Texas Tech’s Cody Campbell Urges Congress to Save College Sports
UPDATE: Billionaire Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell is calling on Congress to take urgent action to save college sports. In a revealing interview with The Associated Press, Campbell emphasized the need for a new governing body to oversee all collegiate athletics, arguing that the financial landscape has shifted dramatically but governance has not kept pace. This appeal comes just ahead of Texas Tech’s crucial College Football Playoff game against Oregon.
Campbell’s push highlights a growing concern within the NCAA that college sports are becoming increasingly professionalized, yet the revenue generation remains amateur-like. As the landscape of college athletics evolves, his proposal aims to ensure the long-term viability of the sports that millions cherish.
In other sports news, the 2025 NFL season is experiencing a significant trend as teams are on track to record the fewest punts per game in history. This shift, driven by new rules and teams’ aggressive fourth-down strategies, is reshaping the game. Notably, the Green Bay Packers made headlines by becoming the first team to lose three games in a season without ever punting, while teams like the Colts and Texans are showcasing remarkable turnarounds.
Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has stepped down as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. Just weeks after coming out of retirement, Rivers will not lead the team against the Houston Texans in what could mark the end of his storied NFL career. Rookie Riley Leonard will take the reins in the season finale.
In hockey, Macklin Celebrini, the rising star of the San Jose Sharks, has been named to Canada’s Olympic hockey roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Celebrini ranks third in league scoring and joins a prestigious group including Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Canada’s first game is set for February 12 against Czechia.
The NBA is celebrating a major milestone as Christmas Day viewership hit a 15-year high, with over 47 million viewers tuning in. This marks a staggering 45% increase from last year, with the Cleveland-New York game becoming the most-watched Christmas game ever at noon EST, averaging 6.4 million viewers. The NBA also dominated social media, generating 1.6 billion views of its Christmas content.
In a peculiar play during the ReliaQuest Bowl, Iowa capitalized on an illegal kick by Vanderbilt’s punter, leading to a touchdown that shifted the momentum of the game. The incident highlights the chaotic nature of college football during this critical period of transitions among players and coaches.
On the international front, Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappé is sidelined with a knee injury, with reports suggesting he could be out for at least three weeks. This injury comes at a pivotal time for the French striker, who has been in phenomenal form this season.
In a remarkable story from the Africa Cup of Nations, Sudan has advanced to the knockout stage despite suffering a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso. This achievement is particularly poignant as the team navigates the challenges posed by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises at home.
As developments unfold across various sports, all eyes remain on the shifting dynamics in college athletics and the broader landscape of professional sports. What will Congress decide regarding Campbell’s proposal? Stay tuned for breaking updates as this story continues to develop.
