Attorneys for Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier are asking a federal judge to dismiss the two felony charges he’s facing for his alleged role in the NBA’s wide-ranging gambling scandal, according to a new motion filed on Rozier’s behalf.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, wrote in court documents provided to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday, Dec. 23, that federal prosecutors in the case are overreaching and going against recent Supreme Court precedent by charging Rozier with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in the alleged scheme. Trusty instead argued the federal government is attempting to ‘enforce its view of integrity in sports wagering’ and that the allegations are a violation of the wagering rules set by state-licensed betting companies.

Rozier’s side wants the charges thrown out by the U.S. District Court for Eastern New York since this is conduct traditionally regulated at the state level. Rozier was arraigned on Dec. 9 and pleaded not guilty to both charges in federal court in Brooklyn.

‘The government has billed this case as involving ‘insider betting’ and ‘rigging’ professional basketball games,’ Trusty wrote. ‘But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks’ terms of use against wagering based on non-public information and ‘straw betting,” Trusty wrote, in reference to the practice of one person placing bets on another’s behalf.

The 2025-26 NBA season began with the startling revelation that Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones had been arrested in connection with two federal indictments related to illegal gambling on games and rigged poker games that had Mafia ties.

Federal authorities allege the extensive scheme spanned years, and there are more than 30 co-defendants accused in the case along with these prominent NBA figures. Rozier has only been charged in the indictment involving illegal gambling on games, though authorities said in October that the investigation is still ongoing. Rozier was placed on immediate and indefinite leave from the Heat until the situation is resolved and NBA commissioner Adam Silver told reporters last week the league will look into the possibility of giving Miami some sort of ‘satisfactory relief’ since Rozier can’t play and he’s earning $26.6 million against the salary cap this season.

The 31-year-old is accused of being part of an illegal betting scheme by alerting gamblers he intended to fake an injury in order to make money off a prop bet related to his performance in a game when he played for the Charlotte Hornets.

Prior to a March 23, 2023, game between the Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans, according to the federal indictment, Rozier told co-defendant Deniro Laster that he planned to prematurely remove himself from the game in the first quarter due to injury and not return to play. Rozier had not been listed on the injury report.

Federal authorities allege Laster then sold the information to co-defendant Marves Fairley, and more than $200,000 in prop bets were subsequently placed on Rozier’s ‘unders’ for the game. Rozier played 9 minutes, 34 seconds for the Hornets in the game before leaving with an injury and finished ‘under’ his prop bet totals for points, assists and 3-pointers.

The indictment also states that once Laster collected his cut of the winnings from Fairley in Philadelphia, he drove from Philadelphia to Rozier’s home in Charlotte and counted the money with Rozier during the early morning hours of April 1, 2023. Rozier did not appear in another game that season for the Hornets.

Rozier’s motion countered, however, the federal government’s money laundering case is predicated on the alleged wire fraud that it believes should also be dismissed. ‘Moreover,’ according to the motion, ‘the indictment fails to allege an essential element of money laundering conspiracy: that Mr. Rozier agreed to commit the offense.’

‘The indictment does not allege that Mr. Rozier ever placed a bet, whether himself or through a proxy, on any NBA game,’ Trusty wrote in the motion to dismiss. ‘Nor does it allege that he knew that Laster intended to sell this information to others, or that using it to place wagers would violate the betting companies’ rules.’

Rozier, Jones and former NBA player Jontay Porter were each accused of providing inside information for the illegal gambling scheme as part of the investigation. Porter was banned for life from playing in the NBA in April 2024 and pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in July 2024.

Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, called it ‘one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States’ during an Oct. 23 news conference announcing the indictments in the two cases.

Rozier’s motion filed Tuesday included reference to that moment, and noted ‘countless instances of speakers blurring Mr. Rozier’s case with a 31-defendant indictment that alleges Mafia involvement and several examples of condemning Mr. Rozier’s morality, rather than describing criminal allegations.’

‘Charging the alleged wagering scheme as a federal wire fraud conspiracy runs counter to the Supreme Court’s repeated warnings against using the federal fraud statutes to federalize state matters and criminalize civil matters,’ Trusty wrote. ‘Contrary to the theory underlying the indictment here, the federal wire fraud statute does not vest the government with the general power to enforce its view of integrity in sports wagering.’

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the verge of winning the AFC North for the first time since 2020. They may have to clinch the honor without the services of their top receiver, DK Metcalf.

The NFL suspended Metcalf two games for ‘conduct detrimental to the NFL’ after the 28-year-old got into an altercation with a fan during his team’s Week 16 win over the Detroit Lions.

‘Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that ‘players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day,’ the NFL said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. ‘If a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.’

Metcalf is planning to appeal the suspension, per multiple reports. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also reported ‘had a history’ with the fan in question and had reported the fan to security last season while he was with the Seattle Seahawks.

However, if Metcalf’s suspension is upheld, the Steelers will have to clinch passage to the postseason without the services of Metcalf. How easy will that be? Here’s a look at the Steelers’ playoff chances and what they’ll need to do over the final two weeks to make the playoffs.

Steelers playoff chances

The Steelers have an estimated 92% chance to make the playoffs, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats. They are battling with the Baltimore Ravens atop the divisional race but have earned a significant advantage after winning back-to-back games and seeing Baltimore drop back-to-back contests.

The Ravens have just an 8% chance to make the postseason, per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

Steelers playoff scenarios

The Steelers can wrap up a playoff berth in Week 17 if one of the following scenarios occurs:

• Steelers win OR tie against Cleveland Browns OR
• Ravens lose OR tie against Green Bay Packers.

Baltimore will be in action Saturday, so Pittsburgh will know if it has already clinched a playoff berth before its game Sunday.

If the Steelers are unable to clinch the division in Week 17, they can get into the playoffs with a win or a tie against the Ravens in Week 18.

The only way the Steelers will be eliminated from playoff contention is if the following scenario unfolds:

• Steelers lose to Cleveland Browns in Week 17 AND
• Ravens win final two games.

Metcalf’s absence may make that scenario slightly more likely to occur – if only because the Steelers lack depth at the wide receiver position – but the Steelers still certainly have a significant edge in the AFC North race.

AFC North standings

The Steelers and Ravens were tied atop the AFC North standings entering their head-to-head battle in Week 15. Since then, Pittsburgh has opened a two-game lead on Baltimore with two games left to play.

Below is a look at the pecking order within the division:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
2. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

The Steelers currently own a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens and possess a better divisional record (3-1) than the Ravens (3-2).

The only way Baltimore can win a tiebreaker over Pittsburgh is if the Steelers lose their final two games. That would give the Ravens a better divisional record than their rival.

Even then, the Ravens would still need to beat the Packers in Week 17 to have any shot at unseating the Steelers in the season’s 11th hour.

Steelers remaining schedule

The Steelers have the eighth-easiest remaining strength of schedule over the final two weeks of the NFL season, per Tankathon. That’s buoyed by their Week 17 matchup with the AFC North-worst Browns.

Here’s a look at Pittsburgh’s end-of-season slate:

• Week 17: at Cleveland Browns (3-12)
• Week 18: vs. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

Ravens remaining schedule

Conversely, the Ravens have the 10th-hardest finish to the season. They are playing two nine-win teams to close the season. Both are currently on track to make the 2025 NFL playoffs.

Here’s a look at how Baltimore finishes the regular season:

• Week 17: at Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
• Week 18: at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)

Steelers WR depth chart

Below is a look at the receivers on whom the Steelers will be relying if Metcalf’s suspension is upheld.

• Calvin Austin III
• Adam Thielen
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Ben Skowronek
• Scotty Miller
• Roman Wilson

Austin leads the team with 28 receptions this season, while Thielen and Valdes-Scantling are recent veteran additions signed to improve the Steelers’ depth at the position.

In all likelihood, the Steelers will also rely on their trio of solid tight ends – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington – as well as running backs Kenneth Gainwell (the team’s receptions leader) and Jaylen Warren to keep their passing game afloat without Metcalf.

AI-assisted summary
• The Baltimore Ravens effectively benched running back Derrick Henry in the final 12 minutes of their 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots.
• Henry had rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns before the Ravens surrendered their lead.
• Coach John Harbaugh attributed Henry’s absence to a planned rotation with running back Keaton Mitchell.

That major fallout question is dogging the Baltimore Ravens after yet another embarrassing collapse Dec. 21. In blowing an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead against the New England Patriots, the Ravens managed to idle one of their most effective weapons when they needed him most.

And the explanations, from coach John Harbaugh on down, were just as perplexing after the 28-24 setback.

Sure, Henry had a fumble that extinguished some early momentum. But the bruising running back ran for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns – and averaged a whopping 7.1 yards per carry.

When the Ravens could have conceivably iced the game in crunch time – you know, milk the clock, keep the ball away from Drake Maye and the Patriots offense, and maybe even added to their lead – Henry was on the bench.

After his two-yard score early in the fourth quarter gave Baltimore a 24-13 lead, with the conversion, Henry never touched the football again.

Put another way, in the final 12 minutes, 50 seconds of a game the Ravens had to have, Henry had zero touches. Go figure.

With Lamar Jackson out, Ravens turn to … Keaton Mitchell?

One reason? Keaton Mitchell was in the backfield.

Turns out, it was all quite the losing equation for the Ravens, who entered the game with control of their own destiny and played the entire second half without Lamar Jackson, who was knocked out with a back injury. They could have captured the AFC North crown by winning their final three games, including a Week 18 rematch against the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that Week 18 rematch could mean nothing.

What, were they saving Henry for Week 18?

“Any player would just like to be able to have the ball in their hands and make plays for the team just to give ourselves a chance to go win,” Henry, the last player left in an empty Ravens locker room, said when someone asked if the situation in the fourth quarter marked the type of situation when he would have wanted the football.

“I think any player would have that same response, if you’re a competitor, and you love the game – and I definitely love the game – but this didn’t go our way tonight.”

More puzzling was that Henry – whom the Ravens signed to a two-year, $30 million extension during the offseason – maintained that he wasn’t surprised to be on the bench. After all, his sub, Mitchell, averaged all of 1.4 yards per rush (9 carries, 13 yards).

“We’ve been doing a rotation for I don’t know how many weeks,” Henry said. “Keaton has been doing a great job in the run game, and we are both in there doing the best we can.”

Yeah, but, Henry clearly had the hot hand on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium – the home park where the Ravens (7-8), by the way, have lost six games this season.

“I don’t think this would be a big deal if we had won the game,” Henry said. “There wouldn’t be any questions about it, but I understand that when you lose, everybody’s going to want to know or try to analyze every situation. But this is something we’ve been doing. We did it last week, and everything was fine, and we won.” 

The diplomacy from Henry might have been respectful of his backfield mate and coaches, including Harbaugh and coordinator Todd Monken. Yet given the outcome, his explanation just didn’t cut it. So many established NFL players would have had a fit if they were on the bench with the game on the line.

Then again, the decision on which players play – and at what point in a game – rests with the authorities, i.e. the coaches.

Ravens’ backfield rotation handcuffed Henry when they needed him most

Right, Harbaugh?

Asked why Henry wasn’t in the game on the next-to-last Ravens possession, when they gained 13 yards and punted, Harbaugh made it sound like it was the players – Henry and Mitchell – who made the personnel decisions for their rotation.

“Derrick and Keaton had talked about that,” Harbaugh said. “Keaton had started the other drive, and then Derrick came in and finished it off. So, it’s part of that rotation. He was going back in the game, then we got stopped. I think we had, what, two carries on that, out of the four plays, maybe, out of the six plays.” 

Mitchell had a four-yard run, then after a Tyler Huntley-to-DeAndre Hopkins completion moved the chains, was stuffed for no gain on an RPO call.

Said Harbaugh, “The play call is the play call. If it works, we’re thrilled with it.”

Of course, it didn’t work. It fueled more second-guessing for a coach whose team has a disturbing pattern of blowing big, fourth-quarter leads.

And it happened again.

“Looking back, would I rather have had Derrick starting the drive? Yes,” Harbaugh said. “But Derrick was kind of ready for Keaton to start that drive. And then he was planning on coming in next. So, they were working that rotation.

“When you look back on it, I think it’s pretty easy to say, ‘Hey, he should have been in there or shouldn’t have been in there.’ But we’re rotating those guys throughout the game as two backs. But yes, (a potential) game-winning drive, do I want Derrick Henry on the field? Sure, I do want him on the field.”

It’s a bad look for Harbaugh and Monken. With the season on the line, they stuck with their rotation – because, why, again? – rather than adjusting to the flow and specific game situation.

This is so Ravenesque. They blew it again. The handling of Henry in the fourth quarter on Sunday night is added to the pile of questions – which includes a defense unable to make key stops – about why no lead is safe.

And now the Ravens are left to hope that the Cleveland Browns pull off an upset of the Steelers … if, of course, they’re able to upset the playoff-desperate Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday.

Then again, maybe such upsets are all part of the rotation.

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

This college football postseason lineup is full of familiar faces in the College Football Playoff and some newcomers to the field. The 11 games to decide the national champion will start with first-round games at campus sites on Dec. 19 and 20. Four winners will advance to face the four teams with first-round bye in quarterfinals on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The semifinals will be played at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, respectively. The national championship game will be held Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

But there’s also more than just the chase for the national championship. A full lineup of bowl games will kickoff on Dec. 13 and run alongside all the playoff matchups

A look at the entire postseason schedule with dates, times and television details along with all the matchups that will take you through the holiday season and beyond:

LA Bowl: Washington 38, Boise State 10

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 13, Inglewood, Calif., 8 p.m., ABC

Demond Williams passed for four touchdowns, and the Huskies held the Broncos to under 100 yards of offense in the first half to cruise to their ninth victory of the season. Boise State, playing just eight days after winning the Mountain West title, threw five interceptions between quarterbacks Max Cutforth and Maddux Madsen.

Salute to Veterans Bowl: Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 16, Montgomery, Ala., 9 p.m., ESPN

The Gamecocks bounced back from their loss in the Conference USA championship to finish their season with nine wins after a 1-yard touchdown run by Andrew Paul in the fourth quarter to defeat the Trojans.

Cure Bowl: Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Orlando, Fla., 5 p.m., ESPN

Both the Monarchs and Bulls were short-handed with their quarterback sitting out. Old Dominion trailed at halftime, but scored all the game’s 17 points in the second half with touchdown runs by Trequan Jones and Quinn Henicle.

68 Ventures Bowl: Delaware 20, Louisiana-Lafayette 13

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Mobile, Ala., 8:30 p.m., ESPN

In their first FBS season, the Blue Hens earned their first bowl victory with a defense stand in the final seconds when the Ragin’ Cajuns were close to a tying touchdown. Jo Silver led a ground attack with 115 yards and a score, and Nick Minicucci added a passing touchdown to provide the early scoring.

Xbox Bowl: Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

DETAILS: Thursday, Dec. 18, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Arkansas State opened up a big lead before holding off a rally from first-time bowl participant Missouri State. Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns and wide receiver Corey Rucker passed 4,000 career receiving yards with 166 yards and a score.

Myrtle Beach Bowl: Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Conway, S.C., 11 a.m., ESPN

The Broncos posted their 10th win of the season that also included a MAC title after starting fast with 27 points in the first quarter. Jalen Buckley had 174 yards and a score on just eight carries, and Broc Lowry threw for two touchdowns in the victory.

Gasparilla Bowl: North Carolina State 31, Memphis 7

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Tampa, Fla., 2:30 p.m., ESPN

The Wolfpack dominated from the start, scoring the first 24 points of the game with quarterback CJ Bailey throwing for two scores and running for another. NC State closed its season on a two-game win streak, while Memphis lost its fourth in row.

College Football Playoff: Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., ABC/ESPN

The Crimson Tide equaled the record for the biggest comeback in College Football Playoff history by overcoming a 17-0 deficit and avenging an earlier loss to the Sooners in the regular season. Ty Simpson threw for two scores, and Zabien Brown returned an interception 50 yards for a score to key the rally.

College Football Playoff: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, noon, ABC/ESPN

The Hurricanes won a defensive struggle with a late touchdown pass from Carson Beck to Malachi Toney and then an interception by Bryce Fitzgerald in the end zone in the final seconds. Texas A&M managed just a third-quarter field goal and committed three turnovers.

College Football Playoff: Mississippi 41, Tulane 10

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m., TNT/truTV

A rematch of a game comfortably won by the Rebels in September was another easy victory in the playoff. Ole Miss scored a touchdown after three plays and cruised into the quarterfinals. Trinidad Chambliss threw for 282 yards and one score in the victory.

College Football Playoff: Oregon 51, James Madison 34

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., TNT/truTV

Oregon blew up the first-round matchup with touchdowns on its first five possessions to lead 34-6 at halftime. The Ducks added a couple more scores in the third quarter before the Dukes had a strong finish. Dante Moore led the victory with 313 yards and four passing touchdowns.

Idaho Potato Bowl: Washington State 34, Utah State 21

DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 22, Boise, Idaho, 2 p.m., ESPN

Zevi Eckhaus threw for yards and three touchdowns to the lead the Cougars to a win against their future Pac-12 opponents. Maxwell Woods added 117 yards on the ground as Washington State piled up 628 yards of offense.

Boca Raton Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Boca Raton, Fla., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Louisville (8-4) vs. Toledo (8-4)

The Cardinals stumbled in their last three ACC games after being in contention for the title game. The Rockets, who saw coach Jason Candle leave for Connecticut, have won four games in a row.

New Orleans Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, New Orleans, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Southern Mississippi (7-5)

Two teams that faltered in their last game to miss their respective conference championship games. The Eagles also have lost coach Charles Huff to Memphis.

Frisco Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: UNLV (10-3) vs. Ohio (8-4)

The Rebels had two of their losses to Boise State, including the Mountain West title game. The Bobcats narrowly missed the MAC championship game.

Hawaii Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 24, Honolulu., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: California (7-5) vs. Hawaii (8-4)

The Bears are being led by former Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich, who serving as interim coach after the firing of Justin Wilcox. The Rainbow Warriors return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

GameAbove Sports Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Detroit, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Northwestern (6-6)

Matt Drinkall had a great debut season for the Chippewas, who will face the Wildcats for just the second time. Northwestern needs to reverse its run of four losses in five games to avoid finishing on down note.

Rate Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Phoenix, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Minnesota (7-5) vs. New Mexico (9-3)

It was a great season for the Lobos in Jason Eck’s first year with the program. They’ll stay near home to face the Gophers, making a seventh trip to the postseason under P.J. Fleck.

First Responder Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Dallas, 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Florida International (7-5) vs. Texas-San Antonio (6-6)

Willie Simmons had a remarkable first season as coach of the Panthers, who enter on a four-game win streak. The Road Runners had an up-and-down year that included impressive wins against Tulane and East Carolina mixed with curious losses.

Military Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Pittsburgh (8-4) vs. East Carolina (8-4)

It’s a return trip to this game for the Pirates after they beat North Carolina State last year. They’ll try to take down another ACC team this time. The Panthers must get better on defense to avoid that fate.

Pinstripe Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Bronx, N.Y., noon, ABC

MATCHUP: Clemson (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6)

These are two teams that started in the top five and might have been a College Football Playoff semifinal. Both almost missed bowl games before a string of wins at the end of the year. Which will be motivated to finish out with a victory?

Fenway Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Boston, 2:15 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Army (6-5) vs. Connecticut (9-3)

The Black Knights secured their postseason spot with a win at Texas-San Antonio. The Huskies are making a return trip to Boston after beating North Carolina in this game last year.

Pop-Tarts Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Orlando, Fla., 3:30 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Georgia Tech (9-3) vs. Brigham Young (11-2)

Both the Yellow Jackets and Cougars had great seasons, but their playoff hopes ended with late losses. Look for both teams to be motivated to finish with a win that will help carry momentum into the offseason.

Arizona Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Tucson, Ariz., 4:30 p.m., CW

MATCHUP: Miami (Ohio) (7-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4)

It was a disappointing finish to the regular season for the Red Hawks, who lost in the MAC title game. The Bulldogs will ride the running back combination of Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson.

New Mexico Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Albuquerque., 5:45 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: San Diego State (9-3) vs. North Texas (11-2)

After missing a chance at the playoff, the Mean Green settle for a trip to face the Aztecs, who rebounded from a 3-9 season in 2024 to make a bowl game.

Gator Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Jacksonville, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Virginia (10-3) vs. Missouri (8-4)

How do the Cavaliers respond after an overtime loss to Duke that cost them a CFP berth? The Tigers will be looking for their third bowl win in row.

Texas Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Houston, 9:15 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Houston (9-3) vs. LSU (7-5)

The Cougars had their best season in the Big 12 as Willie Fritz continues his building of the program. It’s a return trip to the Texas Bowl for the Tigers, which may have Lane Kiffin around to help.

Birmingham Bowl

DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 29, Birmingham, Ala., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Appalachian State (5-7)

The Eagles hopefully won’t take it personally that the a swath of teams with five wins refused this game. It’s a rare rematch of conference foes here, but as Sun Belt divisional rivals played in the regular season with Georgia Southern winning 25-23.

Independence Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Shreveport, La., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Coastal Carolina (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)

The Chanticleers finished second in the Sun Belt division, but will be without coach Tim Beck, who was fired after the season. The Bulldogs are assured of their first winning season since 2019.

Music City Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Nashville, Tenn., 5:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Illinois (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-4)

Orange will be the color of the day in this game. Both teams had playoff aspirations entering the season but didn’t play consistently enough. At least one of them will finish on high note.

Alamo Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, San Antonio, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Southern California (9-3) vs. TCU (8-4)

The Trojans will be making their 57th bowl appearance, and this will be their first in the Alamo Bowl. The home crowd should favor the Horned Frogs, who will look to quarterback Josh Hoover to lead them to their third nine-win season in four years.

ReliaQuest Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Tampa, Fla., noon, ESPN

MATCHUP: Iowa (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt (10-2)

It’s the best season ever for the Commodores with Diego Pavia possibly playing in his last game. The Hawkeyes were the victim of four close losses, including two at home to Oregon and Indiana.

Sun Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, El Paso, Texas, 2 p.m., CBS

MATCHUP: Arizona State (8-4) vs. Duke (8-5)

This is an opportunity for the Sun Devils to erase a disappointing finish. The Blue Devils will be riding the momentum of their ACC title that ended a long championship drought.

Citrus Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Orlando, Fla., 3 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Michigan (9-3) vs. Texas (9-3)

Two of the winningest programs meet in their first postseason matchup since a memorable Rose Bowl won by the Longhorns in the 2004 season. Texas also won the other time the schools met – in last season’s opener.

Las Vegas Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Nebraska (7-5) vs. Utah (10-2)

After a strong start, the Cornhuskers limped to a 1-3 record down the stretch after an injury to quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Utes will ride the dynamic playoff quarterback Devon Dampier after a season where it only lost to Texas Tech and Brigham Young.

Cotton Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Arlington, Texas, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Ohio State (12-1) vs. Texas A&M-Miami winner

Orange Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Miami Gardens, Fla., noon, ESPN

MATCHUP: Texas Tech (12-1) vs. Oregon (12-1)

Rose Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif., 4 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Indiana (13-0) vs. Alabama (11-3)

Sugar Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, New Orleans., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Georgia (12-1) vs. Mississippi (12-1)

Armed Forces Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Fort Worth, Texas, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Rice (5-7) vs. Texas State (6-6)

A matchup of Lone Star State schools that played in the postseason two years ago. The Owls benefit from several schools skipping bowl games to get a postseason spot.

Liberty Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Memphis, Tenn., 4:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Navy (9-2) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)

The Midshipmen first have a chance to win the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy against Army before turning their attention to the Bearcats, who lost their last four after getting into contention in the Big 12.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Charlotte, N.C., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)

The arrival of coach Jake Dickert was the catalyst for the Demon Deacons having a resurgent season. The Bulldogs had a series of near-misses, including overtime defeats to Tennessee and Texas, which caused them to fall short of six wins, but they still made the postseason.

Holiday Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, San Diego, 8 p.m., Fox

MATCHUP: Arizona (9-3) vs. SMU (8-4)

Brent Brennan started his second season with the Wildcats under pressure, but quarterback Noah Fifita helped lead a resurgent season. The Mustangs had the chance to make the playoff before stumbling against California in its regular-season finale.

Fiesta Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 8, Glendale, Ariz., 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal

Peach Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 9, Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal

College Football Playoff championship game

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One of college football’s premier rivalries is ending — for now.

Southern California and Notre Dame are pausing their historic rivalry, as they will not meet in 2026 or 2027.

The news was finalized when the Fighting Irish announced on Monday, Dec. 22 a home-and-home series with Brigham Young next season. The matchup with the Cougars is the 12th and last game finalized for Notre Dame in 2026.

It was expected the rivalry would take a break as both sides worked on continuing their long-standing rivalry, which began in 1926. While USC and Notre Dame wanted to keep the series going, the issue was how the series would continue to be played.

The game takes place at Notre Dame in mid-October in odd years and, when in Los Angeles in even years, occurs in November. The recent deal for series ended with the 2025 game.

The belief was USC wanted the game to be played earlier in the schedule to avoid it being in the middle of conference play. Yahoo Sports reported the two sides were near a deal that would keep the series going for two more years, but USC determined the dates were not ideal.

Considered one of the best rivalries in college football, USC and Notre Dame have played 96 times with little interruptions, including a three-year break during World War II from 1943-45 and in 2020 due to COVID-19. Playing for the Jeweled Shillelagh, the Fighting Irish and Trojans are some of the most successful programs in the country, with a combined 24 national championships, 15 Heisman Trophies and more than 1,000 players picked in the NFL draft.

While it’s unknown if the two teams will play again, USC and Notre Dame said in a joint statement they plan to meet in the future with the hope to continue the series. Yahoo Sports reported the goal is to continue the series in 2030.

‘USC and Notre Dame recognize how special our rivalry is to our fans, our teams, and college football, and our institutions will continue working towards bringing back The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh,’ the statement reads. ‘The rivalry between our two schools is one of the best in all of sport, and we look forward to meeting again in the future.’

Notre Dame leads the all-time series 51–37–5 and won the 2025 edition of the game at home, marking the seventh win for the Fighting Irish in the past eight meetings. USC currently has 11 games scheduled for 2026 and needs to find a non-conference opponent to finalize its slate.