Women’s Top 25 roundup: UConn, Texas, South Carolina earn runaway wins

Carter Sproule, a former standout at Grand Forks Red River, has received a call from the coaching staff of the Watertown Shamrocks regarding an opportunity to join the No. 12 UConn basketball team after the Christmas break. The team is seeking to fill a position left vacant due to an injury to a current player.

The latest NET rankings for men's and women's college basketball have positioned Michigan and UConn as the top teams, reflecting their strong performances through week 5 of the season. Michigan's recent victories, including a historic 40-point win over Gonzaga, have solidified their status, while UConn remains a dominant force in women's basketball, aiming to defend their title in the upcoming March Madness tournament.

Texas football had eight players named to the 2026 All-SEC coaches' team, including first-team selections Trevor Goosby, Colin Simmons, and Michael Taaffe. However, star quarterback Arch Manning did not receive any honors, highlighting a disappointing season for the Longhorns compared to preseason expectations.

UConn basketball legend Sue Bird had her No. 10 jersey retired at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, marking an emotional milestone for the player and the program. Bird expressed her gratitude and described the honor as deeply meaningful during a ceremony before UConn's decisive 102–35 victory over DePaul.

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, marking a significant roster change for the Longhorns as they prepare for the upcoming season. This decision follows the announcement of running back CJ Baxter entering the transfer portal, indicating a period of transition for the Texas football program.