Date: August 6, 2025
Hosts: John Arrington, Aaron Wilcox, Andy Starr
Guests: None 

In this episode of the Devy Devotional podcast, the hosts deliver their annual "Hot Takes" edition, offering bold predictions about college football players and their future prospects in the NFL. The trio skips the usual "Guess the Guy" segment to dive deep into their spicy opinions, rated on a Taco Bell sauce scale: Mild, Hot, Fire, and Diablo. The episode blends fun with actionable insights, reflecting on past predictions and unveiling new ones for the 2025 season and beyond.Key Highlights

• Reflection on Past Takes: The hosts revisit their hot takes from the previous year, highlighting successes like Aaron’s call on the 2025 running back class generating hype (e.g., Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson) and Eric Singleton Jr. rising to a top-five Devy wide receiver. John’s standout prediction of Jordan Tyson surpassing Zachariah Branch earned a Diablo rating and proved prescient, with Tyson now a contender for WR1 in the 2026 class.
• Hot Takes Galore: Each host shares multiple bold predictions, with reactions ranging from Mild to Diablo based on their spiciness. The spiciest takes are highlighted below as the episode’s key moments.
• Skipped Segment: The "Guess the Guy" segment is postponed to the next episode, giving Aaron a temporary reprieve (though he’s back on the hook next week).

Spiciest TakesHere are the standout predictions that earned the highest heat ratings:

1. Aaron Wilcox: Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon TE) will be the next tight end to hit 1,000 receiving yards and become the Devy TE1 this season and beyond. 
   • Rating: Diablo 
   • Why It’s Spicy: With a career A-dot of 1.9 yards and competition from Oregon’s talented roster (e.g., Dakorien Moore), Sadiq would need a dramatic role change and 120+ receptions to reach 1,000 yards. Aaron argues Sadiq’s explosiveness and a revamped Oregon offense (minus Tess Johnson and Terrence Ferguson) make it possible.
2. Andy Starr: Kendrick Raphael (Cal RB) will be a top-three RB in the ACC for PPR points and rush for 1,000 yards. 
   • Rating: Diablo 
   • Why It’s Spicy: Facing competition from ACC standouts like Damond Claiborne and Mark Fletcher, Raphael’s lack of elite talent and Cal’s middling offense make this a long shot. Andy cites coach Brian Harson’s tendency to feed his RB1 as the rationale.
3. Aaron Wilcox: Sawyer Robertson (Baylor QB) will be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. 
   • Rating: Hot to Diablo 
   • Why It’s Spicy: A Baylor QB breaking into the first round is rare, especially with Robertson’s unproven status. Aaron points to his size, mobility, and a potential Cam Ward-like rise, though John doubts his skill justifies it.
4. John Arrington: Jayce Brown (Kansas State WR) will outrank Zachariah Branch, Denzel Boston, Eugene Wilson, Antonio Williams, and Carnell Tate, becoming a top-three Devy WR in the 2026 class. 
   • Rating: Hot 
   • Why It’s Spicy: Beating out established names like Carnell Tate is bold, but Jayce Brown’s upside at Kansas State could shine as a junior. John sees him as a sleeper ready to break out.

Other Notable Takes

• John Arrington: Denzel Boston will be a day-three NFL draft pick (likely sixth round). (Mild) 
  • Consensus ranks him as WR16, but John sees him as overhyped and unlikely to rise beyond day three.
• Andy Starr: Niko Iamaleava will succeed at UCLA, reclaiming first-round draft pick status. (Hot) 
  • A bounce-back season could restore his stock, aided by a new OC and JV and Thomas in the backfield.
• John Arrington: Zachariah Branch won’t declare for the 2026 draft and will transfer again. (Mild to Hot) 
  • Still ranked WR17, John predicts another flop at Georgia and a transfer.
• Aaron Wilcox: Darian Mensah (Duke QB) will be a top-five Devy QB by season’s end. (Fire) 
  • His G5 success and $8M Duke transfer fuel this bold climb.
• John Arrington: JV and Thomas will be a top-five RB in the 2026 class. (Fire) 
  • John compares him to Bucky Irving, hinting at untapped potential.

Closing Notes

The episode wraps with a teaser for future discussions, including Andy’s unshared take on Diego Pavia, suggesting more spice to come. The hosts encourage listeners to act on these takes—whether trading for Zion Kearney or snagging Jayce Brown—while blending entertainment with Devy insight.Where to Listen: Subscribe on the Gridiron Ratings YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or find it at DynastyLeagueFootball.com. Tell them Devy Devotional is your favorite Devy podcast!