ESPN College Football

Five weeks into the college football season and there are some surprises to say the least. Who saw Alabama entering October as the #1 team (with a STUD freshman receiver and no Saban), or Florida State sitting at 1-4, or BYU, Indiana and others undefeated? McElroy looks at the best and worst of the first month of the season, plus tells you who he thinks will get into the CFP from what he has seen so far. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alabama is STILL the king of college football, Jalen Milroe looks incredible, Georgia has some work to do, Ole Miss ain’t there yet and Notre Dame may just be who we thought they were - and that can be dangerous for the rest of CFB. Plus Colorado and BYU are leading the BIG 12 - who had that and can it hold, the regular season STILL matters, QB dependency for top teams is at an all time high and much more as McElroy gives you his TOP 10 takeaways from week 5.| Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy gives his instant analysis from Alabama’s epic win over Georgia in Tuscaloosa, Ole Miss going down at HOME vs Kentucky, the BIG 12 is all over the place with Arizona upsetting Utah, Colorado dominating UCF and BYU looking like the best of all of them. Plus McElroy looks at the BIG wins for Notre Dame over Louisville, Oklahoma over Auburn and Michigan surviving a late scare from Minnesota and much more. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just how good is Kalen DeBoer and will there be a home field advantage for the Tide? Can Notre Dame run on Louisville, will Virginia Tech give Miami any trouble and what to make of the loser of the Oklahoma/Auburn game? Plus, can Arkansas take down Texas A&M, can Rutgers and Indiana both stay undefeated and will Colorado take down UCF to keep proving the doubters wrong? McElroy answers all these questions and previews all the games you need to know about in week 5. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy and David Pollack go toe to toe on the Dawgs vs the Crimson Tide. Will Kirby and Georgia push Alabama down without Saban, is DeBoer ready for his 1st SEC game and what will the narrative be if UGA comes out on top? The guys talk about the perception of Tennessee football, the messy situation at Auburn, if Notre Dame can show life against Louisville and figure out if there is anyone outside of the SEC, Ohio State and Miami that could actually WIN the national title this year. Plus, McElroy gives his Top 4 in the P4. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tennessee is a legit National Title contender, USC is MUCH better than they were last year, Michigan found an identity, Colorado and the BIG 12 are a ton of fun but are they GOOD, and do we really have to give a playoff spot to a G5 team this year? Plus is it time to panic or be patient at Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Auburn? McElroy gives his TOP 10 takeaways from a wild week 4 | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michigan goes full BIG 10 with a ‘ 3 yards and cloud of dust’ win over USC where the Wolverines passed for a total of 32 yards. Tennessee walked into Norman and took care of business - was it Volunteer’s defense or a below average Sooner offense that was the difference? Colorado’s miracle win might catapult the Buff's moving forward, Arch Manning looked good in his first career start while North Carolina looked AWFUL for Mack Brown. McElroy breaks it all down plus more instant reaction from week 4. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the SEC Oklahoma - are the Sooners ready? Can Michigan play bully ball vs USC, is the winner of Oklahoma State vs Utah the leader in the BIG 12, and can Nebraska show they are for real? McElroy answers all these questions plus looks ahead to Clemson, Notre Dame, Louisville, Auburn and West Virginia looking to protect their home turf and more breakdowns from a busy weekend ahead in college football. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy and Josh Pate sit down to discuss if Texas is ready to handle the HYPE, if Georgia dropping to #2 is good for them (or a sign?), is Nebraska for REAL and if the BIG 12 can get more than 1 team in the CFP. Plus who needs the win more Tennessee or Oklahoma and what it will say about each program, and can USC go into MICHIGAN and get a win or with the Wolverines play bully ball and get back on track. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Georgia is going to be fine but needs to get healthy, Alabama is playing to Milroe’s strength, The G5 has had a TREMENDOUS start to the season while Florida and Florida State have looked just down right TERRIBLE. The BIG 10 is a work in progress, the ACC is probably a 1 bid league in the CFP, the BIG 12 might be the most fun conference to watch right now and the SEC will load up with teams in the CFP. All that and more as McElroy gives you his biggest takeaways from week 3 of the college football season. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jalen Milroe and Alabama took care of business at Wisconsin, LSU fought back for a good win at South Carolina, Florida and Florida State are both an absolute mess, Notre Dame found an identity, Tennessee continues to look dominate, Georgia survives a scare at Kentucky and more instant reaction from McElroy on week 3. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kalen DeBoer takes Alabama on the road to Wisconsin for the 1st test of his tenure, Texas A&M looks for their 1st win on the road since 2021, Florida State looks for their 1st win of the season and we have the return of good ol’ PAC 12 rivalries. Plus Notre Dame tries to right the ship at Purdue, the ‘Backyard Brawl’ and who is on UPSET alert? McElroy breaks it all down as we preview week 3 of the college football season. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Finebaum and Greg McElroy look ahead to week 3 in college football and discuss possible narratives coming out of the weekend. Who needs the win more Texas A&M or Florida, can LSU and Brian Kelly afford a loss at South Carolina, and is Hugh Freeze all in at Auburn? Plus can Marcus Freeman gain back the confidence from Notre Dame fans, will Florida State rebound vs Memphis and does the SEC have 5 teams that can legit win a National Title? Plus McElroy gives you his “Top 4 in the P4” after 2 weeks of the season. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tennessee is back on (Rocky) TOP, what is the ceiling for the Vols? Texas looks like one of the most complete teams in college football (along with Georgia), Michigan and Notre Dame have offensive issues, the question is when can they get it fixed? Auburn is still on a rollercoaster with Hugh Freeze, the BIG 12 might be better than the ACC and Nebraska fans get the winner they deserve. McElroy goes over all of these plus more of his top 10 takeaways from week 2. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas went into the BIG house and dominated a good, but not great, Michigan team. Tennessee put the country on notice that they might have the best defense in the SEC and Notre Dame got exposed as a fraud in the CFP race by getting bullied and losing at home to Northern Illinois. Nebraska put on a defensive show at home against Colorado and more takeaways from week 2 | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Week 2 is here and McElroy gives you the most in depth breakdowns you will find anywhere. Texas visits Michigan for the first regular season meeting ever between the two programs - will it be the Longhorns or Wolverines who make a statement. Can Nebraska beat Colorado and start 2-0 for the 1st time since 2016? Is Nico and Tennessee ready for primetime against a tough NC State defense? McElroy answers all those questions plus gives you some sleeper games to watch and potential GIANT killers. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy is joined by Brady Quinn to discuss what went wrong with Florida State (and why preseason rankings can cause this) and what the new ceiling is for Notre Dame in 2024. Plus, McElroy and Quinn discuss what a win would mean for Michigan over Texas and if Colorado can go into Nebraska and beat the Huskers. We also hit the mailbag and talk UNC QBs, preseason rankings and what can be done to get better matchups throughout the season | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USC looked different in their win over LSU who has now dropped 5 straight season openers. Miami is more than just a CFP contender and Clemson is not out of it..yet. Notre Dame needs to get the passing game going, Freshman were balling this weekend and is the BIG 10 deeper than we thought? McElroy goes over his Top 10 takeaways plus gives huge props to Travis Hunter who might be the best player in the country. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Georgia dominated Clemson showing why they are the #1 team, leaving Clemson fans to wonder - what’s next? Miami and Cam Ward looked comfortable in an impressive victory at Florida while the Gators begin what will be a LONG season. Notre Dame silenced their doubters (and the Texas A&M crowd) in a huge road win. Oregon and Michigan won - but not nearly as impressive as some would have thought. A lot of SEC QB’s - including Arch Manning - looked great in game 1. Alabama, Ole Miss and Tennessee looked like well oiled machines plus much more. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Week 1 is here and McElroy gives you the most in depth breakdowns you will find anywhere. Georgia starts their quest to get back to the top with a tough test against Clemson, Miami enters the swamp with a bullseye on their back. Can the Notre Dame O-Line hold up in College Station and will the rebuilt defenses of LSU and USC showout in Vegas? McElroy answers all those questions plus gives you some sleeper games to watch and potential GIANT killers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to know what people will be saying after the games? Well, McElroy and Booger McFarland go over the Sunday and Monday narratives today! With a loss will it be Florida or Miami fans that turn on their coach, do LSU fans appreciate Brian Kelly even if he starts 0-1 and what if USC takes the L, can Lincoln Riley convince Trojan faithful he can right the ship quickly? No one will be surprised if Georgia wins BUT, if it’s Clemson then how does that change the focus of the year for both programs, plus a Notre Dame win would go a long way convincing people they are a real CFP contender. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you consider yourself a smart college football fan? Do you break down rosters, depth charts and love a great debate amongst friends (and people on the internet), then we have a list for you. McElroy gives his top 10 things you should NEVER do. NEVER use conference record vs. other leagues as a way to support your conference’s superiority, NEVER cite star rankings on why a player should be good, NEVER claim that if team X was in another conference they would dominate it and much more. Plus what Georgia Tech’s win over FSU means and numbers you need to know heading into week 1. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan Day joins the show after naming Will Howard QB1 and tells us what he and Chip Kelly can do for the Buckeyes offense, why the defense will be dominant and a fantastic high school story about Caleb Downs that Ohio State fans won’t want to miss. Plus who are the players you don’t know about but absolutely need to before kickoff 2024 - McElroy gives you 14 that could help shape the season. Oh and COLLEGE FOOTBALL is back on Saturday as we preview Florida State vs Georgia Tech in Ireland | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’ve heard the rest now hear the best (at least the most accurate, go ahead check the receipts). Greg McElroy gives his conference championship game predictions for the BIG 10, SEC, ACC and BIG 12. Plus he breaks down the 12 teams that will make the College Football playoff and explains why it's possible the SEC will get 5 teams in while the BIG 12 and ACC may be 1 bid leagues. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirby Smart mentioned “depth” in his press conference 10 times, is their reason to be concerned about the Dawgs heading into 2024? Notre Dame and Texas A&M have not named all their starters yet before their big matchup in week 1, how different will LSU’s offense look like without Daniels (and Denbrock), will Oklahoma’s offense be able to keep up with their elite defense and if Will Howard is not “extraordinary” is that OK for Ohio State. McElroy answers all those questions plus more as we breakdown the end of camp | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colin Cowherd joins Greg McElroy to discuss the expectations for Lincoln Riley at USC, what success looks like for the new BIG 10 teams and why they will have an easier time than Texas and Oklahoma will in the SEC. Plus what to make of Michigan (both on and off the field), is Notre Dame really that good, should everyone know and respect Ole Miss and McElroy tells Colin why he LOVES Miami in 2024. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Georgia looks to break the “curse” of preseason #1 team, the Big 10 starts off with 2 of the top 3 teams, Ole Miss has its highest preseason ranking since 1970 and the rest of the SEC sets a record with 9 ranked teams. McElroy takes a look and tells you who is undervalued, overvalued and who from the Top 10 might not be there by season's end. Plus we hit some “camp buzz” from around the country highlighting some good news at Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, USC, Miami and more. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The college football season is just a few short weeks away and McElroy dives into some of the biggest ‘what ifs’ before kickoff. What if Michigan beats Ohio State again, or Nebraska misses a bowl game, or Penn State loses to West Virginia in week 1. What if Clemson beats Georgia or Alabama loses 3 games or Nico Iamaleava is a Heisman finalist. Plus injuries hit Notre Dame, Tennessee and Nebraska and we look at the impact it will have and potential replacements. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 wins has always been the sign of a very good season and it is assumed that 10 wins should earn a berth in the 12 team CFP - not so fast my friend. McElroy goes through the SEC, BIG 10, BIG 12 and ACC to tell you that not all 10-2’s are created equal. In depth breakdowns on why the BIG 12 will be a 1 bid conference, why Missouri better win at least 11 and why Notre Dame is NOT a lock at 10-2. Plus do Ohio State, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, Clemson and Alabama have anything to worry about with “only” 10 wins. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg McElroy breaks down the ‘tiers’ in the BIG 12 as four new teams enter the conference. Is there a legit National Championship contender in the conference? Will the new teams Utah, Colorado and Arizona step in and challenge right away or will Oklahoma State or Kansas State take the reins as the dominant team? Is there a sleeper in UCF or Kansas (yes that Kansas) that can make the CFP? Plus we hit the mailbag and McElroy answers if Ryan Day is in danger of being considered overrated, if FSU and Clemson will be in the ACC until 2036 and how exciting will college football be in November! | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg McElroy breaks down the ‘tiers’ in the SEC as they look to return to the top of the mountain in 2024. Who can win a Natty? Well we know the traditional powers of Alabama, Georgia and Texas are all capable, but everyone needs to understand that Ole Miss CAN win the National Championship this year. Missouri, Tennessee and LSU all look to make the 12 team CFP and might if a few key pieces come together. Plus Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and, yes Florida, can all play spoiler and might make things interesting in November. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ACC has a lot of questions heading into the 2024 season - and we are only talking ON the field. McElroy breaks down the tier’s of ACC teams and tells you why Clemson, Florida State and Miami are all at the top but not national title contenders (yet). Plus can NC State and Louisville crash the party and earn a CFP bid? Is the new guy SMU a threat or will it be Virginia Tech, and all their returning production, be the feel good story of the ACC in ‘24? | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg McElroy goes through the BIG 10 and breaks down who falls into championship contention, CFP contention, dark horses, sleepers and more. Find out why McElroy has Penn State as a tier 1 team and Michigan as tier 2. Is Iowa a CFP contender and will Washington, USC and Nebraska surprise a few teams and make a move? Is conference supremacy on the line for the BIG 10 this year? Plus, Nick Saban field and the ACC claiming the toughest non conference schedule in CFB. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Saban stole the show at SEC Media Days and McElroy gives you a few behind the scenes stories as the GOAT starts his full time broadcasting career. Plus, we listen back to the coaches' sound and determine if that was the truth or just “coach speak” - Is Georgia playing with a chip on their shoulder, has Ole Miss figured out the culture with so many transfers? Sark said this the most talented roster at Texas since he took over while Venables said the Sooners will find out if the roster is ready. Will experience help Florida and South Carolina - Napier and Beamer seem to think so. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SEC Media days kicks off and Greg McElroy tells you what he wants to hear during a busy week in Dallas. Georgia will be picked to win the SEC but how will teams 2 through 7 shake out, will Greg Sankey announce a 9-game conference schedule in 2026 and will the debate continue on who is the best rivalry in the SEC? Plus will Lane Kiffin deliver a few one-liners and will someone step up and make this week memorable? | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg McElroy gives his preseason Top 10 and explains why Ohio State is #1, why people are overreacting to Nick Saban’s retirement and why Texas will meet the expectations. Plus, is Notre Dame’s offensive line the one thing that might hold them back and will Ole Miss and Missouri be able to repeat the success of ‘23? Who’s overrated/underrated and will any of these teams miss the playoffs? Let the debate begin. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg McElroy begins his two-episode breakdown of his top 25 preseason poll with ranking numbers 25 through 11. The most notable surprises on the list include the defending National Champion, Michigan Wolverines outside of the Top 10, USC not being ranked at all, and is Oklahoma State better than Oklahoma? Is LSU a middle of the pack team now and is Miami ready to take the next step? And should Clemson really be considered an elite team entering the season? | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian talks with Greg McElroy about expectations for the Longhorn’s in year 1 in the SEC, a dynamic quarterback room with Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning and how the staff has worked to make Texas “tough” again. Coach Sarkisian also talks about the most improved position group he has seen and how he got his roster ready for SEC play. Plus, no signing day in June which surprises McElroy, Venables and Oklahoma agree to an extension, and Memphis lands a stud QB commit. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer talks with Greg McElroy about why he decided it was good to replace Nick Saban, the first time he knew Alabama was different and the early impact Gene Stallings had. Coach DeBoer also talks about the most improved position group he has seen and how his first coaching job got him ready for Alabama. Plus, Texas recruiting keeps rolling, Les Miles sues LSU and Ohio State picks up Grambling State in 2025. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alabama visiting Wisconsin, Georgia and Clemson facing off in Atlanta, Michigan hosting Texas are just a few of the TOP non-conference games of the 2024 season. McElroy goes through and ranks the best games and tells you why they may be more important for some teams. Plus SEC announced kickoff times for ‘24 season and McElroy tells you why this needs to be a NEW thing for all of College Football | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Norvell joins the show and tells McElroy how the team has turned the page on last season, why the Noles culture is in great position, the strength of the O-Line, why DJ Uiagalelei is the perfect QB for Florida State this year and much more. Plus, we know the marquee games that will dominate each week of the season but what about some under the radar games that will shape the playoff - McElroy goes in depth on the games Notre Dame, West Virginia, Kansas State, Memphis, Tennessee, NC State, Ole Miss and more have to win if they want to keep their names alive for the CFP | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal joins Greg McElroy on the latest addition of Always College Football to talk about the improved Hurricanes roster, recruiting and picking the “right” transfers and what it will take for the “U” to get back to the top. Plus, McElroy will tell you why Nebraska, Auburn Wisconsin and TCU are in a bounce back year and Notre Dame vs Boise State in 2025 is a great move for the Irish.| Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The “Wheel' delivers some doozies like why Dave Arenda better start winning at Baylor and why Ohio State and Notre Dame have the lowest ceiling and the highest floor. SMU and Memphis are two teams to keep an eye on and can Oklahoma State really make the same jump as TCU & Washington did? Plus, a hat tip to PAC -12 after dark, Washington State’s GameDay hosting abilities and an unforgettable Rose Bowl. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg is joined by Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy to discuss the state of the Oklahoma State program heading into the 2024 season. Gundy breaks down what to expect from his team this season while also discussing how the Big 12 is evolving. Plus, Greg takes a look at some surprisingly long conference championship droughts, including Oklahoma State, and discusses which droughts are most likely to snap in 2024. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy compares Vegas win totals for teams in the SEC, Big 10, ACC and BIG 12. Will it be Ole Miss, Alabama, Kansas State or Utah to make it over 9.5 wins? Can new BIG 10 member Washington make it past 7.5 wins or will Iowa hold strong and make it to 8 wins (again). Is 8 (and a half) enough for Louisville and NC State? Plus GameDay goes to Texas A&M, is it the end of walk-ons and much more. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule joins McElroy on Always College Football to discuss Dylan Raiola and the Husker quarterback competition, the state of the program after 1 year, why starting 5 of their 6 games at home can help this team and much more. Plus McElroy looks into post spring Top 25 polls and why they are helpful but unnecessary and we hit the mailbag regarding Brian Kelly, unlimited coaches and much more. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How overblown is the spring portal window?! Is it as important as some make it out to be - probably not, McElroy will explain. Plus we compare Vegas win totals for teams in the SEC, Big 10, ACC and BIG 12. Does 7.5 wins for Oklahoma, Auburn, Nebraska and USC sound right? Is it old school Clemson or portal happy Miami that will get over 9.5 wins? McElroy will break it down | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy goes through the top programs that had the most players drafted and tells you who has the biggest shoes to fill. Is it rinse and reload in the SEC for Georgia, Alabama, LSU (and Texas)? Can Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State find answers on the line? Are Oregon, Washington and USC ready to reload for the Big 10? We break it down plus update BIG transfers for Miami, Kansas State and Georgia. | Always College Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McElroy discusses Reggie Bush getting his Heisman back and where he ranks among dynamic Heisman winners since 2000. Plus Deion Sanders and Colorado prepare for another adventurous spring, Oklahoma State looks to make a move to the CFP, Oregon takes the field with Dillon Gabriel as the new leader, and quarterback battles at Nebraska, Maryland and Rutgers plus more spring storylines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Quarterbacks were the talk of spring games this weekend. Arch Manning gave Texas fans a peek into the future. CJ Carr, Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey all looked good for Notre Dame. DJ Uiagalelei and Florida State were on display. There is a QB battle in Michigan, Jackson Arnold looked great for Oklahoma while USC begins life without Caleb Williams. McElroy gives his biggest takeaways from the weekend and updates the transfer portal for Alabama, Auburn and LSU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices