Locals In The NFL Championship Round Recap: Stats, Highlights, And More
Jan 25, 2026, 8:13 PM | Updated: 9:36 pm
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass in front of Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The second-to-last weekend of the 2025-2026 NFL season is officially in the books.
Also officially, the New England Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
But before we get too far, let’s take a look back at how players with ties to the state of Utah performed on Conference Championship Sunday.
One more game for all the glory. #SBLX pic.twitter.com/9dzmUVSVsd
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026
Locals In The NFL: Championship Round Recap
Denver Broncos 7 vs. New England Patriots 10
With both snow and tough defense in the forecast, the Patriots squeaked out a hard-nosed victory in Denver on Sunday afternoon.
The first half saw one touchdown for each side and a 7-7 scoreline at the break. As the snow started coming down in the second half, New England’s 23-yard field goal ended up being the difference.
For Denver, former Utah linebacker Jonah Elliss posted three total tackles (two solo) and a tackle for loss.
On the other side, former BYU defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga recorded three solo tackles and a tackle for loss.
Former BYU DT Khyiris Tonga and the New England Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl!! 🏈#LocalsInTheNFL #SuperBowlLX
📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/sXazxOqEPa
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks 31 vs. Los Angeles Rams 27
The second conference championship game featured the third matchup between NFC West rivals, and it did not disappoint.
Seattle took the early advantage and fought off Los Angeles advances for the entire 60 minutes. The Rams held a lead once and closed the Seahawks’ lead to under seven points four times.
Trailing by four in the fourth quarter, LA went on an 84-yard drive that ate up over seven minutes off the clock. Seattle buckled down in the red zone to force a turnover on downs. Seattle then ran out the clock to punch a ticket to the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl.
For the Rams, former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua totaled nine catches for 165 yards and a touchdown.
Former Weber State wide receiver Rashid Shaheed had one catch for 51 yards and also returned one kick for 21 yards for Seattle.
RELATED: Puka Nacua Hauls In Big Touchdown Catch In NFC Championship
Former Weber State WR Rashid Shaheed gets Seattle started! 💨#LocalsInTheNFL #WeAreWeber #Seahawks @kslsports
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) January 25, 2026
Watch Super Bowl LX On KSL
NBC is carrying the 60th Super Bowl, which means you can catch the biggest game of the season on KSL TV!!
Tune in to channel 5 on February 8, 2026.
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.
