When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

Busy mornings, late nights, working through lunch—life doesn’t always leave room for a complete, balanced meal. That’s where Huel comes in. This podcast is sponsored by Huel, spelled H-U-E-L, The World’s #1 Complete Nutrition Brand. It’s a complete meal in seconds—just grab, sip, and go. No more skipped meals or unfulfilling snacks. Huel makes it easy with nutrition that fits into your life. And right now, you can try it for FIFTEEN PERCENT off with the code STAPLES15 at HUEL.com. Fuel up the easy way with Huel today!

huel.com/STAPLES15

(0:00-1:02) Wendy's

(1:03-5:54) Introduction with Ralph

(5:55-7:07) Reviewing the 2024 Season

(7:08-19:34) Did we talk too much Arch?

(19:35-26:31) Ari's ID of Notre Dame

(26:32-31:31) Notre Dame in 2025

(31:32-33:04) Huel

(33:05-50:31) 12-Team CFP Discussions

(50:32-56:07) Summary with Ralph

(56:08-57:25) Conclusion; See you Monday!

It's time for our year-in review with our honorable ombudsman from the Athletic, Ralph Russo. As Ralph is a frequent listener of the show, Andy & Ari sit down with him to give a fair review of our 2024 College Football Season. Did we talk about Arch Manning too much? How impressive was it for Ari to stick with Notre Dame from the beginning? Did the 12-team playoff work? Let us know your thoughts on our 2024 season in the chat! Is Ralph right?

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/Un4qocvNtUM

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

This show is brought to you by Panini America, makers of the most collectible sports cards on the planet. The Prism football card series a vibrantly paralleled base and insert roster featuring college football’s brightest former and current superstars.

Panini sets include NIL autographed cards from players including Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Luther Burden. To start collecting, visit PaniniAmerica.net.

(0:00-4:58) PaniniAmerica.net
(4:59-5:55) Intro - Jake Dickert
(5:56-26:29) Wake Forest Head Coach Jake Dickert
(26:30-42:52) Dear Andy & Ari, Name the best player you've seen
(42:53-57:56) $40M to Buy a title team out of the portal?
(57:57-1:05:05) Indiana in year 2 with Curt Cignetti
(1:05:06-1:06:24) Conclusion; See you tomorrow!

Happy Thursday! It's a Dear Andy & Ari show but first we head on over to Winston Salem, North Carolina. to catch up with new Wake Forest Head Coach Jake Dickert. Coming from Washington State, Dickert joins Andy to discuss the state of college football, handling conference realignment at WASU, and why the Demon Deacons can compete right now in the ACC.

Next, it's time to get Dear Andy & Ari started, and we have a great question from Reed that send Andy & Ari into the archives.

After that, Andy & Ari see a question from Bud Elliott that got Andy & Ari wondering: Could you a buy a national title contender using only players in the portal?

Later, Andy & Ari look at Indiana and Coach Cignetti ahead of the 2025 season after making the first ever 12-Team CFP.

Watch us on Youtube instead! https://youtube.com/live/4Oh8h0f4gxI

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman
Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

This show is brought to you by Panini America, makers of the most collectible sports cards on the planet. The Prism football card series a vibrantly paralleled base and insert roster featuring college football’s brightest former and current superstars.

Panini sets include NIL autographed cards from players including Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Luther Burden. To start collecting, visit PaniniAmerica.net.

State and Liberty makes modern athletic fit clothing for men who want to look great and be comfortable at the same time. Whether you’re looking for an athletic fit suit or your new favorite hoodie, State and Liberty has what you need. New customers get 10 percent off when they use the code STAPLES, or you can visit this link: https://tidd.ly/3BY2Amh

(0:00-0:49) Wendy's
(0:50-2:05) Intro
(2:06-16:12) Auto Bids?
(16:13-18:10) PaniniAmerica.net
(18:11-28:58) Formats for the new playoffs?
(28:59-31:47) State & Liberty
(31:48-52:33) D1 CEO Will Bartholomew Joins
(52:34-54:53) Introducing Seinfeld Night at FAU
(54:54-1:08:16) FAU Head Basketball Coach John Jakus Joins
(1:08:17-1:09:01) Conclusion; Dear Andy & Ari tomorrow!

As Big Ten and SEC athletic directors are set to meet to start deciding how everyone in college football will crown a national champion beyond 2026, Andy digs deeper into the question of automatic bids.

Would fans rather have a tournament field that isn’t picked by a committee or one completely picked by a committee? Also, are conferences too big for the automatic bids to be fair?

Later, former Tennessee fullback Will Bartholomew joins to explain to the youngsters what a fullback does and to explain how he built a massive company using what he learned as a football player.

Next, Florida Atlantic basketball coach John Jakus joins Andy to talk Seinfeld Night in Del Boca Vista Phase Two, er, Boca Raton.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/s1k-m00Gx6M

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

This show is brought to you by Panini America, makers of the most collectible sports cards on the planet. The Prism football card series a vibrantly paralleled base and insert roster featuring college football’s brightest former and current superstars.

Panini sets include NIL autographed cards from players including Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Luther Burden. To start collecting, visit PaniniAmerica.net.

State and Liberty makes modern athletic fit clothing for men who want to look great and be comfortable at the same time. Whether you’re looking for an athletic fit suit or your new favorite hoodie, State and Liberty has what you need. New customers get 10 percent off when they use the code STAPLES, or you can visit this link: https://tidd.ly/3BY2Amh

(0:00-0:40) Wendy's
(0:41-1:15) Intro
(1:16-8:20) SEC and Big Ten AD's set to meet on Wednesday
(8:21-29:56) Discussing the future of the college football playoff
(29:57-34:12) PaniniAmerica.net
(34:13-39:34) Championship Weekend
(39:35-44:18) SEC going to 9 Conference Games?
(44:19-50:38) Celebrities to bring on the show
(50:39-56:13) Who does Alabama play on 11/22?
(56:14-57:37) State & Liberty
(57:38-1:03:15) The future format of the CFP?
(1:03:16-1:10:39) Big 12's Deal for the CFP
(1:10:40-1:16:39) Conclusion: Merch and Ari's "Resort Wear"

Big Ten and SEC athletic directors will meet this week to discuss a variety of issues, but at the forefront is how the College Football Playoff will look in 2026 and beyond.

That’s when the new CFP contract starts, and the Big Ten and SEC have more power than the other leagues combined. So what’s on their wish lists? Expansion of the tournament to 14 or 16? More automatic bids for each league? What about game sites? Will they keep later rounds in bowls or push to move them to campus?

Andy and Ari break it all down.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/4tLbck5eD4E

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

This show is brought to you by Panini America, makers of the most collectible sports cards on the planet. The Prism football card series a vibrantly paralleled base and insert roster featuring college football’s brightest former and current superstars.

Panini sets include NIL autographed cards from players including Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Luther Burden. To start collecting, visit PaniniAmerica.net.

Busy mornings, late nights, working through lunch—life doesn’t always leave room for a complete, balanced meal. That’s where Huel comes in. This podcast is sponsored by Huel, spelled H-U-E-L, The World’s #1 Complete Nutrition Brand. It’s a complete meal in seconds—just grab, sip, and go. No more skipped meals or unfulfilling snacks. Huel makes it easy with nutrition that fits into your life. And right now, you can try it for FIFTEEN PERCENT off with the code STAPLES15 at HUEL.com. Fuel up the easy way with Huel today!

huel.com/STAPLES15

(0:00-1:40) PaniniAmerica.net
(1:41-2:53) Intro
(2:54-9:08) March Madness Bracketology Update
(9:09-10:15) Huel
(10:16-14:14) Fuel your mornings, with Huel
(14:15-15:04) PaniniAmerica.net
(15:05-27:43) Intro with Cole Cubelic
(27:44-34:15) Whose Card would you most want?
(34:16-45:28) Returners in CFB
(45:29-57:20) Building a Championship Contender
(57:21-1:02:41) Wrapping up with Cole
(1:02:42-1:04:09) Conclusion; CFP talks tomorrow

ESPN’s Cole Cubelic joins Andy and Ari to rip a few theoretical packs and determine which players’ cards we want to pull in the 2025 season.

Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is a no-brainer, but what will Texas get out of Arch Manning? Is Andy being too optimistic about how much better D.J. Lagway can make Florida?

But first, the preliminary NCAA basketball tournament seeds are what the SEC wishes the football playoff bracket looked like.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/lGjsiguCr8M

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

This show is brought to you by Panini America, makers of the most collectible sports cards on the planet. The Prism football card series a vibrantly paralleled base and insert roster featuring college football’s brightest former and current superstars.

Panini sets include NIL autographed cards from players including Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Luther Burden. To start collecting, visit PaniniAmerica.net.

(0:00-3:03) PaniniAmerica.net
(3:04-16:12) If you storm the court/field, should you lose?
(16:13-20:30) Mr. Brightside, Other Solutions
(20:31-23:13) Closing the court/field Storming Discussion
(23:14-25:18) Breakout Teams in 2025
(25:19-27:40) Florida
(27:41-30:55) Clemson
(30:56-34:15) Louisville
(34:16-36:32) Iowa State
(36:33-43:09) Big 12, Illinois, Oklahoma
(43:10-45:44) Jim Tressel Inspiring our Civics Test
(45:45-53:58) Ari Goes to School
(53:59-57:38) Ari's Results
(57:39-58:39) Basketball this Weekend
(58:40-1:06:07) SEC's Dominance in Basketball
(1:06:08-1:09:44) Wendy's, Sodas
(1:09:45-1:11:11) Conclusion, JD Pickell's tweet

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne has proposed giving an automatic loss to teams whose fans rush the court or the field after a win. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, who has tried for years to stop court/field storming, isn’t ready to go that far, but he said the idea has support.

Does anything need to be done about court and field storming? And if penalties do get more severe, is reversing the result a viable solution?

Plus, Ari reveals his potential breakout teams for 2025. Florida, Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville and LSU fans will want to tune in.

Finally, our Friday Grabass segment features Ari taking a very basic high school government test. Will he pass? Judging by the conversation earlier this week when Jim Tressel was named lieutenant governor of Ohio, he might not.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/UaWy-gz_O70

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

Special thanks to Nick Winstead for providing the Civics Test

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

This show is brought to you by Panini America, makers of the most collectible sports cards on the planet. The Prism football card series a vibrantly paralleled base and insert roster featuring college football’s brightest former and current superstars.

Some Panini sets include NIL autographed cards from players including Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway, and Luther Burden. To start collecting, visit PaniniAmerica.net.

(0:00-2:06) PaniniAmerica.net
(2:07-4:18) Intro
(4:19-22:00) Matt Patricia named DC at Ohio State
(22:01-22:51) Wendy's
(22:52-25:04) Ari's Headphones
(25:05-45:25) Ari vs Brad from Macon on the Paul Finebaum Show
(45:26-51:25) PaniniAmerica.net
(51:26-1:10:10) Florida's 6.5 Win Total
(1:10:11-1:12:40) Teams in the CFP
(1:12:41-1:16:25) On Campus Quarterfinals?
(1:16:26-1:18:31) Tennessee's Expectations
(1:18:32-1:23:47) Advice for Younger Self Starting a Podcast
(1:23:48-1:25:03) Conclusion: Ari's Civics Test Tomorrow!

Ohio State has hired its defensive coordinator, and it’s former Patriots DC and Lions head coach Matt Patricia. Patricia, a longtime Bill Belichick consigliere, must replace former DC Jim Knowles and nine starters. Can he keep the Silver Bullets dominant, or will they take a step back?

Next, Andy and Ari break down Ari’s clash with Brad from Macon on Wednesday’s edition of the Paul Finebaum Show. Brad thinks Ari is a Big Ten-loving homer who doesn’t respect the challenge of an SEC schedule. It was a battle for the ages.

Later, Andy and Ari answer viewer questions…

— What is the saucier take (Using Wendy’s sauce flavors): The Big Ten gets five teams in the playoff next year or the SEC only get three teams in again?

— Any less confidence in the Florida over 6.5 wins with Billy Napier as playcaller?

— Take one 2024 transfer player and put them back to their original team. Who would have the most impactful or be the most fun?

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/ICW0EvAvRcM

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

(0:00-1:31) Introduction
(1:32-14:34) Deep Dive into the Oregon Ducks
(14:35-22:00) Oregon's Roster in Eugene
(22:01-32:30) Oregon's 2025 Schedule
(32:31-36:42) Should the CFP change its seeding format?
(36:43-46:17) Department of Education Rescinds Title IX Guidance
(46:18-53:51) How to Attain an Elite Receiver
(53:52-1:10:00) Ari's Potential Breakout Stars
(1:10:01-1:16:48) Ari Goes on Paul Finebaum today!

Tuesday’s conversation about what success looks like for LSU sparked a similar question about another program. Oregon has been on an upward trajectory since coach Dan Lanning arrived. The Ducks were the best team in the country in the regular season in 2024, but they got buzzsawed by Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.

So what does Oregon need to do to keep the momentum? Is it as simple as winning in the College Football Playoff? What is the next big step?

Later, Ari and Andy break down Ari’s list of potential 2025 breakout players. It includes Michigan QB Bryce Underwood, Texas RB C.J. Baxter and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/QcYg3Ijd7wo

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

(0:00-0:42) Go Fresh with Wendy's
(0:43-15:52) Diving into LSU's Program
(15:53-19:55) LSU's 8.5 win total
(19:56-39:30) Brian Kelly entering year 4 in Baton Rouge
(39:31-44:38) Ryan Grubb Hired at Alabama
(44:39-50:43) Ben Arbuckle at Oklahoma
(50:44-54:17) Ari's Trip to Costco
(54:18-1:00:21) Ari's Trip to a Burger Place
(1:00:22-1:09:15) Jim Tressel named as Lieutenant Governor of Ohio
(1:09:16-1:18:08) Conclusion

A talk about LSU’s 2025 win total (8.5 at Fanduel) turns into a broader discussion about one of college football’s most interesting programs.

The Tigers have won nine, nine and eight regular-season games in Brian Kelly’s tenure. A return to nine would cash a ticket, but it probably wouldn’t satisfy most LSU fans. That group craves a return to the College Football Playoff, and Kelly came to Baton Rouge from Notre Dame with the expectation that he’d have the team competing for national titles.

Is this the year he does that? And what happens if it isn’t? The Tigers were aggressive in the transfer portal, and they return one of the nation’s best quarterbacks in Garrett Nussmeier. This feels like a pivotal season.

Later, Andy and Ari break down Andy’s list of the most impactful coordinator moves. A slow head-coaching market meant a more robust group of coordinator openings, and how some of these hires fare likely will determine how the head coach carousel looks in 10 months.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/DQ4XnToemM8

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

When it comes to making the best hamburgers around the basics matter and Wendy’s?... well they’ve really got those burger basics on lock and boy does it show. So what’s the secret to all those hot and juicy hamburgers? Simple. Wendy’s always crafts their hamburgers with that fresh, never frozen beef they’re famous for. The result? Hot and juicy beefy hamburger perfection - every time. No matter which hamburger you order from the Wendy’s menu, you already know that thanks to those Wendy’s burger basics, it’s gonna be exactly what you were craving. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada; not available in Hawaii.

Busy mornings, late nights, working through lunch—life doesn’t always leave room for a complete, balanced meal. That’s where Huel comes in. This podcast is sponsored by Huel, spelled H-U-E-L, The World’s #1 Complete Nutrition Brand. It’s a complete meal in seconds—just grab, sip, and go. No more skipped meals or unfulfilling snacks. Huel makes it easy with nutrition that fits into your life. And right now, you can try it for FIFTEEN PERCENT off with the code STAPLES15 at HUEL.com. Fuel up the easy way with Huel today!

huel.com/STAPLES15

State and Liberty makes modern athletic fit clothing for men who want to look great and be comfortable at the same time. Whether you’re looking for an athletic fit suit or your new favorite hoodie, State and Liberty has what you need. New customers get 10 percent off when they use the code STAPLES, or you can visit this link: https://tidd.ly/3BY2Amh

(0:00-0:45) Go Fresh with Wendy's
(0:46-7:43) Intro: Super Bowl Recap
(7:44-14:01) Georgia's Influence on Philadelphia Eagles
(14:02-38:42) Deep Dive into the Super Bowl
(38:43-39:40) Huel
(39:41-52:39) Texas Win Total: 9.5
(52:40-57:42) QB position
(57:43-58:32) State & Liberty
(58:33-1:17:40) USC Win total, Rob Ryan Press Conference
(1:17:41-1:19:50) Conclusion 

The Philadelphia Eagles crushed the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, and there may not have been a better advertisement for Georgia’s football program than the Eagles’ defensive performance. We joked when Philly picked a bunch of former Georgia defenders that GM Howie Roseman was trying to create North Athens, and he got results similar to the 2021 and 2022 Georgia national championship teams that he took those players from.

Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts is a Super Bowl champ. It’s a well deserved achievement for a quarterback who had a wild college career and has been doubted pretty much every step of the way.

Later, Andy and Ari break down more 2025 preseason win totals. That 9.5 for Texas looks pretty juicy. The 9.5 for Tennessee probably requires a deeper dive. Also, 8.5 for Indiana is a nod of respect to Curt Cignetti.

Next, Andy and Ari break down Rob Ryan’s spectacular debut press conference as USC’s linebackers coach.

Watch us on YouTube instead! https://youtube.com/live/vJf7tUpoznU

Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey