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ERIC OLSON

Sports writer

Olson is an Associated Press college football writer based in Omaha, Nebraska. He also covers the Big Ten, the NCAA, the College Football Playoff alongside local teams Nebraska and Creighton.
UConn's Silas Demary Jr. (2) shoots against Creighton's Jasen Green (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
No. 2 UConn pulls away late in 1st half on way to 85-58 rout of struggling Creighton
Braylon Mullins scored 16 points and Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr. had 15 apiece to lead No. 2 UConn in an 85-58 rout at Creighton.
 
This photo provided by Mississippi State Athletics shows Mississippi State head coach Brian O'Connor in front of the third-base dugout, June 2, 2025, at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, Miss. (Mike Mattina/Mississippi State Athletics via AP)
O’Connor wanted the challenge of coaching baseball in SEC, and he’ll get one at Mississippi State
Brian O’Connor’s move from Virginia to Mississippi State is one of the most high-profile coaching changes in college baseball this season.
 
Newell-Fonda's Rylee Hogrefe (32) fights for the ball with Storm Lake's Grace Kinkel (21) during a high school girls basketball game, Jan. 6, 2026, in Newell, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Even in Caitlin Clark’s home state, girls high school basketball in decline. It thrives in this town
The northwest Iowa towns of Newell and Fonda are outliers at a time participation in girls basketball is in steep decline.
 
Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg (1) steals the ball from Michigan center Aday Mara (15) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
No. 5 Nebraska’s run of 24 wins in a row is over after narrow loss to No. 3 Michigan
Major college basketball’s longest winning streak ended at 24 games with No. 5 Nebraska’s 75-72 loss at No. 3 Michigan on Tuesday night.
 
Indiana holds the trophy after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
College Football Playoff to remain at 12 teams after SEC and Big Ten fail to agree on expansion
The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams after the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten couldn’t come up with a compromise for expansion.
 
Nebraska's Pryce Sandfort (21) shoots against Washington's Franck Kepnang (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
No. 7 Nebraska beats Washington 76-66 to extend its winning streak to 23 games
Pryce Sandfort scored 23 points to lead No. 7 Nebraska past Washington 76-66, extending the unbeaten Cornhuskers’ winning streak to 23 games.
 
Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) throws the football during the first half an NCAA college football game, Saturday against Utah, Nov. 1, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate, File)
200 FBS quarterbacks went into portal, and the best ones came out with promises of big paychecks
About 200 Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks had entered the transfer portal by last week’s deadline. That doesn’t mean it was a buyer’s market.
 
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti holds the trophy after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
No. 1 Indiana tops final AP Top 25 football poll of season as Big Ten’s title run reaches 3 straight
Indiana is No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 after finishing a 16-0 season with a victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff championship game.
 
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal against Oregon, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
CFP championship game prediction: Indiana will complete perfect season with its 1st national title
Miami plays Indiana in the College Football Playoff championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday night.
 
Alabama running back Mark Ingram (22) runs past Michigan State's Jon Misch (36) and Marcus Hyde (11) for a touchdown during the first half of the Capital One Bowl NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Heisman winner Mark Ingram, star DLs Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald will enter College Football HOF
The College Football Hall of Fame’s 18-man class for 2026 has been announced. Mark Ingram, the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy, and Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald, two of the most fearsome defensive linemen in college football history, highlight the class.
 
Nebraska graduate manager Charlie Hoiberg, right, passes the ball to his twin brother, Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg, left, before an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan, File)
Hoiberg family business brings lots of joy as No. 8 Nebraska has a season for the ages
Fred Hoiberg and two of his sons sure are enjoying the ride as the Nebraska men’s basketball team builds on its best start.
 
Nebraska forward Pryce Sandfort (21) celebrates after scoring against Oregon during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)
No. 8 Nebraska extends winning streak to 21 games with a 90-55 victory over Oregon
Pryce Sandfort scored 28 points, Braden Frager had 23 and each made a career-high seven 3-pointers to lead eighth-ranked Nebraska to a 90-55 victory over Oregon, extending the Cornhuskers’ win streak to 21 games.
 
UConn's Sarah Strong, left, steals the ball from Creighton's Kennedy Townsend, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Sarah Strong’s 18 points and 13 rebounds lead No. 1 UConn in 95-54 rout of Creighton
Sarah Strong had 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and five steals and Blanca Quiñonez came off the bench to score 15 points as top-ranked UConn routed Creighton 95-54.
 
Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) celebrates after the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football playoff quarterfinal game against Georgia in New Orleans, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mathew Hinton)
College Football Playoff picks: Ole Miss is last hope for SEC to reach first title game in 3 years
Mississippi is the Southeastern Conference’s last hope to play for the national championship. The SEC hasn’t gone three years without a title since the turn of the century.
 
Nebraska fans celebrate after a play against Michigan State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)
Unbeaten Huskers appreciate the love but say wins over ranked teams no longer justify court storms
Nebraska’s Rienk Mast and Jamarques Lawrence asked fans to stop storming the court after wins over ranked opponents.
 
Nebraska forwards Rienk Mast (51), Berke Büyüktuncel (9), Pryce Sandfort (21) and guard Cale Jacobsen (31) celebrate a basket against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)
No. 13 Nebraska remains unbeaten with 58-56 win over No. 9 Spartans, extends streak to 18 games
Rienk Mast hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:51 left and finished with 19 points to lead No. 13 Nebraska to a 58-56 victory over No. 9 Michigan State.
 
Nebraska forward Braden Frager (5) goes in for a layup against New Hampshire forward John Squire (7) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)
No. 13 Nebraska pulls away in 2nd half against New Hampshire to go unbeaten in nonconference play
Pryce Sandfort scored 19 points and No. 13 Nebraska shook off a second straight slow start to beat New Hampshire 86-55 and go undefeated in nonconference play for the first time since the 1928-29 season.
 
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Minnesota during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
College Football Playoff picks: Buckeyes, Red Raiders, Hoosiers, Bulldogs are expected to advance
Something to watch in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals will be how sharp the teams that got first-round byes are early in their games.
 
In this image provided by Morningside University Sports Information, Morningside wide receiver Drew Sellon (9) and quarterback Zack Chevalier celebrate during an NAIA college football game against Waldorf, Oct. 4, 2025, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Morningside University Sports Information via AP)
Morningside QB Zack Chevalier and WR Drew Sellon are repeat 1st team picks for NAIA All-America team
Morningside (Iowa) teammates Zack Chevalier and Drew Sellon are repeat first-team selections on The Associated Press NAIA All-America team.
 
In this image provided by North Central College Athletics, North Central defensive lineman John Sullivan (92) rushes Hanover quarterback Eian Roudebush during a Div. III NCAA college football game, Nov. 29, 2025, in Naperville, Ill. (Steve Woltmann/ North Central Athletics via AP)
Wis.-River Falls’ QB Kaleb Blaha, North Central DL John Sullivan lead Division III All-America team
Wisconsin-River Falls quarterback Kaleb Blaha is offensive player of the year and North Central (Illinois) lineman John Sullivan is defensive player of the year on The Associated Press Division III All-America team.
 
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore reacts towards fans after a win over Washington in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
College Football Playoff picks: Sooners, Aggies, Rebels and Ducks should advance to quarterfinals
Unlike last year’s debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff, weather should not be a factor in any of the first-round games this weekend.
 
In this image provided by Virginia Union Athletics, Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen carries the ball during a college football game. (Virginia Union Athletics via AP)
Five finalists for Harlon Hill Trophy are on AP Division II All-America football teams
Five of the eight finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy are represented on The Associated Press Division II All-America football teams.
 
California running back Kendrick Raphael (1) is tackled by Boston College linebacker Bryce Steele (8) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Chestnut Hill, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper, File)
BC’s Bryce Steele, who fought cancer to keep playing, is 1 of 3 Comeback Player of the Year winners
Boston College linebacker Bryce Steele, who overcame cancer to continue playing football, was one of three winners of college football’s Comeback Player of the Year Award.
 
Youngstown State quarterback Beau Brungard runs through the Indiana State defense on his way to a touchdown during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Terre Haute, Ind. (Joseph C. Garza/The Tribune-Star via AP, File)
Youngstown St QB Beau Brungard and 3 finalists for Buck Buchanan Award head FCS All-America team
Youngstown State quarterback Beau Brungard heads The Associated Press FCS All-America team. Brungard is on the first team and is among three Walter Payton Award finalists who were recognized.
 
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti shouts to the fans as he leaves the field following an NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti becomes the first back-to-back winner of AP coach of the year
Curt Cignetti has been named The Associated Press coach of the year in college football for the second consecutive season.
 
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates after recovering a fumble during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez, File)
Big Ten puts 10 on AP All-America first team, led by 4 from Ohio State and Hoosier star Mendoza
The Associated Press has released its All-America team, featuring four Ohio State players among 10 first-team picks from the Big Ten Conference.
 
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)
Fernando Mendoza is AP player of the year after leading Indiana to 13-0 record and top seed in CFP
Fernando Mendoza was named Associated Press player of the year after leading unbeaten and top-ranked Indiana to its first Big Ten championship since 1967 and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
 
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza celebrates after after the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Ohio State in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
AP All-Big Ten: Indiana’s Cignetti repeats as coach of year; Hoosiers and Buckeyes dominate 1st team
Indiana and Ohio State dominated The Associated Press All-Big Ten honors. The Hoosiers’ Curt Cignetti repeated as coach of the year, quarterback Fernando Mendoza took two individual awards and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin each received one.
 
Boxer Terence Crawford attends the NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Passengers in boxing champion Terence Crawford’s vehicle allege rights violated during traffic stop
The head of security for world boxing champion Terence Crawford and two other people filed a federal lawsuit against Omaha’s police chief and more than a dozen officers for their conduct during a September traffic stop.
 
Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers reacts to a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against James Madison, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Ryan M. Kelly)
Rogers credits Campbell for making Iowa State job too good to pass up and setting him up for success
Jimmy Rogers admired Iowa State football from afar as Matt Campbell was leading the Cyclones through the best 10 years in program history, and he had designs on the coaching job long before it was open.
 
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