Xaivian Lee could be Gators’ X-factor as SEC play opens, national title defense resumes

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 1/2 8:02A Edgar Thompson

GAINESVILLE — Florida shooting guard Xaivian Lee arrived from Princeton with a multi-million dollar sneaker deal, big shoes to fill and facing a considerable step up in competition. Lee stumbled early...

Heat again proving turning to Powell play gives them a man advantage; Herro remains out, Larsson...

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 1/2 7:56A Ira Winderman

MIAMI —The greatest hits keep coming from Norman Powell, as the validation of offseason trade theft continues for the Miami Heat. Acquired in the offseason from the Los Angeles Clippers at the low, low, low price (with all due respect) of Kevin...

UCF basketball opens Big 12 play by hosting No. 17 Kansas

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 1/2 7:33A Matt Murschel

UCF basketball is off to one of its best starts in program history, but the competition level is about to ramp up as the team kicks off Big 12 play on Saturday. The Knights (11-1, 0-0 Big 12) are set to host No. 17 Kansas (9-3, 0-0 Big 12) at...

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel offers thoughts on Troy Aikman helping GM search

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 1/2 5:21A Chris Perkins

MIAMI GARDENS —  Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was “in conversations” with team ownership involving the decision to have Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman assist in the search for the team’s next general manager. The big news for the...

Why are the Heat now thriving in the third? ‘Our coach is a maniac’

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 1/2 3:44A Ira Winderman

MIAMI — When the going wasn t good for the Miami Heat, when the losses were coming eight times in nine games, a sense of dread often coincided with the start of the second half. It was as if a previous rendition of the Heat was back, as if Erik...

ASK IRA: Has Heat’s Davion Mitchell unfairly gone overlooked?

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 1/1 11:05P Ira Winderman

Q: Ira, I vote Davion Mitchell for the Heat s best eight-point game of the season. That late steal was huge and his 11 assists went overlooked. I didn t like seeing Dru Smith having to sit out with his fifth foul, but I m glad Davion was in there...

ASK IRA: Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development?

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 11:05P Ira Winderman

Q: Ira, we can t afford to not be playing Kasparas Jackucionis, no matter who is back. You develop by playing. – Greg. A: No, you develop by developing, which can be done in practice or the G League. What you don t want is for such a player to...

Who has the edge? Dolphins at Patriots, in season finale

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 10:43A David Furones

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (7-9) and New England Patriots (13-3) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday s Week 18 game at Gillette Stadium ( 4:25 p.m., Fox ): When the Dolphins run:  Miami running back De’Von Achane, entering with...

Do Dolphins have a future full-time starting QB in Quinn Ewers?

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 10:19A David Furones

MIAMI GARDENS — The hot topic surrounding Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers as he completes his three-game slate starting for the team that appears primed to move on from Tua Tagovailoa is whether he has the goods to be a starter...

Mario Cristobal, Ryan Day working to keep teams focused despite Cotton Bowl amenities

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 9:44A Adam Lichtenstein

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ryan Day is familiar with the pomp and circumstance surrounding the College Football Playoff. Day has coached his team to the playoffs in five of his eight seasons as Ohio State s coach, culminating in his first national...

UCF expects to be busy when transfer window opens on Friday

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 9:27A Matt Murschel

It’s a safe bet that UCF will be a major player when the 15-day football transfer portal window opens on Friday. The Knights are coming off a 5-7 season in Scott Frost ’s return to the program. In its first year under Frost, UCF focused on roster...

Things to watch for: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots on Sunday

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 9:21A Chris Perkins

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins (7-9) are already assured of their second consecutive losing season. They’re trying to win Sunday against the New England Patriots (13-3) at Gillette Stadium so they can avoid posting their worst record in the...

Jon Sumrall builds 2026 Gators as transfer portal opens, sets off two-week frenzy

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 7:37A Edgar Thompson

GAINESVILLE — A new year arrives as Florida coach Jon Sumrall s 2026 Gators begin to take shape. The transfer portal will open Friday to set off a two-week frenzy of player movement when the highest...

Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat’s Larsson; Herro again out vs....

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 6:47A Ira Winderman

MIAMI — If it s not one ankle, it s another for Pelle Larsson. So there was the second-year Heat guard again working on the side at practice Wednesday at Kaseya Center, ruled out for Thursday night s road game against the Detroit Pistons at...

How do you keep ice from melting in Miami? NHL prepares for first outdoor game in Florida

Latest Florida Sports Headlines Sun Sentinel 12/31 5:33A WLRN Public Media

For more than a week, there has been a 200 feet by 85 feet sheet of ice sitting at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and the National Hockey League is counting on it not melting. It s the same ice where the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers will meet...