As we enter a new year, we shine a spotlight on the 2026 NBA Draft, which features a loaded class with multiple potential stars set to enter the league.

We are still a couple months away from March Madness and even further from the pre-draft process. But the draft just became more intriguing after the Trae Young trade considering the Atlanta Hawks, currently projected with a top pick, are potentially in the market for a new point guard and might find themselves in a position to select one.

Across the board, meanwhile, several names are already emerging as future game changers in the pros. Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and AJ Dybantsa have all but locked up three of the top spots. However, some other one-and-done candidates such as Kingston Flemings and Caleb Wilson are knocking on that door as names to know for teams preparing to draft early.

We also have some fun collegiate returners who successfully used the transfer portal to maximize their potential, such as Cameron Carr, Yaxel Lendeborg, Henri Veesaar, and Aday Mara.

What’s also notable about this class: Many of the prospects who previously would have played overseas, such as Hannes Steinbach or Neoklis Avdalas, are centralized to the NCAA. That makes evaluations even easier one-to-one comparisons against similar competition.

Some of the players not on the list that you might have expected to see (Chris Cenac Jr., Isaiah Evans, Meleek Thomas, Dame Sarr, Brayden Burries, and Flory Bidunga) are excluded only because we currently project they will return to college for another season. With NIL money now so massive, there is less urgency than ever for players to declare for the pros.

Expect them to appear on future mock drafts, though, if they do declare for the draft. For now, we are only focusing on the first round.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Indiana Pacers: AJ Dybantsa

TEAM: BYU
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Massachusetts
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 19

AJ Dybantsa is not the consensus No. 1 pick right now but that might not last long. He recently became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double, per FOX Sports. Dybantsa has notched at least 20 points eight games in a row, capable of throwing down windmill dunks in a half-court offense. The freshman is nearly as impactful and active on defense, too. Just one year removed from an appearance in the NBA Finals, the Pacers are now in a position to add one of the top prospects to their rotation once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles tendon injury. If he keeps playing at this level, given his versatility as a 6-foot-9 scorer and playmaker, he can become a superstar.

2. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Darryn Peterson

TEAM: Kansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 19

With an unprotected pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Derik Queen trade during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Hawks will have a chance to find a great young player to replace Trae Young if Darryn Peterson does not go No. 1 overall. Even though a nagging hamstring injury has limited his minutes for Kansas this season, his ceiling as a floor general projects him as one of the best guards in the league for years to come. Peterson is already advanced well beyond his years and he would change the trajectory of this organization no matter where he is selected.

3. Sacramento Kings: Cameron Boozer

TEAM:Duke
POSITION: Big
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 18

The Kings have struggled to find an identity and look destined for one of the top picks in the draft. Duke’s Cameron Boozer should immediately jump off the page for them, and he can potentially contribute right away. Their front office could add a ready-to-win player who has made the game look shockingly easy since he was in high school. That has already translated beyond the wildest expectations to the NCAA. It is worth noting that Boozer makes more sense as a four than as a five, but wherever he plays, he could return tremendous value.

4. Washington Wizards: Caleb Wilson

TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Big
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 19

When the Wizards evaluate the young talent potentially available to them, like any team drafting early regardless of need, they should have the name Caleb Wilson highlighted and underlined on their big board. As a freshman, he currently leads the nation in dunks, per Bart Torvik. He is also a rebounding machine and Washington should want a reliable double-double in the frontcourt who can make a ridiculously strong defensive impact. He is the type of player who can potentially tie everything together on the court no matter where he is selected.

5. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings

TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Texas
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 19

It is incredibly rare to find a freshman guard capable of putting up eight steals in a game against a high-major opponent, but that is exactly what Houston freshman Kingston Flemings did early in his NCAA tenure against Florida State. But when you add in the fact that he is also scoring and distributing so comfortably and confidently on the other side of the floor, Flemings has certainly made a strong case for himself as a top-tier guard prospect. Now that Keyonte George has emerged as such a valuable player for the Jazz, they could add some more young talent next to him for an exciting backcourt duo of the future. Utah could seriously use his help, too. They currently have the worst defensive rating in the league, per NBA.com.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr.

TEAM: Louisville
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20

After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will likely have yet another opportunity to add another difference-maker in the lottery. Brooklyn could have a complicated decision about whether or not it makes sense to add another young guard. But they will seriously consider Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr. He still needs to improve his efficiency from the field but has some moments where he looks like a potential NBA All-Star. Brown is excellent at driving and slashing to the rim from the perimeter and he was a serious standout for Team USA during the FIBA U19 World Cup.

7. Charlotte Hornets: Jayden Quaintance

TEAM: Kentucky
POSITION: Big
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 18

Despite getting a late start to the season after transferring from Arizona State, sophomore big man Jayden Quaintance showed immediate flashes once making his debut for Kentucky. He is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and has an unmistakable presence whenever he is on the court. Quaintance might continue to have a slow start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus injury, and fractured knee. But he is worth every second of that patience for a team that has struggled on defense like the Hornets considering what he can bring to an NBA court.

8. Chicago Bulls: Patrick Ngongba II

TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Big
BORN: Virginia
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 20

The Bulls do not have a projected starting center of the future and it might be worth a shot to throw a dart on Patrick Ngongba II, who is a bit underrated at this point in the year but should continue his ascension as the season continues. Ngongba is an above-average passer for his position who is at the top of his game when passing to a cutting perimeter player. He is also a solid rim protector with a strong future as a likely starter and is already on a very encouraging development track, displaying impressive year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Labaron Philon

TEAM: Alabama
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Alabama
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 20

The ability to select an NBA-ready guard like Labaron Philon would feel like a dream for the Mavericks, especially as Kyrie Irving gets older, with D’Angelo Russell potentially coming off the books. Philon ranks as one of the NCAA’s leaders in points created either from a basket or an assist. He is a phenomenal pick-and-roll passer who has taken a massive year-over-year leap from his freshman campaign to his sophomore season now that he is shooting much more efficiently on 3-pointers.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Bennett Stirtz

TEAM: Iowa
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 22

The Bucks are potentially drafting from a difficult place considering how much uncertainty seems to surround the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. But while he is a part of the organization, Milwaukee ought to find someone who fits his timeline, and that player is Bennett Stirtz. Despite transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class creating his own shot off the dribble. The Bucks play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach

TEAM: Washington
POSITION: Big
BORN: Germany
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 20

It’s remarkable that after winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. Yet they are still owed a pick from the Los Angeles Clippers and they could use it to replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an unbelievable rebounder, especially on the offensive glass, who shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup. This is potentially a bit higher than most others will have him projected at this point in the season, but Oklahoma City’s front office isn’t typically afraid to go against the grain in its draft room. If they like a guy, they’ll call his name, and this is the type of player they typically like.

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat

TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Big
BORN: Arizona
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19

The Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their off-the-charts athleticism, which means players like Koa Peat will probably have some appeal. Add in that Portland assistant general manager Mike Schmitz went to college at Arizona, where Peat is currently thriving, and this seems like an ideal match given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He needs a jumper to carve out minutes as a pro, but if and when that comes along, we’re looking at a long-term rotation player.

13. Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg

TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: New Jersey
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 23

Some scouts will have doubts about Yaxel Lendeborg because of his age, but at the end of the day, it is impossible to deny his productivity. He feels like the type of player who fans will look back on and wonder why he was not picked earlier, considering how productive he was, and the Grizzlies tend to wind up with those kinds of players. Lendeborg found the game later in life, only playing 11 total high school basketball games. Now, after transferring from UAB to Michigan, he has become arguably the best player in the NCAA.

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Nate Ament

TEAM: Tennessee
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Virginia
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 19

Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and is not showing much athleticism with very few dunks for someone his height. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and some raw skills that just can’t be taught, it is unlikely he would fall out of the lottery conversation. It only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table and maybe the Spurs could use this pick from the Atlanta Hawks to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.

15. Golden State Warriors: Christian Anderson

TEAM: Texas Tech
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 20

Perhaps the biggest breakout player on mock drafts and big boards right now is Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson. Now playing point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to last year’s freshman season. Anderson has turned himself into one of the best scorers and most prolific 3-point shooters in the NCAA, and his game should scale well to the next level – especially playing for a coach known to maximize that, such as Steve Kerr.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Cameron Carr

TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Minnesota
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 21

One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He checks multiple boxes as someone who is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip, while also providing high-end value as a defender by using his 7-foot-2 wingspan. Carr is athletic, versatile, efficient and impactful enough to find a role on a team smart enough to select him. The Grizzlies have typically done a great job of finding players exactly like that.

17. Toronto Raptors: Darius Acuff Jr.

TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Michigan
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19

Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. is sensational at creating a bucket – for himself or his teammates. He looks like one of the most promising lead guards in the draft, already thriving as a ball handler when operating the pick-and-roll for the Razorbacks. While he is a bit undersized, there is not much else to dislike about his game. He is fast, can throw lobs to teammates, and is shooting well. This is one of the most perfect team-player fits in this mock draft.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Keaton Wagler

TEAM: Illinois
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Kansas
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 19

While he was not considered a projected one-and-done prospect or even a five-star recruit coming out of high school, Keaton Wagler has burst onto the scene with authority as a superb freshman. He has had a few games with at least 20 points, shooting accurately both off the catch and the dribble. Wagler has also checked other boxes in his stat sheet, rebounding and passing fairly well for his position and rarely turning the ball over.

19. Miami Heat: Neoklis Avdalas

TEAM: Virginia Tech
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Greece
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 20

With his first dozen games playing collegiate basketball, Neoklis Avdalas recorded multiple 30-point performances, while tallying at least six assists in half of those 12 games. Teams tend to fall in love with tall playmakers such as Avdalas, so expect the two-time Greek League Best Young Player to continue to rise on draft boards as the season moves forward and he ends up getting selected by a smart scouting department like the Heat.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López

TEAM: International (Australia)
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Mexico
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19

The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Terrance Ferguson, Josh Giddey and Ousmane Dieng. They could return to that well again by selecting Karim Lopez with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, he is widely seen as the top prospect from this class who is currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.

21. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Thomas Haugh

TEAM: Florida
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Pennsylvania
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 22

After winning a national championship with the Gators last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. He is an incredibly skilled basketball player who does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team and he can serve as a glue guy for an emerging team such as the Hawks.

22. Los Angeles Lakers: Joshua Jefferson

TEAM: Iowa State
POSITION: Big
BORN: Nevada
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 22

For a team that already has Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the freshly revamped scouting department for the Lakers will look for players who can help them win immediately. Do-it-all Iowa State senior Joshua Jefferson perfectly fits that bill. Nothing that he does is particularly flashy, but he can almost certainly contribute for a contender as a truly ready-to-win dribble-pass-shoot forward.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tounde Yessoufou

TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Benin
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20

Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have the same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the Timberwolves.

25. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar

TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Big
BORN: Estonia
HEIGHT: 7-0
DRAFT AGE: 22

After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has the archetypal dunks-and-3s shot profile on offense. He is shooting efficiently on both, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.

26. Boston Celtics: Aday Mara

TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Spain
HEIGHT: 7-3
DRAFT AGE: 21

As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The giant 7-foot-3 big man is a fantastic rim protector and he can pass effectively, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins

TEAM: Connecticut
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Indiana
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 19

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald’s All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But now that he has returned to action for the Huskies, he has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. The freshman had it all on display against Xavier, scoring 17 points while making five 3-pointers. He also added six rebounds, four assists and two steals during the performance.

27. Denver Nuggets: Tyler Tanner

TEAM: Vanderbilt
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Tennessee
HEIGHT: 6-0
DRAFT AGE: 20

It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise it’s Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, he has found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Nuggets. His performance on Jan. 7 against Alabama included 29 points, seven assists and four steals.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Sergio de Larrea

TEAM: International (Spain)
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Spain
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20

It is probably safe to assume that Oklahoma City won’t use all three of its projected first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft because the Thunder don’t have the roster space. But if they do, expect to see them linked to a few international players who are potential draft-and-stash candidates such as Sergio de Larrea. While he has slowed down since a hot start to the season for Valencia, he has shot the ball well all season.

29. Detroit Pistons: Milan Momcilovic

TEAM: Iowa State
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Wisconsin
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 21

While they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic, who is having one of the most statistically dominant shooting seasons, both from beyond the arc and from midrange, among any prospect in the nation.

30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Morez Johnson Jr.

TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Illinois
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the basket even without dunking very often. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is the frontrunner to win the NFL MVP award.
Stafford led the NFL with a career-high 46 touchdown passes and 4,707 passing yards this season.
The 37-year-old quarterback overcame an offseason back injury and potential trade talks.

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Los Angeles Rams guard Steve Avila still finds it surreal that he’s teammates with Matthew Stafford.

“There are times like I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s Matthew Stafford.’ Like, I was 9 years old when he got drafted,” Avila told USA TODAY Sports. “It is awesome. I mean, especially just with the season that he’s had, and just being able to be a part of that is just amazing.”

Avila’s elementary school recollection of Stafford might make the 37-year-old feel old, but the quarterback’s performed this year like an aging fine red wine.  

Stafford led the NFL and broke a franchise record with a career-high 46 touchdown passes to just eight interceptions. Those 46 touchdowns are the second-most thrown in a single season by an NFL quarterback age 37 or older. Additionally, he became the third player in NFL history with at least 45 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions in a season, according to NFL Research. His 4,707 passing yards also topped the league.

Stafford threw four touchdown passes in Week 18 alone and became third player in NFL history with multiple touchdown passes in 15 games in a season. He earned his fourth career player of the week honor for his performance in the team’s season finale.

‘He is the MVP’

The Rams quarterback’s statistics indicate he’s defying Father Time, and he might’ve just capped off the best regular season of his career.

Stafford is the frontrunner to win MVP, courtesy of BetMGM as of Jan. 4. For all his plaudits, the Super Bowl 56 champion and three-time Pro Bowler has never won the award.

Rams players believe the award should be added this year to Stafford’s already impressive resume.

“He is the MVP. There’s no ifs ands or buts about it,” Rams running back Blake Corum told USA TODAY Sports. “The season he’s had is ridiculous. The career he’s had is just tremendous.”

MVP voting for the regular season concluded on Monday. The recipient of the award won’t be revealed until the NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 5.

“I hope everybody has their head screwed on right and knows exactly that he’s the most valuable person in the league,” Avila said.

Stafford had a humble response when asked by USA TODAY Sports about his MVP candidacy and diverted the credit to the team.

“As far as being a candidate, I just wanted to play as good as I possibly can this year like I do every season,” Stafford said. “Obviously, I have great football players around me and coaches around me that give myself and our offense a chance and opportunity to succeed. We were able to do that.”

Stafford: ‘I didn’t know if I would get there’

What makes Stafford’s stellar year even more impressive is what he’s overcome this season – a campaign that almost didn’t happen.

The Rams granted Stafford’s agent permission to speak to other teams about a trade last February, before the sides agreed to a contract restructure later that month. But a subsequent aggravated disk in his back would cause Stafford to miss most of training camp.

“There were some lean moments. It was touch and go there for a little bit,” Stafford recalled. “A lot of treatments and things that I did to try and help myself get to this point. I didn’t know if I would get there but I went out there and it was wait and see, let’s see what happens. Luckily it turned out pretty good.”

Pretty good is an understatement. Stafford started all 17 regular-season games, led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns and is an odds-on favorite to win MVP.

Stafford’s now about to embark on another playoff journey in his fifth season as the Rams QB. Following a 2021 blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions, Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl title his first season in Los Angeles. Stafford and the Rams have their sights set on another Lombardi Trophy, and maybe some additional hardware for the trophy case along the way.

“What a guy that you just watch that is totally present. He’s enjoying the moment and I think that’s when we’re at our best. I think this team has taken on a lot of the great traits, the toughness mentally and physically, and just the overall enjoyment for the chance to go compete, but also the ability to celebrate your teammates. He’s elevated everybody that he’s around, but it’s been really impressive,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised though. This has been consistent for him over the five years that we’ve been together. I’m just grateful to be able to have the opportunity to be partnered up with him.”

Ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates are competing for a record-breaking seventh U.S. championship title.
The pair achieved a season-best score in their rhythm dance at the 2026 U.S. figure skating championships.
Chock and Bates are expected to compete in their fourth Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
The duo has hinted that this current competitive season, culminating in the Olympics, could be their last.

ST. LOUIS — Pretty soon, U.S. Figure Skating may have to name its national championship ice dance event the “Madison Chock and Evan Bates Invitational.”

It’s mostly a joke, but it just captures the dominance the pair has achieved on home ice. 

Chock and Bates have been on the podium every year since 2013. They have won four straight U.S. ice dance championships, and their six titles overall is tied for the most alongside the great Meryl Davis and Charlie White.

Come Saturday, they could become the sole record holder. Their rhythm dance performance on Thursday at the 2026 U.S. figure skating championships was a sesaon-best.

“It really felt like we were very present and grounded and able to enjoy the energy of the arena and the energy between the two of us,” Chock said. “We felt like this was a great skate and a good stepping stone towards Milan.”

Milan Magic: Listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s just the latest feat in what’s been a dominant season for the married couple. Since the start of 2025, they have won all but one of the seven competitions they entered, including winning the Grand Prix final in December for the third straight year. 

But their penchant for consistent approvement from showing to showing has powered this stretch of dominance. Their short program is a Lenny Kravitz medley that is a hard-hitting rock performance that captures the essence of the genre. At Skate America in November, they earned an 84.77, a season-best. Then, at the Grand Prix final in Japan, they bested themselves with an 88.74. 

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Coming into the national championships, Chock said they continued to tweak the performance after Japan. The result? A new season-best score of 91.70 at nationals.

“We made a lot of enhancements to our program and put a lot of focus on our technical turns and technical elements, and when we stepped out on the ice today, it was just about delivering what we had practiced,” Chock said. “We’ve been honing in on all the details and refining all our movements. So when we step on the ice at competition, there’s not a lot to think about, and you can just be very present when you step on the ice and enjoy the moment.”

Chock and Bates are nearly six points ahead of Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik in second place, a comfortable margin to be heading into the free dance on Saturday. And the quality of Chock and Bates’ free dance program could ultimately yield a double-digit victory.

The couple’s return to the Winter Olympics is all but official, making Milano Cortina their fourth Games. The only thing that’s eludes them in their decorated careers is that ice dance Olympic medal after finishing just short of the podium in 2022.

“It’s an Olympic year,” Bates said. “It needs no extra sort of hype or motivation. It’s what we’ve all dreamt of.”

As Chock and Bates inch closer toward achieving a U.S. championship record, it could be the perfect bow on their time as the faces of American ice dance. They have hinted – but not confirmed – this could be their final competitive season, with the Winter Olympics possibly being the final event for them.

It’s given this year’s championship some extra meaning. Bates said “we’ve tried to not get too emotional,” but they are appreciating it.

“We also want to just enjoy that moment, because it’s fleeting and it could very well be the last,” Bates said.

NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Countries’ hockey federations had until Dec. 31 to submit their final rosters for the February tournament in Milan, Italy.

Canada announced its roster that day, and the United States, Sweden and Finland made their announcements on Jan. 2. Other countries made announcements afterward.

Finland is the defending champion after winning in 2022 in Beijing. Canada won the last two Olympics involving NHL players in 2010 or 2014.

Here are the Olympic rosters that have been announced so far:

United States

First six named

F Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights
F Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
F Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators
F Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers
D Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild
D Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins

Rest of the team

F Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild
F Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets
F Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils
F Clayton Keller, Utah Mammoth
F Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
F J.T. Miller, New York Rangers
F Brock Nelson, Colorado Avalanche
F Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres
F Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
D Brock Faber, Minnesota Wild
D Noah Hanifin, Vegas Golden Knights
D Seth Jones, Florida Panthers
D Jake Sanderson, Ottawa Senators
D Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes
D Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
G Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
G Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars
G Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins

Analysis: If this roster looks familiar, it’s because it’s the USA’s 4 Nations Face-Off one with a few changes. Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller and Seth Jones are the newcomers. There’s plenty of offense (even with Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield not named), and the defense is solid. Quinn Hughes, who was injured and couldn’t play in the 4 Nations, will be a difference-maker. The goaltending should be among the best in the tournament.

Canada

First six named

F Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
F Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
F Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
D Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

Rest of the team

F Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks
F Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Bo Horvat, New York Islanders
F Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers
F Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights
F Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights
F Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens
F Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals
D Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
D Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars
D Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
D Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
D Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
D Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights
D Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche
G Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues
G Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings
G Logan Thompson, Washington Capitals

Analysis: Most of the 4 Nations players return, including the entire defense corps. Second-year standout Macklin Celebrini was named, but Connor Bedard didn’t make the cut. Rugged Tom Wilson and goalie Logan Thompson are among the other newcomers. Jordan Binnington, the 4 Nations-winning goalie who’s struggling this season, could be the No. 1 goalie to start, but Logan Thompson is a solid option if Binnington falters.

Finland

First six named

F Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes
F Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers (injured, won’t play)
F Mikko Rantanen, Dallas Stars
D Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars
D Esa Lindell, Dallas Stars
G Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators

Rest of the team

F Joel Armia, Los Angeles Kings
F Mikael Granlund, Anaheim Ducks
F Erik Haula, Nashville Predators
F Roope Hintz, Dallas Stars
F Kaapo Kakko, Seattle Kraken
F Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens
F Joel Kiviranta, Colorado Avalanche
F Artturi Lehkonen, Colorado Avalanche
F Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers
F Eetu Luostarinen, Florida Panthers
F Teuvo Teravainen, Chicago Blackhawks
F Eeli Toivanen, Seattle Kraken
D Henri Jokiharju, Boston Bruins
D Mikko Lehtonen, Zurich
D Olli Maatta, Utah Mammoth
D Nikolas Matinpalo, Ottawa Senators
D Niko Mikkola, Florida Panthers
D Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers
G Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres
G Kevin Lankinen, Vancouver Canucks

Analysis: Aleksander Barkov’s injury will hurt Finland, but there are plenty of other players. Mikko Rantanen is a big-game player, and Miro Heiskanen is available after missing the 4 Nations. There are a lot of Stars and Panthers players on the roster, which is a good thing considering those teams’ recent playoff runs.

Sweden

First six named

F Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche
F Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
F Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings
F William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs
D Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
D Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning

Rest of the team

F Jepser Bratt, New Jersey Devils
F Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks
F Joel Eriksson Ek, Minnesota Wild
F Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
F Pontus Holmberg, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Elias Lindholm, Boston Bruins
F Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
F Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh Penguins
F Alexander Wennberg, San Jose Sharks
F Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers
D Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames
D Philip Broberg, St. Louis Blues
D Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs
D Gustav Forsling, Florida Panthers
D Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins
G Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild
G Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils
G Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild

Analysis: Plenty of offense, good defense and the impressive Wild goalie tandem are heading to Italy. Joel Eriksson Ek is a shutdown forward, and Gustav Forsling is a shutdown defenseman. Gabriel Landeskog and Victor Hedman are out with injuries.

Czechia

First six named

F Martin Necas, Colorado Avalanche
F Ondrej Palat, New Jersey Devils
F David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
F Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins
D Radko Gudas, Anaheim Ducks
G Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks

Rest of the team

F Roman Cervenka, Pardubice
F Radek Faksa, Dallas Stars
F Jakub Flek, Brno
F Tomas Hertl, Vegas Golden Knights
F David Kampf, Vancouver Canucks
F Ondrej Kase, Litvinov
F Dominik Kubalik, Zug
F Lukas Sedlak, Pardubice
F Matej Stransky, Davos
F David Tomasek, Farjestad
D Filip Hronek, Vancouver Canucks
D Michal Kempny, Brynas
D Tomas Kundratek, Trinec
D Jan Rutta, Geneve
D Radim Simek, Liberec
D David Spacek, Iowa (American Hockey League)
D Jiri Tichacek, Karpat
G Karel Vejmelka, Utah Mammoth
G Dan Vladar, Philadelphia Flyers

Analysis: David Pastrnak and Martin Necas are among the league’s top scorers. Dan Vladar is the best of the three goalies, though Lukas Dostal could get the call first. Roman Cervenka will be playing in his fifth Olympics.

Switzerland

First six named

F Kevin Fiala, Los Angeles Kings
F Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils
F Timo Meier, New Jersey Devils
F Nino Niederreiter, Winnipeg Jets
D Roman Josi, Nashville Predators
D Jonas Siegenthaler, New Jersey Devils

Rest of the team

F Sven Andrighetto, Zurich
F Christoph Bertschy, Fribourg
F Ken Jager, Lausanne
F Simon Knak, Davos
F Philipp Kurashev, San Jose Sharks
F Denis Malgin, Zurich
F Damien Riat, Lausanne
F Sandro Schmid, Fribourg
F Pius Suter, St. Louis Blues
F Calvin Thurkauf, Lugano
D Tim Berni, Geneve
D Michael Fora, Davos
D Andrea Glauser, Fribourg
D Dean Kukan, Zurich
D Christian Marti, Zurich
D J.J. Moser, Tampa Bay Lightning
G Reto Berra, Fribourg
G Leonardo Genoni, Zug
G Akira Schmid, Vegas Golden Knights

Analysis: The first six are a good start, led by two-way center Nico Hischier and Devils teammate Timo Meier. J.J. Moser, named in the second wave, played well enough to earn an eight-year extension.

Slovakia

First six named

F Juraj Slafkovsky, Montreal Canadiens
F Martin Pospisil, Calgary Flames
F Tomas Tatar, Zug
D Erik Cernak, Tampa Bay Lightning
D Martin Fehervary, Washington Capitals
D Simon Nemec, New Jersey Devils

Rest of the team

F Peter Cehlarik, Leksands
F Dalibor Dvorsky, St. Louis Blues
F Marek Hrivik, Vitkovice
F Libor Hudacek, Trinec
F Milos Kelemen, Pardubice
F Adam Liska, Cherepovets
F Oliver Okuliar, Skelleftea
F Pavol Regenda, San Jose Sharks
F Adam Ruzicka, Moscow
F Matus Sukel, Litvinov
F Samuel Takac, Bratislava
D Peter Ceresnak, Pardubice
D Martin Gernat, Yaroslavl
D Michal Ivan, Liberec
D Patrik Koch, Trinec
D Martin Marincin, Trinec
G Adam Gajan, Minnesota Duluth
G Samuel Hlavaj, Iowa (AHL)
G Stanislav Skorvanek, Mountfield

Analysis: Juraj Slafkovsky, the No. 1 overall of the 2022 NHL Draft, was MVP of the non-NHL 2022 Olympics as Slovakia won bronze. Simon Nemec also played on that team, was selected second overall. Tomas Tatar is a former NHL 20-goal scorer.

Germany

First six named

F Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
F Lukas Reichel, Vancouver Canucks
F Nico Sturm, Minnesota Wild
F Tim Stutzle, Ottawa Senators
D Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings
G Philipp Grubauer, Seattle Kraken

Rest of the team

F Alexander Ehl, Mannheim
F Dominik Kahun, Lausanne
F Marc Michaelis, Mannheim
F JJ Peterka, Utah Mammoth
F Tobias Rieder, Munich
F Josh Samanski, Bakersfield (AHL)
F Justin Schutz, Munich
F Wojciech Stachowiak, Syracuse (AHL)
F Frederik Tiffels, Berlin
F Parker Tuomie, Cologne
D Leon Gawanke, Mannheim
D Korbinian Geibel, Berlin
D Lukas Kälble, Mannheim
D Jonas Muller, Berlin
D Moritz Muller, Cologne
D Fabio Wagner, Ingolstadt
D Kai Wissman, Berlin
G Maximilian Franzreb, Mannheim
G Mathias Niederberger, Munich

Analysis: Any team with Leon Draisaitl is dangerous, and Tim Stutzle and Moritz Seider are having impressive seasons. Nico Sturm is a two-way player who’s strong on faceoffs.

Latvia

First six named

F Rodrigo Abols, Philadelphia Flyers
F Teddy Blueger, Vancouver Canucks
F Zemgus Girgensons, Tampa Bay Lightning
D Uvis Balinskis, Florida Panthers
G Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
G Arturs Silovs, Pittsburgh Penguins

Rest of the team

F Oskars Batna, Lahti
F Rudolfs Balcers, Zurich
F Roberts Bukarts, Vorarlberg
F Kaspars Daugavins, Kassel
F Martins Dzierkals, Sparta Praha
F Haralds Egle, Karlovy Vary
F Renars Krastenbergs, Olomouc
F Dans Locmelis, Providence (AHL)
F Eriks Mateiko, Hershey (AHL)
F Eduards Tralmaks, Grand Rapids (AHL)
F Sandis Vilmanis, Charlotte (AHL)
D Oskars Cibulskis, Herning
D Ralfs Freibergs, Vitkovice
D Janis Jaks, Karlovy Vary
D Roberts Mamcics, Karlovy Vary
D Kristaps Rubins, Plzen
D Alberts Smits, Mikkeli
F Kristaps Zile, Liberec
G Kristers Gudlevskis, Bremerhaven

Analysis: Not many NHL players, but there are two NHL goalies in Arturs Silovs and Elvis Merzlikins. Defenseman Alberts Smits is eligible for the 2026 draft and played at the world junior championships.

Denmark

First six named

F Oliver Bjorkstrand, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Nikolaj Ehlers, Carolina Hurricanes
F Lars Eller, Ottawa Senators
F Jonas Rondjberg, Henderson (AHL)
D Jesper Jensen Aabo, Klagenfurt
G Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes

Rest of the team

F Mikkel Aagaard, Skelleftea
F Joachim Blichfeld, Tappara
F Mathias Bau Hansen, Herning
F Nicklas Jensen. Rapperswil-Jonar
F Nick Olesen, Budejovice
F Morten Poulsen, Herning
F Patrick Russell, Cologne
F Frederik Storm, Cologne
F Alexander True, Jyvaskyla
F Christian Wejse, Fischtown
D Nicholas B. Jensen, Fischtown
D Anders Koch, Graz
D Matias Lassen, Iserlohn
D Markus Lauridsen, Pustertal
D Oliver Lauridsen, Turkku
D Phillip Bruggisser, Fischtown
G Frederik Dichow, Jonkoping
G Mads Sogaard, Ottawa Senators

Analysis: Denmark upset Canada at the 2025 world championships, and many of those players are here, including the speedy Nikolaj Ehlers. Frederik Dichow was the goalie in that game. Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen has joined the team.

France

First six named

F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Ajoie
F Jordann Perret, Mountfield
F Alexandre Texier, Montreal Canadiens
D Yohann Auvitu, Vitkovice
D Jules Boscq, Hameenlinna
D Hugo Gallet, Kuopio

Rest of the team

F Justin Addamo, Mikkeli
F Charles Bertrand, Vaasa
F Louis Boudon, Mikkeli
F Kévin Bozon, Ajoie
F Stéphane Da Costa, Yekaterinburg
F Aurélien Dair, Grenoble
F Floran Douay, Lausanne
F Dylan Fabre, Pori
F Anthony Rech, Rouen
F Nicolas Ritz, Angers
F Sacha Treille, Grenoble
D Enzo Cantagallo, Marseille
D Florian Chakiachvili, Rouen
D Pierre Crinon, Grenoble
D Enzo Guebey, Davos
D Thomas Thiry, Ajoie
G Julian Junca, Trencin
G Antoine Keller, Ajoie
G Martin Neckar, Langnau

Analysis: Alexandre Texier is the lone NHL player, though Pierre-Edouard Bellemare is a former NHL player. Texier had back-to-back three-point games in early January.

Italy

First six named

F Diego Kostner, Ambri-Piotta
F Daniel Mantenuto, Bolzano
F Tommy Purdeller, Pustertal
D Luca Zanatta, Pustertal
D Thomas Larkin, Schwenningen
G Damian Clara, Brynas

Rest of the team has not been named.

Demond Williams is staying put at Washington.

The Huskies’ quarterback, who announced earlier in the week of his intention to enter the transfer portal days after re-signing with Washington, announced on Thursday, Jan. 8 that he will be staying in Seattle and will play for Jedd Fisch’s program in 2026.

‘After thoughtful reflection with my family, I am excited to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington,’ Williams wrote in a statement on Instagram. ‘… I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building. … I am excited to reunite with my teammates and to lead the University of Washington to success in the 2026 season and beyond.’

The first-year full-time starter was one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big Ten in 2025, passing for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions while rushing for 611 yards and six scores. His 3,065 passing yards ranked sixth best among Big Ten quarterbacks, while his 25 touchdown passes were the fourth most in the conference.

Williams’ decision to change course comes several hours after his agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Football, announced on social media that he cut ties with the quarterback and will no longer represent him.

Washington’s Fisch released a statement, per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, in which Fisch said they would ‘work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.’

It comes after a tumultuous past 48 hours for Williams and the Huskies, as Washington was reportedly ready to pursue legal avenues to enforce Williams’ newly signed deal with the Huskies. As previously noted by USA TODAY, Williams announced his intention to enter his name into the transfer portal four days after agreeing to a new deal with Washington on Friday, Jan. 2 to return to the school for the 2026 season.

In a statement shared by the university, Fisch mentioned that he had ‘very honest’ and ‘heartfelt’ conversations with Williams over the last few days and supports him. Washington athletic director Patrick Chun also released a statement.

‘I appreciate Demond’s statement. I support him, and we will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community,’ Fisch said.

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The College Football Playoff national semifinal at the Peach Bowl marks a rematch of No. 1 seed Indiana’s 30-20 win against No. 5 Oregon in October, the first of several results this year that have left the Hoosiers knocking on the door of a historic and unbeaten season.

With two more wins, Indiana would become the first 16-0 national champion since Yale in 1894. But in order to make history, the Hoosiers will need to reverse some recent history.

Since the 1996 season, there have been seven regular-season rematches in the College Football Playoff and in national championship games played under the two previous postseason formats, the Bowl Championship Series and the Bowl Alliance. Four of these pairings have occurred since the playoff expanded last season.

Surprisingly, all but one of these games have seen the loser from the regular season rebound to win the rematch. This could be a coincidence. At a minimum, though, this trend shows the difficulties in defeating an elite opponent twice in under a four-month span.

The Hoosiers look to buck that recent history. Here’s a look back at these rematches and what they might suggest about the Peach Bowl:

Ole Miss vs. Georgia, 2025

Results: Georgia 43-35, Ole Miss 39-34.

Ole Miss led Georgia in the second half when the two met in October but coughed up a lead for its one and only loss on the year. The two SEC rivals met again in the Sugar Bowl earlier this month, with the Rebels pulling out the win on a late field goal. Unlike during the regular season, Ole Miss landed a big game from Trinidad Chambliss and did much better running the ball, indicating how teams can strategize by looking back and evaluating the previous matchup.

Ole Miss vs. Tulane, 2025

Results: Ole Miss 45-10, Ole Miss 41-10.

Here’s the one outlier. The Rebels stampeded over Tulane at home in September and then did the same in the opening round. The one difference: Lane Kiffin was the head coach for the first game and Pete Golding for the second. In this case, a significant edge in talent was the biggest factor in helping Ole Miss defy recent history.

Oklahoma vs. Alabama, 2025

Results: Oklahoma 23-21, Alabama 34-24.

Again, an SEC rematch that reversed the regular-season result. Oklahoma’s win in November sparked its run to the playoff. That seemed to carry over to the opening round, when the Sooners stormed out to a 17-0 lead. But the Tide crawled back to tie for the biggest comeback in playoff history.

Oregon vs. Ohio State, 2024

Results: Oregon 32-31, Ohio State 41-21.

Oregon narrowly pulled out the win in Autzen Stadium and then went on to post a perfect regular season, earning the top seed in the debut of the expanded playoff. But in the Rose Bowl the Ducks ran into a buzzsaw in the Buckeyes, who stormed out to a 34-0 late in the second quarter and won going away. A year later, Oregon hopes to follow Ohio State’s blueprint and score the upset against the unbeaten Big Ten champs.

Alabama vs. Georgia, 2021

Results: Alabama 42-24, Georgia 33-18.

The Tide knocked off then-unbeaten Georgia in the SEC championship game behind 421 yards and three touchdowns from quarterback Bryce Young. That landed Alabama in the four-team playoff as the No. 1 seed, while Georgia slotted in at No. 3. The pair met in the championship game after beating Cincinnati and Michigan, respectively, and the Bulldogs would hold Young to 6.5 yards per throw and make two picks to take the first of back-to-back titles.

LSU vs. Alabama, 2011

Results: LSU 9-6, Alabama 21-0

The Tigers’ overtime win during the regular season was about as ugly as the score suggests with five field goals being the only scores. The rematch in the title game about two months later wasn’t any better. Alabama’s defense barely allowed LSU to cross midfield in this second meeting to win the second of Nick Saban’s six titles in Tuscaloosa.

Florida State vs. Florida, 1996

Results: Florida State 24-21, Florida 52-20.

No other rematch has come within such a short time frame. FSU topped Florida on Nov. 30 to end the regular season and drew the immediate rematch in the Sugar Bowl, which was designated as the championship game in the Bowl Alliance format, because then-No. 2 Arizona State was obligated to face No. 4 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. This time, Steve Spurrier’s Gators bombarded the Seminoles to capture the first national title in program history with the Sun Devils falling to the Buckeyes.

The Big Ten is guaranteed one team in the College Football Playoff championship game with No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon facing off in the semifinals at the Peach Bowl.

The Hoosiers and Ducks are familiar foes with the sides meeting in October, and Indiana emerging with an important road win that helped catapult the Hoosiers to their first Rose Bowl appearance since the 1967 season.

Oregon will be looking for some payback and has some history on its side. In the six repeat meetings among Power Four teams that have occurred in the Bowl Alliance, the Bowl Championship Series and College Football Playoff, all six have been one by the team that lost the regular-season game.

Will the Ducks make it seven or will Indiana continue its run toward a national title that would have seemed crazy two years ago? Our experts weigh in with their picks.

Indiana vs. Oregon predictions for Peach Bowl

Matt Hayes

Nothing has changed since that October game in Eugene. While the Ducks played well defensively in a quarterfinal win over Texas Tech, Indiana’s offense is light years from what the Red Raiders showed last week. Oregon couldn’t stop the Hoosiers in October, and won’t again. Indiana 37, Oregon 17.

Jordan Mendoza

Can Indiana beat Oregon twice? Both teams are coming off dominant showings in the quarterfinal, and the Hoosiers are going to have their hands full trying to stop a defense that has greatly improved. However, Indiana has that clutch gene that has showed up all season, and it won’t go away in the semifinal. Fernando Mendoza tosses the ball around effectively and Oregon will have several chances to respond, but can’t get past Indiana and the No. 1 team in the playoff makes the national championship game. Indiana 29, Oregon 27.

Paul Myerberg

It will take a mammoth effort to take down Indiana. But Oregon can get it done on defense, as shown in the Orange Bowl. The Ducks should learn from this year’s 30-20 loss to Indiana and bring new ideas to the table on offense. But it’s going to take something inventive to take down the Hoosiers. Indiana 37, Oregon 23.

Erick Smith

If Indiana believed in history then it never would be two games from a national championship. So the fact that no team in national title contention in the last 30 years has beaten a team twice in the same season shouldn’t be a concern. That said, Oregon still presents a significant challenge and probably the toughest game remaining. Look for the familiarity of that regular-season game to help the Ducks and Dante Moore improve their play and eke out a dramatic victory. Oregon 23, Indiana 21.

Eddie Timanus

A pick-six made the score of the first meeting between the Hoosiers and Ducks look closer than the game actually was. Indiana mostly dominated the action. Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza will not repeat the miscues of the first encounter, and Indiana will move on to the title game. Indiana 35, Oregon 17.

Blake Toppmeyer

The last Indiana-Oregon matchup in Eugene was competitive, but I didn’t retain much doubt as to who the better team was when it finished. Indiana looked superior.

Why should a rematch at a neutral site, three time zones away from Oregon, go any differently? It shouldn’t.

Dominant though Oregon was against Texas Tech, Indiana looked even better against Alabama. Time and again, the Hoosiers prove they have the nation’s most complete team.

Oregon’s defense is good. Indiana’s is better. The Ducks’ quarterback is good. Indiana’s is better. We can play this game at a number of positions. Oregon is good. Maybe, even really good. Indiana is just better. Indiana 31, Oregon 21.

When is the Peach Bowl: Indiana vs Oregon time, date

The Peach Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9.

Where is the Peach Bowl?

The Peach Bowl is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Peach Bowl odds: Indiana vs Oregon

Odds per BetMGM.

Spread: Indiana (-3.5)
Over/under: 46.5
Moneyline: Indiana (-180)

It was a week ago when Team USA announced the 24 players who will represent the country at the 2026 Olympics in Milan next month. And to suggest there were more than a few questionable decisions would be an understatement.

Seven of the country’s top-13 scorers were left off the roster. The top scorer among forwards and the top scorer among defencemen were both not chosen. Neither was a Norris Trophy winner, as well as a two-time Olympian who is ranked second all-time among U.S. scorers.

We’ll have to wait and see if GM Bill Guerin made the right call. But already, those who snubbed are already making it clear that they believe they should have been selected.

Here are five of the bigger omissions, with a look at how they have performed in the seven days since the roster was announced:

Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars

The biggest snub, Robertson was ranked first among Americans scorers with 48 points in 41 games and was second with 25 goals when the U.S. team was announced. While Guerin refused to specifically indicate why a talented offensive player like Robertson was not chosen, he told reporters: “We’re putting together a team, not just a group of individuals.” Since then, Robertson has continued to produce at a world-class level, scoring a goal and four points in three games for a Stars team that has gone 1-1-1 in the past week.

Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens

Last year’s Calder Trophy finalist was not even invited to the U.S. selection camp in September — which prompted his Manitoba-born father to suggest at the time that Hutson might switch allegiances and play for Canada instead — so it was not exactly surprising that Hutson went unpicked. Still, it was a curious omission. No American defenseman has produced more than Hutson, who is ranked third among all NHL defensemen with 43 points in 43 games. In the past week, the Canadiens blueliner has scored two goals and three points in three games, with a plus-4 rating.

Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens

You have to figure that if Caufield were a little taller, then the 5-foot-8 winger would have made the team. Despite his lack of size, there’s no denying that he can fill the net. Caufield is tied for fifth among American goal-scorers with 21 goals in 43 games this season. In the past three years, only six Americans have scored more. Curiously enough, two of them (Robertson and Alex DeBrincat) were also left off the team. Led by Caufield, who had a goal and assist in a 4-1 win against Calgary on Wednesday, the Canadiens have gone 2-1-0 in the past week

Adam Fox, New York Rangers

It was five years ago that Fox was named the NHL’s best defenseman. But despite his pedigree and the fact that his coach with the Rangers is also the head coach of Team USA, Fox was left off the team in favor of Florida’s Seth Jones. Some of suggested that the decision was based on Fox’s struggles at the 4 Nations Face-off, where he was on the ice for Canada’s overtime winner. But Guerin denied the link, saying “If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must not think we’re very smart.” Fox, who suffered a lower-body injury in Monday’s game against Utah, was placed on the injured reserve so he might not have been available anyway

Patrick Kane, Detroit Red Wings

Arguably the greatest American player of all time, Kane — like Canada’s Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty— would have been the only player on the U.S. team that played at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. It’s another way of saying that the 37-year-old is old. Still, with six goals and 24 points in 29 games, it’s clear that Kane still has some more to give. Since being left off the team, Kane has gone two games without a point. But for a team lacking in experience, his leadership might have been invaluable.