Cleveland Browns Announce Shedeur Sanders as Starting Quarterback for Week 12 Clash; Texas Coach Sarkisian Defends Longhorns' Performance

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Browns have officially named rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as their starter for Sunday’s Week 12 NFL matchup, marking his professional debut under center. The announcement signals a significant pivot for the Browns, who have experienced an inconsistent season marred by quarterback injuries and offensive struggles. Sanders, a highly touted prospect from the 2025 NFL Draft class, will step in against a formidable opponent as the team seeks to reignite its playoff aspirations.

Sanders’ elevation to the starting role comes as the Browns navigate a challenging period, holding a 5-5 record that places them precariously in the AFC playoff picture. The decision follows a series of performances from veteran signal-callers that failed to consistently generate offensive rhythm. While specific details on the incumbent starter’s status were not immediately available, the move suggests the coaching staff is seeking a spark and fresh leadership for the crucial stretch run of the season. Sanders, known for his dual-threat capabilities and high football IQ during his collegiate career, faces the immediate challenge of adapting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. His debut is expected to draw considerable national attention, given his pedigree and the high expectations that accompanied his entry into the league. The Browns’ coaching staff has reportedly been impressed with his rapid assimilation of the playbook and his composure during practice sessions, leading to the confidence in handing him the keys to the offense.

In other collegiate sports news, the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats delivered a statement victory by defeating the No. 3 UConn Huskies in a highly anticipated men’s basketball contest. Following the decisive win, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander asserted that Arizona now merits the No. 1 national ranking, citing their impressive track record against top-tier competition this season. The Wildcats’ dominant performance further solidifies their status as a legitimate national championship contender, having consistently overcome highly-ranked opponents through a combination of tenacious defense and efficient offensive execution. The victory is expected to reshape the top of the NCAA men’s basketball polls as teams jockey for position early in the season.

Elsewhere in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals received optimistic news regarding the recovery of star quarterback Joe Burrow. While the exact nature of the positive update was not fully disclosed, sources close to the team indicated that Burrow’s rehabilitation from a recent injury is progressing ahead of schedule, potentially paving the way for an earlier return to action than initially projected. This development provides a significant boost for the Bengals, who have been striving to remain competitive in the AFC North without their franchise quarterback.

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Sarkisian Dismisses Underachievement Claims Amidst Texas Football Scrutiny

Austin, TX – Texas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian has robustly pushed back against suggestions that his team has underachieved in the 2025 season, despite entering the year ranked No. 1 nationally and currently holding a 7-3 record. The Longhorns’ struggles have largely been attributed to an anemic offensive performance, particularly from quarterback Arch Manning, whose season has been marked by inconsistency and a notable lack of explosive plays. Manning, despite high expectations, has struggled with efficiency, posting a completion percentage hovering around 58% and a touchdown-to-interception ratio that has failed to inspire confidence. Key losses to unranked opponents early in the season derailed Texas’s College Football Playoff aspirations, leading to increased scrutiny of the program’s direction under Sarkisian.

During a recent press conference, Sarkisian firmly rebuffed the narrative of underperformance. "I don’t think we’ve underachieved," Sarkisian stated, emphasizing the team’s growth and competitive spirit. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism from sports analysts, including CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah, who contended that Sarkisian, as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, is expected to confront the team’s issues directly rather than dismiss obvious shortcomings. Jeyarajah highlighted the stark contrast between the preseason No. 1 ranking and the team’s current standing, pointing to a lack of offensive cohesion and an inability to close out critical games as clear indicators of unmet expectations.

Furthermore, Sarkisian directly addressed and emphatically denied recent rumors suggesting he has been exploring "escape hatch" options, including potential moves to the NFL or other prominent college football programs. "Those rumors are false and untrue," Sarkisian declared, reiterating his commitment to the University of Texas. Speculation had circulated in various sports media outlets, fueled by the team’s perceived struggles and the perennial high-pressure environment of the Texas program. Sarkisian’s definitive denial aims to quell these rumors and refocus attention on the Longhorns’ remaining two regular-season games, as they look to salvage a respectable finish and build momentum for the upcoming offseason. Texas is scheduled to face TCU this weekend, a critical game for their Big 12 Conference standing.

Atlanta Hawks Surge in NBA Power Rankings Following Trae Young’s Absence

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Hawks have made a remarkable ascent in the latest NBA Power Rankings, climbing nine spots to No. 11, following a dominant stretch of play in the absence of star point guard Trae Young. Young has been sidelined due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee, an injury sustained earlier in November that was initially projected to keep him out for approximately four to six weeks. Despite the loss of their leading scorer and primary playmaker, the Hawks have posted an impressive 8-2 record since Young’s injury, showcasing an unexpected depth and newfound offensive balance.

Brad Botkin of CBS Sports noted that the Hawks’ offense has demonstrated significantly more fluidity and equitable distribution of scoring opportunities without Young’s ball-dominant style. The team’s assist numbers have seen an increase, and a broader array of players are contributing to offensive production, leading to a less predictable attack. This shift has allowed other players to flourish, fundamentally altering the team’s on-court dynamics.

A key factor in Atlanta’s recent success has been the exceptional play of second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher. The former No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft has emerged as a crucial two-way force for the Hawks, demonstrating significant improvements in both his scoring efficiency and defensive versatility. Risacher has leveraged his length and athleticism to become a disruptive presence on defense, while also expanding his offensive repertoire to include consistent perimeter shooting and improved playmaking. Jack Maloney, also from CBS Sports, recently awarded Risacher high marks in his assessment of 2024 first-round picks, specifically commending his development and impact on the team’s recent winning streak. Risacher’s average points per game have risen from 11.5 to 17.8 during Young’s absence, coupled with an increase in defensive rebounds and blocks, underscoring his pivotal role in Atlanta’s surprising resurgence. The Hawks currently hold a 13-7 record, positioning them firmly within the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Thursday’s Sports Schedule Highlights

Today’s sports calendar features a diverse array of events across multiple leagues and competitions. The UEFA Women’s Champions League continues with multiple fixtures streaming throughout the day on Paramount+.

In college basketball, a significant men’s non-conference slate includes No. 1 Purdue hosting Memphis at 6 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, No. 14 St. John’s welcoming Bucknell at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, No. 15 Texas Tech battling Wake Forest at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, and No. 2 Houston facing Rider at 9 p.m. ET on TNT. On the women’s side, a marquee matchup sees No. 19 Iowa taking on No. 7 Baylor at 9 p.m. ET.

Thursday Night Football presents an AFC showdown as the Houston Texans host the Buffalo Bills at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video, a critical contest with significant playoff implications for both teams. The NBA features the surging Atlanta Hawks visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 8 p.m. ET on NBA TV. Hockey fans can catch the Edmonton Oilers at the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 p.m. ET on Hulu, followed by the Los Angeles Kings facing the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET, also on Hulu. In college football, Louisiana travels to Arkansas State for a Sun Belt Conference clash at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.