Good afternoon — August 31, 2026. In this episode of Little Column A, Little Column B, hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop wrap up Week Zero and look ahead to college football Week One, the NFL divisional landscape, and fantasy football strategies.

They open with breaking news about the NCAA’s decision to retire "Week Zero" next season and explain why starting at "Week One" when games begin makes sense. They also ruminate on the embarrassing empty-seat images from USC’s recent opener and debate whether heat, timing, or apathy is to blame.

The conversation moves to college football’s must-watch matchups for Labor Day weekend, including Clemson–LSU, Louisville–Ole Miss and SMU–Florida State, and the looming storyline around Kentucky–Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell. Will and Zach walk through the messy, state-by-state court rulings affecting eligibility, Mitchell’s decision to return to Missouri, and how these legal fights are reshaping roster expectations.

On the NFL side, they preview the NFC West — anointing Seattle as the favorite while weighing the Rams’ splash moves with Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald’s return, the 49ers’ persistent injury questions, and Arizona’s outlook as the likely cellar-dweller.

In the AFC West, they debate the Chiefs’ uncertainty following Patrick Mahomes’ injury, ponder the Chargers as a dark-horse pick, and discuss rookie QB Mendoza and the Raiders’ direction.

Throughout the episode, Will and Zach give fantasy advice — who to draft, including Christian McCaffrey, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker, and who to avoid, including Puka Nacua, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes in some formats. They also argue about strategy, injury risk, and upside picks like Brock Bowers and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

They close with a tease for next week’s episode: a game-by-game NFL Week One picks show, plus bets and deeper analysis.

Expect candid takes, heated debates, fantasy angles, and betting teasers as Will and Zach set the table for the 2026 college and NFL seasons.

TIME CODES

(00:00:26) Week Zero Madness

Good afternoon. It is August 24th, 2026. Hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop kick off the episode with a lively look at Week Zero college football — why college games finally matter again, their frustration with NFL preseason showings, and the return of Hard Knocks and what it reveals about teams and coaching cultures. The conversation moves into a debate about college players returning after failing to make NFL rosters and whether that creates competitive imbalances or simply new opportunities for those players.

Will and Zach then dig into NFL divisional previews, starting with a blunt NFC South breakdown (Bucs, Saints, Falcons, Panthers), quarterback evaluations (Baker Mayfield, Tua, Bryce Young, Tyler Shuck), and why none of the teams feel like true Super Bowl contenders. They follow with AFC South analysis (Texans, Jaguars, Colts, Titans), spotlighting C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones and Cam Ward, plus thoughts on coaching changes and who might rise or fall.

The hosts share fantasy football strategy — buys, avoids and late-round fliers — calling out names like Bijan Robinson, Bucky Irving, Jonathan Brooks, David Montgomery, Trevor Lawrence and long-shot targets such as Calvin Ridley, while warning listeners about risky picks, including defenses and players with injury histories. They also talk draft logistics and how to manage multiple fantasy drafts during a busy preseason week.

Other headlines include Deshaun Watson being named the Browns’ starter and the concerns surrounding his situation, notable NFL, Patriots and Texans roster moves, NBA free-agent updates including Klay Thompson to Miami and DeMar DeRozan’s move, and reflections on big-money contract decisions.

In college basketball, Will and Zach discuss fifth-year eligibility and transfer drama, highlighting Mark Mitchell’s move to Kentucky, how NIL and state-by-state rules are complicating roster construction, and why Kentucky’s roster looks more competitive this year.

Expect candid banter, strong opinions and practical takeaways for fans and fantasy managers: why preseason rarely scratches the itch, which divisions are wide open, who to target and avoid in fantasy drafts, and the off-field developments shaping college and pro rosters this fall.

Follow the show for weekly NFL division previews and football conversations — and follow Zach on X at @WickedZman24 for more updates.

Chapters

(00:00:30) College Football Is Back

Good afternoon. It is August 17th, 2026. You're listening to A Little Column A, Little Column B, hosted by Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop.

Will and Zach kick things off with an astonishing baseball story as St. Louis Cardinals rookie outfielder Joshua Baz becomes the first player in MLB history to hit home runs in his first three major-league at-bats. The historic debut sparks a conversation about expectations, the timing of call-ups, and the strange records that make baseball unique.

Then it’s time for the NFC East preview. The guys break down the Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants, including Philadelphia’s roster changes following A.J. Brown’s departure, Saquon Barkley’s fantasy value, and questions surrounding Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Jackson Dart. They debate which team should be favored to win the division, who could finish last, how coaching changes could reshape the standings, and which players they’re targeting or avoiding in fantasy football.

Next up is the AFC East, where Will and Zach see New England and Buffalo as the two legitimate contenders for the division crown. That leads to a Drake Maye vs. Josh Allen discussion, questions about Miami following a turbulent offseason, Malik Willis’s opportunity, the Jets’ quarterback situation, and more fantasy targets and avoids from around the division.

The episode closes with an extended NBA discussion. The guys return to the Clippers/Kawhi Leonard investigation and the conflicting reporting surrounding the story before digging into the NBA schedule, the in-season tournament, and the league’s opening-night format. They also discuss the Buss family selling its remaining Lakers stake and what the deal says about soaring NBA franchise valuations.

Finally, Will and Zach reflect on Russell Westbrook’s retirement, his career and legacy, and the strange point on the sports calendar where football is arriving just as another NBA season begins to creep into view.

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Joshua Baz Makes MLB History

TOPICS

Joshua Baz’s historic MLB debut • NFC East preview • Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders & Giants predictions • NFL fantasy football targets and avoids • AFC East preview • Patriots vs. Bills • Drake Maye vs. Josh Allen • Miami’s turbulent offseason • Malik Willis • Clippers/Kawhi Leonard investigation • NBA in-season tournament • NBA opening night • Lakers ownership sale • NBA franchise valuations • Russell Westbrook retirement

Good afternoon — August 10, 2026. Hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop return for a wide-ranging episode of Little Column A, Little Column B, opening with the latest developments in the Kawhi Leonard/Aspiration saga.

The pair break down Pablo Torre’s new reporting, including another alleged no-show deal, connections between the Aspiration revelations and a scoreboard manufacturer linked to the Clippers, and what the growing scandal could mean for Kawhi, the Clippers and the NBA. They debate when the league will finally make a decision, what an appropriate punishment would look like, who actually gets hurt by potential penalties, and whether the story will ultimately result in meaningful consequences.

Then it’s officially football season. Will and Zach begin their NFL division previews with the NFC North, evaluating the Lions, Bears, Packers and Vikings. They look at strength of schedule, defensive concerns, injuries and each team’s path to winning the division. The conversation also turns to fantasy football, including concerns about Justin Jefferson’s value and potential draft targets across the division.

The AFC North is next, with Baltimore setting the standard and Cincinnati remaining an intriguing challenger despite questions about its defense. Will and Zach debate Lamar Jackson versus Derrick Henry from a fantasy perspective, Pittsburgh’s uncertain direction, Cleveland’s chaotic quarterback situation and which teams could surprise or disappoint. They finish the division with their favorite fantasy targets, avoids and predictions.

Rounding out the episode are lighter but memorable stories, including Doc Rivers’ Hall of Fame induction and a discussion about coaching legacies; Akron football’s wild season-ticket promotion that allows a fan to help script the team’s opening offensive possession; and the University of Michigan experimenting with a first-semester pass/no-pass system for freshmen.

Will and Zach mix NFL predictions, fantasy advice, NBA controversy and the usual collection of strange stories before looking ahead to next week’s AFC and NFC East previews.

Timecodes:

(00:00:30) Kawhi Scandal Deepens

Hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop kick off this July 31, 2026 episode of Little Column A, Little Column B with a victory lap from the Celtics' championship parade before diving into a full listener mailbag packed with sports debates, pop culture, and everyday hot takes.

The duo tackles the streaming wars by debating binge releases versus weekly episodes, questions whether controversial officiating is becoming part of the entertainment product, and breaks down the latest WNBA headlines and the Caitlin Clark media circus. They also discuss breweries becoming family hangouts, whether sports gambling is changing the way fans watch games, and if concert crowds should sing along—or leave it to the artist.

Later, Will and Zach revisit movies that deserved a second chance (Tenet, Shutter Island), reveal their favorite "so-bad-they're-good" films, debate ESPN's decision to fire Paul Pierce, and wrap up with listener questions about life's peak moments and the need for speed. It's a laid-back Friday night episode full of laughs, nostalgia, sports, and spirited debates.

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(00:24) Championship Victory Lap

Hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop return with another jam-packed episode of Little Column A, Little Column B, covering one of the busiest weeks in sports and beyond.

The show opens with an unbelievable real-life rescue after a sign-maintenance worker becomes stranded 130 feet in the air when a scissor lift fails. The hosts break down how emergency crews responded, why the rescue took hours, and the surprising role a replacement lift played in getting the worker safely back to the ground.

From there, the conversation shifts to the NBA's biggest headline: LeBron James reportedly joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a veteran-minimum contract. Will and Zach debate whether the move makes Philadelphia the favorite in the Eastern Conference or creates more questions than answers. They discuss roster fit, championship expectations, injury concerns, Joel Embiid's future, and how the Knicks, Celtics, Pistons, and other contenders stack up in a loaded East.

The NBA discussion continues with trade speculation, stalled deals, front-office uncertainty, the league's new lottery rules, and which teams could emerge as surprise contenders. They also examine how League Pass and the balance of power across both conferences could be affected heading into the new season.

The episode then turns to college football as the hosts discuss the ongoing UNC investigation involving Michael Lombardi and NIL questions, along with Pablo Torre's reporting and what it could mean moving forward.

To wrap things up, Will and Zach preview their upcoming NFL coverage beginning August 10, discuss fantasy football burnout, laugh about Mike Vrabel's viral puppy-filled press conference, and react to the NBA's decision to move the Knicks-Celtics season opener away from Madison Square Garden.

If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Little Column A, Little Column B for new episodes every week.

Chapters

(00:00:43) Maintenance Mishap

Good afternoon — July 20, 2026. On this episode of Little Column A, Little Column B, hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop bounce between sports, movies, and everyday absurdities.

They open with the viral story of a Florida high school senior who reportedly graduated with an eye-popping 11.99 GPA after completing nearly two dozen AP classes and enough college coursework to earn an associate degree. The discussion turns into a debate about academic competition, changing GPA policies, and whether achievements like that deserve their own unique recognition.

From there, the conversation shifts to the NBA, breaking down the three-team trade involving Luguentz Dort, why Oklahoma City prioritized financial flexibility, and how modern front offices increasingly value cap management as much as talent. They also dive into LeBron James rumors, Celtics-Lakers storylines, offseason speculation, and what the league's biggest stars mean for scheduling and television interest.

The second half focuses on Hollywood, with a deep discussion about Marvel's future, Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Doctor Doom, nostalgia-driven storytelling, Spider-Man's importance to the MCU, and whether superhero fatigue is really about quantity over quality. The conversation expands into blockbuster movie releases, premium theater experiences, and why buying opening-weekend tickets is starting to resemble purchasing concert tickets.

The show wraps up with classic "Little Column A, Little Column B" randomness: Larry David-inspired solutions to everyday annoyances, debates over traffic laws, self-driving cars, speed cameras, and the Wall Street Journal's "Million Beers" challenge.

Timecodes:

(00:00:31) Florida GPA Record

n this episode of Little Column A, Little Column B, hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop cover a little bit of everything—from bizarre viral headlines and NBA offseason drama to Formula 1, college sports, and some classic pop culture debates.

The show opens with one of the strangest stories of the week: someone attempting to sell trash collected from Taylor Swift's wedding. Will and Zach discuss celebrity memorabilia, authenticity, and the psychology behind what fans are willing to buy before spinning the conversation into other unusual sports and entertainment collectibles.

The conversation then shifts to the NBA, where the hosts break down the paused Kawhi Leonard trade, the league's investigation into the deal, potential penalties, and what the situation could mean for the Clippers, Raptors, and the rest of the league. They also react to a reported Summer League altercation involving Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro while discussing how much Summer League performances should actually matter.

Victor Wembanyama's team-friendly extension becomes another major topic, with Will and Zach debating what his willingness to leave money on the table means for San Antonio's long-term championship outlook and roster flexibility.

Beyond basketball, the hosts discuss the FBI fraud investigation surrounding Kurt Creasa, the Big 12's new naming-rights partnership with Monster Energy, and Conor McGregor's latest comeback that ended almost as quickly as it began.

Zach also shares his experience attending the Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, offering insights into the atmosphere, grandstand views, paddock access, and what it's like to experience an F1 sprint weekend in person.

The episode wraps up with a fun pop culture segment imagining J.B. Smoove in iconic movie and television roles, along with quick takes on the latest sports headlines and what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead.

(0:00:30) Trash Treasure

Little of Column A, Little of Column B — July 7, 2026

Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop return to break down one of the most controversial NBA offseasons in recent memory, headlined by the Boston Celtics' stunning decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. After a brief (and surprisingly scientific) conversation about giraffes and whether they can do math, the episode quickly turns into an in-depth discussion of Boston's direction and the ripple effects across the league.

The hosts examine why the Jaylen Brown trade has divided fans, debate Brad Stevens' and Amir Chisholm's explanations, and analyze whether acquiring Paul George, future draft picks, and financial flexibility was worth moving a franchise cornerstone. They discuss how Mitchell Robinson and Payton Pritchard could benefit, whether Boston can realistically contend as currently constructed, and if additional moves—such as pursuing Trey Murphy III—are still necessary.

Beyond Boston, Will and Zach explore how the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement is changing roster construction across the league. They discuss the growing value of movable mid-tier contracts, why supermax deals have become increasingly difficult to justify, and how front offices are prioritizing flexibility over long-term commitments. The conversation also covers the Lakers' trade for Walker Kessler, Ja Morant's move to Portland, Donovan Mitchell's extension, and what each move says about today's NBA landscape.

The episode wraps up with thoughts on Kyle Lowry's retirement, the NBA Cup heading to Butler University's Hinkle Fieldhouse, early Eastern Conference outlooks, MVP expectations, and a countdown to the start of the college football season.

Timecodes:

(00:00:26) Giraffes and Celtics Chaos

On this emergency edition of Little Column A, Little Column B, hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop react live to one of the biggest NBA trades of the offseason: Jaylen Brown has been traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. With Zach calling in from the airport and Will reacting in real time, this episode captures the raw emotion, disbelief, and instant analysis surrounding a move that could reshape the Eastern Conference.

The hosts break down the full trade package, including Paul George, multiple first- and second-round picks, and Mitchell Robinson heading to Boston. They debate whether the Celtics received enough value for a franchise cornerstone or if the deal amounts to little more than a salary dump. Questions surrounding Paul George's age, contract, durability, and long-term fit take center stage as Will and Zach try to make sense of Boston's direction.

The discussion shifts to what this means for the Celtics moving forward. With Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles injury, the hosts examine the increased pressure on Boston's remaining core, whether ownership is prioritizing financial flexibility over contention, and if Brad Stevens had any realistic alternatives. They also discuss the emotional impact of sending Brown to a division rival and what his eventual return to Boston could look like.

On the Philadelphia side, Will and Zach break down a revamped 76ers lineup featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, De'Anthony Melton, and Joel Embiid, debating whether the Sixers have suddenly become one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference.

The episode also compares the trade to other major offseason moves, including Ja Morant, Walker Kessler, and Kawhi Leonard, while touching on free agency, LeBron James' future, and what could come next as the NBA offseason continues to unfold.

This is an instant-reaction episode filled with hot takes, roster analysis, and the immediate fallout from one of the biggest trades of the summer.

(0:00:27) Emergency Celtics Trade Shock