Week 8 Reaction: Did Texas screw themsevles by playing Arch Manning? | Until Saturday | Podcasts | The Athletic

Welcome to Until Saturday, The Athletic's college football podcast. This is your home for everything college football. Join David Ubben, Chris Vannini, former Alabama running back Damien Harris, The Athletic's CFB staff, and guests to celebrate our favorite day of the week, Saturday.

Week 8 Reaction: Did Texas screw themsevles by playing Arch Manning?

Georgia dominated Texas, Indiana rolled Nebraska, and Alabama is outside of the playoff picture after Week 8 of the college football season. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris react to a weekend of great moments, like Miami's crazy win and Tennessee's victory cigars, bad moments, like Longhorns fans throwing water bottles, and ugly teams, like Oklahoma and USC. Plus, what does the College Football Playoff field look like after Week 8? Rundown:- 1:45 Is the Georgia Death Star back?- 6:45 Texas water bottles and overturned call- 10:30 Did Texas hurt themselves by playing Arch? - 15:45 Is Indiana a playoff team?- 24:00 Miami and Cam Ward are fun as hell- 29:00 Alabama is outside of the playoff picture- 37:00 Tennessee's big win- 38:15 Oklahoma, USC, Auburn & FSU: Who's in the worst situation?- 45:30 Playoff projections after Week 8- 49:00 Heismans and CriesmansYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UntilSaturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for our Monday reaction podcasts: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the FREE Until Saturday newletter:: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayHosts: David Ubben (@davidubben), Chris Vanninin (@ChrisVannini), Damien Harris (@DHx34)Audio editor: John RossExecutive producer: Cam Molina (@commentatorcam)Supervising producer: Michael Martinez (@MikeMartinezDC)

57:30

Week 8 Picks: Are LSU, Miami and Notre Dame on upset watch?

Texas vs Georgia, Alabama vs Tennessee, and Nebraska vs Indiana headline a MASSIVE narrative-fueled Week 8 of college football. David Ubben, Chris Vannini, and Damien Harris pick weekend games, including Miami vs Louisville, Notre Dame vs Georgia Tech and LSU... more

1:00:26

Will Notre Dame, Ohio State and Alabama ACTUALLY make the playoffs? + Curt Cignetti on Indiana's rise

Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama and other programs have given us reason to question their playoff legitimacy. At the midseason mark, David Ubben and Ralph Russo, our Playoffs Secruity Administration workers, debate whether the Buckeyes, Irish, Crimson Tide,... more

1:02:31

Week 7 Reaction: Is Ryan Day's seat at Ohio State hot or scorching?

Oregon and Texas control the Big Ten and SEC after Ohio State, Alabama, Tennessee and others struggle. The Ryan Day hot seat debate reignites, Oklahoma is headed down a dark path, and does USC still have a shot at redemption? Alabama, Ole Miss and Tennessee... more

1:04:44

Week 7 Picks: Can Oregon, Colorado and USC pull off upsets this weekend?

Can Oregon, Colorado, and USC stun Ohio State, Kansas State, and Penn State, respectively, in Week 7? David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris pick college football games, including Red River Rivalry, Ole Miss-LSU, Arizona-BYU, Cal-Pitt, and many more!... more

1:02:04

Predicting Ohio State-Oregon and Texas-Oklahoma heavyweight fights!

MASSIVE Week 7 college football games on deck with Ohio State-Oregon and Texas-Oklahoma. Chris Vannini and The Athletic's Antonio Morales talk Ducks and Buckeys ahead of their inagural conference bout. Later, Sam Khan Jr. and ex-Sooner, Gabe Ikard, breakdown... more

1:02:41

Week 6 Reaction: What does a historic weekend of upsets mean for the playoffs?

Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan and a slew of top teams CRUMBLED to unranked teams in Week 6. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris react to Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Washington, and other unranked programs earning massive wins. With six ranked teams going... more

1:03:52

Week 6 Picks: Ohio State, Miami and Missouri need to quit playing around

Ohio State, Miami and Missouri are a few marquee teams that feel like they've been playing with their food for too long. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris pick Week 6 college football games, and they discuss if the Buckeyes, Hurricanes, and Tigers... more

1:03:47

Is the SEC and Big Ten alliance a threat to college football?

Another day, another realignment update. But this time, The Athletic's newest member, Ralph Russo, breaks it down! Ralph joins David Ubben to discuss Gonzaga's move to the Pac-12. The pair then react to the SEC and Big Ten advisory group's latest moves. Is... more

57:13

CFB Week 5 Reaction: Alabama vs Georgia was insane, but is the rest of the SEC "mid"?

Alabama vs Georgia is the GAME OF THE YEAR (so far). David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris react to Kalen DeBoer's first SEC win, Jalen Milroe and Ryan Williams' brilliance, and David and Chris debate the stakes of the game in this 12-team CFP era. But,... more

57:29

Week 5 Picks: Alabama-Georgia, Illinois-Penn State & more games + UNLV's ugly QB situation

A kaiju brawl takes place in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, but who will win between Alabama and Georgia? David Ubben, Chris Vannini, and Damien Harris have you covered. Before our Week 5 college football picks, the guys react to UNLV's ugly QB situation and the... more

1:01:08

Greg McElroy previews Alabama-Georgia + Ranking the most disappointing and impressive teams so far in 2024

Who are the most disappointing and impressive college football teams this season? David Ubben and Manny Navarro rank the dregs and bright spots in the sport! Former Alabama quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy then joins David to preview the THE CLASH OF... more

1:01:07

Week 4 reaction: A weekend of meltdowns and exposing imposters

Week 4 shed some much-needed light on this college football season. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris react to the weekend's meltdowns and the imposter programs that were sussed out. Tennessee coasted in Norman, and Oklahoma has loads of questions... more

1:05:21

Week 4 Picks: What will we find out about teams playing in new conference games?

Conference play is opening in earnest, and there are some new JUICY intra-conference matchups in Week 4. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris pick the winner in Oklahoma's SEC debut versus Tennessee. They also dive deep into Michigan-USC, Utah's fishy... more

1:17:17

What's with Arch Manning Mania? + Oklahoma-Tennessee preview w/ Dusty Dvoracek

Arch Manning hasn't started a game (yet), but he's one of the most recognizable names in all of college football. David Ubben and Sam Khan Jr. unpack the Manning craze and discuss if Arch is as good as people think. Later, ex-Sooner and ESPN analyst Dusty... more

1:07:45

Week 3 Reaction: Lane Kiffin to Florida? SEC nail-biters, Big 12 clarity + rivalry revenge

There's never a boring weekend in college football. David Ubben and Damien Harris hold it down unwrapping a great Week 3 while Chris is airborn. LSU, Georgia, Missouri all win nail-biters while Florida and Florida State looked miserable. Is this it for Billy... more

1:34:21

Week 3 Picks & the Pac-12 rises from the ashes! + Wheel of Takes

The Pac-12 announced it will add Fresno State, Colorado State, Boise State and SDSU in 2026. David Ubben, Chris Vannini, and Damien Harris react to the realignment news. They also discuss other programs (like Tulane and UNLV) that the conference could target. more

1:23:51

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer joins the show! + Where does Notre Dame go from here?

Boys and girls, we got him. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer joins Until Saturday to discuss the Tide's season, Wisconsin, his favorite momento, GM Courtney Morgan, Jalen Milroe's development, rapping(?), and more! Before then, The Athletic's Pete Sampson gets... more

1:15:35

Week 2 Reaction: Are Notre Dame, Michigan and Iowa out of the playoff? + Nebraska & Texas shine

This Week 2 is going down in the history books. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris unpack a loaded Saturday, starting with #5 Notre Dame's shocking loss to Northern Illinois (4:00). Are the Irish out of the playoffs?! Texas DOMINATED Michigan in the... more

1:29:29

Week 2 Preview and Picks: Can Tennessee, Michigan, Nebraska and Arkansas prove themselves?

Week 1 was a BANGER, but Week 2 could be even better. David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris preview and pick Tennessee-North Carolina State (1:30), Michigan-Texas (6:30) and Nebraska-Colorado (10:30). All teams with something to prove this weekend. more

1:23:39

Ranking Week 2 mood-swing games + Texas-Michigan preview with Cedric Golden

Week 2 could make THESE college football fanbases moody. David Ubben and Sam Khan Jr. pinpoint the matchups that may make fanbases elated or irate. Colorado-Nebraska (2:00), Oklahoma State-Arkansas (13:00), UTSA-Texas State (25:00) and more clashes have some... more

1:12:14

Week 1 PANIC BUTTON Teams + Saturday Superlatives!

That's the first weekend of college football in the books! David Ubben, Chris Vannini and Damien Harris breakdown and contextualize a bloated opening weekend. Which teams are hitting the PANIC BUTTON after Week 1 (1:30)? Florida looked miserable, LSU had some... more

1:38:48

Week 1 Preview and Picks: Can Clemson, Florida and West Virginia defy the odds?

WEEK 1 IS HERE! David Ubben, Chris Vannini, and Damien Harris preview and pick the first weekend's slate of games. Can NDSU, Clemson, Florida, and West Virginia overcome the odds (makers) and earn major opening-weekend victories? Will LSU play "swampy" and... more

1:27:25

Coaching tiers 2024: Which HCs are ranked too high and too low? + Week 1 sneaky-interesting games

Get your typing fingers warmed up because it's coaching tier season. Bruce Feldman joins David Ubben to discuss his 2024 coaching tiers. Why is Dabo in tier 1 (2:00)? Does Deion Sanders deserve to be in tier 6 (17:30)? Which coaches could have a breakout... more

1:00:05

Which teams can LEAST afford to lose in Week 1 + Can Florida State still make the playoffs?

New season, new us! David Ubben, Chris Vannini, and Damien Harris will be in your podcast feeds on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the college football season! Speak of which, we have ACTUAL college football games to react to! #10 Florida State was... more

1:20:53

SEC, ACC & Group of 5 cheat sheet and predictions + Week 0 picks

WE HAVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL THIS WEEKEND! To celebrate, Chris Vannini and David Ubben pick Week 0 games. Is Florida State or Georgia Tech carrying a four-leaf clover to Ireland? Before then, Manny Navarro and Kennington Smith III join Until Saturday to share all... more

1:37:33

We ranked all 134 CFB teams + Damien Harris joins Until Saturday this season!

Chris Vannini is an absolute madman. He ranked ALL 134 FBS college football teams for his annual '134 Rankings'. He and David Ubben examine the team tiers and disucss some of the major differences between the 134 Rankings and AP Poll. BUT, before then, Until... more

1:30:32

The All-Sleeper Squad: Teams and players to quit snoozing on

WAKE UP! David Ubben, Grace Raynor and Manny Navarro rip the sleep mask off six college football teams and players you need to quit snoozing on this season. Before then, The Athletic's Austin Meek takes us behind the scenes at Sherrone Moore's media... more

1:07:34

College Football's conference of chaos: Big 12 Power Draft Preview

Welcome to the Big 12, college football's roulette wheel that has 16 colors. Bruce Feldman joins Sam Khan Jr. and Justin Williams in breaking down the most chaotic, unpredictable and, arguably, most fun league in the sport. Kansas State and Utah may be... more

1:13:46

Bear or Bull: Buying & selling program stock in 2024

Which college football teams should you buy stock in, and which should you sell? David Ubben, Kennington Smith III and Audrey Snyder, Until Saturday's CFB investment experts, tell you which teams they're bullish and bear-ish on across the SEC, ACC, Big Ten,... more

1:08:55

Big Ten Power Draft Preview: Ohio State or Oregon #1? Nebraska's rise + sleeping on Michigan?

A conference preview, draft and power ranking rolled up into one jumbo-sized podcast burrito? *Ding* Order's up. Chris Vannini along with Scott Dochterman and Cameron Teague-Robinson, The Athletic's Iowa and Ohio State scribes, respectively, breakdown every... more

1:52:29

Oddly specific CFB predictions: Ohio State's perfect 2024 + Deion, Shedeur return?

It's that time of the off-season where we go out on a limb...a very long limb. Chris Vannini and Manny Navarro return with their second installment of Oddly Specific College Football Predictions. Ohio State will finish the year 16-0? Travis Hunter will win the... more

1:12:51

Your guide to every major change to college football in 2024

The 2024 college football season will be unprecedented. A 12-team playoff, communication devices in helmets, Oregon, Texas and other teams in new leagues -- there's just so much DIFFERENT. Chris Vannini and David Ubben walk you through every major change to... more

1:14:11

Midsummer Mailbag! + News from Ari and Max

Chris Vannini, David Ubben, Max Olson and Ari Wasserman assemble to open the mailbag and answer your questions on everything from if the PAC-12 could ever come back, the future of non conference rivalry games, and the best broadcasters working in college... more

1:23:08

We let CFB25 predict the Playoff + Realignment rumblings & Texas vs SEC, Saban

Nick Saban might be the early highlight of Talkin' Season. Chris Vannini, David Ubben and Ari Wasserman react to Saban's first SEC Media Days as an analyst, including his opinions on Texas and Alabama. Plus, are NIL fines enough for Georgia's reckless drivers?... more

1:13:31

It's HERE! Our EA College Football 25 early review! + Pat White joins the show

The wait is finally over. After a decade-long wait, EA Sports' next installment of their college football franchise is here! Chris Vannini and Ari Wasserman share their early review of EA College Football 25. The duo dissect the gameplay, graphics, playbooks,... more

1:11:49

The Nick Saban Butterfly Effect & Big 12 alpha dog search + EA CFB 25 final countdown

How does one coach's decision affect over 400 people? Ari Wasserman, Max Olson and Sam Khan Jr. explain how Nick Saban's retirement caused hundreds of staffers, coaches, analysts, and familes' lives to change. From Alabama to Nebraska Kearney and Washington to... more

1:18:06

Big 12 preseason rankings biggest question marks + Conference X-factors for every team!

In the final installment of Until Saturday's conference X-factors, Ari Wasserman, Max Olson, and Justin Williams (as well as Sam Khan Jr., whose internet lost the battle against Hurricane Beryl) list their X-factors for each Big 12 program ahead of media days... more

1:18:00

The NEW SEC's X-factors! + Lincoln Riley catches a stray

As of July 1st, Texas and Oklahoma are official members of the SEC. Ari Wasserman and our SEC pundits at The Athletic, Seth Emerson and Kennington Smith III, list x-factors for every program in the new-look conference. Will a player moving position at Georgia... more

55:00

X-Factors for EVERY ACC program + EA Sports vs Ari's top-10 teams

We continue our Until Saturday X-factors series with the newly minted 17-team ACC. Our Atlantic Coast Conferece guru, Manny Navarro, jumps on the mic with Ari Wasserman to share his list of impact players this season. Before then, EA Sports revealed their team... more

49:32

X-factors for EVERY Big Ten team + EA Sports CFB 25 rankings BEEF

Colorado Twitter is EA Sports' #1 fan. College Football 25 is only a few weeks away, and the gracious folks at EA Sports gave us A LOT to talk about, as they published their offensive and defensive rankings on Thursday. Ari Wasserman, Chris Vannini, and Scott... more

1:11:45

Everything you need to know about college football recruiting in 2024 (so far)

The dead period has arrived, which presents a great opportunity for Ari Wasserman, Mitch Light, and Manny Navarro to fill you in on everything you need to know about college football recruiting in 2024 through June. From Kalen DeBoer's impressive start... more

1:03:50

David's burning CFB thoughts while on paternity leave: EA Sports CFB 25, best new coaching hire & more!

A sleep deprived, but exuberant, David Ubben returns to Until Saturday! He joins Ari Wasserman and Chris Vannini in New York while in New York for a company event. David has been champing at the bit to share his thoughts about recent college football news and... more

1:09:40

Reasonable & unreasonable expectations for Alabama, Michigan & more of CFB's most interesting teams with Ralph Russo

What are reasonable and unreasonable expectations for fanbases of some of college football's most interesting teams? Ari Wasserman is joined by The Athletic's Kennington Smith III and Ralph Russo of the Associated Press to solve what rational, and irrational,... more

1:20:02

The Allstate 12?! Biggest trap games & Notre Dame vibe check with Jessica Smetana

Chris Vannini and Ari Wasserman discuss reports of the Big 12 and CUSA, among other conferences, exploring private equity investment and selling the naming rights to their conferences. Does the Allstate 12 roll off the tongue? Later, special guest Jessica... more

1:04:58

BIGGEST Pressure Cooker Games of 2024 + Top 5 College Football 25 teams we can't wait to play as

We are less than 100 days from the start of the college football season! Ari Wasserman and Chris Vannini pinpoint the year's biggest 'pressure cooker games', or the matchups that will draw the strongest overreactions from either fanbase and send supporters... more

1:11:42

Is Georgia or Michigan's title blueprint harder to replicate + Who REALLY won the 2020 recruiting class?

Which national championship model is harder to emulate: Georgia's or Michigan's? Ari Wasserman and Max Olson thoroughly mull over Rodrigo A's fan-submitted question. Which programs could model themselves after either champions? Max went through the arduous... more

56:46

Is Red River the BEST SEC rivalry? + Tier list of top weeks 1-3 games

Chris Del Conte, athletic director at the University of Texas, gave the college football world a gem last week while on the Paul Finebaum Show. There he exclaimed just how great the Red River Shootout is compared to its new conference mates' rivalry games. So,... more

1:08:27

ELITE Nick Saban stories, Alabama's standard + ex-player on CFB evolution with Damien Harris

Former stud Alabama running back and NFL vet Damien Harris joins Chris Vannini on today's show! Damien opens up about how his family and newborn son have helped him weather his difficult transition out of the NFL following a scary injury last season with the... more

1:03:48

We PLAYED NCAA 25! Gameplay, features & more with EA Sports' Ben Haumiller & Christian McLeod

The rumors are true, we PLAYED EA Sports College Football 25...well, Chris Vannini did (Ari Wasserman definitely isn't jealous). While at a function hosted by EA Sports in Orlando, Chris had a first-account of what the gameplay is like; from the revamped... more

1:30:12

Describing EVERY Big 12 team in one word + What House vs NCAA approval means

In the NEW Big 12, the one with 16 teams, separation between teams is infinitesimal. There are seven teams (nearly half the league) that are within one O/U win total of each other (per BetMGM). Sam Khan Jr. and Justin Williams use one word to describe each of... more

1:08:03

Is Florida State an outlier, or the new gold standard for team building? with Mike Norvell

Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell joins Ari Wasserman to discuss the Seminoles' approach to team building. Does Norvell believe his team's portal to high school recruiting ratio is a recipe for success? Is it sustainable? Manny Navarro, The... more

1:04:19

EA Sports NCAA 25 features + trailer reveal! How NIL and the portal REALLY work: Players, coaches & agents weigh in

Ari, Chris and Max share their instant reactions to the first EA Sports NCAA 25 trailer! Chris also shares what features fans can expect in the game. You may think you know how the transfer portal and NIL works, but Manny Navarro, Chris Vannini, and Ari... more

1:26:08

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