The Jake Wimberly Podcast

Jake Wimberly hosts a Friday edition of The Afternoon Drive, covering the latest college and professional football news. Jake discusses Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss, College Football Playoff predictions, NFL suspensions, and other headlines from around the country. He also talks with Heath Hinton about Southern Miss football, including the quarterback competition, roster changes, and expectations for Blake Anderson’s first season. The show broadcasts live from Rebel Ace Hardware in Brandon, where Wade Pilgrim joins Jake to preview the store’s weekend events.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon defensive coordinator Michael Turner during Meet the Bulldogs. Turner says he is proud of the number of players who showed up, committed to the program, and chose to be part of the team. He praises the players’ effort, togetherness, and willingness to work as Brandon prepares for the upcoming season.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon High School head baseball coach Daniel Best about the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of getting hot at the right time. Best reflects on Brandon’s championship run, Petal’s recent title, and how confidence can spread through a lineup during the postseason. They also discuss the value of playing multiple sports instead of specializing too early. Best encourages athletes to compete year-round and explains that many top college baseball players also played football or other sports in high school. The interview closes with a discussion of Mississippi’s growing baseball talent and the increasing number of players advancing to college and professional baseball.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon High School principal Jacob Ventre during Brandon Bulldog Day. Ventre discusses his move from middle-school administration into the high-school principal role and explains that his goal is to build on Brandon’s existing strengths rather than make unnecessary major changes. They also discuss the importance of guiding students during middle school, Brandon’s expanding athletic facilities, and how the school is approaching artificial intelligence in education. Ventre explains that teachers are using AI as a learning tool while still teaching students to think independently and avoid becoming dependent on it.

Jake Wimberley interviews Rafael Esparza of MyBookie.ag about the upcoming football season and early national championship betting value. Esparza discusses the heavy attention placed on NFL preseason football, then shifts to college football’s wide-open championship race. He highlights teams such as Texas, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, Miami, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, and BYU, explaining where bettors may find value. He also questions Clemson’s direction under Dabo Swinney, especially with LSU looming early in the season, and shares his preference for college football over the NFL.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon High School head football coach and athletic director Eugene Clinton during Bulldog Day. Clinton discusses the team’s early-morning practices, the discipline required to prepare in extreme heat, and the importance of building camaraderie, structure, and strong habits beyond football. Clinton also praises senior leaders Sladen Shack and Tyson Robinson, explaining how both players have become stronger examples for their teammates. He discusses what Brandon still needs to improve before facing Warren Central, how last season’s unexpected playoff run prepared him for the head coaching role, and why assistants Justin Hunter and Michael Turner are important parts of the program’s growth.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon Bulldogs offensive coordinator and associate head coach Justin Hunter during Brandon Bulldog Day. Hunter discusses Tyson Robinson’s physical development, the importance of recovery and treatment for high school athletes, and Brandon’s preparation for its jamboree against Warren Central. Hunter explains that the Bulldogs’ offense will focus on efficiency, first-down success, protecting the football, and using tempo without putting the defense in difficult situations. He also praises quarterback Sladen Shack’s maturity and leadership, describes Brandon’s early-morning practice and film-review routine, and shares how his family has fully embraced the Brandon school community.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon High School quarterback Sladen Shack, who is committed to play college football at Illinois. Shack discusses how the Bulldogs learned from last season, improved their preparation, and developed stronger leadership heading into his senior year. He also explains Brandon’s expanded offensive playbook, the team’s use of tempo, the talent in the receiving group, and what still needs to be cleaned up before the season opener against Tupelo. Shack shares why Illinois felt like the right fit, highlighting his relationship with the coaching staff, the school’s culture, and the opportunity to develop at a high level.

Jake Wimberley interviews Brandon High School running back Tyson Robinson, a four-star recruit committed to Michigan. Robinson discusses how last season’s adversity helped the Bulldogs grow closer, how he and other seniors have become stronger leaders, and why Michigan’s coaching and player-development plan made it the right choice for him. Robinson also talks about overcoming an injury-plagued season, proving doubters wrong, chasing a state championship, and finishing his high school career at Brandon. He describes the team as hungry, disciplined, and talented, and explains how the Bulldogs’ new offense could produce more explosive plays and points.

Jake Wimberley discusses the latest college football news, early betting lines, and preseason storylines on The Afternoon Drive. He examines the pressure facing Dabo Swinney and Clemson, including their season-opening matchup against LSU and Clemson’s limited use of the transfer portal. Jake also breaks down several notable games and point spreads, including TCU–North Carolina, LSU–Clemson, Ole Miss–Louisville, Mississippi State–Louisiana Monroe, SMU–Florida State, Texas–Ohio State, and Oregon–Oklahoma State. He also discusses college football jersey sponsorship patches, LSU basketball rebuilding its roster, and Florida’s new all-blue uniform combination.