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Broncos turn to backup QB for AFC championship game. Who is it?

Sport 2 Mins Read

The Denver Broncos return to the AFC championship game for the first time in 10 years in an exceedingly difficult spot.

Starting quarterback Bo Nix will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken bone in his ankle in Saturday’s divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills, Broncos coach Sean Payton announced.

That leaves Jarrett Stidham to take the reins to the Broncos’ offense for the tilt against either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans with a trip to Super Bowl 60 on the line.

Here’s what we know about the outlook for Stidham and the Broncos:

Who is Jarrett Stidham?

A seventh-year veteran, Stidham is about to command a spotlight far more intense than he’s ever experienced.

The 2019 fourth-round pick out of Auburn began his NFL career as Tom Brady’s backup on the Patriots. His chance to become Brady’s successor never fully materialized, however, and he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.

All four starts in Stidham’s career came as teams were pivoting away from marquee veteran passers. First, he stepped in for the final two games of the Raiders’ 2022 season when Derek Carr was benched. Then, he did the same for the Broncos in 2023 as Payton and Co. sat Russell Wilson.

But even with Denver bringing on Bo Nix the following year to step in as the starter, Stidham hung around as a trusted backup for Payton. In March, Stidham re-signed to the team on a two-year, $12 million deal that included $7 million guaranteed.

“We’re excited Jarrett’s back,” Payton said at the NFL league meetings this spring. “He brings a veteran presence, but also a young presence about him. And I know how he feels about his own abilities. … I think the experience from Jarrett is helpful to Bo.”

Jarrett Stidham stats

  • Completions: 117
  • Passing attempts: 197
  • Completion percentage: 59.4%
  • Passing yards: 1,422
  • Touchdown passes: 8
  • Interceptions: 8

Broncos QB depth chart

  • Bo Nix
  • Jarrett Stidham
  • Sam Ehlinger
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Sport

NFL playoff picks: Will Rams knock off Bears on Sunday night?

Sport 2 Mins Read

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is regarded as the best weekend of the season by some fans. Four games over two days, two of them including the regular season’s best teams − insomuch as one might regard the No. 1 postseason seeds as the best squads.

Saturday, the Denver Broncos, the top seed in the AFC, will host the Buffalo Bills in a rematch from the 2024 wild-card round − Josh Allen and Co. cruising best then-rookie Bo Nix and the Broncos 31-7. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks will meet for the third time (and second in three weeks) − the ‘Hawks returning to action at Lumen Field following their bye.

Sunday afternoon, the New England Patriots will try to advance to their first AFC championship game in seven years − by beating a red-hot Houston Texans squad hoping to get that for for the first time. Ever. The final matchup of the weekend quartet will pair the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears, who will square off in the postseason for the first time in 40 years − since the legendary ’85 Bears shut out the Rams at Soldier Field.

Which teams will qualify for the NFL’s version of the Final Four? Our experts make their selections:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

Divisional round picks, predictions, odds

  • Bills at Broncos
  • 49ers at Seahawks
  • Texans at Patriots
  • Rams at Bears
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Anthony Edwards scores career-high 55, but Spurs beat Timberwolves

Sport 1 Min Read

Anthony Edwards produced a career-high night for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Still, it didn’t result in a successful outing as they suffered a 126-123 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on the road.

Edwards reached 54 points after nailing a 3-point shot in the corner to make it a one-point game with 9.8 seconds left in regulation. He added one more free throw and finished the game with 55 points, a new career high.

The Timberwolves star scored 26 points in the fourth quarter after scoring 29 points through the first three quarters of play.

Victor Wembanyama led the way for the Spurs with 39 points.

Anthony Edwards stats vs. San Antonio Spurs

  • Points: 55
  • FG: 19-for-33
  • 3PT: 9-for-16
  • Free Throws: 8-for-10
  • Rebounds: 4
  • Assists: 3
  • Steals: 0
  • Blocks: 0
  • Turnovers: 2
  • Fouls: 4
  • Minutes: 40

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves vs. Spurs highlights

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Investing

Harvest Gold

Investing 7 Mins Read

Investment Insight

Harvest Gold offers investors a compelling opportunity to participate in early-stage exploration within Quebec’s prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt – home to some of Canada’s richest gold deposits – through three strategically located and 100 percent owned properties, with a flagship asset positioned for significant discovery upside.

Overview

Harvest Gold (TSXV:HVG)is a Canadian junior exploration company advancing a portfolio of three 100 percent owned gold projects – Mosseau, Urban Barry and LaBelle – located within Quebec’s world-renowned Abitibi Greenstone Belt. With more than 200 million ounces of historical gold production, the Abitibi is one of the most productive gold regions globally. Harvest Gold’s properties are strategically positioned within and adjacent to the Urban Barry Greenstone Belt, an emerging gold camp that has attracted sustained interest from major mining companies.

The Urban Barry Belt hosts several high-grade, multi-million-ounce deposits, including the Windfall deposit, developed by Osisko Mining and now owned by Gold Fields, as well as Bonterra’s Gladiator and Barry deposits. As consolidation by major producers continues across the belt, Harvest Gold controls three of the few remaining independent, district-scale land packages. With excellent road access, nearby infrastructure and newly exposed bedrock from recent forest fires, the company’s properties offer exceptional discovery potential.

Harvest Gold’s strategy is underpinned by a highly experienced management and technical team. CEO Rick Mark brings over 30 years of leadership in public resource companies, having guided his 2000’s group of four companies to peak valuations of approximately C$200 million. The technical team includes Louis Martin, a two-time AEMQ “Discovery of the Year” award winner, and Warren Bates, former VP exploration at Pelangio Exploration and part of the Blackwater discovery team. Together, the team brings deep expertise in structural geology, Abitibi-focused exploration, and discovery-driven value creation.

The company is supported by Crescat Capital, a respected institutional investor with a strong record of backing early-stage discoveries. Crescat’s involvement reflects the endorsement of its strategic advisor, Dr. Quinton Hennigh, who has highlighted the district-scale opportunity created by Harvest Gold’s land position along the Wilson Pluton–volcanic contact.

Company Highlights

  • Flagship Mousseau Project: Large-scale, advanced-stage exploration property with multiple confirmed gold-bearing shear zones.
  • Tier-one address: All projects located in Quebec’s Urban Barry Greenstone Belt where Gold Fields recently acquired Osisko Mining’s world-class Windfall deposit and much of the rest of the Urban Barry belt.
  • Institutional Backing: Crescat Capital, with renowned exploration geologist Dr. Quinton Hennigh, owns 19+ percent of Harvest Gold.
  • Skilled Technical Team: Leadership includes seasoned geologists and executives with proven discovery and development track records.
  • Favourable Jurisdiction: Operates in Quebec, a politically stable, mining-friendly province with excellent infrastructure and low exploration costs.
  • Strategic Timing: Harvest Gold has commenced its maiden drill program at Mosseau during a period of historically strong gold prices.

Key Projects

Mousseau Gold Project

The Mosseau Gold Project is Harvest Gold’s flagship asset, comprising approximately 195 claims covering about 9,740 hectares in the northern Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Quebec. Located roughly 15 kilometres east of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, the project benefits from year-round road access and established regional infrastructure. The property is bordered to the north by Gold Fields and Cartier Resources and lies near a large claim block staked by noted prospector Shawn Ryan, placing Mosseau within an active and highly prospective exploration corridor.

Geologically, Mosseau straddles two major structural corridors: the Morono Shear Zone and the Kiask River Fault Zone. These structures host classic shear-related gold mineralization, characterized by multiple stacked quartz–sericite shear zones ranging from less than one metre to more than 30 metres in width, with demonstrated continuity along strike and at depth. To date, 49 significant surface gold showings have been identified, along with a historical, non–NI 43-101 compliant gold resource at the Morono Zone.

In 2024, Harvest Gold completed a high-resolution airborne magnetic survey over the entire Mosseau property. This modern dataset identified previously unrecognized structures and magnetic domains, significantly refining drill targeting. Follow-up mapping, prospecting, and soil geochemistry—greatly enhanced by new bedrock exposure from the 2023 forest fires—outlined multiple high-priority targets along both the Morono and Kiask River structural corridors.

In 2025, Harvest Gold commenced its maiden diamond drill program at Mosseau, targeting priority zones in the Northern and Central areas of the property. Results from the first six drill holes confirmed the discovery of a new, previously untested mineralized horizon approximately 100 metres east of the Trench 1B showing. This newly identified horizon is associated with a moderate induced polarization anomaly that can be traced for approximately 600 metres along strike and remains open.

Recent drilling highlights include:

  • 1.90 g/t gold over 5.4 metres, including 8.67 g/t gold over 0.6 metres
  • 1.10 g/t gold over 6.0 metres, including 2.02 g/t gold over 1.5 metres
  • Higher-grade gold associated with semi-massive sulphides containing elevated silver and base metals (copper, zinc, lead)

Fourteen drill holes totaling 3,030 metres have now been completed, representing approximately 60 percent of the planned 5,000-metre program. Drilling is ongoing, with results continuing to demonstrate the scale, continuity, and polymetallic character of the Mosseau system.

With its district-scale footprint, proven gold endowment, improving geological model, and active drilling success, the Mosseau Project is well positioned to evolve into a significant discovery with strong potential to attract strategic partners or acquirers.

Urban Barry Property

Acquired from EGR Exploration, the Urban Barry property comprises 6,879 hectares located west of the Osisko/Gold Fields Windfall property. The project spans 20 km of favorable strike length and sits along the southern margin of the Urban Barry Greenstone Belt.

Key advantages:

  • Analogous geological setting to Windfall and Gladiator
  • Road-accessible with mapped deformation zones and quartz-vein hosted gold indicators
  • 2024 magnetic surveys and fieldwork completed; drilling strategy is in development

LaBelle Project

Staked in 2024, LaBelle covers 3,394 hectares and represents a 9 km southeast extension of the Kiask River Fault. It mirrors the geological setting of Mousseau, with similar NW-SE oriented shear zones and structural contacts between the Wilson Pluton and volcanic sequences.

Though early-stage, LaBelle offers:

  • District-scale exploration potential
  • Proximity to Harvest’s other assets for operational synergy
  • Favorable structural and lithological environment

Management Team

Rick Mark – President, CEO and Chair

With more than 40 years of leadership in public resource companies, Rick Mark previously helmed VMS Ventures, North American Nickel and Pancontinental Uranium, each achieving peak valuations of C$200 million.

Louis Martin – Senior Technical Advisor, Quebec Exploration

A Quebec-focused geological consultant with more than 40 years of experience, Louis Martin is the former VP of exploration at Clifton Star Mining, where he led the team developing the Duparquet deposit. He is a multiple-time recipient of the AEMQ “Discovery of the Year” award.

Pat Donnelly – Independent Director

Recently VP capital markets at Tutor Gold, Pat Donnelly is a former co-founder and president of First Mining Gold, where he executed eight M&A deals growing the company’s market cap from $30 million to $600 million.

Len Brownlie – Independent Director

Len Brownlie brings more than 30 years of executive leadership in mining exploration. He is the former president of Goldrush Resources and director of First Silver Reserve.

Christopher Cherry – CFO and Director

Christopher Cherry has more than 15 years of experience in corporate accounting and audit for public companies. He oversees Harvest Gold’s financial strategy and compliance.

Ed Zablotny – Independent Director

Ed Zablotny boasts over 35 years in venture capital markets with expertise in trading, credit and regulatory compliance.

Warren Bates – Geological Team

Warren Bates is a veteran geologist with 30+ years in gold and base metals exploration. He is the former VP of exploration at Pelangio Exploration and part of the Blackwater deposit discovery team.

Henry Awmack – Geological Team

Henry Awmack is the co-founder of Equity Exploration Consultants, with over 40 years of exploration experience. He was notably involved in early work on the Cobre Panama copper-gold deposit.

Neil Richardson – Geological Team

Neil Richardson is a geological consultant and the VP Explorations for Hudbay Minerals. He led the team behind the discovery and development of the Reed Mine while at VMS Ventures.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Tech Weekly: Chip Stocks Soar on Taiwan Semiconductor Earnings

Investing 4 Mins Read

We also break down next week’s catalysts to watch to help you prepare for the week ahead.

In this article:

    This week’s tech sector performance

    Tech stocks experienced sharp swings this week, starting on relatively firm footing before a broad selloff midway through the period gave way to a late rebound in semiconductor companies.

    A Sunday (January 11) statement from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell put pressure on US stocks ahead of Monday’s (January 12) open, with ‘sell America’ sentiment prevalent among investors. Powell’s comments centered on a Department of Justice criminal probe into his testimony about Fed building renovations.

    Financial and payment companies, including major credit card issuers, also sold off at that time following political pressure for a cap on credit card interest rates. However, the overall reaction was muted during Monday’s trading session, with some early dips recovering fully, and indexes closing at record highs.

    Rotation continued to be a major theme this week, with money moving out of some mega-cap tech names and into chip stocks, small-cap companies and resource plays. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) (NASDAQ:AMD) rallied early on after being upgraded to “overweight” by KeyBanc Capital Markets on Tuesday (January 13). Citigroup (NYSE:C) also lifted its Intel rating to “neutral” from “sell.”

    Wednesday (January 14) brought heavy selling in tech stocks, with high-flying growth names seeing losses; however, Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) losses were comparatively mild.

    Chipmakers were the bright spot, with the real catalyst coming on Thursday (January 15) after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (NYSE:TSM) blowout quarterly results triggered a rally across chipmakers and chip equipment stocks, including Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO), Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), AMD and ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML), which hit a US$500 billion market cap on Thursday.

    This performance helped stabilize the broader tech space, although caution lingered.

    3 tech stocks moving markets this week

    1. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM)

    As mentioned, Taiwan Semiconductor reported blowout Q4 results and upbeat guidance on Thursday, fueled by relentless artificial intelligence (AI) demand. Revenue jumped 36 percent year-on-year, with management projecting 20 to 25 percent growth in 2026. Shares climbed 5.8 percent on the week.

    2. Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT)

    Applied Materials gained 8.56 percent amid the broader semiconductor equipment surge.

    The company’s high-bandwidth memory revenues hit US$1.5 billion in its 2025 fiscal year. This new growth engine is tied directly to NVIDIA’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) GPU roadmap.

    3. KLA (NASDAQ:KLAC)

    KLA, a key supplier of process control equipment to chip fabricators, rode the Taiwan Semiconductor tailwind, rising 11.99 percent for the week as investors bet on sustained CAPEX from foundries.

    Taiwan Semiconductor, Applied Materials and KLA performance, January 12 to 16, 2025.

    Chart via Google Finance.

    Top tech news of the week

                Tech ETF performance

                Tech exchange-traded funds (ETFs) track baskets of major tech stocks, meaning their performance helps investors gauge the overall performance of the niches they cover.

                This week, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) advanced by 5.04 percent, while the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) saw a gain of 4.89 percent.

                The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) also increased by 3.76 percent.

                Tech news to watch next week

                Next week brings a packed slate of catalysts that could shape tech sentiment.

                Intel is set to report its Q4 earnings on January 22. Recent upgrades have the stock at 52 week highs, but investors will probe foundry progress and AI revenue traction for proof of a sustained turnaround.

                Davos starts on January 19, with AI and energy infrastructure front and center. Global leaders and tech executives will tackle data center power crunches and supply chain frictions, with potential hints on tariff policies.

                The US Supreme Court is due to deliver rulings on the morning of January 21, including challenges to Trump’s global tariffs, while the House Financial Services Committee will hold a markup on the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), with a floor vote possible soon.

                Key economic releases include retail sales on January 20, flash purchasing managers’ indexes and jobless claims on January 22 and existing home sales on January 23. These will test the soft landing narrative.

                Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

                This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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                Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: Homeland Nickel Gains 132 Percent

                Investing 11 Mins Read

                The Government of Ontario, Canada, announced on Tuesday (January 13) that it was accelerating permitting and development on Canada Nickel Company’s (TSXV:CNC,OTCQX:CNIKF) Crawford nickel project near Timmins, as part of its “One Project, One Process” framework.

                The designation will help the project attract C$5 billion in investment funding to develop the mine and a nickel processing plant that will provide materials for the stainless steel and electric vehicle markets.

                Once complete, the mine will create 1,300 jobs and support an additional 3,000 workers throughout the community and supply chain.

                On the international stage, Canadian representatives, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, travelled to China this week for a four-day visit in hopes of improving relations between the two countries.

                Among the results of the visit was a softening of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles entering Canada. Under the new terms, Chinese companies will be allowed to sell up to 49,000 automobiles per year in Canada at a 6.1 percent tariff. In exchange, China has loosened its tariffs on Canadian canola to 15 percent, and removed all tariffs on canola meal, lobsters, crab and peas.

                Additionally, the Canadian government announced on Friday (January 16) that it had reaffirmed a memorandum of understanding with China’s National Energy Administration. The MoU sees both countries strengthen cooperation over energy initiatives and advance dialogue over the energy transition; conventional, clean and nuclear energy; and uranium resources.

                South of the border, on Sunday (January 11) US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell issued a rare statement on his relationship with the Trump administration when he revealed that he had received subpoenas from the Department of Justice.

                According to his remarks, US Attorney and Trump appointee Jeanine Pirro had opened an investigation into Powell’s oversight of the Federal Reserve’s building renovation project.

                Although no charges have been laid, the investigation illustrates a deepening rift between the Fed Chairman and the Trump administration. Powell said he believes the investigation is related to the administration’s frustration over what it claims is a slow pace of interest rate cuts.

                The president has previously stated his desire to replace Powell as the Fed’s chair, but because the Fed is independent, he can only do so with the support of Congress. While Powell’s term as chairman ends in May, his term as a Fed governor doesn’t end until January 2028, which may stymie Trump’s plan to gain greater control over the agency and its policy direction.

                For more on what’s moving markets this week, check out our top market news round-up.

                Markets and commodities react

                Canadian equity markets were on the rise this week.

                The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) gained 1.8 percent over the week to close Friday at 33,040.55, while the S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared even better, rising 4.28 percent to 1,091.13. The CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) also gained ground, rising 2.61 percent to close at 188.29.

                The gold price continued to trade at all-time highs this week, reaching US$4,639 per ounce amid heightened tensions in the Middle East over protests in Iran and as the US contemplated military involvement. Overall, it gained 2.32 percent during the week, closing the week at US$4,582.81 per ounce on Friday at 4:00 p.m. EST.

                The silver price performed even stronger, trading above US$93 per ounce on Wednesday at new highs. Although the price pulled back slightly by the end of the week, it still posted a weekly gain of 16.08 percent, closing Friday at US$89.36.

                In base metals, the Comex copper price recorded a 2 percent drop this week to US$5.88.

                The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) rose 1.45 percent to end Friday at 562.91.

                Top Canadian mining stocks this week

                How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

                Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.

                Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market caps greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.

                1. Homeland Nickel (TSXV:SHL)

                Weekly gain: 135.71 percent
                Market cap: C$65.57 million
                Share price: C$0.33

                Homeland Nickel has a portfolio of nickel projects in Oregon, US: Red Flat, Cleopatra, Eight Dollar Mountain and Shamrock.

                In addition, the company holds investments in mining companies with nickel projects, including Benton Resources (TSXV:BEX,OTCPL:BNTRF), Canada Nickel Company and Noble Mineral Exploration (TSXV:NOB,OTCQB:NLPXF).

                Shares in Homeland surged this week following news on Tuesday that Canada Nickel’s Crawford project in Ontario was selected for the province’s “One Project, One Process” review framework, which will allow for an accelerated timetable for permitting and development of the asset.

                Canada Nickel is Homeland’s top investment, holding 742,095 shares valued at C$1.08 million.

                Homeland did not release news of its own this week, but its share price has also been supported by rising nickel prices, which climbed from a low of US$14,255 per metric ton in the middle of December to as high as US$18,785 on Wednesday.

                2. Eskay Mining (TSXV:ESK)

                Weekly gain: 89.66 percent
                Market cap: C$108.21 million
                Share price: C$0.55

                Eskay Mining is an exploration company advancing its namesake project in the Golden Triangle region of British Columbia, Canada.

                The property located in the province’s northwest sits on a land package of 130,000 acres, and hosts several gold and silver volcanogenic massive sulfide and magmatic nickel, copper and platinum group metals targets.

                Final assay results from its summer 2025 sampling program at the site were released on November 7. The company said the batch consisted of 121 rock chip and channel samples, with 11 returning grades over 20 g/t gold and 31 with grades over 1 g/t.

                At the time, the company said mineralization bears similarities to discoveries at Goliath Resources’ (TSXV:GOT,OTCQB:GOTRF) Surebet and Juggernaut Exploration’s (TSXV:JUGR,OTCPL:JUGRF) Big One projects. Eskay added that it can see a path to a maiden drill program in 2026.

                The most recent news from Eskay came on Monday when it announced that Clinton Smyth had been hired as the company’s chief geologist for its 2026 exploration program. Smyth has spent 25 years in the industry working for Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:NGLOY) and Minorco.

                3. Batero Gold (TSXV:BAT)

                Weekly gain: 86.36 percent
                Market cap: C$23.61 million
                Share price: C$0.205

                Batero Gold is an exploration company focused on advancing its Quinchia project in the Department of Risaralda, Colombia.

                The property is composed of one tenement covering 1,407 hectares, with an additional 155 hectare concession under application. A September 2022 mineral resource estimate was included in its management discussion and analysis for the year ending August 2025.

                Across three zones, the project’s La Cumbre deposit hosts a contained measured and indicated resource of 2.2 million ounces of gold and 6.43 million ounces of silver from 51.73 million metric tons of ore with average grades of 0.5 g/t gold and 1.47 g/t silver.

                The company has not released news in the past week, but its share price has surged amid significant gains in precious metals prices since the start of 2026.

                4. Auric Minerals (CSE:AUMC)

                Weekly gain: 82.14 percent
                Market cap: C$11.22 million
                Share price: C$0.51

                Auric Minerals is a uranium exploration company focused on its Route 500 and Bub properties in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

                The projects are both located in Labrador’s Central Mineral Belt, with Route 500 consisting of 441 mineral claims across 11,025 hectares and Bub consisting of 318 claims across 7,949 hectares.

                The more advanced Route 500 project hosts surface showings with high-grade uranium mineralization, while Bub includes strong radiometric anomalies covering 30 square kilometers and 20 square kilometers.

                Auric announced on December 31 that it had acquired a 100 percent interest in the English Lake, Otter Lake and Kan projects, all located in Labrador, in exchange for 22 million common shares at C$0.315 per share, 8 million warrants, cash payments of C$32,000 and a 2.5 percent net smelter return.

                According to the same release, the company also amended its option agreements for the Route 500, Bub and Portage properties deal to waive its additional obligations, including future cash payments, share issuances, and exploration expenditures, in exchange for 500,000 shares to each of the optioners for a total of 1.5 million shares.

                On January 8, Auric officially acquired 100 percent of the three properties after issuing the shares.

                5. Patagonia Gold (TSXV:PGDC)

                Weekly gain: 80.22 percent
                Market cap: C$432.5 million
                Share price: C$0.82

                Patagonia Gold is a precious metals production and development company primarily focused on advancing its Cap-Oeste and Calcatreu underground projects in Argentina.

                Located in Santa Cruz province, Cap-Oeste hosted open-pit mining operations until 2018. While Patagonia is working on the exploration and development of the underground resource at the site, it has been able to recover gold and silver from residual leaching on site.

                According to the company’s website, a 2018 mineral resource estimate for Cap-Oeste reported measured and indicated values of 704,300 ounces of gold and 21.43 million ounces of silver from 10.56 million metric tons of ore with average grades of 2.07 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold and 63.2 g/t silver.

                Its Calcatreu project, located in the Rio Negro province, is currently under construction. Calcatreu hosts a measured and indicated resource of 669,000 ounces of gold and 6.28 million ounces of silver from 9.84 million metric tons of ore, with average grades of 2.11 g/t gold and 19.8 g/t silver.

                The most recent news from the company came on Thursday when it provided an update on construction activities at Calcatreu, which it has resumed following a holiday break.

                In the announcement, Patagonia said it has extracted and stockpiled 40,000 metric tons of mineralized material from the Veta 49 pit. Of the material, the company said that 5,200 metric tons are expected to be stacked on the leach pad following electric leak detection tests later in January.

                Additionally, Patagonia expects the carbon-in-column circuit construction will also be completed in January. After stockpiled material begins being leached and processed, the metal doré product will be sent to Canada to be refined in Ontario.

                Patagonia expects to release an updated technical report for the project during the second quarter of the year.

                FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

                What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

                The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.

                How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?

                As of May 2025, there were 1,565 companies listed on the TSXV, 910 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,899 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.

                Together, the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.

                How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

                There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.

                The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.

                These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.

                How do you trade on the TSXV?

                Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.

                Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

                Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

                Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

                This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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                Editor’s Picks: Gold Price Breaks US$4,600, Silver Tops US$93 in Record-Setting Week

                Investing 4 Mins Read

                Gold and silver are wrapping up yet another record-setting week that’s seen economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions combine to push prices upward.

                The yellow metal moved decisively through US$4,600 per ounce on Monday (January 12), trading above that level for a decent amount of the week.

                For its part, silver reached what’s perhaps an even more impressive price milestone, surging past US$90 per ounce and breaking US$93 on Wednesday (January 14).

                At this point, there’s a very long list of factors providing support for the precious metals, and we don’t have time to touch on all of them today. Instead let’s take a look at a few that have been making headlines over the past week or so and break them down.

                First, there’s the latest news in the clash between US President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. On Sunday (January 11), Powell said that two days earlier, the Department of Justice had served the Fed with grand jury subpoenas threatening a criminal indictment.

                I had the chance to speak with Mario Innecco, who runs the @maneco64 channel on YouTube, not long after Powell’s statement — here’s how he summed it up:

                ‘They’ve subpoenaed documents, and it’s supposed to be related to the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters in Washington, DC. But Jay Powell came out and said it’s not, it’s basically because they want him to cut rates.

                ‘And he’s probably right. I think they’re using any kind of, let’s say tricks, to try to get rid of him, because I think the administration, even though they talk about how the economy is doing so great, they are desperate.’

                Trump himself has said he had no knowledge of the investigation, and has also asserted that he’s not interested in firing Powell, whose term as Fed chair wraps up in May.

                Nevertheless, the situation has reignited concerns about Fed independence, and has provided support for gold and silver, which tend to fare better when rates are lower. The next Fed chair, who has not yet been appointed, is widely expected to fall in line with Trump.

                In addition to that, geopolitical tensions have remained high. Venezuela is still in the spotlight after its former president was removed by the US last week, and this week Trump warned that the US would intervene in Iran if its executions of anti-government protesters did not stop.

                Iran responded by saying it would strike US bases if that happened.

                Those events and others are boosting safe-haven demand for gold, as well as silver, but I want to hone in on a couple more points on the silver side that I think are worth looking at.

                One of those is the news that the US plans to hold off on new critical minerals tariffs after receiving the results of a Section 232 investigation launched last year.

                While a presidential proclamation states that imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products do constitute a national security risk for the US, the country will first take steps such as negotiating supply agreements with other nations.

                Silver was recently designated a critical mineral in the US, and some market watchers believe this news out of the US was responsible for a midweek price dip for the white metal. However, others continue to highlight silver’s deeper underlying drivers.

                I heard recently from Andy Schectman of Miles Franklin, who emphasized that a key element supporting silver right now is the fact that more and more entities are standing for physical delivery.

                Here’s how he explained what he’s seeing:

                ‘For years I’ve been saying … that the most well-informed, well-funded traders — and I’ll highlight well informed, that being the central banks — have been standing for delivery since 2020. Very unusual, because really no one ever stood for delivery. And this started to accelerate. But all along, the US was not part of this game. We were seeing it in the Global South with the BRICs. And now all of a sudden we are seeing the most well-informed traders in North America stand for delivery in massive amounts.’

                Gold ended the week just below US$4,600, while silver was slightly above US$90.

                Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

                This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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                Investing

                SAGA Metals Announces Additional Assay Results from Drilling at Trapper North, Confirming High-Grade Mineralization at Radar Critical Minerals Project in Labrador

                Investing 11 Mins Read

                Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA,OTC:SAGMF) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to announce the assay results for two (2) additional diamond drill holes (R-0010 and R-0011) from the Company’s Q4 2025 Phase of the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) drill program in Trapper North at the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project, located near the port of Cartwright in Labrador, Canada.

                Trapper North Assay Highlights

                • Analytical results have now been obtained for all four (4) diamond drill holes in Trapper North Zone and constitute four (4) of eight (8) drill holes completed during the Q4 2025 Phase of the MRE drill program.
                • Analytical results to-date include numerous oxide-rich intercepts, including:
                  • R-0010: 135.50 m grading 50.03% Fe₂O₃, 7.87% TiO₂, and 0.352% V₂O₅.
                  • R-0011: 95.15 m grading 39.49% Fe₂O₃, 6.49% TiO₂, and 0.220% V₂O₅.
                  • R-0009: 87.20 m grading 50.67% Fe₂O₃, 10.15% TiO₂, 0.339% V₂O₅
                  • R-0008: 67.60 m grading 46.15% Fe₂O₃, 9.21% TiO₂, 0.311% V₂O₅
                • TiO₂ strength:
                  • 42.6% of samples > 7% TiO₂ (700 samples majority of which are 2 m)
                • V₂O₅ strength:
                  • 53.7% of samples > 0.2% V₂O₅ (700 samples majority of which are 2 m)
                • Continued consistency and increase in overall oxide concentration in Trapper Vs Hawkeye.

                Assay Results from R-0010 and R-0011

                • Hole R-0010 (collared at the same location as R-0009 but oriented at 0° azimuth for true width assessment): Intercepted 135.5 meters (from 1.5 m to 137 m) grading 50.028% Fe₂O₃, 7.872% TiO₂, and 0.352% V₂O₅.
                • Hole R-0011 (100-meter step-out along strike from R-0009 and R-0010): Intercepted 95.15 meters (from 58.1 m to 153 m) grading 39.49% Fe₂O₃, 6.49% TiO₂, and 0.22% V₂O₅. Additionally, this hole also encountered a 22-meter interval of rhythmically banded oxide, suggesting more persistent layering occurs away from the concentrated mass in the fold nose.

                For comparison with the rest of Trapper North, the following table summarizes key intercepts from all four drill holes completed in Q4 2025.

                Description DDH FROM TO Length Fe2O3 TiO2 V205
                  ID m m m % % %
                High V2O5 Layer R-0008 37.76 117.72 79.96 45.63 8.40 0.33
                High TiO2 Layer R-0008 170 237.6 68.26 46.15 9.21 0.31
                TiO2 Layer R-0008 237.6 266.57 28.98 40.45 7.02 0.29
                High TiO2 Layer R-0009 2.53 66 63.47 44.26 9.02 0.25
                High V2O5 Layer (A) R-0009 94 181.2 87.20 50.67 10.15 0.34
                High V2O5 Layer (B) R-0009 196.11 216.4 20.29 49.12 8.67 0.37
                North Fold Section R-0010 1.5 137 135.5 50.03 7.87 0.35
                North Fold Section R-0011 58.1 153.3 95.15 39.49 6.49 0.22

                Table 1: Assay results and composites of R-0008, -0009, -0010 and -0011 from Trapper North.

                Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of Saga Metals, commented: ‘The successful assay results from all four drill holes at Trapper North mark a significant milestone for the Radar Project. These latest intercepts from R-0010 and R-0011 confirm the continuity of high-grade mineralization along the northern limb. This structurally related increase in thickness boosts Trapper as a standout zone with tremendous potential for titanium, vanadium, and iron mineral resources, advancing our goal of establishing a strategic North American supply of critical minerals.’

                Figure 1-3 below outline all four drill holes in Trapper North with the corresponding intercepts at different viewing angles for a complete, accurate picture of the subsurface geometry:

                Figure 1: Cross-Section BB looking West showing R-0008, -0009, and -0010 highlighting high-grade intercepts with the 3D Magnetic Inversion of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey. For the full set of R-0008 & R-0009 assays see Figure 3 cross-section N-11.

                Figure 2: Cross-Section AA looking West showing R-0008, -0009, and -0011 highlighting high-grade intercepts with the 3D Magnetic Inversion of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey. For the full set of R-0008 & R-0009 assays see Figure 3 cross-section N-11.

                Figure 3: Cross-Section N-11 looking Northwest showing R-0008, -0009, -0010 and -0011 highlighting high-grade intercepts in holes R-0008 & -0009 with the 3D Magnetic Inversion of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey. For the assays of R-0010 & R-0011 see Figures 1 & 2 Sections BB & AA.

                Trapper North Drill Hole Details and Geological Insights

                Hole R-0010 was collared at the same location as R-0009 but re-oriented to a 0-degree azimuth (compared to the standard 38 degrees) in order to test the northern limb of the Trapper North Fold. Both holes maintained a -45-degree dip. This allowed the team to drill directly through the anomaly and oxide layering at an optimal angle, enabling precise correlation of structural data between R-0009 and R-0010 while clearly defining the northern contact and limits of the oxide layer.

                Hole R-0011, drilled as a 100-meter step-out along strike from R-0009 and R-0010, successfully tracked the continuation of the semi-massive oxide layer that is particularly abundant through the nose of the fold. Notably, it also intercepted a 22-meter interval of rhythmically banded oxide. This zone provides an outstanding window into the deposit, featuring exceptionally high VTM content.

                Additionally, deeper oxide layering in R-0011, appeared to shallow toward the northeast—an intriguing observation that could indicate a potential at-depth connection between the Trapper and Hawkeye zones, further supporting the theory that this section of the property is one large lopolith. While this remains theoretical at present, the team intends to test the concept with future drilling once additional data increases confidence in its likelihood.

                Mineral Resource Estimate Focus

                The drilling in Q4 2025 at Trapper North forms part of the Company’s broader strategy to advance toward a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the Radar Project. The economic target is the large, continuous sections of oxide mineralization (semi-massive to massive VTM and ilmenite layers) that demonstrate consistent and exceptional grades in titanium, vanadium, and iron—critical minerals for North American supply security needed in defense, aerospace, renewable energy, and steel production.

                Drilling these extensive oxide zones provides essential data on grade, thickness, continuity, and geometry, enabling the definition of a robust resource. The exceptional results from Trapper North validate the priority of targeting these enriched structural features. The rhythmic banding seen in drill hole R-0011 and in Trapper South to-date adds to the overall consistency and exceptional mineralization across the entire Trapper Zone. These elements inform the ongoing 2026 drill campaign, designed to systematically grid and delineate these zones across the Trapper Zone for increased resource confidence.

                Next Steps at the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project

                Personnel are expected to arrive in Cartwright, Labrador, today, and drilling will commence shortly thereafter.

                The initial focus for the 2026 Radar Project drill program will be in the southern section of the Trapper Zone, also known as ‘Trapper South.’ SAGA’s geological team and Gladiator’s drill crews will take advantage of the extensive trail network created in the summer of 2025, allowing for an easy traverse for snowmobiles and the excavator used to move the drill. Drilling will begin at the southeastern extent of Trapper South, targeting approximately 30 holes (7,500 m). The program will then advance hole by hole back toward Trapper North, positioning the team to complete the remainder of the MRE drill campaign by spring.

                Figure 4: Trapper Zone map outlining location of the initial 2026 focus for remainder of the MRE drill program to be completed in 2026  showing the TMI of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey Drilling will commence in Trapper Zone and move to Trapper North.

                About Radar Property

                The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex (~160 km²), a unique position among Western explorers. Geological mapping, geophysics, and trenching have already confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, with mineralization open for expansion.

                Figure 5: Radar Property map, depicting magnetic anomalies, oxide layering and the site of the 2025 drill programs. The Property is well serviced by road access and is conveniently located near the town of Cartwright, Labrador. A compilation of historical aeromagnetic anomalies is overlaid by ground-based geophysics, as shown.

                Vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’) mineralization at Radar is comparable to global Fe–Ti–V systems such as Panzhihua (China), Bushveld (South Africa), and Tellnes (Norway), positioning the Project as a potential strategic future supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets.

                Figure 6: Radar Project’s prospective oxide layering zone validated over ~16 km strike length through Fall 2025 drilling, as shown on a compilation of historical airborne geophysics as well as ground-based geophysics in the Hawkeye and Trapper zones completed by SAGA in the 2024/2025 field programs. SAGA has demonstrated the reliability of the regional airborne magnetic surveys after ground-truthing and drilling in the 2024 and 2025 field programs.

                Qualified Person

                Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo., is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.

                Technical Information

                Samples were cut by Company personnel at SAGA’s core facility in Cartwright, Labrador. Diamond drill core was sawed and then sampled intervals. The drill hole core diameter utilized was NQ.

                Core samples have been prepared and analyzed at the Impact Global Solutions (IGS) laboratory facility in Montreal, Quebec. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects, and pulps are kept and stored in a secure storage facility for future assay verification. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.

                About Saga Metals Corp.

                Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the North American transition to supply security. The Radar Ti-V-Fe Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km² on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including 4,250 m of drilling, has confirmed a large, mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) and ilmenite mineralization with strong grades of titanium and vanadium.

                The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares and features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U3O8. Uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

                Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Metals.

                With a portfolio spanning key commodities critical to the clean energy future, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in critical mineral security.

                On Behalf of the Board of Directors

                Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

                For more information, contact:

                Rob Guzman, Investor Relations
                Saga Metals Corp.
                Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638
                Email: rob@sagametals.com
                www.sagametals.com

                Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

                Cautionary Disclaimer
                This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s Radar Project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, particularly given the early-stage nature of the Company’s assets, and the risks detailed in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings with securities regulations from time to time, available under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

                A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
                https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fbcc9ec-44a3-43f1-a7d7-7dbec24f1040
                https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00fad501-cc58-48c0-b7aa-a89459811cc2
                https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae31ec17-733a-47f6-a9fd-6a2248f91f77
                https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c36b8a7-5fc7-4ec2-9c73-d8ca9e544560
                https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa283bb3-a0d0-44b9-a334-319bd3d1fcc5
                https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ee3ee38-298e-44ac-b8db-1fda53783226

                News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

                This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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                Deion Sanders following Curt Cignetti’s Indiana blueprint in portal

                Sport 7 Mins Read

                • Data shows Colorado coach Deion Sanders has altered his recruiting approach after a 3-9 season.
                • This new approach mirrors the one used by Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, who has led his team to the national championship game.
                • Unlike Cignetti, Sanders continues to rely heavily on the transfer portal instead of high school recruiting.

                In an effort to revive his football program after a 3-9 season last year, Colorado coach Deion Sanders has developed a new blueprint for success.

                It’s the same sort of blueprint that’s led Indiana to the national championship game against Miami on Jan. 19. It relates to recruiting new players and choosing “production over potential” when evaluating those recruits, even if it means recruiting players from the lower rungs of college football.  

                This year, Sanders has received commitments from 23 transfer players who previously played outside of the spotlight of the Power Four conferences, including at Albany, Monmouth, Lafayette, New Mexico State, North Dakota State, Sacramento State and San Jose State.  But they’re productive college players with the game film to prove it, which often can be a better strategy than taking a backup player with “potential” from a big-time team in the Power Four.

                “I know what I want,” Sanders said about recruiting recently on The Morning Run podcast. “I know how I want it. I know what we need and how we need it and the type of young man that we needed.”

                Deion Sanders’ new recruiting strategy

                Data compiled by USA TODAY Sports shows how Sanders has changed his recruiting approach this year as the transfer portal closes on Friday, Jan. 16. He has commitments from 35 transfer players, only 11 of whom are from other Power Four teams in the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC or SEC, plus one from Notre Dame. The rest are from lower levels of competition in the Group of Five conferences and the Football Bowl Subdivision (FCS).

                In Sanders’ three previous recruiting seasons, more than half of his transfer recruits came from Power Four teams.

                His new transfer recruits include former San Jose State receiver Danny Scudero, who led the nation in receiving yards per game in 2025 with 108.1.

                Players from lower levels like him are generally looking to play on a bigger stage where there’s also more money to be earned from name, image and likeness deals (NIL).

                By contrast, transfers from other Power Four often are looking for more playing time because they didn’t get it at their previous school. But the risk with taking players like that is that there was a reason they didn’t get that playing time at their previous school — because they weren’t good enough.

                Last year Sanders acknowledged he “missed” on a number of these recruits. Now he’s mirroring the approach taken last year by Indiana coach Curt Cignetti.

                “It is clearly influenced by what Curt Cignetti has done,” said former Penn State tight end Adam Breneman, co-founder The College Sports Company. “This is the smartest counter to the current portal economy. You are buying proven production, not betting on upside. FCS and Group of Five starters have already shown they can handle volume, pressure, and accountability, while Power Four backups are still projections.”

                How Deion Sanders’ strategy resembles Curt Cignetti’s

                In one respect, it was Cignetti who first copied Sanders in 2024 when he brought 13 players with him to Indiana from James Madison, where he previously coached outside the Power Four. A year earlier, Sanders brought nine scholarship players to Colorado with him from Jackson State, where Sanders previously coached in the FCS. That included his quarterback son Shedeur and two-way star Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2024.

                That foundation led both to success — a 9-4 record for Colorado in 2024 and two College Football Playoff berths for Indiana in 2024 and 2025. But Cignetti appeared to take it a step further. In 2024, 23 of the 30 transfer players he signed came from lower levels outside the Power Four, including from Old Dominion, Kent State and Austin Peay. One of them was former James Madison receiver Elijah Sarratt, who leads Indiana with 15 touchdown catches this season.

                That was Cignetti’s first year at Indiana, when he almost had to build his roster from scratch.

                “We signed 22 guys that all have been two- or three-year starters with consistent production,” he told reporters Jan. 12. “I knew we had flipped the roster.”

                In 2025, Cignetti signed nine out of 23 transfers from outside the Power Four.

                He said he was especially fond of a certain type of player: “Older, mature guys that played a lot of football.”

                ‘Production over potential’ for Deion Sanders

                Sanders is getting a number of those types of players this year, even some from the Power Four level. Texas starting wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. recently committed to joining Colorado. So did Vanderbilt safety Randon Fontenette, who started 24 games the past two seasons.

                But Sanders also mined the lower levels to a greater extent for players like Albany defensive lineman Balansama Kamara, who ranked first on his team last season with 7.5 sacks. Sanders’ new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion even is planning to bring four players with him from Sacramento State of the FCS, where Marion served as head coach last year.

                “The risk is fit and ceiling,” Breneman told USA TODAY Sports. “Not every productive lower-division player scales up the same way, especially physically and mentally. If your evaluation is lazy, you end up with a roster full of solid players but not enough difference-makers. Cignetti succeeds because he is elite at identifying which production translates. If others copy the idea without that eye, it will fail fast.”

                High school factor for Curt Cignetti, Deion Sanders

                Sanders’ strategy differs from Cignetti’s in one key respect — recruiting high school players. Cignetti has envisioned decreasing his volume of players from the transfer portal while high school recruiting builds up to replace it based on the success of his program. His transfer class has 17 commitments for 2026, down from his previous two seasons.

                “This year we’ll take a few less than we took last year, and we took a few less last year than we took the year before,” Cignetti said of the transfer portal.

                By contrast, Sanders has been a pioneer of flipping his roster with transfer players since his first season at Colorado in 2023. He still recruits so few high school players that it’s become an issue in the state. For 2026, he signed only 11. His strategy is based on the notion if the high school recruit isn’t good enough to play right away, why sign him when he’ll leave for more playing time somewhere else after sitting on the bench at Colorado?

                His incoming transfer class currently was ranked No. 18 by 247Sports, as of Jan. 16.  More than 30 scholarship players from 2025 are transferring out of Colorado at the same time, including star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and standout safety Tawfiq Byard.

                ‘We’re intentional,’ Deion Sanders says

                Some have questioned this approach after two losing seasons in three years.

                “We’ve got no continuity in the locker room,” former Colorado linebacker Chad Brown told USA TODAY Sports in November. “There’s no continuity on the coaching staff. And so how do you build something when it’s all restarting every single year?”

                Sanders hopes the answer this time is fewer “misses” and more “production over potential,” as seen by the way Cignetti built his program in just two years.

                “We’re intentional with everything we do,” Sanders said on the podcast.

                Meanwhile, the undefeated Hoosiers play for their first national title Monday night in Miami.

                Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

                (This story was updated to add new information.)

                This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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                Kings All-Star expected to return tonight as trade rumors ramp up

                Sport 2 Mins Read

                The Sacramento Kings could see the return of their All-Star power forward Jan. 16 in their Friday night game against the Washington Wizards.

                Kings forward Domantas Sabonis is officially listed as questionable on the NBA’s Injury Report, but the team expects that he will suit up and play against the Wizards, according to ESPN.

                Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, has missed the previous 27 games for the Kings with a partially torn meniscus.

                He only appeared in 11 games so far this season, averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds.

                In recent days, Sabonis was seen participating in shootaround during practices. Signs indicate he’ll rejoin the court with the Kings soon. And at a good time, too.

                Sacramento has been rolling on a three-game winning streak at home, knocking off the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.

                They’ll also get back Dennis Schroder, who missed that three-game stretch of wins after being suspended by the league for an altercation with Lakers’ star Luka Doncic after a Dec. 28 game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

                Sabonis trade market, contract status

                Sabonis, in his 10th NBA season and year five in Sacramento, could be on the trade market.

                Sabonis’ remaining contract includes three years and $136.3 million.

                He signed a four-year, $186 million contract extension with Sacramento as part of a renegotiation-and-extend on July 6, 2023.

                Domantas Sabonis highlights

                This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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