On June 6th, Judge Claudia Wilken approved a deal between the NCAA, its most powerful conferences, and lawyers representing all Division I athletes. Paving the way for schools to pay players directly for the first time. This landmark moment seems poised to change the landscape of college athletics, especially NCAA football. Rece Davis and Pete Thamel breakdown what we know right now, what the hurdles in the road could be, and discuss whether or not coaches and administrators will be able to follow the rules, now that the rules are clear. Then LSU head coach Brian Kelly joins the show for an exclusive sit down with the College GameDay podcast.

00:00:00 - Judge OK’s $2.8 billion dollar settlement

00:06:22 - Now that the rules are clear, will coaches play fair?

00:18:50 - Brian Kelly joins the show

00:25:03 - Brian Kelly on season opener at Clemson

00:28:15 - Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks health updates

00:31:17 - Garrett Nussmeier season expectations

00:34:42 - Garrett Nussmeier NFL Draft prospect

00:36:54 - How good is the LSU supporting cast on offense

00:39:12 - Brian Kelly on adjusting to LSU

00:42:20 - Brian Kelly on CFP seeding

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Pete Thamel and ESPN senior writer Dan Wetzel break down the SEC’s push to have its grueling schedule factor more heavily into the College Football Playoff. They dive into whether the new 5+11 format truly rewards the best teams, especially with strength of schedule still a murky metric. The duo also weighs in on the uncertain future of the USC–Notre Dame rivalry, growing frustration from Ohio State fans over noon kickoffs, and Michigan’s looming NCAA meeting in the Connor Stalions case. Then, Alabama star Ryan Williams joins the show to talk EA SPORTS College Football 26, training with DeVonta Smith, and his bond with coach Kalen DeBoer.

04:33 - SEC gauntlet schedule deserves CFP reform

07:15 - Will the CFP 5 + 11 playoff format deliver?

16:21 - The State of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry

18:06 - Why USC-Notre Dame Matters in 2025

20:28 - Ohio State fans are over Noon kickoffs

28:49 - Michigan Connor Stalions update

37:38 - Alabama’s Ryan Williams CFB 26 cover star

39:35 - Inside Ryan Williams CFB 26 cover shoot

44:28 - Ryan Williams on training with DeVonta Smith

55:22 - Ryan Williams interview reaction

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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel explore the potential future of the College Football Playoff format heading into 2026.

They delve into the possibility of expanding to a 16-team playoff and discuss the SEC’s openness to participating in a broader format.

Also on the pod, Rece Davis sits down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Dabo Swinney and Bill Belichick. Together, they reflect on the evolving landscape of NCAA football, sharing insights into their coaching philosophies, key influences, and distinctive coaching styles. The conversation also highlights how both coaches are adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the college football world.

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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Duke head coach Manny Diaz! From detailing his aggressive portal strategy to landing quarterback Darian Mensah, to navigating a tough schedule and fueling the storied UNC rivalry, Diaz lays out his blueprint for building a winning culture. He speaks candidly about the trait he sees in championship teams, the rising support for Duke football, and even offers advice to his former colleagues at ESPN.

0:00 - Manny Diaz on Duke's competitive advantage

3:35 - Manny Diaz talks portal strategy and QB Darian Mensah

13:35 - Duke's demanding schedule

19:56 - The trait that leads to wins

24:12 - Manny Diaz on the support for Duke football

28:01 - The Duke-North Carolina rivalry

32:26 - Manny Diaz shares some advice to those at ESPN

37:53 - Duke's potential pathway to the CFP

40:37 - 16-team CFP coming in 2026?

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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel dive into the spotlight surrounding Bill Belichick, including his one-hour sitdown with Rece and Dabo Swinney. Rece unpacks the dynamic between the two coaches, Belichick’s presence at the ACC meetings, and their deep football talk—from rugby punts to NFL minds in the college game. Pete shares his latest scouting notes on rising college football talent, while the duo also hits on Miami’s QB outlook, the viability of a new rules committee, and one wild idea: could College GameDay actually end up at the Vatican? 

0:00 - Belichick looms large at ACC meetings

2:25 - Belichick and Dabo sit down for one-hour interview

6:35 - Belichick and UNC: What’s real, what’s rumor?

13:10 - The moment Belichick called himself a rookie

16:10 - Belichick and Dabo talk ball

24:03 - Latest on Miami QB Carson Beck

25:22 - On Pete’s radar: College football prospects

33:55 - A new committee to enforce rules - Will it works?

43:27 - Get College GameDay to the Vatican?

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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel kick things off with the latest on Michigan’s Sherrone Moore, who’s expected to serve a two-game suspension. Then they zoom out to tackle a pressing question across college football: are schools really spending $35 to $40 million on their rosters? Later, Rich Rodriguez joins the show to reflect on his impact on the modern offense, his return to West Virginia, and the what-if scenario involving Terrelle Pryor.

0:00 - Two-game ban expected for Michigan coach Sherrone Moore

10:21 - Are schools really spending $35M - $40M on their rosters?

15:36 - Jared Curtis, top 2026 quarterback, commits to Georgia

21:06 - Rich Rod on his role in offensive evolution

26:14 - Rich Rod on some notable WVU staff faces

29:40 - Rich Rod on the journey back to West Virginia

33:29 - Could Terrelle Pryor have been a mountaineer?

41:09 - Rich Rod on Pat McAfee's career at WVU

44:15 - Rich Rod looks towards next season's Backyard Brawl rivalry game

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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel break down the biggest moments from the NFL Draft—both on camera and behind the scenes. Then they're joined by Ohio State’s national championship-winning head coach Ryan Day, who gives a glimpse into life beyond the sidelines: from his ties to Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler, to watching his players go pro, to navigating recruiting as a dad alongside his son. He also weighs in on Ohio State’s looming quarterback battle and what to expect in their high-stakes opener against Texas.

0:00 - What happened off-air at the NFL draft

6:23 - Rece Davis' and Mel Kiper's heated exchange on Shedeur Sanders

16:36 - Ryan Day on watching his players get drafted

25:04 - Ryan Day shares his ties to Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler

28:40 - Ryan Day gives a glimpse of his recruiting pitch

30:24 - How Ryan Day coaches players making big NIL money

35:22 - Why Ryan Day favors one transfer portal window

40:21 - Ryan Day on what it's like recruiting with his son

43:02 - Who will be the Buckeyes' starting QB?

44:08 - How will Ohio State vs Texas in week one play out?

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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel break down the lingering questions surrounding Nico Iamaleava—did he leave Tennessee too soon, prioritizing financial opportunity over development? Is UCLA truly committed to him? And can he work his way into future NFL Draft conversations? Then, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst and Insider Matt Miller joins to spotlight the player everyone’s talking about: Jalon Walker. He also weighs in on how Travis Hunter’s game will translate to the NFL and where Shedeur Sanders might land if he isn’t taken at No. 3. To close the show, the guys pay tribute to Lee Corso and his legendary 38-year run on College GameDay.

0:00 - Nico Iamaleava should've prioritized development

9:26 - Will Nico make it into NFL draft conversations?

12:55 - How committed is UCLA to Nico?

17:06 - Why NFL draft Day 3 matters

20:29 - The NFL draft heats up at pick number…

26:55 - Why everyone's favorite player at the NFL draft is Jalon Walker

30:41 - Which part of Travis Hunter's game will be used in the NFL?

32:07 - If Shedeur Sanders doesn't get picked at No. 3, when will he go?

36:02 - Are the Titans making a mistake taking Cam Ward at No. 1?

46:28 - Unforgettable Lee Corso moments before he retires

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Rece Davis and ESPN National Recruiting Director Tom Luginbill dive into the ongoing saga of Nico Iamaleava — from his NIL-first approach in high school to the unraveling of his relationship with Tennessee. They explore the big question: where does Nico go next — North Carolina? UCLA? Later, ESPN senior writer Heather Dinich joins to discuss who should be held accountable for creating a sustainable framework for player compensation. Wrapping up the episode, ESPN College Football Reporter Dave Wilson checks in from Texas to reflect on the legacy of RC Slocum at Texas A&M — a coach who, despite being fired, continues to stand by the Aggies.

0:00 - Former Cal RB Jaydn Ott transfers to Oklahoma

3:16 - Unraveling the Nico Iamaleava saga

5:14 - No surprise now, Nico prioritized NIL during high school recruitment

7:23 - Is Nico a fit for Belichick at North Carolina?

10:37 - UCLA to take a swing and get Nico?

17:28 - Is Nico grown enough to call the shots?

23:30 - Heather Dinich's sleeper picks - Florida & Illinois!

25:15 - The coach who shaped Texas A&M: RC Slocum

28:52 - RC Slocum was fired but still roots for the Aggies

34:11 - Why can't the Aggies win consistently?

38:21 - How far will Mike Elko take Texas A&M this year?

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Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly, creator of the SP+ ranking, discuss the rise of Arch Manning as he takes the reins at Texas. Will the fan love last—or is he destined for backlash, like other rising stars? The crew also breaks down this season’s elite quarterback contenders, asking: who’s in line for the QB1 crown—Penn State’s Drew Allar or LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier? Meanwhile, Ohio State and Purdue are in flux, with sweeping roster and staff overhauls underway. With the transfer portal about to swing open, both programs are ready to steady their ships this offseason.

0:00 - Texas QB Arch Manning to be the next college football villain?

11:52 - Early preseason No. 1 team pick: Clemson

17:41 - Penn State QB Drew Allar on track for No. 1 spot in 2026 NFL Draft?

20:52 - Ohio State's major roster and staff changes

31:02 - New coach Barry Odom begins Purdue rebuild

38:08 - Spring buzz on Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons

39:58 - Spring buzz on Oklahoma coach Brent Venables

40:49 - Spring buzz on Alabama's unknown starting quarterback

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