The Sam Kingery Show is back with a full sports roundup.

Sam Kingery and Mike Cooper break down a packed week across sports, starting with the USMNT bringing back Mauricio Pochettino for a full four-year cycle. They discuss what Pochettino showed in his first run, why dual-national recruiting still matters, how the next generation fits with the current core and what the United States needs to build toward the next World Cup.

The show then shifts to the Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer bombshell, with Sam and Mike reacting to the reported outside payments tied to the Clippers, what it could mean for Kawhi’s NBA future, how Ballmer survives as an owner and why the story could become a major moment for how the league handles salary-cap circumvention.

They also hit LaMelo Ball’s apartment, LaVar Ball’s latest comments, the return of football, Carson Beck, Haynes King, the preseason coaches poll, Missouri, Oklahoma, Alabama, USC, Clemson, Iowa and why no Group of Six team made the preseason Top 25 despite several receiving votes.

The college football conversation includes UNLV, Memphis, Boise State, Hawaii, the Group of Six CFP race, why Power Four schools are avoiding programs like UNLV, and Akron’s wild season-ticket promotion that lets a fan help call the opening drive.

The back half of the episode is all MLB trade deadline fallout. The guys break down Tarik Skubal going to the Dodgers, whether owners are using Los Angeles as a salary-cap argument, why MLB could be headed toward a lockout, the need for both a salary cap and salary floor, the Red Sox adding Adley Rutschman, the Cubs adding pitching, the Yankees’ health issues, the Cardinals’ deadline, the Brewers’ moves, the Phillies’ defensive shuffle and which teams helped or hurt themselves most.

Tap in for the latest episode of The Sam Kingery Show.

00:00 - Welcome to The Sam Kingery Show
01:04 - USMNT Brings Back Mauricio Pochettino
07:38 - Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer Bombshell
15:33 - LaMelo Ball and LaVar Ball Talk
18:11 - Football Is Back
20:08 - Preseason Coaches Poll Reaction
22:57 - SEC Questions
25:53 - USC and Lincoln Riley Pressure
26:53 - Iowa and Missouri Preview
30:19 - Group of Six Teams Receiving Votes
31:35 - UNLV, Memphis and Early CFP Implications
34:16 - Dan Mullen on UNLV’s Scheduling Problem
37:59 - Akron’s Fan Offensive Coordinator Promotion
47:08 - MLB Trade Deadline Fallout Begins
48:00 - Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers
50:43 - Dodgers, Owners and Salary-Cap Arguments
56:27 - Why MLB Needs a Salary Cap and Floor
57:28 - Dodgers Rotation After Skubal
58:54 - Cubs Add Pitching
01:00:06 - Red Sox Add Adley Rutschman
01:03:49 - Padres, Yankees and Deadline Moves
01:07:39 - Cardinals Deadline Breakdown
01:11:02 - Orioles, Brewers and Deadline Losers
01:17:35 - Braves and Phillies Deadline Questions
01:23:20 - MLB Lockout Concerns
01:27:39 - Final Thoughts

#SamKingeryShow #MLBTradeDeadline #CollegeFootball

The Sam Kingery Show is back with a full sports variety episode as Sam Kingery and Michael Cooper go around the horn on MLB, college football, UFC, the NFL and everything in between.

The guys open with the MLB All-Star break, the Home Run Derby, the Red Sox’s wild turnaround, Sonny Gray’s All-Star snub, the wide-open American League, the trade deadline market, the Cardinals’ young core, the Brewers’ potential splash moves, the Padres, Mets, Giants, Blue Jays and which teams should buy or sell.

Then they shift to college football, breaking down preseason rankings, SEC expectations, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, Utah, the Group of Six CFP race, UNLV’s difficult schedule, Mountain West contenders, coaching hot seats, new coaches at major programs and why the 2026 season could get chaotic fast.

The episode also hits UFC, Conor McGregor’s future, the frustration of a massive fight buildup falling apart, Tom Brady’s strange post-playing career, the Logan Paul/WWE situation, early NFL questions, the Patriots’ schedule and which teams could rise or fall once football returns.

Tap in for the latest episode of The Sam Kingery Show.

00:00 - Welcome to the Variety Show
01:14 - MLB All-Star Break and Home Run Derby
01:54 - Why the Swing-Based Derby Format Worked
03:12 - Red Sox Roller Coaster Season
05:57 - Sonny Gray’s All-Star Snub
06:44 - MLB All-Star Voting Problems
08:43 - Nick Kurtz and Sam’s Doppelganger
09:27 - Cardinals Development and the NL Central
10:27 - MLB’s Weird First Half
11:59 - Red Sox Back in the AL East Race
12:57 - Tigers, Mariners, Astros and Trade Deadline Questions
15:29 - What Should the Cardinals Do?
17:44 - Red Sox and Brewers Trade Rumors
19:02 - Why the Garrett Crochet Trade Worked
20:45 - What Boston Needs at the Deadline
23:36 - Mariners Linked to Spencer Steer
24:48 - Most Disappointing MLB Teams
26:52 - Real MLB Contenders and Sellers
29:23 - Nationals, Cardinals and Deadline Direction
32:40 - Latest MLB Trade Rumors
38:27 - College Football Preview Begins
39:36 - Group of Six Schools Left Out
40:38 - Texas, Arch Manning and SEC Quarterbacks
41:54 - Indiana, Miami and Preseason Poll Questions
43:24 - Texas Tech and Big 12 Expectations
44:08 - Oklahoma and John Mateer
45:34 - Is Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer on the Hot Seat?
47:37 - Michigan, Utah and Coaching Changes
48:33 - USC, Lincoln Riley and Dan Mullen Rumors
50:08 - Missouri, SEC Rankings and Preseason Questions
51:54 - Shane Beamer and South Carolina Pressure
53:44 - SEC Media Day Order of Finish
55:04 - Preseason All-SEC Team
58:19 - Biggest Risers and Fallers
01:02:24 - Week One College Football Games
01:03:54 - UNLV’s Tough Group of Six Schedule
01:06:26 - Group of Six CFP Contenders
01:08:41 - New Coaches Moving Up From the Group of Six
01:12:58 - UFC Frustration and Conor McGregor’s Future
01:14:38 - Tom Brady, Logan Paul and WWE Weirdness
01:17:25 - Early NFL Talk
01:21:10 - Patriots Schedule and AFC Questions
01:22:20 - Vikings, Quarterbacks and NFL Bounce-Back Teams
01:23:20 - Running Backs, Lamar Jackson and Final Thoughts

#SamKingeryShow #MLB #MLBTradeDeadline #RedSox #Cardinals #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #UNLVFootball #MountainWest #UFC #ConorMcGregor #NFL #Patriots #TomBrady #SportsPodcast

The USMNT’s World Cup run ended in the worst way possible.

On this episode of The Sam Kingery Show, Sam Kingery reacts to the United States’ brutal 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 and breaks down why the performance was so disappointing after everything the team had built throughout the tournament.

Sam gets into the lineup, Belgium’s decision to go younger and more athletic, the early defensive mistakes, Malik Tillman’s free kick, Matt Freese’s costly moment, Sergiño Dest’s rough first half, Christian Pulisic’s injury and the bigger issue that showed up when the moment got too big: the USMNT did not look ready for the pressure.

This was supposed to be the game that pushed American soccer forward. Instead, the U.S. fell flat in front of one of the biggest audiences it has ever had.

But the message is not to stop watching. Keep supporting the USMNT. Keep watching soccer. Keep following these players at their clubs. This loss hurt, but the sport does not disappear for four years.

Subscribe for more USMNT, World Cup and sports coverage from The Sam Kingery Show.

Watch The Sam Kingery Show on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamKingeryShow

Listen on iHeart:
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sam-kingery-show-328837863/

Listen on Audible:
https://www.audible.com/podcast/The-Sam-Kingery-Show/B0GVT9V4W2

Listen on Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/es-ar/podcasts/ec9c7eb0-0ad1-49d2-b29e-f7d7206f2e3c/the-sam-kingery-show

Follow The Sam Kingery Show on X:
https://x.com/SamKingeryShow

Follow The Sam Kingery Show on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thesamkingeryshow/

Follow The Sam Kingery Show on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Sam-Kingery-Show-61578643966036/

#USMNT #WorldCup #USASoccer #Belgium #FIFAWorldCup #Soccer #TheSamKingeryShow

The United States is moving on, and the dream is still alive.

Sam and Mike react to the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32, a match that turned into one of the biggest moments in recent U.S. soccer history.

Sam and Mike discuss why this win felt different, how Mauricio Pochettino has changed the mentality of the group, and why this team is starting to make more Americans believe. They also break down Folarin Balogun’s goal and controversial red card, Malik Tillman’s huge free kick, Weston McKennie’s performance, Christian Pulisic’s role, the team’s response playing down a man and what comes next against Belgium.

Why not us?

Follow The Sam Kingery Show for more USMNT, World Cup and American soccer coverage.

The United States keeps rolling at the World Cup.

On this episode of The Samuel Kingery Show, Sam breaks down the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia, how the Americans controlled the first half, why the performance showed they can win in different ways, and what the result means heading into the final group-stage match against Turkey.

Sam also gets into the lineup decisions for Turkey, including which players should rest because of yellow-card risk, how much Christian Pulisic should play, and why the U.S. has enough depth to rotate while still expecting a result.

The episode also zooms out to the rest of the World Cup, including bounce-back wins from Brazil, Spain and Portugal, the continued dominance of stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, and which teams have impressed or disappointed so far.

With the knockout stage coming into focus, the conversation turns to the United States’ potential path, the teams that look like real contenders, and why this tournament has already delivered.

Drop your World Cup takes in the comments and subscribe for more soccer coverage, USMNT reactions and tournament breakdowns.

#USMNT #WorldCup #USA #Soccer #SamuelKingeryShow #Pulisic #Messi #Mbappe #Haaland

The United States opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay, and Mike Cooper and Sam Kingery break down everything that stood out from the biggest USMNT performance in years.

The guys discuss Christian Pulisic's impact, Folarin Balogun's breakout performance, Gio Reyna's stunning goal, Mauricio Pochettino's influence on the squad, and why this version of the United States looks different from past World Cup teams.

They also react to the biggest stories from around the tournament, discuss surprise results, and preview the upcoming USA vs. Australia matchup.

Topics Covered:

• USA vs Paraguay reaction
• Christian Pulisic injury update
• Folarin Balogun's dominant performance
• Gio Reyna's impact
• Mauricio Pochettino's system
• USA vs Australia preview
• Biggest World Cup surprises
• Can the USMNT make a deep run?
  
  

Subscribe for more World Cup coverage, USMNT analysis, match reactions, and soccer discussions throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

#USMNT #WorldCup #USAParaguay #ChristianPulisic #FolarinBalogun #MauricioPochettino #Soccer #FIFAWorldCup #USASoccer #WorldCup2026

The World Cup has officially arrived, and Mike Cooper and Sam Kingery break down everything from the United States' performance against Germany to expectations for the biggest tournament in the world.

The guys open with a full reaction to the USA's final tune-up against Germany, including Antonee Robinson's incredible goal, Christian Pulisic's impact, and what the performance says about the USMNT heading into the tournament. Can the United States win its group? Is a knockout-stage run realistic? And how important is Chris Richards returning to the lineup?

The conversation then shifts to World Cup expectations, the expanded 48-team format, and how the new tournament structure could create surprise knockout matchups and Cinderella stories.

Plus, the guys discuss:

⚽ USA vs Germany recap
⚽ Antonee Robinson's stunning goal
⚽ Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie rankings debate
⚽ USMNT projected lineup vs Paraguay
⚽ Knockout stage expectations for the United States
⚽ Mexico's World Cup opener
⚽ FIFA controversies and hydration breaks
⚽ American sports culture vs European soccer culture
⚽ College football atmospheres and World Cup venues
⚽ Dark horse teams and tournament predictions

With the World Cup finally underway, the road to lifting the trophy has begun.

Who wins the World Cup? Can the USMNT make a run on home soil? Let us know in the comments.

🎙️ Samuel Kingery Show featuring Mike Cooper

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here, and the United States Men's National Team is preparing for the biggest tournament in program history.

In this episode, Mike Cooper joins Samuel Kingery to break down the entire USMNT World Cup roster, discuss Mauricio Pochettino's squad selections, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the team, and debate how far the United States can realistically advance on home soil.

The conversation dives into Christian Pulisic's importance, Tyler Adams' impact in midfield, Gio Reyna's potential as an X-factor, the goalkeeper situation, concerns at center back, and whether this is the most talented roster the United States has ever taken to a World Cup.

Mike and Sam also discuss the evolution of American soccer, player development, MLS versus Europe, World Cup expectations, and why this tournament represents a massive opportunity for both the national team and the sport's growth in the United States.

Topics Covered:

• USMNT 2026 World Cup roster breakdown
• Christian Pulisic's role and expectations
• Tyler Adams and the U.S. midfield
• Gio Reyna's impact on the World Cup
• Mauricio Pochettino's tactical approach
• Goalkeeper and center back concerns
• Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson analysis
• Ricardo Pepi vs Folarin Balogun discussion
• MLS development vs European development
• USA World Cup expectations on home soil
• Can the United States make a deep run?

The USMNT got a real test this camp and honestly it was not pretty.

I break down what went wrong against Belgium and Portugal, from lineup decisions to player performances, and the bigger questions heading into the World Cup. There are some real concerns right now and not just on the field.

• This episode covers:
  • What Pochettino got wrong
  • Lineup and formation issues
  • Player performances good and bad
  • Why this camp feels like a warning sign
  • What has to change before the World Cup

If you care about where this team is heading, this is one you need to hear.