Conference Championship weekend is here and it is the most decisive weekend has arrived, as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 Championships take center stage. Four conference championships titles will be contested, each carrying massive implications for the College Football Playoff.

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Alabama and Georgia clash in Atlanta for SEC supremacy, Ohio State battles Indiana in Indianapolis for the Big Ten crown, Duke faces Virginia in Charlotte for the ACC title, and Texas Tech meets BYU in Arlington for the Big 12 championship. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, every snap this weekend will shape the national picture and determine which programs advance to the sport’s ultimate stage.

SEC Title Game

The 2025 SEC Championship Game features the Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) against the Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).

• National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+ streaming
• Local Coverage: WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, regional ESPN Radio affiliates

Alabama enters with momentum after a dramatic Iron Bowl win, while Georgia seeks revenge for its September loss to the Tide. The winner secures the SEC’s automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs Indiana

For the first time, both teams enter undefeated (12-0). The Big Ten Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

• National Broadcast: FOX, streaming via FOX Sports app
• Local Coverage: Big Ten Network pregame, regional FOX affiliates in Ohio and Indiana

Ohio State’s elite defense faces Indiana’s high-powered offense led by QB Fernando Mendoza. The winner likely claims the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

ACC Championship: Duke vs Virginia

The ACC Conference Championship Game pits Virginia (10-2) against Duke (7-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

• National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN Radio
• Local Coverage: Virginia Sports Radio Network, regional ABC affiliates in North Carolina and Virginia

Virginia dominated Duke earlier this season, but the Blue Devils, led by QB Darian Mensah, seek redemption. A Cavaliers win likely secures a College Football Playoff berth.

Big 12 Championship: Texas Tech vs BYU

The Big 12 Championship Game features Texas Tech (11-1) against BYU (11-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT).

• National Broadcast: ABC, streaming via ESPN app
• Local Coverage: KSL-TV Utah, regional ABC affiliates in Texas

Texas Tech seeks to confirm its playoff spot, while BYU must win to secure the Big 12’s automatic bid. This rematch follows the Red Raiders’ November victory over the Cougars.

Bottom Line

Championship Weekend delivers four marquee matchups across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. With College Football Playoff bids on the line, fans nationwide can tune in via ABC, FOX, ESPN Radio, and regional affiliates to watch history unfold.

Olympique Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate is setting his sights firmly on securing a place in Senegal’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 18.

Senegal have yet to unveil their provisional 55-man squad, but the 29-year-old remains optimistic about earning a call-up from head coach Pape Thiaw, who succeeded Alliou Cisse earlier this year.

Speaking about his ambitions during the AFCON trophy tour in Paris, Niakhate emphasised both his personal motivation and his pride in representing Senegal on Africa’s biggest football stage.

Niakhate told Sports Talk Florida: “My personal goal is to be in Morocco, especially because the official list has not been released yet.

“God willing, I will be healthy enough to attend and compete for the people of Senegal.”

Senegal’s Group D Challenge at AFCON 2025

Senegal have been drawn in Group D, where they will open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Botswana on December 23.

They will then face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) before closing their group stage fixtures against Benin on Dececmber 30.

In anticipation of the battle ahead of the Teranga Lions, Niakhate insists the team must remain grounded.

“We all want it, and the Senegalese people want the AFCON title,” he said.

“The success in 2022 was exceptional, so we want to relive that feeling. But before anything, we have to take it one game at a time.” T

Senegal’s maiden AFCON triumph in Cameroon marked a historic moment for the country, with the team producing a remarkable campaign, going unbeaten in both the qualifiers and the main tournament.

Their victory sparked celebrations across the country and inspired a new generation of Senegalese footballers but they suffered a setback in the AFCON 2023.

After an unbeaten start to the tournament, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by host country and eventual champions Ivory Coast on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

With 2026 World Cup qualification already secured, Senegal now aim to cap off an impressive year with another deep run at this year’s continental fiesta in Morocco.

Niakhate’s form at Lyon

The 29-year-old defender joined Lyon from Nottingham Forest in 2024 and has become a leader in Paulo Fonseca’s squad with his crucial defensive performances.

Niakhate has been consistent in form, starting each of Lyon’s combined 19 matches in the French Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League so far this season.

In addition to his solid defensive displays, the centre-back has a contribution of a goal and two assists to his name in all competitions.

The University of South Florida wasted no time replacing Alex Golesh, who departed for Auburn, by securing one of the most respected young minds in college football. Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, has officially been named the Bulls’ seventh head coach. USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins described the hire as a “home run,” saying: “Brian Hartline was our clear-cut first choice to lead our football program into the most exciting era in program history. A relentless recruiter, outstanding developer of talent and a gritty competitor, he comes from a championship background and is obsessed with instilling championship excellence.”

Media Applauds the Hire

National outlets quickly praised the move. CBS Sports reported that Hartline informed Ohio State of his decision and highlighted his reputation as one of the Buckeyes’ top recruiters. Yahoo Sports called him “one of the nation’s most exciting coordinators and elite recruiters,” noting his success in landing five-star prospects like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. ESPN’s Pete Thamel emphasized Hartline’s pedigree, pointing out that he has recruited and developed five first-round wide receivers since 2022, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Garrett Wilson.

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Ryan Day and Coaching Circles React

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Hartline’s contributions, saying he has “been successful in every football capacity for which he has been engaged”. Coaches across the country echoed similar sentiments, with reports noting that Kentucky had considered Hartline for its own vacancy before USF secured him.

Hartline’s Accomplishments and Players Coached

Hartline’s coaching résumé is impressive:

• Developed elite receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Emeka Egbuka.
• Helped Ohio State win the 2024 national championship.
• Consistently produced top-10 offenses in college football.
• Recruited multiple five-star prospects, making Ohio State a destination for elite wideouts.

What It Means for USF

This hire represents more than just filling a vacancy. It signals USF’s dedication to competing at the highest level. By attracting a coach of Hartline’s caliber, the Bulls are showing recruits, fans, and the college football world that they intend to play in the big leagues. Hartline’s Florida ties, having played seven seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, further strengthen his ability to recruit in the Sunshine State.

Final Thoughts

Brian Hartline’s arrival in Tampa is a transformative moment for USF football. With his recruiting prowess, offensive innovation, and championship pedigree, the Bulls are positioned to elevate their program nationally. As Higgins put it, this is the beginning of “the most exciting era in program history.”