A tense handshake line moment occurred between Tennessee’s Janiah Barker and her former UCLA coach, Cori Close.
Barker, who transferred from UCLA, seemed to pull away from an attempted embrace by Close after the game.
Both Barker and Close made public statements wishing each other well after the incident.

The handshake line following UCLA’s win over Tennessee women’s basketball on Sunday appeared to get tense after Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker rebuffed her former UCLA head coach Cori Close.

Barker was one of six UCLA players to enter the transfer portal after the Bruins reached the Final Four for the first time in program history in the 2025 NCAA Tournament last season. Barker transferred to Tennessee for her senior year after spending one season at UCLA under Close, but Sunday’s reunion seemed less than warm.

Following UCLA’s 99-77 win over Tennessee on Sunday, where Barker dropped a season-high 25 points against her former team, Barker and Close briefly shook hands before Barker pulled away from Close’s attempted embrace. Close shrugged her shoulders in response as she continued down the handshake line.

After the incident, Barker took to social media to clear the air, writing, ‘Respect! We shook hands. I wish nothing but the best for Coach (Cori) and my UCLA fam.’

Close was nothing but complimentary of Barker in her postgame press conference, saying, ‘I want to wish Janiah Barker nothing but the best. I think she is a spectacular player, she gave us a lot on the court, off the court. And I just want to make sure that I say I wish her nothing but the best the rest of the way through.’

Close said Barker was presented her UCLA Final Four ring ahead of the game, in addition to a handwritten note.

‘I actually wrote her a card today… I just said, one of the things I’m always going to appreciate about you is how hard you always worked on your game,’ Close said. ‘And to see her shoot the ball the way she did today, this is the best shooting, three-point shooting night maybe she’s had of her career and she works at that.’

Barker said returning to Pauley Pavilion was ’emotional,’ but said her mindset was to ‘focus on the game’ and ‘not let my emotions go too high or too low.’

‘It was definitely an emotional game,’ Barker said. ‘My mindset was just truly just focus on the game. I know there’s a lot of other things that can play into it, but my thing was just keep the main thing, the main thing… Don’t take it too personal. I don’t even take it personal at all. It’s just basketball.’

Barker shot 9-of-17 from the field and 3-of-7 from the field in Sunday’s loss and rounded out her stat line with three rebounds, two steals and four turnovers in 27 minutes. However, ‘If I’m being honest, I don’t care how many points I scored. I’m upset that we lost. I wish that we would have came out here and won,’ Barker added.

Barker spent the first two seasons of her collegiate career at Texas A&M, where she averaged 12.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 49 games (34 starts). She transferred to UCLA for her junior year and averaged 7.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 36 games (three starts) last season.

Barker applauded Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell for ‘just really letting me be myself.’

‘She’s letting me do everything that I wanted to do in college and I’m so thankful for that,’ Barker said postgame. ‘She also has me in a role of being a leader… I’ve been to a Final Four before, so I know what it looks like to win and it’s put me in a position to lead this team. I feel like I didn’t do that well today. It’s a lot of things that I’m learning as well in this role, so I’m giving myself grace.’

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The NBA schedule is marching on as the NBA Cup knockout rounds are set to kick off later this month.

Three of the Top 5 teams by standing in each of the Eastern and Western Conferences are in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, but there is one team that has dominated and stands well beyond all other squads. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominating opponents so thoroughly that many of their stars, namely Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, aren’t even playing fourth quarters.

Everyone is chasing the defending champs, who may be poised for a dominant season.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 6 of the 2025-26 regular season:

USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings

Note: Records and stats through Nov. 30. Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings

NBA Week 6 power rankings: Top 5

1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 20-1 (—)

2. Los Angeles Lakers, 15-4 (+2)

3. Detroit Pistons, 16-4 (-1)

4. Houston Rockets, 13-4 (+1)

5. Denver Nuggets, 14-5 (-2)

Oklahoma City just got Jalen Williams (wrist) back, and the Thunder are the most complete team in the NBA, and one that may put forth the most prolific season in league history. The Lakers have won seven consecutive, but their competition since LeBron James returned has a combined winning percentage of .260. And the Nuggets (123.9) and Rockets (122.3) are battling for top offenses in the NBA.

NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 6-10

6. New York Knicks, 13-6 (+7)

7. San Antonio Spurs, 13-6 (+1)

8. Miami Heat, 13-7 (+2)

9. Minnesota Timberwolves, 12-8 (-2)

10. Toronto Raptors, 14-7 (-1)

On a four-game winning streak, the Knicks have found their rhythm on offense, being deliberate in the half-court, but ranking third in offensive rating (120.5). San Antonio continues to shine, even in the absence of Victor Wembanyama (calf) and Stephon Castle (hip), including a key NBA Cup victory Friday, Nov. 28, over the Nuggets. And the Raptors are on a two-game losing streak, but have been one of the surprises in the NBA and lead the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.08).

NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 11-15

11. Atlanta Hawks, 13-8 (+1)

12. Phoenix Suns, 12-9 (-1)

13. Cleveland Cavaliers, 12-9 (-7)

14. Orlando Magic, 12-8 (—)

15. Boston Celtics, 11-9 (+1)

The Suns continue to outperform, and Dillon Brooks’ offensive game — he’s averaging career-bests points per game (21.7) and shooting percentage (45.1%) — is a key reason why. The Cavaliers have lost three in a row and Cleveland’s offensive rating (115.7; 14th) is 5.3 points off of last year’s league-leading mark. Orlando, without Paolo Banchero (groin) have steadied their play as Desmond Bane’s usage has increased.

NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 16-20

16. Philadelphia 76ers, 10-9 (+1)

17. Golden State Warriors, 11-10 (-2)

18. Memphis Grizzlies, 9-12 (+3)

19. Milwaukee Bucks, 9-12 (-1)

20. Chicago Bulls, 9-10 (-1)

Whereas the Bucks have floundered without Giannis Antetokounmpo (going 2-8 over their last 10), the Grizzlies have been steady without Ja Morant (winners of three consecutive). Nikola Vučević’s frustration with his young teammates shows the Bulls might be headed toward an inevitable rebuild, and the Warriors are also facing tension and drama, with Stephen Curry (quad) sidelined.

NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 21-25

21. Portland Trail Blazers, 8-12 (-1)

22. Dallas Mavericks, 6-15 (+1)

23. Charlotte Hornets, 6-14 (+2)

24. Utah Jazz, 6-13 (—)

25. Indiana Pacers, 4-16 (+3)

The early-season success has faded for the Trail Blazers, whose pace has slowed significantly. The Mavericks are starting to find a rhythm as Cooper Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 35 points, breaking the mark previously held by LeBron James. And the Pacers are finally starting to get (a little) healthier.

NBA Week 6 power rankings: Nos. 26-30

26. Los Angeles Clippers, 5-15 (-4)

27. Sacramento Kings, 5-16 (-1)

28. New Orleans Pelicans, 3-18 (+1)

29. Brooklyn Nets, 3-16 (-2)

30. Washington Wizards, 2-16 (—)

It’s time to wonder whether Tyronn Lue’s job is in trouble and if the Clippers are about to embark on a full rebuild. The Kings posted solid consecutive victories against the Timberwolves and Nuggets, but have since lost three in a row. And the Wizards beat the Hawks in a 46-point gem from CJ McCollum, but they continue to hold the NBA’s worst net rating (-12.2).

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk has been named the new head coach at Southern University.
Faulk has one year of college coaching experience, serving as the running backs coach at Colorado under Deion Sanders.
Southern alumni Aeneas Williams and Avery Johnson were instrumental in recruiting Faulk for the position.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk introduced himself as the new head coach at Southern University by saying he found his calling as coach despite his lack of experience in the profession and was “sold” to take the job by two prominent Southern alumni — Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams and former NBA player Avery Johnson.

Faulk talked about it Monday Dec. 1 at his introductory news conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Faulk, 52, has only one year of coaching experience in college football after spending the past season as running backs coach at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders.

“I could have stayed at Colorado. I was comfortable,” Faulk said. “But I’ve never done well in life when comfortable. Like, I’m the kind of person who needs to be a little uncomfortable. And I’m not gonna lie to you. This is uncomfortable. and I like it.”

Aeneas Williams and Avery Johnson ‘sold’ Southern to Faulk

Before coaching at Colorado, Faulk worked in financial services and as an analyst for the NFL Network. He is from New Orleans and played high school football there before playing college football at San Diego State.

Asked about his lack of experience, Faulk downplayed it. He is the latest in a trend of NFL legends with little or no coaching experience to take over at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), including Deion Sanders (Jackson State), Eddie George (Tennessee State), DeSean Jackson (Delta State) and Michael Vick (Norfolk State).

“What’s there to question?” Faulk said when asked about his lack of experience. “You know and I know this is my first head coaching job. I don’t think there’s a question. You can’t give answers to anything like that. You know, it’s like anything else. Just wait and see. Like, time will tell. You’ll get to decide whether what they’re saying or what I’m doing works.”

Williams and Johnson “sold” Southern to him, Faulk said. He said they’re “like brothers to me.” Williams was a teammate of Faulk’s with the St. Louis Rams.

“This is indeed a pivotal moment for Southern University football,” said Johnson, who also was an NBA coach. To demonstrate how big of moment it was, Johnson added that “I’ve never flown here for a football press conference.”

Marshall Faulk said he’s decided on 90% of his coaching staff

Faulk said 90% of his coaching staff is in place but declined to reveal names until the hirings were made official. Some coaches from Colorado could join him after the Buffaloes finished the season with a 3-9 record.

Faulk takes over a Southern team that finished 2-10 in 2025 but won the Bayou Classic against Grambling State on Saturday in New Orleans, 28-27.

Southern athletic director Roman Banks said he wanted a “game-changer” to help Southern compete in this new age of college sports, when players are paid for their name, image and likeness. Faulk’s fame already has drawn more attention to Southern. Banks said the hire recently led to “phone calls that we’ve never been able to get to upgrade” facilities.

Looking forward to the 2026 season Faulk just had a special request for Southern supporters. He said he hopes they stay after the halftime show featuring Southern’s famed band.

“I hope that you guys like football in the second half as much as well as you do in the first half,” Faulk said. “Although I love the band, there will be football played in the third and fourth quarters.”

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Pittsburgh Steelers fans chanted for coach Mike Tomlin to be fired during a recent home loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in his tenure, acknowledged his and the team’s frustration with their performance.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers defended Tomlin, stating players need to take accountability for the team’s struggles.

PITTSBURGH – It would have been so much like Mike Tomlin to rip off some clip-and-save catchphrase in response to the instant feedback that got so personal as his Pittsburgh Steelers were embarrassed on Sunday in yet another debacle under his watch.

This had to sting. The Steelers couldn’t stop Buffalo, couldn’t score and took the fun out of waving those Terrible Towels. Not even the traditional Renegade serenade helped. They also booed that. The mood has become so sour, which is what happens when a team plummets from a promising 4-1 to half-empty 6-6 in a little more than a month.

If there was ever a time for a pointed one-liner from Tomlin to put it in some hopeful perspective, this was it. You know the messages.

The standard is the standard.

We don’t live in our fears.

Excuses are the tools of the incompetent.

Tomlin certainly heard the catcalls. Yet during a game in which his offense was shut out in the second half and his defense was gashed for 249 rushing yards – most ever by a Steelers opponent at Acrisure Stadium/Heinz Field – what Tomlin saw was much worse than what he heard.

No, there was no inspirational quote to counter that.

Fire Mike Tomlin? After 18 winning seasons, coach doesn’t deserve this

When someone asked Tomlin whether he had a sense of how restless and frustrated the crowd was, he said: “I know how restless and frustrated I was, so I assume they were in the same state we were in.”

What went through his mind when the crowd is chanting to fire you?

“Man, I share their frustration tonight,” Tomlin responded. “We didn’t do enough. That’s just the reality of it.”

Tomlin, who has never had a losing season during his nearly 19-year run as Steelers coach, doesn’t deserve this. That’s not to suggest the fans can’t scream for changes. He knows. That comes with the territory of his high-profile, high-powered job. There are no untouchables. Ask Bill Belichick. Coaches are hired to be fired.

Yet Aaron Rodgers, who followed Tomlin at the podium on Sunday night, maintained that his coach doesn’t deserve all the heat because the players share in the accountability realm.

Sure, Rodgers heard the negative noise coming from the fans.

“That’s part of it,” Rodgers said. “They pay money for a ticket. So, they have a right – good, bad, indifferent – to say what they want. I totally understand the frustration. I’ve been booed on offense, even at Green Bay over the years.

“That was a boo-worthy performance, and I understand the frustration.”

Still, Rodgers echoed linebacker T.J. Watt in considering how flat the Steelers were for such a big game. He pointed to a lack of energy on the practice field last week, although he stopped short of concluding that it carried into Sunday’s game.

Regardless, it’s reasonable to expect the tone to be set by the head coach, and in this case Tomlin. When asked, Rodgers pushed back on that theme.

This response came wrapped with its own dramatic vibe. Rodgers hesitated before he answered, grabbing a bottle of water and twisting the cap as he apparently settled on his words.

“I know what you’re trying to ask, and I’m not going down that road at all,” Rodgers said. “I believe in the coaching staff. I believe in Mike Tomlin. That’s why I came here.”

Then Rodgers, nobly, shared the responsibility.

“Players need to take accountability, myself included, and I will,” he said. “I will continue to. I’ve got to play better. But there’s 11 starters on offense, 11 on defense, plus (more) with the personnel groupings that we run.”

‘Keep watching’? On field product must improve for Steelers faithful to believe

Later in the session, someone asked Rodgers about players not holding themselves accountable, which prompted an instant correction.

“I didn’t say that,” Rodgers shot back. “I said we need to hold ourselves accountable.”

Indeed, that’s what he said.

Still, in the context of the here-and-now, there’s enough accountability for all involved.

For the fans calling for Tomlin’s job, hold that thought. The Steelers have had just three coaches since 1969, with Tomlin following Bill Cowher, who followed Chuck Noll. And the philosophy of Steelers owner Art Rooney II is hardly driven by knee-jerk reaction.

No, the fact that Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016 is not a good look. Yet the immediate matter involves trying to claim the AFC North crown that once seemed firmly in Pittsburgh’s grasp, with much to be determined by the showdown at the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 7.

Instant feedback is one thing. Yet there’s still a season to finish for Tomlin, Rodgers and the rest of the Steelers.

Tomlin had a succinct response when maintaining that the people are already in place for the Steelers to turn around their drab performances of late to make a legitimate run.

What makes him so confident of that?

“Keep watching,” he said.

Rather than a catchphrase from Tomlin, it sounded like truth or dare because what the Steelers have given their faithful to watch lately is clearly part of the problem.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on  X: @JarrettBell

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Monday, Dec. 1 on a bipartisan bill to allow the NCAA, and potentially the newly formed College Sports Commission, to create and enforce national rules that have come under legal dispute in recent years.

The SCORE Act (Student Compensation And Opportunity Through Rights and Endorsements) intends to provide more regulation and calm the chaotic environment created by the introduction of name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation, revenue sharing and the transfer portal to college sports. The proposed bill, which was introduced in July with backing from leaders of three House committees, would permit the NCAA to set a cap on how much schools can spend on NIL deals and parameters for the manner in which athletes transfer, so long as they can transfer at least once and be immediately eligible.

Other aspects of the proposed bill would put into law the fair-market-value assessment of athletes’ NIL deals with entities other than schools provided under the House vs. NCAA settlement and allow universities to prevent athletes from having NIL deals that conflict with school sponsorship deals. The bill also notably shields the NCAA, the Commission, conferences and schools from antitrust and state-court lawsuits that could come from rules.

The NCAA has lobbied for Congressional antitrust provisions throughout the past decade as its regulations over athlete compensation and transfer eligibility were challenged and eventually changed by state legislatures and lawsuits.

‘It is long past time that we take action to ensure that we have sustainable future for college sports, especially for women’s sports and the Olympic sports,’ said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, when he led a markup of the SCORE Act in July. ‘That creates predictability and certainty for all student-athletes. We must act now to protect and preserve the uniquely American institution of college sports we have all come to know and love.”

The bill would still need to work its way through the Senate if it passes in the House, but could lead to bipartisan discussions even if it is voted down by the Senate.

U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (SAFE) Act in September, aiming ‘to codify athletes’ rights and protections in law, expand revenue for all schools, support women’s and Olympic sports and bring much-needed stability to the college sports system.’

The key provisions in the bill provide federal NIL protections, pooling of media rights, new broadcast revenue for Olympic and women’s sports, local market broadcast access for football and basketball, protections from bad actor agents, national standards for the transfer portal and preserves the House vs. NCAA settlement’s revenue share cap.

Monday’s House vote will occur hours after Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), a former Division-I volleyball player, also announced plans to introduce a competing bill modeled after the Senate proposal with federal standards for NIL rights and the pooling of media rights, in addition to the creation of a bipartisan Commission to Stabilize College Sports with a two-year timeline to develop recommendations for an enduring governance model. 

‘Despite years of intense lobbying from the most powerful institutions in college athletics, Congress is increasingly divided on how to address the challenges threatening the industry,’ Trahan said in a news release. ‘Too many proposals pushed by entrenched power brokers focus on regaining control at the expense of the athletes who drive college sports, rather than on creating a sustainable system, particularly for women’s and Olympic sports and smaller schools.’

A week of holiday hoops tournaments produced some changes in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The No. 1 team didn’t change, but three other squads are getting first-place support.

Purdue remains on top, as it has been since the preseason. The Boilermakers picked up 21 of 31 firsts this week, but they have company from another Big Ten contender. Michigan vaults from sixth all the way to No. 2 after their successful stint in Las Vegas. The Wolverines were voted first by six panelists. No. 3 Arizona hangs on to three No. 1 nods, with the final first-place vote going to No. 4 Duke. Connecticut rounds out the top five, edging unbeaten Louisville by eight poll points.

Houston drops from the second spot to No. 7 after taking its first loss of the season. No. 8 Michigan State and No. 9 Iowa State each move up four positions, and Brigham Young climbs a notch to No. 10 after swapping places with Gonzaga.

Defending champion Florida tumbles six places to No. 14, staying ahead of Illinois by a single point. Vanderbilt makes the biggest move within the poll, vaulting seven spots to No. 16 thanks to a 7-0 start.

Kansas is back in the rankings at No. 21, and Iowa nudges in at No. 25. UCLA and North Carolina State are the week’s dropouts.

The more things change, the more they stay the same, as evidenced by the Week 13 ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

First, in the micro: The Giants moved on from head coach Brian Daboll following a Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears, but the wins haven’t been coming despite the changing of the guard. Instead, the Giants have maintained their losing ways, blowing another fourth-quarter lead in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions.

That resulted in the ousting of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, another critical move during Mike Kafka’s interim tenure. They do return quarterback Jaxson Dart from a concussion, so Giants fans can again get another look at their future while the season circles the drain.

Now, in the macro: the Patriots look like the teams of yesteryear. At 10-2 and Drake Maye seemingly the answer under center, it didn’t take Mike Vrabel long to return New England to its winning ways. Now, with their eyes set firmly on their first AFC East crown since 2019.

Will New York pull off a giant upset? Or will the Patriots continue their ascent up the AFC ladder? USA TODAY Sports will provide highlights, analysis and more from the Week 13 ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup below. All times are Eastern.

Watch ‘Monday Night Football’ all season with Fubo (free trial)

What channel is Patriots vs. Giants on Monday Night Football?

TV channel: ESPN | ESPN2 (Manningcast)

The Week 13 ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup will air on ESPN. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call, with Lisa Salters providing sideline updates and reports.

The ‘Manningcast,’ hosted by Peyton and Eli Manning, will air on ESPN2.

What time is Giants at Patriots game tonight?

Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The Giants and Patriots are set for an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. The Giants travel to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, for the matchup.

Patriots vs. Giants live stream

Live stream:Fubo | ESPN Select | ESPN Unlimited | NFL+

Cord-cutters looking to live stream ‘MNF’ in Week 13 have a few options. Fubo carries the ESPN family of networks, as well as CBS, Fox, ABC and the NFL Network, meaning you’ll be able to catch NFL action all season long with the streaming service. Fubo also offers a free trial.

ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited, the World Wide Leader’s streaming service, will also carry the game.

Watch ‘Monday Night Football’ all season with Fubo (free trial)

Patriots vs. Giants predictions

Here’s how the expert NFL panel at USA TODAY Sports feels the ‘MNF’ game between the Giants and Patriots will tilt:

Jarrett Bell: Patriots, 28-24
Nick Brinkerhoff: Patriots, 31-23
Chris Bumbaca: Patriots, 30-28
Nate Davis: Patriots, 33-24
Tyler Dragon: Patriots, 30-20
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Patriots, 26-21

Patriots vs. Giants odds, moneyline, O/U

National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Sunday at 7:28 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Spread favorite: Patriots (-7.5)
Moneyline: Patriots (-375), Giants (+300)
Total: 46.5 points

Patriots inactives vs. Giants

QB Tommy DeVito (emergency third QB)
LG Jared Wilson
S/ST Brenden Schooler
OT Marcus Bryant
OLB Bradyn Swinson
TE CJ Dippre
DT Khyiris Tonga

Giants inactives vs. Patriots

QB Russell Wilson (emergency third QB)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
WR Jalin Hyatt
ILB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
OLB Victor Dimukeje
OT James Hudson III

Patriots vs. Giants injury report

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AFC East standings

The Patriots lead the AFC East standings, but the Bills are still in the hunt for the top spot. Here’s how the AFC East standings look entering ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 13:

New England Patriots (10-2)
Buffalo Bills (8-4)
Miami Dolphins (5-7)
New York Jets (3-9)

NFC East standings

The Giants are in last place in the NFC East standings.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)
Washington Commanders (3-9)
New York Giants (2-10)

NFL playoff picture: AFC bracket

Denver Broncos (10-2; AFC West leaders)
New England Patriots (10-2; AFC East leaders)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4, AFC South leaders)
Baltimore Ravens (6-6; AFC North leaders)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4, wild card No. 1)
Indianapolis Colts (8-4; wild card No. 2)
Buffalo Bills (8-4, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Houston Texans (7-5); Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6); Kansas City Chiefs (6-6); Miami Dolphins (5-7); Cincinnati Bengals (4-8); New York Jets (3-9); Cleveland Browns (3-9)

Eliminated: Las Vegas Raiders (2-10); Tennessee Titans (1-11)

NFL playoff picture: NFC bracket

Here’s how the NFC playoff bracket looks entering ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 13:

Chicago Bears (9-3; NFC North leaders)
Los Angeles Rams (9-3; NFC West leaders)
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4; NFC East leaders)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5; NFC South leaders)
Seattle Seahawks (9-3, wild card No. 1)
Green Bay Packers (8-3-1, wild card No. 2)
San Francisco 49ers (9-4, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (7-5); Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1); Carolina Panthers (7-6); Atlanta Falcons (4-8); Minnesota Vikings (4-8); Washington Commanders (3-9)

Eliminated: Arizona Cardinals (3-9), New Orleans Saints (2-10), New York Giants (2-10)

Super Bowl odds 2026

All odds listed are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook on Dec. 1. Access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a complete list.

1. Los Angeles Rams: (+475)
2. Seattle Seahawks: (+850)
3. Philadelphia Eagles: (+900)
T-4. Buffalo Bills: (+1000)
T-4. Green Bay Packers: (+1000)
6. Denver Broncos: (+1100)
7. New England Patriots: (+1200)
8. Indianapolis Colts: (+1400)
T-9. Baltimore Ravens: (+1600)
T-9. Kansas City Chiefs: (+1600)
11. Detroit Lions: (+2000)
12. San Francisco 49ers: (+2500)
T-13. Chicago Bears: (+3000)
T-13. Houston Texans: (+3000)
15. Los Angeles Chargers: (+3500)
T-16. Jacksonville Jaguars: (+4000)
T-16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (+4000)
18. Dallas Cowboys: (+6000)
19. Pittsburgh Steelers: (+15000)
20. Cincinnati Bengals: (+20000)
21. Carolina Panthers: (+25000)
22. Miami Dolphins: (+75000)
T-23. Atlanta Falcons: (+150000)
T-23. Cleveland Browns: (+150000)
T-23. Minnesota Vikings: (+150000)
T-23. New York Jets: (+150000)
T-23. Washington Commanders: (+150000)

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is over. Kyle Larson collected his second Cup Series championship with a third-place finish in Phoenix Raceway to hold off Denny Hamlin.

That’s the last of the drama for the year, right? Wrong.

The biggest off-track story in the sport continues on. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ lawsuit against NASCAR’s governing body has yet to reach a resolution.

The legal battle dates back to October 2024 when NASCAR teams signed the new charter agreement for the 2025 Cup Series season. Now, the case is headed to trial.

Here’s a full timeline of how things got here:

Who owns 23XI Racing, and who are the drivers?

Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin own 23XI Racing along with longtime Jordan advisor, Curtis Polk. The race team fields three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. Bubba Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota, Riley Herbst the No. 35 Toyota, and Tyler Reddick the No. 45 Toyota. Wallace and Reddick qualified for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs but were eliminated from championship contention following the Oct. 5 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway that concluded the second round.

Who owns Front Row Motorsports, and who are the drivers?

Tennessee-based businessman Bob Jenkins, who owns a number of restaurant franchises belonging to Yum! Brands, including many KFC and Taco Bell locations, is the owner of Front Row Motorsports. FRM fields three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series: the No. 4 Ford, driven by Noah Gragson; the No. 34 Ford, driven by Todd Gilliland; and the No. 38 Ford, driven by Zane Smith.

NASCAR lawsuit timeline

Oct. 2, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR’s sanctioning body and CEO Jim France. The lawsuit argues that NASCAR presented a take-it-or-leave-it deal to the teams on Sept. 6, 2024, giving them until 6 p.m. to sign or risk not having a charter for the 2025 Cup Series season.

Both teams say in a statement that NASCAR operates without transparency and unfairly benefits from the sport at the expense of fans, drivers, owners and sponsors.

Nov. 4, 2024

The two sides meet in a courtroom to decide whether or not the two teams can race in 2025 without signing the charter.

Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing wanted a clause in the new charter agreement that would waive the prohibition on signees bringing antitrust action against NASCAR, so they could race in 2025. NASCAR argued that the charter was no longer available to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports because they brought a lawsuit.

Nov. 8, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ injunction request is denied. Judge Frank Whitney ruled that it was too soon for both teams to meet the standards of harm that would justify the request.

Nov. 26, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file a new preliminary injunction request, providing examples of how both teams could lose their drivers and sponsors without being guaranteed a charter for the 2025 season. Both teams were in the process of gaining a third charter from the downsized Stewart-Haas Racing team for the 2025 season. The new request included those acquisitions as a potential harm done without the injunction.

Dec. 2, 2024

NASCAR motions to dismiss the lawsuit. The sanctioning body argued it is not a monopoly in stock car racing and that NASCAR does not want to work with the two teams because of the suit. NASCAR also indicated it would not allow the two teams to acquire a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing without accepting the new charter agreement.

Dec. 12, 2024

Both teams argue NASCAR backtracked on initial approval for acquiring a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. NASCAR reiterated its original request to dismiss the lawsuit and stated both teams were now seeking more than what was in previous filings. As such, it should be viewed as a new motion.

Dec. 16, 2024

The teams and NASCAR agree on a Jan. 10 deadline for initial disclosures. NASCAR asked for discovery to be completed by Oct. 17; the two teams asked for that to be completed by July 18.

Dec. 18, 2024

Judge Bell grants 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports their preliminary injunction request.

Bell, who took over on the case in early December from Judge Whitney, rules that both teams can race with their original two charters in 2025 as the lawsuit continues. He cites the possibility of losing drivers as a clear reason to grant the request. Bell also found that NASCAR holds monopoly power in stock car racing.

Dec. 23, 2024

Judge Bell rules that both Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing be approved for a third charter acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing but in different ways. NASCAR had to approve Front Row Motorsports’ acquisition, but 23XI Racing had to ask the court specifically for the charter purchase to be approved by NASCAR in a separate motion.

Jan. 10, 2025

Judge Bell denies NASCAR’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating, ‘this case is going to be tried this year, and deserves to be tried this year.’

Bell also denied NASCAR’s motion to have both teams post bond in excess of $10 million for each of their cars. NASCAR had argued for that in case it won the lawsuit and was entitled to damages, but Bell reasoned the sanctioning body could ask for damages at a later date.

Feb. 12, 2025

NASCAR files its appellate brief to the injunction that allows 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to operate as charter teams while suing NASCAR for antitrust violations.

NASCAR argued that the two teams are not likely to succeed on the merits of the case, reiterating that 13 of 15 teams signed the charter agreement, there are other racing options 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could join and the NASCAR Cup Series can’t be the defined ‘market’ when it comes to antitrust issues.

March 5, 2025

NASCAR files counterclaim, stating 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports violated antitrust laws during negotiations for a new charter agreement. These claims include that the teams colluded to get better terms, and 23XI Racing co-owner Curtis Polk tried to boycott a qualifying event.

Chris Yates, lead attorney for NASCAR in this case, stated that they believe the two teams misused antitrust laws to force a renegotiation.

March 14, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file response to NASCAR’s brief to appellate court on Feb. 12, which opposed the judge allowing the teams to operate charters while suing NASCAR for antitrust violations.

March 26, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports motion to dismiss NASCAR’s March 5 counterclaim, arguing there’s no evidence of an attempted boycott and that teams work together in negotiations, just like in other sports.

April 9, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports subpoena Formula 1 as well as NFL, NBA and NHL teams to provide evidence on how other sporting bodies and their teams operate.

May 9, 2025

A three-judge panel hears the appeal by NASCAR to an injunction ruling on Dec. 18, 2024 allowing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as chartered teams in 2025 while this legal battle plays out.

June 5, 2025

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rules in favor of NASCAR and revokes the Dec. 18 injunction. The judges note in their ruling that there is no precedent for this case and the teams’ antitrust argument ‘is not supported by any case of which we are aware.’

They also reason that there’s no indication that the teams will likely be successful in their lawsuit.

June 17, 2025

In a hearing for a motion to throw out NASCAR’s counterclaim of collusion, the teams’ attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, outlines the teams are looking for:

NASCAR divestment of racetracks it also owns, currently 20 on the Cup Series calendar
NASCAR to no longer prohibit Cup tracks to run similar stock car races
NASCAR to no longer prohibit Next Gen cars to be used in non-NASCAR events
Insure two teams can compete as chartered teams going forward
Financial damages to be tripled

June 18, 2025

In a new filing for NASCAR’s March 5 counterclaim, NASCAR asks for chartered teams in the Cup Series grid to turn over financial documents, calling some of these ‘critical to NASCAR’s defense.’

June 20, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports ask for a rehearing following the June 5 appeals court ruling overturning the injunction, which allowed them to compete as chartered teams during the 2025 season.

June 25, 2025

Judge Bell denies 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ motion to dismiss NASCAR’s counterclaim, stating that the sport had done enough to continue its counterclaim. But he also narrowed the amount of financial information other chartered teams had to provide NASCAR.

July 9, 2025

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit hears the two teams’ argument for reversing the June 5 decision, which would revoke their charters during the 2025 season, and denies their request.

July 14, 2025

Ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway, the two teams looked for a potential way to remain chartered and decided on filing for a restraining order and new preliminary injunction.

The teams argued NASCAR informed them they’d ‘immediately move to sell or issue Plaintiffs’ charters to other entities,’ which could keep the teams from getting their charters back.

July 17, 2025

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are denied a temporary restraining order to keep NASCAR from revoking their chartered status and are forced to compete as open teams for upcoming races at Dover and Indianapolis. The teams each have had three cars with chartered status this season, but that status expired after the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed an earlier injunction. 

July 22, 2025

Judge Bell sets an Aug. 28 hearing on a new motion from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport for an injunction to keep them chartered for 2025. Bell writes in his order that NASCAR has represented to the court that the teams will be guaranteed spots in races and that NASCAR will not sell nor transfer the charters in question until a ruling on the injunction.

Aug. 19, 2025

NASCAR files response to the teams’ motion that they return to chartered status for the rest of the 2025 season. NASCAR states in its filing that it must start the process of selling those charters immediately, and 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports should be forced to return the money awarded to them as chartered teams for the first half of the 2025 season.

Aug. 25, 2025

In filings in advance of an Aug. 28 hearing for a new injunction requested by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to retain their charters, NASCAR says it plans to issue a charter to an unnamed team for the 2026 season. The teams said in their own filing that if the charters they had earlier this year are sold, they would shut down ‘following the 2025 Cup Series season.’

The teams’ filing also alludes to ‘smoking-gun documents that admit NASCAR viewed competitive entry as a threat’ and ‘internal NASCAR documents with top executives describing how NASCAR used its monopoly power to impose a one-sided’ charter agreement.

Sept. 3, 2025

Judge Bell denies the preliminary injunction request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports seeking to remain chartered teams following an Aug. 28 hearing, ruling they would not suffer irreparable harm.

NASCAR tells the court it won’t change any rules that would keep 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports from missing the final nine races of 2025 and it would leave at least six charters available in case it loses at trial.

Oct. 3, 2025

NASCAR files a motion for summary judgment, making a final attempt to get the case dismissed before the scheduled December 2025 trial. In its motion, NASCAR submits statements from several NASCAR team owners and executives supporting the charter system and urging the litigation be resolved in a way that ‘does not put the sport at risk’ and ‘before any real damage is done to the sport.’

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports attorney Jeffrey Kessler issues a statement saying the teams are willing to have settlement talks and that the owners’ statements support their case.

Oct. 21, 2025

Judge Bell orders the two sides to work on a settlement conference which begins on the 21st. Two days of settlement talks yield little results.

Oct. 23, 2025

In a big win for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, Judge Bell throws out NASCAR’s countersuit filed back on March 5. Bell says in his decision that the teams “did not engage in an unreasonable restraint of trade.”

That decision opens the door to the trial only covering the initial lawsuit filed by the two teams.

Nov. 4, 2025

The two teams get another major win as Judge Bell ruled that NASCAR is the market definition of ‘premier stock-car racing.’ Previously, NASCAR had stated the two teams could’ve taken their business to other series if they were unsatisfied with the terms of the charter.

In Judge Bell’s decision, he found that NASCAR controls the market and their argument the teams could go elsewhere is moot.