The Solid Verbal

We dive deep into the Big 12 with the first of our three-part conference preview and break out all 16 teams into contender tiers, discuss the biggest storylines shaping the season, and use goofy metaphors, quotes and sounds to capture the delightful uncertainty that defines the league. From Arizona State's quest to repeat as champions to the transfer portal revolution reshaping rosters across the league, we unpack what makes this conference so addictively unpredictable. In this college football podcast episode, we discuss why the Big 12 in 2025 feels like the ultimate chaos conference where almost anything is possible. We have a healthy debate over which teams belong in the top tier, with Arizona State and Kansas State leading the way, discuss the hype around Texas Tech and Baylor, and wonder if Iowa State can take the next step. Plus, we analyze the most meaningful coordinator changes at programs like Utah and Oklahoma State, examine rosters heavily influenced by the portal, and revel in the fact that nearly

Welcome to the Wildcard Tier! In part three of our ACC preview, we tackle the unpredictable "meaty middle," featuring nine teams that could finish anywhere from 4-8 to 9-3. In this college football podcast episode, we break down the Bill Belichick experiment at North Carolina and whether the greatest NFL coach of all time can translate his genius to college football. We dive into Florida State's must-win season for Mike Norvell with new coordinators Gus Malzahn and Tony White, examine NC State's coordinator overhaul and brutal schedule, and debate whether Duke has become the most reliable mid-tier team in the conference. We discuss what it'd mean if Virginia Tech figures out how to finish in close games, Syracuse's Year 2 challenge under Fran Brown, and Boston College's intriguing pieces under Bill O'Brien. Plus, we take the temperature of hot seats at Cal and Virginia. From "weird little stinkers" to teams that could totally reframe the national conversation, this is your guide to the ACC's most fascinating

Let's dive deep into the ACC's contenders and rebuilding projects in part two of our three-part conference preview. From Clemson's championship steam to Stanford's complete rebuild, we break down the teams at the top and bottom of the conference hierarchy. In this college football podcast episode, we debate whether Clemson is the clear conference favorite and discuss whether Cade Klubnik can take the next step. We examine Miami's Carson Beck experiment and defensive coordinator change, make the case for Pitt as a sleeper contender, and discuss SMU's inevitable step back after their magical 2024 run. Plus, we dive into Louisville's massive roster turnover, Georgia Tech's potential as a dangerous spoiler, and why both programs represent fascinating wild cards. We also look at Jake Dickert's fresh approach at Wake Forest and Stanford's complete overhaul with interim coach Frank Reich. Can Wake Forest find an offensive identity with Robbie Ashford? Will Stanford be competitive despite massive roster turnover? And

We dive into the ACC with the first of our three-part conference preview and talk through our contender tiers, the biggest questions and storylines driving the narrative, and use ice cream and video games as a metaphor for the way the league sets up. From Clemson's title hopes to Miami's untapped Playoff hopes, we unpack what makes this conference so damn fascinating. In this college football podcast episode, we discuss why the ACC in 2025 feels like a grand experiment. We debate Clemson as the clear conference favorite, analyze the battle for second place and discuss Ty's surprise contender. Plus, we examine the coaching moves that will have an impact, from Bill Belichick at North Carolina to coordinator changes at Florida State, Virginia Tech and beyond. We also explore the volatility of the middle of the ACC, with nine teams that could easily go 4-8 or 8-4, debate which quarterback transfers will make the biggest impact, and wonder if it's safe to feel this good about Duke football. Also, is this Virginia

Our 2025 college football conference previews roll on, this time with the Mountain West and Conference USA, with a quick glance at the Pac-2. Armed with our trusty “Lorenzo Lamas Flaw Finder”, we unpack the top teams, key players, and storylines for the remainder of the Group of Five conferences as the season looms. Is Boise State the odds-on favorite to win the Mountain West and make the College Football Playoff again? Or can San Jose State, led by Ken Niumatalolo, or UNLV, with new coach Dan Mullen, challenge their throne? Did you know that Oregon State and Washington State are playing each other twice this season? Will Liberty's schedule eliminate the Flames from any CFP conversations? Can the 2021 playbook work for Western Kentucky in 2025? What should we expect from FBS newcomers Delaware and Missouri State?  Join us as we close out our Group of Five previews and forge ahead into the Power 4. Timestamps: 2:09 - Mountain West Preview32:29 - Pac-2 Preview37:28 - Conference USA Preview

We kick off our college football conference preview series with a look at the Sun Belt, MAC, and AAC. Which G5 conferences and teams have the most heat heading into 2025? In this college football podcast episode, we dive deep and break down James Madison's path to a potential playoff berth, Tulane's high floor, Louisiana potential step back, coaching continuity as a secret weapon in the MAC, and how Army and Navy have rewired the AAC. Plus, massive roster turnover at Marshall, how USF could catch everyone off-guard, why you should root for Arkansas State, how "money games" against Power 5 opponents create early-season chaos, and much more. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro5:39 - Sun Belt Preview44:01 - MAC Preview1:04:35 - AAC Preview _____ 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: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazo

We kick off our 2025 college football preview season with everything you need to know before the action begins on August 23rd. From revenue sharing to playoff seeding changes, new coaching hires to massive quarterback transfers, we break down all the major storylines heading into the season. In this college football podcast episode, we discuss the sport's new revenue sharing structure, playoff format adjustments, and rule changes (goodbye, Lanning loophole). We dive into the biggest coaching moves—from Bill Belichick at UNC to coordinator shuffles at Ohio State, Florida State, and beyond. Plus, we analyze the most impactful quarterback transfers including John Mateer to Oklahoma, Carson Beck to Miami, and Fernando Mendoza to Indiana. We also cover the media landscape changes with Lee Corso's retirement and preview what promises to be a season where familiar faces in new places could reshape the college football hierarchy. Is this the year for Clemson's resurgence? Can Penn State finally break through? A

In this college football podcast episode, we're joined by VSiN's Tim Murray for a deep dive into the college football betting landscape ahead of the 2025 season. From Clemson's movement in the futures market to the wide-open nature of this year's championship race, Tim breaks down the key themes, betting strategies, and situational angles that matter most. We explore everything from sandwich spots and letdown games to the art of line shopping and why you should never bet teasers in college football. Tim also shares insights on which teams the pro bettors are targeting, discusses the impact of the transfer portal on betting markets, and reveals his favorite long-shot Heisman bets. Plus, how we'll be incorporating Lorenzo Lamas into our upcoming preview episodes.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro6:43 - Interview with Tim Murray of VSiN1:12:25 - Outtro_____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:Apple Pod

In this college football podcast episode, Ralph Russo from The Athletic joins us to break down the complex College Football Playoff negotiations happening behind closed doors between the Big Ten, SEC and other conferences. Our conversation centers on how the number of SEC conference games is driving the debate, explores the Big Ten's push for automatic qualifiers, and examines why these meetings keep happening without real progress.Ralph explains the power dynamics between Tony Petitti and Greg Sankey, why ESPN might not want playoff expansion, and how Brett Yormark is trying to wedge the SEC away from the Big Ten. Plus, the "reimagined" conference championship weekend, whether a breakaway league is possible, and why this feels like college football's most charged moment since the BCS era.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction05:02 - The SEC Decision Tree16:19 - Power dynamics: Who's really running these meetings?27:26 - The Unpopularity of SEC & Big Ten Power36:35 - Reporting challenges and ESPN's actual role v

Before we can move forward with our 2025 season previews, we need to heal. In this episode, we hold our annual fan therapy session, helping the Verballerhood work through the most traumatic moments from last season. From Notre Dame's shocking loss to NIU (on a first-time visitor's birthday, no less) to the eight-overtime Georgia-Georgia Tech nailbiter, we're confronting the pain head-on.Our listeners shared their deepest college football wounds: Penn State's crushing Orange Bowl interception, Oregon's Rose Bowl shellacking, Oklahoma's punter being its best quarterback, Texas's clutch 4th-and-13 conversion, and so much more. Plus: relationship drama intersecting with Texas State and Michigan State fandom.Let's process the beautiful agony of this sport before preview season begins. Consider this your exposure therapy in advance of 2025.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:49 - Upcoming previews & explaining Fan Therapy7:25 - Notre Dame's loss to NIU13:25 - Florida State and Oklahoma State bottoming out14:17 - Arkansas

In this college football podcast episode, we dive deep into the weird world of college football message boards, courtesy of our friends at Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses). From Clemson fans proposing eminent domain to control TV broadcasts, to Vanderbilt wondering if its players are too smart for football, to Florida State fans suggesting they'd recruit better without a head coach at all. Plus: Are Georgia's out-of-state intellectuals ruining the fan experience? What's the emergency coaching protocol when things go sideways in March? And we wrap up with the latest Connor Stallons developments that still have Michigan and Ohio State message boards at each other's throats.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction09:27 - Clemson fan claims eminent domain16:12 - Baylor fan is ready for more conference realignment22:54 - Oregon fan wants more recruiting accountability30:59 - Vandy fan wonders if players are too smart34:30 - Georgia fan is tired of New Jersey braniacs34:13 - Florida State fans are ready to fire Mike

In this college football podcast episode, we dive deep into Florida Gators football with David Waters from Gators Breakdown. What are the vibes among Florida diehards around Billy Napier going into Year 4? Is DJ Lagway fully healthy and how has his emergence impacted the program? Did the Gators take the right approach when balancing the transfer portal with high school recruiting? What clicked for the Florida defense down the stretch? And realistically, what are expectations given a brutal schedule?00:00 - Introduction03:24 - David Waters from Gators Breakdown04:00 - Spring vibe check for Florida fans05:00 - DJ Lagway's health status and shoulder situation08:00 - Breaking down Florida's 8-5 season and late momentum10:14 - What clicked for the defense down the stretch?12:25 - Ron Roberts' impact on the defense13:51 - Player development vs. transfer portal21:03 - Offensive line development25:03 - Will Billy Napier open up the offense?30:53 - DJ Lagway's off-field impact on recruiting and retention34:32 - Scott

In this college football podcast episode, we chat with The Athletic's Scott Dochterman about the little-known, high-stakes draft process by which Fox, CBS and NBC pick the Big Ten games that each will air this season. Learn about the insane preparation, strategy, negotiations, and decisions that shape our TV experience every fall. Plus, some insight into the Big Ten's playoff positioning strategy, why the conference is pushing for four automatic CFP bids, and more.Check out Scott's reporting on the TV draft (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6389813/2025/05/29/big-ten-football-tv-schedule-draft-fox-nbc-cbs/) and the Big Ten's push for automatic bids (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6398844/2025/06/03/big-ten-cfp-automatic-bids/)Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:20 - Scott Dochterman from The Athletic explains the TV game draft11:30 - Network strategies: Fox vs CBS vs NBC18:00 - Surprising discoveries while reporting the story23:51 - The "Big Noon Saturday" product27:12 - Lessons learned from previous scheduli

It's time for the June Q&A. In this college football podcast episode, we explore an unholy dilemma posed by a college football wizard, debate whether the Big Ten's middle tier is really superior to the Big 12, and predict which coaches might be on the hot seat in 2025. Plus, we discuss a popular Nick Saban hypothetical, brainstorm creative revenue solutions for schools facing new player compensation costs, and rank college football programs as early 2000s pop punk bands.Timecodes:0:00 - Intro03:00 - The CFB Memory Wizard10:00 - Big 12 vs the World24:00 - Nick Saban's Coaching Ceiling31:00 - Teams as early 2000s Pop Punk Bands36:00 - The Coaching Hot Seat42:00 - Late Game Viewing Struggles49:00 - Creative CFB Revenue Generators1:01:00 - West Coast Travel TipsA 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:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.s

Once again, there is drama as the SEC and Big Ten. In this college football podcast episode, we recap the drama surrounding the SEC, Big Ten and the shape of the College Football Playoff moving forward into 2026 and beyond. As SEC officials meet in Florida this week, a debate rages on: Does the league push through a CFP format that benefits the sport's two most powerful conferences, or does it endorse a model that simply expands upon the current setup? We summarize the events of the last week and offer some thoughts on what might happen next.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:39 - Summary of the last week of Big Ten and SEC moves36:34 - Our thoughts on the future of the CFPA 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:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast:&n

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:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox:&nb

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?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:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castboxOur college football show is also available on YouTube.&n

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 Intro6:02 – North Carolina14:04 – Texas Tech24:09 – Wisconsin36:41 – Carson Beck46:42 – Auburn55:32 – Dante Moore1:03:17 – Florida StateA 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:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/over

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 - Intro02:20 - Exciting Things About the New Season15:54 - Watching Auburn with a Newborn21:34 - Nick Saban & the College Sports Commission35:53 - NIL-Induced parity43:05 - A Group of Five Playoff50:20 - College Football Fans vs. Soccer FansA 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:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overc

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) - IntroDan 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 ChangesEddie 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 OttEddie details the revamped offense with John Mateer, Ben Arbuckle’s system, Jaydn Ott’s addition, and young receivers like Zion Kearney, plus the offensive li