threads were first unveiled in August. – Nate Davis

What channel is Seahawks vs. Rams Thursday Night Football on tonight?

TV channel (national): N/A
TV channel (Seattle market): KCPQ (Fox 13)
TV channel (Los Angeles market): KCOP (Fox 11)

The Seahawks vs. Rams matchup will not air on TV, as it will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers in the local markets can watch via Fox.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

Is Davante Adams playing tonight?

Adams will not play tonight vs. the Seahawks.

Adams, 32, aggravated an existing issue during the fourth quarter of Los Angeles’ Week 15 game against the Detroit Lions. The veteran wideout was tracking a deep ball from quarterback Matthew Stafford when he pulled up short and fell to the ground. Rams trainers helped Adams off of the field after tending to him moments after the play.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported on Dec. 15 that Adams’ status is considered ‘week-to-week’ and that he would ‘almost certainly’ miss the game against the Seahawks on Dec. 18.

On Dec. 17, the Rams officially listed Adams as doubtful.

Rams inactives vs. Seahawks

Davante Adams will not play vs. the Seahawks tonight as he nurses a hamstring injury. Here’s the rest of the list:

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB
Stetson Bennett IV, QB
Davante Adams, WR
Jarquez Hunter, RB
Beaux Limmer, OL
Nick Hampton, OLB

Seahawks inactives vs. Rams

Seattle will be without starting left tackle Charles Cross tonight vs. a ferocious LA pass rush. Here’s the rest of the inactives:

Jalen Milroe, QB (E3QB)
Jake Bobo, WR
Jared Ivey, LB
Charles Cross, T
Bryce Cabeldue, G
Mason Richman, OL
Brandon Pili, NT

When do the NFL playoffs start?

Dates: Jan. 10-12, 2026

This year’s playoffs will start with a three-day wild-card round slate. Two games will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10; two more on Sunday, Jan. 11; and the wild-card round will conclude with a single game on Monday, Jan. 12.

Rams have travel issues ahead of TNF

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams’ scheduled flight to Seattle ahead of a Week 16 meeting with the Seahawks was ‘significantly delayed’ minutes before takeoff due to an issue with the plane’s equipment. Schefter wrote on social media that Los Angeles would be seeking ‘alternative travel arrangements to prevent any further delays.’

Schefter later reported that the Rams found a new flight to Seattle, with players and coaches scheduled to leave at 5:25 p.m. PT – around two hours after their originally scheduled departure – and the remaining Los Angeles personnel flying out later on another plane.

What time is the Seahawks vs. Rams game tonight?

Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT | 5:15 p.m. PT

The Seahawks and Rams are scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. Los Angeles travels to Lumen Field in Seattle to take on their division rivals.

Seahawks vs. Rams stream

Stream: Amazon Prime Video | Fubo (local market)

Amazon Prime Video will air the Seahawks-Rams ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. Those in local TV markets can watch the matchup on Fubo.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

Seahawks vs. Rams prediction

The stakes are high tonight. The NFC West crown and the NFC’s No. 1 seed could potentially end up going to the winner of this game. It’s a heavyweight battle, and the Seahawks came up just short in the first meeting, losing 21-19. Despite Darnold tossing four interceptions, Seattle kept things close and this time they came out on top. Stafford will be without Davante Adams and the Seahawks defense has allowed just one touchdown and 25 points in their last three games combined. Field goals won’t get the job done. Seattle rolls to victory tonight and the Rams will eye revenge come playoffs.

Prediction: Seahawks 26, Rams 20

Seahawks vs. Rams picks, predictions

Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ NFL experts feel tonight’s game will go:

Jarrett Bell: Rams, 26-23
Nick Brinkerhoff: Rams, 27-23
Chris Bumbaca: Seahawks, 16-14
Nate Davis: Rams, 27-24
Tyler Dragon: Rams, 24-20
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Rams, 21-16

Seahawks vs. Rams odds, moneyline, O/U

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a complete list.

Over/Under (O/U): 44 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Moneyline (ML): Seattle -110 (Bet $110 to win $100) | Los Angeles -110 (Bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Seattle +1 (-115) | Los Angeles-1 (-105)

The stock car racing world’s been rocked by the news that former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were among those killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma were among the seven people who died in the crash involving a Cessna C550 jet at the end of a runway at Statesville Regional Airport at 10:20 a.m. local time.

‘We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,’ the families said in a statement.

Biffle spent nearly two decades racing in multiple NASCAR series. The 19-time Cup Series winner was a champion in NASCAR’s third- and second-tier series before making the jump to the top level in 2003.

The former Roush Racing driver was one of the more well-liked drivers in the paddock. He earned Most Popular Driver Honors in 1997 in a regional series, 2000 in the now-Craftsman Truck Series and 2002 in the now-Cup Series.

NASCAR drivers and those who worked with Biffle were among the many to pay their respects to him on social media:

NASCAR legends, drivers honor Greg Biffle

Biffle competed with many champions on the track during his 16 years in the Cup Series and even more in the lower levels. Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon said what happened was ‘devastating.’

‘I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track,’ Gordon wrote on X. ‘Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.’

Former Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, known by newer fans for his work as a broadcaster, debuted at the top level the year Biffle challenged Tony Stewart for the championship.

‘Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family,’ Bowyer wrote on X. ‘An unbelievable talent behind the controls of literally anything. Checked all the boxes…Great guy, helped people in need, and most importantly was a great family man.’

Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch spent his first decade in the top level of the sport racing Biffle and wrote about Biffle, Biffle’s family and Biffle’s impact on communities.

‘Such a tragic and heartbreaking day,’ Busch wrote on X. ‘Greg and Cristina were truly special friends to us, we loved them as well as Emma and Ryder dearly. Greg’s compassion and humanitarian spirit—especially in times of crisis—touched so many lives and inspired everyone who knew him.

‘The memories we shared, both on and off the racetrack, will stay in our hearts forever. They meant so much to us, and they will never be forgotten.’

Denny Hamlin’s decorated Cup Series career began shortly after Biffle’s rookie season. The three-time Daytona 500 winner echoed Busch by discussing Biffle’s impact off-track in a post to X.

‘Today the motorsports world lost one of its fiercest competitors and kindest souls,’ Hamlin wrote. ‘Greg Biffle was a champion on the track and a humanitarian off it, whose impact reached far beyond racing.

‘We also mourn the loss of his wife Cristina and children Emma & Ryder, along with Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack. My heart is with all their families and loved ones.’

Longtime NASCAR team owner Jack Roush gave Biffle his break and helped Biffle realize his NASCAR dreams when he signed the Vancouver, Washington, native to his team in NASCAR’s third tier. Biffle would go on to win all 19 of his Cup Series races under Roush or Roush Fenway Racing.

“The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Roush said in a statement. ‘The tragic accident involving Greg Biffle and his family today is incredibly heartbreaking. I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program. His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable. My condolences are with all those who loved and knew Greg and his family.’

Brad Keselowski, 2012 Cup Series champion and RFK Racing team co-owner with Roush, shared his thoughts about Biffle.

“I am heartbroken by the news involving the Biffle family,” Keselowski said in a statement. “I had the privilege of racing alongside Greg for many years, and like so many in our sport, I gained deep respect for him not only as a champion on the racetrack, but as a competitor who helped define an era of NASCAR.

‘His impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation we continue to build upon today. My thoughts, and that of the entire organization, are with the Biffle family and everyone close to them as they navigate this tremendously difficult time.’

No. 1 seed Kentucky women’s volleyball is back in the national championship game.

After suffering their worst deficit since 2018 in the first set, Kentucky bounced back to defeat Wisconsin in five sets, 12-25, 25-22, 21-25, 26-24, 15-13, in the 2025 NCAA volleyball national semifinals on Thursday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kentucky will face Texas A&M in the championship, an all-SEC title game for the first time in tournament history. The Wildcats won the title in 2021. The Aggies are in their first Final Four.

Kentucky senior outside hitter Eva Hudson, a finalist for the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year award, finished with 29 kills on .455 hitting, none better than her final kill to win the fifth set and punch the Wildcats’ ticket to the championship game.

‘I just knew that I had to swing away. I wasn’t going to go out, not swinging,’ Hudson said of her game-winning shot. ‘I knew my teammates were behind me to cover me, so I was just going to give it my all.’

Kentucky last won the program’s only NCAA national championship trophy in 2020. Catch up with USA TODAY Sports updates and highlights of the Final Four matchup:

NCAA volleyball tournament score: Wisconsin 3, Kentucky 2

5th set final: Kentucky 15, Wisconsin 13

Kentucky’s defensive pressure had Wisconsin frazzled for the first time in the fifth set. The Wildcats went on a 8-1 run in the fifth set to take an 8-2 lead. Wisconsin responded with a 8-4 run to come within two points, 13-10. Kentucky went on to take the set and match on an Eva Hudson kill.

Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer had a double-double with 32 kills and 12 digs in the loss. Carter Booth recorded a career-high 21 kills and six blocks.

4th set final: Kentucky 26, Wisconsin 24

With their backs against the wall, Kentucky won the fourth set 26-24 to force a decisive fifth set. The Wildcats were the first to the red zone, but Wisconsin fought off three set points to tie it up 24-all. Kentucky’s defense came through at the net and took the fourth set on back-to-back blocks.

Kentucky’s Eva Hudson recorded nine of her 23 kills in the fourth set. Brooklyn Deleye added 11 kills on an inefficient .136 hitting, while Asia Thigpen and Lizzie Carr each added eight kills.

Wisconsin’s Carter Booth has already set a new career-high with 18 kills, while Mimi Coyler is up to 29 kills.

3rd set final: Wisconsin 25, Kentucky 21

Wisconsin is back on top after winning the first set, 25-21. The Badgers ended the set on a 3-0 run.

The Badgers hit .386 in the third set, compared to .333 for Kentucky. Mimi Coyler leads Wisconsin with 22 kills on .395 hitting, while Carter Booth has tied her career-high with 14 kills and three blocks.

Kentucky’s Eva Hudson has 14 kills on .344 hitting, while Brooklyn Deleye added nine kills on .194 hitting.

2nd set: Kentucky 25, Wisconsin 22

Wisconsin dominated the first set, but Kentucky made some adjustments and came alive in the second set.

Kentucky jumped to a 7-4 lead over Wisconsin in the second, but the gritty Badgers surged mid-set to retake the lead, 20-18. Kentucky went on a 6-0 run to earn a set point, and despite Wisconsin fighting off two set points, Eva Hudson cashed in on the third set point to even it a set apiece.

‘We just got some breaks and we executed the serving,’ Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner said, adding that his team needs to serve tougher to get Wisconsin off the net. ‘The serve has got to pick up and our transition game has got to score some points.’

Wisconsin’s Carter Booth recorded 12 kills hitting .786 and Mimi Colyer added 10 kills on .318 hitting.

Kentucky’s Hudson is up to nine kills hitting .389.

1st set final: Wisconsin 25, Kentucky 12

The first set belonged to Wisconsin’s Carter Booth. The senior middle blocker recorded seven kills and two blocks hitting 1.000 in the Badgers’ 25-12 first set win. Mimi Colyer added seven kills.

Wisconsin hit .682 in the first set and held Kentucky to .056 hitting.

1st set: Wisconsin 10, Kentucky 3

Wisconsin came out red hot and jumped to a 10-3 lead after Carter Booth (5) and Mimi Colyer (3) combined for seven kills to start the first set. The Badgers are hitting 1.000 to start. 

Carter Booth height

Wisconsin senior middle blocker Carter Booth is listed at 6-foot-7.

When is Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball?

The second semifinal matchup between No. 1 Kentucky (29-2)and Wisconsin (28-4) will take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first semifinal between No. 1 Pitt and No. 3 Texas A&M on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball: Channel, streaming

Date: Thursday, Dec. 18 
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT)
Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
Channel: ESPN
Stream: The ESPN App, Fubo

Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup

Head coach: Craig Skinner

6 Kassie O’Brien | S 6-1 – Freshman
7 Eva Hudson | OH 6-1 – Senior
10 Kennedy Washington | MB 6-0 – Sophomore
11 Molly Berezowitz | DS 5-5 – Junior
12 Molly Tuozzo | L 5-7 – Junior
15 Lizzie Carr | MB 6-6 – Redshirt Junior
17 Brooklyn DeLeye | OH 6-2 – Junior

Kentucky women’s volleyball roster

Eva Hudson stats

The 6-1 senior outside hitter was named the SEC Player of the Year after hitting .317 with 4.54 kills per set and 504 total kills on the year. She leads Kentucky’s offense, which is hitting .295 this year.

Brooklyn DeLeye stats 

The 6-2 junior outside hitter is averaging 4.69 kills per set and hitting .289 with a team-high 521 kills this year. DeLeye is responsible for more than 564.5 points this year.

Kassie O’Brien wins AVCA Freshman of the Year

Kentucky setter Kassie O’Brien was named the 2025 AVCA Freshman of the Year, the first Wildcat to win the award, after averaging 11.02 assists per set this season.

Wisconsin Badgers starting lineup

Head coach: Kelly Sheffield

1 Una Vajagic | OH 6-0 – Redshirt Sophomore
7 Kristen Simon | L 5-8 – Freshman
15 Mimi Colyer | OH 6-3 – Senior
17 Alicia Andrew | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Senior
24 Charlie Fuerbringer | S 5-11 – Sophomore
32 Grace Egan | RS 6-1 – Redshirt Sophomore
52 Carter Booth | MB 6-7 – Senior

Mimi Colyer stats

The 6-3 senior outside hitter had 20 or more kills in nine matches this season, including 23 kills vs. No. 1 Texas in the Elite Eight and 27 kills vs. No. 2 Stanford in the Round of 16. She averages 5.39 kills per set.

Wisconsin volleyball arrives at T-Mobile Center

Kentucky volleyball arrives at T-Mobile Center

NCAA volleyball player of the year finalists

The 2025 AVCA Player of the Year shortlist was narrowed to four finalists on Monday: Pitt junior right side hitter Olivia Babcock, Wisconsin senior outside hitter Mimi Colyer, Kentucky senior outside hitter Eva Hudson and Nebraska junior setter Bergen Reilly.

NCAA volleyball transfer portal 2026

The 2025 NCAA women’s college volleyball tournament is down to the Final Four with Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Texas A&Madvancing to the semifinals, but it’s never too early to look ahead to next season.

NCAA volleyball past champions

2024: Penn State
2023: Texas
2022: Texas
2021: Wisconsin
2020: Kentucky
2019: Stanford
2018: Stanford
2017: Nebraska
2016: Stanford
2015: Nebraska
2014: Penn State
2013: Penn State
2012: Texas
2011: UCLA
2010: Penn State
2009: Penn State
2008: Penn State
2007: Penn State
2006: Nebraska
2005: Washington
2004: Stanford
2003: Southern California
2002: Southern California
2001: Stanford
2000: Nebraska
1999: Penn State
1998: Long Beach State
1997: Stanford
1996: Stanford
1995: Nebraska
1994: Stanford
1993: Long Beach State
1992: Stanford
1991: UCLA
1990: UCLA
1989: Long Beach State
1988: Texas
1987: Hawaii
1986: Pacific
1985: Pacific
1984: UCLA
1983: Hawaii
1982: Hawaii
1981: Southern California

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No. 3 seed Texas A&M swept No. 1 seed Pitt, 29-27, 25-21, 25-20, in the 2025 NCAA volleyball Final Four on Thursday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. It was the first time Pitt has been swept all year.  The Aggies will make their first national championship appearance on Sunday (3:30 p.m., ESPN). 

Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison, who was named the 2025 AVCA Coach of the Year earlier Thursday, said his team has a ‘bunch of grit and a bunch of belief, and that’s in one another. That’s in our entire group. We believe in it. We believe in each other and we’re going for everything we have.’

Pitt and reigning player of the year Olivia Babcock has now fallen just short of the championship five years in a row.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s stellar postseason run continues by knocking out another No. 1 seed with a 16-kill performance by Kyndal Stowers. The Aggies also upset No. 1 overall seed Nebraska in a thrilling five-set match in the Elite Eight. Texas A&M will face the winner of No. 1 Kentucky and No. 3 Wisconsin.

NCAA VOLLEYBALL FINAL FOUR: Schedule, scores, highlights

Pitt ‘pissed’ after Final Four loss to Texas A&M

Pitt volleyball made it to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive year, but the Panthers are on the losing side once again. Panthers head coach Dan Fisher said he’s ‘pissed’ after losing in the national semifinal for the fifth year straight.“I don’t have great perspective on that right now,’ he said. ‘I’m proud of being consistently good, consistently in the hunt, but I’m pretty pissed off right now.”

NCAA women’s volleyball score: Texas A&M 2, Pitt 0

3rd set final: Texas A&M 25, Pitt 20

Texas A&M took a 17-13 lead in the third set, tying their largest lead. Pitt responded with a 5-1 run to tie it up at 18-all. But the Aggies won seven of the nine points to take the third set and sweep Pitt.

Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers had 16 kills on .433 hitting, while Logan Lednicky had 14 kills on .323 hitting.

Olivia Babcock had 22 kills on .463 hitting in the loss.

2nd set final: Texas A&M 25, Pitt 21

It may be Texas A&M’s first semifinal appearance in program history, but the Aggies have looked far from inexperienced. They took the second set over Pitt, 25-21, and are one set from the national championship.

Texas A&M trailed by four points, but the Aggies won 14 of the next 20 points to take the set. Kyndal Stowers (11 kills on .450) and Logan Lednicky (9 kills on .208) have combined for 20 kills.

Pitt must win the next set to keep their playoff hopes alive. Olivia Babcock has a game-high 14 kills on .379 hitting.

2nd set: Pitt 15, Texas A&M 15

Pitt went on a 8-0 run to take a 15-11 run. Texas A&M responded with a 4-0 run to tie it up at 15-all.

1st set final: Texas A&M 29, Pitt 27

Texas A&M is picking up where they left off. The No. 3 Aggies took the tightly-contested first set against Pitt, which included seven lead changes and 16 ties. No team had led by more than three points in the first set.

The Aggies had a 24-22 lead. A kill from Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky was initially ruled in to give the Aggies the first set 25-23, but Pitt head coach Dan Fisher used a challenge and the call was reversed to keep Pitt in the set and tie it at 24-all. The Panthers fought off four set points and even earned a set point of their own, but Texas A&M was able to cash in on their fifth set point.

Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers is up to nine kills hitting .727 with no errors.

Pitt’s Olivia Babcock has seven kills hitting .353. Blaire Bayless added six kills hitting .545.

What is Kyndal Stowers wearing on her neck?

The sophomore outside hitter was forced to medically retire her freshman season with the Baylor Bears after suffering four concussions in a matter of months. After taking a season off, she eventually entered the transfer portal, joining head coach Jamie Morrison and the Aggies in College Station, Texas.

Stowers was happy to have a chance at playing volleyball again, but she knew the concerns about her concussions would surface. That’s when she decided to bring in reinforcement, as part of a reenvisioned approach to her health and recovery. While practicing and in games, Stowers wears a Q-Collar.

Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M underway

The first national semifinal matchup between Pittsburgh and Texas A&M is underway at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

When is Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball?

No. 1 Pitt (30-4) faces No. 3 Texas A&M (27-4) on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball: Channel, streaming

Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
Time: 6:30 p.m ET (5:30 p.m. CT)
Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
Channel: ESPN
Stream: ESPN, Fubo

NCAA volleyball Final Four TV schedule

Both national semifinal matchups will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18:

Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball: 6:30 p.m ET (5:30 p.m. CT) | ESPN
Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball: 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT) | ESPN

Pittsburgh Panthers starting lineup

Head coach: Dan Fisher

3 Emery Dupes | L/DS 5-6 – Redshirt Senior
5 Olivia Babcock | RS 6-4 – Junior
8 Blaire Bayless | OH 6-2 – Junior
10 Marina Pezelj | OH 6-1 – Freshman
13 Mallorie Meyer | L/DS 5-7 – Sophomore
17 Brook Mosher | S 6-0 – Redshirt Senior
20 Abbey Emch | MB 6-4 – Freshman
21 Bre Kelley | MB 6-4 – Redshirt Senior

Texas A&M Aggies starting lineup

Head coach: Jamie Morrison

37 Kyndal Stowers | OH 5-11 – Sophomore
1 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla | MB 6-2 – Senior
2 Addi Applegate | L/DS 5-5 – Freshman
9 Logan Lednicky | OPP 6-3 – Senior
12 Ava Underwood | L/DS 5-7 – Senior
16 Maddie Waak | S 5-10 – Senior

Olivia Babcock stats

The 6-foot-4 right side hitter already won 2025 ACC player of the year for the second straight season after setting career highs in kills per set (5.11) and digs per set (2.11) this season. She set a new program record with 45 kills vs. North Carolina on Nov. 2.

Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers shares personal triumph after 4 concussions

KANSAS CITY, MO ― On any given day, Texas A&M outside hitter Kyndal Stowers brings three different versions of herself to the court.

One version is very relaxed. The goal is simple: get out on the court, win and leave. Another version of Stowers is more stealthy, unsuspecting. She wins, but the opponents never see it coming. Then, there’s the version that boldly claims victory and lets the opponent know all about it. Every version of Stowers has been seemingly influenced by her journey back to the volleyball court.

NCAA volleyball player of the year finalists

The 2025 AVCA Player of the Year shortlist was narrowed to four finalists on Monday: Pitt junior right side hitter Olivia Babcock, Wisconsin senior outside hitter Mimi Colyer, Kentucky senior outside hitter Eva Hudson and Nebraska junior setter Bergen Reilly.

The winner will be announced on Friday, Dec. 19, ahead of the national championship game on Sunday, Dec. 21 (ABC). Babcock, the reigning 2024 Player of the Year, could become the fifth player to win the award in back-to-back seasons and first since Stanford’s Kathryn Plummer in 2017-2018.

Pitt volleyball in Final Four: Can Panthers finally get over hump?

KANSAS CITY, MO ― Upon arriving at last year’s NCAA volleyball Final Four in Louisville, Kentucky, Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Dan Fisher received several commemorative Louisville Slugger bats.

Texas A&M’s Jamie Morrison wins coach of the year

Morrison, who is in his third season with the program, led the Aggies to a 27-4 regular-season record and a second-place finish in the SEC with a 14-1 conference record. Under his leadership, four Texas A&M players (Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Logan Lednicky, Maddie Waak, Kyndal Stowers) earned AVCA All-American honors this season. — Meghan Hall

NCAA volleyball transfer portal 2026

The 2025 NCAA women’s college volleyball tournament is down to the Final Four with Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Texas A&M advancing to the semifinals, but it’s never too early to look ahead to next season.

LOVB pro volleyball to add expansion franchise in San Francisco

On Thursday, the women’s professional indoor volleyball league announced it’s expanding to the Bay Area with the LOVB San Francisco franchise, bringing the total number of teams in the league to nine by 2027.

The second season will begin on Jan. 7, 2026, but the field of teams will expand from six to nine in 2027 during the league’s third season, with the addition of LOVB Los Angeles, LOVB Minnesota and LOVB San Francisco.

Who won NCAA volleyball championship 2024?

In 2024, Penn State hoisted their first NCAA national championship since 2014 after defeating No. 1 Louisville 25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17 on Dec. 22, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Penn State coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley became the first woman head coach to win a Div. I volleyball championship in NCAA history. The Nittany Lions weren’t able to defend their title and were ousted in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament.

NCAA volleyball champions by year

2024: Penn State
2023: Texas
2022: Texas
2021: Wisconsin
2020: Kentucky
2019: Stanford
2018: Stanford
2017: Nebraska
2016: Stanford
2015: Nebraska
2014: Penn State
2013: Penn State
2012: Texas
2011: UCLA
2010: Penn State
2009: Penn State
2008: Penn State
2007: Penn State
2006: Nebraska
2005: Washington
2004: Stanford
2003: Southern California
2002: Southern California
2001: Stanford
2000: Nebraska
1999: Penn State
1998: Long Beach State
1997: Stanford
1996: Stanford
1995: Nebraska
1994: Stanford
1993: Long Beach State
1992: Stanford
1991: UCLA
1990: UCLA
1989: Long Beach State
1988: Texas
1987: Hawaii
1986: Pacific
1985: Pacific
1984: UCLA
1983: Hawaii
1982: Hawaii
1981: Southern California

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua on Dec. 18 issued an apology for using an antisemitic trope during a Dec. 16 livestream appearance.

“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”

The NFL released a statement Thursday afternoon.

“The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual,’ the statement read. ‘The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”

The incident happened when Nacua was a guest on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on, two internet streamers. Ross had requested Nacua perform a touchdown celebration that included the antisemitic trope.

Nacua has received backlash since the appearance.

“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this (expletive) … do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game,” U.S. Rep. Eric Swallwell, D-California, posted on Twitter. “He should apologize or be dropped.”

Nacua also criticized NFL referees, suggesting that they want to be on TV, too, while on the livestream.

The Rams are in Seattle to face the Seahawks on ‘Thursday Night Football’.

Players voted to authorize the Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s Executive Committee to ‘call a strike when necessary,’ the union announced on Thursday. The vote comes less than a month before the current CBA is set to expire on Jan. 9, 2026, following two previous extensions from the original Oct. 31 deadline.

“The players have spoken,“ the WNBPA said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. ”Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA’s Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.’

The WNBPA said the strike authorization vote resulted in 98% yes votes with 93% participation among players.

New York Liberty All-Star forward Breanna Stewart, who serves as a vice president of the WNBPA’s executive committee, said ongoing negotiations are headed toward a ‘standoff’ because ‘what we’re doing right now isn’t really working.’ Stewart even invited NBA commissioner Adam Silver to the negotiating table, one day after Silver said he’d be willing to join talks in hopes of getting a deal done to avoid a lockout or a strike.

‘We’re the ones that are willing to compromise and they still aren’t budging,’ Stewart said during Unrivaled’s media day on Wednesday. ‘If they’re not going to budge, we’re going to get to this point where we’re just going to be at a standoff. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.’

Stewart added, ‘We know how important as players it is to play and to be on the court. But at the same time, if we’re not going to be valued the way that we know we should be, in the way that every kind of number situation tells us, then we’re just not going to do something that doesn’t make sense for us.’

In a statement issued to USA TODAY Sports on Thursday, the league said the union’s account of events ‘fundamentally misrepresents’ ongoing talks, noting the WNBA remains ‘steadfast in its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible.’

‘While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table,’ the WNBA statement said. ‘It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth.’

The league added: ‘We have negotiated in good faith and with urgency, and remain focused on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that not only meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience, but also does so in a way that ensures the long-term growth of the game and the league’s capacity to serve the next generation of WNBA players.”

The players have prioritized two main points of concern amid negotiations — increased revenue sharing and salary structures. According to The Athletic, the league has offered revenue sharing at 15% while the union has proposed 30%. The sides also differ on how that percentage, as well as the salary cap, would be calculated.

The league’s latest offer includes a maximum $1 million base salary, with a projected revenue sharing component that raises players’ maxtotal earnings to more than $1.3 million in 2026, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about ongoing negotiations. The league’s maximum salary would grow to nearly $2 million over the life of the agreement.

The proposal also raises the league’s minimum salary to over $250K and the average salary to more than $530K, up from the current $67K and $120K salary, respectively.

The WNBPA said players ‘remain united, resolute and prepared to fight for their value and their future.”

‘Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades,’ the WNBPA added in its statement. ‘The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer and undervalue them.’

The news prompted a reaction from Washington Mystics forward Alysha Clark, who wrote on Threads, ‘Last time we stood on business we helped flip a Senate seat.’

Clark is referring to the WNBA helping Rev. Raphael Warnock get elected to the U.S. Senate out of Georgia in 2020 over incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler, who co-owned the Atlanta Dream before ultimately selling her stake in the team in February 2021 following her controversial comments on the Black Lives Matter movement. Players openly endorsed Warnock and showed up to the arena on Aug. 4 wearing “Vote Warnock” T-shirts during the campaign.

The WNBA players pulled a page out of their handbook amid CBA negotiations in July and wore black pregame T-shirts that read, ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us,’ at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.

“That’s something we wanted to make well known. In the bubble we always knew how to make a stand with some T-shirts, so we did that today,’ WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said in July. ‘We look forward to negotiating our fair share and our value.”

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After how his final match ended caused uproar, John Cena said his wrestling career ‘died peacefully.’

The WWE legend wrestled the final match of his 23-year career at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13. It was a raucous event as generations of fans not just saw the 17-time WWE Champion in the ring one last time, but hoped to see his career end in a win. Instead, Cena lost to Gunther after he tapped out of the sleeper hold.

It was divisive move among the WWE Universe to have Cena close this chapter, with fans unhappy the ‘greatest of all time’ gave up while others said it was poetic ending, noting the smile he had as he tapped out.

Cena spoke with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on his podcast ‘What Do You Wanna Talk About?,’ released on Thursday, Dec. 18 and related it to the ending of life.

‘As I essentially take my last breath, I have struggled. If you think of somebody, the natural cause of scenario or however we picture loss in our life, all of us have been through it. They struggle, they struggle, they struggle. They hang on just long enough to make sure to say goodbye to everybody that’s been meaningful in their lives,’ Cena said.

In several interviews prior to the night, Cena reiterated he wouldn’t wrestle again and this was definitively it. He added the entire day and match was him having a conversation with the audience about it, and when he connected with everyone, it was time to end it.

‘I think it’s time to take that last breath, and that’s that,’ he added. ‘I hate to keep going back morbidly to obituaries, but like, this person died peacefully.’

When Rhodes said ‘he faced death with a smile,’ Cena responded ‘yes.’

Cena added the ending let people know the business is in a good place and ‘we’re going to be great going forward.’ He again said the whole farewell tour was like saying goodbye to someone for the final time. Rhodes and Cena then agreed it was similar to the death of Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars: A New Hope,’ which Cena posted a photo of on Instagram a day after the match.

‘Thank you for everything, and that in that one moment that was that going peacefully,’ he said. ‘The whole tour, the year story, for me is just the cycle of someone facing the end of their life, the struggles they go with.’

Cena later said it was ‘such an honor’ to have Gunther be his final opponent and he ‘cannot tell you how much respect’ he has for him. His wrestling career may be dead, but it likely won’t be the last time he appears with WWE in some capacity in the future.