The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

The Alabama Crimson Tide surged to a top-five recruiting class, fueled by elite prospects like Ezavier Crowell and Cederian Morgan. Can these impact players transform Alabama’s roster into an even more likely championship contender next season?

Brian Smith highlights Alabama’s balanced haul, spotlighting Xavier Griffin’s defensive upside and Jorden Edmonds’ lockdown potential in the secondary. Key topics include the Crimson Tide’s strengths at receiver and secondary, ongoing questions at defensive tackle and offensive tackle, and how this class stacks up against the legendary Nick Saban recruiting years. Will the absence of a true “beast” defensive tackle hold Alabama back from a top-three ranking? Don’t miss this recruiting breakdown and insider perspective on Alabama’s future stars.

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Wisconsin Badgers face a pivotal offseason as quarterback uncertainty shakes up their future and transfer portal battles intensify. Is the program ready to spend big and reclaim its spot atop the Big Ten, or will roster retention and coaching shakeups keep the Badgers in rebuilding mode?

Ryan Harings and Brian Smith break down Wisconsin’s quarterback saga, portal priorities, and the high-stakes NIL landscape shaping college football. Key topics include Carter Smith’s potential transfer, the cost of landing a top QB like Colton Joseph, and which positions (cornerback, receiver, offensive line) are critical for Wisconsin’s resurgence. The conversation expands to where the Badgers fit in a changing Big Ten, the looming challenge from rivals like Iowa and Oregon, and how strategic spending could decide the program’s trajectory. Insightful recruiting notes and future outlooks round out this must-listen for Badger fans and college football insiders.

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Gametime

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Marcus Freeman and Dan Lanning are raising the bar in college football recruiting, forcing rivals across the nation to rethink their strategies. With Oregon and Notre Dame battling geographic and academic hurdles, their hands-on approach—paired with relentless energy—has transformed recruiting battles, putting pressure on many Power 4 conference head coaches to keep pace. Are coaches like Lane Kiffin (LSU) and Alex Golesh (Auburn) ready to match this relentless recruiting grind, or will the new era leave longtime power programs scrambling?

Brian Smith explores how NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and allegations of NCAA inaction are reshaping roster building for perennial contenders. Key topics include the critical importance of linemen recruiting, schools fighting to retain talent amidst coaching changes, and surprise signings shaking up recruiting rankings. Don’t miss insights on future recruiting stars, potential top 10 coaching destinations, and why authenticity and relationships, not just money, still drive college football’s biggest decisions.

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Aura Frames

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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Can Indiana football overcome the Ohio State Buckeyes and rewrite their legacy in the Big Ten championship? With Ohio State’s powerhouse offense led by stars like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, the Indiana Hoosiers—anchored by quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a dynamic defense—face their toughest challenge yet. Can fast starts, home-field energy in Indianapolis, and an improved roster push Indiana past the nation’s most dominant program and put them on the national map?

Jacob Goins and Brian Smith break down key matchup concerns, including Indiana’s secondary battling elite Ohio State receivers and the need for turnover-generating plays. Recruiting ramifications, the College Football Playoff picture, and the growing chaos in coaching moves and transfer portal activity also take center stage. Don’t miss expert analysis on Indiana’s rising momentum, potential statement opportunities, and how the shifting college football landscape could impact the Hoosiers’ future.

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

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And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. 

Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Penn State appears to be lining up BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, but will it really happen? The Nittany Lions have missed on several candidates, including former Nittany Lion Matt Rhule.

Brian Smith and Zach Seyko break down what’s happened at PSU thus far, and whether it’s a good idea for a coach with Utah roots to head to Penn State.

@fbscout_florida 

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Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Lane Kiffin saga continues with his move to LSU. It ignites the college football coaching carousel. Will his coaching hires and high-powered offense thrive in Baton Rouge’s unique culture, or will local recruiting politics prove too much? Brian Smith breaks down the ripple effect at LSU, as well as Jon Sumrall landing at Florida, and Alex Golesh making waves at Auburn, analyzing staff changes, NIL strategies, and the impact of roster management on immediate playoff aspirations.

Key topics include LSU fans’ notoriously impatient expectations, the must-watch quarterback transfer sweepstakes, and five-star recruiting battles across the SEC. The show highlights defensive coordinator hires, the pressure facing Pete Golding at Ole Miss, and the influence of back-office decisions on elite talent acquisition. With signing day drama looming and player commitments shifting, which powerhouse program will master the recruiting game—and who’s set up for success in the new playoff era?

@fbscout_florida 

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Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Auburn Tigers ignite excitement with the high-powered hiring of Alex Golesh, bringing proven offensive firepower to the Plains. With Golesh’s track record at Tennessee and USF—where his offenses consistently topped 30 points per game—Auburn fans are asking: could the Tigers’ attack become one of the SEC’s most explosive next season? Zac Blackerby and Brian Smith examine how Golesh’s recruiting acumen, especially in key regions like Florida and Atlanta, could help Auburn secure stars like Cam Coleman and elevate the team’s offensive ceiling.

The conversation shifts to long-term expectations, roster retention, and the future of Auburn’s defense amidst major coaching turnover. Are talents like Jay Crawford and Deuce Knight set to thrive in Golesh’s system? Can the Tigers’ young defensive line keep the momentum, regardless of staffing changes? All the biggest storylines and what Auburn fans can expect in a rapidly evolving college football landscape, right here!

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And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. 

Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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USC’s Lincoln Riley failed, admittedly so, by using the Transfer Portal too much during his first two seasons in Los Angeles. He’s corrected his error and the Trojans’ recruiting efforts are going to pay dividends with the nation’s #1 recruiting class. How long before those top-notch football prospects pay dividends?

Bringing back Jayden Maiava and a bevy of talented players could see the Trojans compete for the 2026 College Football Playoff. Will the boosters be patient if USC doesn’t reach its goal next year? Brian Smith and Marc Kulkin examine this unique situation.

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Wayfair

Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. 
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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Texas hammered the Transfer Portal for defensive tackles this past offseason, but didn’t take any offensive linemen; a mistake at the time. Long-term, that error pays dividends as young Longhorns offensive linemen gained valuable experience right along with quarterback Arch Manning. The Longhorns will benefit in 2026 and beyond.

Texas has a chance to ruin the Texas A&M Aggies’ perfect season. Will Manning and the Horns be able to score enough to keep up with Marcel Reed and an explosive passing attack with KC Concepcion and Mario Craver?

@fbscout_florida 

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Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. 
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. 

Wayfair

Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. 
Head to https://Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off. Sale ends December 7th.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Wisconsin Badgers finally began winning football games – including the stunning upset over Illinois – but also need to win even more recruiting battles to continue the football program’s positive momentum. Luke Fickell is not out of the woods yet.

The Badgers have a rich booster vowing to help Fickell with NIL, but how how does Wisconsin need to be a competitive Big 10 team? Ryan Harings and Brian Smith discuss Fickell’s future, Badgers’ recruiting & Transfer Portal, quarterback Carter Smith, and what’s next for Wisconsin.

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

TikTok @lockedontheportal

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. 
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. 

Wayfair

Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. 
Head to https://Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off. Sale ends December 7th.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.