Boise State junior running back Ashton Jeanty made the obvious decision official Tuesday afternoon by declaring for the 2025 NFL draft.

In a graphic posted to Jeanty’s social media posts, he thanked the Boise State coaches and community, as well as friends and family, before saying straightforwardly: “I’m excited to announce I’m declaring for the 2025 NFL draft.”

“I want to thank Boise State and the coaches who recruited me and gave me a chance to show my greatness,” Jeanty wrote.

Jeanty’s decision to forego his senior year is no surprise. He put together one of the most impressive college seasons ever assembled by a running back in 2024, leading the nation in rushing yards (2,601) — nearly 900 yards more than the next-best player — and finishing second in rushing touchdowns (29) behind Army quarterback Bryson Daily (32).

Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards were the second-most in a single season in college football history. The junior finished just 27 yards from tying Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards, set in 1988 for Oklahoma State in what was a Heisman Trophy-winning season.

S.D. State’s Gronowski heads to Iowa

Mark Gronowski, the prolific quarterback who led South Dakota State to two FCS national championships and to the semifinals this season, announced on social media that he’ll play his final season at Iowa.

Gronowski had considered entering the NFL draft before visiting Iowa City last weekend. He immediately becomes the projected 2025 starter, even though the Hawkeyes return Brendan Sullivan, who said two weeks ago he welcomed the competition.

Gronowski threw for 2,719 yards and 23 touchdowns this season as the Jackrabbits went 12-3 with a loss to eventual national champion North Dakota State in the Football Championship Subdivision semifinals.

Judge says coach’s vax refusal firing valid

Washington State was justified in firing Nick Rolovich as head football coach because of his refusal to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements, a federal judge has ruled.

Rolovich sued the university following his dismissal midway through the 2021 season. He claimed that as a Catholic, he was exempted from the state’s vaccine mandate but his exemption request had been denied.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice ruled on Monday that Washington State could not accommodate Rolovich without undue hardship, including increased travel costs and hindered recruitment and fundraising efforts. The university also claimed damage to its reputation.

Rice also found no basis for Rolovich’s objection to the vaccine on religious grounds.

“(Rolovich) frequently expressed secular concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine to friends, family members and coworkers,” Rice wrote. “In the thousands of pages of discovery, Plaintiff does not invoke a religious objection to the vaccine.”

MLB

Source: Verlander, Giants have $15M deal

Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $15 million, one-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

It’s the latest big move by new Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey since he was hired in September to replace Farhan Zaidi.

San Francisco also signed free agent shortstop Willy Adames to a $182 million, seven-year contract in December.

This will be the 20th major league season for Verlander, a three-time AL Cy Young Award winner who turns 42 next month.

Buehler gets $21.05M with Boston Red Sox

Right-hander Walker Buehler is guaranteed $21.05 million in his one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox and can earn an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses based on starts.

Buehler gets a $3.05 million signing bonus under the agreement announced Dec. 28 and a $15 million salary this year. The deal includes a $25 million mutual option for 2026 with a $3 million buyout.

He would receive $500,000 each for 20 starts and each additional two through 28.

Buehler, a 30-year-old two-time All-Star, was on the mound when the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series last fall.

NBA

Griffin, Nowitzki to be Prime analysts

Taylor Rooks, Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki will be part of the Prime Video studio show when the streamer begins its coverage of the NBA next season.

Griffin, who retired in April after a 15-year playing career, was at the top of the list for everyone. NBC, which will return to doing NBA games when the 11-year media rights deal begins in October, and ESPN were also interested in him.

Nowitzki — a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team — will also be a first-time analyst. The 14-time All-Star selection and 2007 NBA Most Valuable Player played 21 seasons, all with the Dallas Mavericks, before retiring in 2019.

Rooks is a feature reporter on Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” coverage as well as being a host and reporter on Bleacher Report and TNT.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

No Triple Espresso at USWNT training camp

Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman, the trio nicknamed Triple Espresso, won’t report to the U.S. national team’s January training camp as all three continue to rest injuries.

United States coach Emma Hayes announced the 26 players set to attend the squad’s camp starting on Jan. 14 in Carson, Calif.

The roster includes just 11 players from the team that won the gold medal at last year’s Paris Olympics. Midfielder Rose Lavelle was left off following ankle surgery, as were the players currently with European teams, including captain Lindsey Horan and teenager Lily Yohannes.

Thirteen players on the roster have three or fewer appearances with the national team, including six players attending their first senior camp. All of the players are currently with National Women’s Soccer League clubs.

— From news services