Charlotte defensive end DJ Burgess joins the show! We talked the art of being a pass rusher, year two expectations with Charlotte, recovering from his labrum injury, standouts on defense, new faces, biggest games, excitement for return to home state for Ole Miss matchup and much more.

We also talked the fan survey results, which were very telling on the fanbase’s stance ahead of year two under Tim Albin. Thank you for tuning in, check back Friday morning for another episode!

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Talk about full circle! Former Charlotte head coach (2019-2022) Will Healy is back on the pod!

We talked about his time at Charlotte, his journey after being fired, to his role as head coach with ETSU, learning from mistakes, the highs and lows of coaching, still having the fastball, adapting to the new CFB landscape, and much more.

Thanks for tuning in to the Highway 49 Podcast! We'll be back on Wednesday and Friday this week with more! #hwy49podcast #willhealy #charlotte49ers #collegefootball

With Charlotte's training camp kicking off on Wednesday, this is just the tip of the iceberg for pre-season takeaways. But there's a ton to unpack nonetheless, as this episode features interviews from Henry Rutledge and Gavin Willis, as well as Highway 49 exclusives with newcomers Jaden Barnes (Appalachian State) and J'Ven Williams (Penn State), and offensive coordinator Todd Fitch.

We talked every position on the offense (except Tight End), and every level of the defense. Come back on Monday for a very full circle episode, and check back through the week for conversations with defensive end DJ Burgess and a member of the men's basketball program.

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This is a jam-packed episode, specifically if you like The Odyssey or Christopher Nolan films. But if you're here for the Charlotte 49ers, which most of you are, we've got an interview with Derrick Eley from American Conference Media Day to open the show, as well as thoughts on Stadium Expansion images at the 45:00 mark.

But after catching The Odyssey together earlier in the week, Jeremy and Hunter had to talk through the cinematic experience itself. And Jeremy somehow ties the unbelievable film back into the 49ers' world. It was a fun episode to record, and hopefully you all enjoy it.

Thanks for tuning in to the Highway 49 Podcast. It's only going to pick up with here with training camp kicking off tomorrow morning. Stay tuned!

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Charlotte defensive coordinator Nate Faanes joins the pod (24:00)! Before Faanes' appearance, Hunter and Jeremy talked about position battles to watch in the secondary and on special teams.

In his first appearance on the show, Faanes talked through his philosophy as a defensive play-caller, pressure, year two expectations, his days as a quarterback, MIKE linebacker Gavin Willis, the X-factors on this year's defense and much more.

Thanks for tuning in, come back tomorrow for a conversation with Derrick Eley and Hunter and Jeremy nerding out over The Odyssey.

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Fun two-part episode today featuring an interview with returning linebacker Kadin Schmitz to close the show. Hunter and Kadin talked American Conference Media Day, returnees expected to take a leap, blitzes, Jon Gruden, expectations for the season & more.

Before the interview with Kadin, Hunter talks about the offense, specially the quarterback and running back positions. Neither features a clear-cut starter, and both will be intriguing to watch throughout camp.

Thanks for tuning in to the Highway 49 Podcast, check back on Monday for another episode featuring defensive coordinator Nate Faanes.

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Charlotte head coach Tim Albin joined the show from the American Conference's Media Day in Tampa, FL. We talked year two expectations for the 49ers, his thoughts on the transfer portal and roster construction, training camp, quarterbacks and much more.

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Thanks for tuning in to the Highway 49 Podcast. Check back on Thursday morning for another episode. #hwy49pod #charlotte49ers #collegefootball #timalbin

The best Charlotte 49er to come through the Queen City, Alex Highsmith, joined today’s show! Entering year seven with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alex talked his experience in the league, attending the World Cup Final, Charlotte memories, best tackles he’s played against, Mike Tomlin & much more.

Please check out and subscribe to our Substack to support Hunter and the Highway 49 Podcast. Thank you for tuning in to the show, we’ll be back Monday with more!

The 2026 college football season is almost here, and we're breaking down the storylines across the American Conference with special guest Steve Helwick (@S_Helwick).

Steve and Hunter discuss the biggest storylines across the American, including new head coaches, teams that could surprise this season, and how the conference race is shaping up. We also take a closer look at Charlotte Football, what year two under Tim Albin could mean for the 49ers, the expectations facing the program, and where Charlotte stacks up against the rest of the conference.

🏈 Topics Covered: -American preseason storylines -New coaches to watch -Conference contenders and dark horses -Charlotte's outlook for 2026 -Pressure and expectations for Tim Albin -Recruiting, roster, and schedule discussion -Underdog Dynasty stories and favorite games.

👇 Let us know in the comments: Who will win the American this season? And where do you see Charlotte finishing?

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Charlotte men's basketball head coach Wes Miller joined the pod! We talked about his staff additions and how Marcus Paige fits in, familiar faces joining the fold in former Cincinnati Bearcats Jizzle James, Keyshuan Tillery, Tyler McKinley, and Jordi Rodriguez, and Miller's scheduling philosophy moving forward. Hannah and Hunter covered so many topics in just 25 minutes with Wes, including sitting next to DaBaby at Hornets games, getting settled in Charlotte, and what it will take to get back to the NCAA Tournament next March. Stick around on the back end of the show for some spring football thoughts, Tim Albin's scouting report on Panthers' first round pick OT Monroe Freeling, and more! Thanks for tuning in to the Highway 49 Podcast. We will be back soon!