The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

How much do the Ole miss players struggle with Lane Kiffin’s impending coaching decision? The Egg Bowl – Ole Miss versus Mississippi State – takes place at noon EST on Friday. Will Harrison Wallace III, Cayden Lee, Trinidad Chambliss, and Suntarine Perkins all be dialed in? If not, Mississippi State could take advantage and spring the upset.

The latest Kiffin rumors, including one that came out during the podcast, are included in today’s show. Plus, predictions from Brian Smith and Steven Willis for which team will win.

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It’s championship weekend and time for the picks impacting the College Football Playoff. Can Utah sneak into the Playoff with a dominant win over Kansas? Does Arch Manning and Texas beat Texas A&M to knock the Aggies down the Playoff poll?

I have strong opinions about how this weekend’s games will impact the next set of Playoff rankings, with Miami at Pittsburgh being another massive game to finish out the poll.

As always, the latest recruiting news here on The Portal Podcast.

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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.

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Texas Tech is playoff-bound, but will BYU be left out in the cold despite their breakout season? Brian Smith and Cody Stovall tackle the Big 12’s shifting power dynamics, debating BYU’s playoff chances if they fall to Texas Tech in the title game. The duo breaks down CFP committee rankings, strength of schedule, and why brand names like Notre Dame still hold mystique over underdog challengers.

Oklahoma State faces a coaching crossroads, with Eric Morris emerging as a game-changing candidate poised to revitalize recruiting and quarterback play in Stillwater. The hosts scrutinize NIL spending, locker room culture, and why high school talent may be the key to the Big 12’s long-term success. Deep dives into Baylor’s controversial decision to retain Dave Aranda and Texas Tech’s market-leading roster-building strategy set the stage—can the Big 12 seize respect and playoff berths, or will powerhouse schools dominate the headlines?

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Wayfair

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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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Ole Miss faces playoff jeopardy as Lane Kiffin’s looming departure sends shockwaves through college football. Will the College Football Playoff Committee penalize the Rebels and derail their postseason aspirations after the Egg Bowl? Brian Smith breaks down the high-stakes Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State matchup, predicts the impact of Kiffin’s rumored move to either Florida or LSU, and explores the committee’s policy on docked teams when a key coach exits.

The episode also features sharp analysis of Georgia’s dominance over Georgia Tech, with Nate Frazier and the Bulldogs’ powerful run game set to expose Tech’s vulnerable defense, plus a look at Indiana’s quest to overpower Purdue in a critical rivalry clash. Stay tuned for insights on key recruiting flips, transfer portal buzz, and which teams might benefit most from upcoming coaching changes. How will off-field drama shape the playoff picture?

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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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Lane Kiffin’s high-profile pursuit rocks the Florida Gators, raising crucial questions about recruiting stability and roster retention. Will Kiffin’s arrival spark a turnaround, or will uncertainty drive key transfer portal departures and last-minute decommits? Brian Smith and Brandon Olsen dissect the Gators’ trending optimism, weighing the impact on star prospects like DJ Lagway and evaluating which positions—offensive line, defensive backfield, and linebacker—must be reinforced for SEC contention.

Expert analysis covers the coaching search landscape, with contenders including Brent Key, Jeff Brohm, and Lincoln Riley, while examining Scott Strickland’s decision-making and the role of hiring search firms. The hosts debate whether Kiffin’s offensive prowess can salvage Florida’s recruiting class before signing day—posing big-picture questions about team culture, NIL battles, and the future direction of Gators football in a fiercely competitive conference.

@fbscout_florida 

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Omaha Steaks

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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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Lane Kiffin’s looming decision is set to shake up college football, directly impacting recruiting, coaching staffs, and rosters at Ole Miss, LSU, and Florida. With rumors swirling about Kiffin’s next move, the coaching carousel gathers momentum just days before National Signing Day—leaving top recruits and assistants on edge, and allies turned into rivals. Which program will land Kiffin, and how will his choice shift the balance of power in the SEC and beyond?

Brian Smith explores the high-stakes implications for Florida State, Wisconsin, and Baylor, as schools issue “votes of confidence” for coaches like Mike Norvell, Luke Fickell, and Dave Aranda while quietly bracing for more upheaval. The episode spotlights new commitments, the growing importance of NIL, and why programs on solid ground—like Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Miami—are capitalizing on rivals' instability. Will the rush for transfer talent or high school standouts define the next recruiting cycle?

@fbscout_florida 

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

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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College Football Playoff hopes hang in the balance as Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, LSU, and Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss fight for postseason glory. Which rosters have the elite trench talent, and where do coaching distractions threaten to topple contender dreams? Can Miami rebound from devastating losses, or will Alabama’s lackluster run game doom the Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl against Auburn?

Brian Smith analyzes different types of pivotal matchups like Notre Dame competing against Miami for a Playoff bid, and how traditional games like Alabama vs Auburn and Oklahoma vs LSU impact the College Football Playoff.

He also breaks down playoff resumes, roster construction, injuries, and risky coaching changes like Kiffin’s uncertain future. Key insights include Texas Tech’s dominance in the Big 12, Oregon’s injury woes, Oklahoma’s offensive struggles, and why BYU and Utah are unlikely playoff threats. Who will survive the chaos, and which fan bases will be left arguing over committee snubs? Get the blunt, unfiltered truth on college football’s road to the Playoff.

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On X @LO_ThePortal 

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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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Vols face a must-win showdown against the Florida Gators—can Tennessee finally end a two-decade losing streak in Gainesville? Brian Smith previews the high-stakes SEC clash, questions the resilience of both teams, and breaks down key matchups, including Tennessee’s favored status and Florida’s coaching turmoil. Insights on offensive struggles, potential turnovers, and the fanbase’s boiling frustration set the stage for a pivotal college football weekend.

Plus, get rapid-fire predictions on marquee games like Oklahoma vs. Missouri, USC vs. Oregon, and Miami vs. Virginia Tech, along with under-the-radar picks that could shake up the playoff chase. Recruiting updates spotlight commitments, including two flips for Florida State. 

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

TikTok @lockedontheportal

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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 Tech’s NIL-backed roster defies the odds, sparking a College Football Playoff run that has the Red Raiders on the brink of a historic Big 12 championship. Can Joey McGuire’s culture-first approach, powered by billionaire booster support, be the secret to sustainable success in a new college football era?

Brian Smith and Chris Level break down the off-season moves that transformed Texas Tech, spotlighting key additions like Lee Hunter and David Bailey and the alignment between boosters, coaches, and recruiting. The conversation uncovers why team chemistry thrives at Tech when NIL deals have upended other programs, examines defensive dominance anchored by the front seven, and explores the emotional stakes for Lubbock if the Red Raiders make the College Football Playoff. Is this the blueprint for long-term Big 12 contention?

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

TikTok @lockedontheportal

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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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Is your favorite college football program in the top group? Tier 1 football programs are few and far between, with Ohio State leading the charge, the defending national champions. The qualifications for teams joining the Buckeyes include elite recruiting, a proven elite head coach, and a financial resources to compete at the very top of college football from a facilities and player acquisition standpoint. I break down the few that fit each of these categories.

We will also dive into the latest coaching carousel rumors, including head coaches giving non-answers when asked to comment on possibly going to another job.

As always, the latest recruiting news, with commitments, decommitments, and more.

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

TikTok @lockedontheportal

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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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