Inside the Headset with the AFCA

In this episode, we're joined by Josh Kattus, senior tight end for the University of Kentucky and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

On the field, Josh has earned a reputation as a tough, reliable playmaker—starting in 15 of 33 games and delivering clutch moments, including a game-winning touchdown against a top-10 Ole Miss team. Off the field, his leadership and heart for service shine even brighter. Josh volunteers weekly at the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology Oncology Clinic, supports families at the Ronald McDonald House, raises money for local causes through Dancing with the Lexington Stars, and promotes animal adoptions through the Scott County Humane Society.

Listen as Josh shares how football has given him a platform to serve others, inspire his teammates, and make a lasting impact in the community.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by James Ross III, the Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers Coach at the University of Houston.

Coach Ross shares his journey from player to coach, lessons learned from his time at Michigan, Hope College, Cincinnati, and Tulane, and how he's learned to balance family life with the demands of coaching. A proud member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, Ross also reflects on what the honor means and how it's shaping his coaching future.

Whether you're a coach, player, or fan, this conversation offers powerful insight into leadership, growth, and balance in the football profession.

🔗 Follow Coach Ross and Houston Football: @CoachRoss___ | @UHCougarFB

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00:00 – Introduction 01:37 – When did you know you wanted to be a coach? 05:00 – Helping players handle the end of their playing careers 06:05 – Getting the opportunity to join Michigan as a GA 10:30 – Prioritizing family within a demanding career 14:45 – Transitioning from player to coach at Michigan 17:04 – Takeaways from the first years in coaching 20:00 – Joining Hope College as Linebackers Coach 25:30 – Running your own position room for the first time 28:50 – Landing the job coaching Outside Linebackers at Cincinnati 34:25 – The importance of spousal support and buy-in 40:00 – Coaching higher-level players with NFL aspirations 42:10 – Learning curves after joining Cincinnati's staff 49:30 – Navigating waiting periods between jobs 53:20 – Lessons learned from early career experiences 55:20 – The impact of a pivotal year at Tulane 57:15 – Transitioning to Houston 1:01:05 – Reflections on the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 experience 1:03:00 – Closing thoughts

After leading Rice University in tackles in 2023, Plae Wyatt entered the 2024 season ready to build on that success. But when an early injury cut his season short, Plae found a new way to lead — through mentorship, service, and community impact.

In this episode, we dive into how the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member turned adversity into action, launching the Plae Wyatt Free Youth Football Camp and dedicating his time to mentoring at-risk youth in the Houston area.

Plae shares what drives him to serve, how his father's legacy with the McKinney Yellow Jackets shaped his purpose, and why leadership goes far beyond the football field.

🎙️ Listen for stories of resilience, faith, and giving back — from one of college football's true leaders.

Follow Rice Football on social media: @ricefootball

In this episode, we're joined by Auvic White, senior running back at Hendrix College and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A two-time All-Conference performer and Academic All-Conference honoree, Auvic is known for his discipline, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Off the field, Auvic works full-time with Athletes in Action, mentoring over 600 student-athletes, leading outreach programs, and hosting Bible studies. He's raised more than $12,000 to support AIA's mission and dedicates nearly 40 hours a week to helping others grow in faith and purpose.

From speaking at churches to supporting Special Olympics and packing 20,000 meals for children in need, Auvic embodies what it means to lead through service. His story is a powerful reminder that football is more than a game—it's a platform to change lives.

Follow Hendrix Football on social media: @hendrixfootball

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Demario Warren, Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach at Boise State University.

Coach Warren shares how he found his passion for coaching, what it means to be a valuable asset to those around you, and how his experiences as a Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach have shaped his perspective in his current role at Boise State.

He also discusses earning respect as a young coach, leading with authenticity, and his journey from Southern Utah to the Mountain West.

Follow Coach Warren and Boise State Football on social media: @DemarioWarren | @BroncoSportsFB

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🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Finding a passion for coaching 05:40 – Lessons from basketball coaching 08:00 – Transitioning into college football 10:15 – First coaching role at Southern Utah 18:30 – Switching from offense to defense 27:30 – Becoming a Defensive Coordinator 43:13 – Getting the Head Coaching job 58:35 – Joining Boise State 1:01:48 – AFCA 35 Under 35 experience

In this episode, we sit down with Nolan Ulm, a standout wide receiver for Eastern Washington University and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A two-time team captain and four-time Big Sky All-Academic honoree, Nolan has earned recognition as one of the Top-10 CFL Canadian draft prospects — but his biggest impact comes off the field.

Nolan shares how he's raised over $15,000 for Mamas for Mamas, supported Helping Captives in the fight against human trafficking, and founded the Make It Happen Football Camp to empower young athletes across Canada.

Hear how this student-athlete balances football, leadership, and service — and how his journey is inspiring others to make a difference.

🎙️ Follow Eastern Washington Football on social: @ewu_football 🌟 Presented by the AFCA Podcast and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Pearson, senior offensive tackle at Johns Hopkins University and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Charlie helped lead the Blue Jays to a 12-2 record, a Centennial Conference Championship, and a historic trip to the 2024 NCAA Division III Semifinals — all while maintaining a 3.87 GPA as a Public Health major. Recognized as the Centennial Conference Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year, he's the definition of excellence on and off the field.

Off the gridiron, Charlie serves as a certified EMT responding to 911 calls in Baltimore, mentors youth through Blue Jays for Baltimore, supports returning citizens through Turnaround Tuesday, and leads fundraising efforts for children's health with HopThon.

Join us as we explore how Charlie balances football, academics, and community service — and what it means to be a student-athlete making an impact beyond the game.

Follow @hopkinsfootball on social media for more.

This week on Inside the Headset - Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jim Tressel, former national championship-winning coach and current Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. Coach Tressel dives into the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, reflects on his time leading championship programs, and shares how lessons from football continue to shape his work in public service.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on leadership, adaptability, and purpose—on and off the field.

1:14 – Introduction 1:45 – Team Tressel Fitness Challenge and its impact 5:42 – Discovering a passion for coaching 10:06 – The value of wearing multiple hats at a Division II program 12:00 – Lessons from his father and coaching mentors 15:10 – Growth and championship success at Youngstown State 27:00 – Transitioning to the Ohio State head coaching role 30:15 – Adjusting his approach at a powerhouse program 32:15 – Navigating a new recruiting landscape 35:30 – Reflections on Ohio State's 2025 National Championship 37:55 – Consulting experience with the Indianapolis Colts 40:40 – Taking on the VP of Strategic Engagement role at the University of Akron 42:40 – Lessons from his time as VP and later as President at Youngstown State 45:40 – What will never change about coaching college football 48:38 – Applying coaching lessons to his role as Lieutenant Governor of Ohio 51:15 – Closing thoughts

Connect with Coach Tressel: Twitter: @JimTressel5 | @LtGovJimTressel

In this conversation, we sit down with Tanner Wall, senior defensive back and team captain for the BYU Cougars and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Tanner's impact goes far beyond the football field. In 2024, he started all 13 games, co-led BYU with three interceptions, and earned multiple Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Off the field, his leadership and service shine — from mentoring students through the BYU Pathway Program to volunteering weekly at Utah Valley Hospital and inspiring youth across the world. Join us as Tanner shares how hard work and compassion fuel his mission to make a difference — on and off the field.

In this episode, we sit down with Carter St. John, senior quarterback at Alma College and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A three-time First Team All-MIAA selection, Carter has helped lead Alma to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and the deepest playoff run in school history.

But Carter's biggest impact goes beyond the game. He's the founder of QBs vs. Cancer, a nationwide nonprofit that unites college quarterbacks to raise money for cancer research and patient care through youth QB training sessions. Since launching in 2023, the program has grown to include over 40 quarterbacks and has raised more than $12,500 for cancer charities.

Carter also gives back locally through Special Olympics, youth mentorship, and community outreach — showing what it truly means to lead with purpose, both on and off the field.

Follow Alma Football on social: @almascotsfootball