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Montagnino, Charles are USBWA Division III National Players of the Week
Montagnino, a 6-4 graduate student forward from Gloucester, Mass., averaged a double-double in leading Endicott to a pair of victories last week. In a 71-62 win over MIT on Wednesday, he scored 24 points (7-of-12 FG, 10-of-12 FT), grabbed 11 rebounds and added five assists. On Sunday, Montagnino finished with 28 points (11-of-19 FG, 4-of-7 FT, 2-of-3 3FG), nine rebounds, an assist, and four steals in the Gulls’ 76-73 win over No. 4 (D3hoops.com) Tufts, Endicott’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2018. For the week, he averaged 26.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals, while shooting 58.1 percent (18-of-31) from the field, 73.6 percent (14-of-19) from the foul line and 66.6 percent (2-of-3) from behind the arc. For his efforts, Montagnino was also named the Conference of New England Player of the Week.
Ohio State Shows Off Young Talent in Route of UCLA
Under the bright lights of Ohio Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the UCLA Bruins in a Big Ten conference matchup. Ohio State was again playing without wide receiver Carnell Tate, and Jerimiah Smith was limited throughout the game. This gave way for young wide receivers and the running backs to showcase their skills.
Photo Cred: Ohio State
While the Ohio State offense had a few missing pieces, UCLA was also in the same boat, as starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava was ruled out for the game. The Buckeye defense took full advantage, holding the Bruins to 222 total yards of offense and just 10 points on the night. This has been a consistent theme for the Buckeye defense all season—opponents simply do not score much on this team.
Safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. made plays on the defensive end, but especially on special teams. Styles had a 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as the third quarter ended. This was the first kickoff return for a touchdown for the Buckeyes since 2010. The Buckeye offense was led primarily by the ground game.
The rushing attack combined for 222 yards and four touchdowns. Bo Jackson led the way with 112 yards and a touchdown. Isaiah West added 61 yards and a touchdown, and James Peoples contributed 42 yards and two touchdowns. On Peoples’ first touchdown, he hurdled a UCLA defender, sending Ohio Stadium into a frenzy.
Photo Cred: The Columbus
Sayin completed 23 of 31 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. This was not his best game of the year, but he worked well with the young receivers who stepped up in the absence of Tate and Smith. He completed passes to nine different Buckeyes.
Ohio State won by a final score of 48-10, moving their record to 10-0 on the year. The Buckeyes have two more regular season games remaining—one against Rutgers and the season finale against Michigan. Before heading to Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes will host Rutgers for Senior Day in the Shoe.
2025 Lombardi Award™ Finalists Announced
HOUSTON – The Lombardi Award™ Committee proudly announces the four finalists for the 2025 Lombardi Award™: David Bailey, Texas Tech University; Cashius Howell, Texas A&M University; Kadyn Proctor, University of Alabama; and Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech University. Selected from a preseason watchlist of more than 50 players representing all FBS conferences and independents, these outstanding athletes exemplify the highest standards of character, discipline, and excellence both on and off the field.
Established in 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi, the Lombardi Award™ honors the nation’s top college linemen and linebackers who reflect Lombardi’s enduring principles of leadership, integrity, and perseverance. Now in its 52nd year, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented annually in Houston, Texas, since its inception. This year’s winner will be announced at the award dinner and ceremony on December 10, 2025, at the Hilton Americas – Houston.
Net proceeds from gala sponsorships and table sales benefit cancer research, a cause deeply rooted in the Lombardi Award™ legacy.
Additional information on tickets, tables, and sponsorship packages is available HERE.
***MEDIA DROPBOX***
2025 Lombardi Award Finalists
Finalists Bios
David Bailey, Texas Tech University
David Bailey is one of the most dominant defensive forces in college football this season, leading the FBS with 12.5 sacks and ranking among the national leaders with 16 tackles for loss. He has posted at least one sack in nine of 11 games, combining for 10.0 sacks during Big 12 play, and leads the nation with 71 total pressures, earning multiple National Defensive Player of the Week honors. A high-impact transfer from Stanford and projected NFL first-round pick, Bailey has climbed to fourth on Texas Tech’s single-season sacks list and ranks tied for third among active FBS players for career sacks. A preseason All-Big 12 selection and semifinalist for several national awards, he has delivered elite, game-changing production for the Red Raiders.
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M University
Cashius Howell is one of the nation’s most dominant pass rushers, leading the country with 1.15 sacks per game and ranking among the top 15 in tackles for loss this season. A relentless force off the edge, he has generated 38 quarterback pressures, and his 11.5 sacks are the most by an Aggie in a season since Myles Garrett matched that mark in 2014. Howell is also the first Texas A&M player to earn four SEC Defensive Line Player of the Week honors after a standout performance at Missouri featuring five tackles, a strip-sack, and a quarterback hurry. He is just the sixth SEC player to receive the award four times since it began in 2004, underscoring his status as one of the league’s elite defenders.
Kadyn Proctor, University of Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a three-year starter and an imposing presence on Alabama’s offensive line, earning the starting nod at left tackle in all nine games this season. He entered 2025 as a preseason First-Team All-American, has accumulated numerous knockdown blocks, and has added four rushes for 15 yards and three first downs. Proctor earned both Outland Trophy Player of the Week and SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance at Georgia. A former five-star recruit and one of the nation’s top offensive tackle prospects, he is widely projected to be an early selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech University
Jacob Rodriguez is the nation’s top inside linebacker, leading all FBS defenders with seven forced fumbles while anchoring one of the country’s most dominant defenses. A former high school quarterback, he brings that same field vision to the Red Raiders defense, excelling both against the run and in coverage. The Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American candidate, Rodriguez has had his hand in 19 career takeaways, including nine in Big 12 play this season. He ranks second among active FBS players with 13 career forced fumbles and is one of only two players since 2005, alongside Khalil Mack, to record at least five forced fumbles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in a single season.
About the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and Sports Authority Foundation
The Harris County–Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA), founded in 1997, is responsible for servicing the debt of the world-class sports facilities it was created to build and ensuring their long-term sustainability. In support of this core mission, HCHSA leads the charge in attracting major sporting events to Houston and promoting our region as a home for all sports-related activities. This ultimately results in enhancing our economic development, improving the quality of life for our residents, and reinforcing Houston and Harris County as a premier destination for marquee sporting events. Its 501(c)(3) arm, the Sports Authority Foundation, manages the community engagement and legacy programs tied to major events, including FIFA World Cup 26™ in Houston, through Impact Houston 26. Learn more at Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and Sports Authority Foundation.
#HoustonIsSports
Missouri Tigers Closes Out Home Stand in Style
The Tigers played their final home game of the 2025 football season against Mississippi State at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO. In a 49-27 victory, every side of the ball had their glory in a great bounce back game. After a disappointing performance last week against Texas A&M, the offense was unstoppable against the Bulldogs. The run game looked its best all season with Ahmad Hardy rushing for 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Photo Cred: Jefferson City News Tribune
Averaging 12 yards per carry, Hardy took control of this game and showed off all of his toughness and speed. The Tigers had the ball with about 6 minutes left in the third quarter winning 21-17. In a back and forth battle, the Tigers were looking to extend the lead and run away with the victory. Hardy did just that, with a 72 yard rush that started the beatdown. He later broke loose for a 43 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for the exclamation point on a dominant win.
One play after Hardy’s 72 yard house call, the defense stepped up with a 19 yard pick-six to extend the lead further. And early in the fourth quarter, the defense got another interception returned for a touchdown to add their own points on the board. The front seven was fully in tune to make plays in the backfield. Highlighting a conference win with five sacks and 13 tackles for a loss and limiting the Bulldogs to just 3 yards per rush.
Even the special teams made great plays. The Bulldogs attempted a short field goal that never got up. After a bad snap, a recovered fumble was returned 62 yards and set up a touchdown to make the lead 21-10. Instead of taking the lead, Mississippi State found themselves down two scores with 2:17 left in the half.
Photo Cred: Mississippi State
Everything went right for the Tigers as they took control of their final home game of the year. With two road games left against Oklahoma and Arkansas, old rivalries sit ahead as the Tigers are trying to make a final push to finish the season with double digit wins for three years straight. Mizzou can finish out the season strong and make a respectable bowl game!
Ja’Marr Chase Suspended One Game
| NEW YORK — Nov. 17, 2025 — Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During the fourth quarter, Chase spit on Pittsburgh cornerback Jalen Ramsey, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” Chase will be eligible to return to the Bengals’ active roster on Monday, Nov. 24, following the team’s Nov. 23 game against the New England Patriots. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Chase may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline. |
| For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com |
Rutgers Football: Game 11 at No. 1 Ohio State
Costly Mistakes End Alabama’s 17-Game Home Run
The Tide avenged two out of the three conference losses they took last year versus Vanderbilt and Tennessee. With last year’s loss lingering in their minds, many fans were looking forward to the chance at revenge versus the Sooners. Unfortunately for the Tide, they lost their first conference game at home this year, ending their 17-game home winning streak.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The game started off slow, with the only points in the first four possessions coming from Oklahoma after a field goal by Tate Sandell. The Tide then put together a promising drive that appeared destined to end in a score, but Oklahoma sent a blitz that pressured Ty Simpson into throwing a pick to Oklahoma defensive back Eli Bowen. Bowen ran it back 87 yards for a pick-six, extending the Sooners’ lead to 10-0 and putting a devastating end to the Tide’s drive.
After a very unfortunate first quarter, the Tide drove 72 yards down the field, and after a direct snap to running back Daniel Hill, they scored their first points of the game. The Tide defense kept the momentum going and forced a quick three-and-out, but tragedy struck on the punt when Ryan Williams fumbled on the return, and it was recovered by Oklahoma. Quarterback John Mateer capitalized on the great field position and ran 20 yards for a touchdown, making it a two-score lead again.
The Tide matched the Sooners’ touchdown with one of their own after Simpson found tight end Josh Cuevas for a 25-yard score, making it 17-14. The Tide defense forced another punt, and the offense drained the remaining time to attempt a 36-yard field goal to tie the game, but it ended up being blocked. Oklahoma received the ball first in the second half and kicked another field goal. The Tide’s offense responded by driving down the field and running another direct snap to Daniel Hill to take the lead, making the score 20-21. The two teams then reached a stalemate, forcing each other to punt.
Photo Cred: Alabama
The Tide received the ball after another three-and-out by their defense, but on third down, Simpson dropped back to pass and was strip-sacked by Oklahoma defensive lineman Taylor Wein. The fumble was recovered by Oklahoma, and they turned the turnover into a field goal, giving them a 23-21 lead. Both teams punted again, and Alabama found itself running out of time. With less than a minute left, the Tide faced a fourth-and-six, and Simpson attempted a pass to Williams, but it was knocked away, ending Alabama’s chances of a late score for the win.
After the loss, Coach Kalen DeBoer stated that he was “really disappointed in the outcome… the turnover battle we obviously got killed there and that became the game.” He also pointed out that Oklahoma scored 17 of their 23 points off turnovers. The Tide will now have to win the rest of their games for a chance at the College Football Playoff, and they take on Eastern Illinois next week and the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium for this year’s Iron Bowl.
Announcement of 13 Semifinalists of the Biletnikoff Award, Which Recognizes the College Football Season’s Outstanding FBS Receiver
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Jack White, Post Malone and Lil Jon to Headline NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Shows
| NEW YORK — Nov. 17, 2025 — The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games will deliver three cannot-miss halftime performances by acclaimed artists Post Malone, Jack White and Lil Jon.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, electrifying musician and Detroit-native Jack White will perform during the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Halftime Show powered by Verizon when the Lions take on the Green Bay Packers at 1 p.m. ET on FOX; global superstar Post Malone will take the stage at halftime of the Cowboys game versus the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS; and Lil Jon will perform live at the Baltimore Ravens game against the Cincinnati Bengals at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. The NFL’s holiday games continue to dominate television viewership. For the third consecutive year, the NFL set a Thanksgiving Day viewership record, averaging 34.2 million viewers across all three games, the highest Thanksgiving Day average on record. The total unduplicated audience reached 141 million, also an all-time high. Halftime performances on Thanksgiving continue to captivate audiences, consistently surpassing all major award shows and other live events. Aside from the Super Bowl halftime show, no other musical performance commands a larger live U.S. audience. More details on each Thanksgiving Day halftime show can be found below. DETROIT LIONS VS. THE GREEN BAY PACKERS FT. JACK WHITE The Detroit Lions’ 86th annual Thanksgiving Day Classic against the Green Bay Packers will feature electrifying musician Jack White as part of the Thanksgiving Halftime Show powered by Verizon. Renowned gospel musician CeCe Winans will perform the national anthem. Additionally, the club will be supporting a donation-based initiative with Feeding America® that will be featured throughout the game. The Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Classic will be nationally televised on FOX at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 27, 2025. The Detroit Lions previously announced that global rap icon Eminem, and his long-time manager and president of Shady Records, Paul Rosenberg will serve as Executive Producers of the show, along with Jesse Collins Entertainment. Eminem and Rosenberg, both Detroit natives, will consult the club on talent selection and all aspects of Lions’ Thanksgiving halftime production through 2027. For more information, visit DetroitLions.com. DALLAS COWBOYS VS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FT. POST MALONE Nine-time diamond-certified global superstar Post Malone will perform this year’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which will air on CBS at 4:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 27, 2025. The live performance marks the official launch of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign and puts a national spotlight on the urgent needs of millions during the holiday season and all year long. Now in its 29th year, the Red Kettle Kickoff is a Texas-sized Cowboys tradition for one of the largest, longest-running annual fundraisers of its kind. The iconic halftime show issues a rallying cry to donate to The Salvation Army’s work in communities nationwide. For more information, visit DallasCowboys.com. BALTIMORE RAVENS VS. CINCINNATI BENGALS FT. LIL JON Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Jon – the renowned rapper, producer and DJ – will perform from the Bud Light Touchdown Club during halftime, as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals at 8:20pm ET on NBC. Prior to kickoff, Renée Elise Goldsberry, who won a Tony award for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” will sing the national anthem. For more information, visit BaltimoreRavens.com. |
| For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com |
NFL Family Champions Causes Through My Cause My Cleats
NEW YORK – Nov. 17, 2025 – Today marks the start of Unboxing Week in the lead up to the 2025 My Cause My Cleats campaign. Through My Cause My Cleats NFL players, coaches and staff across the league will display custom and creatively designed cleats to elevate important causes and non-profit organizations. Throughout Unboxing Week, players will reveal organizations they have chosen to support on their cleats through creative content across social channels. In its tenth season, the player-led initiative serves as an opportunity to highlight the collective positive influence the NFL family has in communities across the world.
This season, more than 1,800 participants— players, coaches, staff, legends and on-air talent — are highlighting social issues and nonprofit organizations on their cleats and sneakers during games in Weeks 12 and 13. Following dedicated My Cause My Cleats games, players can choose to donate their cleats by auctioning them on NFL Auction. The NFL does not profit from the sale of these cleats. All funds raised will be donated by the NFL Foundation to each player’s selected charity. Fans may bid on these cleats throughout the season here.
To bring their creative visions to life, My Cause My Cleats participants are partnering with cleat manufacturers and designers to display their causes in unique ways. Some of the organizations selected advocate for cancer prevention and disease awareness, mental health resources, youth empowerment, social justice efforts, military appreciation and many more. To learn more about what causes players have chosen to champion, visit the link here.
“Through My Cause My Cleats, we have an opportunity to spotlight nonprofit organizations the NFL family supports year-round,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “We deeply value the commitment shown by players, coaches and staff to make the initiative so successful, and appreciate everyone’s efforts to make a positive difference in their communities.”
“Since launching ten seasons ago, the integration of players and social impact through My Cause My Cleats has empowered players to expand their impact off the field and into their communities,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Player Operations Tracy Perlman. “This campaign continues to uplift player voices and reflect the NFL’s ongoing commitment to driving meaningful change.”
My Cause My Cleats will come to life through strategic partnerships, fundraising efforts, visual on-field elements, and meaningful storytelling. More information is below:
Rayze Fundraising Partnership
To encourage fundraising for organizations chosen through My Cause My Cleats, the NFL is continuing its partnership with Rayze. The mobile-first platform, founded by seven-year NFL legend, Carl Nassib, aims to amplify nonprofit fundraising, corporate giving, and individual activism. By downloading the Rayze App, My Cause My Cleats participants receive their own custom ‘Champion’ donation links and QR codes to share across social media platforms, encouraging fans to support their causes. You can support players in their individual fundraising efforts through Rayze here.
Stand Together Player-Led Partnership
The NFL is partnering with Stand Together to amplify the deep connection players have with the causes they champion by curating a multimedia campaign. Stand Together, a philanthropic community tackling the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, is building a library of player-led content to unlock the strength within communities and inspire fans to be part of that transformation. The collaboration also includes new fan-facing features on NFL.com/MyCauseMyCleats, enabling fans to search for players and learn their stories, bid on their cleats, and dive deeper into the causes that players support and donate directly to them. The storytelling will begin with the Origin Story of My Cause My Cleats, followed by a series of player-led community impact stories featuring Damar Hamlin (Buffalo Bills), Demario Davis (New Orleans Saints), Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers), Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles), and more.
Adobe AI Cleat Generator
NFL partner Adobe is encouraging fans to join the impact and showcase their creativity through an upcoming activation allowing fans to design custom cleats with Adobe Firefly’s generative AI. In addition, fans will be able to show their support for My Cause My Cleats by personalizing and sharing an official NFL-branded template in Adobe Express. Adobe will also be announcing partnerships with NFL players to showcase their chosen causes and cleat designers in an innovative way. Content from the creation process will release during My Cause My Cleats weeks, and will be included in Fields of Change, premiering December 27 on CBS. Learn more about Adobe Firefly, the all-in-one AI creative studio, here.
Visual On-Field Elements:
My Cause My Cleats will come to life visually on the field and in stadium during games throughout Weeks 12 and 13. Visual elements during activation games include goal post wraps, field-wall banners and in game moments recognizing the causes players have selected.
Hear My Footsteps Advertising Campaign:
“Hear My Footsteps,” this year’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, is a bold expression of the power each player possesses to make their presence known on and off the field, by uplifting the communities and people around them. The campaign stars the following NFL players spotlighting the causes that mean the most to them: Dion Dawkins (Buffalo Bills) highlighting the Dion’s Dreamers Foundation, and the work he is doing to provide mentorship and support to those in underserved communities, Micah Parsons (Green Bay Packers) showcasing his contribution to the mission of the Lionheart Foundation, which empowers trauma-impacted populations through programming in social emotional learning, and Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys) highlighting the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its recipients. Created by 72andSunny, these spots are a powerful ode to all players creating positive impact on and off the field.
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Media Contact:
A’Maiya Allen, AMaiya.Allen@nfl.com
