WSL, NBA, College Football See Big Moves Looming

January is a pretty wild time in sports. Transfer windows and trade deadlines are just around the corner, and everyone is wondering who’s on the move. From European football to college gridiron and the NBA hardwood, teams are scrambling. There are some really big names in play, too.

WSL Transfers: United Bags Schüller, Others Seek Changes

So, let’s start with the Women’s Super League. The big news is that Manchester United Women are set to sign Bayern Munich striker Lea Schüller in January. ESPN reported this one as a done deal. She’s a “fox-in-the-box” type of player, which sounds just perfect for United’s attack. They really need that depth, you know?

But it’s not just United making moves. A transfer preview from ESPN notes broader team needs across the league. Arsenal, for example, needs to get younger. Their average age is a bit high, apparently. And Liverpool, they need reinforcements pretty much everywhere. It’s a busy time for them too. There’s also some chatter, mostly on YouTube videos, about Arsenal looking at Victoria Pelova. She might be involved in contract talks. Brighton also has injury problems. But these are just opinions, not verified signings yet.

College Football Portal Heats Up with QBs

Now, let’s talk college football. The transfer portal is going to be super active in January. It’s just how things are now. Quarterbacks especially, they’re always moving around. It’s tough for programs to keep a starter for several seasons.

More than half of the Power 4 starters in 2025 were transfers or new guys. That tells you a lot. Many notable quarterbacks could be changing schools. Guys like Jackson Arnold from Auburn. He was a five-star recruit but hasn’t really hit expectations at two SEC schools. Then there’s Alonza Barnett III from James Madison. He’s led them to an 8-1 record.

Ashton Daniels, also from Auburn, he stepped up after Arnold was benched. And DJ Lagway from Florida, a five-star recruit, he’s struggled with injuries. He might leave after Billy Napier got fired. So yeah, tons of QBs are looking for new homes.

We actually already have the first FBS scholarship transfer signee for the 2025-26 cycle. That’s Noah McKinney, an offensive lineman from Oklahoma State. He signed with TCU this week. That’s a good grab for TCU, they need interior offensive line help. McKinney appeared in seven games for the Cowboys. He fills a need for sure.

And Marshall, what a story. Coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss. He took like 20 players with him, too. But Marshall’s first-year coach Tony Gibson brought in 54 transfers! They only had eight returning starters. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, a transfer QB, has thrown for over 1,400 yards. And defensive back Boogie Trotter has five interceptions. They’re 4-5 and can still make a bowl game. That’s pretty impressive, starting basically from scratch.

Real Madrid Hits Pause, NBA Mavs Eye Trades

Over in European men’s football, Real Madrid is a bit uncertain right now. The January window is coming up. They’ve got injuries, and Xabi Alonso’s future as manager is not totally clear. Endrick, the young Brazilian striker, looked set for a loan to Olympique Lyon.

The agreement was pretty much done. But Real Madrid asked Endrick to hold off on booking his house in Lyon. His camp even canceled a trip to France. Apparently, the club wants to be cautious with all the injuries. They don’t want to lose him and then have an attacking injury crisis.

Finally, let’s swing over to the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks are going to be interesting at the 2025 trade deadline, which is February 6th. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving are both injured. This makes things tricky for the Mavs. They don’t have a ton of assets, but General Manager Nico Harrison has been known to pull off “masterclasses” before. He brought in PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford last year.

Who might be on the block for Dallas? Quentin Grimes is a big one. He’s in the last year of his rookie contract. Keeping him means going above the first salary cap apron, which has penalties. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Dallas is really active on the phones. Maxi Kleber, who makes $11 million, is also a useful trade piece for salary matching.

Daniel Gafford, too, could be moved. He just had an ankle injury but he’s back playing. The Mavs might want a dynamic four if they trade Gafford. Jaden Hardy and Spencer Dinwiddie are also potential “throw-in” pieces if the Mavs need to clear salary. It’s going to be a fascinating month for them. The stakes are high in Dallas.