JUSTIN FIELDS

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has plenty of interesting prospects to choose from on Day 2 of the NFL draft.

This year's NFL draft class speaks reluctantly about its COVID-19 experiences.

The Chicago Bears have two second-round picks and a third-rounder in new GM Ryan Poles' first draft. Here's what you need to know.

The Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams should have plenty of company sitting out the first round of the NFL draft next week.

New Bears GM Ryan Poles has started his offseason with a bang. Fans aren't sure if that's a good or a bad thing. Why it matters: The Bears are under new management after a terrible 2021/2022 season, meaning Poles is tasked with building a winner after the firing of predecessor Ryan Pace. The rookie GM's first big move was to trade superstar defensive end Khalil Mack for two draft picks and cap space. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for

Players ejected for targeting in the second half of a college football game could be eligible to play the following game after an appeal through the conference office next season.

The Chicago Bears have fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy, hoping new leadership in the front office and on the sideline will lift a struggling franchise.

Vikings Bears Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) passes between Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) and defensive end D.J. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)The Chicago Bears placed quarterback Justin Fields on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, likely sidelining him for the finale and ending his rookie season. The Bears expected Fields to start at Minnesota on Sunday after missing the previous two games because of an ankle injury. Cincinnati placed defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi on the COVID-19 list. Hill, safety Vonn Bell, defensive end Trey Hendrickson, center Trey Hopkins and left guard Quinton Spain on the COVID-19 list.

The Chicago Bears have placed quarterback Justin Fields on the reserve/COVID-19 list, likely sidelining him for the finale and ending his rookie season.

Mackenzie Salmon 'overreacts' to the biggest storylines in the AFC after Week 16 action in the NFL.

The Packers scored the first 24 points of the second half to erase a 27-21 halftime deficit. Rodgers went 29 of 37, throwing two TD passes to Davante Adams and one each to Allen Lazard and Aaron Jones. Rodgers has 61 career touchdown passes against the Bears, the most all-time against Chicago and one more than his predecessor, Brett Favre. He capped the opening drive of the second half with a 3-yard run that gave Green Bay a 28-27 lead. Green Bay scored on Rodgers' 2-yard pass to Lazard on fourth-and-goal, Rasul Douglas' 55-yard interception return and Rodgers' 38-yard strike to Adams.

Ravens Bears Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Justin Fields is set to return to the Chicago Bears' lineup. Coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday the prized rookie quarterback will start when the team visits the Green Bay Packers this week after missing the past two games because of broken ribs. Nagy said the decision to start Fields was not related to Dalton's injury, adding the former Ohio State star remains the team's No. Fields has completed 115 of 198 passes for 1,361 yards in 10 games and eight starts.

Justin Fields is set to return to the Chicago Bears’ lineup.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields told Insider he can do a full workout with just "bands, a weight rack, and kettlebells." Here's how.

Cairo Santos made a 28-yard game-ending field goal to give the Chicago Bears a 16-14 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

Devonta Freeman scored on a 3-yard run with 22 seconds remaining and the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens beat the Chicago Bears 16-13 even though star quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the game because of an illness.

Bears Steelers Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. Chris Boswell hit a 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds left and the Steelers escaped with a 29-27 win. “I felt good.”Boswell gave Pittsburgh a 26-20 lead when he kicked a 52-yard field goal with 2:52 to play. “We know we’re on the brink of being a great offense,” Fields said. The Bears punted on their first two possessions and Fields threw an interception on the third drive, leading to Pittsburgh’s second touchdown.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields nearly had his moment in the spotlight on “Monday Night Football,” as he almost led his team to a comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chris Boswell's 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds left lifted the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Chicago Bears 29-27.

The Titans edged Indianapolis 34-31 on Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with 4:03 remaining in overtime. Darnold was injured on a run around left end when linebacker Foye Oluokun hit him. ___2:25 p.m.Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal late in the second quarter against the Browns. Earlier, he kicked a 31-yard field goal. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

The Saints also scored in the second quarter on a short pass to fullback Alex Armah and added a field goal at the end of the half. The Titans edged Indianapolis 34-31 on Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with 4:03 remaining in overtime. Darnold was injured on a run around left end when linebacker Foye Oluokun hit him. ___2:25 p.m.Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal late in the second quarter against the Browns. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)The latest from Week 8 of the NFL (all times EDT):___5:40 p.m.Seattle quarterback Geno Smith connected on his first 14 passes in leading the Seahawks to a 17-0 halftime lead over Jacksonville. The other AFC team that had a chance to get to 6-2 on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals, lost to the New York Jets 34-31. Elsewhere, the New York Jets beat Cincinnati 34-31, putting idle Baltimore back in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Elsewhere, the New York Jets scored two touchdowns in quick succession to take a 34-31 lead over Cincinnati. The New York Jets’ first-quarter scoring drought is over.

The Titans edged Indianapolis 34-31 on Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with 4:03 remaining in overtime. Elsewhere, the New York Jets scored two touchdowns in quick succession to take a 34-31 lead over Cincinnati. Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal attempt late in the second quarter. ___2:25 p.m.Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal late in the second quarter against the Browns. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

Manning had his Ring of Fame pillar unveiled in a pregame ceremony in front of fans outside the stadium before the Broncos played the Washington Football Team. The Titans edged Indianapolis 34-31 on Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with 4:03 remaining in overtime. Elsewhere, the New York Jets beat Cincinnati 34-31, putting idle Baltimore back in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Elsewhere, the New York Jets scored two touchdowns in quick succession to take a 34-31 lead over Cincinnati. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

The Titans edged Indianapolis 34-31 on Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with 4:03 remaining in overtime. Elsewhere, the New York Jets beat Cincinnati 34-31, putting idle Baltimore back in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Elsewhere, the New York Jets scored two touchdowns in quick succession to take a 34-31 lead over Cincinnati. ___2:25 p.m.Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal late in the second quarter against the Browns. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

Titans Colts Football Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts safety Andrew Sendejo (42) in the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Carson Wentz rebounded from a bad gaffe in the end zone that gave the Titans the lead with 1:26 remaining. Elsewhere, the New York Jets beat Cincinnati 34-31, putting idle Baltimore back in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Elsewhere, the New York Jets scored two touchdowns in quick succession to take a 34-31 lead over Cincinnati. The New York Jets’ first-quarter scoring drought is over.

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (Mark Humphrey)The latest from Week 8 of the NFL (all times EDT):___4 p.m.Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold left the game at Atlanta with a concussion midway through the fourth quarter. Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal attempt late in the second quarter. ___2:25 p.m.Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal late in the second quarter against the Browns. Winless Detroit seemed to have a decent chance at a victory today, hosting the struggling Eagles, but the Lions trail 17-0 in the second quarter. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

49ers Bears Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) scrambles away from San Francisco 49ers' defenders during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Chicago. Fields is 19 of 25 for 175 yards and a touchdown, and he's run for 103 yards and a TD. Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal attempt late in the second quarter. ___2:25 p.m.Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was shaken up after a fake field goal late in the second quarter against the Browns. Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 60-yard field goal on Sept. 25, 2016, is the longest field goal made at what is now called Highmark Stadium.

The Tampa Bay defense did its job, too, limiting the offensively challenged Bears (3-4) to Cairo Santos’ second-quarter field goal and sacking rookie Justin Fields four times, forcing two fumbles. Dee Delaney had one of the Bucs’ three interceptions, a first-quarter pick that led to Brady’s 599th career TD pass. Evans also had scoring receptions of 2 and 8 yards as the Bucs built the lead to 35-3 at halftime. Brady played into the fourth quarter, finally leaving after turning Fields’ third interception into a field goal that put the Bucs up 38-3. In addition to boosting his regular-season career TD pass total to 602, the 44-year-old Brady has now thrown at least 20 TD passes in a season a record 19 times.

Lions Bears Football Chicago Bears running back Damien Williams (8) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Justin Fields during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy has changed his mind and made Justin Fields the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback going forward. On Monday, Nagy had said Fields was still the backup and playing only because of Andy Dalton's knee injury. “We've been patient with this, we've grown with him, we're proud of Justin,” Nagy said. 20 in the first round of the draft to pick Fields, and Nagy had said all along the job was Dalton's until coaches felt Fields was ready.

After resisting the move in the past Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy has made Justin Fields his first-string quarterback going forward and has moved Andy Dalton into the backup role.

A historically bad effort by the Chicago offense has coach Matt Nagy rethinking his approach after only the third week of the season. It could all lead to a change in who calls the plays or even who the quarterback is as the Bears prepare to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field. “Again, just to keep it super simple, everything’s on the table,” Nagy said.

Bears Browns Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) is hit by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (95) after a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Cleveland. Garrett had a field day against Fields, who was thrust into the lineup after veteran Andy Dalton injured his knee last week. The Bears' biggest offensive play came on a pass interference that wiped out an interception and gained 48 yards. Cleveland's offense didn't find its footing until the second half as Chicago's defense sacked Mayfield five times — with superstar linebacker Khalil Mack getting two. Browns: Rookie CB Greg Newsome II (calf) left in the second half.

Myles Garrett made a franchise record 4 1/2 sacks on Justin Fields and Cleveland brought down Chicago’s rookie quarterback nine times while harassing him throughout his first NFL start as the Browns thumped the Bears 26-6.

Matt Ryan has watched Joe Montana, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady switch teams, so he knows there’s a possibility he won’t finish his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

APTOPIX Bengals Bears Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) carries the ball and is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Justin Fields is set to make his first start for the Chicago Bears. The team will go with the prized rookie quarterback when the Bears visit the Cleveland Browns this week with veteran Andy Dalton sidelined because of a left knee injury, coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday. Nagy said the three-time Pro Bowler is week to week, though the Bears don't think he will be placed on injured reserve. Dalton was in for the next drive, before Fields led Chicago’s final one of the half.

Justin Fields is set to make his first start for the Chicago Bears.

He did not return to the field for the start of the second half after the Steelers ruled him out. ___2:40 p.m.Texans rookie Davis Mills has replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for Houston to start the second half. ___1:10 p.m.Two-time Pro Bowler Eric Fisher made his Colts debut Sunday, starting at left tackle less than nine months after rupturing his left Achilles tendon. ___12:05 p.m.Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing against Houston after being listed as questionable and not practicing all week. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

He did not return to the field for the start of the second half after the Steelers ruled him out. ___2:40 p.m.Texans rookie Davis Mills has replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for Houston to start the second half. ___1:10 p.m.Two-time Pro Bowler Eric Fisher made his Colts debut Sunday, starting at left tackle less than nine months after rupturing his left Achilles tendon. ___12:05 p.m.Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing against Houston after being listed as questionable and not practicing all week. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

Gronkowski has tied the NFL record for consecutive games with multiple TD catches by tight ends. He did not return to the field for the start of the second half after the Steelers ruled him out. ___2:40 p.m.Texans rookie Davis Mills has replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for Houston to start the second half. ___12:05 p.m.Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing against Houston after being listed as questionable and not practicing all week. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

Ironically, McCaffrey’s injury problems last year started late in the second game of the season. Dalotn missed Chicago’s final drive in the second quarter. ___2:45 p.m.Pittsburgh Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt is out after sustaining a groin injury in the second quarter against Las Vegas. ___12:05 p.m.Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing against Houston after being listed as questionable and not practicing all week. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

Dalotn missed Chicago’s final drive in the second quarter. He did not return to the field for the start of the second half after the Steelers ruled him out. ___2:40 p.m.Texans rookie Davis Mills has replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for Houston to start the second half. ___12:05 p.m.Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing against Houston after being listed as questionable and not practicing all week. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

He did not return to the field for the start of the second half after the Steelers ruled him out. ___2:40 p.m.Texans rookie Davis Mills has replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for Houston to start the second half. ___1:10 p.m.Two-time Pro Bowler Eric Fisher made his Colts debut Sunday, starting at left tackle less than nine months after rupturing his left Achilles tendon. ___12:05 p.m.Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing against Houston after being listed as questionable and not practicing all week. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

He did not return to the field for the start of the second half after the Steelers ruled him out. Rookie offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood did not return for the second half due to an oblique injury. ___2:40 p.m.Texans rookie Davis Mills has replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for Houston to start the second half. ___2:25 p.m.Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has a groin injury that could force him to miss the second half against Las Vegas. If Wills couldn’t play – or if he has to come up – Blake Hance will likely move into the left tackle spot.

The NFL has the first 14-11 halftime score in its 102 seasons.

Matthew Stafford passed for 321 yards and three touchdowns in a dynamic debut for the Los Angeles Rams.

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New quarterbacks are leading last year's College Football Playoff teams.

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

What does your dream college football road trip look like.

The Denver Broncos are going with Teddy Bridgewater over Drew Lock as their starting quarterback.

Nagy plans to start veteran Andy Dalton in Week 1 regardless of how well Fields performs in the preseason. But Nagy also wants to see Fields play against a starting defense at some point. Jets coach Robert Saleh plans to give him more reps against the Packers on Saturday and play him in the final preseason game next week. 3 by San Francisco, made the biggest play of all the rookie QBs last week. Patrick Mahomes started only one game as a rookie playing behind Alex Smith and was the NFL MVP in his second season.

Justin Fields outshined his fellow first-round quarterbacks in their preseason openers.

The Chicago Bears are now without both of their top two draft picks. Coach Matt Nagy on Wednesday said quarterback Justin Fields was out of practice due to a groin injury, while second-round pick, offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, was facing back surgery. The injury to Fields is considered minor but Jenkins has been out all of training camp after suffering back injury symptoms during the four days rookies were allowed to practice just before the start of regular training camp.

Dolphins Bears Football Chicago Bears tight end Jesse James (18) catches a touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Chicago, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)CHICAGO — (AP) — Once rookie quarterback Justin Fields settled in the Chicago Bears saw the playmaking ability they dreamed about on draft day. Fields rallied Chicago back Saturday from a 13-0 deficit in his preseason debut by throwing for a touchdown and running for one in a 20-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Fields' TD pass came after he had scrambled 21 yards for a first-down conversion. The Bears host Buffalo on Aug. 21 as former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky comes to Soldier Field.

Rookie quarterback Justin Fields came off the bench in the second quarter and rallied the Chicago Bears from a 13-0 deficit to a 20-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field to start each team's preseason.

CHICAGO — (AP) — The Chicago Bears signed first-round draft pick Justin Fields to a four-year contract on Friday. The Bears landed their quarterback of the future when they traded up nine spots with the New York Giants to take the Ohio State star with the No. 11 overall pick. The Bears are counting on Fields to deliver in a way Mitchell Trubisky never did after being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, and to solidify a position that has historically been a sore spot for them.

The Chicago Bears have signed first-round draft pick Justin Fields to a four-year contract.

The Chicago area celebrates Memorial Day on May 31, 2021.

Tim Tebow is back, and so are his fans.

Nagy will not be on the field when quarterback Justin Fields and the team’s other rookies get to work on Friday. ___The Minnesota Twins are ramping up to full capacity for home games at Target Field. A limited number of seating pods will be available for fans who prefer to remain in a socially distanced environment. The White Sox will also have two sections for vaccinated fans only when they host the Kansas City Royals this weekend. State and city officials are requiring a designated area specifically for fully vaccinated fans at Wrigley for a four-game series against the Washington Nationals that begins Monday.

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy will participate virtually in the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend rather than in person because a close contact tested positive for COVID-19.

History dictates that it’s likely at least a couple of the five first-round quarterbacks won’t fulfill the hopes of the teams that drafted them.

Not much changed on the second night of the NFL draft.

Steelers and Patriots picks were among several surprising selections during Thursday's first round of the NFL draft in Cleveland.

Steelers and Patriots picks were among several surprising selections during Thursday's first round of the NFL draft in Cleveland.

Bears moved up to take Justin Fields at No. 11 in the NFL draft, trying to make up for lost ground at QB since passing on Patrick Mahomes in 2017.

The Chicago Bears confidently announced that Andy Dalton was their starter last month when they signed him to a one-year contract but did they speak too soon?

Nine of the 14 Big Ten football teams appear set at quarterback heading into the fall.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day says the quarterback competition featuring three candidates will carry over into fall camp.

Major college football and basketball players will be permitted to transfer one time before graduating without being required to sit out a year of competition starting next season.

(AP Photo/Brett Carlsen, File)NEW YORK – Intrigue and uncertainty have surrounded the New York Jets' quarterback situation all offseason. “I’m coming in with my understanding that Sam is the guy,” Davis said during a video conference call. 3 overall pick in 2018, has struggled with inconsistency and injuries during his three seasons with the Jets. “He's the right guy to come in here and turn things around,” Davis said. ... New York signed LB Del'Shawn Phillips, who played in two games last season for Buffalo.

The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. Cornerbacks got the most invitations with 44, including all-Americans Shaun Wade of Ohio State, and Patrick Surtain of national champion Alabama.

The next game he plays is for his NFL draft stock, provided the Alabama quarterback's gimpy left ankle is good to go. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said the plan is for Jones to dress out and see how his ankle feels. “Just being in that room, I already learned so much about NFL football,” he said. Mond started 44 games for the Aggies, Ehlinger logged 43 starts for the Longhorns,Mond led the Aggies into College Football Playoffs contention in his final season. I just wanted to come and kind of learn more about NFL football and learn a new playbook, which I thought I did a good job with.

National champion Alabama has five players leaving early after beating Ohio State in the CFP title game on Jan. 11, with All-America quarterback Jones and linebacker Dylan Moses both early graduates. The 30 players with college eligibility remaining after completing their degree requirements had to notify the NFL of their intentions for the draft. Players less than four years removed from high school who have not completed a degree need to be granted special entry to the draft by the NFL. Southern California has the most players leaving early for NFL draft eligibility with six. Stanford and Ohio State matched Alabama with five each.

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Urban Meyer first started thinking about the NFL about a decade ago. “I won’t do that.”Here’s a rundown of Meyer’s first news conference with Jacksonville:— Meyer plans to monitor his health, which was instrumental in him walking away from Florida and Ohio State. It’s something I’m going to watch very closely. We did that at Ohio State. Ohio State is home to those guys now.”___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

1 Alabama won the College Football Playoff national championship game, 52-24, against No. 7 overall, breaking a tie with Alabama great Paul "Bear" Bryant for the most by a major college coach. Using an array of motions and misdirections, outgoing offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian had Ohio State heads spinning trying to track down Smith. Alabama hardly missed him and cracked 50 early in the fourth quarter when Harris went in untouched from a yard out. Smith and Harris surprised some by returning to college after last season for their senior years.

DeVonta Smith was uncoverable, Najee Harris unstoppable and Mac Jones impeccable as the top-ranked Tide won the College Football Playoff national championship game 52-24 against No. 7 overall, breaking a tie with Alabama great Paul “Bear” Bryant for the most by a major college coach. "To me this is the ultimate team,” Saban said. “To me this team accomplished more than almost any team," Saban said. “Heaven knows what he would have done if he played the whole game,” Saban said.

Now the question is will he be able to play in the title game Monday night against Ohio State? “I think you absolutely have to prepare as if he's going to play,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said. Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson posted photos on Twitter showing her visiting with coach Ryan Day and the team in the school's indoor practice facility. WEST COAST EXPORTSThe West Coast will be well represented in the national championship game among the players, if not the football programs themselves. Alabama All-America tailback Najee Harris, Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave and Buckeyes All-America guard Wyatt Davis are all from California.

Ohio State won 49-28. AL.com reported that Ohio State has been in contact with CFP officials about possible player availability problems that could force the game to be delayed. For Ohio State, though, it has been an especially bumpy road. The Big Ten initially canceled the fall football season in August, only to reverse course in September. Ohio State played its final regular-season game and the Big Ten championship game missing more than 20 players for each.

Ohio State won 49-28. “This team, this program, we persevered through so much,” Ohio State running back Trey Sermon said Monday. In addition to Sarkisian's imminent departure, Alabama has to take care of some Heisman Trophy business while preparing for the matchup with Ohio State. Ohio State (7-0) won that meeting en route to the national title. OHIO STATEOverview: Like many teams, Ohio State faced major obstacles during the pandemic.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day hugs quarterback Justin Fields after their win against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. Ohio State won 49-28. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)Ohio State coach Ryan Day says he expects Justin Fields to play in the College Football Playoff national championship game against Alabama after the quarterback was banged up during the semifinals. Fields missed only one play and finished with six touchdown passes in Ohio State’s 49-28 victory. Buckeyes running back Trey Sermon took Fields' place on the call.

Ohio State is back for the first time since winning the inaugural title in the CFP era. After the SEC champion Crimson Tide rolled past Notre Dame 31-14 in a Rose Bowl played deep in the heart of Texas, the No. 3 Buckeyes of the Big Ten beat Clemson 49-28 in the other CFP semifinal at the Sugar Bowl on Friday night. The Tigers were trying, like Alabama, to get to the title game for the fifth time in the seven seasons of the four-team playoff. Alabama was the top seed in the first four-team playoff, but Ohio State beat the Tide 42-35 in the semifinal Sugar Bowl.

And with that, Lawrence’s bid to finish an extraordinary college football career with his second national championship in three seasons slipped away. 2 Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl on Friday night. “Obviously they kicked our butt tonight," Lawrence said. Lawrence is one of four finalists, along with Alabama QB Mac Jones, Crimson Tide receiver Davonta Smith and Florida QB Kyle Trask. Still, he'll be remembered as one of the faces of college football — on the field and off — during a tumultuous junior year.

Ohio State won 49-28. 11, where Clemson coach Dabo Swinney placed Ohio State on his ballot in the final regular-season coaches' poll. 3 Ohio State buried the second-ranked Tigers 49-28 in the Sugar Bowl semifinal Friday night. Ohio State beat the Crimson Tide in the semifinals on the way to the 2014 national championship. Ohio State did not give details about their absences, but all four had played in the Big Ten championship two weeks ago.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields runs past Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis during the first half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)NEW ORLEANS – Clemson starting middle linebacker James Skalski has been ejected from the Sugar Bowl for a tackle that knocked Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields out of the game for one play. Officials concluded that Skalski committed targeting by leading with the crown of his helmet when he hit Fields in the ribs. After that touchdown, Fields was 12 of 13 for 173 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He entered the Sugar Bowl with 39 tackles, including 3 1/2 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in eight games.

3 Ohio State (6-0, No. ... Clemson beat Ohio State 29-23 in a Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal last season. ... All of Clemson's victories over Ohio State have come in bowl games, including the Orange Bowl at the end of the 2013 season and the 1978 Peach Bowl. ... Clemson is making its third Sugar Bowl appearance and is seeking its first Sugar Bowl win. ... Ohio State is making its sixth Sugar Bowl appearance and has won its last three, including a 42-35 triumph over Alabama in the first CFP semifinal on Jan. 1, 2015.

(AP Photo/Brian Blanco, File)Alabama teammates Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith along with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Florida’s Kyle Trask have been named finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Jones and Smith are the eighth set of teammates to be finalists together since the tradition started in 1982. Smith is trying to become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Michigan's Desmond Howard in 1991. Jones or Smith would become Alabama's third Heisman winner, but first that is not a running back. Iowa State running back Breece Hall was sixth, followed by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.

Fields led Ohio State to a 6-0 record and the No. 7 Indiana (6-1) to its highest ranking since 1967, knocking off three ranked teams along the way. Its only loss was 42-35 at Ohio State in a game that went down to the final play. u-QB — Justin Fields, Ohio State, 6-3, 228, Jr., Kennesaw, Georgia. C — Josh Myers, Ohio State, 6-5, 312, Jr., Miamisburg, Ohio.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shortened schedule and all, Ohio State is headed back to the College Football Playoff and a familiar foe will be waiting. Barta, the Iowa athletic director, said “there was no dissension in the room” over putting Ohio State in. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said he wasn't surprised Ohio State got in with fewer games “because that’s what the committee has demonstrated over the past few weeks. We all know Ohio State is an incredibly talented team.”The loss to Clemson in the playoff last year landed hard and lingered for the Buckeyes, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on ESPN. It'll be different this time with less than two weeks between the conference championship game and the semifinal.

3 Ohio State rally for a 22-10 victory over Northwestern for a fourth consecutive Big Ten championship. It's the first time Ohio State has won four consecutive outright conference crowns. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was 12 of 27 with 114 yards and ran 12 times for 35 yards. Ohio State: Whatever happens in the polls this week, the Buckeyes really only care about one thing — making the playoff. Ohio State: Will wait to see if it has earned one of the precious four playoff spots.