As Thanksgiving week approaches, the world of sports delivered a flurry of memorable moments and significant developments over the past few days. From gripping NFL performances to shifting collegiate football landscapes and notable NBA milestones, there has been no shortage of storylines to follow. Additionally, the offseason buzz in Major League Baseball continues to stir interest among fans and analysts alike. Here’s a comprehensive recap and overview of the latest happenings across the sports spectrum.
### Coaching Carousel Heats Up in College Football
One of the most compelling narratives this season has been the ongoing coaching carousel, with teams across college football searching for the perfect fit to lead their programs. This week, all eyes have been on Ole Miss, where Lane Kiffin remains at the center of speculation regarding his coaching future. Despite the uncertainty, Kiffin has yet to commit to a destination for the 2026 season. Both LSU and Florida are actively pursuing his services, while a return to Ole Miss is still very much on the table. This has created a tense atmosphere in Oxford, where fans and insiders alike are eager for clarity.
Meanwhile, Florida State acted decisively in the ACC by securing Mike Norvell as their coach for the 2026 season. After two consecutive seasons falling short of expectations, Norvell has committed to making strategic changes in recruiting and player development to improve the program’s fortunes. This move aims to stabilize the Seminoles and set a new course for success moving forward.
In other ACC news, California made a significant decision by firing head coach Justin Wilcox following a disappointing 31-10 loss to Stanford. The Golden Bears’ season has been a rollercoaster; after a promising 3-0 start, the team has struggled to maintain momentum, sitting at 6-5 overall. Wilcox’s tenure ended after posting a sub-.500 record over the past four years, signaling the need for a fresh direction in Berkeley.
### NFL Drama and Standout Performances
The NFL continued to provide thrilling moments this weekend, with some teams saving their seasons and individual players delivering standout performances. The Kansas City Chiefs, in particular, secured a crucial victory against the Indianapolis Colts, rallying for a 23-20 comeback win. This result was more than just a win—it was a lifeline, keeping the Chiefs’ playoff hopes alive with a 6-5 record as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Among the brightest stars of the weekend was Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who emerged as the top individual performer. Gibbs amassed an impressive 264 scrimmage yards and scored three touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the Lions’ narrow victory over the New York Giants. His dynamic performance underscored his rising status as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
### College Football Playoff Picture and Bubble Teams
As the race to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) intensifies, teams on the bubble are under increasing pressure to make a statement in their remaining games. This past week, squads like Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and BYU rose to the occasion, posting significant wins that could bolster their playoff resumes. These victories are vital, as the selection committee closely evaluates each game’s impact in the final rankings.
Conversely, some teams faced setbacks that could derail their postseason ambitions. Notably, North Carolina suffered a disappointing loss to rival Duke, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying for a bowl game this season. The Tar Heels’ defeat was a tough blow in a campaign filled with ups and downs.
Georgia Tech also missed a crucial opportunity in the ACC, falling to Pittsburgh in a game that would have propelled them into the conference championship. The loss was a significant disappointment for the Yellow Jackets, who had been vying for a shot at the league title.
The Big 12’s lower tier teams endured challenging weekends as well. Kansas State’s struggles continued with a blown lead in a loss to Utah, while Kansas dropped four of its last five games, placing postseason hopes in jeopardy. Baylor’s performance was equally concerning, as they were outscored 27-0 in the second half of their defeat to Arizona, signaling difficulties in closing out games.
### Looking Ahead: Key Sports Events This Weekend
As the sports calendar remains packed, fans have an exciting lineup of contests to anticipate this weekend across multiple disciplines. College basketball features prominently, with the Players Era Festival showcasing several intriguing matchups. Notable games include Rutgers versus No. 20