UNDATED (AP) — The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams after the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten couldn’t come up with a compromise for expansion. The CFP Management Committee announced Friday the 12-team format would stay the same for the 2026-27 season. The decision provides additional time for evaluation and discussion on the current format and potential changes in the future. The CFP went from four teams to 12 teams for the 2024 season, and the two most powerful conferences favored further expansion but could not agree on a number.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nate Oats says 7-foot center Charles Bediako, who gave up his college eligibility in 2023 to enter the NBA draft, will play against Tennessee on Saturday. Although Oats called the NCAA system that is allowing professional players to return to college “broken," he is taking advantage of the loophole. The 23-year-old Bediako practiced with the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide a day after a judge in Tuscaloosa temporarily reinstated the player’s college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return. Bediako has signed several NBA developmental contracts since 2023, including playing for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA’s G League as recently as last week. He spent two seasons at Alabama before turning pro.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback Arch Manning had foot surgery this week and will be limited in off-season workouts, the school announced Friday. He is expected to return for spring practice. Texas officials called the procedure minor and said it was a preventative measure to address a previous injury. The school provided no other details. Manning passed for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for 10 touchdowns last season, his first as the Longhorns’ full-time starter.
UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma has hired Roger Denny as its athletic director. Denny is currently a deputy AD at Illinois. At Oklahoma, he replaces the retiring Joe Castiglione. The Sooners have won 26 national championships under Castiglione, whose tenure began in 1998. He also led the program's recent move to the Southeastern Conference. Denny was the administrator for the Fighting Illini football program and oversaw business operations for the athletic department. He spent 15 years as a practicing corporate attorney.
UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA unearthed another revenue stream when Division I leaders approved patches for uniforms in a move that could generate millions to fund athletic departments that are looking for new ways to pay players. Beginning Aug. 1, Division I teams can place up to two patches of no more than 4 square inches on uniforms for regular-season games. Those are in addition to the logos already allowed for the uniform manufacturers. Rules committees for the postseason will decide how to handle March Madness, the College World Series and other playoff tournaments.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Aaliyah Chavez shined in overtime, leading Oklahoma to a stunning 94-82 victory over No. 2 South Carolina on Thursday night. The freshman point guard scored 15 of her 26 points in the extra period. She had struggled in regulation, making only 4 of 14 shots. Encouraged by teammates Raegan Beers and Sahara Williams, Chavez found her rhythm, hitting all five shots in overtime, including four 3-pointers. Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk praised Chavez's performance, emphasizing the importance of staying focused for future games. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley also acknowledged Chavez's impressive play.
