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Raptors at the Crossroads: Trade Targets for Toronto

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Photo Cred: Toronto Star

As the 2025–26 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Raptors find themselves at a familiar crossroads: good enough to compete, yet still short of true contention. With a core built around Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and a collection of valuable trade assets, Toronto is positioned as a clear buyer this season. The front office has shown a willingness in recent years to make aggressive, timeline-shifting moves, and this deadline presents another opportunity to reshape the roster.

Will Raptors' Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram be named NBA all-star  reserves? - Yahoo News Canada

Photo Cred: Yahoo

If the Raptors want to take the next step from playoff hopeful to legitimate Eastern Conference threat, targeting high-impact talent will be essential. Three players in particular stand out as realistic and potentially transformative trade targets: Domantas Sabonis, Ja Morant, and Michael Porter Jr. Domantas Sabonis is perhaps the most natural fit for what the Raptors currently lack.

Toronto’s frontcourt has been inconsistent all season. Especially when Jakob Poeltl has missed time, and the team has struggled to control the glass against elite opponents. Sabonis would immediately address those issues.  One of the most productive big men in the league, he brings elite rebounding, interior scoring, and rare playmaking ability for a center. His presence would significantly elevate Toronto’s half-court offense, giving Barnes and Ingram a reliable hub to operate around.

Sabonis ability to facilitate from the high post would open driving lanes and improve ball movement—something the Raptors have emphasized philosophically for years. While his defense is not elite, Toronto’s existing length and versatility on the wings would help offset that limitation, making the overall fit surprisingly seamless. From a trade standpoint, acquiring Sabonis would not be cheap, but it is realistic.

Putting historical context on Domantas Sabonis' hot start to the 2024-25  season

Photo Cred: A Royal Pain

Sacramento has hovered around the playoff bubble and may eventually determine that a roster reset is necessary. Toronto possesses the type of assets the Kings would value: young starters, controllable contracts, and future draft capital. A package built around players such as Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett, combined with draft picks, could be competitive without completely gutting the Raptors’ core. Adding Sabonis would signal a clear commitment to winning now while still keeping Barnes firmly positioned as the franchise centerpiece.

Should the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo?

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Photo Cred: BasketballNews

Giannis Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career in Milwaukee and has done everything the Bucks have asked of him—and more. Is it time for the Bucks to move on? I think so. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant forces the NBA has seen over the last decade—a two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and perennial All-NBA selection who has defined the Milwaukee Bucks’ identity. Yet as the 2025–26 season unfolds the Bucks have struggled through a disappointing start.

They’ve had chemistry issues, and mounting losses in the Eastern Conference standings, the idea of trading Giannis is gaining traction among fans, analysts, and front offices alike. Recent reports suggest rising internal tensions and a waning belief that the current supporting cast can deliver sustained contention around him. The conventional wisdom—that trading a generational talent is sacrilegious—is understandable.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks star reveals new $186m three-year  deal | NBA News | Sky Sports

Photo Cred: Sky Sports

But in the context of a rebuild and long-term sustainability, there’s a compelling case that moving Giannis. This could accelerate Milwaukee’s competitive timeline rather than prolong mediocrity. Below is why the Bucks should consider this move, what they could realistically receive in return, and how those returns compare to other recent top-tier NBA trades.

1. The Bucks’ Current Reality: Contention Isn’t Happening

Midway through the 2025–26 campaign, the Bucks have failed to coalesce into a legitimate title contender. They are under .500 and currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference. Poor offensive spacing, defensive lapses, and inconsistent role-player production have plagued them throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Giannis has publicly criticized teammates’ effort and “selfish” play following a blowout loss. Basketball is ultimately a team sport, and even with arguably the most impactful two-way player in the league, Milwaukee isn’t winning at an elite level.

2. The Value of Giannis on the Trade Market

Giannis carries rare value—a consistent All-NBA talent in his early 30s with MVP pedigree. Teams searching for a transformative centerpiece would be willing to offer a massive return. Trade concepts and analytical projections circulating recently provide insight into what that value might look like.

Potential Trade Packages

a) Atlanta Hawks Package
A theoretical framework could send Milwaukee multiple future first-round picks, including Atlanta’s own selection and a Pelicans pick (via a prior swap), helping restock Milwaukee’s draft capital—a luxury the Bucks currently lack.

b) Detroit Pistons Offer
Detroit could assemble a package centered around Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, along with significant draft compensation. While this scenario is unlikely and would require Detroit to sacrifice key young assets, it represents a blend of high-upside youth and picks.

c) Houston Rockets Proposal
Houston could build a deal around Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet, supplemented by draft assets. With several valuable future picks and a promising young core, the Rockets could be motivated to pair Giannis with their emerging talent.

d) San Antonio Spurs Scenario
From a rebuilding perspective, San Antonio might offer De’Aaron Fox or highly regarded prospects like Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle, along with multiple picks. While reports suggest the Spurs may be hesitant to part with premium young talent, this scenario reflects the type of upside return Milwaukee should be targeting.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals key reason why Milwaukee Bucks won NBA Cup | The  Independent

Photo Cred: The Independent

3. Comparing Giannis’ Potential Returns to Other Star Trades

To put this into context, consider how other elite players have been moved in recent years:

a) Kevin Durant Trade (2025)
In one of the largest trades in NBA history, Kevin Durant was dealt to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team trade involving 13 players and multiple future picks. While complex, it demonstrated how even aging stars on massive contracts can command enormous returns when multiple teams are involved.

b) Anthony Davis–Luka Dončić Swap (2025)
In February 2025, the Lakers and Mavericks orchestrated a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić—an unprecedented swap of two franchise-level talents. The deal underscored how teams increasingly prioritize generational upside over established star power.

4. Rebuild vs. Status Quo: Why Moving On Makes Sense

Draft Capital and Roster Flexibility
Draft picks are the lifeblood of sustainable success, and the Bucks currently lack a deep pool of first-round selections. Trading Giannis could immediately replenish their asset base with high-value picks and swaps, restoring flexibility for both rebuilding and future trades.

Creating a Young Core
Acquiring high-ceiling players such as Cade Cunningham, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, or Zion Williamson would give Milwaukee foundational pieces for its next era. Pairing that talent with multiple lottery picks increases the odds of uncovering future stars—a necessary risk when the current path has stalled.

Cap Flexibility and Long-Term Planning
A Giannis trade wouldn’t just bring players and picks—it would also help reset Milwaukee’s salary structure after years of heavy investment in an aging veteran core. That reset could allow for smarter roster construction and more balanced free-agent pursuits.

Ultimately, Giannis and the Bucks are not where they want to be, and there’s little indication that things will improve. Moving on now—before risking the possibility of losing him for nothing—is the right move. The return for a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber would be enormous, and it’s exactly the type of opportunity Milwaukee should be prepared to pursue.

Knicks Take Down 76ers In Rivalry Thriller

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Photo Cred: ESPN

The Philadelphia 76ers hosted their rivals, the New York Knicks, in a matchup that once again lived up to the hype. These two teams had met earlier in the season, with the 76ers winning both contests. New York entered the game fresh off a franchise-record 54-point home victory over the Nets, while Philadelphia was coming off an overtime win at home against the Rockets. For the third time this season, the two teams delivered a thriller.

Knicks 112-109 76ers (Jan 24, 2026) Game Recap - ESPN

Photo Cred: ESPN

The Knicks started the night on fire, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. Joel Embiid quickly found his rhythm in the first quarter, scoring 15 points, while Tyrese Maxey added nine. Brunson was equally impressive, pouring in 14 points of his own. The teams were deadlocked at 34–34 after one. Early in the second quarter, Paul George caught fire, scoring nine points in the period.

OG Anunoby answered for New York with 10 points of his own, while Embiid continued to dominate, adding 13 more. Philadelphia took a 64–60 lead into halftime, with Embiid leading all scorers with 28 first-half points. The third quarter belonged entirely to the Knicks. New York went on a 24–10 run, overwhelming the 76ers on both ends of the floor. Knicks fans took over the arena, making their presence felt throughout the stretch. Brunson knocked down three triples, Mitchell Robinson finished lobs at the rim.

The Knicks outscored Philadelphia 30–13 in the quarter to take a 90–77 lead heading into the fourth. Josh Hart opened the final period with a pull-up jumper to give New York its largest lead of the night at 17. Philadelphia responded with a 12–0 run, as Maxey, Embiid, and Quentin Grimes relentlessly attacked the basket to cut the deficit to five. Landry Shamet ended the run with a timely three, and Anunoby followed with a powerful putback dunk to extend the lead.

The closing minutes were filled with drama. VJ Edgecombe and Anunoby traded threes, and Shamet appeared to hit a dagger three. Maxey responded with a triple, and after a loose-ball foul on Brunson, Edgecombe converted both free throws. A controversial foul call on Brunson was overturned after a Knicks challenge, allowing him to knock down a free throw to push the lead to four. Anunoby split a pair at the line, and Maxey scored a quick layup to make it a three-point game.

Brunson's 31 points, Anunoby's 23 lead Knicks past 76ers 112-109 | Sports |  stardem.com

Photo Cred: The Star Democrat

Paul George came up with a key defensive stop on Anunoby, though it was overturned to give the Sixers possession. Maxey attempted a contested three to tie the game but came up short, believing there was contact. Brunson missed both free throws on the other end, but Embiid turned the ball over, sealing the outcome as the Knicks held on for a 112–109 victory.

Jalen Brunson led New York with 31 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while OG Anunoby added 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with foul trouble and fouled out in just 16 minutes. For Philadelphia, Joel Embiid finished with 38 points and 11 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and six assists. The 76ers will next face the Hornets on the road Monday, Jan. 26, while the Knicks return home to host the Kings on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The final score: Knicks 112, 76ers 109.

Wolf Pack Rolls San José State to Assert Conference Dominance

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Photo Cred: Marquette

The Wolf Pack delivered an emphatic 87–54 victory over the San José State Spartans extending their conference momentum and asserting themselves as a force in league play. From the opening tip, Nevada controlled the pace and tempo, building an early advantage that never wavered. Led by sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive defense, the Wolf Pack overwhelmed a San José State team that has endured a difficult season, using balanced offense and airtight rotations on both ends of the floor.

Nevada cruises past San José State, 87-54

Photo Cred: Reno Gazette Journal

Senior guard Corey Camper Jr. served as the catalyst for Nevada’s success, coming out firing and knocking down early triples to energize the home crowd. Camper finished with a team-high 19 points, pacing an offense that featured multiple contributors in double figures. His confident shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 start from beyond the arc, set the tone for what quickly became a one-sided contest. Nevada’s scoring depth was on full display, as Tayshawn Comer, Payton White, and Kaleb Lowery each added 12 points to provide consistent production throughout the night.

The Wolf Pack shot a blistering 57% from three-point range and 51% from the field overall, numbers that reflected both their offensive efficiency and unselfish ball movement. Defensively, Nevada was just as dominant, limiting the Spartans to 33% shooting from the field and a dismal 17% from three-point range. The Wolf Pack forced turnovers, contested shots relentlessly, and controlled the boards, creating a significant rebounding edge that led to easy transition opportunities.

San José State struggled to find offensive answers, hampered by injuries and a roster lacking size and depth. Jermaine Washington scored 14 points and Melvin Bell Jr. added 15, but their efforts were not enough to slow a Nevada team firing on all cylinders. By halftime, the Wolf Pack had built a 39–26 lead and never relinquished control. The second half saw Nevada extend its margin through timely shooting runs and sustained defensive pressure, allowing the Pack to push the pace and convert possessions into points.

Nevada Wolf Pack Triumphs 87-54 over San Jose State

Photo Cred: This is Reno

The lopsided victory improved Nevada’s record to 14–5 overall and 6–2 in Mountain West play, further solidifying its position near the top of the conference standings. For San José State, the loss marked another challenging outing in a season defined by inconsistent offense and defensive struggles. For Nevada, the decisive win provided a confidence boost heading into a crucial stretch of conference games. As the Wolf Pack continue their Mountain West journey, performances like this—defined by balanced scoring, efficient shooting, and tenacious defense—will be key to their pursuit of a strong finish and postseason momentum.

NFL to Host Annual Play Football Family Festival

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Photo Cred: USA Today
NEW YORK — Jan. 26, 2026 — The NFL will host its annual Play Football Family Festival in San Jose, California at MacDonald High School on Saturday, Feb. 7 – a free, interactive football experience for the entire family.

Held in the heart of Super Bowl weekend, the NFL Play Football Family Festival brings to life the excitement of the game through an interactive experience for youth and high school football communities, fans and coaches. Everything at the event is football-focused, where local youth can meet current NFL players and Legends, learn skills and drills, try on equipment with Riddell, and experience football in a way they never have before.

“The Play Football Family Festival is a free event offered to communities in and around the Super Bowl host city,” said Roman Oben, NFL vice president of football development. “This year marks our ninth year presenting the event, and over that time it has become a meaningful tradition that has positively impacted thousands of families across Super Bowl communities nationwide. The festival will give San Jose area families the opportunity to experience the excitement of Super Bowl week while engaging directly with the game of football in a fun, inclusive environment.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT. Local youth and families will be able to interact with the San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl team cheerleaders and mascots, and obstacle courses, food trucks, giveaways and more.

For more information and to register for the event, please click here.

About The NFL Play Football Program:

The NFL celebrates youth and high school football year-round. Through camps, activities, NFL FLAG and tackle leagues, the Play Football initiative provides a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages and skill levels, equipping young people with key life skills that are building blocks to success on and off the field.

For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com

Marquette’s Road Woes Continue as Butler Pulls Away Late

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Photo Cred: Marquette

The Marquette Golden Eagles are still searching for their first road victory of the season after falling 87–76 to the Butler Bulldogs. Marquette now sits at the bottom of the Big East at 2–8 in conference play and 7–14 overall. While it never felt like the Golden Eagles were truly out of tonight’s game, a late 13–4 run by the Bulldogs put any comeback hopes to rest. Led by star junior guard Finley Bizjak’s 28-point explosion, Butler took the lead just two minutes in and never looked back.

HIGHLIGHTS: Butler 87, Marquette 76 – Jan. 23, 2026 - Butler University  Athletics

Photo Cred: Butler University

What We Liked

While tonight’s offense often felt dictated by the three-ball, Marquette was still able to get into the paint and score at will. The Golden Eagles finished the night shooting 25-for-35 on shots inside the paint, continuing an encouraging trend for the offense. Though Marquette endured a night to forget from beyond the arc, their consistent paint penetration generated open looks from deep throughout the game.

After yet another outing of double-digit minutes, sophomore forward Demarius Owens appears to have carved out a real identity within Marquette’s rotation. The former top-100 prospect continues to showcase his athleticism on a nightly basis on both ends of the floor. Owens’ off-ball cuts and half-court athleticism have added a new wrinkle to a Marquette offense that desperately needs movement away from the ball.

Marquette can't get over hump at Butler and remains winless on road

Photo Cred: Marquette

Areas for Improvement

The Golden Eagles chose to live—and ultimately die—by the three tonight, shooting a pedestrian 5-for-27 from deep, their worst mark of the season. The three-point shot has come in ebbs and flows for Marquette all year. Prior to tonight’s contest, the Golden Eagles were shooting 37% from deep as a team over their last four games. Nobody had the touch from beyond the arc in this one, as Chase Ross and Royce Parham both went 0-for-5, while freshman Adrian Stevens finished 1-for-7. Marquette’s overreliance on the three limited the offense throughout the night, evidenced by just 14 free-throw attempts—their second-lowest total of the season.

With continued absences from Zaide Lowrey and Sean Jones paving the way for young players such as Nigel James Jr. and Adrian Stevens, the roster has never been thinner. Only six players logged double-digit minutes for the Golden Eagles, with four eclipsing the 30-minute mark. Marquette’s lack of depth in both the frontcourt and backcourt forced players like Ben Gold, Royce Parham, and Nigel James Jr. to play nearly the entire game. While it appears Shaka Smart still has yet to fully trust developmental pieces such as Joshua Clark or Michael Phillips, the sustainability of a six-man rotation remains to be seen.

USC Survives Late Push from Northwestern in Tight Finish

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Photo Cred: CBS

USC and Northwestern delivered a hard-fought battle that stayed tense from opening tip to the final whistle, with the Trojans ultimately edging out a narrow victory. Physical play, late-game fouls, and momentum swings defined the matchup, keeping both teams locked in a back-and-forth struggle throughout. In the end, USC’s resilience and late execution proved just enough to withstand Northwestern’s relentless push.

Martinelli's 22 help Northwestern beat USC 74-68, snap 9-game skid in Big  Ten play | Associated Press | winchesterstar.com

Photo Cred: winchesterstar.com

First Half

USC came out aggressive early, setting the tone behind strong leadership from Ezra, who continued to establish himself as a cornerstone for the Trojans. A powerful dunk by Ezra energized USC and helped them build momentum as the first half unfolded. While USC showed improvement at the free-throw line compared to their previous outing—where missed foul shots proved costly—consistency remained an issue.

Cofie managed to knock down one of his attempts, a positive sign after the team’s struggles in their last game, though free throws continued to loom as a concern. Jerry Easter and Ezra paced the offense, helping USC maintain control despite Northwestern’s pressure. By halftime, the Trojans held a slim but important 31–28 lead, positioning themselves for a competitive second half.

Martinelli's 22 help Northwestern beat USC 74-68, snap 9-game skid in Big  Ten play | Sports | stardem.com

Photo Cred: The Star Democrat

Second Half

USC opened the second half with renewed intensity, but the momentum didn’t last long. Northwestern capitalized on a slow stretch by the Trojans, briefly taking the lead as USC struggled to protect the ball and find offensive rhythm. A moment of concern arose when USC’s #4 went down during play, though he appeared to be okay. Northwestern leaned heavily on drawing fouls, frequently heading to the free-throw line, while USC worked to close the gap.

Number 7 stepped up by calmly converting his free throws, providing much-needed stability during a chaotic stretch. With five minutes remaining, the game tightened to a near standstill at 57–55, keeping the crowd on edge. A great play by Marsh shifted momentum, followed by a highlight-defining sequence from #0 that stood out as the play of the game. In the final two minutes, USC finally pulled things together defensively and offensively, but Northwestern refused to go quietly.

A buzzer-beating three-pointer with 2:12 left kept the contest razor-close, and more late fouls sent Northwestern back to the line, where they continued to convert. Through it all, Ezra carried USC down the stretch, putting the team on his back in the closing moments. Northwestern earned two final free throws, but USC held firm to secure the 74-68 win in a dramatic finish.

ChatGPT’s Way-Too-Early 2026 College Football Top 25

Photo Cred: Sea of Blue
Rank Team
1. Ohio State Buckeyes are the composite #1 across early lists.
2. Texas Loaded with talent and returning key players.
3. Georgia SEC powerhouse with strong returning core.
4. Indiana Defending national champs — still ranked high despite losses.
5. Oregon Consistently high finishes boost expectations.
6. Notre Dame Strong returning offense & defense projected.
7. Texas Tech Rising Big 12 contender in many lists.
8. Texas A&M Good balance of talent and coaching.
9. Miami Coming off CFP run, expected to stay in top tier.
10. Oklahoma Projected rebound back to Top 10 range.
11. BYU Strong returning core and offensive talent.
12. LSU SEC team with upside.
13. USC Loaded recruiting class + portal help.
14. Michigan Often in mid-teens in early rankings.
15. Ole Miss Returning playmakers and offense.
16. Alabama Still nationally relevant despite recent struggles.
17. SMU Popular sleeper in composite lists.
18. Utah Showing up in some rankings just inside top 20.
19. Louisville Rising ACC presence in early rankings.
20. Penn State Returns core players, stays in top-25 conversation.
21. Iowa Gradual climb back into Top 25 mix.
22. Washington Scattered around mid-20s in early lists.
23. Houston Strong program building into relevance.
24. Missouri Appears on composite just inside cutoff.
25. Tennessee Often rounding out the lower end of Top 25.

Rams vs. Seahawks: Two Paths, One Super Bowl Berth

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The Los Angeles Rams will travel to Seattle on Sunday to take on the Seahawks for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. These two have been the best teams in either conference. While both teams have arrived at the same destination, they have taken very different paths to get there. The Rams are coming off a nail-biting overtime thriller against the Bears in the snow, while the Seahawks eviscerated the 49ers 41–6.

Seahawks: Rams were laughing at them before late comeback | HeraldNet.com

Photo Cred: Everett Herald

The Seahawks dominated from the opening kickoff, which they returned for a touchdown. Seattle will look to continue riding its dominant defense to the Super Bowl, though that unit did show vulnerability against this Rams offense just a few weeks ago in Week 16. In that matchup, Matthew Stafford threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams scored 37 points in Seattle in a one-point loss.

Los Angeles did that without its No. 2 wide receiver, Davante Adams, who caught the most touchdown passes in the league this season despite missing three games due to injury. While the Seahawks’ offense cannot be relied upon to match the Rams in a shootout, it is unlikely they will need to. Their defense has been elite and Stafford’s recent stretch of less-than-elite play. Although the Rams still possess the better combination of offense, defense, coaching, and overall roster talent, they have consistently played up or down to their competition.

This tendency has left them with far less margin for error than they should have and has magnified one or two critical mistakes in games that should have been decided in blowout fashion. As has been the case all season, if the Rams continue to play with fire instead of reaching their full potential, those small mistakes could cost them a trip to the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Seahawks vs. Rams gave us an instant classic on Thursday Night Football |  SB Nation

Photo Cred: KIRO 7

With the Denver Broncos forced to play backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix broke his ankle last week against the Bills, and the Patriots failing to impress against the Chargers and Texans, the NFC Championship Game could function as the de facto Super Bowl this year. Both the Rams and Seahawks would likely be heavy favorites against either AFC opponent, a dynamic that mirrors a thirteen-year stretch from 1984 to 1996 when the NFC won every Super Bowl, many in historically dominant fashion.

AP Award Finalists Announced for 2025 NFL Season

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Photo Cred: NFL
AP Award Finalists Announced for 2025 NFL Season
Winners to Be Revealed During NFL Honors Presented by Invisalign on Thursday, Feb. 5

NEW YORK — Jan. 22, 2026 — The NFL and The Associated Press have announced the finalists for their annual accolades for the 2025 NFL season. Award winners will be announced at NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, an Align Technology brand, on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. NFL Honors, the league’s primetime awards special, will air at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+.

Prior to the award presentations, the NFL Honors Red Carpet Show presented by Invisalign will air at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network leading up to NFL Honors. Local blackout restrictions may apply. The NFL Honors program will not air live in all time zones.

The full list of awards and finalists include:

AP Most Valuable Player presented by Invisalign Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

AP Coach of the Year Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears

Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks

Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

AP Assistant Coach of the Year Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles

Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings

Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos

Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks

Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots

AP Comeback Player of the Year Stefon Diggs, WR, New England Patriots

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by TCL Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans

Nik Bonitto, LB, Denver Broncos

Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions

Micah Parsons, DL, Green Bay Packers

AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Copilot Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL Abdul Carter, LB, New York Giants

Nick Emmanwori, S, Seattle Seahawks

James Pearce Jr., DE, Atlanta Falcons

Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns

Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

NFL Honors, hosted by Jon Hamm, will also feature the announcement of the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide, the newest Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Announcement presented by Novartis and the new Protector of the Year Award to honor the league’s best offensive lineman in 2025.

As the Official Timepiece Partner of the NFL, Breitling will unveil custom NFL Honors watches for the eight AP Award recipients, as well as the Protector of the Year and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide, with a special timepiece created exclusively for the MVP presented by Invisalign. Crafted for moments that define careers and designed to carry legacy forward, each watch stands as a lasting mark of achievement.

NFL Honors is an NFL Network production in association with Rock Garden Media. For more information about NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, fans may visit www.nfl.com/honors and follow the #NFLHonors conversation on X.

NBC, Peacock, Telemundo and Universo will present Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.

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The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day. Online: http://www.ap.org

Media Contacts: 

Paula Ngon, NFL, paula.ngon@nfl.com

Liz McCollum, BZA PR on behalf of the NFL, elizabethm@bzapr.com

Patrick Maks, AP, PMaks@ap.org

Dan Masonson, NBC, Dan.Masonson@nbcuni.co

For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com