In this episode, we touch base with Ben Jones to make sense of the lofty expectations for Penn State football ahead of the 2025 season. Could this really be the top team in the country? Are fans being fair to Drew Allar? Who's to blame for the late of WR production? How will the addition of Jim Knowles impact the Nittany Lion defense? Did James Franklin get the monkey off his back by winning two CFP games? And will the construction at Beaver Stadium effect the home field environment in Happy Valley?

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this college football podcast episode, we touch base with Manny Navarro of The Athletic to discuss the trajectory of the Miami Hurricanes after three years under Mario Cristobal. What are expectations in 2025? Can the defense be fixed? What's the overall vision for the program? How will the offense look with Carson Beck instead of Cam Ward? And how close is the "U" to fully recapturing its old swagger?

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

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Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a two-year hiatus, we’re reviving one of our favorite concepts. In this episode, we pitch the future prospects of teams and players to our pool of sharks -- err, “Sarks” -- and make the case for why each is worth an emotional investment. Featuring special guest Sark: Andy Staples from On3, we pop the hood on North Carolina, Texas Tech, Wisconsin, Auburn and Florida State in addition to Carson Beck's situation at Miami and the beginning of the Dante Moore era at Oregon.

Timecodes:

0:00 - Sark Tank Intro

6:02 – North Carolina

14:04 – Texas Tech

24:09 – Wisconsin

36:41 – Carson Beck

46:42 – Auburn

55:32 – Dante Moore

1:03:17 – Florida State

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for our monthly Q&A. In today's episode, we field questions from the Verballerhood about Nick Saban's role in saving college football from itself, the effect of NIL on "elite" teams, the prospect of a 9-game SEC schedule and a Group of Five playoff, how college football compares to international soccer, and the potential of birthing a good luck charm for your favorite team.

00:00 - Intro

02:20 - Exciting Things About the New Season

15:54 - Watching Auburn with a Newborn

21:34 - Nick Saban & the College Sports Commission

35:53 - NIL-Induced parity

43:05 - A Group of Five Playoff

50:20 - College Football Fans vs. Soccer Fans

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this college football podcast episode, we're joined by Eddie Radosevich from SoonerScoop.com to get a sense for the vibes at Oklahoma ahead of the 2025 college football season. Is this the offseason when Brent Venables harnessed his inner cutthroat? What's to blame for the Sooners' lousy offense last season and how big an impact will John Mateer, Jaydn Ott and Ben Arbuckle have? And, after one year, is Oklahoma still happy it joined the SEC?

(00:00) - Intro

Dan and Ty introduce the episode, setting the stage for a vibe check on Oklahoma football with Eddie Radosevich.

(04:46) - Brent Venables’ Evolution and Coaching Changes

Eddie discusses Venables’ growth as a head coach, the hiring of Ben Arbuckle, Jim Nagy’s GM role, and the defense coordinator shift, addressing fan concerns about his progress.

(11:23) - Oklahoma’s New Offense: Mateer, Arbuckle, and Ott

Eddie details the revamped offense with John Mateer, Ben Arbuckle’s system, Jaydn Ott’s addition, and young receivers like Zion Kearney, plus the offensive line’s potential improvement.

(15:44) - 2024’s Offensive Woes

Eddie breaks down the 2024 offensive failures, citing injuries, poor play-calling, Jackson Arnold’s struggles, and lack of quarterback coaching as shared culprits.

(22:20) - Team Culture and SEC Transition

Eddie highlights Oklahoma’s strong off-field culture, fan expectations, and the sobering lessons from their 2024 SEC debut, with a tough 2025 schedule looming.

(30:17) - Standout Spring Performances

Eddie shares notable spring developments, including Javonnie Gibson’s injury, Kendal Daniels’ versatility, and defensive prospects like David Stone.

(38:01) - Late-Game Confidence

Eddie expresses unease about Oklahoma’s late-game execution, citing past failures and uncertainties with new kickers Tate Sandell and Austin Welch.

(42:36) - Oklahoma’s NIL and Collective Landscape

Eddie evaluates OU’s NIL efforts, the One Oklahoma collective, and how they stack up against SEC giants like Texas and LSU.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

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Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this college football podcast episode, Dan is joined by ESPN’s Bill Connelly to dive into the mysterious world of college football luck—turnovers, close games, and injuries—that shaped 2024 and could define 2025. From Clemson’s run to Auburn’s bad breaks, Bill talks through the numbers and what they mean for teams ranging from Alabama to UCF. Plus, a deep dive into Clemson’s top-five potential, the chaotic state of the sport, and Bill’s upcoming book, Forward Progress. Plus, Bill’s Japan travel tips, from Kit Kats to Kyoto.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:05) - Luck in 2024 College Football: Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, and More

(25:29) - Clemson’s 2025 Outlook: Top-Five Hype or Bust?

(30:40) - Predictive Metrics and the Chaos of Modern CFB

(31:47) - Bill’s Book: Forward Progress and CFB’s Future

(42:29) - Is CFB Too Far Gone for Unity?

(50:28) - Bill’s Japan Trip: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kit Kats

Key Topics Discussed

• Defining Luck in College Football: Explore Bill’s methodology for quantifying turnover luck, close-game outcomes, and injury luck in 2024.
• Clemson’s Fortunate 2024: Discuss Clemson’s extreme turnover luck, returning production, and why Bill hesitates on their top-five hype for 2025.
• Auburn and Alabama’s Bad Breaks: Analyze Auburn’s catastrophic close-game losses and Alabama’s unlucky 2024, with potential for 2025 rebounds.
• UCF and Washington’s Turnaround Potential: Highlight UCF and Washington as teams that underperformed statistically but could surge in 2025.
• Injury Luck and Lineup Stability: Examine how teams like Penn State and Purdue’s roster stability (or lack thereof) impacted their seasons.
• The Future of College Football: Dive into Bill’s book, Forward Progress, and the structural issues—realignment, TV contracts, and no commissioner—driving CFB’s chaos.
• Jim Delany’s Role in Modern CFB: Debate whether Delany, as Big Ten commissioner, set the stage for today’s superconferences and realignment.
• Bill’s Japanese Adventure: Get Bill’s tips for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, plus weird Kit Kats.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

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Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this college football podcast episode, Michael Felder (Bleacher Report, Stadium, Substack, et al) joins the show to give his perspective of Bill Belichick's first few months as head coach at North Carolina. Felder, given his proximity to the UNC community as a former player and alum has thoughts on the hire itself, the current distractions involving the head coach's girlfriend Jordon Hudson, his CBS interview, and much more.

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Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

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Let's give knee-jerk reactions to Andy Staples' way-too-early, post-spring top 25. In this episode, we examine Andy's rankings and debate the case for Texas as the preseason No. 1 team, get a little to excited for Clemson, discuss the downside for Notre Dame and Penn State, try to make sense of Alabama and Georgia, and pick out some unranked sleepers. Who's too high, who's too low? Plus, some final thoughts on the 2025 NFL Draft a quick look at PFF's early big board for the season ahead.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro & Post NFL Draft Thoughts

11:10 - Andy Staples' Way-Too-Early, Post-Spring Top 25

53:19 - PFF's 2026 Big Board

🔑 KEY TOPICS 🔑

• Andy Staples’ Way-Too-Early Top 25: Debate the rankings, with Texas coming in as Andy's top team, post-spring football.
• Clemson’s Case for the Top Spot: Highlight Clemson’s returning production, favorable schedule, and Cade Klubnik’s upside as reasons to rank them higher.
• Notre Dame and Penn State Questions: Question Notre Dame’s No. 2 ranking due to defensive concerns and Penn State’s offensive growth with Drew Allar.
• Iowa’s Tough Road Ahead: Discuss Iowa’s challenging Big Ten schedule and why its No. 25 ranking might be generous.
• Washington and Texas A&M as Sleepers: Make the case for unranked teams like Washington and Texas A&M to crack the top 20.
• 2025 NFL Draft Takeaways: React to the Shedeur Sanders drama, Mel Kiper’s over-the-top commentary, and the Giants’ draft of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo.
• 2026 Mock Draft Buzz: Explore PFF’s early 2026 big board, featuring Arch Manning, Caleb Downs, Cade Klubnik, and South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor.
• Bill Belichick’s UNC Adventure: Touch on the bizarre CBS Sunday Morning interview with Belichick and Jordon Hudson’s interjections.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Let's close out the week on a fun note with a game of college football trivia, henceforth known as JeoparDedeWestbrook. In this college football podcast episode, Dan realizes his eventual fate and plays an affable game show host asking Ty a series of increasingly esoteric questions about college football and, eventually, the lore of the podcast itself. Then, Ty flips the script and tests Dan's acumen at naming player alma maters. 

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Let's dive into the wild world of college football’s transfer portal with Pete Nakos, On3’s transfer portal reporter extraordinaire. In this college football podcast episode, Pete pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes drama of the Nico Iamaleava saga, the constant bartering behind the scenes, and the evolving landscape of NIL and roster management. From coaches reclaiming power to the stress on players and parents, Pete shares insider insights on how the portal is reshaping the sport and much more.

TIMESTAMPS

(0:00) - Intro

(14:45) - Pete Nakos Interview

🔑 KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED 🔑

• Nico Iamaleava’s Transfer Saga: Unpack the timeline and fallout of Nico Iamaleava’s negotiations, portal entry, and move to UCLA, plus Pete’s perspective on its implications.
• Transfer Portal Dynamics: Explore the constant behind-the-scenes bartering and how the portal has become a public stage for player-coach power struggles.
• Coaches Regaining Control: Learn how Josh Heupel’s decision to move on from Iamaleava set a precedent for coaches asserting roster control.
• NIL and Market Valuation: Understand how NIL collectives set player values, with starting quarterbacks commanding million-dollar deals and wide receivers like Jeremiah Smith inflating the market.
• Agent and Parent Tensions: Discover where the highest stress lies among stakeholders—players, parents, coaches, and agents—and how inexperienced agents chase quick payouts.
• Impact on Mid-Tier Programs: Discuss strategies for G5 and mid-tier P4 schools to avoid becoming feeder systems, emphasizing development over cash grabs.
• Recruiting in the Portal Era: Hear about post-game recruiting, agent-driven interest, and how true freshmen learn of their market value after just a few standout games.
• The Future of College Football: Examine how the portal creates a 365-day NFL-like news cycle, its toll on veteran coaches, and the rise of portal-savvy coaches like Dan Lanning.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read episode transcript and learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/inside-the-transfer-portal-with-on3s-pete-nakos/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.