Billionaire entrepreneur Mike Repole — the mind behind Vitaminwater, BodyArmor, and now NoBull — joins Adam Breneman for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we’ve had on Next Up. From growing up in Queens as the son of a waiter and a seamstress to selling companies for billions, Repole shares the unfiltered truth about what it takes to win — in business, in sports, and in life.

0:47 - 1 piece of the journey Mike is the most proud of

27:45 - Mike’s first “I made it moment”

31:59 - Horse racing 

34:10 - St. John’s NIL 

39:02 - Lessons from Vitaminwater and Body Armor

42:33 - Best advice Mike has ever received in his life

45:06 - Life as a billionaire 

47:24 - Mike’s why

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles opens up about his journey to Happy Valley and what it means to coach at the school he grew up idolizing.

18:55 - What it would mean to win at Penn State

In this episode of Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with Nate Burleson — former NFL star turned Emmy-winning TV host and entrepreneur.

James Franklin has been the face of Penn State football for over a decade, but this may be his most revealing interview yet. In this episode, Adam Breneman sits down with Coach Franklin to talk about the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal, why players are staying at Penn State, and how he landed top defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

They dive deep into leadership, culture, and what it’ll take to bring a national championship to Happy Valley. Whether you're a Penn State fan, a college football diehard, or just want a masterclass in building a winning culture, this one is for you.

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For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected]

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

:38 - Going from great to elite

2:32 - How the head coaching job has changed

5:55 - Hiring Jim Knowles

9:30 - Developing guys that stay in the program

11:28 - Preparing for revenue sharing in college football

13:25 - Non-negotiables for transfer portal players

16:02 - Evaluating young coaches

19:45 - What Coach Franklin is obsessed with

22:20 - Studying leadership

24:20 - The best time of Coach Franklin’s day

25:46 - Team meetings in 2014 vs now

27:40 - Sticking to the process

29:49 - Balancing what the program needs vs fan perception

32:54 - What keeps Coach Franklin up at night

34:00 - Drew Allar

35:40 - What it will take to win a National Championship

37:16 - NIL support at PSU

39:05 - Coach Franklin’s legacy

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Penn State’s offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is one of the most creative minds in college football.

In this episode, we dive deep into his offensive philosophy, how he’s developing Drew Allar into a future star, and the culture shift happening inside the Penn State football building.

Kotelnicki opens up about why he left Lance Leipold after 11 years, what it was like getting hired by James Franklin, and how he’s building a unit that’s tough, explosive, and hard to defend.

We break down the plays, the process, and the mindset behind one of the most intriguing offenses in the country, and why Penn State fans should be excited for what’s coming.

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For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected]

CHAPTERS:

0:17 - Year 1 vs Year 2 Spring Ball

1:46 - Why Coach Kotelnicki chose Penn State

4:24 - What surprised Coach Kotelnicki when arriving to Happy Valley

5:35 - Implementing an offensive identity

8:20 - Drew Allar's next step

10:39 - Penn State's wide receiver room

12:38 - Being a creative offensive coordinator

15:20 - Balancing risk as a playcaller

18:34 - Overcoming adversity

20:29 - Best piece of advice Coach Kotelnicki has ever received

22:07 - What Coach Kotelnicki wants to see in 2025 from his offense

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, presented by Teamworks, USC General Manager Chad Bowden joins the show for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a national powerhouse football program.

Chad shares how he made the decision to leave Notre Dame and join Lincoln Riley at USC in just 24 hours, and why he believes California is home to the best high school football talent in the country.

He opens up about how the role of a college football GM has evolved, what most fans and media don’t understand about NIL, and the pressure that comes with building not just a roster, but a culture. From his daily routine, to what it’s like working alongside Lincoln Riley, to USC’s transition to the Big Ten—this conversation is packed with insight from one of the sharpest minds in college football.

If you're a USC fan, a football junkie, or just curious about what goes into building a powerhouse program in today’s game, this is a must-watch.

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For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected]

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

:36 - When Bowden knew he wanted to go to USC

1:51 - How the GM role has changed in the past 3 years

2:50 - Strategy for developing and maintaining relationships

4:38 - Winning the offseason as a GM

7:04 - Day in the life as USC football GM

9:05 - Favorite moment so far at USC

10:00 - Lessons form Lincoln Riley

10:58 -USC joining the Big 10

12:19 - What fans don't understand about NIL

13:52 - How USC can win a National Championship

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Duke Head Coach Manny Diaz joins Adam Breneman for an in-depth conversation about his coaching journey, leadership philosophy, and the challenges of building a winning program in today’s college football landscape. From getting fired at Texas in 2013 to leading Miami and coordinating one of the nation’s top defenses at Penn State, Diaz has seen it all. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge at Duke, and he’s determined to make his mark.

In this episode, Diaz shares his approach to building a strong culture, the importance of toughness in his coaching philosophy, and what it takes to recruit and retain top talent in the era of the transfer portal. He also reflects on the pivotal moments in his career, the lessons he learned from James Franklin, and the differences between taking over at Duke versus Miami.

Whether you’re a college football fan, coach, or aspiring leader, this conversation provides valuable insight into the mindset of a Power 4 head coach and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Don’t miss this inside look at the future of Duke Football and the man leading the charge.

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For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected]

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

1:50 - First team meeting at Duke 

2:40 - First order of business as Duke Head Coach 

4:27 - Pivotal moment in Coach Diaz’s career 

5:35 - Coaching philosophy 

6:25 - Being a production assistant at ESPN 

8:26 - When Coach Diaz knew he wanted to be a head coach 

9:14 - Process of getting job at Duke 

14:09 - Taking over Duke vs. Taking over Miami 

15:07 - Building a staff 

17:07 - What Coach Diaz looks for in young coaches 

18:59 - Lessons from Coach Franklin 

22:10 - Ready to be a head coach again 

23:46 - Building a relationship with players 

26:21 - Building a team to win now vs. building for the future

27:50 - When Coach Diaz knew his team was tough 

29:20 - Managing risk during a game 

30:18 - Spring Practice thoughts 

32:47 - Important stats to Coach Diaz 

34:23 - Play calling as a head coach 

35:34 - Being honest with players 

36:35 - Advice to his younger self 

37:24 - Overcoming adversity 

40:05 - Biggest challenge at Duke 

41:11 - Duke’s culture 

44:33 - What will take Duke to the next level 

45:07 - NIL at Duke 

46:42 - Philosophical changes throughout coaching journey 

48:10 - Coach Diaz’s why 

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Wake Forest football is entering a new era under Head Coach Jake Dickert, and in this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, he opens up about the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a Power 4 program.

From his first team meeting to the culture he’s building, Coach Dickert shares what it takes to win in today’s college football landscape.

He talks about the unconventional path that led him to this role, the lessons he’s learned from adversity, and why he believes Wake Forest has what it takes to compete at the highest level. He also dives into the importance of leadership, accountability, and surrounding yourself with the right people—both on and off the field.

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the realities of college football coaching, the mindset of a leader, and what’s next for Wake Forest football.

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For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected]

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

3:22 - First thing Coach Dickert wanted to implement at Wake Forest

4:27 - Process of getting the job

6:02 - Getting final phone call for job

7:19 - Alignment at Wake Forest

9:08 - Coach Dickert’s culture

10:49 - Coach Dickert’s journey to Wake Forest

15:09 - Coach Dickert Reflects on career journey

16:05 - Coach Dickert’s support system in his family and wife

17:37 - Number 1 thing Coach Dickert learned about himself during Pac-12 turmoil

18:44 - Traits Dickert looks for in young coaches

21:35 - Toughest job interview in Dickert’s assistant coaching journey

22:42 - Advantages of being defensive-minded head coach

24:47 - 5 Principles of winning games

26:45 - Game management as a head coach

29:11 - Coach Dickert’s daily routine

30:26 - New era of CFB as a head coach from a front office standpoint

34:01 - Being a players' coach and relationships with players in the new era

36:15 - Energy will feel different at Wake Forest

37:02 - Coach Dickert on overcoming adversity

39:04 - Advice Coach Dickert would give himself when taking WSU job

40:29 - Wake Forest football 5 years from now

41:47 - Instilling toughness in his team

43:04 - What Coach Dickert is most excited for in 2025

43:59 - Coach Dickert’s why and what he hopes players say about him

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman joins Adam Breneman for a raw and insightful conversation about his journey to leading one of college football’s most storied programs.

He shares what it was like stepping into the role, the whirlwind 72 hours that changed his life, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Freeman opens up about the challenges of being a head coach, the adversity he faced in his playing career, and how those experiences shaped his leadership style. He also dives into NIL, recruiting, and what it will take for Notre Dame to win a national championship.

This episode is packed with wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and powerful leadership insights from one of the most respected coaches in the game.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

2:53 - Getting the job and the viral video addressing the team

4:19 - Process of getting the job

6:37 - Advice to himself after a few years on the job

7:24 - Biggest surprise as being a head coach

9:00 - Overcoming adversity in playing career

12:43 - Preparing to be a HC during time as an assistant coach

14:03 - What he looks for in a young coach

15:14 - Being a position coach vs. head coach

16:45 - Loss to NIU

20:00 - Knowing the team is bouncing back

21:26 - Changing as HC from year 1 to now

23:00 - Having a great relationship with players

24:24 - Marcus on his son Vinny

26:26 - Balancing history at ND and it being “Marcus Freeman’s program”

28:08 Best decision of Freeman’s life

29:59 - What gives Freeman the most energy every day

31:14 - Daily routine

32:14 - NIL recruiting and roster construction

33:53 - What needs to happen for ND to win a national championship

35:11 - Best advice Freeman has ever received

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Wake Forest Athletic Director John Currie joins Adam Breneman for a candid conversation on the future of college sports, the rapid changes in NIL and revenue sharing, and how Wake Forest is positioning itself for long-term success.

Currie dives into what it’s really like to be a Power 4 AD, how he approaches hiring coaches, and why Wake Forest has become the fastest-growing fan base in the Power 5. He also shares insights on the role of private equity in college athletics, what keeps him up at night, and why he’s bullish on the ACC’s future.

If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the business of college football from one of the most experienced ADs in the game, this episode is a must-watch.

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For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected]

CHAPTERS

0:00 - intro

2:23 - Biggest change since taking Wake Forest AD job

3:47 - Most impactful moment of John Currie’s career and what makes Wake Forest special

5:40 - Alignment within administration

7:26 - Lessons from previous AD stops

8:09 - Day in the life as an AD at Power 4 program

10:14 - Hiring process of coaches

13:10 - Knowing when Wake Forest was going to hire Coach Jake Dickert

15:17 - Calls Currie makes when he knows there will be a coaching position open

17:10 - Why Wake Forest is set up to win long term

21:03 - Thoughts on Coach Jake Dickert

22:09 - What keeps John Currie up at night

23:43 - Revenue sharing in college athletics

26:27 - Allocating money between programs during revenue sharing era

20:26 - Private equity in college sports

30:45 - Branding at Wake Forest

33:13 - Advice to young people working in sports

35:08 - Overcoming adversity

37:27 - Future of the ACC

39:24 - Future of Wake Forest athletics

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.