The organization that oversees the Nobel Peace Prize rejected recent suggestions that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado could give or share her award with President Donald Trump.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute shut down the idea Friday, after Machado suggested that she might transfer the prestigious award to Trump earlier this week.
“Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others,” the institute said in a statement. “The decision is final and stands for all time.”
The statement comes after Machado floated the idea during an appearance Tuesday on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado waves from the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, Dec. 11, 2025.(Lise Åserud/NTB Scanpix via AP)
“Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize?” Sean Hannity asked. “Did that actually happen?”
Machado responded, “Well, it hasn’t happened yet.”
“I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to give it to him and share it with him,” Machado continued. “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step toward a democratic transition.”
Nobel officials said the Peace Prize cannot be shared after Machado suggested honoring Trump.(Reuters/Maxwell Briceno and Win McNamee/Getty Images)
On Jan. 3, Trump announced that the U.S. had successfully completed an operation to capture authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing drug trafficking charges in New York.
Trump was asked during an appearance Thursday on “Hannity” whether he would accept the Nobel Prize from Machado.
“I’ve heard that she wants to do that,” Trump responded. “That would be a great honor.”
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures during an anti-government protest on Jan. 9, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela.(Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
Machado secretly escaped Venezuela last month and traveled to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which she dedicated to Trump.
“Let me be very clear. As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed at that point that he deserved it,” Machado said on “Hannity.” “And a lot of people, most people, said it was impossible to achieve what he has just done on Saturday, Jan. 3.”
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Trump said he plans to meet with the Venezuelan opposition leader in Washington next week.
He has previously stated that Machado “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country” to lead. Trump has supported acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist, who served as vice president under Maduro.
Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
For millions of Britons, balancing the cost of living is an ongoing challenge, with household incomes unable to keep pace with ever-increasing prices.
In welcome news, inflation dropped sharply to 3.2 per cent in November, down from 3.6, helped largely by the falling cost of clothing and food. But this does just mean that prices are rising less quickly – not falling – and they remain persistently high in the face of stagnant wages.
At the same time, exorbitant household bills mean millions are grappling with debts to afford the essentials.
Around 14 million adults are going without food because they cannot afford it, recent research by the Trussell Trust found. Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, rising to £4.4bn by the end of June.
Anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has said that low-income families in the UK are on course for the worst fall in living standards on record by the next election in 2029.
Against this difficult economic backdrop, it is important that households claim all the support they are entitled to. There are now around 24 million people in the country claiming some combination of DWP-administered benefits, which include those drawing a state pension, representing around one in three people.
The state pension is expected to rise by 4.7 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth (PA)
Here is an overview of the financial support available to households this January and key dates for benefit and state pension recipients to look out for:
Benefit payment dates in January
For the most part, benefit payments will be going out as normal in January. These include:
Universal credit
State pension
Pension credit
Child benefit
Disability living allowance (DLA)
Personal independence payment (PIP)
Attendance allowance
Carer’s allowance
Employment support allowance (ESA)
Income support
Jobseeker’s allowance
However, there is one key bank holiday to be aware of: 1 January (New Years’ Day). Anyone due to receive a payment on this day should instead receive it on Wednesday 31 December (New Year’s Eve).
There are some similar changes around Christmas. Anyone due a payment on Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day) should instead receive it on Wednesday 24 December (Christmas Eve). Likewise, anyone due a payment on Friday 26 December (Boxing Day) should also receive it on Christmas Eve.
The DWP is aiming to complete the migration of all “legacy benefits” to universal credit by January 2026. Those receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, and housing benefit should have received a notice about moving to universal credit already.
Are you having issues with PIP, universal credit, or any other benefit? Get in touch via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk
Pension payment dates in January
The basic state pension is paid straight into bank accounts, similarly to how benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the exact day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number.
Here’s when you should be paid based on those numbers:
00 to 19: Monday
20 to 39: Tuesday
40 to 59: Wednesday
60 to 79: Thursday
80 to 99: Friday
The same bank holiday payment date changes that apply to most benefits will also apply to state pension payments.
When will benefit rates go up?
In April 2026, all universal credit claimants will receive an above-inflation income boost of around 6.2 per cent to the standard allowance. For a single person over 25, this will be a £6 per week increase, rising from £92 to £98.
For couples with one or both partner over 25, it will be an increase of £9 per week, rising from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits should be uprated by September’s inflation rate alone, increasing by 3.8 per cent. This includes PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, ESA and more.
However, at the same time, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of universal credit for new claimants will be cut from £105 to £50. The rate for existing claimants will also be frozen until 2029.
This is a reduction of over £200 a month, cutting the additional rate by around half. This means it is advisable for anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply as soon as they can.
The state pension will to rise by 4.8 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth, the government has confirmed. This will bring the weekly amount to £241.05.
As 2026 gets of to a chilly start, reaching lows of -12C, the DWP has relaunched its annual cold weather payment scheme.
This is a one-off payment of £25 that is triggered for every seven-day period where the temperature in an area is at or below zero degrees. To be eligible, individuals must meet the criteria, including being in receipt of certain benefits.
Over one million households across more than 800 postcode areas are now estimated to receive a payment, with these areas split across the UK, covering areas of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The government offers a “budgeting advance loan” for people on universal credit who face an emergency lack of money. The loan has a maximum repayment period of two years.
These loans are interest-free and are automatically deducted from universal credit payments. You can borrow an “advance” of up to:
£348 if you’re single
£464 if you’re part of a couple
£812 if you or your partner claims child benefit
Following Labour’s 2024 Budget, a new cap was introduced on the amount the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budgeting advance loans.
Beginning in April 2025, deductions from universal credit have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.
Discretionary Housing Payment
Households can apply to their council for a discretionary housing payment (DHP), which offers financial support to go towards rent or housing costs.
You can only get a DHP if you are in receipt of housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit. It can cover housing costs for a rent shortfall, rent deposits and rent in advance if you need to move home.
Exact eligibility and the funds available are decided on a council-by-council basis, so you will need to get in touch with your local authority to find out more.
Household Support Fund
The household support fund (HSF), distributed by local councils, offers vital assistance to those facing financial hardship, complementing standard benefits and grants.
As part of this government initiative, eligible households throughout the UK can access support such as essential appliances, contributions towards utility bills, and direct cash payments reaching up to £300.
Local authorities are free to decide how to allocate their HSF funding to suit households in their area, so exactly what is available will vary. To apply, households need to contact their council (most offer an online form).
This nationwide programme is set to run until March 2026. The government has committed £1bn in funding to transition it into a “Crisis and Resilience Fund” which will replace the DHP.
Charitable grants
If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There is a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances.
However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and are only able to offer limited funds.
Charitable grants are available for people who are disabled or ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, students, and for many other reasons. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants which may be available to some.
Some energy suppliers offer assistance to those who aren’t able to afford their bills, including Octopus and British Gas (PA)
Energy provider help
A number of energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO and Octopus. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.
For those struggling with household costs, social tariffs are available for both broadband and water bills. This will mean a reduced rate for certain eligible households.
For water, every company operating in the UK has a social tariff by law. However, the amount on offer can vary between regions and, because water providers can’t be chosen like energy providers, the support has been criticised as a “postcode lottery”.
For instance, some offer as much as 90 per cent off bills, while others cap support at a 20 per cent reduction.
To find out what support your water company offers, it is worth checking on its website or contacting the helpline. In all cases, households will need to be deemed to be on a low income and/or in receipt of certain benefits.
If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax of up to 100 per cent (this is sometimes called council tax support).
Your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction if you can demonstrate you are facing severe hardship and can’t afford to pay your council tax.
From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK became entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to the age of four. This concludes a gradual set of expansions that began in April 2024.
Parents must apply online and reconfirm their eligibility every three months, in time for each school term. Working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, giving back 20p for every 80p you put towards childcare, up to a maximum of £500 a year.
Energy price cap: Is it going up?
Ofgem’s energy price cap rose by two per cent in October, from £1,720 to £1,755. The £35 rise comes after a more sizeable seven per cent decrease for July to September, from £1,849 to £1,720.
For 1 January to 31 March 2026, it will go up to £1,758, Ofgem has confirmed – an increase of 0.2 per cent.
The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy if you’re on a standard variable tariff. That includes most households. It is expressed as an annual bill for an average home.
Many experts – including Ofgem itself – are recommending households consider a fixed tariff energy deal, with many on the market offering lower than the price cap rate.
Will there be another cost of living payment in 2025?
The DWP have not announced any continuation of the Cost of Living Payment scheme that ran between 2022 and 2024. The final payment should have been made to eligible households between 6 February and 22 February 2024.
Mental health support
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch
Mind runs a support line on 0300 102 1234 which provides a safe and confidential place to talk about how you’re feeling. There is also an information line on 0300 123 3393 for nearby support, and a welfare benefits line on 0300 222 5782 to support the mental health of those navigating the benefits system
Disability charity Scope has a forum where people can have supportive chats with others going through the same experiences
The NHS offers an online mental health triage service
Great news for cancer patients, historic partnership between government and global pharmaceutical company.
A significant step has been taken towards removing the major obstacle of inflation in the way of treatment for cancer patients in Pakistan.
A long-term agreement has been signed between the Government of Pakistan and the renowned multinational pharmaceutical company Roche to provide free cancer medicines under a public-private partnership.
Addressing the agreement ceremony, the Federal Health Secretary said that under this project, medicines will be provided free of cost to cancer patients from Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Thousands of patients will be able to benefit from modern treatment at PIMS Hospital during the five-year program.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and the Managing Director of the private pharmaceutical company signed the agreement, after which this welfare project was formally launched.
The Health Minister said on the occasion that millions of people in the country have suffered financial difficulties due to expensive treatment, while the treatment of a disease like cancer is beyond the reach of the common man.
According to him, the average cost of treating a patient in five years is Rs. 98 lakh.
He further informed that under this partnership, 741 patients will be provided free medicines worth about Rs. 10 million each every year on a first-come, first-served basis, which will give new hope to the deserving people.
Multan Sultans’ Michael Bracewell (third from right) celebrates taking a wicket with teammates during their PSL 10 match against Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on April 22, 2025. — PCB
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to auction Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans owing to a good price secured in the recent auction of two new teams, the sources said on Sunday.
The board, last month, had announced that it would be taking over the control of the Multan Sultans owing to the expiration of its ownership agreement on December 31, 2025.
The sources, back then, had said that under the proposed plan, the PCB was to manage the franchise for one year before handing over the franchise to a new owner through an auction in 2027.
If implemented, the arrangement would save the PCB around $4 million in a year, as it would not have to pay $3m from the central pool or an additional $1m in sponsorship funds. However, an audit firm’s report notes that the PCB would not receive the franchise fee for that year, which stands at $8.5m.
In November, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced via social media that he was parting ways with the PSL franchise. Sources indicate that relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had remained strained over the past year, eventually reaching a point of no return.
Multan Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2m agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time, double the price of Karachi Kings, which was acquired for $2.6m.
Sources say that the decision to auction Multan Sultans has been made as the PCB got “a good price” in the recent auction, and the inclusion of two new teams, namely Hyderabad and Sialkot, is pushing the number of teams in PSL 11 to eight.
Therefore, the board believes that there is no better time to sell Multan Sultans as well, and an open bidding will be held with an advertisement likely to be issued soon in this regard.
An official announcement will be made soon after reviewing the legal aspects, adding sources, saying that the board expects the franchise to be sold for a good price as well.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned users against fake calls and UAN numbers.
A video message released by PTA states that scammers are impersonating PTA, FIA, and banks to steal your personal and financial information. No government agency will ever ask you for OTP, PIN, identity card or biometrics over a call or message. Mobile users should be vigilant and verify only through official channels.
It should be noted that earlier, PTA had warned users in a statement that using a SIM registered in the name of another person is a violation of relevant regulations.
The PTA had stressed that the full responsibility for any misuse of the SIM will lie with the registered user, therefore, users should ensure responsible use of their SIMs and mobile connections at all times. Registered users will be held individually accountable for all calls, messages and data usage made through their SIMs or devices.
The PTA further appealed to users to abide by all relevant laws and regulations, warning that action will be taken in case of violation.
“You have to carve out that time for yourself,” she said of new mums. “You have to go and do something you enjoy, whether it’s rugby or another hobby or interest.
“I think you come back to your kids and your family a better mum having made that space for yourself.”
Getty Images
Abbie Ward was pictured carrying her daughter Hallie at Twickenham following England’s World Cup win in September
Bevan said England star and mum Abbie Ward was an inspiration after the country’s World Cup win in September.
Ward carried her daughter Hallie around the Twickenham pitch after the win against Canada.
“Mums all over the world, we’ve formed a little bit of a community,” Bevan said. “Everyone’s so helpful.
“They just want to help each other, give each other advice, share their experiences and we are united by the fact that we’ve all gone through childbirth, through pregnancy and we all want to come back and remain active.”
“I want to continue to inspire. I want to connect with other mums on my platform and even if you’re not a mum, I want to start to get women into rugby.
“This is a brilliant time to try our sport. It really is one of the best communities you could be a part of.”
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The former Henley and Bracknell player, who has also turned out for Ireland, said: “The community game is where my heart is at. I always knew I wanted to carry on playing rugby after having kids.
“It’s such a big passion of mine. I think there’s always that unknown as to whether you will get back to do that physical activity.
“But showing my kids that I can continue to be physically active and can continue to do something I really love is really important to me.”
Having started her postpartumrugbymum Instagram page four years ago, she said some clubs had made “great strides” in making facilities more accessible, such as introducing breastfeeding spaces and changing tables in toilets.
“You’d think it’s something small but a lot of clubs are still behind the times with that. It’s about breaking those barriers and making sure spaces are available for mums,” she added.
Chaman flour prices have increased significantly in the past week.
The price of a 100-kilogram sack of flour has increased by Rs. 2500 in the past week.
According to the Market Association, flour has become expensive due to the cessation of flour supplies from Punjab, and the increase in flour prices has increased the concerns of the people.
Flour prices have increased dramatically in the border district, the prices of 50 kg flour sold a week ago have suddenly increased from Rs. 1,000,000 to Rs. 1,200.
Arif Habib Consortium meeting; Important decisions related to PIA
The district administration seems to be failing to control the rate, citizens say that the poor people are now unable to buy flour, the price of a 50 kg sack has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,300.
Arts Council in Karachi, on Thursday, held a documentary screening of the film Ganj: The Treasures of Shah jo Risalo, honouring the poetic and philosophical legacy of Sindh’s revered Sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
The screening drew scholars, artists, students, and literary figures.
According to the organisers, the objective of the film is to preserve Bhittai’s intellectual and cultural heritage and introduce his message to younger generations, as well as to people beyond Pakistan and South Asia.
The documentary also features renditions of Bhittai’s verses in the voice of legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, director Shamim Ahmed Junejo said the film is “not merely a documentary, but a spiritual and intellectual journey that seeks to take Bhittai’s message and Sindh’s cultural heritage to the world.” He noted that plans are underway to send the documentary to international festivals, with hopes of achieving global screenings.
Junejo said that Shah Latif’s philosophy transcends geographical boundaries, carrying universal relevance, making it essential for it to be accessible to a young audience unfamiliar with the Sindhi language or Bhittai’s work.
Creative director Farooq Perio says Ganj is “a dream that took two years of hard work to bring to life.”
During the event, the contribution of the Endowment Fund Trust board, including Jahangir Siddiqui and Abdul Hameed Akhund, along with JS Bank, BankIslami, Habib University and others, was acknowledged for their support in the film’s creation.
In closing, the organisers expressed optimism that more such projects would help strengthen young people’s connection to Sindh’s history, culture, and spiritual traditions.
They said that films in particular are transcendent beyond time and language, making them significant in preserving heritage.
Donald Trump has ordered special forces commanders to prepare plans for an invasion of Greenland, but the proposal is facing resistance from senior military figures, The Mail on Sunday understands.Sources said policy hawks around the US President, led by political adviser Stephen Miller, feel emboldened by the reported success of the operation to detain Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro. They are said to want swift action to secure the island before Russia or China takes steps of its own.
British diplomats believe Trump is also driven by a wish to divert voters’ attention from the state of the US economy ahead of the mid-term elections later this year, after which he could lose control of Congress to the Democrats.
Such a move would place him in direct conflict with Sir Keir Starmer and would, in effect, bring about the collapse of Nato.
Sources divulged that the president asked the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to prepare an invasion plan. The proposal has met opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who argue that it would be unlawful and would not receive congressional backing.
One source said efforts had been made to divert Trump’s attention towards less contentious options, including intercepting Russian “ghost ships” — a covert fleet of vessels used by Moscow to bypass Western sanctions — or considering military action against Iran.
Diplomats have conducted war games around what they describe as an “escalatory scenario”, in which Trump uses force or political pressure to break Greenland’s ties with Denmark.
One diplomatic cable terms a worst-case outcome that results in “the destruction of Nato from within”.
It adds that some European officials suspect this is the underlying objective of the hardline Maga faction around Trump. Since Congress would not permit a US withdrawal from Nato, the occupation of Greenland could compel European states to abandon the alliance.
“If Trump wants to end Nato, this may be the most convenient route,” the cable says.
Under a ‘compromise scenario’, Denmark would grant the United States full military access to Greenland while denying access to Russia and China.
Myron Medcalf covers college basketball for ESPN.com. He joined ESPN in 2011.
Jan 7, 2026, 08:30 AM ET
The talent of this freshman class was one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season. The group has lived up to the hype so far and is showing no sign of slowing down.
According to ESPN Research, the top 10 recruits in the 2025 SC Next 100 rankings were averaging 17.8 points entering 2026 — the most since ESPN’s recruiting database started in 2007.
Most of those players will be found in our updated freshman rankings below, but there are two you won’t find in this week’s edition: Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. Peterson still doesn’t meet our threshold of having played in 50% of his team’s games, while Brown has missed the past five games with a back injury and had been inconsistent the previous few weeks.
With conference play in full swing, some of these players could hit the “freshman wall.” But for now, we’re looking at an incredibly deep crop of newcomers that extends well beyond the 10 names below.
Previous rank: 1
Biggest performance so far: 35 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists vs. Arkansas in Chicago on Nov. 27
Boozer remains No. 1 as he chases history with his prolific output. In 2002, Dean Oliver wrote “Basketball on Paper,” the ultimate guidebook for a generation of basketball analytics experts. Part of that manual included the offensive rating metric, which does more to identify a player’s individual contribution beyond the traditional points/rebounds/assists numbers. The average offensive rating for the last five National Player of the Year winners, a group that includes Cooper Flagg, is 125.2 — not far below Nuggets star Nikola Jokic‘s mark of 128.0. And, well, Boozer has an offensive rating of 134.3. He’s in a league of his own. — Myron Medcalf
Previous rank: 2
Biggest performance so far: 28 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists vs. Clemson in New York City on Dec. 9
Dybantsa narrowed the gap between himself and Boozer considerably after putting together one of the most impressive stretches of basketball we’ve seen from a freshman. In December, Dybantsa averaged 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting nearly 66% from the field. He had two 30-point efforts plus 28 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists against Clemson, with the vast majority coming in the second half of that comeback. Dybantsa then backed that up with 24 points and eight rebounds in a win over Kansas State in his first Big 12 game this past Saturday. — Jeff Borzello
Previous rank: 3
Biggest performance so far: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Kansas on Nov. 7
North Carolina’s 97-83 loss at SMU on Saturday not only ended the Tar Heels’ seven-game winning streak, it also ended a streak for Wilson. He had scored at least 20 points and grabbed at least eight rebounds in six consecutive games. Against the Mustangs? He finished with only 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. That’s also a sign of the elevated expectations he faces as the young star of a North Carolina team in Hubert Davis’ bounce-back season. A near double-double is considered to be subpar based on the way the projected NBA draft lottery pick has played to date. — Medcalf
Previous rank: 4
Biggest performance so far: 29 points, 4 assists vs. Tennessee on Jan. 3
Acuff has clearly taken over the No. 4 spot, separating himself as the best guard in the rankings given the injury issues to Peterson. Acuff is up to fourth among all freshmen in scoring and second in assists, averaging 19.5 points and 6.0 assists. He took over against Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Tennessee this past Saturday, finishing with 29 points and 4 assists — yet another massive individual performance against a top opponent. In the six games Arkansas has played against ranked teams, Acuff is averaging 21.7 points and 6.7 assists. — Borzello
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Darius Acuff Jr. drills a 3 with a hand in his face
Darius Acuff Jr. sinks a 3-pointer late for Arkansas.
Previous rank: 6
Biggest performance so far: 23 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds vs. Texas Tech on Jan. 6
After Flemings registered two single-digit performances at the Players Era Festival during Feast Week, Kelvin Sampson said Houston would “[have] to wait” on his team’s growth because he had made the rare move to tap elite freshmen or portal prospects this season. But that rocky experience in Las Vegas seems to have been a catalyst for Flemings, who is undeniably one of the best guards in the country. Since November, he has registered 35 assists and 11 turnovers for the Cougars. — Medcalf
Previous rank: 8
Biggest performance so far: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Missouri on Dec. 22
After making his debut in the last edition of these rankings on Dec. 17, Wagler continues to move up with one stellar performance after another. He went for 22 points and 8 rebounds in a blowout win over Missouri before Christmas, then had 11 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists against Southern before opening 2026 with 16 points and 3 assists against Penn State. Wagler is now averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting nearly 41% from 3-point range. — Borzello
Previous rank: 5
Biggest performance so far: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists vs. UCLA on Dec. 3
The 6-foot-11 standout missed three games at the end of November after suffering a sprained ankle in a road win over rival Washington State on Nov. 14. He hasn’t missed a beat since his return, averaging 18.3 PPG and 11.8 RPG — and Washington has been the beneficiary. The Huskies have ranked 58th in adjusted offensive efficiency over that stretch, a steep improvement for a program that finished as a sub-100 squad in the same category a season ago. — Medcalf
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Hannes Steinbach buries basket against Indiana Hoosiers
Hannes Steinbach buries basket against Indiana Hoosiers
Previous Rank: Unranked
Biggest performance so far: 22 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists vs. Virginia Tech on Dec. 31
A Belgium native with multiple years of professional experience in Europe, De Ridder started off the season on a tear, scoring 20-plus points in four of his first five games. After a couple weeks of inconsistency, though, he has returned to form just in time for ACC play. In the Cavaliers’ final game before Christmas, De Ridder had 27 points and eight rebounds — and is now averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists through Virginia’s first two ACC games against Virginia Tech and NC State. Despite going 3 for 11 from 3 against Tech, the 6-foot-9 De Ridder is still shooting 40% from 3. — Borzello
Previous rank: 9
Biggest performance so far: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists vs. Alabama on Dec. 13
Burries, a 6-foot-4 guard, had the fortune of being a freshman on a deep and talented Arizona squad that didn’t need him to immediately hit his stride. Having had time to develop, he has found a rhythm and emerged as one of the best freshmen in the country. After combining for 39 points in his first five games, he has averaged 17.7 PPG in the past nine contests. He has become one of the top defenders (1.6 SPG) in the nation, too.
Previous Rank: Unranked
Biggest performance so far: 28 points, 3 assists vs. Louisville on Jan. 2
The top of the freshman scoring charts is a star-studded affair: Dybantsa is No. 1, Boozer is No. 2, Acuff is No. 4, Wilson is No. 5. And who’s at No. 3? None other than Okorie, who entered the week averaging 22.0 points. He’s also coming off arguably his best game of the season, posting 28 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in a win over Louisville last Friday. Kyle Smith gave him a high-usage role from day one, and Okorie has responded. He scored at least 20 points in each of his first four games and has put up at least 28 points in three of his last four games. — Borzello
