The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

James Franklin shakes up ACC recruiting by landing at Virginia Tech, putting Penn State on edge. With Franklin’s move sparking heated debate, Zach Seyko and recruiting insider Brian Smith dissect whether Penn State’s decision to fire Franklin was a massive misstep—especially as recruits, current staff and players may follow him to Blacksburg. Could Penn State lose rising stars like Tony Rojas and Amare Campbell? Will Ethan Grunkemeyer bolt for a starting quarterback role under Franklin?

The conversation covers Penn State’s true stature among college football’s elite and evaluates realistic coaching replacements, factoring in facility upgrades and recruiting territory battles. Insights into Franklin’s history as a relentless recruiter and why Virginia Tech is poised for a dramatic turnaround set the stage for an uncertain Big Ten vs. ACC rivalry. Who emerges stronger from this seismic coaching shift, and is Penn State still a top-tier job?

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Nation’s top tight ends create a recruiting frenzy as Kaiden Prothro (Georgia) headlines the class with jaw-dropping athleticism and clutch playmaking. Can rising stars like Mark Bowman (USC), Ian Primer (Notre Dame), Matt Ludwig (Michigan), and Kendre’ Harrison (Oregon) challenge Prothro for #1? Discover which traits set these future standouts apart, from pure receiving skills to power football upside.

Brian Smith dishes sharp analysis on 2026 tight end recruits, recent commitments including Xavier Stinson (Iowa) and Gavin Mueller (Miami), and the shifting landscape of 2027 prospects. 

The episode also tackles college football playoff rankings and why fans need to stop the complaints—Is Georgia truly the second-best team behind Ohio State? Get expert takes on positional value, team strategies, and what sets this recruiting cycle apart as the most competitive yet.

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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 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 Ohio State Buckeyes shake up college football recruiting with a whirlwind of November flips, elevating their 2026 class and securing elite talent at key positions. Can Ryan Day sustain this recruiting momentum and outmaneuver rivals like Clemson, Tennessee, and Penn State for game-changing prospects? 

Jay Stephens and Brian Smith spotlight the arrival of dynamic playmakers like Legend Bay and Dre Quinn, plus the high-stakes recruiting battle with West Virginia for offensive tackle Kevin Brown.

Key insights include the Buckeyes’ evolving offensive firepower, defensive upgrades, and the impact of Larry Johnson and Brian Hartline's continued presence in Columbus. The conversation explores strategic shifts in recruiting across Southern powerhouses, the NIL era’s influence, and whether Ohio State’s aggressive late-cycle surge can cement a top-three national class. Is Columbus becoming the premier destination for elite prospects?

@fbscout_florida 

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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 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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Can Fran Brown and Syracuse football close the gap with powerhouse programs through smarter transfer portal moves? The coaching staff faces major challenges—losing key players like Maraad Watson to NIL deals, coping with Steve Angelli’s injury at quarterback, and patching up thin offensive and defensive lines with limited resources. Will a strategic investment in one high-impact lineman pay off and finally solidify the trenches?

Brian Smith and Jackson Holzer debate Syracuse’s portal successes, pitfalls, and the future of Angelli under center. They spotlight new faces such as Johntay Cook and Chris Peal, plus breakout freshmen Byron Washington and Demetres Samuel. 

Finally, Smith and Holzer give the blunt takes on the Syracuse at Notre Dame game, which will not go well for the Quse.

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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 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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Notre Dame surged into College Football Playoff contention—thanks to strategic transfer portal moves mixed with a balanced offense and defense. Can Marcus Freeman’s squad sustain their momentum with key injuries stacking up?

Brian Smith spotlights impact additions like Malachi Fields, whose physical presence boosts the red zone attack, and Devonte Smith, the defensive glue whose return transformed Notre Dame's secondary from a bottom-20 pass defense to top-15. 

The episode breaks down offensive line setbacks, red zone struggles, and crucial upcoming tests for the Fighting Irish against Syracuse and Stanford. Recruiting buzz, standout quarterback C.J. Carr, and concerns about depth at tight end and defensive tackle raise intriguing questions about Notre Dame’s championship ceiling. Will the kicking game and roster depth trip up their playoff ambitions, or are the Irish capable of making a long College Football Playoff run?

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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 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 head coach Lane Kiffin dominates the Transfer Portal by matching what’s needed – on and off the field – so the Rebels gain the most from their players. Brian Smith breaks down how and why Ole Miss inserts Transfer Portal players into their culture to help win games better than any college football program.

Oregon’s coaching and culture is also examined with the Transfer Portal, as are Texas Tech and Miami. Each of those programs use similar tactics as Ole Miss. Then there’s Florida State, which committed a fatal sin that helped ruin its 2024 season. The locker room matters, and the Noles lost theirs!

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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 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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Miami’s Mario Cristobal planned to add not only recruit bulk to the roster, but plenty of length. The Hurricanes accomplished that with Jackson Cantwell, arguably the nation’s #1 recruit, but also at the skill positions.

I define how and why The U will be a formidable foe for any team – regardless of the positional matchup – for years to come, based on how it went big with recruiting.

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DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

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 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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There’s growing concern for Deion Sanders not returning to the Colorado Buffaloes. Time to discuss coach Prime’s health and future with Locked On Buffs host Kevin Borba.

Deion and the Buffaloes endured a horrible season thus far, but could Colorado turn it around next year? To do that, much better roster management will be needed. Will coach Sanders find most of his roster through the Transfer Portal again?

@fbscout_florida 

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DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

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 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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Recruit Mobile! Today’s Live Show brings Mobile football scout Larry Rudolph from QB Country to discuss the incredible South Alabama talent, as well as Crimson Tide commitment Ezavier Crowell, the best recruits in the Yellowhammer State, and the one topic that’s discussed year-round where Larry and I live.

Alabama versus Auburn is a 365-day-a-year discussion. Is Bama going to make a College Football Playoff run? Could Auburn ruin the Tide’s chances when they play Nov. 29 at Jordan-Hare Stadium? 

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

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DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

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 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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Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run transforms its roster and recruiting outlook, igniting optimism for a national title push. Brian Smith and Tyler Wojcick assess how C.J. Carr’s poised quarterback play and Jeremiah Love’s electrifying versatility are fueling the Fighting Irish offense, while key transfer portal additions strengthen depth. Can Notre Dame’s reshaped offensive line navigate crucial injuries to keep playoff hopes alive?

Recruiting momentum gains steam as high school stars take notice of Notre Dame’s on-field success and player development pipeline to the NFL. The hosts break down Marcus Freeman’s transfer portal strategy, positions of need heading into the offseason, and how retention of top talent like C.J. Carr and Boubacar Traore could impact next year’s title aspirations. Will Notre Dame’s approach in the portal and on the recruiting trail be enough to close the gap with college football’s elite?

@fbscout_florida 

On X @LO_ThePortal 

TikTok @lockedontheportal

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

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 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.