Jesse Dougherty
@jessedougherty.bsky.social
College sports things for the Washington Post. Midwest transplant, apparently. Happy to be here and not there.
Subscribe to my free newsletter: https://collegesportsmoney.substack.com/
Subscribe to my free newsletter: https://collegesportsmoney.substack.com/
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
In 1967, an Indiana freshman wrote a letter to her parents, explaining why she wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl.
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
She died before Indiana’s magical season. Her family wouldn’t let her miss it.
Dorothy Slota dedicated much of her life to the Hoosiers. When the football team became great shortly after her death, it meant that much more to her loved ones.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:33 PM
In 1967, an Indiana freshman wrote a letter to her parents, explaining why she wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl.
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
In 1967, an Indiana freshman wrote a letter to her parents, explaining why she wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl.
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
She died before Indiana’s magical season. Her family wouldn’t let her miss it.
Dorothy Slota dedicated much of her life to the Hoosiers. When the football team became great shortly after her death, it meant that much more to her loved ones.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:33 PM
In 1967, an Indiana freshman wrote a letter to her parents, explaining why she wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl.
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
She became a lifelong IU fan, though died right before the football team went on this magical run. Her family has made sure she hasn't missed it: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
I wrote EVERYBODY LOSES (out today!) because I believe sports fans—and really all Americans—deserve answers to basic questions that the people behind the betting boom have largely avoided.
Thread 🧵
Thread 🧵
January 20, 2026 at 2:40 PM
I wrote EVERYBODY LOSES (out today!) because I believe sports fans—and really all Americans—deserve answers to basic questions that the people behind the betting boom have largely avoided.
Thread 🧵
Thread 🧵
I cannot wait to read this. Head to your local indie bookstore and get a copy. @dannyfunt.bsky.social's sports gambling coverage for @postsports.bsky.social has been some of the best in the industry, if not the best.
I wrote EVERYBODY LOSES (out today!) because I believe sports fans—and really all Americans—deserve answers to basic questions that the people behind the betting boom have largely avoided.
Thread 🧵
Thread 🧵
January 20, 2026 at 3:19 PM
I cannot wait to read this. Head to your local indie bookstore and get a copy. @dannyfunt.bsky.social's sports gambling coverage for @postsports.bsky.social has been some of the best in the industry, if not the best.
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
All of @postsports.bsky.social's pre-national title game coverage in one place, including work from Chuck Culpepper, @emilygiam.bsky.social, @benjstrauss.bsky.social, @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social, @briannaschroer.bsky.social + @samaha.bsky.social: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/cfp-title-...
Extra, Extra
... read all about college football ahead of the national championship game.
collegesportsmoney.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:22 PM
All of @postsports.bsky.social's pre-national title game coverage in one place, including work from Chuck Culpepper, @emilygiam.bsky.social, @benjstrauss.bsky.social, @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social, @briannaschroer.bsky.social + @samaha.bsky.social: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/cfp-title-...
All of @postsports.bsky.social's pre-national title game coverage in one place, including work from Chuck Culpepper, @emilygiam.bsky.social, @benjstrauss.bsky.social, @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social, @briannaschroer.bsky.social + @samaha.bsky.social: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/cfp-title-...
Extra, Extra
... read all about college football ahead of the national championship game.
collegesportsmoney.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:22 PM
All of @postsports.bsky.social's pre-national title game coverage in one place, including work from Chuck Culpepper, @emilygiam.bsky.social, @benjstrauss.bsky.social, @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social, @briannaschroer.bsky.social + @samaha.bsky.social: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/cfp-title-...
This is a great from @mattbrown.bsky.social, per usual, particularly the section on the SCORE Act — remember that thing? — and what he learned about it in D.C. this past week: www.extrapointsmb.com/p/jersey-pat...
Jersey patches, Congress and a feeling I can't shake...my takeaways from 2026 NCAA Convention
Plus a field trip to the Library of Congress
www.extrapointsmb.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:48 PM
This is a great from @mattbrown.bsky.social, per usual, particularly the section on the SCORE Act — remember that thing? — and what he learned about it in D.C. this past week: www.extrapointsmb.com/p/jersey-pat...
Going to stick on the adoring @samaha.bsky.social stories train this morning.
On a lifelong Notre Dame fan and the million-dollar field goal attempt he will never, ever forget: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
On a lifelong Notre Dame fan and the million-dollar field goal attempt he will never, ever forget: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
The million-dollar kick that one football fan will never forget
He loved the Irish and dreamed of going to Notre Dame. Then he won the chance to kick for life-changing money on its campus.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Going to stick on the adoring @samaha.bsky.social stories train this morning.
On a lifelong Notre Dame fan and the million-dollar field goal attempt he will never, ever forget: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
On a lifelong Notre Dame fan and the million-dollar field goal attempt he will never, ever forget: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
This is such a good, fun, informative read from @sam4tr.bsky.social and @samaha.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
An injured NFL team, a power substation and a theory that won’t fade
A viral online theory for the San Francisco 49ers’ injuries is disputed by scientists but has some players’ attention.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:10 PM
This is such a good, fun, informative read from @sam4tr.bsky.social and @samaha.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
Want to know what it’s like to be an Indiana fan right now?
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Indiana football fans can’t believe this. Just look at their group chats.
The top-ranked Hoosiers have made a stunning run to the national championship game. As their text messages show, longtime fans sure are enjoying the ride.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Want to know what it’s like to be an Indiana fan right now?
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Want to know what it’s like to be an Indiana fan right now?
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Indiana football fans can’t believe this. Just look at their group chats.
The top-ranked Hoosiers have made a stunning run to the national championship game. As their text messages show, longtime fans sure are enjoying the ride.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Want to know what it’s like to be an Indiana fan right now?
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Take a look at their group chats during this crazy run, from taking over a juke box in an Alabama bar, pulling a whole family out of Disney World to watch a game and so much more: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
As of Thursday morning, the lowest price for a national championship game ticket on StubHub is $2,722.
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Want to go to the national championship game? Got (at least) $2,700?
Monday night’s game featuring hometown Miami and championship-starved Indiana is one of the toughest tickets in sports.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:04 PM
As of Thursday morning, the lowest price for a national championship game ticket on StubHub is $2,722.
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Here's @samaha.bsky.social with what's going on w/ gambling and college basketball today: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Bettors and players fixed dozens of NCAA basketball games, prosecutors say
In the latest gambling scandal to rock sports, a federal indictment accuses bettors and athletes of “point-shaving” in NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Here's @samaha.bsky.social with what's going on w/ gambling and college basketball today: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
BREAKING: Federal investigators filed sports bribery and wire fraud charges against 20 people in relation to game fixing, point shaving and performance manipulation in college basketball. Among them: gamblers Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley and several former players. Press conference top of hour.
January 15, 2026 at 3:41 PM
BREAKING: Federal investigators filed sports bribery and wire fraud charges against 20 people in relation to game fixing, point shaving and performance manipulation in college basketball. Among them: gamblers Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley and several former players. Press conference top of hour.
Ben is a one-of-a-kind writer and reporter. I've enjoyed reading his women's hoops coverage so, so much in recent years, though hope that he'll eventually achieve his true dream of writing a Talk of the Town story for the New Yorker.
Congrats on everything coming next, friend.
Congrats on everything coming next, friend.
🚨 SOME PERSONAL NEWS 🚨
This is my last week at The Athletic...
More to come soon!
This is my last week at The Athletic...
More to come soon!
January 15, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Ben is a one-of-a-kind writer and reporter. I've enjoyed reading his women's hoops coverage so, so much in recent years, though hope that he'll eventually achieve his true dream of writing a Talk of the Town story for the New Yorker.
Congrats on everything coming next, friend.
Congrats on everything coming next, friend.
As of Thursday morning, the lowest price for a national championship game ticket on StubHub is $2,722.
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Want to go to the national championship game? Got (at least) $2,700?
Monday night’s game featuring hometown Miami and championship-starved Indiana is one of the toughest tickets in sports.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:04 PM
As of Thursday morning, the lowest price for a national championship game ticket on StubHub is $2,722.
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
The AVERAGE ticket price is of course way higher.
A look at supply, demand trends + why this game was always going to light up the secondary market: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Read @washingtonpost.com's Ben Strauss on Lynn Jones, the reporter who went viral Sunday for consoling Jaguars coach Liam Cohen after a playoff loss.
Jones, Strauss argues, is not the problem sports journalist are making her out to be: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Jones, Strauss argues, is not the problem sports journalist are making her out to be: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Local reporter praises NFL coach. Cue the journalists’ outrage.
A Jacksonville community reporter told the Jaguars’ coach to keep his head up. Should she have?
www.washingtonpost.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Read @washingtonpost.com's Ben Strauss on Lynn Jones, the reporter who went viral Sunday for consoling Jaguars coach Liam Cohen after a playoff loss.
Jones, Strauss argues, is not the problem sports journalist are making her out to be: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Jones, Strauss argues, is not the problem sports journalist are making her out to be: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
Are you or someone you know going to the Caps' Pride game on Saturday? Have you watched Heated Rivalry? Is, by chance, anyone going to the game *because* they watched Heated Rivalry?
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
January 12, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Are you or someone you know going to the Caps' Pride game on Saturday? Have you watched Heated Rivalry? Is, by chance, anyone going to the game *because* they watched Heated Rivalry?
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
The unsmiling coach. Heis-Mendoza. The billionaire donor.
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Indiana was college football’s unlikeliest story. Now it feels inevitable.
The Hoosiers routed Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal Friday night, and they are a win away from a remarkable national championship.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The unsmiling coach. Heis-Mendoza. The billionaire donor.
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
Love, love, love this lede by @jessedougherty.bsky.social from the Peach Bowl.
January 10, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Love, love, love this lede by @jessedougherty.bsky.social from the Peach Bowl.
The unsmiling coach. Heis-Mendoza. The billionaire donor.
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Indiana was college football’s unlikeliest story. Now it feels inevitable.
The Hoosiers routed Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal Friday night, and they are a win away from a remarkable national championship.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The unsmiling coach. Heis-Mendoza. The billionaire donor.
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Late Friday night in Atlanta, they were all covered in red and white confetti because their football team is the rarest thing in modern college sports: A certainty.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
We lost my great Aunt Mary this week. She was 98 and lived an amazing life, a hair dresser from South Philadelphia who saw the world and helped raise generations of kids, none of whom were technically her own, but all of whom counted her as the closest kind of family.
January 9, 2026 at 10:41 PM
We lost my great Aunt Mary this week. She was 98 and lived an amazing life, a hair dresser from South Philadelphia who saw the world and helped raise generations of kids, none of whom were technically her own, but all of whom counted her as the closest kind of family.
Hello from Atlanta, where Indiana and Oregon play in the Peach Bowl tonight.
Just met an Indiana fan in the hotel elevator who said they have their entire trip, tickets included, booked for next Monday. Curt Cignetti's energy is infectious.
Just met an Indiana fan in the hotel elevator who said they have their entire trip, tickets included, booked for next Monday. Curt Cignetti's energy is infectious.
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Hello from Atlanta, where Indiana and Oregon play in the Peach Bowl tonight.
Just met an Indiana fan in the hotel elevator who said they have their entire trip, tickets included, booked for next Monday. Curt Cignetti's energy is infectious.
Just met an Indiana fan in the hotel elevator who said they have their entire trip, tickets included, booked for next Monday. Curt Cignetti's energy is infectious.
It was The Year of the Massive Coaching Buyout.
But in only one state, and with only one major school, did the governor make himself the main character.
Inside Jeff Landry's clash with LSU and the school's pursuit of Lane Kiffin (w/ @sam4tr.bsky.social): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
But in only one state, and with only one major school, did the governor make himself the main character.
Inside Jeff Landry's clash with LSU and the school's pursuit of Lane Kiffin (w/ @sam4tr.bsky.social): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
December 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM
It was The Year of the Massive Coaching Buyout.
But in only one state, and with only one major school, did the governor make himself the main character.
Inside Jeff Landry's clash with LSU and the school's pursuit of Lane Kiffin (w/ @sam4tr.bsky.social): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
But in only one state, and with only one major school, did the governor make himself the main character.
Inside Jeff Landry's clash with LSU and the school's pursuit of Lane Kiffin (w/ @sam4tr.bsky.social): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Jesse Dougherty
If you want to understand politics in this country, it really helps to understand college football
News: As LSU pursued Lane Kiffin, Gov. Jeff Landry backchanneled w/ school officials to request — in writing — a contractual provision that put someone other than the school on the hook for any potential buyout.
Inside LSU's plan w @jessedougherty.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Inside LSU's plan w @jessedougherty.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
LSU, a governor and a $91 million lesson in college football’s power
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has long used sports as a political cudgel, but nothing riles up his state like Tigers football.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:07 PM
If you want to understand politics in this country, it really helps to understand college football