College football is officially back—and chaos is already here. On this Labor Day edition of SportsIQ, host Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro break down a wild Week 1 that saw major upsets, powerhouse debuts, and questions swirling around Alabama, Texas, and more.

🏈 In this episode:

• Ohio State stuns No. 1 Texas — what went wrong for Arch Manning?

• Florida State manhandles Alabama — is the dynasty slipping?

• LSU, Miami, and Georgia Tech make statements

• NFL Week 1 Preview — Rodgers in Pittsburgh, Chiefs-Chargers in Brazil, and early playoff picks

• Zach Neel from USA Today joins the show to talk Oregon Ducks, Big Ten football, and why Dan Lanning’s squad may be playoff-ready

• MLB playoff races heat up — Mets’ rookie arms, Dodgers-Padres drama, and Yankees’ late surge

Plus: Our Moment of Awe goes to the Tarleton State Texans for their double-overtime shocker over Army. 👏

Larry Smith dives into a jam-packed football Friday:

🏈 NFL Bombshell: The Dallas Cowboys trade All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks — a stunning move with major implications.

🏈 College Football Spotlight:

• Alabama Beat Writer Colin Gay (Tuscaloosa News) discusses Kalen DeBoer’s cultural overhaul in Tuscaloosa, how QB Ty Simpson fits into Bama's plans, and whether the Tide can reassert dominance post-Saban.

• Adam Lichtenstein (Sun Sentinel) breaks down Miami’s big test against Notre Dame, how Carson Beck looks post-injury, and a fully rebuilt Hurricanes secondary ready for war.

• Eric Hansen (BlueAndGold.com) gives the Notre Dame perspective — why CJ Carr won the QB job, how Marcus Freeman feels about his defensive line, and what ND fans can expect Sunday night in Miami.

🏀 WNBA Comebacks: The Seattle Storm erase a 21-point deficit to stun Minnesota behind Skylar Diggins’ heroics.

🎓 Tony’s Top 25 Countdown: We reach No. 1 — and it's Ohio State. Why the Buckeyes top the charts again and what must happen for Ryan Day to keep the fanbase happy.

🎾 Moment of Awe: Venus Williams, age 45, returns to the US Open in doubles and upsets the 6-seed with Leila Fernandez in a surprise Louis Armstrong Stadium appearance.

Micah Parsons Packers tradeDallas Cowboys defenseKalen DeBoer Alabama footballTy Simpson Alabama QBMiami Hurricanes 2025Carson Beck elbow injuryNotre Dame vs Miami previewCJ Carr Notre DameMarcus Freeman defenseSkylar Diggins comebackWNBA highlightsOhio State football 2025Venus Williams US OpenSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

The Arch Manning era is officially here. On today’s SportsIQ, Larry Smith previews two massive matchups and the national storylines they’ll shape.

🏈 Texas at Ohio State:Anwar Richardson (Orangebloods.com) joins to break down Arch Manning’s long-anticipated debut as Texas QB1. Can the Longhorns extend their 11-game road win streak and take down the defending champs in Columbus?

🐅 Clemson vs. LSU:Chapel Fowler (The State) and Cory Diaz (USA Today Network) offer inside looks at two elite programs with everything to prove. Is this Dabo Swinney’s revival year? Can Brian Kelly finally win a big opener?

🔥 Also in this episode:

• Producer Tony’s No. 2 team in the Top 25 Countdown

• Boise State opens the season

• Moment of Awe: Meet Indiana Jones… yes, the football player

👥 GUESTS:

• Anwar Richardson – Texas beat reporter, Orangebloods.com

• Chapel Fowler – Clemson beat writer, The State

• Cory Diaz – LSU reporter, USA Today Network

⏱️ TABLE OF CONTENTS:0:00 – Show open + Week One spotlight1:00 – Arch Manning, Texas, and the challenge at Ohio State20:00 – Clemson culture & Klubnik with Chapel Fowler32:00 – LSU prep & expectations with Corey Diaz45:00 – Tony’s No. 2 team: Georgia50:00 – Moment of Awe: Indiana Jones (Rocky Mountain College)

🔖 TAGS:Arch Manning Texas QBTexas vs Ohio StateClemson vs LSUDabo Swinney 2025Brian Kelly LSUCollege Football Week 1Anwar Richardson OrangebloodsChapel Fowler ClemsonCorey Diaz LSUSportsIQ Podcast Larry SmithIndiana Jones footballTony Cordaro Top 25Best names in college football

Larry Smith lines up a massive week in sports:
🏈 Ohio State vs. Texas — a top-3 clash in Columbus. Buckeye Huddle’s Kevin Noon joins to break down Ryan Day’s squad, new quarterback Julian Sayin, and how OSU matches up with Arch Manning and the Longhorns.
🐅 LSU vs. Clemson — voice of the Tigers Chris Blair previews the Tigers-on-Tigers battle, the pressure on Brian Kelly in year three, and whether Garrett Nussmeier can lead LSU back into playoff contention.
🏟️ NFL roster cutdown day leaves several QBs looking for work, from Adrian Martinez to Kyle Trask.
⚾ MLB updates: Mets walk it off vs. Phillies, Yankees extend their win streak, Mariners stumble.
🏀 WNBA headlines: Alyssa Thomas posts another triple-double; Indiana Fever rise in the standings.
🎤 Pop culture note: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift officially engaged.
🎶 Shaq invests in a $400M arena project at LSU.
⛳ Golf: Tour Championship delivers big ratings as Tommy Fleetwood wins $10M.
📊 Top 25 countdown continues — Penn State at No. 3.
⚾ Moment of Awe: The inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League is set for 2026, with 600 hopefuls at open tryouts in DC.

[TAGS]Ohio State Buckeyes vs Texas Longhorns 2025Arch Manning Texas QBJulian Sayin Ohio State QBKevin Noon Buckeye HuddleLSU vs Clemson 2025Chris Blair LSU Tigers voiceBrian Kelly LSU coachGarrett Nussmeier LSU QBNFL cutdown day 2025Adrian Martinez JetsKyle Trask Buccaneers releaseMLB Mets Yankees Mariners PhilliesWNBA Alyssa Thomas triple doubleIndiana Fever Seattle StormTravis Kelce Taylor Swift engagedShaquille O’Neal LSU arenaTommy Fleetwood Tour Championship winnerPenn State Drew Allar Nicholas Singleton Kaytron AllenWomen’s Professional Baseball League 2026SportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

On today’s SportsIQ with Larry Smith, we dig into a jam-packed week one of college football — and yes, producer Tony serves up Texas at No. 4 on the preseason platter. Can the Longhorns live up to the hype, or is this steak still a little rare?

🏈 Peter Holland Jr. (Tallahassee Democrat) joins us to preview Florida State vs. No. 8 Alabama. Can the Seminoles bury last year’s nightmare and restore urgency in Tallahassee?

🏈 Cole Thompson (SEC Unfiltered) breaks down the SEC’s move to a nine-game conference slate, what it means for playoff representation, and why Alabama may quietly be the league’s most dangerous team.

⚾ MLB notes: Cal Raleigh joins Mickey Mantle in switch-hitting history; Trey Hendrickson gets a monster raise; Venus Williams brings the house down at the US Open.

🏀 Plus, Caitlin Clark’s new Nike signature shoe and logo, Ron Washington’s health update, and why Kevin O’Leary just dropped $12.9M on a Michael Jordan–Kobe Bryant card.

[TAGS]Texas Longhorns preseason No. 4Florida State vs Alabama previewPeter Holland Tallahassee DemocratCole Thompson SEC UnfilteredSEC nine-game scheduleArch Manning TexasCollege Football Playoff expansionVenus Williams US OpenCal Raleigh Mariners 50 HRCaitlin Clark Nike logoKevin O’Leary Jordan Kobe cardSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

🏈 Cleveland Browns quarterback drama — Guest: Evan Dammarell (Right Down Euclid) joins Tony Cordaro to break down the Browns’ unusual four-QB roster, Joe Flacco’s stability, the Deshaun Watson fallout, and the future of Myles Garrett in Cleveland.

🎙️ Illinois Football’s rising expectations — Guest: Coach Bret Bielema (Illinois Fighting Illini) sits down with Mike Cagley of IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular to discuss playoff hopes, team leadership, and what back-to-back 10-win seasons would mean in Champaign.

🐅 Clemson Tigers preseason outlook — Tony Cordaro ranks Clemson at No. 5 in his Top 25 countdown, spotlighting Cade Klubnik’s leadership and Dabo Swinney’s formula for success

⚾ MLB pennant races tightening: Dodgers–Padres duel, Phillies pulling away, Mariners history at the plate.🎾 US Open chaos: meltdowns, upsets, and marquee moments in New York.🏀 WNBA playoff push: Nafisa Collier shines, Caitlin Clark remains sidelined, and Seattle Storm surge.⚾ Moment of Awe: Chinese Taipei captures its 18th Little League World Series championship.

Larry Smith delivers a loaded Friday show from Atlanta ahead of WNBA on ION:

🏀 WNBA Spotlight with Lo Yarnall (Yahoo Sports):

• Paige Bueckers’ record-setting 44-point night and her lock on Rookie of the Year.

• Rookie standouts Sonia Citron and Kiki Rafan transforming the Mystics.

• MVP debate: Nafisa Collier, A’ja Wilson, and Jonquel Jones.

• Contenders and threats heading into the postseason: Liberty, Lynx, Aces, Mercury, and Dream.

• Referee controversies and player safety as the league navigates expansion.

🏈 College Football Headlines:

• SEC stuns the sport, announcing a nine-game conference schedule starting 2026.

• What this means for Alabama, Georgia, and playoff strength of schedule.

• Preview of Farmageddon in Dublin (Iowa State vs. Kansas State), with guest Eugene Rapay (Des Moines Register) breaking down Matt Campbell’s Cyclones, NIL realities, and Big 12 parity.

🏈 NFL Notes:

• Cowboys’ drama: Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons’ contract clash.

• Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart flashing starter potential.

• Steelers’ injury concern with rookie Derek Harmon.

⚾ MLB Rundown:

• Dodgers and Padres gearing up for an NL West clash.

• Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony shines in Yankee Stadium debut.

• Astros add veteran arm Craig Kimbrel as the playoff push heats up.

⚾ Moment of Awe:

• Nevada’s Garrett Gallegos launches a game-winning homer in the Little League World Series to lift his team over South Carolina.

Tags:WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige BueckersSonia Citron MysticsA’ja Wilson MVP raceLas Vegas Aces winning streakSEC nine-game schedule 2026Farmageddon Iowa State Kansas State DublinEugene Rapay Des Moines RegisterMicah Parsons Cowboys contractJaxson Dart New York Giants QBRoman Anthony Red Sox debutCraig Kimbrel Astros bullpenNevada Little League World Series

🏈 Fantasy Football Draft Prep — GUEST: Yahoo Sports’ Scott Pianowski joins Tony for an in-depth guide on sleepers, rookies, risky picks, and how to approach the 2025 fantasy season.
🏀 WNBA History — Paige Bueckers drops 44 points for Dallas, tying a rookie scoring record, but Kelsey Plum steals the game with a buzzer-beater for the Sparks.
⚾ MLB Races Heat Up — Tigers sweep the Astros, Phillies roll, Yankees rally in extras, and the Cubs chip away in the NL Central.
🏈 College Football Spotlight — GUEST: Wyatt Thompson, the Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats, previews K-State vs. Iowa State in Dublin, plus what Avery Johnson and Dylan Edwards bring to the Wildcats’ offense.
🏈 Top 25 Countdown — Producer Tony ranks Alabama at No. 9 and Miami at No. 8 as the season nears kickoff.
⚾ Moment of Awe — South Carolina Little League stuns with a six-run final inning comeback to win 7–6.

TAGSFantasy Football 2025Scott Pianowski Yahoo SportsWNBA Paige Bueckers Kelsey Plum Sparks Dallas WingsNFL Preseason 2025 Steelers Panthers Patriots Giants JetsMLB Tigers Astros Phillies Yankees CubsK-State vs Iowa State Dublin 2025Wyatt Thompson Kansas State WildcatsCollege Football Top 25 Alabama MiamiLittle League World Series 2025

🏈 Kansas State vs. Iowa State kicks off the college football season in Dublin — beat writer Kellis Robinett (Wichita Eagle/Kansas City Star) breaks down Avery Johnson’s growth, Dylan Edwards’ impact, and Chris Klieman’s coaching style.🏈 The Kansas City Chiefs reload for another Super Bowl run — Jordan Foote (Heavy.com) joins to assess Patrick Mahomes’ protection, Travis Kelce’s window, and Andy Reid’s winning formula.⚾ MLB highlights: Cubs sweep Brewers, Yankees’ record-setting power surge, and Bobby Witt Jr.’s 100th homer.🏀 WNBA action: A’ja Wilson’s historic streak, Caitlin Clark’s injury update, and the Liberty vs. Lynx rematch.⛳ Rory McIlroy buys 1,100 Masters flags — why he might sign every single one.🏈 Producer Tony counts down the SportsIQ preseason Top 25 — Florida at No. 11 and Illinois cracking the Top 10.

TAGSKansas State Wildcats footballIowa State Cyclones Dublin gameAvery Johnson QB K-StateChris Klieman coaching styleDylan Edwards running back K-StateKansas City Chiefs offensive line 2025Patrick Mahomes Travis Kelce ChiefsJordan Foote Heavy.com ChiefsRory McIlroy Masters 2025MLB Cubs Brewers sweep Yankees RaysBobby Witt Jr 100th homer RoyalsWNBA A’ja Wilson Caitlin Clark injuryFlorida Gators DJ Lagway Billy NapierIllinois Fighting Illini Luke Altmyer Bielema

Larry Smith breaks down a jam-packed sports slate:

⚾ MLB Spotlight — Dodgers-Padres rivalry heats up with columnist Jim Alexander (Southern California News Group) weighing in on trade deadline moves, Shohei Ohtani’s role, and bullpen concerns as the NL West tightens. Can San Diego finally challenge LA’s dominance?

🏈 College Football Preview — Clemson insider Derrian Carter (Greenville News) joins to discuss Cade Klubnik’s development, Dabo Swinney’s evolving stance on the transfer portal, and the Tigers’ massive Week 1 showdown with LSU.

🔥 Headlines Rundown — Brewers extend their NL Central lead, Tigers power past Houston, Rockies avoid historic futility, and Cam Newton & Pat Riley receive long-overdue honors.

✨ Moment of Awe — High school senior Mason Howell stuns the golf world, becoming the youngest U.S. Amateur champion in over a decade.

TAGSSportsIQ Podcast Larry SmithMLB Dodgers Padres rivalryJim Alexander Southern California News GroupShohei Ohtani Dodgers pitchingSan Diego Padres Manny Machado Fernando TatisClemson football preview 2025Derrian Carter Greenville NewsCade Klubnik Clemson QBDabo Swinney transfer portalLSU vs Clemson Week 1Cam Newton Auburn jersey retirementPat Riley Lakers statueMason Howell US Amateur champion