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January 19 -- January 25, 2026
Issue No. 625
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College Football Championship Game: It's A Wrap
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Monday, January 19, 4:30 P.M. Hard Rock Stadium Miami, Florida
Miami Hurricanes vs. Indiana Hoosiers
I hope you have enjoyed Sports Today's coverage of the CFPs. It has been a wild ride. No SEC teams in the finals and plenty of upsets along the way.
For readers of this Letter, undefeated Indiana was/is a -7.5 favorite. That how Underdog likes 'em.
Primed and ready to be brought back to planet earth. Either way, my Underdog pick of Miami, as of Sunday at 5:36, feels good. After the Hurricanes have bludgeoned Indiana on their way to a title ...
Google me. I just win!
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Note to Readers:
Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced
by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
In this issue we have updated our Facebook Albums link. Check here to see if your favorite team was covered and enjoy the exceptional photo coverage from our exceptional photographers:
https://conta.cc/49DptcC
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 56, Duke Blue Devils 71
USF Dons (MBkB) 85, Washington State Cougars 80
Features & Commentary
49ers Season Comes To An End, by Bruce Macgowan
Dwight Clark, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Get A Grip, by Andy Dolich
Hardly Trivial, by T Buff
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Raider Nation, by Ed Jay
The 49ers Morph Into The 29ers, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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With Sports Today readers focused on the Battle in Seattle on Saturday night, with the winner one step closer to the
Super Bowl, we invited our own Superstars to share their thoughts on this epic game, regardless of the outcome: good, bad or ugly. These talented souls accepted the challenge and their individual perspectives reflect years of 49er-focused journalistic experience and likely the collective thoughts of many readers. Enjoy our
Trifecta Coverage!
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San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy was under
immense pressure the entire game...
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Get A Grip
by Andy Dolich
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“If you find a path with no obstacles, it likely doesn’t lead anywhere that is worth the trip.”
This past Saturday the 49ers almost went Scoreless in Seattle, losing 41-6. Emotions are running high as fans are dealing with the end of the season. Visions of the ultimate dream came crashing down. Just envision the miracle if the 49ers had made it to Super Bowl 60 as participants at their home stadium on Sunday, February 8th.
This season which was highlighted by their win over the Eagles in the Wild Card is the perfect microcosm of a campaign that had more ups and downs than an irregular EKG.
Injuries to Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Ricky Pearsall, Fred Warner, George Kittle and others turned the 49ers into a Mash Unit. When a team loses two certain Hall of Famers in Kittle and Bosa many fans would have had their team apparel on the way to the Dry Cleaners.
Before completely hyperventilating there are a few points that Niner Nation should hold close to their Red and Gold hearts, minds and souls as they are bemoaning the Wipeout in Washington where they were crushed in the Battle in Seattle.
Think about:
-- Winning Five Super Bowl Championships
-- NFL Hall of Famers Galore
-- “The Catch”
-- Having a new stadium to call their home- Levi’s in 2014
-- The play of Mac Jones when Brock was recovering from Turf
Toe
-- The outstanding work of Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh
-- Playing with guts and gusto with second stringers week-after-
week
-- Hosting three Super Bowls: Super Bowl XIX in 1985 at Stanford
Stadium; Super Bowl 50 in 2025 at Levi’s Stadium; Super Bowl
60 in 2026 at Levi’s Stadium
The trip that the franchise took during the 2025-26 season was emblematic of why fans love sports and make such a significant emotional investment.
Today, if you are still drying your tears over the loss, remember what the eminent philosopher Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson says:
“No matter how thin I make my Pancakes,
they always have Two Sides.”
Think about the great side of this past season.
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| | | | Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE. | | San Francisco 49er running back Christian McCaffrey sustained an injury in the second quarter, taking him off the field | | | | |
49ers Season Comes To
An End
by Bruce Macgowan
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The 49ers’ strange but sometimes wonderful season ended with a thud in Seattle Saturday, in what was really a reality check. Very few expected San Francisco to upset the formidable Seahawks on the road, especially with perennial All-Pro George Kittle out along with defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
But even if all three of those guys had been available and in peak form, it seems unlikely San Francisco would have been able to derail what is probably the best team in football.
Brock Purdy is creative, courageous and smart. But in two games over the last three weeks, he wasn’t able to get his team into the end zone once against the Seahawks' vaunted defense. The 49ers were held to just three field goals in eight quarters against their rivals from the north.
The Seahawks’ defense keyed on star running back Christian McCaffrey in the regular season finale, a 13-3 setback in Santa Clara. Seattle kept him from doing any major damage in that game, and the same held true Saturday as McCaffrey had no runs for longer than eight yards and was held to just 35 yards rushing on 11 carries and 39 yards receiving on five catches. If you limit the former Stanford star to those kinds of numbers, chances are you’re going to win.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ defense, which showed a lot of heart and potential for the future, was playing on its collective heels all day, especially after Seattle electrified their noisy crowd with a stunning kickoff return for a TD on the game’s opening play.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold certainly wasn’t brilliant, but he didn’t have to be as he kept handing the ball off to running back Kenneth Walker who bludgeoned the 49ers for 116 yards and three TDs, while wily veteran receiver Cooper Kupp reminded many of his recent Pro Bowl caliber performances with five catches, three of those coming on key third down plays.
Taking a 24-6 halftime lead allowed Darnold to play relaxed and easy the remainder of the game, as the Seattle defense suffocated Brock Purdy’s offensive attack. Seattle has a terrific pass rush and features three outstanding players on its defensive unit: defensive tackle Leonard Williams, linebacker Ernest Jones, and cornerback Devon Weatherspoon and each played at a high level in the 41-6 blowout.
It’s hard imagining the Seahawks will falter at home in next week’s NFC Title Game, and their road to a Super Bowl title appears more likely after the Broncos, who could be their opponents after winning a thriller over star-crossed Buffalo, lost their starting QB, Bo Nix. The brilliant young field general suffered a fractured right ankle just three plays before Will Lutz’s game-winning field goal
in OT.
The fact that the 49ers made it to the second round after their stunning win at Philadelphia is a tribute to the heart and soul of a patchwork group of mostly unknown and journeymen starters, especially on defense. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, and particularly defensive coordinator Robert Saleh made more out of less and probably did the best work of their careers on the sidelines.
As for the future, things look bright for the Niners. Not only will Nick Bosa and Fred Warner return next year, but the emergence of young linebackers Dee Winters and Eric Kendricks, defensive backs Deommodore Lenoir and Malik Mustapha, ex-Cal tight end Jake Tonges, running backs Brian Robinson Jr, Jordan James and wide receiver Rickey Pearsall means the Niners will have a corps of bright young players who could be the foundation of this club for years to come.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today, click HERE.
| | Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a pick in his last two games, both high-stakes matchups | | | |
The 49ers Morph Into The 29ers
by Dave Newhouse
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It’s not a pleasant sight to watch your local football team diminish on the national stage. But on Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers became the San Francisco 29ers.
Well, if you’re a stickler for percentages, the stripping down of their roster was 20 percent in magnitude, thus they, indeed, evolved into the 29ers. Lost were Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and George Kittle — each worthy of Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration — plus top 2025 draft pick Mykel DeAnthony Williams, a combination difficult to overcome. And we won’t even get into the Brandon Aiyuk disappearance, which is just plain strange.
But the 29ers they became, a Super Bowl mountain too steep to climb when you’re on crutches. So let’s give the 29ers credit for mountain-hugging as long as they did until falling off in Seattle by Saturday’s 41-6 thrashing by the Seahawks.
What’s amazing about the 29ers is that they even got this far. Their shocking take down of the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in Philadelphia the week before was an all-time franchise milestone. But the NFL didn’t do the 29ers any favors by the quicker-than-needed turnaround game in Seattle. Another day in between would have seemed suitable, not that it would have changed the outcome in the Northwest. It’s just fairness, that’s all.
But the 29ers deserve credit for turning a pork chop of a season into filet mignon, given their medical chart, which included not having quarterback Brock Purdy for the first third of the season. Something else to overcome, which they did.
However, the franchise must now consider how to re-group, and re-purpose its ascent back to NFL eminence. It’s going to take some work, believe me.
The worst mind set for an NFL team is to believe that every season is a post-season given. Thus the 29ers shouldn’t automatically believe that they will be in this same position next season.
Why not? Running back Christian McCaffrey was just selected All-Pro, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be that effective next fall. He’s like a plow horse that’s overworked, and the 29ers must lighten his load just to maintain his effectiveness, if it’s not too late.
The wide receiver situation is a sharp drop from the Jerry Rice-John Taylor days, and must be improved. The offensive line, aside from Trent Williams, lacks star power. And how much longer can the aging Williams remain a star?
Defensively, after Bosa and Warner went down, the 29ers defense was a nameless group. Don’t forget, when Joe Montana and Steve Young ruled, they had Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Merton Hanks, Bryant Young and Hacksaw Reynolds on defense.
So give this present group of 29ers credit for having staying power, but management will have to chisel its way back to the NFL mountaintop.
The worst strategy would be returning status quo, or thereabouts, in 2026. A knees-to-the-floor bucket scrubbing, not a mere mop cleansing, is required.
Another season of these same 29ers isn’t the best game plan for the franchise’s future.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Cal Bears 56
Duke Blue Devils 71
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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In front of a sell-out crowd of 11,200 in Haas Pavilion, the Golden Bears played host to the #5 ranked Duke Blue Devils in Berkeley for the first time. Cal played firm defense and kept the score close through halftime, before Duke was able to pull away for the win.
Above, a pregame welcome to Haas Pavilion as Coach Mark Madsen embraces new Travers Family Head Football Coach Tosh Lupoi. The University of California Golden Bears welcomed the Duke University Blue Devils for an ACC conference game at Haas Pavilion on Wednesday, January 14 in Berkeley, CA.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Stern defense by the double-team of Lee Dort (#34) and John Camden (#2) caused nationally top ranked player Cameron Boozer (#12) to lose the ball out of bounds early in the first half.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| Leading all Cal scorers with 14 points, Lee Dort (#34) puts up a slam dunk late in the first half. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Spotting up beyond the three-point stripe, Chris Bell (#22) takes a shot. Bell contributed five points, one block and one steal.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Getting caught up in post game antics, Cal Chancellor Rich Lyons leads the players in the post game lap, offering high fives and
fist bumps. To view a photo album, visit our
Facebook Page at www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Recent Site: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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Increase the visibility for your business among thousands of Bay Area readers who trust and enjoy our content each week.
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USF Dons 85
Washington State Cougars 80
Sobrato Center, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, January 18, 2026
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Raider Nation
Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
Sunday, January 4, 2026
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Our Mission:
Weavery's mission is to provide data and ai strategy advice, training, and innovative solutions to high impact humanitarian organizations. Weavery leverages artificial intelligence to enhance operations and amplify impact to serve a world in need.
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Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez
Giants sign shortstop Hernandez, top prospect on int'l market
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
:232:08
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
For the second consecutive year, the Giants have opened the international signing period by landing the highest-ranked amateur player from Latin America. This time around, it’s Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class.
International signing coverage:
• Everything you need to know
• Top 50 Prospects list
• Each team's top international prospect
ALE: BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TOR
ALC: CLE | CWS | DET | KC | MIN
ALW: ATH | HOU | LAA | SEA | TEX
NLE: ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH
NLC: CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STL
NLW: AZ | COL | LAD | SD | SF
It may not be unanimous, but an overwhelming number of talent evaluators consider Hernandez the top prospect among this year’s international group.
The Giants were able to come to an agreement with Hernandez despite having just $5,440,000 in pool money this year, tied for the lowest of any club. Hernandez will receive the vast majority of that allotment, but it’s worth noting that organizations can sign international amateurs for $10,000 or less without it counting against their pool
continued...
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A's land 3 of MLB Pipeline's Top 50 int'l prospects, led by SS Colome
This story was excerpted from Jesse Borek's Athletics Beat
newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
Jesse Borek
@JesseABorek
The A’s acquired one of the most hyped international prospects this century when they landed Leo De Vries (MLB’s No. 3 prospect) last July as part of the Mason Miller Trade Deadline blockbuster. Now they’re adding another highly touted shortstop from the Dominican Republic to their ranks in Johenssy Colome, the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2026 international class.
Joining Colome as top-tier signings as the period opens will be fellow Dominican shortstop Ricky Duran (No. 33) and Venezuelan catcher Jose Perdomo (No. 45). That marks the first time since 2016 that the Athletics have signed at least three members of MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 Prospects list, continuing their recent strong run under Steve Sharpe, the club’s director of international scouting.
International signing coverage:
• Everything you need to know
• Top 50 Prospects list
• Each team's top international prospect
ALE: BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TOR
ALC: CLE | CWS | DET | KC | MIN
ALW: ATH | HOU | LAA | SEA | TEX
NLE: ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH
NLC: CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STL
NLW: AZ | COL | LAD | SD | SF
The Athletics received $7,357,100, the second-highest bonus pool allotment this year, with Colome expected to command a sizable chunk, according to a source who also said Duran will receive north of $1 million and Perdomo will command $675,000.
continued...
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Ballers Fam,
One of the things we’re most proud of is how we show up for Oakland, on the field and off it. And our amazing Ballunteers lead the way.
MLK Day calls on all of us to serve. On Monday, January 19, and throughout the month we’re coming together to honor Dr. King’s vision through action, care, and community.
MLK DAY BALLUNTEER EVENT
Keep Oakland Beautiful Shoreline and Park Beautification
Monday, January 19, 2026
9:00AM to 12:00PM (Check-in begins at 8:30AM)
Union Point Park
2311 Embarcadero, Oakland
Join your neighbors for a morning of service inspired by Dr. King’s call to action. We’ll be mulching, composting, painting, planting, picking up litter, removing graffiti, and giving some love to the Oakland Estuary.
This event just reached capacity, but there are several more events available below.
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Earthquakes Defender Nick Lima Announces Retirement from Professional Soccer
Second Homegrown Player in San Jose history finishes nine-season career with 31 goal contributions across all competitions and nine USMNT international caps
SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Earthquakes defender Nick Lima announced today his retirement from professional soccer ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to play professional soccer and go out on my terms,” said Lima. “First I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, staff, fans, community and everyone who supported me along the way to get to this point. I also want to thank all the clubs I’ve played for, especially the San Jose Earthquakes, where I began and will now finish my career. I will never forget the memories we’ve shared together on and off the field. Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends for being there with me every step of the journey before soccer, during soccer, and now after it. I wish you all the best.”
Lima scored nine goals and contributed 20 assists across eight Major League Soccer seasons and 211 appearances (189 starts) with San Jose (2017-20, 2025), Austin FC (2021-23) and the New England Revolution (2024). The fullback also made five Concacaf Champions Cup appearances, starting three times and tallying a goal and an assist.
On the international senior level, Lima earned nine caps with the United States Men’s National Team and dished out three assists after making his debut on Jan. 27, 2019, in a friendly against Panama. In that game, Lima not only started, but was also named Man of the Match after recording an assist in a 3-0 USMNT victory.
continued...
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Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots have added Spanish center back David Garcia ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval. Garcia most recently featured for Spokane Velocity in USL League One, where he helped the club reach the league final. He is currently approaching 100 professional appearances across all competitions, including USL League One, the USL Cup, and the U.S. Open Cup.
“David is a defender with real presence. He’s a leader and a competitor who never hesitates to put his body on the line for the team,” said Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He’s hard in the tackle, strong in the air, and has the passing range to help us build from the back. He’s continued to improve year after year, and we believe he’ll be a tremendous asset to the club. We’re excited to bring him to Oakland and confident he’ll make an immediate impact.”
Before joining Spokane in 2025, Garcia was part of USL League One side Colorado Hailstorm, which won the USL Jägermeister Cup in 2024. The 25-year-old center back brings eight goals and 99 total professional appearances as he joins Oakland Roots.
Welcome to Oakland, David.
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THE 2026 SCHEDULE
IS HERE!
We're so excited to kick off our third season in 2026 with the support of amazing fans like you. We'll see you in the stands soon!
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GET READY FOR THEME NIGHTS
Celebrate soccer, culture, and community at Bay FC's upcoming theme matches. Bring the whole squad for the moments everyone will be talking about
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"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Dwight Clark -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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I met 49er legend Dwight Clark several times off the field. He once made a signing appearance at San Francisco's Macy's. He was signing product endorsement photos. I brought my own football and he signed it for me. He was always very good to his fans.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
| Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
NFL Quiz
Which two NFL teams are tied for
Super Bowl losses?
answer below...
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 167: Welcome To The College Sports Commission's Reckoning Week
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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This week, the College Sports Commission, the entity created to enforce the House v. NCAA settlement's NIL and revenue-sharing framework, delivered a barrage of policy guidance, enforcement warnings, and transparency reports that collectively painted a stark picture. The same institutions that demanded clear rules are now among the most flagrant violators of those very standards.
Let's start with the most delicious irony of all. The CSC's January 9th reminder about third-party NIL deals essentially declared that the multimedia rights (MMR) strategy being deployed across the SEC and other Power Four conferences "likely do not comport with the rules." These aren't rogue boosters operating in the shadows. These are institutional partners such as Learfield, Playfly, and JMI Sports working directly with athletic departments to structure NIL compensation in ways that circumvent the House settlement's revenue-sharing cap.
The strategy is straightforward. Schools offer recruits and current athletes a multi-part compensation package consisting of revenue share plus an MMR-backed NIL figure, and sometimes additional side deals entered into directly with brands, NIL collectives, or otherwise. By routing money through these third-party partners, schools attempt to exceed the $20.5 million cap without technically violating it.
Except, as the CSC made clear, this workaround runs afoul of multiple requirements. The deals often lack the "direct activation of NIL rights" required by Bylaw 22.1.3, meaning some schools, through their MMR partners, are buying NIL rights without specifying how those rights will actually be used. And critically, many of these deals aren't being reported to NIL Go within the required window, if they're being reported at all.
The pure comedy is that these same institutions spent months, if not years, arguing that college athletics desperately needed enforceable rules and accountability mechanisms. They said the chaos of the NIL "Wild West" was unsustainable. College athletes needed protection. Competitive balance demanded consistency. And now? Now that those rules exist and apply equally to everyone, suddenly the compliance becomes optional when it's inconvenient.
Learfield's internal email to school clients, as reported by Ross Dellenger, deserves careful scrutiny. The largest MMR holder in college sports felt compelled to clarify that its "interest letters" to prospective athletes represent only "reasonable efforts" to secure sponsorships, not guaranteed compensation. The email emphasizes that while letters may include a financial "target," this isn't a guarantee, and Learfield will not advance NIL dollars before deals are executed.
Make sure you take that in. The company sending letters with dollar figures attached is now explicitly stating that those numbers aren't actually promises. Yet these same letters are being used in recruiting and retention battles, with athletes making life-altering decisions based on compensation packages that may never materialize. The CSC's warning that this "leaves student-athletes vulnerable to deals not being cleared, promises not being able to be kept, and eligibility being placed at risk" is downright scary.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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The ROAR of a New Season Begins
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The 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season kicks off this weekend with the Roar Before the Rolex 24, the critical preparation weekend for the iconic Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, on Saturday, January 24th. IMSA racing showcases the world’s top automotive brands competing wheel to wheel across North America in one of the most competitive endurance racing series in the world. As teams and drivers prepare for the season ahead, The Monterey Sports Car Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will serve as the fourth stop on the IMSA calendar, welcoming the series to one of motorsport’s most iconic and technically demanding circuits. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting race events of the year, tickets and camping for the event are on sale now!
continued...
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Sonoma Raceway Reveals Full Lineup of Racing
Action For The 2026 Season
SONOMA, Calif. (January 7, 2026) – Sonoma Raceway is set to deliver another thrilling year of motorsports as the track announces its 2026 racing season schedule, featuring a diverse lineup of events that showcase the very best in road racing, stock cars, drag racing and grassroots competition. From international racing series to fan-favorite endurance events, the season promises unforgettable moments in the heart of Northern California’s wine country.
“Our 2026 schedule reflects everything that makes Sonoma Raceway special,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “It’s a season built around variety, passion and world-class competition, and we can’t wait to welcome fans of all ages back to the track.”
2026 Sonoma Raceway Event Schedule Highlights:
March 21–22: 24 Hours of Lemons
A fan-favorite endurance race where creativity, teamwork and humor are just as important as speed.
March 27–29: GT World Challenge America
Elite drivers and premier supercar manufacturers battle for supremacy in one of the most competitive road racing series in the world.
April 17–19: CSRG David Love Historic Car Races
Free admission welcomes fans to experience vintage racing at its finest, featuring an incredible collection of classic race cars.
April 24–26: Sonoma SpeedTour
A celebration of motorsports history as iconic machines from multiple eras take on Sonoma Raceway’s legendary road course.
May 29–31: Velocity Invitational
A marquee motorsports lifestyle event blending rare automobiles, top-tier racing and a premium fan experience.
June 13–14: Raceworz
Two days of high-octane drag racing and drifting bring nonstop action and energy to the track.
June 26–28: Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Weekend
NASCAR’s stars return to wine country for Sonoma Raceway’s premier event and one of California’s most anticipated race weekends.
July 15–16: NHRA Division 7 Drag Races
Regional competitors showcase speed, skill and determination in this fan-friendly drag racing event.
July 17–19: DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals
The NHRA’s best unleash more than 22,000 horsepower during a weekend that defines summer in wine country.
July 25: Ferrari Challenge North America
Ferrari’s iconic racing series brings fans up close to precision performance and unmistakable style.
October 10–11: CSRG Sears Point Challenge
Historic racing returns with a weekend dedicated to honoring Sonoma Raceway’s legacy and roots.
December 5–6: 24 Hours of Lemons
The season concludes with another round of grassroots endurance racing and unforgettable moments.
Tickets for the 2026 season, including special kids pricing, as well as camping for select events, are available now at SonomaRaceway.com.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates, event details and behind-the-scenes content, follow Sonoma Raceway on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok (@RaceSonoma).
| Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
New England Patriots
&
Denver Broncos
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The New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos are tied for the most Super Bowl losses, with five each.
The Patriots have six wins and five losses, while the Broncos have three wins and five losses, making both franchises part of the most appearances and losses
in Super Bowl history.
The Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings are next with four losses each, with the Bills famously losing four consecutively.
~AI overview! This weekend will be the third AFC Championship game between the Pats and Broncos. The Broncos won the first two! Tom Brady did not do well against the Manning brothers, losing to Peyton twice in the AFC Championships and twice to Eli in the
Super Bowl!
This link will take you to the wikipedia history
of the Super Bowl.
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No. 5 Cal Beats No. 15 Michigan,
No. 4 Hawai'i To Open 2026
Golden Bears Net Two Key Wins Today At Polopalooza
FRESNO, CALIF. – The No. 5 California women's water polo team whipped up two important wins to kick off its 2026 campaign, beating No. 15 Michigan 23-18 before a significant 14-9 victory over No. 4 Hawai'i out at the Polopalooza in Fresno. Julia Bonaguidi and Feline Voordouw each amassed seven goals across the two Cal wins, while Abbi Magee opened the day with a career-high six goals in the slugfest with the Wolverines.
continued...
Photo: Al Sermeno/KLC fotos
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Stanford Finishes Second at
Rocky Mountain Open
The Cardinal won five of seven events
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo - No. 1 Stanford won five of seven events, finishing second at the Rocky Mountain Open with a score of 320.750.
No. 2 Oklahoma won the meet with a 323.950 meet score, while the Cardinal finished ahead of No. 4 Nebraska (311.500) and No. 9 Air Force (302.100).
David Shamah led the Cardinal with a pair of event victories, turning in a career-best 14.500 parallel bars routine to earn a share of the event title, while also pacing the field in the all-around race with a 79.700. Shamah also added a fifth-place finish on pommel horse (13.800), as his performance on Saturday qualified him for the Winter Cup next month.
continued...
Photo: Karen Hickey/ISI Photos
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Spark and Jensen Score Four Times in Season-Opening Matches
FRESNO, Calif.—Darcy Spark and Rose Jensen scored four goals in the first two matches of the season as the No. 12 San José State women’s water polo team opened the 2026 season Saturday at the Polopalooza hosted by Fresno State.
In the first match of the day, the Spartans fell to No. 8 UC Irvine, 15-7. Spark scored a goal in the first three quarters of the match. Jensen added goals in the second and third quarters. Nynke Willemsen and Sarah Woren each had a goal. Goalie Tatianna Raffin made five saves in the match.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB | 4th Quarter Magic Not Enough, Saint Mary’s Falls to
Santa Clara 68-63
MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's held the WCC's best offense to just 68 points, 13 points below their season average, but fell 68-63 to Santa Clara for their second consecutive defeat Saturday night. The Gaels took a one-point lead into halftime but Santa Clara had their best scoring quarter in the third, scoring 25 points on 64% shooting to take a 12-point lead. The Gaels held the Broncos to just nine points in the fourth but couldn't get the shots to fall to overcome the deficit.
continued...
Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
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All-Around Team Effort Lifts Dons Past Cougars on the Road
PULLMAN, Wash. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team (11-7, 4-3) used an all-around team effort to earn an 85-72 victory over Washington State (4-17, 3-5) Saturday evening at Beasley Coliseum.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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San Francisco kicked off the contest with six straight points, highlighted by a Candy Edokpaigbe second-chance three-pointer. The Dons continued to build their advantage, pushing the margin to eight, 10-2, on a Sol Castro mid-range jumper with 5:57 remaining in the first quarter.
continued...
Photo: Christina Leung
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Broncos Hold Off Saint Mary's to Remain Undefeated at Home
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara's undefeated start in Leavey Center remains intact following as the Broncos took down Saint Mary's 62-54 on Saturday evening to improve to 11-0 at home and 7-1 in WCC play. The win broke an eight-game losing skid to the Gaels, giving SCU their first win over their rivals from Moraga since Feb. 8, 2022.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Christof Schaertlin Coffey ’27
Awuy brings continuity to men’s tennis season in first year
as head coach
With seven returning players, the men’s tennis program at University of the Pacific is primed to build on last season’s success.
Head Coach Clifton Awuy, in his first year leading the team after spending two years as assistant coach, helped Pacific retain the majority of the team, which won 15 matches last season and finished tied for second in the 2025 West Coast Conference standings. They also ranked in the top 60 nationally in each of the last two seasons.
continued...
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Aggies Split Doubleheader Against Santa Clara and Fresno Pacific
Score: Santa Clara 4, UC Davis 1| UC Davis 4, Fresno Pacific 0
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 1–1, Santa Clara 1–0, Fresno Pacific 0–1
The short story: UC Davis men's tennis split its home doubleheader on Sunday, falling to Santa Clara in the morning before rebounding with a dominant 4–0 victory over Fresno Pacific in the afternoon.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers Win Second in a Row, Defeating Stanislaus State, 79-64
TURLOCK, Calif. — Saturday afternoon at Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena, Cal State East Bay put together a strong second-half response to earn a 79-64 road win over Stanislaus State, securing its second straight victory and evening its CCAA record.
After controlling the opening quarter, weathering a difficult second and then reclaiming the game with two decisive runs in the third, the Pioneers (6-10, 5-5 CCAA) pulled away late to complete the weekend on a positive note.
Photo: Justine Willard/KLC fotos
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, January 19, through
Sunday, January 25, 2026
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Monday, January 19
Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Florida Panthers, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, January 20
Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21
Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors, 7 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 22
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 23
Sacramento Kings @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 24
Golden State Warriors @ Minnesota Timberwolves, 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 25
Sacramento Kings @ Detroit Pistons, 12 p.m.
Championship Sunday / NFL -- see schedule above
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Software Engineer / Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $10 hardcover, $7 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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