The Washington Huskies have an opportunity to end the Pac-12 era on a high note. 

With the conference essentially coming to an end, Washington snapped the Pac-12’s six-year College Football Playoff drought by going 13-0 and defeating Oregon twice. 

The Huskies will head to the Big Ten in 2024, and the Pac-12 will have just two remaining teams following a summer of change. 

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Washington will face Texas in a CFP semifinal Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET.

Let’s take a look at three Washington players to watch with the CFP semifinals just days away. 

Michael Penix Jr., senior quarterback 

Michael Penix Jr. has had a lengthy college career, and he now has an opportunity to finish on top after a spectacular season. 

The sixth-year senior lit up opposing defenses for most of the year, culminating in a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. 

In 13 games, Penix threw for 4,218 yards, 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions, leading one of the top offenses in the country. 

The Washington passing attack is the best in the nation, averaging 343.8 yards per game.

Michael Penix Jr. (9) of the Washington Huskies celebrates a touchdown in the second half during the Pac-12 championship game against the Oregon Ducks at Allegiant Stadium Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas.  (Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

Penix is a true pocket passer, rushing the ball just 29 times this year while throwing for the most yards in the nation. 

Penix will need to find his early season form against Texas. Washington’s offense just seemed to be slightly off at the end of the season despite going undefeated. 

The Longhorns are as good as any team at stopping the run, putting the onus on Penix and Washington’s wide receiver corps to move the ball down the field. Texas was first against the run in the Big 12 but allowed 240.8 yards per game through the air, the fifth most in the conference. 

Rome Odunze, junior wide receiver

Penix may have received the Heisman buzz, but it’s Rome Odunze who may very well be Washington’s best player. 

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The junior wide receiver is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and was second in the country in receiving yards (1,428). He hauled in 13 touchdowns, sixth most in the nation. 

“Our connection definitely comes from repetition and practices, stuff like that. I know that each and every rep, he’s going to give me 100%. I don’t have to worry about him taking the rep off. And I feel like that’s definitely what it comes from, because once you start getting people taking reps off and not always giving that 100%, being that same guy every day, that’s when things become inconsistent,” Penix said on Seattle Sports radio when discussing his connection with Odunze.

“But, for us, it has been very consistent because he’s been one of those guys that’s always going to be where I need him.”

Rome Odunze (1) of the Washington Huskies scores a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Husky Stadium Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle.  (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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Whenever the Huskies needed a play this season, it was Odunze who came up big. 

In Week 7 against Oregon, it was Odunze who scored the go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes remaining. In the Apple Cup against Washington State, it was Odunze who got the ball on fourth and 1 in Washington’s own territory with the season on the line. And in the rematch with Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game, Odunze had eight catches for 108 yards. 

Dillon Johnson, junior running back

Washington will need to keep the Texas defense honest, and Dillon Johnson is no slouch.

While the Huskies are known for slinging the ball all over the field, Johnson came on in the second half of the season, averaging 136.6 yards per game in the last five contests, including a 256-yard performance against USC. 

In the Pac-12 title game, Johnson ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns as the Huskies were able to outmuscle the Ducks. 

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Dillon Johnson (7) of the Washington Huskies runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the Pac-12 championship at Allegiant Stadium Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas.  (Ian Maule/Getty Images)

The Texas run defense will be Johnson’s toughest test of the season.

“Their front four, front five, whatever you want to say, is elite,” Johnson said on Seattle Sports Radio when discussing the Longhorns’ defense. 

“No. 90 [Byron Murphy II] and No. 93 [T’Vondre Sweat] in particular, those guys will be playing on Sundays. They’re really good. They have a really good defense. They fly around. They’re a physical football team, and they play as a unit. It’s going to be a great test for us, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Sports are one thing that brings people together, just as much as they tear people apart due to rooting interests.

We’d like to think that plenty of group chats of sports fanatics were blowing up throughout some of the biggest stories of this past year, which also turned out to be some of the biggest stories in years that we may not see again for quite some time.

With that, here’s a look back at some of the biggest sports stories of the year:

Damar Hamlin suffers cardiac arrest on the field

It wasn’t just the biggest this year, it might have been the biggest since Kobe Bryant’s death. Hamlin was administered CPR on the field after making a routine tackle and spent several days in a hospital.

Thankfully, he made a full recovery and got back on the gridiron this season.

Brothers Travis, Jason Kelce face off in Super Bowl

It was the first time two brothers faced one another in a Super Bowl, and it put the Kelce family on the map, even before Travis started dating Taylor Swift.

The younger brother, Travis, got his second Super Bowl ring as his Kansas City Chiefs bested the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35.

Shohei Ohtani signs $700 million deal with Los Angeles Dodgers

After winning his second unanimous MVP in three seasons, Ohtani inked the richest deal in North American sports history. He’s also deferring $680 million of it until after his 10-year pact is up.

Ohtani spent his previous six seasons with the crosstown Angels, but now, he has a real chance at several World Series rings.

Tom Brady retires ‘for good’

Brady was a former pro for 40 days in 2022, but he still had the desire to play. Well, Brady retired a second time “for good” in February and stayed true to his word.

Brady retired as the greatest ever with seven Super Bowls and other seemingly untouchable NFL records.

Ex-NHLer Adam Johnson dies after skate slashes neck

Adam Johnson, formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins, died after a skate cut his throat during a game in England. The incident led to the arrest of a man for manslaughter.

NHL players have begun wearing neck guards, and the International Ice Hockey Federation has made them mandatory.

LeBron James becomes NBA’s all-time leading scorer

Many thought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record was untouchable, but LeBron scored his 37,888th and 37,889th points in February, surpassing the NBA legend.

Meeting with Abdul-Jabbar on the court for a ceremony, James was teary-eyed and proclaimed himself as the best to ever play basketball.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James meets with former player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record on Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/File)

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese put women’s basketball on their backs

Clark wasn’t afraid to show off, but when Reese pulled off Clark’s own celebrations in front of her, it brought praise, criticism and a lot of viewers. The college women’s national championship was the most-watched women’s basketball game ever.

Bronny James, LeBron’s son, has cardiac arrest

At just the age of 18, months before he was set to begin playing basketball at USC, the eldest son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer had a cardiac arrest, prompting a frantic 911 call.

Bronny recovered quickly and made his NCAA debut in early December. Now, we wait to see if the father-son duo will be teammates in the NBA.

Aaron Rodgers tears Achilles on 4th play with Jets

The New York Jets finally had not only playoff expectations, but Super Bowl hopes when Aaron Rodgers left Green Bay after 18 seasons with the Packers to come to the tri-state area. On just his fourth play, he ruptured his Achilles, and the party turned into a funeral.

Rodgers attempted an unprecedented comeback for this season, but in 2024, he will be back at the ripe age of 40.

Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd sacks New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sept. 11, 2023. Rodgers was carted off the field. (Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com/Imagn)

Deion Sanders rises to most prominent figure in college football

For three weeks, Sanders was the biggest name in sports. After upsetting TCU in the season opener, he put the University of Colorado on the map as they started 3-0.

The Buffs lost seven of their final eight games, pouring cold water on it all, but not enough for Sanders to win Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year.

Novak Djokovic wins three Grand Slams

If anyone is beating father time, it’s the Djoker. The 36-year-old appeared in each grand slam final this year, winning three of them, only losing the Wimbledon title to Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic set the record for most grand slam semifinal appearances, and with no signs of slowing down, he should extend his record of 24 titles.

United States Women’s National Team misses out on World Cup three-peat

It was clear early on that the USWNT was going to have a mountain to climb if they wanted their third-straight World Cup victory after they just narrowly advanced past group play.

The Americans were stunned by Sweden in penalty kicks, by far their worst finish ever. In the previous eight Women’s World Cups, they never finished worse than third place.

United States’ Megan Rapinoe is shown after the Women’s World Cup Group E match against Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Lionel Messi joins MLS

Shortly after winning his first World Cup, arguably the greatest soccer player of all time became a member of the MLS in North America, joining Inter Miami.

In his MLS debut, he scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute. He scored 11 goals in 14 matches and also won his record eighth Ballon d’Or.

Fairleigh Dickinson upsets Purdue

It was the second time a 16-seed defeated a No. 1 team as FDU joined UMBC, which slaughtered Virginia in 2018. This game was much closer, coming down to the wire, but New Jersey remained Cinderella – St. Peter’s in Jersey City, a 15-seed, upset No. 2 Kentucky and went all the way to the Elite 8 in 2022.

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The Minnesota Vikings have dealt with numerous setbacks at the quarterback position this season. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear during an October game against the Green Bay Packers.

Cousins has faced his share of criticism throughout his lengthy NFL career. Before the injury, Cousins was having one of his best seasons as a pro. The 35-year-old signal-caller is scheduled to enter the free agent market in the offseason. Many believe the Vikings will consider moving on from Cousins and try to find a future franchise quarterback.

Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson expressed his support for the oft-maligned quarterback. 

“I feel like I’m always voicing my opinion on Kirk,” Jefferson said. “As much as people downgrade him and not want to give him his credit, I’m always the person that always gives him his credit.”

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Jefferson is widely considered the best overall wide receiver in the NFL and will next season enter the fifth year of his rookie contract. He will likely land a lucrative extension this offseason, but it appears he strongly prefers to catch passes from Cousins in 2024.

“I’m always blessed and just accepting of the person that he was for me, the player that he was for me and this team just by being that leader and being that captain, controlling the game, controlling where the ball goes and making great throws,” Jefferson said. 

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“I think the rest of the world definitely realizes that at this very moment.”

Cousins threw for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions through eight games this season. Although he has been sidelined for several weeks, his 291.4 passing yards per game still leads the league. 

Kirk Cousins (8) of the Minnesota Vikings throws during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field Oct. 29, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Cousins attended his first game since the injury Sunday when Minnesota lost 30-24 to the Lions. He provided Jefferson with a little extra hype before the All-Pro receiver was announced to the home crowd.

“People don’t see what goes on in the building,” Jefferson said. “They don’t see the relationships that go on, don’t see the connection that goes on. Me and Kirk have a great connection.”

Asked if he’ll make his feelings known to the organization about whether Cousins should return, Jefferson said he doesn’t feel it’s necessary.

“I feel like I really don’t have to voice my opinion that much,” Jefferson said. “You can just really look at the stats and look at the play, especially before he went down this year. But I definitely will always give that extra word or two for Kirko.”

The Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson watch a replay during the second half of a game against the Detroit Lions Dec. 11, 2022, in Detroit.  (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Rookie Jaren Hall, journeyman Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens have all started games since Cousins went down with an injury. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the team is “working through” who will start in Week 17 against Green Bay.

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Jefferson stopped short of advocating for a specific quarterback to take over the starting duties down the stretch, although he did praise Hall for how he’s developed this season.

“I feel like Jaren is definitely a great quarterback,” Jefferson said when asked about Hall. “He has definitely some potential to spark this offense up if we put him out there to play. We have confidence in whoever.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Herb Kohl, a former U.S. senator and former owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, has died, his philanthropic company announced Wednesday. He was 88.

Kohl was a Democrat senator from Wisconsin and served in office from 1989 to 2013. He purchased the Bucks in 1985 for $18 million and sold it in 2014 to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry for $550 million.

“More than anything, Herb loved Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and that is where he chose to live out his days,” Herb Khol Philanthropies said in a statement. “He touched an incalculable number of lives, and those who love him would remark that he is among the most decent people to ever walk the earth.”

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As owner of the Bucks, Kohl oversaw several playoff teams, but the organization never got to taste the NBA Finals. NBA greats like Vin Baker, Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Gary Payton and Andrew Bogut played during Kohl’s era.

Kohl got into politics in the 1970s when he served as the chair of the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977. He was the chair of the Special Committee on Aging and was the vice chairman on the Committee on the Judiciary. He won four elections during his career as a politician.

“Sen. Kohl was deeply committed to community, kindness, and service to others,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “Wisconsin’s seniors, students, teachers, and schools, and farmers and rural areas, among so many others, are better off because of his life and legacy, the impacts of which will last for generations.”

Herb Kohl, a former U.S. senator and former owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, has died, his philanthropic company announced Wednesday. He was 88. (Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Kohl donated $25 million to the University of Wisconsin to help fund the construction of the Kohl Center and also used his own fortune to fund the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.

Kohl never married and said that being single was his way of making sure he stayed committed to the demands of the U.S. Senate office and being the Bucks owner.

“Senator Kohl was a dear friend and one of our very best public servants,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “In addition to his decades of devoted service in the U.S. Senate, he set the standard for NBA team ownership as the governor of his hometown Milwaukee Bucks for nearly 30 years.”

Kohl donated $25 million to the University of Wisconsin to help fund the construction of the Kohl Center and also used his own fortune to fund the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. (Joshua Roberts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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“Through his purchase of the team, Senator Kohl ensured that the Bucks would stay in Milwaukee and remain an important pillar of the community. There was never any doubt about his extraordinary commitment to the franchise and city that he loved, and his vision and unparalleled financial contribution towards a new arena in Milwaukee will forever be remembered. … He will be deeply missed by his NBA family.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes has been more animated on the sideline during games, showing his frustration as the team has dropped three of its last four games.

He was visibly upset with officials after Kadarius Toney was called offside during the team’s loss against the Buffalo Bills, and he was seen yelling Monday at some of his offensive linemen as the team struggled to get going against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mahomes was asked Wednesday about the outbursts.

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“I just don’t think I like losing,” he said. “Anybody can be frustrated when they lose. It’s just about how you respond.”

Mahomes said it shows he cares.

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“I think people see frustration, and they think it causes controversy. I see it as a way of showing that people care. They care about their profession. They care about trying to do whatever they can do to win games,” he said. 

“When I see stuff like that happen, obviously, we want to be in the positive light and all of that. I see someone that cares about the game and someone who wants to be better, not better for themselves but better for the team.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Buffalo Bills prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 10, 2023. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)

Mahomes was 27-for-44 for 235 yards with a late-game touchdown and a pick-six.

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He said there were “little things” he had to improve upon going into Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“You have to be critical with yourself. You have to be true to what’s on the film and what’s happening,” he added. 

“I think a lot of people will make excuses, and that’s why they don’t take that next step or become better because of it. You have to see the film. You look at the film. We made a lot of mistakes that you can’t make in this league if you want to have success. You have to learn from them and get better from them. 

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 25, 2023. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)

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“If you look at it and try to make an excuse for why something happened or (say) it’s not your fault because this thing happened, that’s when that kind of stuff snowballs. If you look at the film and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got to be better here. I have to (have) better footwork. I have to work the pocket better, get the ball out of my hands when I need to.’ 

“And (you) learn like that, then you can be better that next week. We’re just going to take that; this is a great defense (the Bengals) that we are playing.”

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The mother of San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has a way get the team back to its winning ways next week, and she requested that his fiancée, Olivia Culpo, join in.

Culpo posted a screenshot of a text message exchange between her and Lisa McCaffrey Wednesday.

“I will buy you any crazy designer tennis shoe you want for next game,” McCaffrey wrote to Culpo. “We have to do a pyramid. I had three people text me that’s why we lost.

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“Or I’ll carry your nice shoes so you can switch them out after the pyramid. Sorry but it’s for the team.

“Are you mad? Start stretching.”

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Culpo said she was in.

“I’m laughing so hard. … Anything for the W!!!!!!”

Olivia Culpo poses at the Celsius pickleball tournament at David Dobrik’s home Aug. 25, 2023, in Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Celsius)

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San Francisco fell to the Baltimore Ravens Monday night, 33-19. Christian McCaffrey had 103 rushing yards, 28 yards receiving and a touchdown in the loss. He set a 49ers record with his eighth straight game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage.

McCaffrey is putting together an MVP-like season. He leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,395) and yards from scrimmage (1,932). He also has 21 touchdowns this year — 14 on the ground, seven receiving.

Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of a game at State Farm Stadium Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz.  (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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The 49ers are on the road this week to take on the Washington Commanders. They’ve already sealed the NFC West crown.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco reportedly received a summons from the Dominican Republic to answer questions regarding allegations he had inappropriate relationships with minors.

Franco and his lawyers are required to meet with the Dominican Republic’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents on Thursday, ESPN reported.

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At least two people have filed legal action against the star shortstop, and authorities are investigating allegations from a third minor, according to the report.

The ESPN report came a day after Listin Diario reported that police in the Dominican Republic conducted two home raids in search of Franco, but he was nowhere to be found.

Franco was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 22 as MLB investigated his alleged relationships with underage girls.

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Jul 25, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (5) throws to first base in the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins  at Tropicana Field. (Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports)

The Rays expressed support for the MLB investigation but have not commented on it since.

“We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on Administration Leave,” the Rays said at the time. “The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds. We will have no further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process.”

The allegations were made public earlier that month following social media posts, but the first complaint was filed in July.

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Franco went on his Instagram Live to deny the allegations against him, but the Rays still placed him on the restricted list.

The Rays began to take down images of Franco around Tropicana Field amid the allegations. There has also been no sign of Franco merchandise being sold at the Rays’ team store within their ballpark.

Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during batting practice prior to the 93rd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.  (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Franco’s last game was on Aug. 12, and some say he may never play in the majors ever again.

Franco was an All-Star for the first time this season. He slashed .281/.344/.475 with 17 homers and 58 RBI over 112 games this past season.

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He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, but a team option in 2033 could make the deal worth $233 million when it is over.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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Fourth-year Denver Nuggets player Aaron Gordon will be away from the team due to lacerations to his hand and face, according to the team. 

The injuries happened Christmas Day when Gordon was bitten by a dog. The cuts required 21 stitches, ESPN reported.

The veteran NBA forward has been ruled out indefinitely. The Nuggets said in a statement that Gordon is “in good condition.” While the timeline for his return remains unclear, the team did note that updates on Gordon’s condition will be provided in the future.

ESPN reported it is unlikely Gordon’s absence will be lengthy.

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The Nuggets will welcome Ja Morant and the Grizzlies Thursday night. Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji is expected to play a more significant role while Gordon is away.

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Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he spoke to Gordon and encouraged him to focus on his recovery. 

“We need him to heal inside and out,” said Malone. “Going through something like that is not something you come back from easily. That’s something where you have to heal from the physical, but you also have to heal from the mental and what you just kind of went through.”

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets celebrates a 3-pointer against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center Dec. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Malone added that Gordon has the team’s full support.

“We have his back. We love him. We’re here for him. So, whenever he’s able to come back, we’re going to open our arms up and embrace him. I told all the guys to make sure they’re reaching out to him, to make sure he’s never feeling like he’s on an island.”

The defending champion Nuggets have gotten off to a strong start this season. The team sits in the second spot in the Western Conference standings.

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets on the bench during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center Dec. 1, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Malone later reiterated the franchise’s desire to see Gordon back on the court whenever he’s ready.

“We want him back,” Malone said. “We know we’re better off with him. But I want to support Aaron Gordon and make sure when he comes back, he’s ready to come back and play at the level that we know he’s capable.”

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Gordon missed five games earlier this season due to a heel injury.

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In the college football world, conference championships, bowl games and national signing day have traditionally been programs’ primary focus in December. 

However, in recent years, the transfer portal has created a new set of circumstances college football coaches have to closely monitor. 

The idea of managing the transfer portal during an already busy month appears to have frustrated Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.

Ole Miss has nonetheless benefited from the transfer portal, landing a couple of the most highly sought players in the portal.

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Ole Miss will travel to Atlanta this week to play in the Peach Bowl against Penn State. Kiffin pointed to the transfer portal when he discussed attempts to balance the hectic calendar while having to prepare for a bowl game.

“We’re actually kind of, finally, to a normal part now, where today’s Tuesday, and we actually play on a Saturday,” Kiffin said. “So, it’s a normal week for us. We’re just in a hotel in a different city. Previous to this, it’s been a little chaotic with not just recruiting and flying around, trying to get back for practice, a lot of assistant coaches not at the practices. But then dealing with the portal, going to other universities to see kids and dealing with keeping our own kids.”

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Kiffin went on to question the way the current system is set up and compared it to the NFL’s free agency model.

Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels during warmups prior to facing the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium Sept. 23, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.  (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“Again, it’s a terrible system. No other — I wouldn’t think any other sports, professional sports, have ever set up a system where free agency starts while the season is still going. So, it really makes no sense. You can leave, you can stay, you can go other places. Coaches can call you, and your season is still going. It would be like before the NFC or AFC playoffs start in a couple weeks, all of a sudden, hey, free agency the week before opens. So you can start recruiting other people’s players and fly them on trips and get them to transfer. So, really, it’s a really bad system.”

Since the portal opens during the bowl season, players looking to go to a different school have to go through the transfer process while also figuring out whether they will remain with their current teams through the end of the year.

Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels during a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Nov. 4, 2023, in Oxford, Miss.  (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Policies for transferring players remaining with teams they will be leaving vary by school. 

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The transfer portal window closes Jan. 2, unless a team plays in a bowl game scheduled for after that date.

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