Welcome to Until Saturday, The Athletic's NEW college football podcast. This is your home for everything college football. Join Ari Wasserman, David Ubben, Nicole Auerbach, Max Olson, Chris Vannini, Sam Khan Jr., and The Athletic's CFB staff as they break down the game we all love.
How NIL and the portal REALLY work: Players, coaches & agents weigh in
You may think you know how the transfer portal and NIL works, but Manny Navarro, Chris Vannini, and Ari Wasserman tells you how it REALLY works. Manny, Chris, and several other The Athletic reporters interviewed players, coaches, and agents about how two of the most prevelant yet perplexing topics in college sports. How do programs recruit players? Where do agents fit into all of this,are players only after a bag, and which programs spend the most? WE HAVE A RELEASE DATE FOR NCAA 25. An array of news came out of Florida at the ACC Spring Meetings. Dabo dropped another transfer portal comment, Florida St. vs ACC still rages on, even with both parties at the same hotel, and does the conference have a perception problem?
Read about how the transfer portal works:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5484900/2024/05/13/college-football-transfer-portal-nil-deals/
Read about how NIL agents fit into the picture:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5490748/2024/05/15/college-football-nil-agents-transfer-portal/
Read Nicole Auerbach's stories from ACC Spring Meetings:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5494186/2024/05/14/acc-college-football-playoff-perception/
Who's the Big 12 dark horse? Sign up and answer future Until Saturday newsletter's Question of the Day here: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday
Rundown:
- How does NIL/portal work? What we learned (3:00)
- So...tampering (9:00)
- Are players only after a paycheck? (13:30)
- Transactional programs (14:45)
- How do deals get done? (26:00)
- Biggest spenders (33:30)
- NCAA 25 release date (45:30)
- ACC Spring Meetings: Dabo, league perception, FSU + House vs NCAA deadline (53:00)
Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852
1:13:09
Mount Rushmore of CFB Villains + Baylor's bet on Dave Aranda & coaching timelines
One of Until Saturday's most dedicated listeners, Sad Husker Nate, did it again. He left another gem of a question for Ari Wasserman, Sam Khan Jr., and Mitch Light on the Until Saturday Phone Line (316-462-9852): Who's on our Mount Rushmore of CFB Villains?... more
1:07:15
Where was Ari right & wrong in his Post-Spring Top 25? + Brian Kelly and NIL overreaction
We asked you, Until Saturday and college football fans alike, to weigh in on Ari Wasserman's Post-Spring Top-25 rankings. Ari takes fan feedback on his list as well as input from Chris Vannini, who joins him on today's show. Why was Utah ranked so low? Was a... more
59:11
Post-Spring Top-25 Rankings Reveal + Breakdown with Dan Wetzel
Ari Wasserman is joined by Max Olson and Dan Wetzel, Yahoo Sports sports writer extraordinaire and 1/3 of the 'College Football Enquirer' podcast, to discuss his post-spring top-25 rankings. Which teams are ranked too high, too low, not at all? We want to hear... more
1:26:31
Are Colorado & Deion CFB's biggest villains? + Top players in 2024
A vortex of social media activity ensued after Tuesday's podcast with Max Olson (which can be found in your feed). Multiple ex-Colorado players spoke with Max about their experience being cut from the program when Deion Sanders took over, and those thoughts... more
1:07:07
What happened to Colorado's castoffs? Miami & Auburn's portal splashes
What happened to Colorado's players that weren't deemed to be Louis? Max Olson takes us behind the scenes of 20 Buffaloes players that were cast off when Deion Sanders took over the Boulder based program. Ari Wasserman and Chris Vannini then discuss the buzz... more
1:13:29
Is the NFL terrified of next year's CFB QBs? Changing college football history & Reggie Bush justice
Ari Wasserman and Chris Vannini sat down right after the NFL Draft to share their biggest takeaways from Thursday night. Michael Penix Jr. and Atlanta is a curious case, but the dude can rip the football. J.J. McCarthy left an impression on Ari as a teenager... more
1:13:09
NFL Draft prospects vs CFB eye test + Spring games observations with Bruce Feldman
Ari Wasserman welcomes Bruce Feldman to the podcast ahead of the NFL Draft to analyze prospects he believes are polarizing based on their body of work in college. Ari questions Michigan QB's J.J. McCarthy's draft stock, which has soared to astronomical... more
1:14:01
Portal intel & Colorado's sneaky smart move + Notre Dame's high expectations in 2024
The spring portal continues to rewrite the record books. Max Olson joins Ari to contextualize data, trends, and share his portal intel. Shilo Sanders' social media post directing transfers to message him or his brother, Shedeur, drew skepticism from college... more
1:18:56
The Spring Portal begins, but do fans love or hate it? + Alabama and Georgia spring recap
The spring transfer window opened Tuesday morning, and players flooded the system. The number of entrants were over double that of last year's opening day. There are new reasons for fans to be excited and loathsome of the portal, but what's the consensus? Do... more
1:07:50
Spring transfer portal preview + Will Drew Allar & Penn St. make the leap?
April 16 marks the beginning of the college football spring transfer window. And, according to some, it will be the most chaotic spring portal period to date. Ari, Chris, and the Portal Authority, Max Olson, prepare you for next week's barrage of player... more
1:13:45
CFB realignment that makes sense, Is Quinn Ewers the Heisman favorite? + Impact Freshmen
In the wake of last week's Super League report, Sam realigned all 70-plus top-tier programs in divisions that make sense. Ari and David share their thoughts on the ode to regional ties, and is there a future where we have leagues that actually make sense... more
1:11:54
Spring mysteries: Does Ohio State have a QB competition? | How would a Super League work? | Sneaky-good portal gets
Is college football in store for a super league in the future? The Athletic's Stewart Mandel and Andrew Marchand reported on Wednesday about a budding organization created by a very influential group of people involving just that. Ari and Max discuss what a... more
1:09:39
Wild card QBs in 2024 | Way-too-early hot seat watch | How Cason Beck's navigated NIL and the portal
At a position with both constants and questions, quarterback is the most make-it or break-it position in college football. But, which QBs fall in the middle of that scale? Who are the sport's wild cards? Ari and David each list several pigskin hurlers who fit... more
1:26:43
Mount Rushmore of HCs | Is Deion failing in real time & death of CFB prop bets?
Sad Husker Nate, one of Until Saturday's long-time listeners, called in with a question that Ari has been dreading to answer all week: Who is on our Mount Rushmore of college football head coaches? Ari, David, and Mitch each share who they believe are the four... more
1:26:53
Which Big 12 team will win a national title first & do they even stand a chance?
In an era of college football where the ground is unsettled, save for the growing chasm between the SEC, Big Ten and everyone else, Sam, David, and Mitch ry to answer this: Which Big 12 team will win a CFP national championship first? The trio divvy up the... more
1:17:57
Clemson wants out | Nebraska moved FAST + Raiola hype | Players we're most excited to watch
Clemson joins the ACC lawsuit dog pile, but will their opening salvo end in them leaving the conference? Ari, Chris, and Sam discuss that as well as the disparity in CFP revenue that's solidified the ACC's standing among the power conferences. Speaking of... more
1:01:53
Inside Kansas' rebuild with Lance Leipold & which programs could learn from it?
The University of Kansas football program reached its zenith in 2007 after recording its first 12-win season and an Orange Bowl win. However, that 2007 season would mark the last time KU football would win at least nine games for nearly two decades. In a... more
1:14:02
CFB heels and heroes | CFP dysfunction + Saban and structure | Georgia, Missouri check-ins
Which college football coaches are heels and which are considered heroes? Ari, Stew Mandel and Seth Emerson list the villains and most influential and candid voices in the sport with the absence of Nick Saban. Speaking of Saban, he spoke openly about NIL and... more
1:13:30
Notre Dame, Arkansas + State of Florida spring check-ins | Will Alabama revert to pre-Saban? | Plot holes in sports movies
With many teams kicking off their spring practices, Ari, David, and Manny whip around the country to check in on programs! Using sounds from practices, the guys launch into discussions about Notre Dame, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Miami, Florida State and... more
1:25:21
Next steps in athlete employment | Spring storylines: LSU, Michigan + more | Fan, donor fatigue
Dartmouth MBB voted to unionize on Tuesday, but what does it mean for collegiate athletics? Nicole and Chris share in a long conversation about the next steps in athlete employment. Spring practices are already here! What are some of the storylines you need to... more
1:07:42
FASCINATING teams in 2024 + Fran Brown chats Syracuse | New team expectations in a 14-team CFP
Who are some of the most fascinating programs going into 2024? Ari, David, and Max each nominate two teams for this season. Later, new Syracuse head coach Fran Brown dicusses his mindset and the Orange's recruiting strategy in an interview with Ari. Which... more
1:34:12
The 14-team playoff train needs to slow down | Can Penn State, Clemson bounce back? | UMass + Future of independents
Nicole, Audrey Snyder and Grace Raynor, the latter two are The Athletic's Penn State beat writer and recruiting expert, respectively, dig into reports about a 14-team playoff model that is being discussed. Is the 3-3-2-2-1 structure fair for the ACC and Big... more
1:09:18
Welcome to pay for play | Coach Prime year 2 | The Take Tank
The trio of Ari, David, and Sam react to Tennessee and Virginia being granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, which prohibits the organization from enforcing its pay-for-play recruiting rules. The era of pay for play is here, but for how long? Will... more
1:26:20
More Playoff expansion?! + 5+7 model winners/losers | Kalen DeBoer's staff | EA Sports, they're in the game
Nicole, Chris, and Max react to the CFP adopting a 5+7 model. Who are the biggest beneficiaries of this structure? The Playoff might be expanding again?! Would a 14 or 16-team field be more detrimental to the sport than helpful? EA Sports' big announcement. more
1:02:22
Kirk Herbstreit joins to talk health of CFB, Nick Saban on GameDay, Dylan Raiola, and more
ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit joins Ari to run the gamut of college football related topics. From Kirk's thoughts about the current state of college football to Nick Saban joining GameDay and the Dylan Raiola controversy, the pair tackle a lot. Rundown: -Health... more
42:34
Coaching carousel grades | CFP-ESPN deal and BIG changes | G5 Playoff hurdles
Nicole and Chris welcome Stew Mandel to the podcast to react and discuss his coaching cycle grades. Which hirings made Nicole and Chris pick a bone with Stew? Is Mike Elko really a B-grade hiring? Later, Nicole and Chris take a close look at the CFP-ESPN +$7B... more
1:05:56
Is Chip Kelly a better fit for OSU? | Alabama OC search | Jedd Fisch opens up about Arizona exit, Washington's future
Bill O'Brien toppled over more coaching dominoes that Ari and Chris happily sort through. Is Chip Kelly a better fit at offensive coordinator for Ohio State than Bill O'Brien (2:00)? Why did Kelly elect to leave a P2 head coaching job for a P2 coordinator... more
1:18:04
New rivalries in conference realignment era | Michigan, Ohio State staff updates + Who's on 3rd?
Sherrone Moore has had a busy first two weeks in office as head coach. Nicole, Austin Meek and Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic's Michigan and Ohio State reporters, respectively, chime in on UM's new staff (2:45). Cameron fills us in on what's going on in... more
59:53
Signing Day Special | State of Florida recruiting | Year of the WR + New HCs we're most excited for
In a special National Signing Day edition of Stars Matter, the crew reacts to the remaining big-name recruits who put pen to paper. ATH Terry Bussey is headed to College Station and WR Gatlin Bair is teaming up with the Ducks (3:30). Manny then provides a... more
1:06:25
Senior Bowl winners & NFL Draft dilution w/ Dane Brugler + the SEC, Big Ten and money talks
The Czar of NFL Draft evaluation, Dane Brugler, joins Ari and David to recap the Senior Bowl (1:30). Who stood out in Mobile, plus what does Dane think of Michael Penix Jr. (6:30). Dane shares some insight into appraising QB talent and discusses how scouts... more
57:57
The truth about NIL collectives' spending w/ Matt Brown | NFL vs CFB coaching jobs rigors + End of the greatest era?
Nicole and Chris welcome on Matt Brown, publisher of Extra Points. Matt shares what he learned from his analysis of 40 tax disclosures from NIL collectives (2:00). How do collectives spend their funds? Should they be considered non-profits, and how much money... more
1:00:58
The truth about NIL collectives' spending + EA Sports NCAA Football latest w/ Matt Brown | NFL vs CFB coaching jobs | End of the greatest era?
Nicole and Chris welcome on Matt Brown, publisher of Extra Points. Matt shares what he learned from his analysis of 40 tax disclosures from NIL collectives (2:00). How do collectives spend their funds? Should they be considered non-profits, and how much money... more
1:00:58
Stars Matter: Alabama GM Courtney Morgan joins the show! + Tennessee vs. NCAA explained & Signing Day Preview
The Stars Matter crew digs into Tennessee and Virginia's lawsuit filed against the NCAA (3:00). What does it mean, and how did this happen? The gang then dives into a Signing Day preview (15:00). Who else is unsigned? What does the '25 class look like? Later,... more
1:05:51
Oregon, Notre Dame, Missouri and more off-season winners | Sherrone Moore's to-do list + Iowa has an OC!
Ari and Max, who is a luminary when it comes to the transfer portal, list teams that helped themselves the most this off-season. From the obvious winners in Oregon (2:00), Ole Miss (10:00), Ohio State (16:00), and Notre Dame (27:00) to the more under the radar... more
1:08:55
Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers + Michigan's next steps | 5-star Ryan Williams back to Alabama | Fan bold takes about their favorite teams
Ari, Chris, and The Athletic's Michigan beat writer Austin Meek share their initial impressions of Jim Harbaugh accepting the Chargers job (3:00). Could UM have done anything to keep Harbaugh? What is the Michigan Man's legacy, and is it time for fans to quit... more
1:11:52
Ohio State's OVERHAUL + Ryan Day in 2024 | New Big Ten hierarchy | Who is Michigan 2.0?
Ari welcomes on Doug Lesmerises, host of The Kings of the North podcast, to take a deep dive into the Big Ten. Are the Buckeyes all in this season, or does their overhaul wreak of desperation (4:00)? Is Ryan Day's approach to the portal a philisophical shift... more
1:09:47
Weathering 'DeBoexit' + SEC power shift | Arizona’s parachute | Project D-1 & FSU vs ACC
The Athletic's Alabama and Georgia beat writers Kenny Smith and Seth Emerson, respectively, join Ari in discuss Caleb Downs, Kayden Proctor, and others entering the transfer portal, adding to 'Tuscaloo-xit' (2:30). Can Kalen DeBoer make up ground in the Spring... more
1:08:59
Stars Matter: Is the "Nick Saban Way" the only way at Alabama? | LSU's surge | No more excuses for Mario Cristobal
The Stars Matter team makes a thorough examination of Alabama from a recruiting perspective. Is the "Nick Saban Way", an accumulation of the best talent in the sport, the only option for Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa, or can the Tide's new head coach do what he... more
1:07:58
Jedd Fisch + Kalen DeBoer first impressions | Fixing suckepunch coaching hires | Jim Harbaugh to the NFL? Ohio State's new AD?
Ari, Chris, and Kenny react to Washington hiring Jedd Fisch as its newest head coach (3:00). Fans are justifiably angry when suckerpunch coaching hires like DeBoer and Fisch happen, but is there a way to mitigate the devestation felt by those programs that... more
1:13:11
Kalen DeBoer hired as Alabama's next head coach! + FSU disciplined by NCAA
Nicole, Sam, and The Athletic's Chris Kamrani react to Alabama hiring Kalen DeBoer as its next head coach. As the guy replacing the guy (Nick Saban), what does the 49-year-old ex-Washington coach bring to the Tide (1:00)? The gang takes a listen to Nick... more
52:11
BREAKING: Nick Saban retires! Alabama job profile, candidates & Saban's legacy
Nicole and Chris react to the seven...SEVEN-time national championship-winning coach Nick Saban retiring. How will we look back on Saban's legacy? Who will fill the shoes of, arguably, the greatest coach ever? A look at the Crimson Tide job and candidates.
18:17
Portal makeovers | Bowl season debrief + Will Michigan repeat?
Ryan Day has made a series of moves to set up an exciting, and possibly defining, season at Ohio State. Ari and David discuss the additions of RB Quinshon Judkins, QB Will Howard, and more (3:00). Is OSU starting to look a little like Michigan? Can Day help... more
1:03:21
Michigan crowned National Champs | Way-too-early 12-team field | Our favorite 4-team memories
HAIL TO THE VICTOR! Michigan went full Predator-mode and muzzled the Huskies for its first national championship since 1997. Ari and David react to the game, including how Michigan's D-line manhandled Washington (3:00), how Jim Harbaugh and this team rose... more
1:04:49
National Championship Final Thoughts | Harbaugh to the NFL? | The man who helped build Michigan and Washington | Title Takes with Ralph Russo, Austin Meek, Chuck Culpepper
It's hard to believe another college football season is nearly wrapped up. However, college football's creme de la creme will take to the field to decide who's the national champion before we reach the off-season. Ari and David share their final thoughts ahead... more
1:26:16
National Championship Preview! Matchups, predictions, X-Factors & anonymous coaches weigh in + Will Howard to OSU and Quinshon Judkins hits the portal
It's that time. The national championship is on Monday, and Ari and David are now ready to share their game picks with you all. The guys look at key matchups, the reasons why both Michigan and Washington will win and lose, and X-Factors. David and Bruce... more
1:12:54
National Championship Preview! Matchups, predictions, X-Factors & anonymous coaches weigh in + Will Howard to OSU and Quinshon Judkins hits the portal
It's that time. The national championship is on Monday, and Ari and David are now ready to share their game picks with you all. The guys look at key matchups, the reasons why both Michigan and Washington will win and lose, and X-Factors. David and Bruce... more
1:12:45
Stars (sometimes) Matter: Michigan and Washington beat the freaks, but is it an anomaly?
The Ari Shame Tour 2024 continues following Michigan and Washington's wins over the freaks in the semifinals. The Stars Matter team digs into how two teams outside of the op-10 in the talent composite punched their ticket to the national championship. Is this... more
1:00:31
Power Auer: Michigan-Washington biggest questions and the best semifinals ever? + 5 ways to fix bowl season
Nicole, who covered the Rose Bowl, and Chris share five observations from the CFP semifinals in the Power 5 (2:00). One thought they agree on is that this was the best semifinal EVER. Plus, Harbaugh gets over the hump, and the SEC isn't represented in the... more
1:13:07
Michigan vs Washington in the National Championship! Experience tops talent + early natty preview
Michigan and Washington punched their ticket to the National Championship on New Years Day! Ari and Chris share their takeaways from both the Sugar and Rose Bowls. Michael Penix Jr. was near-infallible, and even though Texas stormed back, their defense held up... more
1:05:22
Final thoughts for Michigan-Alabama & Washington-Texas + Orange Bowl and fixing opt-outs
Ari, David, Max, Sam, and Kenny Smith share their final thoughts for the Sugar and Rose Bowls ahead of the New Year's Day games. David, Max, and Sam, who are reporting from the Sugar Bowl in Louisiana, discuss Quinn Ewers' moment, Arch Manning, the battle in... more
1:00:31
CFP, NY6 and more bowl picks! + Alabama's "antagonistic" safeguard vs Michigan's sign-stealing
Ari and David pick the winners of the College Football Playoff games as well as the remainder of the NY6 bowls! Alabama isn't allowing its players to view film at their leisure like they would normally because of the cloud of controversy surrounding Michigan... more
1:14:39
Stars Matter: How Texas-Washington & Michigan-Alabama compare in recruiting and roster construction
Manny, Grace, and Ari take shots at Mitch while he's away on today's edition of Stars Matter. The crew also take shots at dissecting each CFP semifinal matchup from a recruiting and roster construction angle. How does Michigan's team composition compare to... more
1:01:29
Playoff Preview: Alabama-Michigan & Texas-Washington | Matchups, predictions, picks
In a special Power Auer x Max & Sam crossover episode, the quartet of Nicole, Chris, Sam, and Max preview the College Football Playoff semifinal games! The crew first previews the Sugar Bowl (3:30). In Quinn Ewers-Michael Penix Jr., who will deliver the best... more
1:15:20
The State of College Football: Parity, portal, and is the game "better"? + buying/selling program stock
Is college football "better" than what it was, say, five years ago? Ari and David try to answer that question on today's show. Before then, the guys discuss the FSU situation and determine if this fracas will amount to anything (1:30). Is there parity in the... more
1:04:38
National Signing Day Reaction! Crowning Georgia; Jeremiah Smith to OSU; Florida and Colorado's lumps + Rhett Lashlee, Jedd Fisch, Shane Beamer on class, realignment, and calendar
It's a special National Signing Day edition of Stars Matter! The crew discusses Jeremiah Smith to OSU and other Buckeye recruiting news (1:00). Miami had a humongous day (10:30). Shane Beamer joins the podcast to talk about the pair of 5-stars his Gamecocks... more
1:22:09
"They're all a problem": Chip Kelly sounds off + FSU's future & the greatest Famous Toastery Bowl ever | Power Auer
Nicole and Chris hit on a load of news from the last week, including: Oregon State, Washington State and the Pac-12's outgoing teams (2:00); the future of Florida State (7:15); Gerad Parker to Troy (14:00) and more! Did we witness the greatest Famous Toastery... more
1:03:01
Max & Sam: Ole Miss and more portal winners, Nebraska flips Raiola & TCU's Tyler Olker on roster management
We're just two weeks and change into the transfer period and already hundreds of players have found new homes. Max and Sam take a close look at which programs are in the running to be Portal King, such as Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss (5:30). Which transfer could... more
1:08:55
Sunday Sound-Off: A 24-team playoff?! How it would look in 2023 | Syracuse land Kyle McCord | Iowa's OC search
The great Scott Dochterman joins Ari and David in this edition of the Sunday Sound-Off. The trio touch on Kyle McCord to Syracuse, and Fran Brown's promising start as the Orange's head coach (3:00). Scott recently did a thought exercise placing this year's... more
1:24:43
The best NEW SEC/Big Ten conference games, Notre Dame's portal wins + bowl picks
Realignment has presented us with some new incredible conference games in the SEC and Big Ten. Ari, David and Sam rank which fresh SEC/Big Ten conference bout they can't wait to watch, like Texas-Georgia, Michigan-Oregon and more (3:00). Notre Dame has landed... more
1:05:07
Stars Matter: Nebraska's "recruiting crossroad" with Dylan Raiola + National Signing Day preview
Matt Rhule and Nebraska have an opportunity to land one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruitng class. What would it mean for the Cornhuskers if they flipped QB Dylan Raiola? Mitch Sherman, The Athletic's Nebraska beat writer, joins Manny, Ari, and Grace to... more
1:10:34
Power Auer: Riley Leonard to Notre Dame; Covid waiver's impact on CFB & fixing postseason awards
This week has been filled a lot of off-the-field action; however, that's going to change this weekend! Nicole and Chris first cover Riley Leonard's commitment to Notre Dame and Tyler Van Dyke's pledge to Wisconsin. They then discuss new defensive coaches at P5... more
1:01:55
Max & Sam: Plug-and-play vs. developmental QBs & 1st-year head coach report cards
You can't throw a rock this time of year without hitting someone in the transfer portal, save for Max and Sam who are back, once again, to shell out the latest portal news and developments. Dillon Gabriel is headed to Eugene! How will he fare in the Big Ten?... more
1:18:18
Sunday Sound-Off: Jayden Daniels, our Heisman ballots & predicting 2024 finalists + The most impactful coaching hires this cycle will be?
Ari and David kick off this latest Sunday Sound-Off podcast by giving Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, his flowers. The duo then discuss their voting process and ballots. Why did Ari give Jordan Travis a vote? Who might be the finalists in 2024?... more
1:09:27
Power Auer: Proposed subdivision explained, gambling's impact on how we view teams & 124th Army-Navy Game
In a whirlwind news week, Nicole and Chris break down the biggest headlines over the last seven days. What is the new proposed subdivision by Charlie Baker? How might it change the sport? Chris explains why the committee will change the way it ranks teams in... more
52:01
Coldest fan takes of the season, Deion lands another 5-star & how tech helped Jayden Daniels evolve
On July 24th, you, the listeners, tweeted your pre-season hot takes to Ari and David. We revisit the coldest of those takes in today's episode, including an 8-win Texas and a 9-win Alabama. Later, Ari and David discuss Colorado landing 5-star OT Jordan Seaton. more
1:10:41
Stars Matter: Will the CFP's decision impact future ACC recruiting? + the NFL Draft's most picked positions
The Stars Matter returns to chop it up over Mitch's most recent story. Which positions have produced the most NFL Draft picks? Why are WRs picked the least, and DEs the most? Will the Playoff committee's decision on Sunday to leave FSU out of the top-four... more
1:07:28
Max & Sam: Transfer portal QB tiers, top non-QBs & bowl excitement meter!
Over 1,100 players hopped in the transfer portal on Monday. Over 500 of those are in the FBS. With so much movement, we had to let Max, the Portal King, COOK. He and Sam place the major transfer QBs into tiers and discuss where a few might wind up. Mike Elko... more
1:07:08
The Playoff is set! The committee failed FSU + Sugar and Rose Bowl way-too-early previews
Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Alabama will compete for a national title! Ari, David and Chris react to the CFP field rooted in reality, and the ones they projected that included an undefeated ACC Champ Florida State. Did the committee mess up? Does this... more
1:01:58
Championship Weekend Reaction! The CFP Committee's worst nightmare, Alabama rolls, Texas dominates
Conference champions were crowned, but the best has yet to come! Ari and David discuss the nightmare that the CFP committee faces. Who gets in: Texas, Alabama or FSU? The guys lay out the committee's possible options. We were reminded, once again, never to... more
1:09:24
Washington crowned Pac-12 champs | Can they win a playoff game?
Ari and Stew Mandel react to Washington's Pac-12 Championship game win over Oregon, 34-31. Ari makes his mea culpa to Huskie nation as someone who hasn't been fully bought in this season. Stew, who has covered the conference assiduously in his career, puts... more
27:45
Championship Weekend Picks! Oregon-Washington, FSU-Louisville & if Georgia loses, will they still make the playoff?
Championship Weekend is here! The season has whooshed by in a blur, but Ari, David and Kennington Smith III take their time previewing and picking the weekend's games. Can Georgia contain Jalen Milroe? Kenny shares what he learned about Alabama in its... more
1:15:05
Stars Matter: Deion's recruiting problem, Jeremiah Smith debate & ranking job openings by recruiting potential
DO YOU BELIEVE (in Manny Navarro's ability to coach youth soccer...Mitch certainly doesn't)?! The quartet crack into Ari's column about Deion Sanders' lackluster recruiting at Colorado. How concerned should Buffs fans be? Later, Ari and Mitch do some verbal... more
1:11:07
Power Auer: FSU rises, OSU falls and Texas vs. Oregon resume + easiest and hardest remaining job openings
In the penultimate edition of the 2023 CFP rankings, Nicole and Chris share their thoughts on FSU climbing back inside the top-4. They also delve into a chaos scenario where Alabama is a one-loss SEC Champion that's being compared to a one-loss Big 12 Champion... more
1:07:48
Max & Sam: SEC Championship preview with Seth Emerson & coaching carousel grades
The last week has been rife with moves on the coaching front. Max and Sam break it all down for you and provide grades for the major moves. What does Mike Elko, Jeff Lebby, and Jonathan Smith bring to the table at Texas A&M, Miss St., and Michigan St.,... more
1:13:05
Sunday Sound-Off: Mike Elko, Jeff Lebby and latest coaching news + Ohio State fans would rather beat Michigan than win a national title?
Fresh off the heels of Rivalry Week, Ari, David and Antonio Morales answer your voicemails on a new Sunday Sound-Off! The trio begins the show by discussing Mike Elko being coveted by Texas A&M, Jeff Lebby to Miss St., Jonathan Smith to Michigan St., and more... more
1:18:53
Rivalry Week Craziness! Michigan, Alabama, Washington hold on, conference title games set & Texas over FSU?
Week 13 was one for the books! Ari and David react to an electric Rivalry Week that featured Michigan beating OSU for the third time in a row, last-second wins in the Iron Bowl and Apple Cup, and a slew of teams cementing themselves into their conference's... more
1:11:22
Rivalry Week Picks! The Game, Civil War, Iron Bowl & more!
It's one of the most exciting, and food-filled, weekends of the year! Ari and David pick marquee rivalry weekend games, including Texas-Texas Tech, The Apple Cup, Territorial Cup, Civil War, Iron Bowl, The Game, and more! -Texas-TTech (3:30) -Civil War... more
1:19:33
Power Auer: 'The Game' preview with Jake Butt and Joshua Perry + Washington jumps FSU to #4
Ari, who subbed in for Nicole, reacts to the latest CFP rankings with Chris! Why did Washington jump FSU to No. 4? What ripple effects could result from The Game? Speaking of which, former Michigan and Ohio State players Jake Butt and Joshua Perry, join Nicole... more
1:08:44
Max & Sam: Civil War preview with Bralon Addison & Until Saturday Coaching Search Firm
In a JUMBO episode of Max and Sam, the guys welcome on former Oregon Ducks wide receiver Bralon Addison to preview Oregon and Oregon State's rivalry game, 'The Civil War'. Addison shares his perspective as a former player and alum on the atmosphere in... more
1:31:42
Sunday Sound-Off: How should we view Michigan, Ohio State after 'The Game' + Georgia's rank among the all-time greats
In arguably the most loaded Sound-Off to date, Ari and David, with the help of The Athletic's Austin Meek, answer your thoughtful and provocative questions. A Michigan win in 'The Game' shouldn't be diminished. How will we look at both OSU and Mich after next... more
1:21:40
Week 12 Reaction: Florida State's playoff hopes without Jordan Travis, Michigan's elephant in the room & Washington's in the Pac-12 championship
Week 12 was an appetizer for an electric week 13, and Ari and David are ready to dig in! Florida State lost QB Jordan Travis to a devestating injury. Can the Seminoles rally and push through the adversity and into the playoffs? Texas and Washington pull out... more
1:16:14
Week 12 Picks: Michigan, Harbaugh accept suspension, Washington-Oregon St., Texas in Ames & big AAC, MWC showdowns
STAND ON BUISNESS, the Big Ten certainly did. Ari and David react to Michigan and Jim Harbaugh accepting the conference's suspension following their dismissal. Next, Ari, David and Max react to week 12 games, including Texas-Iowa St. How does Quinn Ewers'... more
1:22:11
Stars Matter: Florida's decommits & is Deion or Elko Texas A&M's best bet?
MANNY COOKS IN THIS EPISODE! While Mitch is away, the Stars Matter children will play, and Manny hosts the podcast with Grace and Ari by his side. Does Deion Sanders or Mike Elko give Texas A&M the best chance to compete and recruit? The trio discuss. Plus,... more
1:12:07
Power Auer: Georgia the new #1, Washington snubbed in latest rankings + Pac-12 ruling & Michigan's hearing
The third installment of the CFP rankings were dropped Tuesday night with some changes this go-around. Nicole and Chris react to Georgia being the new #1 team in the nation as well as Washington, after a win over ranked-Utah, being left out of the top-5 AGAIN!... more
59:17
Max & Sam: Coaching carousel and hot seat temp check with Bruce Feldman + untangling the Big 12 race
After a flurry of coaching moves were made over the weekend and into Monday, you know we had to call in the big guns. Bruce Feldman joins Max and Sam in breaking down Jimbo-Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Mike Yurcich, and hot seats. Plus, Max and Sam untangle... more
1:19:24
Sunday Sound-Off: Jimbo Fisher fired and mega contracts failing, ranking the 7 true contenders & Ari's Michigan take gets challenged w/ Alex Kirshner
Alex Kirshner of Split Zone Duo fame joins Ari and David in reacting to your voicemails! But first, the trio dissects the Jimbo Fisher firing. How good of a job is A&M? What does Fisher's firing reveal about "God contracts", and who are the top candidates? A... more
1:16:24
Week 11 Reaction: Alabama-Georgia in SEC title game, Michigan rolls (but we still aren't sold) & Texas, Washington, FSU survive!
Ari and David plunge into the week 11 slate and share their takeaways from the weekend! -Michigan wins but we still aren't sold + what the heck Penn State? (3:30) -Alabama cruises; Milroe's a dude (17:00) -Georgia blasts Ole Miss & Group A vs. B after... more
1:06:08
BREAKING: Jim Harbaugh Suspended for the Remainder of the Regular Season for Michigan Sign Stealing Scandal
Ari Wasserman and David Ubben share their instant reactions to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti suspending Jim Harbaugh for the remainder of the regular season for Michigan's sign stealing controversy. Was this punishment equal to the "crime", or was this the... more
26:26
Week 11 Picks! Michigan-Penn State and can Lane Kiffin destroy the Georgia Death Star? + Nebraska & others battling for bowl berths
Ari, David and Stew "The Boss Man" Mandel pick week 11 college football games ATS! Can Michigan win in Happy Valley with a cloud of controversy still surrounding the team? How will USC look without Alex Grinch? Can 'Lane Skywalker' destroy the Georgia Death... more
1:18:10
Stars Matter: Why are QB recruits committing so early? + Deion's "tinted windows"
Mitch, Grace, Ari and Manny answer a question that's been presnet in both the minds of recruiting circles and fans, "why are quarterbacks committing so early?" Grace shares what she learned from speaking with several QB recruits about their expedited... more
59:18
Power Auer: CFP rankings reaction and eye test vs. resume + Georgia-Ole Miss, Oregon-USC previews & Michigan's signs shared
Nicole and Chris break down the second College Football Playoff rankings! Did Washington deserve to be outside the top-4 again? Boo Corrigan shares the committee's approach to eye test v. resume. Later, Nicole and Chris preview UGA-Ole Miss, Oregon-USC,... more
1:01:04
Max & Sam: Michigan vs. the Big Ten (and Penn State) with Austin Meek + revisiting our best/worst pre-season predictions
Max and Sam catch up with The Athletic's Michigan scribe Austin Meek and chitchat about the Big Ten inching towards punshing Michigan for the in-person scouting scandal. The triumvirate also hit on the keys to the game for Michigan-Penn State. Before... more
56:55
Sunday Sound-Off: USC fired Alex Grinch way too late, vanishing rivalries & Ari's Georgia take challenged
Ari, David and Manny Navarro answer your voicemails on the latest Sunday Sound-Off! But first, the trio react to DC Alex Grinch being fired from USC. Bedlam makes us whistful about vanishing rivalries. Are there moral victories in CFB? Keith from NC chides Ari... more
1:17:53
CFB Week 10 Reaction: THE BEST WEEKEND OF THE YEAR!
Ari and David react to the best weekend of the college football season thus far! Georgia, Texas, and Washington were all pushed to the edge. Bedlam was incredible! Some teams are going bowling, while other will have to wait at least another week. What. A. more
1:17:36
Week 10 Picks: Bedlam finale, Georgia-Missouri, Washington-USC & other major Big 12, SEC games
Ari, David and Max key in on the weekend's biggest games and pick the matchups ATS! Is Texas the Ralph "I'm in danger" meme (3:00)? Is Ollie Gordon enough to lift Oklahoma State over the Sooners in the last Bedlam bout (14:45)? Ari has a sneaking suspicion USC... more
1:24:28
Stars Matter: USC's recruiting decline and the path back & Oregon flips 5-star Elijah Rushing
Mitch, Manny, Grace and Ari delve into Elijah Rushing's, 5-star DL recruit, flip to Oregon. How impressed have we been by Dan Lanning's recruiting chops (5:15)? 4-star signal-caller QB Trever Jackson decommits from Ole Miss. Ari shares his opinion of Jackson... more
1:02:52
Power Auer: First CFP Rankings reaction! + Dabo's tirade and another Stalions sighting?!
Nicole and Chris share their instant reactions to the first College Football Playoff rankings (:30)! Is Georgia ranked right (1:45)? The Oregon-Washington debate (3:00), and Michigan unaffected by off-field issues (5:30). The G5's station (10:00), one-loss... more
1:02:44
Max & Sam: Alabama-LSU, Georgia-Missouri preview with Kenny Smith + 12-team hypothetical & CFP contenders as Halloween candies
The first College Football Playoff rankings are here! Max and Sam lay out their hypothetical 12-team field ahead of the rankings show (5:30). Where do the pair fall on Oregon and Washington? Can Ole Miss surprise us late in the year? The Athletic's Alabama... more
1:14:20
Brian Ferentz done at Iowa: What this means for Kirk Ferentz, the Big Ten West race & Hawkeye fans
Ari, David and Scott Dochterman react to Iowa announcement that Brian Ferentz won't be returning as the program's offensive coordinator next season. Scott and the guys converse about interm AD Beth Goetz's decision, Kirk Ferentz future, what the next OC's... more
28:53