The Minnesota Vikings had the opportunity to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs in the final game on the NFL’s 2024 regular-season schedule. But the Detroit Lions defeated the Vikings 31-9 on Jan. 5.

Joyce Edwards scored 21 points to lead No. 2 South Carolina past No. 19 Alabama 76-58. Chloe Kitts had 10 points and 13 rebounds, Milay Fulwiley scored 16 points and Te-Hina Paopao added 11 for the Gamecocks who have six straight wins over ranked opponents.

Among the 13 players signed by the Minnesota Vikings to reserve/future contracts was cornerback Reddy Steward. The former Austin High School and Troy standout did spend the 2024 NFL season on a practice squad, but the defensive back was with the Chicago Bears.

Malik Dia’s 23 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks led No. 21 Mississippi to a 74-64 win over No. 4 Alabama on Tuesday. Sean Pedulla scored 12 points and had three steals and Matthew Murrell scored 11.

Alabama’s lone former quarterback in the NFL playoffs is Jalen Hurts, who is the starter for the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting in 15 games, Hurts is completing 68.7% of his passes for 2,903 yards with an 18:5 TD:INT ratio, while also having rushed for 14 more scores.

Regardless of what happens on Monday night, Minnesota will carry on a tradition it has been doing all season: Honoring former teammate Khyree Jackson. Jackson was a fourth-round p

The Gophers have been attacking the 2026 recruiting cycle hard over the last few weeks, offering scholarships to dozens of players across the country.