CFP committee cannot exclude Florida State because of Jordan Travis injury

So many undefeated college football teams have been denied the opportunity to compete for a national championship. It's starting to feel like Florida State could join four different Penn State teams and teams from Arizona State, Boise State and UCF in a very frustrating category.

Sergino Dest showed once again he's a talented soccer player who can help the U.S. men's national team win big games. And then he reminded us he's still a young player with a volatile temper who needs to learn what it means to put his team first.

UCLA forward Berke Buyuktuncel cleared by NCAA to compete

Young Turkish forward Berke Buyuktuncel gained clearance to compete by NCAA in time to compete at the Maui Invitational, according to sources close to the situation.

Ricardo Pepi has been through ups and downs in his young soccer career that might have wrecked a lesser man -- especially one who is only 22 years old. And he's become a super-sub for United States coach Gregg Berhalter.

DeCourcy: Michigan's acceptance of the Jim Harbaugh suspension may be late, but still welcomed

Michigan accepted the three-game suspension issued to head football coach Jim Harbaugh by dropping its attempt to earn a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten Conference. At last.

USMNT has come a long way since 2017 World Cup qualifying disaster

The United States men's national team went to Trinidad in October 2017 needing only a draw against the last-place team in World Cup qualifying to reach Russia 2018. As anyone who follows the team can tell you, that didn't happen. But a lot of good has developed since.

All four teams at Tuesday's Champions Classic believe they can cut down the nets in April. But each showed in this doubleheader the apparent flaws that need to be addressed before that becomes possible.

Michigan State is Big Ten's best shot to end NCAA basketball title drought

Although there has been an abundance of NCAA Tournament entrants and Final Four teams, no Big Ten Conference team has won the national championship since Michigan State in 2000. This year's Spartans appear to have the goods to take MSU back to the top.

The 2023-24 preseason All-America team for The Sporting News is a big deal. A very big deal. And that's just not us touting our own selections; the big men are the stars in the college game now.

Jim Harbaugh suspended by Big Ten: Michigan got off easy

The Big Ten did the right thing Friday by suspending Harbaugh from coaching on the sideline until the end of the regular season. It just wasn’t quite right enough.

College basketball rankings 2023-24: Duke, UConn, Kansas lead the way

It's never been harder to project a college basketball top 25 than it is now, with so many players changing teams and transfers becoming eligible immediately. But that doesn't mean we don't have confidence in our picks.

The recruit: Dane Fife wanted everything Bob Knight represented at Indiana — and still wishes he had more

Why did top prospects still want to play for Bob Knight at Indiana even after the thrown chair and the head-butt and the public displays of temper? Dane Fife can answer that question as well as anyone, even if all of us might not understand.

The NCAA's decision to change the qualification process for the NIT is not about squeezing out the little guy in future editions of March Madness.

Cooper Flagg, the best American prospect in a decade, commits to Duke

Cooper Flagg is only 16, but already he is showing he is the best American basketball prospect in a decade. His commitment to Duke offers plenty of hope to Blue Devils fans, but Flagg himself could represent a throwback to when the best prospects routinely became the greatest pros.

The 1988 Dodgers: A Kirk Gibson story you've never heard

Middle reliever Brian Holton, who played a critical role for the Dodgers in the legendary opening win over the A's in the 1988 World Series, witnessed a stunning exchange between Tommy Lasorda and the Game 1 hero.

The final Big Ten East race with Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan will be magical

This week will begin the annual three-way competition between the Wolverines, Buckeyes and Nittany Lions to determine a spot in Indianapolis -- the start of the last ride for the Big Ten East.

Reyna's Ghana performance means he has a place in USMNT lineup — if healthy

Gio Reyna scored twice and dominated the midfield for the USMNT in a 4-0 blowout of Ghana in an international friendly. It was the kind of performance his coaches have been waiting for -- because he hasn't been available to deliver that in nearly two years.

MLB needs a salary cap to ensure competitive balance

While baseball refuses to adopt a salary cap system, its audience shrinks and stagnates at the time time sports such as the NFL and NHL continue to grow.

Gio Reyna looks good in start, but USMNT falters in finish vs. Germany

Installing Gio Reyna in the midfield was an obvious decision for USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, but there was no obvious fix for the absence of defensive specialist Tyler Adams.

Caitlin Clark's dazzling game set to bring the spotlight back to Iowa and women's hoops

NCAA women's basketball has never seen a player like Iowa guard Caitlin Clark -- which is a very big reason a lot more people are seeing NCAA women's basketball lately.

Gonzaga joining the Big 12 makes no sense for Gonzaga or the Big 12

The Big 12 Conference does not need Gonzaga. The Zags don't need the Big 12. So, yeah, Gonzaga to the Big 12 probably will happen.

Deion, Taylor and Messi are bringing sports to non-fans, and that's a good thing

A Icon, a pop megastar and a GOAT walked into American sports in 2023, and – well, it’s not a joke, it’s what actually happened.

Geno Smith's career revival with Seahawks is almost without precedent in NFL

Geno Smith isn't just winning games for the Seahawks. He's enjoying a career renaissance at QB that is almost without precedent in NFL history.

What's wrong with the Steelers offense?

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense was outscored by their own defense in Monday Night's 26-22 victory over the Browns. How much longer will they stick with offensive coordinator Matt Canada if some improvement doesn't manifest?

Can Deion Sanders' success at Colorado open more doors for HBCU coaches?

Only two head coaches not named Deion Sanders ever left HBCU football programs for jobs in what is now called the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision. Can the Coach Prime phenomenon help present more opportunities for others in HBCU leagues?

Mark Dantonio returns to Michigan State after Mel Tucker suspension

Why is Mark Dantonio back on the Michigan State coaching staff after three full seasons away from the program and the job? In part because not calling him in to help replace suspended Mel Tucker would have been a missed opportunity.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders has had some verbal scuffles with the media, but we're not the problem. He's been great for business. It's his competitors who have expressed the greatest objections.

Tom Brady spent his entire NFL career as the greatest winner in quarterbacking history. Then he went out a loser. It's not beyond reason he could see the chance to take over the Jets as an opportunity to rewrite that ending.

Jets offer Aaron Rodgers a needed fresh start after things grew stale with Packers

The Aaron Rodgers story had become so boring during his time in Green Bay. He'd complain a lot, win a lot of regular-season games, come up short when it mattered most. Maybe the trade to the Jets will be exactly what he needed. At least it will be different.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker surpassed stupidity with reckless behavior

No one expects a football coach -- or any other leader on a college campus -- to be perfect. But it's reasonable to demand they not exercise the degree of reckless behavior Mel Tucker has since signing an extraordinary, $95 million contract to coach Michigan State.

America's embarrassment over Lionel Messi's dominance is embarrassing

Lionel Messi has scored a ton of goals and won a ton of games since joining Inter Miami in late July. And that's exactly what he's done in every league and every competition since becoming a pro nearly two decades ago.

SGA, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks rewriting Canada Basketball history

This is a different Canada basketball, and a first-ever semifinal appearance at the FIBA World Cup is all the proof you need – but maybe not all the proof you'll get.

American basketball still turns out great players such as Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler and, in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinal blowout against Italy, Mikal Bridges. But increasingly they seem to come from unexpected places.

Inside Austin Reaves' improbable rise to stardom at FIBA World Cup

Austin Reaves' improbable rise to stardom could be a key to USA Basketball's pursuit of its first FIBA World Cup title since 2014.

An all at-large College Football Playoff field? That would be a big step backward

With the disintegration of the Pac-12 Conference, there is concern about the possibility the College Football Playoff board will give up on its plan to assure the highest-ranked league champions automatically enter the field. That'd be a huge step back for the sport.

Arizona State robs its own players with self-imposed bowl ban

By banning its 2023 football team from the postseason just four days before the opening game, Arizona State's administration showed a callous disregard for the athletes who chose to play there.

Stanford, Cal and SMU would bring nothing to the ACC table

There might be plenty of good reasons for the Atlantic Coast Conference to consider expansion. But none would be properly addressed by reaching all the way to the Pacific coast to add Stanford and California.

Hawaii prepares to kick off season in Week 0 in shadow of Maui tragedy

The fire that destroyed the beautiful city of Lahaina on the island of Maui is never far from the minds of Hawaii's football players as they prepare for their second season under coach Timmy Chang.

What next for women's soccer following success of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023?

Record crowds for Women's UEFA Champions league games, Euro 2022 and, now, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. A massive increase in franchise fees for America's NWSL. All the signs point to a massive growth surge in this decade. And, still, there are so many ways to make the women's game bigger.

Spain's World Cup win feels like a huge step forward — and back

The Spain women's national team player protests over treatment by the coaching staff and federation kept some of their stars at home, but it did not stop the nation from winning its first FIFA Women's World Cup. What does all that say about women's soccer in 2023?

DeCourcy: England coach Wiegman shows why she should be USWNT No. 1 target

As U.S. Soccer ponders the future direction of its women's national team program, England's superb Sarina Wiegman offers a clue about what might be possible for the USWNT by reaching her fourth consecutive major tournament final.

Florida State's many gripes won't magically lead them to a new league

Florida State has been griping for months about how much less it will make in broadcast income as a member of the ACC than teams in the SEC or Big Ten. But no one forced the Seminoles to sign this deal.

After Realignment Madness, which basketball league will be the best?

The Big 12 has clearly been the best league over the last five years, but with 14 teams entering new power leagues in 2023 and 2024, the balance of power will shift.

DeCourcy: Women's World Cup prize money improved, but still falls short

FIFA went beyond its promise to double the prize money awarded for participants in the 2023 Women's World Cup, but those close to the game contend there's still room for improvement.

College hoops coaches, teams sending best wishes to Maui after wildfires

The devastating wildfire that destroyed a significant portion of Maui this week had a painful resonance for those who love college basketball and long have embraced one of its premier regular-season events, the Maui Invitational.

There's just about no way both houses of Congress and the United States president are going to agree on restrictions to Name/Image/Likeness rights for college athletes after the most recent round of conference realignment.

DeCourcy: Dissecting the USWNT's elimination from Women's World Cup

The best way to get beyond Sweden was never to have played them at all — but the USWNT blew that was a dismal performance in group play that underscored their offensive weakness under Vlatko Andonovski.

DeCourcy: Skill and talent is not why USWNT are struggling at World Cup

To suggest the U.S. women are struggling at the World Cup because the rest of the world is starting to show skills they haven't mastered is to diminish all their predecessors achieved.

For UConn, an uncomfortable decision looms if Big 12 extends invite

The last time Connecticut was involved in a decision to depart the Big East Conference, its men's basketball program -- the best in the land in the past quarter-century -- collapsed. Fresh off an NCAA title, is it worth risking a repeat because the Big 12 might offer millions to join?

When she retired from the USWNT in 2021, Carli Lloyd was highly critical on a podcast of the program's culture and lack of focus on pursuing championships. Now, as Fox Sports analyst, she's getting paid for her opinions and coming down just as hard on the team's underperformance.

Lineup decisions, sluggish first half damaging as USWNT draw Netherlands

Winning Group E at the 2023 Women's World Cup would provide the USWNT a massive advantage as the tournament enters the knockout round, but slipping against the Netherlands could be costly in that pursuit.

Northwestern's David Braun's Big Ten dream comes with a nightmare attached

At Big Ten media day, Northwestern coach David Braun dealt with questions about replacing fired Northwestern legend Pat Fitzgerald, the hazing scandal enveloping the program and how to move forward.

DeCourcy: Why USA vs Netherlands tonight is huge

For the United States women's national team, the difference between winning Women's World Cup Group E and finishing second is considerable, which is why their game Wednesday against the Netherlands is so vital.

College Basketball Academy aims to show prospects it's cool to go to school

Nike's 'Peach Jam' tournament is among the established stops in the July recruiting period. The NCAA and many others involved in the sport continue to believe there's a place on the circuit for an event that emphasizes the value of college basketball.

Tampa's GOAT Mountain of sports: Selmon, Brooks, Samkos, St. Louis

Tampa's greatest athletes come from the two teams with multiple titles and strong support in the Tampa Bay area.

Pittsburgh's GOAT Mountain of sports: Roberto, Franco, Mean Joe, Mario

Each of the foremost sports stars in Pittsburgh's history can be identified without a surname.

DeCourcy: Sophia Smith is the shining light amid USWNT's attacking woes

Aside from Sophia Smith's two goals and assist, there was little to celebrate in the USWNT's 3-0 opening-game victory at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Sophia Smith's moment: With so many other top scorers injured, USWNT needs a singular star

The strength of the USWNT at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 was to be the wide variety of scoring options in their attack. But injuries have left Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith as the one clear option to star. She talks as if she can handle it.

DeCourcy: Why retiring Rapinoe is still key if USWNT wants to win World Cup

Megan Rapinoe's role in her final FIFA Women's World Cup almost certainly will be to provide scoring opportunities in games the U.S. trails — and to provide leadership for the team's young players. They'd rather have only the latter.

DeCourcy: Why the USWNT won't win a record third straight World Cup

Injuries and youth are among a number of questions facing the United States women's national team in its attempt to win a third consecutive World Cup. Any one of them could ruin that dream.

'Indispensable' Julie Ertz may be biggest key to USWNT World Cup threepeat

For the U.S. women's national team to take its best shot at becoming the first team to win three consecutive World Cups, they'll need Julie Ertz — who had a baby less than a year ago — to return to her position in midfield and the form that made her and the team great.

Why Chris Livingston trading 1st round talent for 2nd round price in NBA Draft was an epic fail

Chris Livingston sold his first-round talent for second-round prices after only a single season at Kentucky. NBA history hasn't been kind to players making such decisions.

Dick Vitale goes silent ahead of latest vocal cord surgeries

Dick Vitale is on vocal rest for the next two months as he awaits surgery. He expects to be fine to return to calling college hoops games, but not speaking is no fun.

John Herdman challenges Canada Soccer to pump more money into promising side

Canada had only four days of training camp heading into the CONCACAF Nations League knockout stage. The United States had 11. It's not because the Canadians didn't think they needed the practice.

With Folarin Balogun leading attack as USMNT's first true striker, fans can now dream big

Folarin Balogun could have played for England, where he grew up, instead of the U.S., where he was born. His choice of the USMNT could help advance their standing in world soccer.

DeCourcy: Bob Huggins' best call was to retire as West Virginia coach

Bob Huggins has been involved in two incidents — just since May — that were significantly embarrassing to West Virginia University. The best conclusion to his career was his immediate retirement.

DeCourcy: Berhalter was always the right person for USA coaching job

The culture Gregg Berhalter built as USMNT coach helped lead to promising striker Folarin Balogun choosing to represent the USA — and to Berhalter's return to run the team ahead into the 2026 World Cup.

DeCourcy: USA's win over Mexico? Most dominant in rivalry history

The U.S. men's national team dominated their rivals from Mexico so comprehensively in the 2023 Nations League semifinal that El Tri players almost inevitably chose to gain some retribution for being embarrassed on the field.

USMNT threatening to overtake Mexico in talent, depth

With so many players playing in Europe — and a few excelling — the United States men's national team appears to have a deeper, richer player pool than their rivals from El Tri. Lately, that's been showing up on the field.

DeCourcy: Man City the greatest Champions League team ever?

Manchester City became the first English team since rivals Manchester United to claim a European treble, and in the process they entered the conversation of best Champions League teams of all-time.

DeCourcy: A second 'Miracle in Istanbul' could happen in Man City vs Inter

Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul will be hosting the Champions League final for a second time. The first is viewed by some as the greatest game in world sport, ever. Could it happen again?

DeCourcy: How Messi's arrival will change MLS

While David Beckham entered Major League Soccer after it had just survived a near-death experience, Lionel Messi arrives with the league's clubs valued at half a billion dollars. But he can still make MLS even bigger.

Biggest signings in MLS history: The 12 biggest names before Messi

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the greatest signing in Major League Soccer history, but there were 12 big names who tried their hand at conquering North America before La Pulga.

After giving birth to her first child, Julie Ertz wasn't certain she would return to soccer in time to make the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. But now she's back and pushing hard for a spot on the USWNT roster.

The Hard Road: Jimmy Butler's path to stardom has not been easy

From high school to college to the NBA, Jimmy Butler has always been at his best when he finds a home.

Carmelo Anthony changed college hoops with a freshman season for the ages

Before Carmelo Anthony ruled the 2003 NCAA Tournament with Syracuse, many believed freshmen were to be seen and not heard (and often not seen). But it became impossible to ignore what Melo was doing on the floor.

DeCourcy: Is Man City the greatest dynasty in world sport?

Manchester City clinched its fifth Premier League title in the past six seasons. How does that measure up to the best from other elite men's leagues in other highly competitive sports?

ACC schools can daydream, but they are locked in place for now

There has been plenty of conversation about some schools wanting out of the ACC because the league's long-term broadcast contract is not competitive with those of the Big Ten and SEC. They're stuck, though, with several reasons why.

Words alone won't be enough to repair damage Bob Huggins did with his language

West Virginia coach Bob Huggins dropped a slur into a radio conversation with a right-wing talk host — a word whose use has cost others their jobs. What happens next is hard to say.

NCAA hoops rules committee wisely tweaks charge/block call

The NCAA men's basketball rules committee wants defenders to be in position earlier if they want to draw charging calls. If enforced properly, it should be great for college hoops.

Kansas wins transfer portal prize in Michigan's Hunter Dickinson

The biggest programs in college basketball pursued transfer-portal prize Hunter Dickinson. Kansas' success in the recruitment was a win for the Jayhawks, although maybe not for the art of cinema.

Messi's plan to transform PSG was doomed to fail

The goal for everyone involved when Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain two years ago was to win the UEFA Champions League. They never really came close, which means his time in France adds up to a failed experiment.

LeBron is the GOAT - Is it even debatable at this point?

LeBron James has accomplished so much since he first made it clear he was the greatest player in NBA history, it's hard to believe anyone's still engaging in the debate.

Baker Dunleavy explains decision to become Villanova GM

Baker Dunleavy went 20-12 in his sixth year as the head coach at Quinnipiac, but hung up his whistle for a newly created general manager position at Villanova.

The NFL needs to protect the integrity of its competition, but also is positioned to profit in a wagering world. It maintains certain regulations against player involvement in sports gambling, but they aren't hard to understand or follow.

DeCourcy: How Haaland can beat Messi to Ballon d'Or 2023

Messi won the World Cup, making him an automatic Ballon d'Or favorite. But voters could potentially be swayed by Erling Haaland's record-setting season now that it features only the second "treble" in English football history.

'Air' was a hit, but casting Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro was a miss

Some actors spend months preparing for their roles portraying real-world figures in motion pictures. Matt Damon appears to have prepared to play Sonny Vaccaro by looking in a mirror

Why college basketball's transfer explosion is a good thing

The typical reaction to change in college basketball is ever the same: complain. But the principals of this sport can help accelerate its growth by embracing the "free agency" period and how player movement will affect the upcoming season.

Dan Hurley reaches pinnacle in front of his royal family, Husky legends

Bob Hurley Sr. always knew what his son was capable of. On Monday night, Dan Hurley showed it as UConn ran past San Diego State and won the school's fifth national title.

Seven impactful NBA Draft decisions to track for college hoops fans

The NBA Draft decisions of these seven players could shape next year's pursuit of the national championship at several schools.

We will have new coaches at Georgetown, Texas, Syracuse and more next season. Time to hand out some grades on the new hires.

Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25 for 2023-24

Our way-to-early Top 25 is a week early, and the favorite entering this year's Final Four is the preseason No. 1.

Alex Karaban was a triple-digit prospect coming out of high school, not a five-star recruit. But from a ranking of 118 in the class of 2022, he has become one of the essential members of the team favored to win the 2023 NCAA title.

We asked two assistant coaches, one whose team played UConn and one whose team played San Diego State, to examine the strengths and weakness of the two teams playing in the NCAA Championship game

Meet Nathan Mensah, the NCAA Tournament's most menacing intern

With no NIL opportunities available as an international student, Nathan Mensah found the chance to earn money he needed by interning at Concurrent, a wealth management company, while playing for the Aztecs and pursuing an MBA.

Adama Sanogo goes outside, then inside, to push UConn past Miami

UConn big man Adama Sanogo, with the help of sidekick Donovan Clingan, overwhelmed the Hurricanes in the frontcourt and give the Huskies another comfortable win in the NCAA Tournament.

How Lamont Butler's buzzer-beater came together for San Diego State

San Diego State won in the game's final second, but there was plenty that led up to the perfect ending at the Final Four.

If you're planning to watch the Final Four, don't feel alone. There will be millions just like you. Possibly not as many millions as customary, but what difference will that make to you?

Dream of San Diego State's greatest team was crushed in 2020, but endures with 2023 squad

In 2020, San Diego State's Aztecs finished 30-2 and were waiting for their NCAA Tournament seed and assignment when the world — and March Madness — shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those players are watching their successors live their dreams.

Banner year: Louisville's players, fans treasure 2013 title* run

There's a 2013 banner hanging in Louisville that proclaims the Cardinals 'No. 1', but not 'Champions'. Players and fans are proud of that run in March, and still disappointed with the NCAA's vacating of the championship.

When John Adams was in charge of NCAA men's basketball officiating, he worked hard to improve the game. Some of his ideas were implemented; some were abandoned. He hasn't give up trying.

Ranking the Final Four teams, from UConn to FAU

This Final Four has broken a lot of molds. Will the champion continue that trend?

Dubious late foul mars San Diego State's last-second win in Elite Eight

The official's ruling on the final shot was the kind that always will be remembered and never forgotten, depending on whether one prefers the beneficiary or the victim. For those who prefer justice, what ought to have been a glorious ending felt a bit foul.

No. 1 Alabama bows out thanks to belief, teamwork of San Diego State

It required a team effort to chase Alabama, the No. 1 overall seed, from the NCAA Tournament. Teamwork is San Diego State's specialty.

Nick Saban's message was clear as Alabama preps for Sweet 16

When Nick Saban said "there's no such thing as the wrong place at the wrong time", he was referring to a suspended Tide defensive back. But the message echoed through Alabama basketball as it prepared for the Sweet 16.

Ranking the Sweet 16, from 1 (Alabama) to 16 (Princeton)

There are 16 teams left, including those we anticipated (Alabama, Houston, UCLA) and those we did not (everyone from Michigan State to No. 15 seed Princeton, the third team in three years on its seed line to advance to the Sweet 16).

K-State's Markquis Nowell proves to be too big for Kentucky

Markquis Nowell had a direct hand in more than 60 percent of Kansas State's scoring in a victory over Kentucky that sends Kansas State to the Sweet 16

The desire of the Xavier players to continue playing in the NCAA Tournament won't be questioned after they battled two terrific teams -- and, briefly, each other -- to make it through the two victories required

Sean Miller's old Pitt teammates face dilemma on Sunday

Sean Miller was teammates with Jason Matthews and Darrelle Porter at Pitt from 1987-91. WIth the Xavier team he coaches playing the Panthers for a spot in the Sweet 16, it's either a no-win or no-lose situation for the men who still call him a brother.

The Kentucky Wildcats never faced a significant challenge in the second half of their 2023 NCAA Tournament opener -- a far distance from the opening 2022 loss to Saint Peter's that has been so difficult to escape.

Jack Nunge preserves Xavier's comeback with block for the ages

Jack Nunge turned around No. 3 seed Xavier's first-round game against Kennesaw State with a block 8 minutes from the end, then sealed a victory with an even bigger rejection.

Princeton's KO of Arizona was stunning, but ingredients for upset were there

Those who looked closely at recent Arizona performances might have noticed the direction the Wildcats were traveling did not resemble the road to the Final Four.

Mike DeCourcy's March Madness expert picks: Tide roll to title

Alabama looks the least vulnerable in a field that features issues with the top contenders.

Tom Izzo has so dominated the NCAA Tournament for the past three decades, he almost has a month named after him. And now he's got a record that shows what he's done.

Kansas is facing the possibility of entering a game without head coach Bill Self for the eighth time this season, but assistant coach Norm Roberts is no newbie when it comes to running a basketball team's bench.

Ranking the 68 best teams in the NCAA Tournament, from Alabama to FDU

There are certain components every NCAA champion shares, so watch out when making your Final Four and title-game bracket picks

West Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick

An Elite 8 matchup between No. 1 seed Kansas and No. 2 seed UCLA would have all the makings of a blue blood tourney classic. Will either escape from the West Region unscathed? Or is there another team ready to make a surprise Final Four run?

South Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick

Not only is Alabama a No. 1 seed for the first time in school history, the Crimson Tide enter as the tournament's overall top seed. Do any sleepers capable of turning the tide lurk? Here's everything you need to know about the South Region.

East Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick

Duke is not as experienced as it was last year, from both the playing perspective and the coaching perspective. But it is still good enough to get to the Final Four.

Midwest Region breakdown: Sleepers, Final Four pick

Has No. 1 seed Houston been tested enough during the regular season? It will be tested in the tournament, especially if star guard Marcus Sasser is limited or missing with a groin injury.

Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim misplays his exit from Syracuse

Adrian "Red" Autry has not been a Division I head coach, let alone at a school with Syracuse's reputation and tradition. He can use all the help that's available. Publicly, he got none from Jim Boeheim on the day the school announced a coaching change.

NC State's miracle 1983 ACC tourney run set up Jimmy V's stunning title

Lost in the shuffle on the 40th anniversary of NC State's unforgettable 1983 NCAA title was its stunning three-game ACC tournament run that got it in the field.

Purdue's Zach Edey is Sporting News' Player of the Year

He came to Purdue with little experience in basketball but "a burning desire to be great." This year, Zach Edey learned all about what greatness entails as a college player, because he became the nation's best.

Texas' Rodney Terry is Sporting News' Coach of the Year

Texas' interim coach took over under trying circumstances and has the Longhorns on pace for their best NCAA seed in 15 years.

College basketball was long dominated by guard play, but that is no longer the case if you look at the Sporting News All-America team. Experienced big men are plentiful among our three teams for the 2022-23 season.

NCAA Jam snubs: Seven dream-like duos

Sporting News didn't have room for every dynamic two-on-two combo in NCAA Jam, but here are seven that are fun to think about.

NCAA Jam: The field of 16 is set

Sure, Michael Jordan and Vince Carter might be the favorite for our NCAA Jam 2-on-2 tourney, but don't sleep on David Thompson and NC State.

Loss to Duke further narrows UNC's road to March Madness

An indifferent season from the 2022-23 Tar Heels has them in jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament one year after they made it all the way to the title game with the same core group.

ACC deserves disrespect it is getting from NET rankings

If coaches in the Atlantic Coast Conference want to understand why their leagues are not being projected for prominent spots in the NCAA Tournament, they need only to watch their own game films or check some box scores. They didn't win enough.

Alabama coach Nate Oats' failure of leadership is outrageous

Nate Oats is not handling the entirety of his job when he helplessly throws up his hands at the behavior of his players away from the court.

How the committee sees the top of the bracket three weeks before Selection Sunday

Many who follow college basketball expected the introduction of the NCAA's own metric, the NET, would lead to those rankings dictating which teams were selected for March Madness and how they were seeded. It hasn't worked out like that.

Michigan-Michigan State will feature a different caldron of emotions Saturday

Six days after a random mass shooting killed three young students at Michigan State, the Spartans will travel to Michigan to play basketball against their rivals. Because moving on is what we do.

Mal Swanson emerging as critical goal scoring threat for USWNT

Newly married Mallory Swanson -- you may know her better as Mal Pugh -- has scored in five consecutive games for the USWNT and helped the squad open their last major pre-World Cup prep tournament with a shutout victory.

Andy Reid's retirement plans became a story before Super Bowl 57, but after it, he left no doubt: Reid figures to compete at the highest level with Patrick Mahomes manning the most important position in sports for the foreseeable future.

Believe it: Mahomes on track to surpass Brady

There is a long way to go, but Patrick Mahomes has at least matched the legendary start of all-time legend Tom Brady.

Powerful Big 12 has chance to set March Madness records

The 10 teams in the Big 12 Conference are in the process of putting together a record-breaking 2022-23 regular season. Can they follow that up by dominating March Madness?

Deja vu for Bengals: Late penalty dooms Cincinnati in playoffs again

Patrick Mahomes did everyhing he could inside the lines to get the Chiefs to the Super Bowl. It wasn't enough, so he went outside the lines and drew the pesonal foul that made the difference

Patrick Mahomes back in Super Bowl after stepping up for Chiefs on one leg

Patrick Mahomes was decades from being born when Willis Reed took the court for Game 7 of the 1970 NBA FInals. So maybe it's time for the new generations to have their own against-the-odds hero.

Kansas feels OK despite 3 straight losses ahead of UK showdown

KU coach BIll Self insists the sky is not falling because of his team's three-game losing streak but understands the high-level competition of the Big 12 makes recovery a challenge

Meet Antoine Davis, the man pursuing Pistol Pete's record

Antoine Davis has scored more points than any player in DIvision I history -- except one. And he might catch Pete Maravich before he's done.

Drive to oblivion: Dak Prescott fails to deliver playoff moment in Cowboys' loss to 49ers

With 82 yards and the 49ers' defense between Dak Prescott and a playoff breakthrough, he and the Cowboys simply broke.

John Calipari is under fire, but No. 1 recruiting class awaits

It makes no sense to fire a Hall of Fame coach who's already signed a No. 1 recruiting class for next season, but some who follow Kentucky have stormed in that direction.

Sporting News midseason college hoops All-America team

There are big men aplenty who are worthy of midseason honors this year.

Seven candidates to replace Chris Beard at Texas

Recent history tells us the next basketball coach at Texas is unlikely to be a current college coaching star -- a "big name" like so many in the media suggest.

Five college hoops storylines at season's midpoint

If you've been spending all of your attention to date on college football, you'll enter a somewhat surprising college hoops season two months before Selection Sunday.

Lionel Messi's historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup made him the perfect choice to be honored as Athlete of the Year by The Sporting News.

Cinderella story? TCU doesn't reject label despite run to title game

Picked to finish seventh in the Big 12, TCU finds itself playing for the College Football Playoff championship. UMBC and Saint Peter's have some company as underdog darlings.

Support for Damar Hamlin rooted in his generosity, caring: 'He's Pittsburgh'

Everyone who watched Damar Hamlin's injury happen saw enough to be horrified. Hamlin's friends, though, knew enough about what a wonderful person he is to be devastated. Now they're hopeful he'll recover soon.

NCAA committee's idea to expand March Madness is madness

An NCAA Tournament of 90 or more teams would make March Madness -- and the sport in which it crowns the champion -- far less popular. So why bring it up?

Pele's singular stardom dwarfed soccer in the US, but his appeal ignited its rise

Even at a time when few Americans followed soccer closely, they knew and embraced Pele as its star. And that helped lead to the game's current and still growing prominence in the US.

The lowdown on the Good Rivals docu series on Amazon Prime

"Good Rivals" on Amazon Prime goes deep inside the USA vs. Mexico soccer rivalry, which Fox Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas calls "the best rivalry in international soccer."

Even legend Mean Joe Greene says that when Franco Harris arrived in 1972 as a first-round pick, "we became the Pittsburgh Steelers" — the team that won four Super Bowls in six years

DeCourcy: Why 2022 final was the greatest game in men's World Cup history

It's the general consensus that Argentina's win over France in the 2022 final was the greatest World Cup game seen in the history of the men's tournament.

DeCourcy: Messi gets his World Cup, with a major hand from his teammates

Lionel Messi won the last trophy that had eluded him throughout his career, becoming the greatest player by helping to win the greatest game. But he needed more than a helping hand from his teammates to get it done.

DeCourcy: Is Messi the best male athlete of all time?

Where does Lionel Messi rank among the greats from other major men's sports: Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Muhammad Ali? He might have surpassed them all with the World Cup title

DeCourcy: France vs Argentina is the final we all deserve from this World Cup

Mbappe vs. Messi is only the start of the internal and individual battles that will make the 2022 World Cup final extraordinary for the teams — and everyone who cherishes this sport and its showpiece event.

Who is Bono? Morocco's goalkeeper becomes national hero and worldwide sensation by stopping Spain and Portugal

Yassine Bounou goes by the name "Bono" on the back of his jersey, which means he's only the second-most famous Bono in the world. For one day, the name was all his.

DeCourcy: Morocco's World Cup run inspires support throughout Africa, Arab world

Morocco's run to the World Cup semifinals is unprecedented among Arab nations and rare for the CAF, making their team even more popular than the "Cinderella" run would suggest

Can Morocco win the World Cup? Odds, path to final in Qatar

Morocco are making waves at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Who must they beat to secure glory in Qatar and how likely is the shock?

DeCourcy: No one will forget Messi's World Cup semifinal show

Lionel Messi had a role in all three goals as Argentina advanced to the final at Qatar 2022, putting the legend one game away from his first World Cup title.

World Cup Golden Ball: Top 5 players who can win best player award

France forward Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals than anyone at Qatar 2022, and that's just the start of what's made him great, but Lionel Messi and Luka Modric are making a strong case on the other side of the bracket.

If McKennie matter didn't convince you Gregg Berhalter is ideal USMNT coach, then Reyna row should

As coach of the United States men's national team, Gregg Berhalter has shown he won't risk collective success to accommodate a talented player's misbehavior

DeCourcy: What's missing for England to finally win a World Cup?

England fell in the knockout rounds of the latest major tournament, with penalty failure playing a significant role. Everything old is new again.

DeCourcy: Morocco's run to World Cup semis? It's no fluke

Morocco has been exceptionally well-coached and together during its astonishing run to the World Cup semifinals, the first by an African nation in the history of the competition.

Grant Wahl's death is a blow to those who knew his work — and to those who knew him

Grant Wahl was a brilliant all-around journalist who was dedicated to the coverage of soccer. Those who read and listened to his work will miss him. Those who knew him as a friend will miss him that much more.

DeCourcy: Teams are trying, but no one can stop Messi at the World Cup

The Netherlands tried everything against Lionel Messi and Argentina short of WWE tactics, but he delivered three magical moments that helped his team reach the World Cup semifinals

DeCourcy: Why are Brazil out of the World Cup? Neymar dependence

In asking Neymar to do too much — or acknowledging his demands to be more involved — Brazil squandered an opportunity to advance toward its sixth World Cup title.

DeCourcy: How Ronaldo handles World Cup demotion could mark his legacy

Nearing the close of his Portugal career, but also closing in on the World Cup final, Cristiano Ronaldo can't afford to be anything but a team leader.

Japan's departure from World Cup was brutal, but their time in Qatar was something to see

Japan made its mark at Qatar 2022, with victories over world powers Germany and Spain, but also by its clean approach to soccer and stadiums.

DeCourcy: World Cup final comes early; England vs. France is a quarterfinal

The luck (?) of the draw placed England and France into the same section of the Qatar 2022 bracket, which means fans will see a match that could easily be the World Cup final ... in the quarterfinals.

Hanging on to Jim Harbaugh was a genius move by Michigan

Only two years ago, Michigan seemed inclined to remove coach Jim Harbaugh, before the two chose instead to alter his contract and reduce his pay. He's been almost unbeatable since.

USMNT leave Qatar showing how much room there is to grow

The Netherlands proved a step too far for USA at the 2022 World Cup, but their progress on the global stage was clear for all to see.

DeCourcy: U.S. men actually believe they can win this World Cup

A young U.S. men's team is only growing in confidence as they advance through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showing they belong at the highest level. A victory against the Netherlands will only strengthen the belief and "swagger" they have that they can win this World Cup.

DeCourcy: How far can the USA go in the World Cup?

The USMNT's draw isn't great, but being a part of the knockout rounds at the 2022 FIFA World Cup is exactly where this young side hoped to be.

Cristiano Ronaldo's path to winning World Cup 2022 with Portugal

Portugal have already qualified to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and have a strong chance to clinch top spot in Group H and avoid an early clash with Brazil. Here's the path for Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. in the knockout rounds in his quest to win his first world title.

DeCourcy: Mexico's World Cup elimination is going to hurt for a while

Mexico has a habit of losing in the FIFA World Cup round of 16. That won't be happening in 2022, as El Tri missed out on qualification to Poland by a single goal.

DeCourcy: Ranking USA's Top 5 men's World Cup goals — where Pulisic fits

Christian Pulisic's game-winner against Iran advanced the USMNT to the 2022 World Cup round of 16 — and instantly became one of the defining goals in American soccer history.

DeCourcy: Pulisic pays the price for giving up his body for USA's winning goal

Christian Pulisic scored the only USMNT goal to get them to the World Cup Round of 16, but it's what he did after that that was most impressive.

DeCourcy: USA vs Iran at World Cup is about more than just soccer

The lead-up to the decisive 2022 World Cup Group B match between the USA and Iran has not been like any other game in Qatar with geopolitics, protests, women's rights, and controversial statements often superseding the soccer.

DeCourcy: Brazil can win the World Cup without Neymar

When Brazil fans saw Neymar limping about on a swollen ankle, there was a moment when they thought their 2022 World Cup dreams were over. That moment lasted until the 1-0 win over Switzerland.

DeCourcy: World Cup is a reminder to enjoy Messi while you still can

With Argentina's back to the wall in the World Cup, 35-year-old Lionel Messi delivered the latest in a long string of magic moments to keep Argentina alive in the hunt for the one trophy that's proven ever so elusive.

DeCourcy: Mexico's World Cup campaign unravels after one Messi moment

Mexico played for a draw against world power Argentina in its second World Cup game, but getting there demanded perfection against the great Lionel Messi. That didn't happen.

DeCourcy: A thrilling 0-0 soccer draw? USA vs England showed it's possible

One of the largest TV audiences to watch a soccer match in the USA witnessed a scoreless 0-0 World Cup draw between the USA and England, While some complained about the lack of scoring, those who care about the U.S. team knew how exciting the game was.

DeCourcy: USA sends loud statement to skeptics that it's ready to compete

Some former England star players were suggesting their team would have an easy time with the United States men's national team. They didn't have any time at all.

DeCourcy: Best U.S. World Cup team ever? Depends on how you look at it

With all the young U.S. players on top clubs spread across Europe's big leagues there's some who think that this might be the best USA World Cup soccer team we've seen. The Sporting News takes a deeper dive.

Why USA vs England World Cup match is a big deal

It wouldn't be accurate to call USA and England rivals in international soccer, but the ubiquity of English soccer on American television has made stars of the Three Lions players and a clear target for USMNT fans

Canada player ratings after World Cup loss to Belgium: More good than bad

Even in defeat, Canada certainly did not earn a failing grade for its opening Group F game at FIFA World Cup 2022, though they could've used a big play out of a couple of players.

'Better than us' – Proud Canada lose to Belgium but win admirers

Canada's return to the World Cup after a four-decade absence began with an opening defeat, but with an attacking panache that left coaches, players and fans filled with pride

DeCourcy: Are England way ahead of the USA? Friday could change perceptions

When the 2022 World Cup draw was conducted in April, English newspapers reacted as though the Three Lions were being automatically advanced to the Round of 16. It's up to the USMNT to make them work for it on Friday.

DeCourcy: The one issue that could keep Mexico from dream World Cup run

Mexico has reached the knockout rounds of the past seven World Cups, but they didn't advance any closer to an eighth with a scoreless draw against Poland that highlighted the same old scoring issues.

DeCourcy: Can France repeat at World Cup? Jury's still out despite 4-1 win

Olivier Giroud became one of France's career goals leaders with two in a 4-1 win over Australia, but there's plenty more unanswered even after such a dominant performance.

Mexico player ratings vs. Poland: El Tri shines, shuts down Lewandowski

Mexico needed to control the great Robert Lewandowski to avoid defeat in the first game at Qatar 2022. The defense took care of that. The attack is another story as goal-scoring remains an issue.

DeCourcy: Here's how Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia

If you want to understand how World Cup favorites Argentina wound up a 2-1 loser to underdog Saudi Arabia, start with the difference between how the winners applied their defense and how the losers failed to adapt.

DeCourcy: USA draw vs Wales leaves it in limbo with England looming

The United States feared Wales star Gareth Bale's ability to change the game in a single instant. Too much, it turned out, because a desperate foul by defender Walker Zimmerman led to a game-tying penalty kick.

DeCourcy: Qatar makes the wrong kind of history in World Cup opener

Qatar went all-in on chemistry, connection and teamwork in their first-ever World Cup match — and none of that was apparent in a disastrous 2-0 loss to Ecuador dominated by striker Enner Valencia

Is soccer America's fifth major sport? The answer is pretty clear

The FIFA men's World Cup will be one of the most-watched sporting events in the USA and from TV viewership and rights fees to infrastructure and investment, there's plenty of evidence that the sport of the future has arrived as of the five major sports in America.

Scouting the top freshmen (and future draft picks) from Champion's Classic

There were six projected first-round picks in the Champions Classic doubleheader in Indianapolis, and they gave the 75 NBA scouts among the audience plenty to ponder between now and June.

Michigan State passes latest test on brutal schedule with OT win

Michigan State's Tom Izzo has outdone himself in constructing a challenging schedule for his Spartans, but they made their coach proud with a double-OT victory over No. 4 Kentucky

Duke's Jon Scheyer embraces challenge of replacing Coach K

Jon Scheyer figured he'd be just retiring from professional basketball at 35, but a devastating injury meant having to find a new dream in life. Now he's following the greatest college basketball coach of all time.

There aren't many happy endings for college coaches who accept the rare and daunting challenge of succeeding one of the game's legendary figures.