UConn football coach Jim Mora accused his counterparts at other programs of tampering with his players in a strongly worded social media post on Monday.

• "A simple note to the schools and coaches that have blatantly broken @NCAAFootball rules by tampering with our players in the last 24 hours," Mora, 63, wrote on X. "We do know who you are, we will pursue all avenues to hold you accountable. We are excited that we've built a program where coaches have to cheat to beat us and we will protect that program. Think hard before you tamper with our players. #justgettingstarted"

  Mora's Huskies beat North Carolina 27-14 in the Fenway Bowl on Saturday. Because of their postseason participation, his players have until Thursday to enter the transfer portal. His statement implies fellow coaches aren't waiting for players to do so.

  He doubled down in a reply to a comment to his post on X.

  "Not sure how we fix it, I do know we don't ignore it. We will expose any program and coach that violates @NCAAFootball @NCAA rules by Tampering with our players," he wrote. "It makes players anxious, it puts a dent in the lessons parents have taught them about honesty and integrity. I'm 100% for the Portal and NIL/Rev Share. I'm 100% against grown men cheating the rules and teaching players horrible Life lessons."

  UConn football has been at a disadvantage compared to larger schools when it comes to availability of funds to pay players for their name, image and likeness rights. In November 2023, Mora made his frustration known about UConn's lacking NIL money.

  UConn finished the season at 9-4, winning nine game for just the third time in program history and losing only to power-conference programs. Mora, UConn's coach for three seasons, received a contract extension through Dec. 31, 2028, that will pay him a total of $10 million plus incentives.

  --Field Level Media

Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning said he intends to return to the Longhorns next season, despite rumors he would enter the NCAA transfer portal.

• Speaking Monday in advance of No. 5 seed Texas' College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance against No. 4 Arizona State at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Manning said he intends to continue suiting up in burnt orange.

  While the portal closed Dec. 28, players on teams still involved in bowl games have an extended window.

  "I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything so I don't really know about it, about the whole windows and everything," Manning said.

  Manning, a redshirt freshman, made the statement without a public declaration from starter Quinn Ewers about his status for 2025. Ewers hasn't confirmed a mid-December report that he'd enter the 2025 NFL Draft. That is an option for Ewers, as is returning to Texas or transferring.

  The No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2023 coming out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Manning appeared in two games last season. But in 2024, with an abdominal injury to Ewers, Manning started two games and played in seven others.

  On the season, he has completed 67.8 percent of his pass attempts (61 of 90) for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed 24 times for 100 yards with four scores.

  He went 2-0 as a starter against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State. He has taken situational snaps since Ewers' return.

  --Field Level Media

Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff is retiring from football with one season of eligibility left, the Lexington-Herald Leader reported Sunday.

• The publication said the school confirmed Vandagriff's retirement.

  Vandagriff didn't play in the Wildcats' season finale against Louisville. He passed for 1,593 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games this season.

  Kentucky has added former Incarnate Word signal-caller Zach Calzada out of the transfer portal since the end of the season. Calzada also was the starting quarterback in 2021 for Texas A&M and the 2025 season will be his seventh as a college player.

  Vandagriff was a five-star recruit in the 2021 class who initially committed to Oklahoma before flipping and choosing Georgia. However, he didn't get much playing time in three seasons with the Bulldogs with Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck ahead of him. He chose to transfer following the 2023 season.

  This season, Vandagriff was benched on two occasions and only topped 200 passing yards twice. He had a good chance at a third 200-yard outing on Nov. 2 when he had 123 midway through the third quarter before getting knocked out of the 28-18 loss to then-No. 7 Tennessee due to a concussion.

  Cutter Boley started the 41-14 loss to Louisville. Another quarterback, Gavin Wimsatt, entered the transfer portal after throwing four interceptions in 39 attempts this season.

  --Field Level Media

Former North Carolina State wide receiver Kevin "KC" Concepcion is transferring to Texas A&M.

• He confirmed the transfer on his Instagram account Sunday.

  Concepcion, who has two years of eligibility remaining, caught 124 passes for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns, and rushed for two more, in 25 games over two seasons for the Wolfpack. He was the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, when he set program records for a freshman with 71 receptions and 10 TDs.

  Listed at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, Concepcion is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 15 player overall and No. 6 receiver in the transfer portal.

  Texas A&M already has added receivers Micah Hudson, a transfer from Texas Tech, and Mario Craver (Mississippi State). The Aggies have 10 transfer commitments.

  Concepcion also considered Alabama, Colorado, Florida State, Miami and South Carolina.

  --Field Level Media

Quarterback Mark Gronowski, who won two FCS national titles at South Dakota State, is entering the transfer portal but also keeping his eyes on his NFL draft potential, he told ESPN.

• In four seasons with the Jackrabbits, he played in 55 games, posting a 49-6 record as a starter. He has one year of eligibility available and is expected to be contacted by several power-conference programs.

  "I'm trying to weigh all my options to do what's best for me and my career," Gronowski told ESPN on Sunday. "I'm confident in what I can do in the NFL. If there's opportunities that help my family, I'll change my mind. It's doing what's best for me and my long-term interest overall."

  A native of Illinois, Gronowski led South Dakota State to FCS titles in back-to-back titles in 2022-23. The Jackrabbits lost 28-21 to North Dakota State in the FCS semifinals on Dec. 21.

  In 2023, he won the Walter Payton Award, which honors the top FCS offensive player.

  In his career, Gronowski has completed 64 percent of his passes for 10,309 yards and 93 touchdowns against 20 interceptions. On the ground, he ran for 1,767 yards and 37 touchdowns.

  --Field Level Media

Former TCU quarterback Hauss Hejny has committed to join Oklahoma State out of the NCAA transfer portal, multiple media outlets reported Sunday.

• Hejny will see a familiar face in new Cowboys offensive coordinator Doug Meacham, who previously was with the Horned Frogs in various roles. Meacham also served on Oklahoma State's coaching staff from 2005-12.

  Hejny did not attempt a pass while playing in four games this season. He carried the ball 15 times for 65 yards.

  A four-star recruit out of Fort Worth (Texas) Aledo, Hejny will join redshirt junior Garret Rangel, redshirt sophomore Zane Flores and redshirt freshman Maealiuaki Smith as quarterbacks for the Cowboys next season.

  The Cowboys were 3-9 (0-9 Big 12) in the 2024 season.

  --Field Level Media

Running back Jaydn Ott is returning to Cal for his senior season, he announced Sunday morning on Twitter.

• That's great news for the Golden Bears, who saw quarterback Fernando Mendoza enter the transfer portal.

  Ott rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, adding 25 receptions for 169 yards and two scores. But in 2024, an ankle injury sustained in the opener hampered him much of the season, limiting him to 385 yards on 116 carries with four touchdowns.

  If Ott returns to his 2023 form, he will team with Jaivian Thomas to form a potent backfield for Cal, which finished 6-7 (2-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) in 2024.

  Thomas led the Golden Bears with 626 yards on 100 carries with seven touchdowns.

  --Field Level Media

Rocco Becht scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak on fourth down with 56 seconds left and No. 18 Iowa State edged No. 13 Miami 42-41 on Saturday in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Orlando, Fla.

• Becht also passed for 270 yards and three touchdowns as the Cyclones (11-3) overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to secure their first 11-win season in school history.

  The Hurricanes (10-3), who lost for the third time in four games after starting the season with a 9-0 record, rushed for 308 yards -- most in school history in a bowl game. However, they had virtually no passing attack in the second half with backup Emory Williams under center.

  Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward threw for 190 yards and three touchdowns for Miami. The first TD was the 156th of his career, breaking the Division I (FBS and FCS) record he shared with Houston's Case Keenum (2007-11) -- before sitting out the second half of his last college game.

  Williams, who was intercepted on the final play of the game, finished 5-for-14 passing for 26 yards. He was 3-for-8 for 20 yards when the Hurricanes got the ball back one final time at their own 20 with 47 seconds left.

  No. 17 BYU 36, No. 23 Colorado 14

  The Cougars' stout defensive effort shut down the Buffaloes' explosive offense in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. The Cougars, who had four sacks and two interceptions, held Colorado to just two rushing yards and 210 yards of total offense. The Buffaloes averaged 34.5 points and nearly 400 yards of offense per game entering the Alamo Bowl.

  BYU's Parker Kingston had a 64-yard punt return touchdown. Jake Retzlaff completed 12-of-21 passes for 151 yards and two interceptions. LJ Martin (93 rushing yards) had two touchdowns on the ground and Sione I Moa ran one in for the Cougars (11-2). Evan Johnson and Isaiah Glasker had interceptions.

  Colorado's Shedeur Sanders completed 16-of-23 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter caught four passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Sav'ell Smalls added a touchdown catch.

  No. 22 Army 27, Louisiana Tech 6

  Bryson Daily rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns, setting a single-season FBS record for scores by a quarterback along the way, as the Midshipmen rolled past the Bulldogs in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.

  Hayden Reed carried 20 times for a career-high 114 yards and a touchdown as Army (12-2) rebounded from a crushing 31-13 loss two weeks ago to Navy, in which the Black Knights relinquished the Commander-in-Chief's trophy.

  Army improved to 8-3 all-time in bowl games, and its 12 wins are the most in a season in program history. Daily finished his senior season with 32 touchdowns, which topped the previous mark of 31 by an FBS quarterback, set by Navy's Keenan Reynolds in 2013.

  -Field Level Media

UConn coach Jim Mora agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the program through December 2028, the school announced Saturday.

• Mora now has four years remaining on his contract, which holds a value of $10.01 million. He has the chance to earn more money through performance-based incentives and a retention bonus.

  The news of Mora's extension came just before the Huskies beat North Carolina 27-14 in the Fenway Bowl in Boston.

  "Three years ago, I tasked Jim Mora with the challenge of leading our football team back to success and through his experience, energy and leadership he has done just that," UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement. "He has taken our program to postseason bowl games twice and just guided our team to one of the best seasons in UConn football history, building a momentum to keep this program moving forward. I look forward to his leadership of our football team in the years ahead."

  Mora, 63, has been at the helm since the 2022 season and has guided the Huskies to an 18-20 record during his three seasons as coach. UConn won eight of its 12 regular-season games in 2024.

  "I'd like to thank David Benedict, (school president) Radenka Maric and the University of Connecticut leadership for their trust in me and their commitment to our football program," Mora said in a statement. "When I first got here, I talked about where we wanted this program to go and we have shown great progress but we still have plenty of work to do. The commitment and dedication from the university and the athletic department has me excited about the future for our football team."

  Before coming to UConn, Mora had head-coaching stints with the Atlanta Falcons (2004-06), the Seattle Seahawks (2009) and UCLA (2012-17).

  --Field Level Media

After leading Western Kentucky to bowl games in each of his six seasons, coach Tyson Helton landed a new four-year contract, ESPN reported Saturday.

• When it's official, the deal will keep Helton, 47, at Western Kentucky through the 2028 season. His 48-32 record with the Hilltoppers includes four bowl wins and a nonconference victory against Arkansas.

  Before joining Western Kentucky as head coach, the former Houston signal-caller served as Southern California's quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator from 2016-17 and was Tennessee's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2018.

  Helton, who had previously served as an assistant at Western Kentucky, has also been on the coaching staffs of Cincinnati, UAB, Memphis and Hawaii.

  --Field Level Media

Washington State hired Jimmy Rogers of South Dakota State as its new head coach, the school announced Saturday.

• Rogers accepted a five-year deal, according to Washington State.

  Rogers, 37, went 27-3 in two seasons as head coach of FCS program South Dakota State. He guided the Jackrabbits to a 15-0 record and the 2023 national championship and went 12-3 in 2024.

  "Throughout the process, it was evident Jimmy embodies the qualities needed to lead our program: character, passion, vision and commitment. His coaching acumen is extremely high as is his work ethic, and the value he places on mentoring the young men in his program is evident," Cougars athletic director Anne McCoy said in a news release. "Jimmy will be a tremendous addition to Washington State University and the Pullman community."

  Rogers replaces Jake Dickert, who recently departed Washington State to take over the Wake Forest program.

  "My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to join the Washington State University community and lead Cougar football," Rogers said in the news release. "WSU has a rich and storied football tradition, and we are eager to embark on the next chapter. When Ol' Crimson flies at College GameDay and other sites across the country, it is immediately recognizable because of the brand that Washington State University represents. We are privileged to now represent this brand and are committed to lifting WSU to new heights in this new and exciting landscape of college football. Go Cougs!"

  Rogers played linebacker for South Dakota State from 2006-09 and has spent 13 of his 15 seasons in the coaching profession at the school. He became head coach after the 2022 season when John Stiegelmeier retired after leading the team to the FCS title.

  Washington State went 8-5 this season and lost 52-35 to Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night. It was the Cougars' fourth straight loss following an 8-1 start.

  Star quarterback John Mateer entered the transfer portal after the regular season and will play for Oklahoma next season.

  --Field Level Media

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward became the all-time leader in Division I career touchdown passes during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday.

• Ward had three passing scores in the half and the first of them was a 4-yard touchdown to Jacolby George for the 156th of his career, allowing him to pass Houston's Case Keenum (2007-11).

  Ward also threw touchdown passes to Joshisa Trader and Elijah Arroyo in the first half as Miami led 31-28 over Iowa State in Orlando, Fla.

  Ward began his college career at FCS Incarnate Word and threw 71 touchdown passes over two seasons. He then transferred to Washington State and tossed 48 scoring passes over the next two seasons.

  He moved on for this lone season at Miami and he entered the game with a school-record 36 TD passes.

  Ward could see his new record threatened next month. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has 153 career passing touchdown entering the College Football Playoff game against Ohio State on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl. Gabriel could have multiple games left in his season.

  --Field Level Media

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced Saturday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

• Beck, 22, led the Southeastern Conference with 28 touchdown passes and finished third in the SEC with 3,485 passing yards. He also led the conference in interceptions, however.

  Beck will be a spectator for the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow.

  Gunner Stockton is in line to guide No. 2 seed Georgia into the CFP, starting with the Bulldogs' quarterfinal game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday in New Orleans.

  "There's unfinished business still this season and I'll be here to support however I can, finish strong!" Beck said in a statement posted on social media.

  Beck, a fifth-year senior, finished with a 24-3 record in his career with Georgia.

  "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made. Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who've supported and believed in me, thank you," Beck wrote on social media. "It's been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!"

  Beck, the Bulldogs' starter all year, was replaced in the second half of the SEC title game with the injury. Stockton helped to guide the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over Texas and clinch a first-round bye in the first 12-team playoff.

  --Field Level Media

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings announced Friday that he is declaring for the NFL draft.

• Mullings has a team-leading 948 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season.

  Mullings didn't say in his announcement whether he would play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama on Dec. 31, but multiple reports said he didn't travel with the team to Tampa, Fla., on Friday. The school confirmed that Mullings didn't travel.

  "To the University of Michigan, the last five years at this University have shaped me into the man I am today," Mullings wrote. "I am proud to be an alumnus of the greatest University in the world. I am excited to announce I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft."

  Mullings starred in his final outing for the Wolverines when he rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown in a 13-10 win over fierce rival Ohio State. It was his fourth 100-yard game of the season.

  Michigan's No. 2 rusher, Donovan Edwards (589 yards), previously opted out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft.

  Among the other Wolverines who are opting out of the bowl are defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland.

  --Field Level Media

Ole Miss standout quarterback Jaxson Dart said Friday he will declare for the NFL draft but will first play in the school's Gator Bowl contest against Duke on Jan. 2.

• Dart made his announcement on social media.

  "Who would have known that a kid who grew up in Utah would find his way to the great state of Mississippi in order to fulfill his college gridiron dreams," Dart wrote. "I really and truly came of age at this great University. ... All of this being said, we have unfinished business. I CAN'T WAIT to put on that #2 Ole Miss jersey for one last ride with my guys before beginning preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft. As always, I promise to leave every ounce of what I've got on that football field one last time for Ole Miss. THANK YOU and Hotty Toddy!"

  Dart has played three seasons at Ole Miss and set the school record of 10,213 career passing yards, surpassing school legend Eli Manning (10,119). He has 68 passing touchdowns, second to Manning (81 from 2000-03).

  Dart played his first college season for Southern California in 2021 before transferring to Ole Miss. He has passed for career highs of 3,875 yards and 25 touchdown passes this season while being intercepted just six times. The Rebels are 9-3 entering the bowl game.

  Dart isn't projected to be among the top five quarterbacks selected in the draft but will be in the next run of signal-callers.

  --Field Level Media

Tulane star running back Makhi Hughes is entering the transfer portal, ESPN reported Friday.

• A two-time selection to the All-American Athletic Conference first-team, Hughes has two years of eligibility remaining.

  Hughes rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns in 14 games for the Green Wave (9-5) this season.

  He was named the AAC Rookie of the Year in 2023 with 1,378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

  The Birmingham, Ala., native was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022, as ranked by 247Sports.

  --Field Level Media

Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson is the new head coach at Delaware State, the school announced Friday.

• It is the first coaching job for Jackson, 38.

  "DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution -- incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: students first," athletic director Tony Tucker said in a statement.

  Jackson's hiring comes just 10 days after his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, Michael Vick, was named head coach at Norfolk State. Both teams play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

  In a statement Friday, Jackson said his priority is to create a new "culture" at Delaware State.

  "The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline," Jackson said. "If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started."

  The Hornets finished 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The program has not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

  Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career that featured three Pro Bowl selections. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

  He played his college football at Cal.

  --Field Level Media

Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is entering the 2025 NFL Draft after setting school single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns this season.

• The junior from Louisiana rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns in 13 games, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and helping the Volunteers (10-3) make the College Football Playoff field.

  "Vol Nation, your support has been nothing short of amazing," he wrote on Instagram. "Knoxville has become my home and has made me a better human over the years. I'm going to miss the feeling of rolling up to the Vol Walk, running through the 'T,' and hearing the Pride of Southland band play 'Rocky Top.' I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community."

  A hamstring injury limited Sampson to two carries for 6 yards in Tennessee's season-ending 42-17 loss at Ohio State in the first round of the playoffs on Dec. 21.

  In three seasons in Knoxville, the 5-foot-11, 201-pound Sampson rushed for 2,492 yards and 35 scores and caught 40 passes for 342 yards and one TD.

  --Field Level Media

Funeral services will be held Saturday for former Central Michigan quarterback Tommy Lazzaro, who died last weekend in a reported hunting accident in Florida.

• He was 27.

  Lazzaro enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation and was a sergeant serving at the time of his death. He will be buried with full military honors.

  At Central Michigan, Lazzaro played in 20 career games (five starts) from 2016-19.

  "When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways," said Jim McElwain, who coached Lazzaro in 2019. "CMU football was blessed to have him and will always remember him for all he did for many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewas."

  In four seasons with the Chippewas, Lazzaro completed 72 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for 542 yards and 11 touchdowns.

  In his senior season, Lazzaro received the team's Kurt Dobronski Award, given to the player who "demonstrates great effort, intensity and appreciation for the Chippewa football program," as selected by the team.

  Lazzaro also spent one season at Dodge City Community College in Kansas, where he threw for 2,237 yards, threw for 14 touchdowns and ran for five more.

  --Field Level Media

Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson will take over as head coach at Delaware State, Victory Formation Media and ESPN reported Thursday.

• If confirmed, it would be the latest data point in a growing trend of FCS football teams hiring well-known former players -- with little to no prior coaching experience -- in an effort to stand out.

  Jackson, 38, has no connection to Delaware State but according to ESPN, "it has always been a dream" of his to coach at an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities).

  Earlier this month, Norfolk State hired Michael Vick to take over the Spartans' program. Vick, who also reportedly heard from Sacramento State, hails from the Norfolk, Va., area. Norfolk State is one of Delaware State's rivals in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

  Colorado coach Deion Sanders spent three seasons (2020-22) as the head coach of Jackson State before moving up to the FBS level. His only prior coaching experience came at the high school level, including at his own short-lived charter school in Texas, "Prime Prep Academy."

  Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

  Delaware State went 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The Hornets have not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

  --Field Level Media

Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday after three seasons with the Wolverines.

• The 6-foot-3, 339-pound junior was a third-team All-American and a second-team All-Big Ten selection this season. He had three sacks among his 32 total tackles over 12 games in 2024.

  As a sophomore, Grant helped the Wolverines claim the national championship with 29 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 15 games.

  "I am very appreciative to Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and coach (Sherrone) Moore and the rest of the University of Michigan staff that I have crossed paths with," Grant posted on social media. "It has been an honor to be developed into a Michigan Man."

  Other Michigan players who intend to leave the program for the draft include defensive lineman Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland.

  --Field Level Media

Former Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key, one of the top offensive players in the transfer portal, announced on social media Tuesday that he will transfer to Nebraska.

• Key posted a photo of himself in a Nebraska uniform wearing the No. 6 he wore at Kentucky. The simple post contained the letters "GBR," short for "Go Big Red," with an emoji heart.

  Key led Kentucky this past season with 47 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games as the Wildcats finished 4-8.

  In three seasons, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 TDs in 38 games (35 starts).

  Key has one season of eligibility remaining after he was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022.

  --Field Level Media

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders financially are protected against potential injuries in Saturday's Alamo Bowl against BYU, according to Colorado coach Deion Sanders.

• The coach confirmed Monday that the school has taken out record disability insurance policies for the two players, who are both projected top-five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

  "We happen to have two players that are probably gonna be the first two picks of the NFL Draft," Sanders said at a press conference in San Antonio. "And they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. ... It far exceeds anyone (who) has ever played this game of college football."

  High-caliber players such as Sanders and Hunter typically skip non-playoff bowl games rather than risking injury and potential lost income as top draft selections. The No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft is in line for a four-year deal worth about $40 million.

  A spokesman for Colorado's athletic department confirmed to Front Office Sports that several Buffaloes players are insured for the game, but he did not provide specific costs or benefits.

  No. 23 Colorado (9-3) meets No. 17 BYU (10-2) at the Alamodome on Saturday.

  Shedeur Sanders has completed 74.2 percent of his passes this season for 3,926 yards with 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

  Hunter, the team's two-way star, won the Heisman earlier this month. He has 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a wide receiver and four interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 31 tackles as a cornerback.

  --Field Level Media

Notre Dame received a commitment Tuesday from four-star offensive lineman Ben Nichols of Davison, Mich.

• The 6-foot-5, 315-pound prospect is ranked as the nation's No. 16 interior lineman in the Class of 2026 by the 247Sports composite. He is the No. 3 recruit in the state of Michigan.

  Nichols chose coach Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish over Tennessee, Penn State and Wisconsin.

  "Historically they're the best offensive line program anyone can go with," Nichols told On3.

  "... I love the coaches. Coach Freeman, Coach (Joe) Rudolph, all those guys are really cool. Great academic school as well. Those are the top factors that stuck out to me."

  Nichols is the third four-star commitment for Notre Dame's 2026 class, joining linebacker Thomas Davis (Matthews, N.C.) and quarterback Noah Grubbs (Lake Mary, Fla.).

  --Field Level Media

The NFL won the head-to-head battle for viewers with the College Football Playoff.

• Front Office Sports, citing figures from Nielsen, reported Tuesday that the Kansas City Chiefs' 27-19 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday averaged 15.5 million viewers on NBC, more than double the average of 6.4 million people who watched Penn State defeat SMU 38-10 on TNT Sports in the same time frame.

  The Baltimore Ravens' 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers drew an average of 15.4 million for Fox Sports, while 8.6 million viewers tuned in to see Texas defeat Clemson 38-24in the College Football Playoff on TNT.

  The CFP games returned stronger ratings when they weren't matched up against an NFL game, however.

  Ohio State's 42-17 victory over Tennessee, played in primetime on Saturday night, averaged 14.3 million viewers on ESPN. The network also saw strong ratings for Notre Dame's 27-17 win over Indiana on Friday night with an average of 13.4 million.

  All four first-round CFP games were played at campus sites. They averaged 10.6 million viewers overall, per Front Office Sports, which noted that figure exceeded the ratings for all but four college football broadcasts this season.

  --Field Level Media