For just the second time in NFL history, a playoff game is on the move. With deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the league is opting for safety first to wrap up wild-card weekend.

There will be no true home-field advantage for the Rams Monday night as the NFL relocated their playoff game vs. the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona.

The NFL has long been at the mercy of Mother Nature, forced to move games because of weather-related incidents. Hurricanes, snow storms and more have caused a change of venue or, more commonly, postponement for a day — as we saw last year with the Steelers-Bills wild card game.

But changing venues in the playoffs is a rarity.

Here’s everything to know about the history of venue changes in the NFL playoffs:

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

Has an NFL playoff game ever been moved before?

The NFL’s decision to move the Rams-Vikings game marks just the second time the league’s moved a playoff game in its 105-season history. While Monday’s game is being moved for safety concerns, that wasn’t the case in the only other instance, which occurred in 1936.

The 1936 NFL championship game, between Boston (now the Washington Commanders) and the Green Bay Packers, was the first one to be held on a neutral field, something that has become commonplace in today’s game. Still more than 30 years before the Super Bowl, the championship game was played on one the team’s home fields.

That year’s game was moved from Boston’s Fenway Park to New York’s Polo Grounds because of poor ticket sales. Boston owner George Preston Marshall decided to move the game with the lack of fan support and then relocated the team to Washington, D.C., the following season, which they’ve represented since.

The Packers went on to win, 21-6, for their fourth NFL championship and first in the playoff format.

Why did the NFL move the Vikings-Rams game?

The NFL decided to move the Vikings vs. Rams game for safety reasons as a result of the deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

‘In the interest of public safety, Monday’s Vikings-Rams Wild Card game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL announced today,’ the NFL said in a statement. ‘The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA.’

At least five wildfires have decimated the area, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate as flames ripped through homes and buildings, tearing down everything in their path.

Between worsening air quality and the danger the community still faces, moving the game felt like an obvious outcome.

The sports world has, rightfully, taken a back seat to the ongoing fire concerns, with the NBA and NHL postponing games in recent days. Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick was among the many who have lost their homes, while the Lakers and NHL’s Kings have seen postponements in the wake of the tragedy.

Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters that some of the team’s personnel were directly affected as well.

Now the team will have to try and collect themselves to prepare for a possible playoff run, which begins on Monday night.

Where is the Vikings vs. Rams game being played?

The Vikings vs. Rams game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It’s a venue that has hosted multiple Super Bowls, most recently in 2023, and is the home of the NFL’s Cardinals.

Notre Dame football is one step closer to winning its first ever College Football Playoff national championship.

The seventh-seeded Irish secured the first spot in the CFP national title game on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium by taking down sixth-seeded Nittany Lions 27-24 in the CFP Orange Bowl semifinal.

Notre Dame will face the winner of Friday night’s Cotton Bowl semifinal No. 5 Texas and No. 8 Ohio State in the CFP championship game on Monday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Irish punched their ticket to Atlanta on a 41-yard field goal from kicker Mitch Jeter in the winding seconds of the fourth quarter. Jeter’s game-winning field goal was set up by a game-changing interception from Notre Dame’s Christian Gray of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

Here’s what to know about who Notre Dame will play in the CFP national championship, and a look at the full CFP schedule:

Who will Notre Dame play in CFP national championship?

With its Orange Bowl win, Notre Dame will now advance to the CFP national championship on Monday Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

The Irish, however, won’t know who they will go up against in the national championship game until late Friday night, as Texas and Ohio State have yet to play in the CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal. The Longhorns and Buckeyes are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

If Texas beats Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, it will be the first meeting between Notre Dame and the Longhorns since 2016 — when Texas beat Notre Dame 50-47 at home at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Both the Irish and Longhorns, who have met three times in the postseason, announced in November that they will play a home-and-home series across the 2028 and 2029 seasons.

However, if Ohio State beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl, it will be the first meeting between Notre Dame and the Buckeyes since last year’s top-10 showdown in South Bend. Ohio State, of course, came out with the win on a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive from former Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord. One of the bigger storylines for that potential matchup is Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman coaching against his alma mater again. Freeman was a two-time All-Big Ten second team selection at Ohio State, where he finished with 268 career tackles.

Buy CFP championship game tickets with SeatGeek

College Football Playoff schedule

All times Eastern

CFP first round

Friday, Dec. 20

No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17

Saturday, Dec. 21

No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10
No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24
No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17

CFP quarterfinals

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14

Wednesday, Jan. 1

Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (2OT)
Rose Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21

Thursday, Jan. 2

Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 2 Georgia 10

CFP semifinal

Thursday, Jan. 9

Orange Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 6 Penn State 24

Friday, Jan. 10

Cotton Bowl: No. 5 Texas vs No. 8 Ohio State | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo, free trial)

CFP championship

Monday, Jan. 20

CFP championship game: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. Cotton Bowl winner | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo, free trial)

Updated CFP 12-team bracket

With its loss Thursday, Penn State became the latest team to be eliminated from the CFP bracket. Here’s a look at what the CFP bracket looks like after Notre Dame’s win:

Oregon (13-1)
Georgia (11-3)
Boise State (12-2)
Arizona State (11-3)
Texas (13-2)
Penn State (13-3)
Notre Dame (14-1)
Ohio State (12-2)
Tennessee (10-3)
Indiana (11-2)
SMU (11-3)
Clemson (10-4)

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(This story was updated with new information).

Notre Dame football finds itself in an early deficit in the first half of the College Football Playoff Orange Bowl semifinal to No. 6 Penn State.

The Irish also briefly found themselves without their starting quarterback. Quarterback Riley Leonard exited the game in the final minutes of the first half following a quarterback hurry from Penn State defensive players Dvon J-Thomas and Zane Durant that sent him to the ground. He then returned in the start of the second half after being declared ‘asymptomatic.’

Leonard, who walked off the field and went into the medical tent, attempted to walk back onto the field after the hit but eventually was escorted to the injury tent.

Prior to exiting the game, the Notre Dame quarterback was 6 of 11 passing for 63 yards with an interception. He also had seven rushing yards on five carries. Replacing Leonard on the field was backup quarterback Steve Angeli, who led the Irish down the field for a 41-yard field goal to cut their deficit to 10-3 going into the second half.

Here’s the latest on Leonard’s injury:

Riley Leonard injury update

According to The Athletic’s Pete Sampson, Leonard came out from the locker room with his helmet on and was seen warming up with Angeli on the sidelines at Hard Rock Stadium.

Shortly after, ESPN’s Molly McGrath reported that Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said that Leonard was tested for a concussion during halftime and is asymptomatic. He was cleared to play the second half as well.

ESPN’s Sean McDonough noted that Leonard was entering the concussion protocol. Angeli came in for Leonard to finish the second half.

Freeman told McGrath in a halftime interview that he hasn’t heard any information on Leonard’s health and status yet.

‘I haven’t heard (anything). They are going to check him out right now,’ Freeman said. ‘They told me just before the field goal that they don’t have an answer right now on what it is going to be.’

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Leonard jogged off the field at Hard Rock Stadium with his helmet on his head, as he came out of the medical tent.

This story will be updated.

Mitch Jeter is going from an unknown to a major star after kicking the game-winner for Notre Dame in its College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Penn State on Thursday in the Orange Bowl.

Naturally, Jeter’s last name and clutch ability will draw comparisons to someone with the same surname who made big plays in big moments: Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

The Fighting Irish will take on the winner of No. 8 Ohio State-No. 5 Texas in the national championship game on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, after Mitch Jeter connected on a 41-yard field goal with 7 seconds left.

In the meantime, fans are likely to wonder if the two clutch Jeters share any relations. Here’s what you need to know:

Is Mitch Jeter related to Yankees great Derek Jeter?

No. Despite sharing the same last name, Mitch Jeter has no relation to Derek Jeter. The former shortstop is a Baseball Hall of Famer after his 20-year playing career with the New York Yankees. Jeter won five World Series with the Yankees in a career that spanned from 1995 to 2014.

Mitch Jeter is a senior for Notre Dame football who hails from Cannon High School in Salisbury, South Carolina. He started his collegiate career at South Carolina before transferring to Notre Dame as a graduate student ahead of the 2024 season.

Who are Mitch Jeter’s parents?

According to The Salisbury Post, Mitch’s parents are Andrew and Stacy Jeter. The couple met while they were students at East Carolina. Interestingly, while the Pirates offered Mitch a scholarship, he opted to join the Gamecocks. 

“I felt a good connection with the coaches at South Carolina and playing in the SEC will be awesome as well,” Mitch told the Salisbury Post when he signed. “The coaches, the facilities, and obviously, a great atmosphere. Playing in front of that many people will be one heck of a challenge, but I’ve always been one to challenge myself. I felt that South Carolina would do that for me — push me to be the best that I can be.”

Mitch Jeter stats

Here’s a look at Jeter’s stats at both South Carolina and Notre Dame:

2021 (South Carolina): 2-for-2 extra points
2022 (South Carolina): 11-for-11 field goals, 53 long; 42-of-44 extra points
2023 (South Carolina): 12-for-14 field goals, 51 long; 33-of-34 extra points
2024 (Notre Dame): 13-for-20 field goals; 48 long; 53-of-53 extra points

The deadly wildfires spreading rapidly throughout Southern California have displaced more than 100,000 people, who have been forced to flee their homes as firefighters battle at least five active fires in Los Angeles County.

Given the danger still facing Southern California, and the emergency personnel and resources required to combat the wildfires, the local professional and college sports teams are also making alternative scheduling plans.

The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams’ Monday night playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona ‘in the interest of public safety.’ The NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings game Wednesday night and the NBA followed suit, postponing the Los Angeles Lakers’ home matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

At least five people are dead and thousands of homes, businesses and even iconic Hollywood landmarks are either threatened, damaged or already destroyed by what Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called a ‘historic firestorm’ during a late Wednesday night briefing. Authorities warned more injuries and death are possible until the fires can be contained.

Here are more updates on how the Los Angeles fires are impacting the sports world:

NFL moves Rams playoff game vs. Vikings to Arizona

The NFL isn’t waiting any longer for what was trending toward an inevitable decision. The league announced Thursday evening that Monday night’s wild-card game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, which was scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will be moved to Arizona.

‘The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA,’ the league also revealed in a statement.

It’s not the first time the NFL has moved a Monday night contest from Southern California due to wildfires. A matchup between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins in 2003 had to be shifted to Tempe, Arizona. The displaced Chargers lost 26-10. — Nate Davis

Rams send players home after fire breaks out near practice facility

The Los Angeles Rams held practice on Thursday, where smoke plumes were visible from their facility in Woodland Hills, California. The team, however, canceled media availability later in the day so players could head home after a new fire — The Kenneth Fire — broke out nearby in West Hills less than five miles away from their practice facility.

The Kenneth Fire has burned 50 acres so far, according to Cal Fire.

‘Surreal’: Steve Kerr’s childhood home, high school burned down

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says his childhood home in Pacific Palisades was leveled by the Palisades Fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures in just three days, according to Cal Fire. Kerr called the loss ‘devastating’ and ‘shocking.’

‘It’s been tough. My family is fine. My mom is in good hands, but her house is gone,’ Kerr said ahead of the Warriors matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. ‘That’s my hometown and all of my friends who are from there have pretty much all lost their homes, their family homes, their childhood homes. Our whole high school (Palisades Charter High School) is gone. The town looks like it has been completely wiped out.’

Kerr said his parents bought the home in Pacific Palisades in 1969. He said he recently had dinner there two weeks ago with his 90-year-old mother, who is ‘safe and sound’ after evacuating on Tuesday.

Sean McVay: Rams personnel impacted by wildfires

On Thursday, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said some members in the organization have been impacted by the fires, including a couple staff members who had their homes affected.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires,” McVay said. “It’s one of those deals that almost doesn’t feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected. Praying that as many people are okay. You just see the amount of people that are affected, it’s one of those deals that, you know, it gives you perspective. So hopefully get this stuff under control. It’s been a unique week. Unfortunately for us, there’s been some people that have been affected — in regards to power outages (and) recommended evacuation. A couple of our staff members did have their homes affected. But fortunately, to my knowledge, nobody has been injured and you know for that we’re grateful.” — Tyler Dragon

Chargers limit outdoor exposure amid wildfires

The Los Angeles Chargers adjusted their practice schedule this week to limit outdoor exposure for players and staff ahead of their road playoff contest versus the Houston Texans. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters Wednesday that Chargers wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal had an ‘intense night’ as his Calabasas home was impacted by the fires. — Tyler Dragon

Lakers coach JJ Redick loses home in Palisades fire: Report

JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers first-year coach and longtime NBA player, revealed earlier this week that he lives in the Palisades neighborhood in the direct path of the Los Angeles area wildfires raging through the region. Redick said his family was among the more than 100,000 people evacuated from their homes and that they were all safe.

But Redick’s house, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, has not survived the damage caused by the flames.

UCLA cancels men’s volleyball matches

The Bruins were scheduled to host Farleigh Dickinson and St. Francis on Thursday and Friday at Pauley Pavilion, but those matches are off for the time being. UCLA said in its announcement there is a possibility the matches could be rescheduled at a later date. The school announced Wednesday night it would curtail campus operations, canceling undergraduate classes and moing graduate courses to remote instruction the rest of the week.

Pepperdine, Loyola-Marymount women’s basketball games postponed

Two Los Angeles area universities have postponed women’s basketball games scheduled for Thursday night as dangerous wildfires in the region continue to wreak havoc on the community.

Pepperdine, located in Malibu, also announced its WCC game against Portland was postponed ‘due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and restricted access to campus.’ Pepperdine is slated to host Loyola-Marymount in women’s basketball on Saturday. No decision has been made on the status of that game as of Thursday afternoon.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets game postponed due to LA fires

‘The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,’ the NBA statement read. ‘We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.’

Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed earlier this week that he lives in the Palisades community impacted greatly by the wildfires and that his family were among those evacuated from their homes. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also said Tuesday night that his 90-year-old mother was forced to evacuate as well.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL playoffs game update

The Rams confirmed that the NFL’s contingency plan is to move the playoff game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona if it’s deemed unsafe to play at SoFi Stadium on Monday.

‘That is currently only a contingency plan and if that happens we will inform all ticket holders via email what that means for their current tickets,’ the Rams emphasized in their statement. ‘We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with local officials, the NFL and NFLPA. We hope you all are somewhere safe and we hope to see you Monday night.’

Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. loses home, Olympic medals in wildfires

Gary Hall Jr. said the wildfires still raging across the Los Angeles area came so quickly that he had to leave all 10 of his Olympic medals behind. The home he was renting in Pacific Palisades, California, and using as the base for his business was consumed by the fire, destroying almost all his possessions, Hall Jr. told the Sydney Herald.

‘I did think about the medals. I did not have time to get them,’ Hall Jr. said. ‘Everyone wants to know did the medals burn? Yeah, everything burnt. It’s something I can live without. I guess everything is just stuff. It’ll take some hard work to start over. What can you do?’

Hall won back-to-back gold medals in the men’s 50-meter freestyle at the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Olympics. He also won three golds as a member of Team USA’s relay teams in 1996 (Atlanta). In addition, he won three silvers and two bronzes during his Olympic career.

Read more about a scene Hall called ‘worse than any apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen.’

NFL could move Rams-Vikings playoff game to Arizona due to wildfires

The NFL is ready to move the wild-card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings if it can’t be safely played on Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

‘The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires,’ the statement read, in part. ‘We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.’

Historic Los Angeles golf course in wildfire’s path

One of the country’s most historic golf courses, Riviera Country Club, is squarely in the fire’s path. The home of the Genesis Invitational was moved into a mandatory evacuation zone with the blaze unable to be contained yet. The club is set to host its PGA Tour event from Feb. 13-16. The Genesis is considered one of the Tour’s signature events.

The video below shows how close the fires are to Riviera. Here’s more on the potential impact from Golf Week.

Report: Kawhi Leonard steps away from Clippers to help family

Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard has stepped away from the team in order to help members of his family who were forced to evacuate due to the Southern California wildfires, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Leonard — who reportedly purchased a home in the hard-hit Pacific Palisades area in 2021 — will miss the Clippers’ Wednesday night contest in Denver, and it is unclear when he will return to the team.

Los Angeles Kings game postponed

The Los Angeles Kings’ game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night was postponed, the NHL announced.

‘In light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena, NHL Game No. 653, has been postponed,’ the NHL said in a statement issued Wednesday. ‘The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time.’

The league added that a makeup date will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

USA Today reporters Steve Gardner and Scooby Axson contributed to this story

DALLAS — No matter what happens in Friday’s College Football Playoff semifinal or potentially the national championship later this month, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers already has authored the signature play of his college career. 

Facing fourth-and-13 near the end of last week’s Peach Bowl, with his only options being convert or lose the game and the season, Ewers identified the pressure Arizona State was bringing, changed his protection at the line of scrimmage and delivered the 28-yard touchdown strike that put Texas on the path to a 39-31 double overtime victory. 

“He did exactly what we kind of tried to get everybody to do in the game,” offensive coordinator Kyle Flood said. “Which is, you know, stay in the moment and trust your training and do what we train you to do, which was perfect.”

The irony though, as Ewers’ time in a Longhorns uniform reaches its potential ending, is that there was no training for a career like his. In the new era of college athletics, he has been a trailblazer, an enigma, a savior, a disappointment and now — once again — a symbol of the NCAA’s chaotically free name, image and likeness market. 

Though the 21-year-old Ewers is expected to enter the NFL Draft after Texas’ season ends, there has been persistent buzz around the sport that at least one or more massive offers – perhaps as much as $6 million – are being lobbed his way to transfer for his final season of eligibility. Asked by USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday evening about the speculation around millions of dollars waiting for him in the portal, Ewers did not exactly knock down the possibility. 

“I mean, right now I’m just not worried about all that stuff,” he said. ‘I mean, people can say all they want to say. But, you know, I’m just focused on Friday at this point in time.”

Asked a few minutes later whether the results of Friday’s game or potentially the national championship would impact his assessment of his future, Ewers again demurred. 

“That’s a great question,” he said. ‘I couldn’t tell you. I’m just focused on Friday because I think (addressing it) would be doing a disservice to my teammates.” 

As Ewers gets ready for the biggest game of his career — against Ohio State, of all programs, where he started his college career in 2021 against a backdrop of uncontrollable hype and scrutiny around his NIL deals — the defining question of his career is much the same now as it was then.

Is Ewers worth all of this? 

“Boy, it’s strange how it all shook out,’ Ohio State coach Ryan Day said.

Ewers’ story cannot be put in proper context without acknowledging that he is, for all intents and purposes, the first true avatar of how NIL reshaped recruiting in college sports. 

Raised to be nothing other than a big-time quarterback prospect, in the state where big-time quarterback prospects have always been the biggest of big deals, Texas law prohibited high school athletes from signing NIL deals. 

So Ewers packed up and left the state, skipping his senior year of high school to enroll at Ohio State in the middle of fall practice just a few months after the NCAA approved NIL rights. It was seismic. ESPN reported at the time that Ewers signed a three-year, $1.4 million deal with a sports marketing company to sign autographs. And just like that, the era of unproven prospects making huge money had begun.

“It was a weird dynamic for someone to do that,” Ewers said, though he has nothing but praise for how he was treated by everyone at Ohio State, including some of the players he’ll face Friday. 

The expectation was that Ewers would eventually pilot the Buckeyes to a national title, proving that Texas was losing ground to other states by allowing some of its top high school athletes to leave for big paydays and end up attending out-of-state colleges. 

But the reality for Ewers was inescapable: C.J. Stroud had established himself as the Buckeyes’ quarterback, and that was unlikely to change until at least 2023. 

So after just a handful of months on campus, Ewers left Ohio State and enrolled at Texas. By the season opener in 2022, Ewers had established himself as the Longhorns’ starter, where he was probably supposed to be all along. 

“He decided he really wanted to play,” Day said. ‘It was disappointing for us, but we certainly understood. And from afar, I’ve watched him, and he’s got a lot of talent. He’s a really good player. He comes from a great family and he’s had a great career at Texas. A lot of people here still have good relationships with him and think the world of him.”

Has Ewers lived up to the hype? 

On one hand, here he is with 35 games under his belt as Texas’ starter. His record is 27-8, and the Longhorns have been in the final four each of the last two years. Without the fourth-and-13 play he made when it was literally do-or-die against Arizona State, the entire legacy of this Texas run is different. That is why, at least in theory, someone with a big NIL piggy bank might open it up for Ewers this spring. 

Now, the flip side: Ewers has not had a great year and is not projected by most of the mock drafts to be a first-round pick. And among all Ewers’ options, there’s surprisingly little chatter around the Longhorns’ program that he’ll come back next season, as the program prepares to hand the keys to Arch Manning.  

Is that because Texas, for some reason, just hasn’t run the ball very well (it ranks 60th nationally at 4.46 yards per carry) and the load on his shoulders has led to some bad decisions and too many turnovers? Is it because he’s been banged up this season, including two missed games with a strained abdomen and an ankle sprain in November? Has his development simply stagnated? 

There isn’t a great answer, but the reason Texas is a six-point underdog in this semifinal — despite having a likely crowd advantage in Dallas — is mostly because there’s little evidence that Ewers and the Longhorns’ offense can match the firepower of Ohio State. 

“If you look at the games where we perform really well up front, we generally play really well,” Flood said. ‘And the games where we haven’t been disruptive on offense, we haven’t played as well. It’s going to be really important that we do a good job up front of trying to keep the line of scrimmage clean, because that’s really what allows our offense to go.’ 

If Ewers can rise to that challenge against the Buckeyes and then deliver the program’s first national title since 2005, he will be a Texas legend and it really won’t matter what he does next year. 

If he doesn’t, his legacy will forever be complicated by the money, the expectations and the promise that was almost but not quite met — both in Columbus and Austin. 

“It’s a full circle moment, for sure,’ he said. 

Ewers is pouring it all into this week, this game, avoiding all talk of the future. But just as he entered college, he potentially plays his last game under the cloud of what’s next. In the NIL era, that just seems to be the way it’s going to be. 

Follow columnist Dan Wolken on social media @DanWolken

The deadly wildfires spreading rapidly throughout Southern California have displaced more than 100,000 people, who have been forced to flee their homes as firefighters battle at least five active fires in Los Angeles County.

Given the danger still facing Southern California, and the emergency personnel and resources required to combat the wildfires, the local professional and college sports teams are also making alternative scheduling plans.

The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams’ Monday night playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona ‘in the interest of public safety.’ The NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings game Wednesday night and the NBA followed suit, postponing the Los Angeles Lakers’ home matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

At least five people are dead and thousands of homes, businesses and even iconic Hollywood landmarks are either threatened, damaged or already destroyed by what Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called a ‘historic firestorm’ during a late Wednesday night briefing. Authorities warned more injuries and death are possible until the fires can be contained.

Here are more updates on how the Los Angeles fires are impacting the sports world:

NFL moves Rams playoff game vs. Vikings to Arizona

The NFL isn’t waiting any longer for what was trending toward an inevitable decision. The league announced Thursday evening that Monday night’s wild-card game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, which was scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will be moved to Arizona.

‘The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA,’ the league also revealed in a statement.

It’s not the first time the NFL has moved a Monday night contest from Southern California due to wildfires. A matchup between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins in 2003 had to be shifted to Tempe, Arizona. The displaced Chargers lost 26-10. — Nate Davis

Rams send players home after fire breaks out near practice facility

The Los Angeles Rams held practice on Thursday, where smoke plumes were visible from their facility in Woodland Hills, California. The team, however, canceled media availability later in the day so players could head home after a new fire — The Kenneth Fire — broke out nearby in West Hills less than five miles away from their practice facility.

The Kenneth Fire has burned 50 acres so far, according to Cal Fire.

‘Surreal’: Steve Kerr’s childhood home, high school burned down

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says his childhood home in Pacific Palisades was leveled by the Palisades Fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures in just three days, according to Cal Fire. Kerr called the loss ‘devastating’ and ‘shocking.’

‘It’s been tough. My family is fine. My mom is in good hands, but her house is gone,’ Kerr said ahead of the Warriors matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. ‘That’s my hometown and all of my friends who are from there have pretty much all lost their homes, their family homes, their childhood homes. Our whole high school (Palisades Charter High School) is gone. The town looks like it has been completely wiped out.’

Kerr said his parents bought the home in Pacific Palisades in 1969. He said he recently had dinner there two weeks ago with his 90-year-old mother, who is ‘safe and sound’ after evacuating on Tuesday.

Sean McVay: Rams personnel impacted by wildfires

On Thursday, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said some members in the organization have been impacted by the fires, including a couple staff members who had their homes affected.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires,” McVay said. “It’s one of those deals that almost doesn’t feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected. Praying that as many people are okay. You just see the amount of people that are affected, it’s one of those deals that, you know, it gives you perspective. So hopefully get this stuff under control. It’s been a unique week. Unfortunately for us, there’s been some people that have been affected — in regards to power outages (and) recommended evacuation. A couple of our staff members did have their homes affected. But fortunately, to my knowledge, nobody has been injured and you know for that we’re grateful.” — Tyler Dragon

Chargers limit outdoor exposure amid wildfires

The Los Angeles Chargers adjusted their practice schedule this week to limit outdoor exposure for players and staff ahead of their road playoff contest versus the Houston Texans. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters Wednesday that Chargers wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal had an ‘intense night’ as his Calabasas home was impacted by the fires. — Tyler Dragon

Lakers coach JJ Redick loses home in Palisades fire: Report

JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers first-year coach and longtime NBA player, revealed earlier this week that he lives in the Palisades neighborhood in the direct path of the Los Angeles area wildfires raging through the region. Redick said his family was among the more than 100,000 people evacuated from their homes and that they were all safe.

But Redick’s house, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, has not survived the damage caused by the flames.

UCLA cancels men’s volleyball matches

The Bruins were scheduled to host Farleigh Dickinson and St. Francis on Thursday and Friday at Pauley Pavilion, but those matches are off for the time being. UCLA said in its announcement there is a possibility the matches could be rescheduled at a later date. The school announced Wednesday night it would curtail campus operations, canceling undergraduate classes and moing graduate courses to remote instruction the rest of the week.

Pepperdine, Loyola-Marymount women’s basketball games postponed

Two Los Angeles area universities have postponed women’s basketball games scheduled for Thursday night as dangerous wildfires in the region continue to wreak havoc on the community.

Pepperdine, located in Malibu, also announced its WCC game against Portland was postponed ‘due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and restricted access to campus.’ Pepperdine is slated to host Loyola-Marymount in women’s basketball on Saturday. No decision has been made on the status of that game as of Thursday afternoon.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets game postponed due to LA fires

‘The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,’ the NBA statement read. ‘We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.’

Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed earlier this week that he lives in the Palisades community impacted greatly by the wildfires and that his family were among those evacuated from their homes. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also said Tuesday night that his 90-year-old mother was forced to evacuate as well.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL playoffs game update

The Rams confirmed that the NFL’s contingency plan is to move the playoff game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona if it’s deemed unsafe to play at SoFi Stadium on Monday.

‘That is currently only a contingency plan and if that happens we will inform all ticket holders via email what that means for their current tickets,’ the Rams emphasized in their statement. ‘We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with local officials, the NFL and NFLPA. We hope you all are somewhere safe and we hope to see you Monday night.’

Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. loses home, Olympic medals in wildfires

Gary Hall Jr. said the wildfires still raging across the Los Angeles area came so quickly that he had to leave all 10 of his Olympic medals behind. The home he was renting in Pacific Palisades, California, and using as the base for his business was consumed by the fire, destroying almost all his possessions, Hall Jr. told the Sydney Herald.

‘I did think about the medals. I did not have time to get them,’ Hall Jr. said. ‘Everyone wants to know did the medals burn? Yeah, everything burnt. It’s something I can live without. I guess everything is just stuff. It’ll take some hard work to start over. What can you do?’

Hall won back-to-back gold medals in the men’s 50-meter freestyle at the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Olympics. He also won three golds as a member of Team USA’s relay teams in 1996 (Atlanta). In addition, he won three silvers and two bronzes during his Olympic career.

Read more about a scene Hall called ‘worse than any apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen.’

NFL could move Rams-Vikings playoff game to Arizona due to wildfires

The NFL is ready to move the wild-card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings if it can’t be safely played on Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

‘The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires,’ the statement read, in part. ‘We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.’

Historic Los Angeles golf course in wildfire’s path

One of the country’s most historic golf courses, Riviera Country Club, is squarely in the fire’s path. The home of the Genesis Invitational was moved into a mandatory evacuation zone with the blaze unable to be contained yet. The club is set to host its PGA Tour event from Feb. 13-16. The Genesis is considered one of the Tour’s signature events.

The video below shows how close the fires are to Riviera. Here’s more on the potential impact from Golf Week.

Report: Kawhi Leonard steps away from Clippers to help family

Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard has stepped away from the team in order to help members of his family who were forced to evacuate due to the Southern California wildfires, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Leonard — who reportedly purchased a home in the hard-hit Pacific Palisades area in 2021 — will miss the Clippers’ Wednesday night contest in Denver, and it is unclear when he will return to the team.

Los Angeles Kings game postponed

The Los Angeles Kings’ game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night was postponed, the NHL announced.

‘In light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena, NHL Game No. 653, has been postponed,’ the NHL said in a statement issued Wednesday. ‘The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time.’

The league added that a makeup date will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

USA Today reporters Steve Gardner and Scooby Axson contributed to this story

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is among hundreds of Southern California residents who have lost their homes to wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area.

Redick revealed that his family was forced to evacuate their home on Tuesday due to the Palisades Fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres and leveled more than 1,000 structures in just three days, according to Cal Fire.

‘I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in Palisades right now. That’s where I live,’ Redick said Tuesday ahead of the Lakers’ 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. ‘Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming (on Tuesday night), I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.’

On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Redick’s home was lost to the blaze. The Palisades Fire, which has been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, is zero percent contained, as of Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, the NBA announced that Thursday’s matchup between the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Center has been postponed amid the wildfires.

All things Lakers: Latest Los Angeles Lakers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

‘The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,’ the NBA statement read. ‘We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.’

The Lakers added: ‘We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. … Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today.’

Redick is not the only person in the NBA community who has been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires. Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard stepped away from the team after his family was ordered to evacuate, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. Leonard was absent from the Clippers’ 126-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

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The Philadelphia Eagles appear ready to welcome a key bird back to the nest.

After missing the last two weeks with a concussion that he suffered in Week 16, Jalen Hurts was back on the practice field for Philadelphia on Thursday. It was a big step for the quarterback, who has been in the league’s concussion protocol ever since that hit against Washington.

The Eagles are getting set to host a wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, but have their sights set on a Super Bowl run. Now that Hurts doesn’t appear to be hurting anymore, Philly’s offense should get a big boost from their star coming back.

Here’s the latest on the Hurts and if he can clear concussion protocol in time for the postseason opener.

Jalen Hurts injury update

Hurts was a full participant in practice on Thursday, according to the Eagles’ injury report.

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

It represented a notable upgrade in participation after a limited session to kick off the practice week on Wednesday. The quarterback notably hasn’t cleared the league’s concussion protocol, however, meaning there are still steps to take before he can be cleared for Sunday’s game.

Based on the trajectory, it would seem that Hurts is trending towards getting clearance on Friday or Saturday, barring any setbacks.

Kenny Pickett, the Eagles’ backup quarterback, was listed as a limited participant again on Thursday. If Hurts doesn’t gain clearance, Pickett would likely be in line to start against the Packers.

NFL concussion protocol rules

The NFL’s concussion protocol contains five-steps that any player diagnosed with a concussion must pass through before being cleared to return.

Here are the five steps, per the NFL:

Symptom limited activity
Aerobic exercise
Football specific exercise
Club-based non-contact training drills
Full football activity/clearance

Who are the Eagles playing in playoffs?

The Eagles are set to host the Packers in a rematch of their Week 1 game that took place in Brazil. Philadelphia was victorious in that contest, 34-29. Green Bay comes into the game nursing plenty of injuries as well, with QB Jordan Love dealing with an elbow injury in addition to losing WR Christian Watson for the season.

Jalen Hurts stats

Hurts led the Eagles to a 12-3 record in his 15 starts, throwing for 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He posted a career-high completion rate of 68.7% in what was a ground-heavy attack from the Eagles in 2024. Hurts also added 630 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns with his legs.

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In a surprising turn of events, former Georgia football quarterback Carson Beck is reportedly entering the transfer portal, according to multiple reports.

Beck originally declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 28 but appears to have changed his mind on his next move. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Miami is the favorite to land his services, although he’s expected to listen to all offers.

Thamel added Beck is expected to make a decision in the next week.

Beck entered the season expected to be among the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy and the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft but instead had a worse season than he did in 2023, completing 290 of 448 passes (64.7%) for 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, six of which came in Georgia’s top five ranked wins over Texas and Alabama.

In 2023, Beck completed 302 of 417 passes (72.4%) for 3,941 yards with 24 touchdowns to six interceptions in his first season as the starter, albeit he had first-round picks Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey to throw to in 2023.

Miami makes plenty of sense for Beck, as he’s from Jacksonville, Florida, and is also dating Miami women’s basketball guard Hanna Cavinder, one half of the social media star duo ‘Cavinder Twins’ with Haley Cavinder.

The 6-foot-4 signal caller is not yet ranked by 247Sports’ rankings, however, he’s expected to be among the top-ranked recruits of the cycle. The former Georgia starter is hoping to regain the form he showed in 2023 with his final season of eligibility.