Until Saturday: A show about college football

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 in Las Vegas. Can a trio of young receivers in the state of Texas help their programs to a big year? Will Kansas' newest addition keep Jalon Daniels healthy? Plus, Ari explains the Fast Food Triple Crown while the crew attempts to solve a Skyline Chili mystery.Check out Justin's Big 12 recruiting story: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5612669/2024/07/05/big-12-recruiting-update-official-visits/Rundown:- Big 12 preseason poll (3:30)- X-factors: Arizona St., Baylor, West Virginia (15:00)- Colorado, Houston, Kansas St. (20:00)- Iowa St., TCU, Cincinnati (34:30)- Kansas, Texas Tech, UCF (46:30)- Utah, Arizona, BYU, Oklahoma St. (1:05:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the FREE Until Saturday newletter:: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 change the complexion of the Bulldogs' defense? Does Alabama have the nation's best OL, and can a true Freshman wide receiver elevate Auburn's offense? Plus, Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione embraces SEC culture by lobbing a granade at a certain someone in LA. Before then, EA Sports Dynasty Mode mega update!Read Seth's story about how a Supreme Court case impacted CFB TV deals and realignment: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5600962/2024/07/01/ncaa-college-football-supreme-court-1984/Rundown:- EA Sports Dynasty Mode deep dive (3:45)- SEC X-factors: Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina (8:30)- Florida and a Percy Harvin percentage (16:15)- Kentucky & Missouri (20:45)- Alabama & Ole Miss (27:00)- Oklahoma & Lincoln can't catch a break (32:00)- LSU & Vanderbilt (36:45)- Texas, Auburn & Miss St. (43:00)- Texas A&M + Arkansas (49:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the FREE Until Saturday newletter:: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 rankings for the upcoming college football video game. Where did EA Sports get it right and wrong? Plus, Ari compares his pre-season top-10 teams against EA's.Check out our ACC x-factors story: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5608807/2024/07/02/acc-football-x-factors-damien-martinez-maalik-murphy/Rundown:- EA Sports CFB 25 team rankings + Ari's top-10 teams vs EA (2:00)- ACC X-factors: Boston College, Cal & Clemson (10:00)- Duke, Florida State & Georgia Tech (16:45)- Louisville, Miami & North Carolina (24:15)- NC State, Pittsburgh & SMU (33:00)- Stanford, Syracuse & Virginia (39:30)- Virginia Tech and Wake Forest (42:45)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the FREE Until Saturday newletter:: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Dochterman react to the top-25 lists, and then they share where EA got it wrong. Afterward, who is the x-factor on each Big Ten team? The guys explain each of their picks. Before we roll out, rolling it up is now legal in CFB. Plus, other rule changes.Read about Austin Mock's top-ranked offenses, defenses:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5595576/2024/06/27/college-football-25-best-defenses-projections/?partner=slack&smid=sl-shareRundown:- EA Sports offensive/defensive rankings (2:30)- Our top-10 teams on offense (13:00)- Defensive rankings (17:30)- Big Ten X-factors (25:30)- Cannabis, unlimited coaches, and more news (1:08:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 enlisting high school talent into the Alabama ranks to Rutgers' and Memphis' hot starts (and USC's cold spell), we have you covered.Read Bruce Feldman's Elite 11 takeaways story:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5582196/2024/06/22/elite-11-takeaways-jaron-sagapolutele-tavien-st-clair/Rundown:- Major recruiting storylines (3:00)- Alabama hasn't skipped a beat without Saban...right? (10:00)- What to make of Brent Venables' contract extension (19:00)- Recruiting rankings top-10 teams (25:00)- Hot/cold teams on the recruiting trail: USC, Notre Dame + more (45:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 developments since being on paternity leave, including EA Sports College Football 25, the best head coaching hires this cycle, hype train teams, private equity, and more!Rundown:- David takes a break from Bluey to talk EA Sports CFB 25! (2:00)- Will CFB 25 be a good tool to learn about players? (9:00)- CFB needs a portal fix (16:00)- The shortsightedness of private equity (23:00)- Are coaches overreacting to future roster limits? (31:00)- The Pac-2's media deal trumps the Pac-12's (44:00)- Best coaching hire of this cycle (49:00)- Hype train teams (58:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, benchmarks Alabama, Michigan, Colorado, Clemson, and more should hit this season. Kenny and Ralph are subjected to an expectations lightning round before the triumvirate reveal which fanbases are the most irrational.Listen to Ralph on the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/id1138957862Read Kenny's SEC schedule breakdown:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5556938/2024/06/12/sec-football-2024-tv/Rundown:- Reasonable/unreasonable expectations: Alabama (3:00)- Texas to the moon? (13:00)- Notre Dame standard in '24 (22:30)- Is Ole Miss a National Championship contender? (30:15)- We're the "Michael Jordan of being wrong about Texas A&M" (39:15)- Colorado fans, let's be real (47:00)- Miami boom or bust (52:30)- Clemson, Dabo need to "stand on buisness" (59:30)- Can Michigan win The Game? (1:06:00)- Lightning Round: FSU, Penn State, LSU + more (1:09:30)- Most irrational fanbases (1:12:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Smetana, co-host of The Dan Le Betard Show and Notre Dame alumnus, hops on Until Saturday to share her takes on the vibes in South Bend. Afterward, Chris and Jessica nominate major trap games this season. From UCF-Florida to Clemson-App St., where do these look-ahead matchups rank on the "Trap Scale"? Lastly, Jessica faces a round of Notre Dame trivia unlike any other.Check out Jessica on The Dan Le Betard Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dan-le-batard-show-with-stugotz/id934820588Read more on the Big 12 exploring private equity, sale of naming rights: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5562395/2024/06/13/big-12-private-equity-naming-rights/Rundown:- Big 12 (and others) exploring private equity investment & sale of naming rights (:30)- Notre Dame vibe check with Jessica Smetana (11:30)- Trap Games & Trap Scale! -- Colorado vs NDSU (32:30)- Notre Dame-Louisville (38:30)- Florida-UCF (43:30)- Clemson-App St. (47:00)- USF-Miami (52:00)- Notre Dame trivia! (58:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 into a tizzy. Would the losing party in LSU-USC lose faith in their head coach after a season of heavy investment in the defensive staff? Which programs are the guys dying to play as in Dynasty Mode in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game? Plus, Nebraska AD Troy Dannen spoke candidly about his perception of the direciton of the sport, and Huskers' NIL coffers. Can a team like Nebraska compete in the new world of CFB?Troy Dannen video:https://www.tiktok.com/@247.huskers/video/7377540168561069355?is_from_webapp=1Listen to our 'Secrets of NIL and the transfer portal' episode:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/83-the-andy-staples-show/episode-1117/Rundown:- Troy Dannen on Nebraska's NIL war chest + future of the sport (3:00)- 2024's Pressure Cooker Games: Miami vs Florida (14:00)- USC vs LSU (23:30)- Nebraska vs Colorado (28:15)- Tennessee vs Oklahoma (38:30)- Texas vs Texas A&M + The Game (43:00)- Top 5 Dynasty Mode teams (54:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 task of re-ranking the 2020 recruiting class in an effort to see who REALLY won it. What did he learn from Ohio State, Michigan, Tulane, Georgia, and more?Read Max's 2020 re-ranking: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5510780/2024/05/28/college-football-recruiting-2020-class-rankings-revisited/Rundown:- Re-ranking the 2020 recruiting class (2:30)- Michigan and Missour's talent development (10:00)- Ohio State's misses on defense (17:30)- Rounding out the top-10 (22:30)- Texas eeks out a top-10 finish (29:00)- Is Georgia or Michigan's championship blueprint harder to replicate? (35:00)- Playoff schedule dropped (52:30)Sign up for our FREE newsletter to answer future Questions of the Day: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, is Texas-Oklahoma the BEST SEC rivalry game? Ari Wasserman, Max Olson, and Scott Dochterman share their thoughts on the matter as well as their favorite rivalry game experiences. We now have kick-off times for games in weeks 1-3. (We can finally start to smell the new season!) The guys place the top matchups from the first few weeks in a tier list of "A" through "F", though, there are no F-tier games - we love all of CFB! Where will games like Georgia-Clemson, Florida-Miami, Arizona-Kansas State and more rank? Plus, cliff notes from last week's SEC Spring Meetings. Read more about a 9-game SEC conf schedule: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5529284/2024/05/30/sec-football-schedule-nine-games/Read more about scholarship limits and the death of walk-ons: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5525379/2024/05/28/sec-football-coaches-roster-limits/Private equity, injury reports, and more: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5530740/2024/05/30/sec-meetings-greg-sankey/Big Ten schedule analysis: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5530629/2024/05/30/big-ten-football-tv-schedule-analysis/Rundown:A 9-game SEC conference schedule? (1:45)Roster limits + the end of walk-ons? (8:30)Is Red River the BEST SEC rivalry? (16:15)Our most memorable rivalry game experiences (31:30)Tier list of weeks 1-3 games (39:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Buffalo Bills. He also weaves some hilarious and insightful stories about Nick Saban, his former coach. Damien opines on NIL, the transfer portal, EA Sports College Football 25, the NFL and Bill Belichick and more. Lastly, Chris tests Damien's knowledge of his career in a game of trivia.Who's the Big Ten dark horse? Sign up for our FREE newsletter to answer future Questions of the Day: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayRundown:- Damien Harris on the end of his NFL career and family (1:00)- What was Damien's reaction to Saban's retirement? (4:00)- Crimson Tide's epic RB room with Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, et. al (12:00)- Why didn't you transfer? (14:00)- Kalen DeBoer & expectations in Tuscaloosa (17:00)- Clemson battles & hate (23:00)- Favorite memory from college (26:30)- Death of amateurism & how would Damien have navigated NIL, player compensation (29:00)- EA Sports College Football 25 (38:30)- Transfer portal's impact (45:30)- Texas, Oklahoma transition to the SEC (47:00)- Bill Belichick impressions + NFL experience (53:00)- Damien Harris trivia (58:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 running and passing mechanics to the pagentry and electric in-game atmostphere. Chris walks us through all the details he gathered about Dynasty Mode, NIL, the transfer portal, Road to Glory, and Road to the CFP. Later in the show, hear from EA Sports' very own Ben Haumiller and Christian McLeod about the game's development and features. Out the door, a farewell to the Pac-12 and one of its most prominent ambassadors, Bill Walton.Read Chris' NCAA 25 story on gameplay: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5523815/2024/05/29/ea-sports-college-football-25-video-game-features/NIL: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5525588/2024/05/29/ea-sports-college-football-25-video-games-nil/Dynasty Mode: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5525517/2024/05/29/college-football-25-video-game-dynasty-mode/Rundown:- We played NCAA 25! What's one thing Chris was surprised by? (2:30)- What was the gameplay like? Running game features (11:00)- Passing game features (16:00)- What ISN'T in the game? (21:45)- Pagentry + fan reactions (22:45)- Dynasty mode info dump (25:30)- How does recruiting work? (33:30)- How does NIL & the portal work? (43:00)- Road to Glory details (48:00)- Ben Haumiller & Christian McLeod join the show! (54:00)- Friend to Friend...was it badass? (1:09:30)- Pac-12 + Bill Walton memories (1:07:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the 16 conference teams to deliniate where each team is at this season. But before then, Justin takes us through House vs NCAA and where it stands. Plus, rapid fire O/U win totals for every program.Learn more about House vs NCAA: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5506457/2024/05/20/ncaa-settlement-house-lawsuit-college-sports/?partner=slack&smid=sl-sharePost-spring Big 12 preview: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5495963/2024/05/16/big-12-football-preview-power-rankings-transfers/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cfbtw&source=cfbtwRead Sam's Willie Fritz, Houston story:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5495799/2024/05/21/willie-fritz-houston-football/Big 12 QB carousel: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5484819/2024/05/14/big-12-quarterbacks-starters-returners-transfers/Who's the SEC dark horse? Sign up for our FREE newsletter and answer future QOTDs: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayRundown:- House vs NCAA latest + what the heck does it mean? (2:00)- ONE WORD WONDERS: Big 12 edition; Arizona, Arizona St., Baylor (12:30)- BYU, Houston, Cincinnati, Kansas (19:30)- Colorado, K-State, Iowa St., Oklahoma St. (27:30)- UCF, TCU, Utah, Texas Tech & West Virginia (37:00)-Win totals (51:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Athletic's AuFlority, then hops on the mic to breakdown Norvell's roster construction from a analytical angle. Were FSU's portal hits more luck based, or are they the new standard for how to build a team? Later, the guys answer a voicemail from the Until Saturday phone line (316-462-9852) about who belongs in the NCAA 25 game's All-99 club. Plus, what is the lowest ranking a team can recruit at each position to win a national title?Read Pt. 1 of our NIL confidential:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5484900/2024/05/13/college-football-transfer-portal-nil-deals/Read Pt. 2 of our NIL confidential:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5499474/2024/05/20/college-football-transfer-portal-nil-collectives-movement/Listen to last week's show:https://pod.fo/e/23ce9bWho's the SEC dark horse? Sign up for our FREE newsletter and vote: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayRundown:- Portal reliance; "transactional program" a functional model? (:30)- Mike Norvell joins the show (5:00)- Opinions on FSU's approach + advanced recruiting (20:00)- Is FSU's portal success sustainable? (26:15)- Other "transactional programs" & how certains teams use the portal (34:00)- NCAA 25 All-99 club (45:45)- Lowest rated position but still win a title? (49:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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-saturdayRundown:- EA Sports NCAA 25 trailer + features (:30)- How does NIL/portal work? What we learned (15:00)- So...tampering (24:00)- Are players only after a paycheck? (28:30)- Transactional programs (29:45)- How do deals get done? (41:00)- Biggest spenders (48:30)- NCAA 25 release date (1:00:30)- ACC Spring Meetings: Dabo, league perception, FSU + House vs NCAA deadline (1:08:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? The trio go meta with some of their choices (like the Pac-12's cognoscenti that destroyed the conference), but weren't bashful about naming some names (like Michigan's Jim Harbaugh). Baylor is gambling on Dave Aranda after consecutive losing seasons. Why did AD Mack Rhodes decide to retain Aranda? Sam takes us inside his excellent story before the group delves into a bigger picture conversation: What's a fair timeline for a coach? Lastly, EA Sports NCAA 25 dropped a bombshell on us last Friday.Read Sam's Dave Aranda story: https://theathletic.com/5467548/2024/05/06/dave-aranda-baylor-football/Who's the Big 12 dark horse? Sign up and answer the Until Saturday newsletter's Question of the Day here: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayRundown:- Mount Rushmore of CFB Villains via Sad Husker Nate (4:00)- Honorable mention villains (38:00)- Baylor's big bet on Dave Aranda + fair timelines (44:45)- NCAA 25 cover athletes (1:00:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Group of 5 team considered, and a fan thinks Ari's story was DISGUSTINGLY...rational? Plus, Brian Kelly, Spencer Danielson, and more coaches spoke openly about certain aspects of their school's NIL approach. Some of what was said wasn't well received, but are outspoken parties simply overreacting? Unlimited coaches, Iowa's new QB, the ACC's dark horse and more!Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter & join in answering the Question of the Day!: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayRundown:- NIL consternation + Boise St. HC Spencer Danielson on Freshman/NIL comments (2:00)- Post-Spring Top-25 postmortem + Chris weighs in (13:30)- Changes + G5 regrets and contenders (21:15)- Until Saturday phone line opens: Ari, why do you hate Carson Beck? (26:45)- How are early-season marquee matchups contextualized? (31:30)- Someone liked Ari's rankings? (38:00)- Text via Jason from Austin: Why is Utah ranked so low? (41:00)- Text via David G San Antonio.: Post-spring hypothetical 12-team playoff (44:00)- Text via Ben from Louisville: Kudos for ranking the Cardinals (51:00)- Until Saturday newsletter QOTD: Which team is the ACC dark horse? (53:00)- Iowa's new QB + unlimited coaches (56:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 your thoughts about Ari's rankings, so call the Until Saturday phone line and leave a voicemail (or text): 316-462-9852. Plus, Dan attempts to explain new emerging details about the NCAA's compensation model.Rundown:- Compensation model new info (2:00)- Post-spring Top-25 rankings: Nos. 1-3 (12:30)- Nos. 4-7 (27:00)- Nos. 8-10 (38:00)- Nos. 11-13 (45:00)- Nos. 14 & 15 (53:00)- Nos. 16-18 (1:00:00)- Nos. 19-22 (1:09:00)- Nos. 23-25 + Dumping USC (1:14:30)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 were shared on this show. Since then, Deion and Shedeur Sanders have responded to some of those former players who aired their thoughts on social media. Ari Wasserman and Sam Khan Jr. weigh in on what has been said by Prime and others. But, before then, Ari and Sam explain why House vs. NCAA is important to you as a CFB fan. They also acquaint you with draft-eligible players that you need to know.Rundown:- House vs NCAA & how it could completely change CFB (2:00)- Top offensive draft-eligible players (10:00)- Top defensive draft-eligible players (24:00)- Who's going to pop-off this season? (34:00)- Tin Hat Ari (46:00)- "Bush League" Deion Sanders (48:15)Read Max's Colorado story:https://theathletic.com/5449961/2024/04/29/deion-sanders-colorado-transfer-portal-2023/Read Dane's 2025 mock draft:https://theathletic.com/5458526/2024/04/30/nfl-mock-draft-2025-prediction-shedeur-sanders-will-johnson/Read Justin's House vs. NCAA explainer:https://theathletic.com/5174023/2024/01/03/ncaa-proposal-subdivision-lawsuits/Read Ari's story about Sam Salz:https://theathletic.com/5457913/2024/05/02/sam-salz-texas-am-football-shabbat/Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 about a Group of 5 playoff. Is a postseason imminent for the G5? What's incoming AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti's philosophy compared to Mike Arresco, and what's Ari's biggest sticking point in this? Do college football fans still follow their favorite player(s) after they leave for the NFL? We asked you, the listeners, and reacted to your responses.Read Max's story:https://theathletic.com/5449961/2024/04/29/deion-sanders-colorado-transfer-portal-2023/Rundown:- What happened to Colorado's castoffs? (3:00)- Group chats and players' feelings on being cut (7:30)- Transfer portal news: Miami, Auburn, K-State makin' moves (19:30)- Is a Group of 5 playoff imminent? (41:00)- Do fans follow their favorite player(s) after leaving their program? (58:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 in high school, but will his spunk and skillset translate? Bo Nix, Penix, and McCarthy all being selected in the top-12 has us wondering, are NFL teams terrified of next year's crop of college quarterbacks? The wide receivers in this class were all-timers. Later, Scott Dochterman joins the podcast to discuss Reggie Bush being reunited with his Heisman Trophy, and what it says about the current climate of CFB. If we could change one thing in the sport's history, what would it be? How is NIL impacting the Draft, and will Iowa hit the transfer portal for a QB?Rundown:- Michael Penix and J.J. McCarthy (3:00)- Are NFL teams terrified of next year's QB class? (14:30)- Wide receivers & favorite picks from the first round (18:00)- Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy is returned...but why the long wait? (25:30)- Changing CFB history (45:30)- How NIL is impacting the NFL Draft (51:00)- Iowa spring check-in & QB situation (1:01:30)- ACC update (1:07:30)- Iowa gambling probe update (1:09:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 heights. Bruce shares his opinion as well as that NFL sources and CFB head coaches to provide a comprehensive picture of what the NFL community thinks of McCarthy, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Brock Bowers, and more. Plus, who are some of Bruce's under-the-radar prospects? Later, the pair whip around the country to programs who just concluded their spring games. From Michigan and Texas to South Carolina and USC, the guys dish on several important teams. Lastly, we rifle through our mailbag and answer your questions!Rundown:- NFL Draft analysis + which players has Ari miss the mark on? (3:30)- Understanding the J.J. McCarthy hype + Maye and Williams (8:45)- Why is Brock Bowers considered elite? (18:15)- Under the radar prospects (22:30)- Spring games observations: Oklahoma (30:30)- Duke and Maalik Murphy intrigue (33:00)- Texas and Arch Manning (36:00)- Is Florida State a top-15 team? (41:00)- Are we overlooking Michigan? (43:30)- USC and Miller Moss (48:30)- South Carolina's place in the expanding SEC (54:30)- Texas A&M's defense (56:00)- Mailbag: Can't miss games this season (59:30)- Mailbag: What to make of Colorado's team construction? (1:04:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 football fans. Was too much made of Sanders' invitation? Ari believes so, while Max thinks this was a smart way to circumvent tampering rules. The Portal Authority shares his thoughts on RBs Alton McCaskill and Damien Martinez, CB Tacario Davis, DT Damonic Williams, and he and Ari determine if your program should recurit some of the more intriguing transfers using the N.I.L. scale. The Athletic's Notre Dame scribe Pete Sampson hops on afterward to spread the word about the Irish's spring ahead of their spring game this weekend. What does Pete think of OC Mike Denbrock, Riley Leonard's injury, the WR and OL rooms, the returning production on defense, and expectations for South Bend's team and Marcus Freeman in 2024?Rundown:-Dissecting portal data (2:45)-Colorado's portal activity by the numbers (11:00)-Shilo Sanders' IG post & was this a smart move? (17:00)-TCU's big loss + pocket watching (26:30)-N.I.L. scale: Cormani McClain, Keandre Lambert-Smith + more (37:30)-Notre Dame spring game preview + 2024 expectations (51:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 fans love or hate the spring window? Ari and Chris discuss the pros and cons of the structure as well as standout players on the move. Later, Chris breaks down Michigan football's NCAA violations stemming from impermissable contact during COVID. Kennington Smith III and Seth Emerson then join the podcast to debrief us on Alabama and Georgia's spring games. Kenny shares what the atmostphere was like at Kalen DeBoer's first A-Day with over 70,000 fans in attendance. Plus, what positions do the Crimson Tide need to patch through the portal? Carson Beck shares his thoughts on the Bulldogs' G-Day, and Seth opines on the skill position talent that stood out in the spring game.Rundown:- Spring portal opens & players flood in (2:30)- Do fans love or hate the portal? (6:30)- Notable players on the move (21:30)- Colorado's portal departures & G5 movement (30:30)- Michigan NCAA violations, penalties (39:30)- Alabama, Georgia spring debriefs (44:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 movement by identifying which teams are likely to be the most active (Alabama and Washington, among others), and the players you should keep your eyes on (like RB Damien Martinez). Later, The Athletic's Penn State scribe Audrey Snyder fills us in on everything going on in Happy Valley. Of everything discussed, the most important topic, as you might suspect, is will QB Drew Allar take the next step under new OC Andy Kotelnicki? Will a playoff berthe be enough to satisfy Nittany Lions fans? Speaking of things going on in Pennsylvania, Chris just came back from Wrestlemania. By his estimation, what can college football learn from wrestling/WWE?Rundown:- Explaining the rules of the spring transfer portal (3:00)- Which teams will be the most active in the portal? (8:15)- Portal players to watch: Damian Martinez, Henry Perrish Jr., and more (15:30)- 'Ari, Would You Rather': Would you take a billion dollars, but you could only eat turkey sandwichies for the rest of your life? (35:00)- Audrey Snyder joins the show! (38:15)- What CFB can learn from Wrestlemania (58:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 geographically? Is Quinn Ewers the Heisman frontrunner? The Longhorns' QB might be the signal-caller best set up for success. Which Freshmen will contribute immediately this season?Rundown:- Realigned conferences in a Super League (4:30)- Is there a future with geographically-sensibile football? (25:00)- Is Quinn Ewers the Heisman frontrunner? (40:00)- Impact Freshmen (47:30)- One of our best voicemails to date (1:04:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 super league would look like, who would benefit, what major roadblocks are preventing a conglomeration of teams, the pros of a centralized governing body, and more. Later, Ohio State scrivner Cameron Teague Robinson addresses why the Buckeyes' quarterback situation might not be as cut and dry as many think. Plus, Jeremiah Smith is DIFFERENT, and Chip Kelly's influence so far. The Portal Guru, aka Max, fills you in on sneaky-good portal additions during the transfer window with the spring window around the corner. Plus, who will be the next celebrity HC like Deion?Rundown:-How would a Super League work? + What's holding it back & pros/cons (1:45)-Spring mysteries: Does OSU have a QB competition? (18:00)-Chip Kelly's influence (26:00)-Is Jeremiah Smith HIM? (27:45)-Sneaky-good portal gets (39:30)-Who is the next celebrity coach? (1:01:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 that criteria in 2024. Later, Seth Emerson pops in to talk about his exclusive interivew with Georgia QB Carson Beck. Seth shares why Beck has stuck around Athens for as long as he has, instead of darting for the portal. He also explains fan and player sentiment around Beck's widely-viewed Lamborghini purchase. There's a lull in the CFB calendar at the moment, but the urgency hasn't subsided for these hot seat coaches.Vote for the best CFB stadium in Until Saturday's bracket challenge:https://theathletic.com/tag/until-saturday/Rundown:-Wild Card QBs (2:30)-Nico Iamaleava and QB investment (15:00)-Preston Stone & Cam Rising comeback season? (28:30)-How Carson Beck has navigated NIL, portal (41:15)-Hot seat coaches (58:30)-Until Saturday newsletter bracket challenge: Final Four results (1:20:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 most influential and successful coaches to ever lead a program(s). The trio also discusses NCAA president Charlie Baker's attempt to ban prop bets in college sports. But, why now, and will it work? Lincoln Riley scored a major win over the weekend. Plus, is Deion Sanders failing in front of our eyes?Vote for the best CFB stadium in Until Saturday's bracket challenge:https://theathletic.com/tag/until-saturday/Rundown:- Charlie Baker proposes ban of prop bets in college sports (3:15)- Our Mount Rushmore of CFB head coaches (13:15)- Lincoln Riley and USC are...prioritizing recruits who play defense? (52:15)- Is Deion failing right in front of our eyes? (1:03:00)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 try to answer this: Which Big 12 team will win a CFP national championship first? The trio divvy up the teams into tiers based on their ability to win a championship. But, is there really hope for a member of the conference to hang a CFP banner amid so much change?Vote for the best CFB stadium in Until Saturday's bracket challenge:https://theathletic.com/tag/until-saturday/Time stamps:- What are the odds a Big 12 team will win a title? (3:30)- The conference with the most parity? (7:30)- Tier 1 (12:45)- Tier 2 (41:15)- Tier 3 (58:00)- The future of the conference (1:11:45)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 leaving, Kadyn Proctor bounced out of Iowa after two months. What does his departure mean for the Hawkeyes? Is a return to Tuscaloosa next up? The guys then share who they're most excited to watch next season. Mitch Sherman, The Athletic's Nebraska beat writer, breaks down Nebraska's rapid-fire hires of AD Troy Dannen and president Jeff Gold on Wednesday. He also watched Dylan Raiola throw at the Huskers' Pro Day - fire up the hype train.Vote for the best CFB stadium in Until Saturday's bracket challenge:https://theathletic.com/tag/until-saturday/Time stamps:- Clemson sues the ACC (2:00)- Kadyn Proctor leaving Iowa (14:00)- Most exciting players to watch (20:00)- Nebraska's new AD, president + Raiola throws at pro day (38:30)- Until Saturday bracket challenge: Rd of 32 results - Go Vote! (57:15)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 17-year drought that included two WINLESS seasons, five head coaching changes, and a fanbase who had been teased with promises of improvement - finally found it in head coach Lance Leipold, who guided the Jayhawks to nine wins last year. How did the 59-year-old head coach, who didn't earn his first HC gig until his 40s, take a program that had zero wins in 2020 to a top-25 finish in 2023? Coach Leipold explains. Later, Ari and Max Olson discuss the latter's story about this program builder. They also identify which teams from across the country could learn from Leipold's lessons.Read Max's story:https://theathletic.com/5318871/2024/03/07/lance-leipold-kansas-football-coach-career/Vote Until Saturday's 'Best CFB Stadium' Bracket Challenge!:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_sREhl3ijSqHEQbdYL72lYXmP7draMSuHh0OgogWOz5WQkw/viewformTime stamps:- What was Kansas before Leipold? (1:30)- Lance Leipold joins the show (4:15)- Why Lawrence? (9:30)- Internal lobbying; vision and building from within (13:00)- The right AD? (16:00)- Young up-and-coming coaching candidates vs experienced HC at lower levels (18:00)- Success opening the door for other coaches at non-D-1 schools? (21:00)- Navigating the new era of roster construction (23:00)- Picking the a career you love (27:30)- What advice would you give to a coach that going through what you went through? (30:15)- Rebuilding vs restoring and selling (32:45)- What programs are in the position Kansas was in/who could learn from Leipold? (42:00)- Introducing Until Saturday's 'Best CFB Stadium' Bracket Challenge! w/ Jayna Bardahl (1:06:30)Call/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the state of CFB. What was he right and off about? The CFP is close to ratifying its deal with ESPN after months of negotiating; however, the organization continues to demonstrate dysfunction. Before dipping out, Seth gives us a 30,000 ft. view of Georgia in 2024, along with Missouri, who may be a top-3 team in the SEC next year.Time stamps:- Playoff model, lack of leadership + dysfunction (2:45)- Nick Saban goes to Washington in a hit-and-miss day (15:00)- NIL donor fatigue (25:15)- CFB heels and heroes (34:30)- UGA check in (1:02:30)- Missouri + Penn St. check-in (1:07:15)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Can Mike Denbrock guide the Irish and Riley Leonard to the next level? Is Bobby Petrino the life raft Sam Pittman really needs? Will the Tide revert to pre-Saban status? Mario Cristobal and Billy Napier are in prove-it years. Later, the trio react to Yahoo's Ross Dellenger's reports about the SEC and Big Ten wanting exclusive first-round byes and the lion's share of CFP revenue dollars. Lastly, David pokes holes in sports movies' plots.Time stamps:- Mike Denbrock and Riley Leonard at Notre Dame (4:45)- Sam Pittman on Bobby Petrino + Arkansas (19:00)- Alabama's defense under Womack + a return to pre-Saban Bama? (31:00)- Miami and Mario Cristobal in '24 (44:15)- Can DJ Lagway save Napier, Florida? (56:00)- UCF/USF (1:03:00)- FSU + DJ U in Alex Atkins' offense (1:06:00)- Big Ten + SEC want the bag & byes (1:09:45)- Plot holes in sports movies (1:17:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 know? From Baton Rouge to Ann Arbor, Nicole and Chris have some for you to consider. Later, the two exchange thoughts on Arch Manning opting out of NCAA FB 25; the new Early Signing Day; and more. Plus, our Seth Emerson wrote a story about donor fatigue in the sport, and why hasn't the ACC jumped to ratify the 14-team model?Fill out our survey for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card: theathletic.com/survey24Time stamps:- Future of athlete employment (3:30)- Possible ripple effects from Dartmouth unionization (10:00)- Spring storylines: OSU, Mich, Alabama, USC, LSU (18:00)- Early Signing Day + Arch Manning (34:00)- Helmet comms, rule changes (47:00)- Mailbag (50:30)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 programs does the trio believe will have recalibrated expectations in a 14-team postseason? Lastly, Combine absurdity, helmet comms and 2-min warnings, and Dartmouth's union vote.Fill out our survey for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card: theathletic.com/survey24Time stamps:- Dune (the comic book?) and french toast casserole (1:45)- Fascinating teams: Oregon (7:00)- Ole Miss and Miami (19:30)- Nebraska (36:45)- Texas A&M and Alabama (43:00)- Syracuse + Fran Brown interview (45:15)- New team expectations in a 14-team field (1:00:00)- Combine, new rules proposals (1:12:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 12? Do the Big Ten and SEC deserve additional AQs? Is the committee moving too fast on this? Are Penn State and Clemson candidates to bounce back in 2024? Plus, thoughts on Texas A&M and Miami. Later, the trio discuss the hot button topic of court storming. What are some realistic solutions? Lastly, thoughts on moving Early Signing Day and the future of Notre Dame and independents.Time stamps:- 14-team model (1:30)- Is finishing 3rd incentivized? (14:30)- Bounce-back teams; Penn St. (16:00)- Clemson (22:30)- Texas A&M (32:00)- Miami (36:45)- Court storming fixes (41:30)- Early Signing Day - does moving it to early Dec. solve the issues? (54:00)- UMass, future of independents & hard non-cons (1:00:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 athletes become employees before long? Colorado has undergone some drastic changes this off-season. Will Deion Sanders' new staff and portal players lift the Buffaloes to a conference championship berth? Sam shares what he learned from anonymous high school coaches in the Houston area about which programs perform the best in the area. Plus, does moving up Early Signing Day actually help? Later, the group enters the Take Tank before having a candid discussion about how to broach NCAA Football 25 with your significant other. Oh, and we made some dumb, mock cover art.Time stamps:- Welcome to pay for play (2:00)- Colorado year 2 under Deion (12:00)- Who are the Kings of Houston? (26:00)- Is moving Early Signing Day up a cure-all? (40:00)- Enter the Take Tank: CFB Premiere League, UCLA is fascinating, why was Kalen DeBoer hired so quickly? (49:30)- A frank conversation about discussing NCAA Football 25 w/ your s/o (1:12:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Kennington Smith III then joins the podcast to chat about Kalen DeBoer rounding out his staff. What can fans expect from the Tide's new coaches? Plus, Max shares some transfer portal names to keep an eye on as we inch closer to Spring practices.Rundown:-5+7 model + winners/losers (2:30)-A 14 or 16-team playoff?! (9:15)-How might a 14 or 16-team field work? (15:00)-EA Sports, they're in the game (25:30)-Alabama's staff with Kenny (35:15)-Nick Sheridan question mark (40:45)-Keon Sabb transfers to Bama (48:30)-Championship or bust in year one under DeBoer? (54:00)-Spring portal names (59:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 of CFB (2:00)-One commissioner, new governing body, revenue sharing (6:00)-On becoming synonymous with CFB (8:15)-Dylan Raoila situation (15:00)-Nick Saban joining GameDay (21:45)-ESPN-CFP deal + future of playoff (25:00)-EA Sports (37:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 deal, and what it may mean for the future of the sport. Plus, NCAA Football 25 teaser, rule changes, and why is Warde Manuel the CFP Committee Chair?Rundown:-A grades (2:15)-B grades (11:30)-C grades (19:45)-G5 grades (26:45)-CFP-ESPN deal//next week's vote//playoff structure (29:30)-EA Sports (45:30)-Rule changes (50:15)-Mailbag: G5 Playoff + Warde Manuel as CFP Committee Chair (57:00)Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 position? What does new Bruins HC DeShaun Foster bring to UCLA (15:45)? Why did O'Brien leave for the Boston College job (19:30)? Ex-Washington, and Alabama for a moment, OC Ryan Grubb heads back to the West Coast to be the Seahawks' OC. Where does that leave Kalen DeBoer and the Tide (24:30)? Speaking of Washington, Jedd Fisch, the Huskies' new HC, joins Ari to set the record straight on his exit from Arizona (32:00). Coach Fisch also shares his vision for UW's football program under his leadership. Lastly, are we going to see more non-SEC/Big Ten head coaches leave for coordinator roles in the P2 (1:03:00)?Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Columbus and breaks down Ryan Day's first off-season availability, including his thoughts on giving up play calling (16:00). What makes a rivalry a rivalry? The trio discuss the anatomy of rivalries, and they use The Game as an example (18:30). Conference realignment has sent shockwaves across the sport, and a casualty of this movement is rivalries. The group suggests potential rivalries in CFB's new landscape (30:15). Plus, The Auerbach Report covers Saban to Gameday, Tennessee's TRO denial, Dartmouth MBB/NLRB, and the new sports streaming bundle (38:00). Lastly, is Moore on 3rd base (56:00)?Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 recruiting overview in the State of Florida as well as the significance of Miami's GM leaving (9:45). What recruiting rules would staffers like to change (24:45)? 2025 is the year of the WR (29:45). Plus, which new HCs are we most excited for (53:45)?Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 missed on Brock Purdy (17:00). Have NIL, the transfer portal, and extra eligibility affected the NFL Draft (20:30)? Later, Ari and David dive into the SEC and Big Ten advisory group, and what it may mean for CFB (29:30). Lastly, hate, not logic, fuel rivalries, and there is a curse in Fansville (47:00).Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 did some collectives source from the public compared to large donors? Matt also shares his thoughts on Tennessee-NCAA (16:45), and what he knows about EA Sports NCAA Football (24:00). Later, Nicole and Chris look at Jeff Hafley's departure from Boston College, and what his exit says about CFB vs NFL jobs (33:45). Florida State's amended complaint and UNC is getting fidgity (45:00). Plus, is this the end of college football's greatest era (52:00)?Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Alabama GM Courtney Morgan joins the show to run the gammut of topics: Nick Saban, Washington and Michigan, recruiting, and more (28:00). Plus, Florida and more decommitments, Clemson's wins, and trivia (52:00).Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 profiteers in Missouri (31:15) and USC (36:15), the guys dig deep into 10 programs who have impressive achievements so far this off-season. Later, Ari and Max react to Michigan naming Sharrone Moore its new head coach (52:00), and Iowa hiring Tim Lester as its OC (55:00). Lastly, the guys share their cold takes from the 2023 season as well as ones you submitted (58:30).Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 complaining about the cheating scandal (11:30)? What's next for the Wolverines, and is it Sherrone Moore's job to lose (20:00)? 5-star WR Ryan Williams re-committed to Alabama. How big is this for Kalen DeBoer (26:15)? A look at the 2024 ACC schedule (34:00). Lastly, you, the listeners, sent us your boldest takes about your favorite teams. What does a Virginia Tech, Nebraska, and Florida fan think of their team (42:00)? Plus, explaining antitrust. Subscribe to the Until Saturday newletter: https://theathletic.com/newsletters/until-saturdayCall/text the Until Saturday phone and leave us a question for a future mailbag and/or Sunday Sound-Off podcast: (316) 462-9852Subscribe to Until Saturday on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.