Stepp commits to Nebraska
The running back who seemed destined to take the reins of USC’s backfield is instead headed to Nebraska.
Two weeks after entering the NCAA transfer portal, Markese Stepp announced on social media that he has
committed to join the Cornhuskers.
USC coach Clay Helton suggested last week that the door was still open for the power back to return to the Trojans. But after USC’s rushing attack diminished and Stepp’s role disappeared with it, the redshirt sophomore is opting for a new start in Nebraska, where his bruising rushing style could prove to be more of a natural fit.
— Ryan Kartje
Jerry Neuheisel has taken the next step in his coaching ascent at his alma mater, being promoted to UCLA’s wide receivers coach to replace the departed Jimmie Dougherty. Neuheisel, who spent the last three seasons as a graduate assistant, will take over for Dougherty, who joined Jedd Fisch’s staff as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona.
— Ben Bolch
Alabama f inished the season No. 1 in the Associated Press top 25 for the 12th time, extending its record by completing the program’s f irst perfect season since 2009. The Crimson Tide were a unanimous No. 1 in the f inal poll, getting 61 first- place votes, after beating Ohio State 52- 24 in the College Football Playoff championship game Monday night.
Kentucky said Ben Jordan, a right- handed pitcher who played last season on the men’s basketball team because of a shortage of players, has died. He was 22 years old.
The school announced Jordan’s death Monday in a release, and a Kentucky baseball spokesman said coach Nick Mingione has spoken with the player’s family. The school release did not specify a cause of death.
American Sebastian Korda advanced to his f irst ATP Tour f inal by beating Cameron Norrie of Britain 6- 3, 7- 5 at the Delray Beach Open in Florida. Korda’s opponent in the f inal Wednesday will be No. 4- seeded Hubert Hurkacz, who beat American qualifier Christian Harrison 7- 6 ( 4), 6- 4. ... Aryna Sabalenka reached the f inal of the Abu Dhabi Open after winning her 14th straight match and will face Veronika Kudermetova for the f irst WTA title of the year.
The Boston Bruins announced that Willie O’Ree will have his No. 22 jersey retired before the team’s Feb. 18 game against New Jersey.
Because of the ongoing COVID- 19 pandemic, the 2021 Genesis Invitational will be played without spectators in attendance. The golf tournament will be held Feb. 15- 21 at Riviera Country Club.
Mikaela Shiffrin won a night slalom in Flachau, Austria, to end a yearlong victory drought in her strongest discipline and earn her 100th World Cup podium. Shiffrin last triumphed in a slalom in December 2019.