The longstanding high school football All-America team, which first kicked off in 1982, returns to the national stage.

Following a season of triumph and record-setting moments, of joys and heartbreaks, of championships and legends, USA TODAY Sports unveils its 2025 ALL-USA National Football Team.

Players from across the country who earned regional honors were finalists for the national recognition, which honors the best players of the 2025 high school football season. These selections highlight not only skill and achievement but also the toughness, leadership, and competitive fire that embody the spirit of the game.

Congratulations to all who were selected to a regional or national team.

2025 ALL-USA National Football Team

The All-America high school football team was selected by the USA TODAY High School Sports staff. Each All-American athlete on the national roster was first selected on the ALL-USA East, ALL-USA West, ALL-USA Midwest, ALL-USA Southeast, or ALL-USA Southwest regional football teams.

Team Captains and Coach of the Year

Offensive Captain — Keisean Henderson, Sr., Legacy the School of Sport Sciences (Spring, Texas)

Defensive Captain — Cincere Johnson, Sr., Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)

Head Coach — Carson Palmer, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)

First Team Offense

Quarterback: Keisean Henderson, Sr., Legacy the School of Sport Sciences (Spring, Texas)

Keisean Henderson was the most dominant offensive player in high school football this year, which earned him USA TODAY Sports Offensive Player of the Year honors. He accounted for more than 400 yards and/or six touchdowns in seven of the 10 games he played. He had an unimpeachable 649-yard, six-touchdown performance. By passing for 3,880 yards at a 74.5% clip with 45 touchdowns and running for 522 yards on 74 carries and 10 scores on the ground, Henderson was unparalleled among quarterbacks this season.

Running Back: Ezavier Crowell, Sr., Jackson (Ala.)

Ezavier Crowell hits like a truck with a 5-foot-11, 205-pound frame. But he plays like a truck that can hurdle defenders and juke his way around would-be tacklers on a dime. He accumulated 2,632 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns in 14 games, running for more than 300 yards in three of the games, and the only game in which he didn’t reach the 100-yard mark was a 50-7 blowout in which he scored four touchdowns on 10 carries.

Running Back: David Gabriel-Georges, Jr., Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.)

David Gabriel-Georges battled through injury to put up some of the most impressive rushing lines of the season when it counted most. In the regular season game against rival and reigning two-time champion McCallie, the junior rushed for 280 yards and three touchdowns. In the semifinals rematch, he carried the ball 43 times for 435 yards and seven touchdowns, guiding the Baylor to an eventual title. In 11 games, he had 162 carries for 1,753 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Wide Receiver: Jermaine Bishop, Sr., Willis (Texas)

Jermaine Bishop is one of the most versatile and athletic players in the country, double-dutying as an elite wide receiver and cornerback. On offense, he had 120 receptions for 1,920 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, and added 424 yards and eight more touchdowns on 45 carries (most of which came in a 258-rushing-yard, four-rushing-touchdown game in September). He had 344 total yards and four touchdowns in the regional playoff round and 227 total yards and three touchdowns in the quarterfinals loss to eventual champion DeSoto (Texas).

Wide Receiver: Roye Oliver III, Soph., Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)

The sole sophomore to earn ALL-USA recognition, Roye Oliver III needed only eight games to break the Arizona 6A record for most receiving touchdowns in a season. In the game, he broke the previous record of 24, he recorded 210 receiving yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions against eventual champion Basha (Chandler, Ariz.) Oliver continued to tack on over the next four games, finishing with 1,893 yards and 29 touchdowns on 92 receptions. He also returned two punts for touchdowns.

Tight End: Ian Premer, Sr., Great Bend (Kan.)

A 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end who can run the ball as well as catch is impossible to stop. Ian Premer had 40 receptions for 734 yards and 14 touchdowns, 56 carries for 620 yards and 14 touchdowns, returned a handful of punts, and had six interceptions — including two pick-sixes — on defense. Premer proved why he’s 247Sports’ No. 1 tight end and is set to take his talents to Notre Dame.

Flex: Landen Williams-Callis, Jr., Randle (Texas)

With 3,502 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns, few had a better season than Landen Williams-Callis. The junior established himself as one of the best backs in the country, rushing for more than 200 yards in 10 games and five or more touchdowns in six. He led Randle to a 15-1 record and a championship game appearance, in which he had 169 total yards and a score.

Offensive Lineman: Jackson Cantwell, Sr., Nixa (Mo.)

Jackson Cantwell did nothing to disprove his No. 1 position in the USA TODAY High School Sports preseason composite rankings for the class of 2026. The 6-foot-8, 305-pound left tackle had 173 pancake blocks over the first 13 games, an average of more than 13 per outing, and helped the Eagles average 48.6 points per game en route to a 13-1 record and championship appearance.

Offensive Lineman: Lamar Brown, Sr., University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)

It’s unusual to call a lineman one of the most versatile players in the country, but Lamar Brown’s athleticism, strength, and lateral movement make him a star on both the offensive and defensive sides of the line. From the left side of the offensive line, once he got his hands on a defender, that defender would not get by. The protection he offered helped University Lab go 10-3 and average 39 points per game.

Offensive Lineman: Darius Gray, Sr., St. Christopher’s School (Richmond, Va.)

Darius Gray has the size, strength, speed and athleticism to be an elite protector on the offensive line, dominate the defensive line, and bulldoze through opponents on occasional running back snaps. He has good lateral movement and the strength to push defensive linemen back several yards. The top-ranked IOL by 247Sports, Gray helped St. Christopher’s School go 7-4.

Offensive Lineman: Keenyi Pepe, Sr., IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

Listed at 6-foot-7, 320-pound offensive tackle, Keenyi Pepe was a key fixture for one of the best teams in the country. Manning IMG Academy’s front line, Pepe helped the 9-0 Ascenders average more than 200 rushing yards per game and provided pocket protection that allowed the quarterbacks to throw only two interceptions all season.

Kicker: Mikey Barth, Sr., Basha (Chandler, Ariz.)

Mikey Barth did everything No. 17 Basha could ask of a kicker, kicking 68 touchbacks in 70 kickoffs, making all 64 PATs, and hitting 14 of 16 field goals — including, and arguably most importantly, the game-winner over Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.) in the semifinals.

First Team Defense

Defensive Lineman: Richard Anderson, Sr., Edna Karr (New Orleans, La.)

Richard Anderson proved himself as one of the top-ranked defensive linemen this season as he helped Edna Karr go undefeated, win the championship, and finish as a top-10 team in the Super 25. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, “Big Rich” was unstoppable, picking up key sacks, returning a fumble for a touchdown, and generally providing pressure and forcing attention that led a defense that allowed less than 12 points per game.

Defensive Lineman: Bryce Perry-Wright, Sr., Buford (Ga.)

Bryce Perry-Wright set the tone on defense for the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 national champion Wolves, recording 50 solo and assisted tackles apiece, 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks to go with three forced fumbles and 26 QB hurries entering the championship game. He has a very effective swim move and uses his speed well to get around the outside and into the backfield.

Defensive Lineman: Deuce Geralds, Sr., Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.)

Deuce Geralds’ 37 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 45 quarterback hurries and seven forced fumbles made him one of the most fearsome defensive linemen in the country. He led his team in each of those three stats, plus tackles, and was elite against the best teams in the league, combining for five TFLs, a sack, 9 QB hurries, and two forced fumbles against top-10 teams Grayson and Buford. Geralds set the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) record for career sacks with 51.

Defensive Lineman: Luke Wafle, Sr., Hun School (Princeton, N.J.)

With 45 solo and 55 assisted tackles, 37 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks, Luke Wafle was one of the most disruptive linemen this season. He did significant damage against top-10 national teams St. Frances Academy and IMG Academy, recording a combined eight solo and 14 assisted tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Linebacker: Cincere Johnson, Sr., Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)

Nobody beelines to the ball like Cincere Johnson, who earned USA TODAY Sports Defensive Player of the Year nod. It doesn’t matter where it is — he will meet you, and he will take you down. This season, he had 185 total tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, according to his X account.

Linebacker: Tyler Atkinson, Sr., Grayson (Ga.)

A major defensive presence for one of the best teams in the country, Tyler Atkinson had 43 solo and 48 assisted tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 10 sacks to go with 24 QB hurries and two forced fumbles. Grayson, which was ranked No. 1 in the Super 25 for part of the season, went 12-1 and gave up an average of 10.5 points per game.

Linebacker: TJ White, Sr., Jackson Academy (Miss.)

One of the top-ranked linebackers in the country, TJ White recorded 88 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, according to Gatorade. He had a versatile role in the playbook, and when he attacked the quarterback, his agility and mobility allowed him to finesse — or power — his way through double-teams. With good acceleration, once he gets to his man, he hits hard.

Linebacker: Quinton Cypher, Jr., Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.)

With 48 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, few linebackers were more effective than Quinton Cypher once they got behind the line of scrimmage. Extremely good at reading the field, he had 96 solo tackles, 85 assisted tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and touchdowns on both sides of the ball. Cypher was also disruptive on special teams.

Cornerback: Jermaine Bishop, Sr., Willis (Texas)

Bishop was a turnover machine on the defensive side of the ball, accumulating four forced fumbles and four interceptions, including a pick-six. This goes with 14 passes defended, nine tackles for loss, and 46 solo and 40 assisted tackles.

Safety: Jireh Edwards, Sr., St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)

Jireh Edwards had 167 tackles and six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, according to Gatorade. Behind his presence at defensive back, St. Frances Academy gave up only 87 points in nine games recorded on MaxPreps, four of which were shutouts.

Flex: Jaden Walk-Green, Sr., Centennial (Corona, Calif.)

Jaden Walk-Green had 10 interceptions and four pick-sixes, according to the LA Times. Two picks, one returned for a touchdown, were against Mater Dei, helping Centennial secure an early-season victory against the then-No. 1 team. Walk-Green also contributed with kicking, punting and returning duties for No. 10 Centennial.

Punter: Jimmy Gregg, Sr., University (Morgantown, Wv.)

One of the top-ranked punters in the country, Jimmy Grigg averaged 45.8 yards on his 49 punts, putting 25 of them inside the 20, 13 inside the 10 and not recording a touchback all season.

Second Team Offense

Quarterback — Jett Thomalla, Sr., Millard South (Neb.)

Jett Thomalla’s throws look effortless, despite high-level accuracy on short and deep passes. He amassed 3,484 passing yards and 58 touchdowns on a 72.6% completion rate in 12 games despite playing only half of some as Millard South had an average margin of victory of 57-3. In the championship game, Thomalla went 15-for-21 for 288 yards and seven touchdowns in the first half alone, securing a championship and his position on the ALL-USA team.

Running Back: Ty Keys, Jr., Poplarville (Miss.)

Ty Keys broke out as a junior, racking up 3,285 rushing yards and 45 rushing touchdowns in 13 games. He accounted for 63% of all Poplarville’s offensive yards this season, according to MaxPreps, including a 506-yard, eight-touchdown regular-season game, a 436-yard, seven-touchdown game in the quarterfinals, and nearly willed his team to a semifinals win with 316 yards and two touchdowns, which was 86% of all the team’s yardage.

Running Back: SaRod Baker, Jr., DeSoto (Texas)

SaRod Baker had an excellent regular season, racking up 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 games. In the playoffs, he was different. Baker burst out in a way that attracted attention and offers from Div. I teams in the College Football Playoffs as he essentially doubled his season output in the postseason, recording 1,628 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in six playoff games, according to the Athletic, as he led DeSoto to an impressive championship.

Wide Receiver: CJ Sadler, Sr., Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.)

CJ Sadler helped Cass Tech achieve national notoriety this season with 65 receptions for 1,583 yards, good for 113 per game, and 32 total touchdowns. Twenty-one TDs were receptions, but two were rushes, one was a pass, one was a pick-six and seven were kick and punt returns.

Wide Receiver: Ethan ‘Boobie’ Feaster, Sr., DeSoto (Texas)

Feaster had some of the best highlight catches of the season, and his skill set is reflected in his stats: He had 85 receptions for 1,676 yards (105 per game) and 18 touchdowns for champion DeSoto. Feaster had 167 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the championship game.

Tight End: Kaiden Prothro, Sr., Bowden (Ga.)

With 85 receptions, 1,115 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, Kaiden Prothro’s receiving chops rivaled those of WRs. He also showed his hands on defense, where he had three interceptions for GHSA Class A Div. II champion Bowden.

Flex: Cederian Morgan, Sr., Benjamin Russell (Alexander City, Ala.)

With explosive movement and the ability to go up to get the ball, Cederian Morgan showed why he’s one of the top-ranked senior wide receivers. He had 82 receptions for 1,419 yards (101 per game) and 16 touchdowns, including 256 yards and two touchdowns in the quarterfinals and 182 yards and two TDs in the semifinals.

Offensive Lineman: Kaeden Penny, Sr., Bixby (Okla.)

Bixby’s eighth straight championship team averaged 60.4 points per game, and Kaeden Penny’s presence on the offensive line was a key reason why. Still a junior, he has good speed and strength, can get in front of multiple defenders when necessary, and head coach Loren Montgomery called Penny one of the most talented linemen he has coached in his 26 years.

Offensive Lineman: Felix Ojo, Sr., Lake Ridge (Mansfield, Texas)

Felix Ojo has a unique ability to move across the line at the snap of the ball, almost like pre-snap movement for receivers or backs, setting up offensive action that the defensive line isn’t prepared for. His strength opens holes for ball carriers, and he’s able to get hands on multiple defenders to sow chaos downfield.

Offensive Lineman: Kodi Greene, Sr., Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Kodi Greene moves very well for a player of 6-foot-5.5 and 320 pounds. He can block multiple defenders on the same play, and has the speed to move downfield and keep up with the action when necessary. Greene was a key part of the Mater Dei offense that took down top-10 teams St. Thomas Aquinas and Bishop Gorman.

Offensive Lineman: Immanuel Iheanacho, Sr., Georgetown Preparatory (North Bethesda, Md.)

When watching Immanuel Iheanacho, it seems more often than not the 6-foot-6.5, 345-pound IOL either puts the defensive lineman several yards away from where the DL wants to be or puts him on the ground. He’s adept at running downfield to trail and play, and he provides additional blocking as well.

Kicker: Harran Zureikat, Sr., Fox Chapel Area (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

With an argument as the most talented kicker in high school football, Harran Zureikat broke the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League record with a 57-yard field goal, and though it doesn’t count, he hit the crossbar from 65 yards out. He had 32 touchbacks on 24 kickoffs and also handled punting duties.

Second Team Defense

Defensive Lineman: Carter Buck, Sr., Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)

Carter Buck’s 66 solo tackles (and 19 assisted), 36 tackles for loss and 22 sacks, plus three forced fumbles and an interception, helped lead a Lake Travis team that went undefeated through 14 games before falling in the semifinals to eventual champion North Shore (Houston, Texas). He had five tackles and 3.5 sacks in the quarterfinals win.

Defensive Lineman: Jordan Carter, Sr., Douglas County (Ga.)

Jordan Carter had 47 solo and 35 assisted tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 18 sacks for a very good Douglas County team. He showed up against elite talent — in three total games against No. 1 Buford and No. 4 Carrollton, he combined for 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks.

Defensive Lineman: Aaden Aytch, Sr., Lafayette Jefferson (Ind.)

Fluid and speedy off the edge, Aaden Aytch put together an excellent season, racking up 70 solo tackles, 42 assisted tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, 32 hurries and six forced fumbles. He helped Lafayette Jefferson go 10-2 and led the state of Indiana in sacks, according to the Journal & Courier.

Defensive Lineman: Prince Williams, Sr., Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)

An incredibly productive player since his sophomore year, Prince Williams put up career-best numbers as a senior with 75 solo tackles (16 assisted), 44 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles. He uses his speed to his advantage to beat offensive linemen around the edge, and was an important part of No. 2 Bishop Gorman’s 11-1 championship season.

Linebacker: Xavier Griffin, Sr., Gainesville (Ga.)

While Griffin is very adept at rushing the passer and getting into the backfield, his role is often to man the middle, combining patience and explosiveness. He had 67 solo tackles, 29 assisted, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks, along with an interception, for 12-3 Gainesville.

Linebacker: Anthony Jones, Sr., St. Paul’s Episcopal (Mobile, Ala.)

Playing from OLB and EDGE — and getting some snaps on offense out of the wildcat formation and at receiver — Anthony “Tank” Jones was one of the more versatile linemen in high school football. With the speed Jones has at his size, he was a menace during the season and projects to continue this at Oregon.

Linebacker: Roman Igwebuike, Jr., Mount Carmel (Chicago)

Roman Igwebuike was key for an excellent Mount Carmel squad, a team that went undefeated and allowed 17.4 points per game. The four-star junior recorded 115 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, a pair of interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Linebacker: Jalaythan Mayfield, Jr., Lincolnton (N.C.)

Jalaythan Mayfield took care of business without assistance, recording 125 solo tackles with 27 assisted, according to MaxPreps. This, with six forced fumbles, six sacks, and 26 tackles for loss, showcased his skill set as one of the toughest linebackers in high school.

Cornerback: Jorden Edmonds, Sr., Sprayberry (Marietta, Ga.)

With five interceptions, 28 solo tackles (eight assisted), three tackles for loss and a forced fumble, Jorden Edmonds was one of the top defensive backs in high school football. He also scored nine touchdowns on offense.

Safety: Jett Washington, Sr., Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)

The No. 1-ranked safety on 247Sports, Jett Washington had 48 total tackles, four interceptions — including a pick-six — and two forced fumbles this season.

Flex: Ayden Pouncey, Senior, Winter Park (Fla.)

Ayden Pouncey intercepted seven passes, which is impressive in its own right. He returned five of them for touchdowns, an absurd figure. In total, he had 16 touchdowns on the year, with nine on offense and a punt and a kick return each.

Punter: Wade Register, Sr., Trinity Christian (Dublin, Ga.)

The No. 2-ranked punter on Kohl’s, Wade Register averaged 46.8 yards per punt and placed 12 of them inside the 20-yard line.

Dennis Hamlin, the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, died from injuries suffered during a house fire that destroyed the home of Denny Hamlins’ parents in North Carolina on Sunday, Dec. 28, according to a news release issued Monday by the Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services, as reported by Fox Sports and multiple other outlets.

Dennis Hamlin was 75.

Denny Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was listed in critical condition and transferred to a hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to NASCAR.com, which reported the Hamlins’ house was about 20 miles outside of Charlotte.

Authorities in Gaston County, North Carolina, told WCNC-TV took firefighters about two hours to extinguish the blaze at the two-story home. According to The Athletic, Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey said 40% to 45% of the home was already burning by the time fire crews arrived.

According to the Associated Press, Denny Hamlin’s parents were found outside the home, suffering from catastrophic injuries. Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital, according to the Associated Press.

A company called Won One Real Estate that lists Denny Hamlin as its manager owns the home, according to multiple published reports.

“They had some really expensive cars in the garage and some racing memorabilia and stuff, so all that was saved,” Toomey told The Athletic. “We were able to save all that and get it out so it wasn’t damaged.”

Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion, finished second in Cup Series 2025 standings, losing to champion Kyle Larson by four points. He has won 60 races, ranking jo, tied for 10^th all-time in overall victories.

In October, after winning the 60th race of his career, Hamlin grew emotional while talking about the sacrifices his father and mother made so he could pursue his dream of being a NASCAR driver.

“He’s the one that got me into racing and just took me to a racetrack when I was five and then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going,’’ Hamlin said of his father. “Sold everything they had and we almost lost our house a couple times and just tried to keep it all going.’

Dennis Hamlin owned his own trailer business but it wasn’t enough to pay all of the bills, according to NASCAR.com, which reported he took out two mortgages on the family’s home and sold four classic cars to help cover expenses as Denny Hamlin climbed the ranks as a race car driver and became a multimillion.

Hamlin co-owns the 23XI Racing NASCAR team with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Earlier this month, the team settled a multimillion-dollar antitrust lawsuit it and Front Row Motorsports filed against NASCAR.

Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season represented the penultimate chance for the league’s top MVP candidates to show why they are deserving of the award.

What about Matthew Stafford? The Rams signal-caller endured one of his worst games of the season in Los Angeles’ 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Stafford entered Week 17 holding a slight lead in the NFL’s MVP race over Maye. Was the 37-year-old’s rocky outing enough to shift the race in favor of the second-year quarterback?

Here’s a look at the NFL MVP odds as the league calendar rolls on into Week 18.

NFL MVP odds: Week 18

Here’s a look at where Maye and Stafford rank in the NFL MVP award odds after 17 weeks of action, according to BetMGM:

1. QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (-750)

Stafford was ahead of Maye in the NFL MVP race entering Week 17. Maye flipped the script on the veteran quarterback by putting together one of the best performances of his career to date.

Maye completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and a career-high five touchdowns against the Jets. He posted a 157 passer rating and a 99.8 QBR, which was the highest-ever posted by a quarterback since the metric was created in 2006.

Maye leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.2%), yards per attempt (8.9) and passer rating (112.9). He has thrown for 4,203 yards, 30 touchdowns and just eight interceptions while adding 409 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Maye will also get credit for elevating a solid-but-unspectacular Patriots squad to be a contender in the AFC. New England clinched the AFC East title in Week 17 – something the team hasn’t done since Tom Brady’s final season with it in 2019 – thanks in no small part to Maye’s excellent performance.

2. QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (+450)

Stafford has been the MVP frontrunner for a good chunk of the 2025 NFL season. However, a rocky performance against the Falcons in Week 17 could prove costly for the 37-year-old as he looks to take home the award for the first time.

Stafford completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns and a season-worst three interceptions against the Falcons. The two first-half picks proved costly, as one was returned for a touchdown while the other came one play before Bijan Robinson scored on a 93-yard scamper.

Stafford was without several starting offensive linemen for Monday’s game, including left tackle Alaric Jackson. He was sacked three times, tying a season high, while facing a lot of pressure that appeared to bother him.

While that game may leave a bad taste in the mouths of voters, Stafford has still completed 65.2% of his passes for 4,448 yards, a league-high 42 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. His 108.8 passer rating ranks second-best in the NFL behind Maye, while Stafford’s 8.0 yards per attempt ranks top-five league-wide, illustrating the narrow gap between the two quarterbacks.

But if recency bias plays any role in the MVP debate, as the odds shift indicate, Maye will end up having the edge over Stafford entering the season’s final week.

3. QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (+20000)

T-4. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+25000)

T-4. QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (+25000)

The Golden State Warriors got back in the win column with a 120-107 victory against the Brooklyn Nets in a valiant team effort. 

Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 48 points, scoring 27 and 21, respectively. But it was the effort from the Golden State reserves that really told the tale of the game. 

The Warriors’ bench outscored the Nets’ bench 58-27. Trayce Jackson-Davis had 11 points. De’Anthony Melton, Will Richard and Gary Payton II each had 10. 

‘With the back to back, we knew we were going to play a lot of people, which we did. I think we had 12 guys play 10 minutes or more,’ Kerr said to reporters after the game. ‘It was great. That group came in and really got the game right. From there, it was really fun to watch everybody contribute.”

Watching Curry go on solo runs as he did throughout the game, Kerr said, “It never gets old coaching Steph, I’ll tell you that.”

The Nets were led by Michael Porter Jr., who finished with 27 points and nine rebounds. Brooklyn rookie guard Egor Demin scored a career-high 23 points on 7-for-14 shooting from three-point territory. 

Golden State’s second unit came in defensive minded. They had high intensity and made the hustle plays, racking up eight steals and four blocks. 

Nic Claxton added 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks for Brooklyn, as they fell to 10-20. The Nets played their last game of 2025 and will face the Houston Rockets on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. 

The Warriors are back over .500 at 17-16. The Warriors’ next game is Wednesday, Dec. 31 against the Charlotte Hornets. 

Warriors vs. Nets highlights

1st quarter highlights

Brooklyn jumped out to a 10-point game to start the game, leading 18-8, with 7:33 remaining after a Michael Porter Jr. dunk. 

The Nets knocked down six threes in the opening period on 55% shooting from deep as a team. Their biggest lead was 15. 

The Warriors got a big boost from Trayce Jackson-Davis who recorded three points, two blocks and a steal in the first quarter to set the tone defensively for Golden State. 

His presence helped spark a 15-2 run to end the quarter. The Dubs were down 30-28 at the end of the first period. 

Nets forward Michael Porter scored 10 points in the opening 12 minutes. Jimmy Butler led Golden State with eight points. 

2nd quarter highlights 

The continued to show up defensively forcing turnovers, getting deflections, drawing offensive fouls and making it difficult for Brooklyn. 

Golden State seemed to find a rhythm and were in sync offensively, sharing the ball, finding the open man cutting to the basket. 

The Warriors got great bench production in the first half, scoring 37 points in the first half. 

Golden State ended the half with the lead, 59-57, led by Stephen Curry who had 10 points. Davis had nine points off the bench in the first half. 

3rd quarter highlights 

Both teams traded baskets through the third quarter. Curry began to catch fire, scoring 10 points. 

There were a couple of questionable calls where Curry made a three pointer and a pull up near the free throw line and believed he was in the act of shooting, but officials called both on the floor, not counting the shots. 

Porter continued to score in bunches for the Nets. He was helped out by rookie guard Egor Demin, who had 17 at the end of three quarters. 

Butler came alive in the period, initiating an 11-0 run by himself. He ended the quarter with 21 points. Warriors led 89-85 after three quarters.

4th quarter highlights 

Brooklyn’s Traore cashed in a three to open the quarter before the Warriors went on a 8-0 run.

Curry nailed a 25-foot three-pointer from straight ahead to pass Kevin Garnett at No. 21 on the NBA all-time scoring list. 

Noah Clowney kept the Nets in it after getting to the line, making one of two, before hitting a three to keep Brooklyn within six. 

Demin hit a career-high when he hit a corner three giving him 20 points. 

Brandin Podziemski followed with a three of his own helping the Warriors eventually build a double-digit lead. 

Nic Claxton went on a sequence with a block then back-to-back dunks to bring Brooklyn within six. 

A few plays later, Curry answered with a three-point play getting fouled and hitting a mid-range jumper. 

The game was sealed when De’Anthony Melton blocked a Demin three-point attempt and scored on the other end. Will Richard followed with a steal and slam to put Golden State up 116-106. The Warriors would go on to win 120-107. 

Warriors keys to victory

• Learn from last game’s mistakes:After a loss to the Raptors, Golden State should look to focus on the little things that cost them the game in Toronto: taking care of the basketball, rebounding and continuous physical play. The Warriors cut their turnovers down to 14, and outrebound the Nets 40-34.
• Contain the Thomas-Porter Jr. Show: Defensively, there will have to be a heightened focus as the Warriors face volume scorers Michael Porter Jr., averaging 25.8 points per game, and Cam Thomas, who averages 22.3 points. Porter scored 27, however Thomas was held to 13.
• Defend the paint: It’s easier said than done since Quinten Post is the lone 7-footer on the team, but the Warriors have to defend the paint better than they have. Not only were they outrebounded last game, but they also allowed 70 points in the paint. Nets only scored 30 points in the paint.
• More involvement from others: When the Warriors are passing the ball and everyone is involved they are a much better team. No matter how entertaining it is to watch Curry go on a flurry, guys have to remain involved in the offense and knock down good looks when the ball swings their way.Warriors’ bench scored 58 points behind Davis (11) and Payton, Richard and Melton (11 each).

Warriors’ next five games

• Dec. 31 at Charlotte Hornets
• Jan. 2 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
• Jan. 3 vs. Utah Jazz
• Jan. 5 at Los Angeles Clippers
• Jan. 7 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The calendar year is about to close and NBA action is about to heat up.

Not only is the trade deadline a little more than a month away, but we finally have a new No. 1 atop these power rankings.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have dominated basketball for a full season and then some, but they have hit a recent skid, losing four of their last seven — which came after a 16-game winning streak.

The Thunder still have reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the young core remains intact, so it’s not time to sound the alarms.

It’s clear, however, that there are at least some challengers capable of playing with OKC.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 9 of the 2025-26 regular season:

USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings

Note: Records and stats through Dec. 28. Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings

NBA Week 10 power rankings: Top 5

1. San Antonio Spurs, 23-8 (+2)

2. Oklahoma City Thunder, 27-5 (-1)

3. Detroit Pistons, 24-8 (-1)

4. New York Knicks, 22-9 (—)

5. Denver Nuggets, 22-9 (—)

You don’t defeat the top team and defending champions three times in the span of 13 days without taking an edge over them. The Spurs may not be all the way complete, but with Victor Wembanyama all the way back and their trio of speedy guards pushing pace, San Antonio may be breaking out as an incredibly dangerous team. The Spurs, at least right now, are just that. The Nuggets got a massive day from Nikola Jokić on Christmas Day, but three losses in five games is a bit of a concern.

NBA Week 10 power rankings: Nos. 6-10

6. Boston Celtics, 19-12 (+3)

7. Minnesota Timberwolves, 20-12 (—)

8. Houston Rockets, 19-10 (—)

9.Los Angeles Lakers, 20-10 (-3)

10. Phoenix Suns, 18-13 (+2)

Boston is quietly lurking, though its schedule has been relatively light with no games played yet against Western Conference powers: the Spurs, Thunder or Nuggets. The Timberwolves will kick themselves for giving away a nine-point lead in overtime to the Nuggets Christmas Day, a game that could carry seeding implications down the road. The big concern for the Lakers is that they still haven’t figured out how to play cohesively with both Luka Dončić and LeBron James both on the floor; losing Austin Reaves (calf) for extended time doesn’t help, either.

NBA Week 10 power rankings: Nos. 11-15

11. Orlando Magic, 18-14 (—)

12. Toronto Raptors, 19-14 (+1)

13. Miami Heat, 17-15 (+5)

14. Cleveland Cavaliers, 17-16 (—)

15. Philadelphia 76ers, 16-14 (-5)

Every team in this middle pack suffers from lack of consistency; the Magic have seemingly alternated between wins and losses all December. The Cavaliers clearly need to rework their roster, so expect them to be active before the trading deadline. After jumping up the rankings last week, the Sixers have dropped three consecutive and need improved perimeter shooting from role players.

NBA Week 10 power rankings: Nos. 16-20

16. Golden State Warriors, 16-16 (+3)

17. Memphis Grizzlies, 15-17 (—)

18. Chicago Bulls, 15-16 (-2)

19. Milwaukee Bucks, 13-19 (+4)

20. Atlanta Hawks, 15-18 (-5)

The Bulls have actually won five of their last six and are playing far quicker (ranking second in pace at 103.64), but they’re victims of movement above them. Getting Giannis Antetokounmpo back and healthy is the boost the Bucks needed, though trade rumors will not go away. And the Hawks have lost six consecutive and are 0-5 in games Trae Young has played in since his return, averaging 133 points per game in those contests. Atlanta might be best served to ship him off.

NBA Week 10 power rankings: Nos. 21-25

21. Portland Trail Blazers, 13-19 (—)

22. Utah Jazz, 12-19 (—)

23. Los Angeles Clippers, 10-21 (+5)

24. Dallas Mavericks, 12-21 (-4)

25. Charlotte Hornets, 11-20 (-1)

Have the Clippers finally turned the corner? Winners of four consecutive, three of those have come against solid opponents (Pistons, Rockets, Lakers). Anthony Davis is hurt once again, and the Mavericks have lost four of five. And the Hornets have some markers of an improving team; they’re tied for first in defensive rebounding percentage (71.6%) and rank fifth in 3-pointers made per game (14.9).

NBA Week 10 power rankings: Nos. 26-30

26. Brooklyn Nets, 10-19 (-1)

27. New Orleans Pelicans, 8-25 (-1)

28. Sacramento Kings, 8-24 (+1)

29. Washington Wizards, 7-23 (+1)

30. Indiana Pacers, 6-26 (-3)

The Nets are on a little tear, winning three in a row against the Raptors, 76ers and Timberwolves. The Pelicans desperately need shooting, ranking dead last in the NBA in 3s made per game (10.6), and the Pacers are the worst offensive team in basketball, ranking last in rating (107.7). The return of Aaron Nesmith will help, but it won’t fix all their issues.

The United States trailed for the first time in the world junior hockey championship.

But the way they came back to beat Slovakia on Monday, Dec. 29, bodes well for their chances in the rest of the tournament.

The Americans were down 2-0 after one period against their toughest opponent so far. But they rallied and were tied 4-4 after two periods, took a 6-4 lead early in the third and held on for a wild 6-5 victory.

The USA (3-0) were playing without injured defenseman Cole Hutson, but they finally connected on the power play, 2025 tournament standout James Hagens scored his first two goals and Will Zellers picked up his fourth goal and third game-winner.

The Americans will face 3-0 Sweden on New Year’s Eve, with the winner capturing the Group A title. Hutson is day-to-day, so he potentially could be available after leaving Saturday’s game on a stretcher.

USA vs. Slovakia highlights

Up next for Team USA

The USA and Sweden (both 3-0) will face off on Wednesday, Dec. 31 (6 p.m. ET, NHL Network). The winner of that game will win Group A and face the fourth-place team in Group B. The loser would face the third-place team in Group B.

Players of the game

Adam Belusko (short-handed goal) is Slovakia’s player of the game. James Hagens is the U.S. player after he scored twice. Bill Guerin, general manager of the Minnesota Wild and the U.S. Olympic team, hands out the awards.

Final score: USA 6, Slovakia 5

The USA rallies from a 2-0 deficit after one period to improve to 3-0. Will Zellers’ goal that made it 6-4 ends up being the game-winner. It’s his third of the tournament.

Slovakia goalie out

USA ices the puck. There’s 45 seconds left.

Slovakia scores

Tomas Chrenko scores with 1:54 left to pull Slovakia within one goal. It’s his second goal of the night and fifth of the tournament. USA 6, Slovakia 5

Slovakia pulls goalie

Slovakia has an extra skater.

Huge save by Caleb Heil

Michal Svrcek has a wide-open net, but Heil reaches over and gets his blocker on it.

USA power play

Lukas Tomka is called for slashing. Slovakia kills it off. We’re midway through the third period.

Slovakia power play

AJ Spellacy is called for roughing. The USA kills it off.

USA goal survives review

Will Zellers puts in the puck on the doorstep after some pinpoint passing. His fourth goal of the tournament goes in off his skate, but it survives a review. USA 6, Slovakia 4

USA power play

Adam Goljer put the puck over the glass. Slovakia kills it off, but USA is on another power play as Adam Nemec is called for tripping.

James Hagens gives USA lead

The Bruins prospect scores his second goal of the game 18 seconds into the third period. The USA has its first lead of the game. USA 5, Slovakia 4.

Third period underway

4-4 tie.

End of second: USA 4, Slovakia 4

What a wild period. The USA entered down by two goals and tied it 3-3 and 4-4. The period featured a short-handed goal by each team, one Slovakia power play goal and the USA’s first man-advantage goal of the tournament. The USA outshot Slovakia 23-10 in the period.

James Hagens ties game

James Hagens scores from the slot with 44.1 seconds left in the second period to tie the game for the USA. It’s his first goal of the tournament. USA 4, Slovakia 4

Cole Eiserman robbed

Michal Pradel stops Cole Eiserman from in tight.

Slovakia retakes lead

MIchal Svrcek scores on a goalmouth scramble to give Slovakia the lead. Slovakia 4, USA 3

Slovakia power play

Chase Reid is called for roughing. A little bit of embellishment?

USA ties it up

Ryker Lee makes a perfectly placed shot over Michal Pradel’s shoulder to give the USA its first power-play goal and a tie game. USA 3, Slovakia 3

USA power play

Michal Capos is called for tripping. The USA starts its second unit and nearly puts one in, but it’s stopped on the goal line.

USA gets one back

Brendan McMorrow gets the goal on a rebound for his second point of the game. AJ Spellacy adds a secondary assist and also has two points. Slovakia 3, USA 2

Slovakia scores short-handed

Slovakia restores its two-goal lead after a USA turnover on the power play. Adam Belusko got a lot of speed on that short-handed shot. The USA gets some chances after but falls to 0-for-7 on the power play in the tournament. Slovakia 3, USA 1

USA power play

Slovakia is called for too many men on the ice. The USA has yet to score a power-play goal in the tournament.

USA gets short-handed goal

Big goal by the USA. The Americans block a shot and break down the ice. A.J. Spellacy reaches out and redirects a pass from Brendan McMorrow past Michal Pradel. The USA kills the rest of the penalty and was the more dangerous team. Slovakia 2, USA 1

Slovakia power play

LJ Mooney is called for interference. Slovakia already has scored on the power play.

Second period underway

The USA trails 2-0.

End of first: Slovakia 2, USA 0

The USA overcame adversity in their last game by winning after Cole Hutson left the ice on a stretcher. Now they’ll have to overcome adversity on the scoreboard as they trail for the first time in the tournament. They’re without Hutson again as he sits out from the Game 2 injury. The USA picked up play later in the period and trails 8-6 on shots.

Teddy Stiga chance

Stiga, who had last season’s golden goal, has a breakaway but goalie Michal Pradel forces him to shoot wide. The USA has only two shots so far.

Slovakia scores again

Tomas Chrenko scores on the power play from the left faceoff circle through a screen. It’s his fourth goal of the tournament. Slovakia 2, USA 0

Slovakia power play

Kamil Bednarik is called for holding.

Slovakia scores first

Tobias Pitka takes a drop pass from Tobias Tomik and beats Caleb Heil blocker side. This is the first time that the USA has trailed in the tournament. Slovakia 1, USA 0

Game underway

Goalie matchup is USA’s Caleb Heil vs. Slovakia’s Michal Pradel.

What channel is USA vs. Slovakia world juniors hockey game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

Follow world junior championships on Fubo

What time is USA vs. Slovakia world juniors hockey game today?

Date: Monday, Dec. 29

Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Slovakia: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 29

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET

Monday, Dec. 29

• Sweden 8, Germany 1:. Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell, Flyers prospect Jack Berglund and draft-eligible Viggo Bjorck each scored twice as Sweden improved to 3-0. Germany’s Elias Pul tied the game in the first period on a 2-on-0 break but Sweden pulled away with four goals in the second period.
• Czechia 2, Finland 1 (OT): Blues prospect Adam Jiricek scored 3:39 into overtime to give Czechia the win. He was alone in front and put his stick between his legs before shooting. Czechia opened the scoring on a five-minute power play after Finland’s Veeti Vaisanen was ejected for cross-checking. Emil Hemming tied the game with 20 seconds left to force overtime.
• USA 6, Slovakia 5: The USA rallied from 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to stay unbeaten. James Hagens tied the game 4-4 in the final minute of the second period, then put the USA ahead to stay 18 seconds into the third period. Will Zellers ended up with the game-winner, his third of the tournament.
• Canada 9, Denmark1: Projected No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna had a hat trick to lead the rout. The win moved Canada ahead of Finland in Group B. Those teams play on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Denmark (0-3) will face Latvia on Dec. 30 and try to win to give it a chance to avoid playing in the relegation game.

USA vs. Slovakia history

This is the teams’ 21st meeting. The USA has won 15 times.

How world juniors standings work

Teams get three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime win, one for an overtime loss and zero for a regulation loss. Sweden has nine points. The USA would have nine if it beats Slovakia in regulation. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head competition so even if the Americans lose, they could win their group with a win against Sweden in regulation.

USA, Slovakia lineups

The USA is adjusting its defense pairings and first power play unit with Cole Hutson out.

Cole Hutson injury update

Team USA No. 1 defenseman Cole Hutson will sit out Monday’s game against Slovakia. He remains day-to-day after being hit in the head by a shot on Saturday and leaving the ice on a stretcher.

USA players to watch

Will Zellers leads the USA with three goals and four points. He has the winning goal in both of the USA’s first two games. Defenseman Adam Kleber has a plus-minus rating of +5, which ties him with Hutson.

Slovakia players to watch

Tomas Chrenko had a hat trick against Germany. Adam Nemec, whose older brother Simon plays for the New Jersey Devils, has two assists in the tournament.

World juniors 2026 predictions

Who will win gold, silver and bronze at this year’s tournament? Who will take home the individual awards? Here are predictions from The Hockey News staff.