College football is changing faster than ever, and this episode breaks down exactly why.

The show opens with a deep dive into the transfer portal and NIL era, using Indiana’s rapid rise from program afterthought to national contender as a case study in how money, roster turnover, and donor support are reshaping the sport.

Then legendary former Iowa State head coach Jim Walden joins the conversation for a rare, firsthand look at one of the toughest rebuilds in college football history. Walden recounts navigating brutal NCAA sanctions in the late 1980s that left Iowa State with barely enough scholarship players to practice, let alone compete — relying on walk-ons, makeshift scout teams, and sheer toughness to survive.

With candid stories and sharp perspective, Walden draws powerful parallels between past NCAA punishment models and today’s transfer portal landscape, raising tough questions about fairness, competitive balance, and whether modern rules would have completely changed Iowa State’s fate.

This episode blends modern college football analysis with raw, behind-the-scenes history — essential listening for fans of Iowa State, the transfer portal, NIL, and the future of college athletics.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.