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Potential No 1 pick Caleb Williams declares for 2024 NFL Draft

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Potential No 1 pick Caleb Williams declares for 2024 NFL Draft

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USC Trojans star quarterback Caleb Williams officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, where he could very well be the No. 1 overall selection.

On the final day underclassmen could declare for the draft, Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, penned a lengthy Instagram post in which he thanked everyone involved in his collegiate journey with the Trojans and more.

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“Since I was 10, all I ever wanted to do was play football,” Williams’ statement began. “From the 5:30 am breakfast club workouts to the long nights watching film, through every win and every hard loss, my love and passion for the game never wavered. The gratitude I feel for the opportunity to play this game grows every day.”

USC quarterback Caleb Williams waves to fans while leaving the field after the Trojans’ 52-42 loss to Washington at L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Nov. 4, 2023. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“But the journey would be empty without the people who have supported and loved me,” he continued. “To my teammates – my brothers – these last few years have been the most fun I have had playing the game. I will forever cherish the time we spent together. To my coaches and everyone else in the USC football ecosystem, thank you for your unmatched support and commitment to helping me and the entire team be the best we could be.”

“To my family, friends and mentors: your love, your guidance, and your willingness to push me to reach my potential, not only as a football player but as a man, has led me to this day, and I am eternally thankful to each of you,” Williams wrote.

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While Williams’ college career is highlighted by his time at USC – his Heisman-winning season saw 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns in 14 games as a sophomore – he also shouted out Oklahoma where he began his career under head coach Lincoln Riley before following him to the Trojans program. 

USC’S CALEB WILLIAMS ADDRESSES SHOWING EMOTION AFTER GAMES: ‘THAT’S WHO I AM’

“I want to thank Sooner Nation for embracing a kid who came to you from Washington D.C. I cherished my time at OU,” he said.

But USC solidified Williams as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft and, for many, a possible generational talent.

“To my Trojan family, it’s been an honor putting on the cardinal and gold these last two years. I hope I gave you as many good memories as you have given to me.”

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USC quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the first half against Arizona State, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tempe, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears, owners of the first overall pick, now have a big decision on how to kick off the draft. Williams is the expected first pick, with North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye also in the conversation.

Whether GM Ryan Poles believes the team’s previous first-round quarterback, Justin Fields, is the future of the franchise is up for debate.

No matter where Williams goes, he knows there’s still work that needs to be done to reach his full potential. 

“I still have a lot to learn and I’m ready to do whatever it takes. As a kid, I said this is what I was going to do for the rest of my life, but I didn’t work this hard just to reach this point. I will continue my journey to make that little kid proud of the man I will be for many years to come,” he wrote.

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USC quarterback Caleb Williams (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m excited for the future, and I am officially declaring for the NFL Draft.”

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Giants co-owner Steve Tisch responds after emails between him and Jeffrey Epstein included in latest DOJ drop

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Giants co-owner Steve Tisch responds after emails between him and Jeffrey Epstein included in latest DOJ drop

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New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch addressed controversy surrounding his presence in the recently released files related to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein.

Tisch released a statement through the Giants, claiming he never traveled to Epstein’s infamous island.

“We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy and investments. I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with,” Tisch said.

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Steve Tisch said conversations with Jeffrey Epstein involved “adult women,” movies and investments, but said he never visited the island. (Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports)

The Department of Justice’s Friday release of more than 3 million documents related to the investigation of Epstein included email exchanges from April 2013 and June 2013 between Tisch and the convicted sex offender.

Some of the exchanges between Tisch and Epstein appear to show conversations about women.

EPSTEIN FILES EXPLODE OPEN AS DOJ DETAILS DISCOVERY OF POWERFUL FIGURES AND MORE THAN 1,200 VICTIMS

Tisch’s family owns about 45% of the Giants. Alongside fellow co-owner John Mara, Tisch assumed control of the team in 2005 after his father had purchased a majority stake in the team in 1991.

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Under Mara and Tisch’s co-ownership, the Giants won two Super Bowls and recently hired John Harbaugh as head coach.

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Steve Tisch, executive vice president of the New York Giants, looks on before pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium on August 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Epstein was found dead in a Manhattan federal jail cell on Aug. 10, 2019. His death was later ruled a suicide. 

He faced up to 45 years in prison for crimes related to the sex trafficking of minors.

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Jordan Chiles achieves another perfect 10 to lead UCLA past Washington

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Jordan Chiles achieves another perfect 10 to lead UCLA past Washington

The No. 5 UCLA women’s gymnastics team hosted Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Friday night for a prime-time Big Ten matchup. The Bruins continued to demonstrate just how hungry they are for a national championship by flexing their deep roster in a 198.150-195.825 win over the Huskies.

Jordan Chiles earned another perfect score on her floor routine, capping off a night that would give her another all-around individual title.

While Chiles’ performance stood out, UCLA coach Janelle McDonald was pleased to see a total team effort.

“When athletes that are outside the lineup one week are pushing to get in, it makes everybody better,” McDonald said. “And that’s exactly what’s happening right now.”

Added UCLA junior Sydney Barros: “It really comes down to the trust that we build.”

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Instead of soaking in the third consecutive meet with a perfect score, Chiles praised Barros, who competed in three events for the second straight meet.

“I just like to say, your dedication and pride and everything that you have done to accomplish these moments, you showed it today,” Chiles said, speaking directly to Barros. “From your bars, to the beam, to making literally all three lineups that you wanted to be in, you came through.”

UCLA gymnast Ciena Alipio, left, celebrates with teammate Jordan Chiles after completing a beam routine. Alipio and Chiles both earned 9.950 scores during the Bruins’ win over Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Friday.

(Jesus Ramirez / UCLA Athletics)

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UCLA established its dominance from the beginning. During their rotation on the vault, the Bruins (6-2, 2-0) finished with a total score of 49.425. Tiana Sumanasekera set the tone with a 9.875 performance.

Madisyn Anyimi followed it by earning a 9.900, her best score on the event as a Bruin. Katelyn Rosen and Riley Jenkins both earned 9.850 marks. Anchoring the vault was Chiles who closed with a 9.950.

The Huskies (2-4, 1-1) posted a score of 49.325 on the uneven bars.

UCLA added to its lead on the uneven bars. Ciena Alipio was close to perfect with a routine that earned her a 9.950. Keeping up with her teammate, Barros followed with a 9.925.

Alipio made the most of her opportunity to compete on the uneven bars after being limited to two events — beam and floor — before Friday.

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“That’s always been her mentality, that grit and determination to help her team, no matter what,” McDonald said.

Alipio tied Chiles for best score on the balance beam.

“The hard work [that you see] in the gym, is what you’re seeing at the competition floor,” she said.

Sumanasekera and Ashlee Sullivan, both freshmen, scored 9.825 and 9.875, respectively. Chiles earned a 9.975, which brought up the team’s total to 98.975.

Washington earned a 48.925 on vault, falling behind UCLA by .750.

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UCLA extended its lead on the balance beam, with Rosen and Barros opening the third rotation with 9.850 scores. Jordis Eichman took it up a notch with a 9.875 on her only event of the night.

Chiles earned a 9.950, extending her all-around lead. Alipio added another 9.950, maintaining a Bruins lead of 148.450-147.525 going into the final event.

Jordan Chiles competes on balance beam for UCLA against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

Jordan Chiles competes on balance beam for UCLA against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

(Jesus Ramirez / UCLA Athletics)

During their anchor event, UCLA continued to shine with a 9.925 floor routine by Rosen. Both Alipio and Sumanasekera added to the lead with a 9.900 and a 9.925, respectively. Sullivan earned her best mark on the floor with a 9.950.

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Chiles saved the best for last, with her 10 on floor bringing the rotation total to 49.700 for UCLA’s best score in the event this season. It was Chiles’ third 10 of the year — she had perfect scores against Nebraska (vault) and Michigan State (floor) earlier this month.

“Floor is a place where we always hold ourselves to a really high standard, not just with the execution of the gymnastics skills, but the performances,” McDonald said. “We want to go out there and put on a show.”

Each week, the rotation is filled with a newcomer, but the approach doesn’t change. The Bruins’ goal is to balance execution with performances and dialing in the details.

“We dub ourselves the best show in L.A.,” McDonald said, “And we really try to live up to that.”

UCLA gymnast Alipio Ciena celebrates during a meet against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

UCLA gymnast Alipio Ciena celebrates during a meet against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

(Jesus Ramirez / UCLA Athletics)

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Vikings dismiss GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons following latest playoff miss

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Vikings dismiss GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons following latest playoff miss

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For the second time in four years, the Minnesota Vikings failed to advance to the NFL playoffs. While a 9-8 record in 2025 brought no immediate changes, Vikings ownership announced a major move Friday.

In a statement, Vikings co-owners and brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf said the organization decided to part ways with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

“Following our annual end-of-season organizational meetings over the last several weeks and after careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the team to move forward with new leadership of our football operations. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for Kwesi’s contributions and commitment to the organization over the past four years and wish him and his family the best in the future.”

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Then-Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on Dec. 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Matt Krohn/Imagn Images)

The Wilfs also announced that Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings’ executive vice president of football operations, would be in charge of the front office through April’s NFL Draft. Shortly after the draft, the franchise will launch its search for its next full-time general manager.

2026 NFL OFFSEASON BUZZ, RUMORS: FALCONS REPORTEDLY RELEASING QB KIRK COUSINS

Adofo-Mensah spoke with the media for an end-of-season press conference on Jan. 13. He was seen carrying out routine general managerial duties this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Just seven months earlier, the Vikings announced a multiyear contract extension for Adofo-Mensah.

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo‐Mensah during the NFL combine at the Indiana Convention Center on Feb. 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

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While he was credited with building a roster that finished with winning records in three of his four seasons as general manager, Adofo-Mensah’s draft results have faced scrutiny at times. The selection of quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft drew particular scrutiny as injuries and uneven play limited his availability and production.

The Vikings failed to draft a player who developed into a Pro Bowler at any point from 2022–25, one of only 11 NFL teams to do so.

Minnesota Vikings co-owner Zygi Wilf, left, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talk on the sideline prior to an NFL football game on Nov. 27, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Adofo-Mensah replaced Rick Spielman, who was dismissed in 2022. Spielman first joined the Vikings in 2006 as the team’s vice president of player personnel before his promotion to general manager in 2012.

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Adofo-Mensah played basketball as a student at Princeton. He brought an analytics-focused approach to Minnesota, having worked in an analytics role with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. Prior to taking the job with the Vikings, Adofo-Mensah was the Cleveland Browns’ vice president of football operations.

The Vikings hold the No. 18 pick in this year’s draft.

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