The College Football Playoff selection committee has released its initial rankings, placing Ohio State in the top position. According to committee chairman Mack Rhoades, both statistical metrics and game footage will play a pivotal role in determining the contenders for the playoff. Following Ohio State are Indiana and Texas A&M, both of which remain undefeated. The rankings also indicate that Memphis is positioned to qualify for the playoff as the fifth-best conference champion.
In a separate announcement, FIFA has unveiled the establishment of a peace prize, which will be awarded for the first time during the World Cup draw scheduled for December 5 in Washington. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed the importance of recognizing individuals who contribute to peace efforts and unity, highlighting the ongoing conflicts around the world. The FIFA Peace Prize will become an annual award, with Infantino presenting it this year.
The NFL trade deadline saw significant movement, particularly involving Sauce Gardner, a two-time All-Pro cornerback, who was traded from the New York Jets to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks. Additionally, three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was sent to the Dallas Cowboys, marking another major deal that included a second-round pick in 2026 and a first-round pick in 2027.
In golf, the LPGA Tour has announced a collaboration with the Ladies European Tour to co-sanction the Aramco Championship, which will take place at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas in early April. The tournament will feature a purse of $4 million, reflecting Saudi Arabia”s growing influence in the sport.
As the NFL season progresses, scoring has seen an uptick, largely attributed to new special teams rules and a more aggressive approach to fourth-down plays. The league has witnessed a remarkable season with no clear dominant team, as every franchise has at least two losses after nine weeks of play. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite being favored to win the Super Bowl, currently hold a record of 5-4. In the AFC, there is potential for four new division winners, while the NFC appears more stable with the Philadelphia Eagles at the helm.
In tennis, Venus Williams is set to embark on her 33rd consecutive season on the WTA Tour, starting at the ASB Classic in Auckland in January. At 45 years old, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion continues to prepare for the Australian Open later in the month, where she has previously finished as a finalist on two occasions.
Looking ahead, the NFL is expanding its presence in Germany, with Berlin set to host its first regular-season game featuring the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons at the Olympiastadion. This marks the third German city to welcome an NFL game, reflecting the league”s efforts to cultivate a fanbase in Europe.
In college football, anticipation is building for the upcoming matchup between BYU and Texas Tech, ranked eighth and ninth respectively. This Big 12 clash in Lubbock is being heralded as the most significant game in the city since 2008, with ESPN”s College GameDay making its return to Jones AT&T Stadium. Students are already camping out for prime seating, as the outcome may determine the leader of the conference and set the stage for a potential rematch in the championship game.
Lastly, in a notable comment on the evolving landscape of professional golf, Rory McIlroy expressed his views on LIV Golf“s shift to 72-hole tournaments, calling the decision “peculiar.” This transition aims to align LIV with traditional tours, which could bolster its chances of gaining recognition in the Official World Golf Ranking.
