College Football with Sam joins Galen and Matt for a special episode covering three major stories reshaping the early 2026 season.

First, they examine the escalating confrontation between LSU and the SEC over former professional players, including just how seriously the conference could respond if one of its biggest programs refuses to follow league rules. A post-recording update explains why the immediate roster crisis appears to have been avoided.

Then they dig into the controversial finish between Michigan and Western Michigan, the extra second that produced Michigan’s game-winning Hail Mary, and the questions surrounding the Big Ten’s explanation and replay procedures.

Finally, the College Football Playoff has begun formally evaluating a possible expansion to 24 teams. The guys debate what that could mean for scheduling, television money, Group of Six programs, conference championship games and the future value of rivalry week.

Plus, Sam weighs in on Michigan-Oklahoma, Ohio State-Texas and some of the most intriguing games ahead.

LSU made a massive opening statement against Clemson, while Michigan needed one of the wildest—and most controversial—finishes of the young college football season just to survive Western Michigan. Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka break down everything that mattered from Week 1 before turning ahead to a loaded Week 2.

The guys start with the teams that impressed them most. Miami looked like a legitimate national contender in a dominant road performance at Stanford, LSU overwhelmed Clemson despite an offseason filled with distractions, and Ole Miss survived a wild shootout with Louisville.

Then come the warning signs. Oregon struggled to put Boise State away, Notre Dame took time to get rolling against Wisconsin, and Michigan looked deeply concerning before being given one final second and converting a game-winning Hail Mary against Western Michigan. What does that performance mean before the Wolverines head to Oklahoma?

The conversation then turns to Clemson and Dabo Swinney. After another ugly performance against top-level competition, has Clemson's decline reached the point where the program simply can't get back to its championship standard—and can the Tigers even afford to make a change?

Galen and Matt also unveil their first Football Weather Merit Poll of 2026, ranking teams entirely on what they've accomplished this season rather than preseason expectations.

Then it's on to Week 2: Michigan at Oklahoma, Missouri at Kansas, Arizona State at Texas A&M, Minnesota-Mississippi State, Memphis-Boise State, Iowa-Iowa State and the huge showdown between No. 1 Ohio State and Texas.

Plus: the Football Weather Game of the Week takes us all the way to the Arctic Ocean and a snow-covered football field in Barrow, Alaska.

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Could LSU actually get kicked out of the SEC? Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka break down reports that SEC school leaders are considering extreme action against LSU over its pursuit of former professional players—then turn to the field for a full Week Zero recap and College Football Week 1 preview.

The show starts with the first real results of the 2026 season. USC handles San Jose State, Bill Belichick and North Carolina grind out a win over TCU, Virginia makes an early statement against NC State, Florida State raises more questions despite winning, Memphis picks up a potentially important Group of Six victory at UNLV, and North Dakota State looks immediately comfortable at the FBS level.

Then comes the biggest off-field story in the sport. With LSU continuing to push the eligibility issue surrounding former professional players, SEC presidents and university officials are reportedly discussing options ranging from membership probation and competition boycotts all the way to possible expulsion. Galen and Matt examine what the escalating confrontation says about LSU, Lane Kiffin, Greg Sankey and the balance of power inside the SEC.

Finally, it’s time for Week 1. The guys preview Boise State at Oregon, Baylor vs. Auburn, Miami at Stanford, Toledo at Michigan State, Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin, Ole Miss vs. Louisville and SMU at Florida State.

And the centerpiece: Clemson visits LSU in a fascinating opening-night test. Can LSU put two weeks of chaos aside and justify its preseason expectations, or is Clemson walking into the perfect situation to make an immediate national statement?

Plus, Football Weather debuts its new Weather Game of the Week and previews the return of the Football Weather Merit Poll.

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The SEC and Big Ten are drawing a line: players who leave college for the NFL shouldn’t be able to come back. But can the conferences actually enforce those rules in court? Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka break down the latest college football eligibility chaos before making some bold predictions for the 2026 season.

The show begins with LSU’s attempt to add Dae'Quan Wright after his time with the Cleveland Browns and the rapid response from the Big Ten, SEC and other conferences. Galen and Matt examine the temporary restraining orders at the center of the dispute, whether conference-level restrictions can survive legal challenges, and why college sports continues to find itself reacting to problems instead of establishing workable rules in advance.

They also discuss the larger structural issue: can college football continue operating without some form of collective bargaining or another system that clearly defines when players enter—and leave—the college athletics system?

Then it’s time to actually talk football.

Who could be fired by October? Mike Norvell and Bill Belichick lead the discussion. Which preseason Top 10 teams could get exposed? Texas A&M and Ole Miss are the picks. Which fan bases could already be panicking? Oklahoma and Texas have schedules that could create some very uncomfortable September conversations.

The guys also identify unranked teams that could quickly reach the Top 25, including Nebraska and Navy, debate Josh Hoover and Bryce Underwood as potential early Heisman contenders, question some of the offseason hype surrounding programs around the country, and preview a fascinating Week Zero slate.

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North Dakota State is about to play its first game as an FBS program. Voice of the Bison Sam Neidermann joins Football Weather to explain how NDSU built one of college football’s great dynasties—and why the program believes it is ready for the Mountain West.

Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka talk with Neidermann about the decades of history behind North Dakota State football, from its Division II success through a dominant FCS run that turned the Bison into one of the sport’s most recognizable programs outside the traditional power conferences.

The conversation explores why the move to FBS took so long, what finally made the Mountain West a fit, and the structural advantages that allowed NDSU to dominate at the FCS level. Sam breaks down the program’s Upper Midwest recruiting pipeline, development on the offensive and defensive lines, passionate fan support, the Fargodome atmosphere, and the institutional investment behind the move.

They also discuss expectations for NDSU’s first FBS season, a difficult Mountain West road schedule, what James Madison’s rise might tell us about the Bison’s future, and what the FBS playoff could learn from the on-campus atmosphere and structure of the FCS postseason.

Finally, what will North Dakota State actually miss about FCS football—and how quickly can the Bison establish themselves at the next level?

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College Football with Sam joins Galen and Matt to compare complete 2026 College Football Playoff projections.

There’s plenty of agreement at the top—Indiana, Notre Dame and Georgia feature prominently, while Miami and Texas Tech look like clear conference favorites—but some major disagreements follow. Could Ohio State really miss the field? Why are all three so bullish on USC? Can Oregon finally turn its talent into a national championship?

The group also debates Louisville, Washington, LSU, Tennessee and several much longer-shot playoff contenders before tackling two of the biggest selection questions of the season: whether 10–2 Notre Dame gets in and whether 2026 finally produces a 9–3 playoff team. They finish by playing out their brackets through the semifinals and national championship.

Who has the most delusional fan base in college football? Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka debate Auburn, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan and more—after breaking down the 2026 AP preseason poll and the teams getting too much or too little respect.

The episode starts with Ohio State at No. 1, Oregon near the top, Georgia’s curious lack of first-place votes, Indiana’s placement after a national championship season, and the uncertainty surrounding Miami and a crowded group of SEC playoff contenders. Galen and Matt also examine USC, Michigan, Washington and Penn State as they try to sort out the next tier of Big Ten teams.

Then things get more dangerous: which college football fan bases have expectations that are most disconnected from reality? Auburn’s coaching carousel and historical peaks enter the conversation, as do Penn State’s expectations after James Franklin, Tennessee’s relationship with its glory years, Texas’ enormous resources, Florida State’s ACC frustration, LSU’s coaching history, and the never-ending debate surrounding Notre Dame.

And where does Michigan fit? Sometimes a fan base sounds delusional because its program really has accomplished enough to justify the confidence.

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Who has the clearest path to the 2026 College Football Playoff—and which preseason favorite is most likely to fall short?

Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka break down the new CFP rules, the biggest contenders in every major conference, and the teams best positioned to claim one of the 12 playoff spots. They discuss Notre Dame’s new top-12 guarantee, automatic bids for Power Four champions, the Big Ten’s crowded race, the SEC’s many unanswered questions, Miami’s path through the ACC, Texas Tech and BYU in the Big 12, and the Group of Six race led by Boise State and UNLV.

Plus: Akron’s viral season-ticket sweepstakes, the stalled Protect College Sports Act, and why at least one overlooked team will probably crash the playoff picture.

This episode is brought to you by Homefield Apparel. Use code HOME for 15% off your first order. Football Weather is also sponsored by Upstairs Pub in Bloomington, Indiana.

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Can Miami finish the job after reaching the national championship game—and is anyone capable of stopping Texas Tech in the Big 12? Galen Clavio and Matt Blaszka preview the ACC and Big 12 contenders, playoff paths, coaching pressure points, and the growing talent gap within college football.

The episode begins with a look at why preseason polls still matter, even when the predictions prove spectacularly wrong. Galen and Matt examine how early rankings shape perception, résumé strength, and the College Football Playoff conversation throughout the season.

From there, they break down Miami’s attempt to return to the national title game with Darian Mensah at quarterback, the questions surrounding Mario Cristobal, and whether Clemson, Louisville, SMU or Florida State can emerge as a legitimate ACC challenger. They also debut the Football Weather Power Four Hot Seat Board and examine the pressure surrounding Mike Norvell and other coaches.

In the Big 12, Texas Tech enters as the clear favorite despite the Brendan Sorsby situation and uncertainty surrounding new starting quarterback Will Hammond. Could BYU, Houston, Utah or another contender disrupt the Red Raiders’ path? And should losing a conference championship game affect a team’s playoff standing?

The show closes with breaking news that Notre Dame and USC will renew their rivalry beginning in 2030, replacing Notre Dame’s scheduled series with Indiana—and a larger debate about why college football’s approach to nonconference scheduling no longer makes sense.

Check out the Football Weather 2026 Power Conference Hot Seat Board!

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Galen and Matt preview a remarkably uncertain 2026 SEC season. They discuss the league’s complaints about its new nine-game schedule, its recent struggles against the Big Ten, and the growing pressure surrounding several prominent coaches.

The conversation covers Pete Golding’s challenge at Ole Miss, Kalen DeBoer’s position at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian’s expectations at Texas, potential surprise seasons from Florida and Tennessee, and the schedules that could determine the SEC Championship race. They finish by selecting their playoff teams and debating how many bids the SEC can earn against a deep group of Big Ten contenders.