The Indianapolis Colts are unofficially going retro on Sunday.

The team promoted recently signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers from its practice squad Saturday ahead of its Week 15 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. According to NFL Media, Rivers will also start his first NFL game in nearly five years − against the league’s second-ranked scoring defense at Lumen Field, historically one of the loudest and most raucous environments in the NFL.

The promotion officially resets Rivers’ Hall of Fame clock. He was a semifinalist for Canton in 2026 but now won’t be eligible again for another five years.

In a corresponding roster move, Indianapolis placed offensive tackle Braden Smith on injured reserve.

The development hardly comes as a surprise given the Colts’ unconventional decision to lure Rivers out of retirement following the team’s rash of injuries behind center − most notably the Achilles tear Daniel Jones suffered last Sunday. In an ironic twist, Jones (and the league) permitted Rivers to wear his customary No. 17, which had been worn all season by the Giants castoff.

Following a 7-1 start that had propelled them to the top of the AFC South, the Colts have lost four of five and officially fell out of the conference’s projected playoff field last weekend. But the team had already signaled its intent for a Super Bowl push with general manager Chris Ballard’s November acquisition of All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. Now it’s up to Rivers, a close friend of head coach Shane Steichen, who also served on the Chargers staff for years when he played for the Bolts, to get Indianapolis where it hasn’t been in nearly two decades.

‘As simple as can be, a coach that I love and an organization that I really enjoyed being with,’ Rivers said this week of his decision to return.

He was also coy about his playing weight, but admitted it wasn’t the same as it was in January of 2021, his most recent NFL start and also the last time the Colts appeared in the postseason.

‘They wanted me,’ Rivers said of returning to the last team he played for, one that still has more than a dozen of his teammates from the 2020 squad.

‘A game I love to play. A game that I thought I was done playing certainly − I wasn’t really hanging onto any hope of playing again. I’d kinda thought that ship had sailed.

‘But something about it excited me. Kinda one of those deals − a door opens, and you can either walk through it and find out if you can do it or run from it.’

Full speed ahead.

Potential rookie QBs for the 2026 draft include Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Former first-round picks Mac Jones and Daniel Jones are possible reclamation projects.

It’s never too early to start looking ahead to the 2026 NFL season – and that’s especially true for the nine teams (with more likely to follow in Week 15) that have already been officially removed from playoff contention in 2025.

Some of them – the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and more to be determined – will be focusing on their cultures at large as they set out to identify new head coaches and, by extension, a change of direction overall.

But other clubs will be prioritizing that most important of roster assets as they strive to solve festering quarterback problems and shed their current – and perhaps perpetual – plight into irrelevance. And while the upcoming draft will doubtless provide options for some organizations, what projects as a fairly limited (and still undefined) supply of top-tier passing prospects seems likely to force several franchises into more creative and/or expensive alternatives.

While not every circumstance is created equal, here are seven* quarterbacks who should draw extensive attention for the squads likely to have a hole to address next season:

Rookies in 2026

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Maybe it’s apt that the newly anointed Heisman Trophy winner has drawn comparisons to recently resurrected Philip Rivers. Mendoza’s size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds – similar to Rivers, in his prime anyway) accuracy, poise, toughness in the pocket and ability to push the ball downfield all speak to that. Mendoza does not have Rivers’ shot put delivery yet does offer better mobility – especially when it comes to pulling the ball in the red zone … though NFL defenders may limit his efficacy as a scoring threat in those circumstances moving forward. Mendoza, 22, is the prohibitive favorite to be the first QB off the draft board next spring with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets projecting as likely options. However other teams might jockey to acquire him given the probability a team like the Giants or Titans, who don’t need young QBs, could be looking to vacate the No. 1 spot.

*Dante Moore, Oregon

It’s easy to spot some Jayden Daniels in his game, from the way Moore glides in the pocket, to the jersey number (5), to the ability to deliver downfield strikes with seeming ease … to the slender build (6-3, 206). But the Daniels label is also an unfair one, Moore lacking the burst (and perhaps proclivity) to set sail on dynamic runs while escaping the pocket – which may not be the worst thing given the injury issues the slightly built Daniels is already running into at the NFL level. But Moore’s ability as a passer could set him apart from his fellow draft class quarterbacks – though it’s simply a matter of whom those guys will be given it’s not certain whether or not he will enter the 2026 draft, hence the asterisk. Moore doesn’t turn 21 until May.

Reclamation projects in 2026?

Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

The former New England Patriots washout has taken advantage of his first year in Kyle Shanahan’s halfway house for first-round busts after moving into Sam Darnold’s room. Jones played so well – winning five of eight starts, completing nearly 70% of his passes and racking up 2,151 yards, 13 TD passes (against 6 INTs) and a career-best 97.4 passer rating – while QB1 Brock Purdy was dealing with a turf toe injury, that he sparked some debate that he should be the Niners’ full-time starter. Though Jones is under contract through the 2026 season, he could be an enticing trade target for teams hoping to find the next Darnold or Baker Mayfield – an experienced NFL player (Jones now has 58 pro starts) who’s still young, has ample upside and wouldn’t command a premium contract. Jones’ low-key cockiness also appeals to a lot of his current and former teammates.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

He seemed to be something of a fallback option when Indy signed him earlier this year. But Jones won the starting job in August, then proceeded to lead the Colts to the top of the AFC South in what projected to be the best NFL season for a guy drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019. Of course, Jones tore his Achilles last weekend and may or may not be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign – which is obviously the bad news. But on the plus side, he might have sufficiently revitalized the Colts, who haven’t extended Jones beyond this season, that it’s possible a bidding war for his services could materialize in the offseason. His no-frills approach, underrated athleticism, respect he quietly commands from a locker room – plus a reduction of the killer turnovers that so often undermined him in Gotham – could make Jones a very attractive option, particularly since he won’t draw anything close to top dollar at the most expensive of NFL positions.

Bridge to somewhere?

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

He’s spent a decade in the league as a backup or stopgap, currently in the latter role, yet has markedly upgraded Arizona’s offense while taking the reins from injured Kyler Murray. Brissett’s 95.3 QB rating and 66.2% completion rate are career bests, and his 245.9 passing yards per game are illustrative of recently tapped potential for a player who had never before averaged even 200 over a season. Depending on how things play out with Murray, staying in the desert might be the best − and maybe obvious given he’s in Year 1 of a two-year pact − course of action for Brissett, who started five times for the New England Patriots in 2024 before Drake Maye took over. But if Murray returns to the Cardinals, Brissett, 33, who’s nearly egoless relative to the position he plays and tends to be embraced in every locker room he graces, figures to have more appeal than fairly similar peers like Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz and Mitchell Trubisky − if Arizona would even be willing to move a valuable player averaging just $6.3 million per season.

Pro Bowl pedigree … with questions

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Yes, he’ll be 38 next season. But if you didn’t see Atlanta’s upset of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night, it’s also apparent Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, still has gas in the tank – spinning it to the tune of 373 yards and three TDs against the Bucs. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s now two years past the Achilles tear that ruined his final season in Minnesota. One of the premier businessmen in NFL history, Cousins seems more interested in an opportunity to start at this point in his career rather than pulling down another massive contract laden with significant guarantees. He’s due a $35 million base salary in 2026 and 2027, but only $10 million guaranteed – total – over the next two years, making it far more likely that Atlanta will release or deal him after this season, assuming Cousins waives his no-trade clause. Cerebral, dedicated and still able to connect with younger teammates, Cousins could be ideal for a decent team biding its time while identifying a long-term solution.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals

As intriguing an option as any, he hasn’t played since Oct. 5 due to a foot injury and won’t return this season. Yet there seems to be some convenience to that organizational approach given how much better the offense has run with Brissett at the controls than it did with Murray, who’s still only 28. There’s no doubting the physical tools of a two-time Pro Bowler. But the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 draft has shown limited progression as a passer and hasn’t been the same threat as a runner as he was earlier in his career. Murray’s dedication and comportment have also been targets of criticism over the years. But the raw talent remains obvious … even if it might need to be mined and refined somewhere else. Murray is under contract through the 2027 season, the 2028 campaign currently constructed as a club option. But his guarantees run out after next year. While a trade (and contractual transfer) would seem to be the optimal exit strategy for Murray and the Cards – if that’s the route the parties eventually choose – incurring a cap hit of nearly $58 million to release him next year might be unavoidable if it’s obvious the relationship between team and player has run its course.

NEW YORK – Indiana redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the school’s first Heisman Memorial Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player Saturday night, capping a stunning two-year turnaround for the Hoosiers, the No. 1 seed in this year’s College Football Playoff.

Mendoza coming out of nowhere to win the award is an understatement, as he was not listed on any of the Heisman Trophy oddsmakers’ lists or the Big Ten Conference’s preseason honors lists.

None of that mattered to the 22-year-old Miami, Florida product, as he completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards. He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes (an Indiana school record), ranked second in passer rating, and was the third Big Ten quarterback since 2000 with three-straight games of at least four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

Mendoza becomes the first Heisman winner from the Big Ten since Ohio State QB Troy Smith won in 2006.

A quarterback winning the Heisman is, of course, no surprise now that 20 of the past 24 winners played the position. Three Alabama players — running backs Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (2020) — and last year’s winner, two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado, are the only non-quarterbacks who have had their personalized identity engraved on the nameplate of the 45-pound trophy.

Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Cal this past offseason, received 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points. Diego Pavia, who put the perennial cellar-dweller Vanderbilt on the map and led them to their first 10-win season in 122 seasons of playing football, was second in the voting (189 first-place votes, 1,435 points).

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love came in third (46, 719) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was fourth (8, 432).

Mendoza was on 95.16% of the total ballots and won all six voting regions.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was fifth in the balloting (and got 17 first-place votes), followed by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King rounded out the top 10.

Before getting back to business and preparing for the College Football Playoff, where the top-seeded Hoosiers will take on the winner of No. 8 seed Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, Mendoza, who is full‑time Master of Business Administration student at Indiana’s Kelley School of Business, spent the week racking up lots of other awards, taking home the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award and the AP College Football Player of the Year award.

Mendoza’s journey to the top of college football was a story in itself. Playing at Christopher Columbus High School, a private Catholic school, he was a two-star recruit and was ranked the 72nd-best quarterback prospect in his class by ESPN. With only one Power Four scholarship offer, Mendoza initially committed to Yale before shifting his focus to California. 

Even after arriving at Berkeley, he didn’t find immediate success, redshirting in 2022, but took control the next season, starting the final eight games for the Bears. Over three seasons at Cal, he threw 30 touchdowns, achieving that success despite playing for three different offensive coordinators. 

But transferring 2,200 miles east to Bloomington proved an easy decision, as his younger brother, Alberto, was already on the roster as a quarterback and he had earned his undergraduate degree from Cal in just three years. And despite a playoff appearance last season, Indiana still entered the season with the most losses in college football history, was 9-27 in the three seasons before coach Curt Cignetti arrived, and had not won a bowl game since 1991.

This season, with expectations through the roof, the Hoosiers were ranked No. 19 in the preseason AFCA Coaches Poll, and they dominated their first eight opponents, including a major road win against then-No. 3 Oregon, setting the stage for Mendoza’s two Heisman moments.

On Nov. 8, the Hoosiers trailed Penn State 24-20 with 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite being sacked on the drive’s first play, Mendoza completed four straight passes before delivering the game-winning throw, a strike to Omar Cooper Jr., who made an exceptional catch for a 7-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds remaining to finish the 10-play, 80-yard drive and keep their undefeated season alive. 

In the season’s biggest moment in the Big Ten Championship game against top-ranked Ohio State, Mendoza led Indiana on a crucial drive to start the second half, completing a 51-yarder to Charlie Becker before throwing his only touchdown pass, a 17-yarder to Elijah Sarratt.

He then clinched the game late in the fourth quarter, connecting with Becker again for a 33-yard gain to convert a third down, allowing Indiana to run down most of the clock and win their first Big Ten championship since 1967.

Now, Mendoza, who is the seventh transfer to win the Heisman in the last nine years, will attempt to lead his team to another unprecedented accomplishment – a first national championship.

Two tickets to the NCAA volleyball Final Four have been punched, with No. 1 seeds Pitt and Kentucky advancing on Saturday.

The Panthers and Wildcats await their opponents. The regional semifinals conclude on Sunday, Dec. 14. Pitt will play the winner of Nebraska vs. Texas A&M (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Kentucky will play the winner of Wisconsin vs. Texas (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Nebraska is the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed and looking for its first championship since 2017 and first under coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Setter Bergen Reilly, middle blocker Rebekah Allick and middle blocker Andi Jackson have led the Huskers to a 33-0 record.

Texas, the final No. 1 seed, is 13-1 on its home floor and will host the regional final at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin.

The Final Four will be held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The two semifinal matches will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

When is NCAA women’s volleyball regional final?

Date: Dec. 14
Time: Two matches Sunday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed on ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

NCAA volleyball regional final: Times, TV

All times Eastern

Saturday, Dec. 13

No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 3 Creighton 0
No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 3 Purdue 1

Sunday, Dec. 14

No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Nebraska, 3 p.m. | ABC
No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 1 Texas, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21
The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

Round of 16 volleyball results

Thursday, Dec. 11

No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 2 Arizona State 1
No. 1 Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0
No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 4 Minnesota 0
No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 2 SMU 1

Friday, Dec. 12

No. 1 Texas 3, No. 4 Indiana 0 
No. 3 Wisconsin 3, No. 2 Stanford 1 
No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 2 Louisville 2
No. 1 Nebraska 3, No. 4 Kansas 0

NCAA volleyball second-round results

Lexington bracket

No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

2024: Penn State
2023: Texas
2022: Texas
2021: Wisconsin
2020: Kentucky
2019: Stanford
2018: Stanford
2017: Nebraska
2016: Stanford
2015: Nebraska

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have surprised many hockey observers this season with strong play, which has put them challenging for a Stanley Cup playoff position with a 14-8-8 record. But the Penguins suffered a significant blow with the injury of star center Evgeni Malkin, and now, the Pens’ playoff hopes are in significant jeopardy.

Before Malkin was sidelined following last Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 39-year-old had been thriving, posting 21 assists and 29 points in 26 games. Malkin hadn’t been producing points at a point-per-game pace or better since 2022-23, when he had 83 points in 82 games.

Only fellow superstar pivot Sidney Crosby (34 points in 30 games) has produced more offense than Malkin has this season. Replacing his scoring is going to be a herculean task for the Pens players who are healthy enough to play.

To wit: other than right winger Bryan Rust (26 points), defenseman Erik Karlsson (22 points) and right winger Anthony Mantha (20 points), no Penguins player has more than 15 points. And there are no young players either on the Pens roster right now or on their American League affiliate who can come in and generate at the same pace Malkin had been. Malkin’s replacement on the second line is 34-year-old veteran Kevin Hayes, who has had his own health issues this year that have limited him to 154 games. 

In that span, Hayes has only three goals and five points. The Penguins have $14.3 million in salary cap space, but it’s not as if there’s an abundance of second-line centers available on the trade block.

Thus, if there is going to be replacement-level offense in Malkin’s stead, it’s going to have to come internally. But with due respect to everyone on Pittsburgh’s depth chart.

Malkin is listed as week-to-week with his injury, but we should all know by now that teams are loath to give a realistic appraisal of their players’ health status. It’s not out of the question that Malkin may be out of the lineup well into the new calendar year. If it does take that long for Malkin to return, his injury could put nails in the coffin of Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes – not all of the nails – but enough to give Pens fans a sobering look at the competitive state of this team. 

With the parity in the league, it’s true to say that most, if not all, of the teams in the NHL could have their playoff hopes snuffed out when a key player is sidelined for a long stretch of time. And that’s certainly true of the Penguins and Malkin’s injury.

Pittsburgh has probably overachieved to be where it is in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference standings. Without one of their two best players, a slide down the ranks of teams is almost assuredly looming for the Pens.

Malkin is no longer in his prime, but he’s shown this season that he still has a lot left to offer. Unfortunately, he leaves a gigantic hole in the lineup, and it’s a hole that isn’t likely to be adequately filled. If the Penguins do falter in the days and weeks to come, Malkin’s injury could be pointed to as a key reason Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

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The San Antonio Spurs held off the Oklahoma City Thunder in a battle that remained close throughout the fourth quarter. As a result of the victory, the Spurs will remain in Las Vegas and take on the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday.

The 7-foot-5 star produced 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks against the defending champion Thunder. Wembanyama shot 6-of-11 from the field.

The Thunder’s loss snapped a 16-game win streak and was just their second loss of the season.

Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox each produced 22 points while Devin Vassell added 23 points for the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a team-high 29 points in the loss for the Thunder.

Here’s what you missed from Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:

Spurs vs. Thunder highlights

Final: Spurs 111, Thunder 109

The Spurs hold on to the lead and beat the Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinal.

3Q: Spurs 78, Thunder 77

De’Aaron Fox had a team-high 19 points for the Spurs through the first three quarters of play. Stephon Castle has produced 16 points while Victor Wembanyama has added seven points and eight rebounds.

Spurs lead Thunder in third quarter

The Spurs have outscored the Thunder 22-16 in the third quarter. San Antonio leads Oklahoma City 71-65 with 4:25 left in the third quarter.

Halftime: Thunder 49, Spurs 46

The Spurs received a boost when Victor Wembanyama came off the bench in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to take over the game early on.

The Thunder produced a 14-2 scoring run against the Spurs.

The Spurs’ 13-0 scoring run to end the first half makes it a 3-point game.

Victor Wembanyama plays in second quarter

Victor Wembanyama helps the Spurs close the gap early in the second quarter against the Thunder.

The Spurs cut into the Thunder’s lead at 33-29 with 8:33 left in the first half.

He had two points, four rebounds and two assists in his first three minutes of play.

1Q: Thunder 31, Spurs 20

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 10 points for the Thunder in the first quarter against the Spurs. Stephon Castle had seven points for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama did not play in the first quarter.

Thunder lead Spurs early

The Thunder have produced a 14-4 lead early in the first quarter against the Spurs. Wembanyama has not checked into the game. The Spurs were 2-for-10 from the field with 7:45 left in the first quarter.

Spurs starting lineup vs. Thunder

De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and Luke Kornet make up the Spurs’ starting lineup tonight against the Thunder.

Victor Wembanyama coming off Spurs’ bench

Victor Wembanyama will come off the bench for the Spurs on Saturday. Wembanyama has missed the past 12 games due to a left calf strain injury. He had not played in a game since Nov. 14.

What time is Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Cup game today?

The San Antonio Spurs will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the second semifinal of the NBA Cup.

How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Cup game: TV, live streaming

The game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder will be live-streamed nationally on Amazon Prime Video.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)
TV: None
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Watch NBA Cup games with Amazon Prime Video

Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault has found himself in the rumor mill. 

Back on Dec. 6, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that teams have reached out to the Kings asking about Danault’s availability. 

Danault’s generating interest comes in the middle of the 32-year-old  center having a tough start to the 2025-26 season. In 30 games so far this season with the Kings, the Victoriaville, Quebec, native has yet to score a goal and has recorded just five assists.

Yet, Danault’s strong two-way play and past success is likely what is making teams call about the veteran forward. He also has bounce-back potential, as he recorded 43 points in 80 games last season for Los Angeles. He also recorded at least 47 points in the three seasons before 2023-24. 

Due to all of this, let’s look at three teams that could be strong fits for Danault.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens need a boost at the center position, and Danault is a player they know well, as he played six seasons for them from 2015-21. Seravalli also recently reported that the Canadiens are one of the teams with interest in Danault. 

If the Canadiens brought back Danault, he would give them another option to consider for their second-line center spot. Additionally, he would be an obvious choice for their penalty kill because of his strong defensive play. 

Minnesota Wild

When looking at the Wild’s roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another center. Due to this, they could make sense as a suitor for Danault.

If the Wild acquired Danault, he would have the potential to give their top nine a nice boost if he bounced back with the change of scenery. Furthermore, with the Wild being one of the NHL’s hottest teams right now and recently acquiring Quinn Hughes, it would be understandable if they are eager to continue strengthening their roster. 

Utah Mammoth 

The Mammoth have been struggling as of late, losing three of their last four games and seven out of their last 10. With this, they now have a 15-15-3 record and are fourth in the Central Division. Could this lead to them looking to add to their roster and take a chance on a veteran like Danault? 

When looking at Utah’s lineup, they could use another impactful center. Danault would be a welcome addition to their middle six if he turns things around. He would also offer the Mammoth another veteran to help mentor their younger players, which would be a nice bonus for a Utah team looking to make the playoffs. 

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The 2025 fantasy football playoffs are officially underway.

In the playoffs, start-sit decisions become significantly more magnified. Make the wrong call and your season could be over in the blink of an eye. To assist with your most difficult lineup decisions, you’ll find Week 15 fantasy football rankings below (scroll to the bottom for complete rankings). Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at the USA TODAY Sports Network also has you covered for all your fantasy football needs. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Be sure to check out the rest of our Week 15 fantasy content as well.

Start/sit: Overall | Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end

Analysis: 11 streamers for Week 15 | 13 risers and sleepers

Given the volatility of this league and fantasy football in particular, these rankings will be updated up to a half hour before the Sunday afternoon games kick off. Let’s get to it.

Week 15 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Top streamers

Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy at Dallas Cowboys – The idea of streaming McCarthy might make you want to vomit, but he is one of the best widely available options. McCarthy is coming off a 20.4-point performance against the Commanders in which he completed 70% of his passes and threw for three touchdowns. The 22-year-old has now amassed 16.7 or more fantasy points in four of his seven starts. In Week 15, he’ll take on a Cowboys defense that’s allowing 3.2 more fantasy points per game to the position than any other team in the NFL.
Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota at New York Giants – Mariota has dropped at least 16.4 fantasy points in five of his six starts, including 18.7 and 24.3 in two of his last three. He’s a top streamer against a Giants defense that’s ceded more than 18 fantasy points to the position in seven of their last eight games.
New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough vs. Carolina Panthers – Is Tyler Shough a legitimate streaming option in the fantasy playoffs? He might just be. The rookie has eclipsed 18 fantasy points in three of his last four outings. Last week saw him rack up a career-high 55 rush yards and two tuddies on the ground. In Week 15, Shough will face a Panthers defense that he tore up for 282 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10.
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders at Chicago Bears – Sanders was QB2 in Week 15, posting 393 total yards and four touchdowns on his way to 34.5 fantasy points. The rookie will have a chance to build on that performance in Week 15, against a Bears team that’s surrendering the ninth-most fantasy points to the position this season.

Week 15 fantasy football running back rankings: Top streamers

New York Giants RB Devin Singletary vs. Washington Commanders – In the four weeks prior to New York’s bye, Singletary was fantasy’s overall RB14, averaging 12.1 half-PPR points per game. The 28-year-old averaged 15.3 opportunities (targets + carries) in his final three games before the bye, and had reached double-digits in five consecutive games. This week, he’ll take on a Commanders front that’s giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing runners since Week 4.
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. at New York Giants – In 2025, only the Bengals are surrendering more fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Giants. New York is allowing an NFL-high 6.1 yards per attempt, and Rodriguez has recorded double-digit carries in four of his last five games. While the 25-year-old offers no value in the passing game, this defense has given up the second-most yards and sixth-most touchdowns on the ground to the position. If Rodriguez ends up being inactive, both Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols offer flex appeal.
Los Angeles Rams RB Blake Corum vs. Detroit Lions – Corum erupted for 131 yards and two touchdowns on 13 touches last week, which means he might end up in a lot of lineups in Week 15. There is reason to exercize caution, however. Kyren Williams still had a strong lead in snaps (36 to 22) and routes (18 to 9). Additionally, the Rams will be taking on a Lions team that funnels to the pass. So far in 2025, the Lions have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and the second-most to wideouts. Starting Corum is one way to get exposure to one of the league’s most potent offenses, but don’t expect another explosive performance.

Week 15 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Top streamers

Carolina Panthers WR Jalen Coker at New Orleans Saints – Prior to Carolina’s Week 14 bye, we saw Coker lead the team with six targets. Against a tough Rams secondary, Coker caught four of his six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown. The 24-year-old has now received at least four targets in four consecutive outings. Coker will be an intriguing flex option against a Saints secondary that has ceded more than 14 half-PPR points to 10 different receivers this season.
Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed at Denver Broncos – In just his first game back last week, Reed returned to his regular role as the Packers’ slot receiver. Despite playing just 43% of snaps, Reed finished just two routes behind Romeo Doubs for second on the team (17 to 19), and his six touches (four receptions, two carries) were the most behind only Josh Jacobs. A tough matchup with Denver awaits, but Reed’s ceiling is high compared to most other widely available players at the position.
New Orleans Saints WR Devaughn Vele vs. Carolina Panthers – Since New Orleans returned from its Week 11 bye, Vele has been the team’s clear WR1B. This past week, the 28-year-old finished tied for the team lead in snaps (54) and targets (5), while ending up with just two fewer routes than teammate Chris Olave (22 to 24). Vele led the team in receiving for a second consecutive week, though his 3-40-0 line was a far cry from his 8-93-1 line in Week 13. The veteran will be a decent flex option against a Carolina team that’s allowed double-digit half-PPR points to 10 wide receivers in as many games.
New England Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte vs. Buffalo Bills – Boutte is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward flex play at wideout. In 10 healthy contests, Bouttle has posted at least 11.5 half-PPR points five times and fewer than six points on four occasions. He’s a widely-available top-40 play against a Bills defense that’s surrendered double-digit half-PPR points to 12 wideouts in 2025.

Week 15 fantasy football tight end rankings: Top streamers

Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely at Cincinnati Bengals – In 2024, the Los Angeles Rams gave up a league-leading 15.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends. The 2025 Bengals are beating that number by an astonishing 8.2 half-PPR points. Cincinnati has surrendered 325 more yards and six more touchdowns to the position than any other team in the NFL. Meanwhile, Likely has out-targeted veteran Mark Andrews over the last two games, and he has outgained him by 64 yards. The 25-year-old could also easily have three touchdowns over those two contests. No one should be shocked if Likely finishes as a top-three tight end in Week 15.
Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki vs. Baltimore Ravens – Last year, in the five games that Tee Higgins missed, Gesicki averaged 7.2 targets, 62.4 receiving yards, and 10.8 half-PPR points. Fresh off a game in which he nearly doubled his season’s output, Gesicki is a borderline TE1 with Higgins out of the lineup.

Week 15 fantasy football rankings: PPR and non-PPR

Fernando Mendoza has been given a lifelong membership to college football’s most hallowed and selective brotherhood.

The Indiana football quarterback was named the 2025 recipient of the Heisman Trophy on Saturday in New York City. He beat out Vanderbilt and Ohio State quarterbacks Diego Pavia and Julian Sayin, respectively, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the annual award that’s given out to the best player in college football.

Mendoza received 2,362 votes from Heisman Trophy voters, including 643 first-place votes.

There has not been an Indiana player to have won the Heisman Trophy before Mendoza, making Saturday’s award ceremony inside Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room another ‘first’ that Mendoza has led the program to during his first season in Bloomington.

Heading into the College Football Playoff, Mendoza leads Division I FBS quarterbacks with 33 touchdown passes, two more than Sayin and Baylor and North Texas quarterbacks Sawyer Robertson and Drew Mestemaker, respectively.

‘Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light. You’re my Why. You’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifice, courage, love those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m gonna carry through my side through my entire life,’ Mendoza said. ‘You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.

‘Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.’

Mendoza also thanked his grandparents in Spanish, saying: ‘And for my grandparents: Por el amor y sacrificio de mis padres y abuelos, los quiero mucho. De toda mi corazon, de toda gracias.’ (For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you. With all my heart, thank you).

Fernando Mendoza Heisman Trophy speech

Here’s a look at Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy speech:

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WASHINGTON, DC — John Cena ends his wrestling career in defeat.

The iconic WWE wrestler lost the final match of his storied run, as Gunther emerged victorious at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13.

After a thrilling battle that had several twists and turns, it came down to the Sleeper Hold.

Toward the end of the match, punches were traded when the two stars got to their feet, and it was Gunther who broke it with a powerbomb. He followed it with a Frog Splash and Cena avoided the loss, but Gunther didn’t stop, hitting another Sleeper Hold. Cena got up several times but Gunther continued to drag him back down. Just when Cena broke out of it, Gunther locked it back in.

Cena got out one more time to land the AA but the pin didn’t work, and it was immediately followed up with another submission hold. The crowd chanted ‘don’t give up’ as Cena started to fade. The referee checked Cena’s hand and he was able to keep it up before the three-count.

But Gunther kept the hold on. Cena finally tapped out and Gunther won to stun the crowd.

With the result, Cena’s wrestling career is complete. The Massachusetts native made his WWE debut in June 2002 and went on a historic 23-year run in the company. He was the face of wrestling for nearly two decades, embarking on several notable feuds with a ton great moments and championship reigns. 

At Money in the Bank 2024, Cena announced 2025 would be his final year of in-ring competition, beginning a farewell tour that took place across the world and would culminate at Capital One Arena in the nation’s capital.

A tournament was held to determine who would get the opportunity to be Cena’s final opponent, and Gunther emerged as the winner, defeating LA Knight in the final for the right to face the future WWE Hall of Famer. Now, Gunther gets the honor of beating Cena in his final match.

With his wrestling career over, Cena ends as a 17-time WWE Champion – the most in company history – as well as a Grand Slam Champion – with reigns as the Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team Champion. He also won the 2012 Money in the Bank match and is a two-time Royal Rumble match winner, in 2008 and 2013. 

It likely won’t be the last time Cena appears in WWE, but the last time was now for him as a wrestler.