College Football Insiders

The College Football Playoff looks poised to expand to a 24-team playoff. News broke today that the CFP is nearing a deal for the new format to start in 2027. Emily Proud, Richard Johnson and John Talty are joined by national college football senior reporter Matt Zenitz. They discuss the news, what this means for the future of conference championship weekend and more. They also dive into injury updates for some big name players in college football. Zentiz updates everyone on Kamario Taylor, Aaron Philo, Dante Moore being ruled out again and Cal stars Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Kingston Lopa nearing their return.

Then, Emily, Richard and John discuss what the top storylines are for some of the biggest games this weekend. They look at #2 Notre Dame at #8 BYU, #6 Alabama at #14 Tennessee, #13 Missouri at #9 Ole Miss and #16 Mississippi St at #22 LSU. They also discuss how Indiana can maintain its success as they preview #4 Ohio State at #5 Indiana.

Finally, they discuss if Jim Harbaugh could actually return to Michigan and how Oregon State found a diamond in the rough with Jesse Legree.

All of this and more on today's College Football Insiders.

(0:43) - College Football Playoff close to finalizing a 24-team expansion

(4:21) - Impact on conference championship weekend

(6:32) - Timeline of college football playoff

(7:29) - Kamario Taylor injury update

(10:56) - Aaron Philo update

(14:44) - What does Oregon do without Dante Moore for 2nd consecutive game

(16:18) - Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Kingston Lopa nearing return for Cal

(18:08) - #2 Notre Dame at #8 BYU

(20:30) - #6 Alabama at #14 Tenneese

(24:32) #13 Missouri at #9 Ole Miss

(27:10) - #16 Mississippi St at #22 LSU

(30:40) - Potential positives of an expanded CFP

(34:42) - How Can Indiana continue it's success?

(38:03) - #4 Ohio State at #5 Indiana preview

(40:35) - Could Jim Harbaugh return to Michigan

(45:42) - How Jesse Legree ended up at Oregon State

(53:16) - Player to watch: Nick Marsh, Indiana WR

College football has wrapped up its most hectic week of the season and Emily Proud, Brandon Marcello and Chris Hummer break it all down. As they were looking at teams who have now entered the CFP race, news broke that UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out for the year with a knee injury. The crew had previously discussed their thoughts on the future of the team this season, and then they dive deeper knowing the severity of the injury. They also discuss what kind of runs they think Kentucky and Missouri can make this year.

Then, they turn to the teams that appear to be exiting the CFP conversation. There is some serious scrutiny for Lane Kiffin and Mike Elko after both have had less than desirable starts. The crew discusses what has happened at each of these schools and if there is still a path for the CFP. They also look at Oregon and Dan Lanning's staff.

Later, Emily, Brandon and Chris look at the new hierarchy in the SEC. They discuss if Georgia is truly the best team in the nation after beating Alabama. On the flip side, they look at what kind of team Alabama may end up being this season. The crew also discusses what is going on with Texas and who is to blame for their offensive woes.

Finally, after revisiting the news about Iamaleava, they shift their attention to the refs. The crew takes a look at all of the incorrect calls that have resulted in a statement from the conference. It feels like it's the most it's ever been, but is that truly the case?

All of this and more when you join the College Football Insiders.

(0:45) - Is UCLA a real CFP contender?

(8:49) - Is Kentucky a CFP contender?

(16:03) - News breaks about Nico Iamaleava being out for the year

(24:24) - Is Missouri a CFP contender?

(24:49) - Lane Kiffin under scrutiny

(32:44) - Mike Elko under scrutiny

(36:58) - Dan Lanning and staff under scrutiny

(39:08) - Is Georgia the best team in the country?

(40:58) - How should Alabama be feeling after their loss to Georgia?

(43:26) - What level of concern is there at Texas?

(47:19) - Revisiting the Iamaleava news

(52:02) - Are refs causing more issues this year than normal?

(57:26) - Update on CFP negotiations

(58:53) - James Madison continues their run of success

The College Sports Commission has launched investigations on multiple schools around college football. Emily Proud is joined by the two reporters who broke the story: John Talty and Chris Hummer. They discuss what exactly is going on and why this could have a major impact for multiple football programs, some of whom are in the CFP picture. They also discuss what the fallout could be and where the investigation goes from here.

Then, the crew looks at the weekend's slate and discusses what the storylines will be coming out of Saturday's biggest games. They look at second-ranked Alabama facing sixth-ranked Georgia, seventh-ranked Indiana traveling to Nebraska, 13th-ranked Oregon hosting 21st-ranked UCLA and 19th-ranked USC going to Penn State for the White Out game.

Emily, John and Chris then shift their focus to quarterbacks under the microscope. They look at how long John Mateer's leash will be in the Red River Rivalry, why Julian Lewis has struggled at Colorado and what Faizon Brandon being benched in Tennessee means long-term. Plus, the crew gives you two players to watch for this weekend, Jamal Rule and Jesse Legree.

All of this and more when you tap in with the College Football Insiders.

(0:37) - Breaking News about The College Sports Commission's investigations.

(12:45) - Week 6 storylines

(12:55) - #2 Alabama vs. #6 Georgia

(18:33) - #7 Indiana vs. Nebraska

(22:07) - #21 UCLA vs. #13 Oregon

(27:16) - #19 USC going to Penn State

(32:12) - Will John Mateer get benched in the Red River Rivalry?

(35:24) - Discussing Julian Lewis' struggles in Colorado

(41:46) - Impact of Faizon Brandon's benching

(46:21) - Player to watch: Nebraska RB, Jamal Rule

(47:19) - Player to watch: Oregon St. WR, Jesse Legree

(48:48) - How UCLA turned its program around

(50:24) - Why Mike Locksley won't be fired this weekend

Teams in the Big Ten appear to be dealing with some internal crises and Emily Proud, Richard Johnson and Brandon Marcello try to get to the bottom of it. Michigan has been struggling all season, and one of our insiders thinks it has less to do with Kyle Whittingham and more to do with Bryce Underwood. Then, the look at Penn State's recent struggles. The crew talks about why Nittany Lions fans may have to practice patience this season. Plus, they also look at the drastic results in the SEC. One of our insiders shares why major wins followed by major losses may actually hurt the SEC's chances of getting teams into the CFP.

Later, the rumor mill continues to swirl. The crew discusses hot seats of Shane Beamer, Mike Locksley, Mike Norvell and more. Hear which coaches look to be on their way out, who is still fighting and who's seat has cooled off.

Then, the crew looks at the latest AP poll and discusses their biggest problems with how it looks after five weeks of football.

All of this and more on today's College Football Insiders.

(0:42) - Michigan and Penn State in crisis

(0:52) - What is wrong with Michigan

(7:02) - Why the Penn State transition has not worked thus far

(14:39) - How the SEC is hurting their CFP playoff chances

(22:16) - Hot seats

(22:23) - South Carolina's Shane Beamer

(24:47) - Maryland's Mike Locksley

(25:28) - Mike Norvell

(28:09) - Baylor's Dave Arranda

(29:41) - TCU's Sonny Dykes

(33:47) - Biggest problem with the AP poll

(38:18) - Colorado State fires their DC mid-game

(39:43) - Ahmad Hardy's future

Week 5 has arrived and Emily Proud, Richard Johnson John Talty bring you all of the storylines you must know going into Saturday's games. They take a look at #5 Ohio State visiting #14 Iowa, #8 Florida visiting #25 Missouri, #4 Miami visiting Clemson, Auburn visiting #17 Tennessee and Washington visiting #18 USC. The crew discusses what might be the biggest stories coming out of each of these matchups.

Later, John Talty reports on his visit to Starkville ahead of #16 Mississippi State hosting #7 Alabama. He talks with the crew about if Kamario Taylor will remain at Mississippi State after this season, where Mississippi State sits in the SEC hierarchy and what to expect for the matchup this weekend.

The crew closes the show talking about notable stories happening around college football. They discuss why a former Auburn staffer got arrested and what it has to do with Auburn, if Texas' discipline will cost them a chance at a national championship, the critical stretch Mike Norvell enters with Florida State and what the future of North Carolina and Wisconsin may look like.

All of this and more on today's College Football Insiders.

(0:46) - Headlines for #5 Ohio State at #14 Iowa

(3:33) - #8Florida at #25 Missouri

(5:36) - #4 Miami at Clemson

(8:16) - Auburn at #17 Tennessee

(12:14) - Washington visiting #18 USC

(15:05) - John Talty reports from Starkville ahead of #7 Alabama at #16 Mississippi State

(17:42) - Will Kamario Taylor leave?

(18:57) - Where is Mississippi State in the SEC hierarchy

(22:46) - Expectations for the game

(25:37) - Former Auburn staffer faces felony charges

(31:27) - Will Texas' lack of discipline ruin their season?

(39:29) - Florida State & Mike Norvell enter critical stretch

(41:23) - Looking at the future of North Carolina & Wisconsin

Week 4 of the college football season saw some teams in the SEC and Big Ten fall out of the Top 25, while new ones entered the chat. What does the new hierarchy look like in both of these conferences? Emily Proud, Brandon Marcello and Chris Hummer discuss what these conferences look like four weeks into the season. Is Florida back, and is Texas a true number one? What is Oregon's outlook in the aftermath of the USC game, and how should we feel about Indiana this season? They dive into all of this and more.

Then, the crew looks at the coaching carousel with a surprising new name that has been put on the list. Could Lincoln Riley be in his final season at USC? Matt Zenitz joins the show to discuss what may is happening down in southern California. Plus, Zenitz shares some names of who may be filling coaching vacancies.

Later, Emily, Brandon and Chris shift from coaches to quarterbacks. How much concern should there be for players like Marcel Reed and John Mateer? Plus, after a weekend of eye-opening incidents from players across the country, the crew discusses if players are going to start getting fined.

All of this and more with the College Football Insiders.

(0:58) - How has Sumrall brought Florida back?

(4:41) - Kamario Taylor and Mississippi State's breakout season

(8:45) - How should we feel about Texas' win?

(10:56) - How to view Tennessee

(13:41) - Update on Dante Moore

(15:25) - Dan Lanning's postgame comments

(17:10) - Inside Iowa's win over Michigan

(19:49) - Where does Penn State go after being upset?

(21:49) - What to make of this year's Indiana team

(23:20) - UCLA enters the Top 25

(25:00) - Coaching Carousel with Matt Zenitz

(25:16) - Maryland's Mike Locksley

(26:34) - South Carolina's Shane Beamer

(28:07) - Why is the coaching carousel slower this season?

(29:23) - Is Lincoln Riley on the hot seat?

(32:53) - Will there be changes at Texas A&M and Oklahoma?

(34:59) - Names to watch who will fill coaching vacancies

(37:08) - QB concerns

(37:14) - Texas A&M's Marcel Reed

(38:28) - South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers

(39:23) - Oklahoma's John Mateer

(40:11) - Colorado's Julian Lewis

(41:00) - Are fines coming for college players?

Week 4 has arrived and so has an impressive slate of ranked matchups. Emily Proud, Richard Johnson and John Talty preview each ranked matchup and discuss what they expect the storylines to be coming out of each game.

Elsewhere, the pressure is mounting as a few coaches fight to make sure they still have a job after this season. The crew looks at six coaches around the country who are on the hot seat and discuss the chances of each keeping his job going forward.

Later, Emily, Richard and John look at schools' return on investment from their NIL spending in the off-season. Who is exceeding expectations and who is underperforming? Plus, the crew gives their take on who will be the Group of Six representative in this season's CFP and who are some players to look for in Week 4.

Get ready for Saturday with College Football Insiders.

(1:09) - Storylines for #1 Texas at #17 Tennessee

(5:30) - Storylines for #4 Ole Miss at #21 Florida

(10:12) - Storylines for #23 Texas A&M at #10 LSU

(16:46) - Storylines for #17 Iowa at #18 Michigan

(21:12) - Storylines for #20 Oregon at #12 USC

(24:47) - Pressure on Colorado's Deion Sanders on Saturday

(26:09) - Pressure on Baylor's Dave Aranda on Saturday

(27:31) - Pressure on Oklahoma's Ben Arbuckle on Saturday

(30:19) - Pressure on Mike Locksley on Saturday

(33:24) - Pressure on Shane Beamer on Saturday

(35:27) - Whose future will be most impacted Saturday?

(37:26) - Duke's positive NIL ROI

(39:37) - Mississippi St.'s positive NIL ROI

(41:46) - Florida's positive NIL ROI

(45:03) - Texas A&M's negative NIL ROI

(47:00) - Florida State's negative NIL ROI

(48:42) - Boise State vs. Western Michigan preview

(51:40) - RJ's pick for the G6 rep to the CFP

(52:19) - Talty's pick for the G6 rep to the CFP

(53:19) - Names to watch on Saturday

(53:23) - David Sanders, Tennessee LT

(54:23) - Dilin Jones, LSU RB

The Week 3 drama came to a crescendo Saturday night as Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers fell short to Ole Miss. Emily Proud, Brandon Marcello and Chris Hummer discuss their takeaways from the scene in Oxford. They dive into the success of coach Pete Golding and star QB Trinidad Chambliss. The crew also looks at the expectations for LSU for the rest of the season. Plus, they chat about the dominant start the SEC has gotten off to.

Is hot seat drama already heating up? Unlike the 2025 season, there were no firings at the end of Week 3 this year. However, that does not mean everyone is safe. Emily, Brandon and Chris focus in on the seats of NC State head coach Dave Doeren, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell and Maryland head coach Mike Locksley. They also go behind the scenes of the coaching carousel nationally.

Later, the crew looks at some teams who are surprising people this year. What should we be making of Louisville, West Virginia and Penn State? Also, is Florida or Mississippi State more likely to make the CFP? Plus, Arkansas and Texas A&M had some pretty significant losses this weekend. Where do the programs go from here?

All of this and more on today's College Football Insiders

(0:36) - Fallout from Kiffin's return to Oxford

(11:21) - Expectations for LSU going forward

(13:04) - How real is SEC dominance this season?

(15:31) - Dave Doeren on the hot seatr after NC State's collapse

(19:47) - Shane Beamer on the hot seat

(22:17) - Will Mike Norvell be fired?

(23:57) - Where does Mike Locksley stand with Maryland?

(25:08) - Behind the scenes of the coaching carousel nationally

(26:52) - Teams who are producing above expectations

(26:55) - Louisville surprising everyone

(28:38) - West Virginia's success

(29:41) - What to make of Penn State

(31:24) - Is Florida or Mississippi State more likely to make the CFP?

(33:56) - Make It Make Sense: What to do with Arkansas after an embarrassing loss

(38:12) - Make It Make Sense: What is wrong with Texas A&M?

(40:46) - Should Peyton root for Texas or Tennessee on Saturday?

Week 3 has arrived and so has the most talked about matchup of the off-season. Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford as 7th-ranked LSU takes on 8th-ranked Ole Miss. John Talty joins the show from Oxford to preview the scene. He discusses what has been going on behind the scenes prior to this matchup and he also talks about his new book Lane Being Lane. Then Emily Proud is joined by Chris Hummer and Richard Johnson to preview the game and talk about everything that has happening around Oxford this week.

Later, the team takes a look at some of the most pressure-filled matchups of the weekend. From Bill Belichick vs. Dabo Swinney to Kalen DeBoer vs. Mike Norvell, they discuss what is at stake for each of the coaches and their teams. They also make a prediction for the Texas Tech vs. Houston matchup.

The crew also discusses the truth behind the news of Oregon tipping their plays. Should the blame truly land on Dante Moore's shoulders or does it go deeper than that? Plus, they comment on Sark's statement on the AI controversy.

Finally, they share the latest updates on the Protect College Sports Act, preview a couple of new starters in Jared Curtis and Tait Reynolds and preview some names to watch this weekend. Keep an eye out for Colorado State quarterback Hauss Hejny and Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre.

Get ready for Week 3 with the College Football Insiders.

(0:34) - Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss

(8:06) - Could Sam Leavitt actually miss the game?

(12:25) - Ole Miss increases security for game

(17:01) - Pressure on Dabo Swinney vs. Belichick

(19:56) - Pressure on Kalen DeBoer vs. Mike Norvell

(21:50) - Previewing Texas Tech vs. Houston

(26:00) - The truth behind Oregon tipping plays

(31:04) - Sark Addresses AI controversy

(34:54) - Latest on the Protect College Sports Act

(37:54) - jared Curtis to start at Vanderbilt

(40:27) - Tait Reynolds to start for Clemson

(42:57) - Names to watch

(43:00) - Colorado State QB Hauss Hejny

(44:25) - Alabama LB Yhonzae Pierre

There is some shuffling in the AP poll this week after the the top-ranked Buckeyes and sixth-ranked Ducks went down over the weekend. Emily Proud, Chris Hummer and Brandon Marcello discuss Texas taking the top spot and what is to blame for Ohio State's collapse. They also dive into Oregon being upset by Oklahoma State. The Ducks have dropped 19 spots in two weeks. What is going on in Eugene? Is Dante Moore regretting his decision to return?

Then the crew discusses the scene in Austin on Saturday night and goes behind the scenes of Texas' comeback victory. They also take a look at Bryce Underwood's redemption game and John Mateer's struggles.

Finally, they take a look at the Florida State Seminoles. FSU's AD is out, is Norvell next? Where do the Seminoles go from here? Also, might power conferences beating up on smaller schools be a thing of the past? Emily, Chris and Brandon discuss the pros and cons of these games.

All of this and more on today's College Football Insiders.

(0:00) - Welcome
(0:51) - Texas takes the number one spot
(1:26) - What has changed in the SEC vs. Big Ten debate?
(4:36) - Behind the scenes on Oregon's collapse
(10:32) - Is Dante Moore regretting coming back?
(13:28) - What is to blame for Ohio State's loss?
(17:58) - Behind the scenes of Texas' comeback
(25:09) - Bryce Underwood flips the script
(28:50) - Does Oklahoma have a John Mateer problem?
(31:54) - What's next for Florida State after firing their AD?
(39:12) - Is playing lower-tier teams harmful or helpful?