The Gathering of Old Men Podcast SZN 12 EP 16 -SWAC Football Prediction Show

Get ready for the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference football season with this in-depth episode of the Gathering of Old Men Podcast! 🏈🔥

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know heading into the 2025 season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. From powerhouse programs to potential dark horses, we analyze every team and give our full preseason predictions for how the conference race could unfold.

The crew dives into key storylines surrounding contenders like Jackson State Tigers football, Florida A&M Rattlers football, Grambling State Tigers football, and Alabama State Hornets football, while also discussing programs that could shake up the standings this year. We highlight impact players to watch, examine coaching situations, and debate which teams have the talent and depth to make a championship run.

You’ll also get our official division winner predictions, plus our early picks for who will meet in the SWAC Championship Game. Will the defending powers hold their ground, or will a new contender rise in the SWAC this season?

If you're a fan of HBCU football, this episode delivers the analysis, debates, and bold predictions you need before kickoff. Don’t miss this complete preseason preview as we set the stage for what could be one of the most exciting SWAC seasons yet.

The Gathering of Old Men Podcast SZN 12 EP 16 The NFL Draft always sparks heated debates, bold predictions, and plenty of barbershop-style arguments—and this episode of The Gathering of Old Men Podcast brings that energy to the table. The fellas break down one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 NFL Draft: Will Shedeur Sanders hear his name called in the first round? The talented quarterback and son of Deion Sanders put up big numbers at Colorado and is widely considered one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the draft class. Some analysts believe he could sneak into the first round, while others think he may slide into Day 2 depending on how teams prioritize quarterbacks. The crew also dives into the question every fan in Vegas is asking: What will the Las Vegas Raiders do in the first round? With several roster needs and quarterback uncertainty, the Raiders could go in multiple directions—from a franchise QB to a game-changing defensive player. And of course, the show keeps an HBCU spotlight. The guys debate who could become the first HBCU player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, discussing prospects like Carson Vinson from Alabama A&M Bulldogs, along with other standouts from the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, and SIAC hoping to hear their names called. Vinson ultimately became the only HBCU player drafted in 2025 when he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens. From draft projections and team needs to the ongoing conversation about HBCU talent getting respect at the next level, the Old Men deliver strong opinions, laughs, and plenty of football knowledge. If you love the NFL Draft, HBCU football, and real sports talk—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The Gathering of Old Men Podcast SZN 12 EP 15 The Gathering of Old Men Podcast is excited to welcome a special guest this week as Brittany Beall, head coach of Florida A&M Rattlers softball, joins the show for an in-depth conversation about one of the most exciting teams in HBCU softball. Coach Beall will talk about the incredible season the Rattlers are having and the resilience that has earned them the nickname “Cardiac Rattlers.” From dramatic late-game wins to clutch performances, the team has kept fans on the edge of their seats all season long. We’ll also discuss how Florida A&M Rattlers softball is competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference race, the culture Coach Beall is building in the program, and what it takes to compete for championships in SWAC softball. Plus, Coach Beall shares insight into player development, recruiting, and the future of the program as FAMU continues to build momentum on the diamond. If you’re a fan of #FAMU #Rattlers #SWAC #HBCUSoftball, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in Thursday as the Gathering of Old Men Podcast talks with Coach Brittany Beall about the present and future of Florida A&M softball. 🥎🐍🎙️

On this episode of the Gathering of Old Men Podcast, the crew dives into one of the hottest rumors circulating in HBCU basketball — could Patrick Crarey II be on the move again? The current head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers men's basketball has been linked to the head coaching position at Grambling State Tigers men's basketball, and we break down the speculation, what it could mean for both programs, and whether this rumor has real traction. Crarey previously built a reputation as a program builder before moving into Division I coaching and has already been part of recent coaching carousel discussions across the SWAC.

We also take a look at the latest shakeups around college basketball, including the coaching changes at Chicago State Cougars men's basketball. The program recently parted ways with head coach Scott Spinelli after just one season, with the university launching a national search before eventually hiring Landon Bussie, formerly of Alcorn State, to lead the Cougars.

Beyond college hoops, the conversation expands to the upcoming NFL Draft, where football fans across the country are already debating prospects, team needs, and potential surprise picks. The panel brings their signature opinions and old-school perspective to the biggest storylines leading up to draft season.

From HBCU basketball rumors and coaching carousel drama to pro football talk and plenty of unfiltered commentary, this episode has a little bit of everything.

Join the conversation with the Gathering of Old Men Podcast as the guys break down the rumors, debate the future of key programs, and deliver the candid takes listeners expect every week. Don’t miss it! 🎙️🔥

In this episode of The Gathering of Old Men Podcast, we discuss: Will the NFL draft an HBCU football player? What does TP think about this year's draft class? Did Grambling State make a mistake by letting Donte Jackson go to Alabama A&M? Is Donte Jackson in a tough spot? Is Anthony Edwards a bad role model? Should FBS/Major Schools pay FCS/Mid-Major athletes who transfer? Are Black men being pushed away from college? Plus much more!

In this episode of The Gathering of Old Men Podcast we'll discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly effects of the MEAC defections of North Carolina A&T, FAMU and BCU. Why has North Carolina A&T gotten the lion's share of the vitriol? FSU's women's basketball star, Ta'Niya Latson, has entered the transfer portal. She's being represented by Klutch Sports. Will this be even more reason for Troy to hate on Lebron? We'll also talk NFL, College Football and more.

On this episode, the crew breaks down the latest headlines shaking up HBCU sports and college athletics. The conversation starts with the excitement around the 2025 NCAA Tournament as the Alabama State Hornets prepare for a huge second-round showdown with the Auburn Tigers. Can Alabama State continue its Cinderella run and shock one of the tournament’s powerhouse programs? The hosts analyze matchups, keys to the game, and what a win would mean for the SWAC and HBCU basketball on the national stage. 🏀🔥

Next, the podcast dives into the strange coaching rumor involving former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher and Tennessee State University football. Reports and social media chatter suggested Fisher was set to become the Tigers’ next head coach—but the story quickly unraveled, leaving fans wondering how the rumor spread and what it says about today’s sports media landscape. 🏈

The crew also discusses commentary from Rasheeda Liberty, who argues that HBCU football players should stay at their institutions rather than transferring, emphasizing that players can still reach the NFL while representing their schools. The panel debates whether the transfer portal era is hurting HBCU programs or creating new opportunities for athletes.

Things heat up when Marlo takes a few playful shots at Bethune-Cookman University. As an alumnus of Florida A&M University, he doesn’t hold back when discussing the longtime rivalry and the culture around the two programs. Expect plenty of laughs, rivalry talk, and passionate debate. 😅🐍🐾

From March Madness drama to coaching rumors and HBCU football culture, this episode delivers strong opinions, rivalry banter, and deep analysis of the biggest stories in HBCU sports.

In this episode of The Gathering of Old Men Podcast, the crew dives into some of the biggest storylines across HBCU sports, from women’s basketball making history to the latest developments in SWAC athletics.

The show begins with a discussion about the historic postseason moment for Norfolk State Spartans women's basketball after earning a No. 13 seed in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The guys break down what this milestone means for the program, the growth of HBCU women’s basketball, and whether Norfolk State is setting the standard for other HBCU programs trying to compete nationally.

Next, the conversation shifts to the excitement surrounding the 2025 SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament and 2025 SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament. The panel discusses the biggest performances, surprise teams, and which programs proved they are ready to contend for championships year after year. Programs like Jackson State Tigers men's basketball, Alabama State Hornets men's basketball, and Southern Jaguars women's basketball are all part of the debate as the crew analyzes the future of SWAC basketball and which teams could make noise nationally.

Finally, the episode wraps with a look ahead to the gridiron as the hosts discuss rumors and speculation around coaching movement in Southwestern Athletic Conference football. With powerhouse programs like Florida A&M Rattlers football, Jackson State Tigers football, and Prairie View A&M Panthers football continuing to battle for conference dominance, the crew debates which coaches could be on the move and how the transfer portal and NIL are reshaping HBCU football.

If you’re an HBCU sports fan, this episode delivers strong opinions, insight, and real talk about the direction of SWAC athletics and HBCU sports as a whole.

Topics Covered: 🏀 Norfolk State women making NCAA Tournament history 🏀 SWAC Basketball Tournament breakdown and standout teams 🏈 SWAC football coaching rumors and offseason storylines 🎙 Honest conversations about the future of HBCU athletics

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