Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph: A show about college football

On today’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down how the Pat McAfee era is changing college football media. The guys debate the evolution of the College GameDay experience, analyzing how a new style of broadcasting has brought massive ratings surges alongside a polarizing, brand-new edge to the sport's weekly coverage.

Plus, the crew previews a crucial Week 9 ACC showdown as Florida State and Clemson meet in a true pressure-cooker matchup. Stewart, Bruce, and Ralph dissect which program needs this win more to stabilize their trajectory, how their contrasting roster management philosophies are handling the heat, and which coaching staff is facing the most critical choices heading into the home stretch.

Finally, the guys crack open the Mailbag to answer your burning questions. They look at historical hot-seat turnarounds to see if coaches can truly extricate themselves from peril and leave on their own terms, reevaluate the purpose and value of the AP Top 25 ranking system in a brand-new playoff world, and discuss whether brand bias gives blue-blood schools an artificial safety net.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome to The Audible!

1:14 - The McAfee Era: Higher Ratings vs Increased Edge

19:03 - FSU vs Clemson: Weighing The Pressure On Both ACC Programs

30:12 - Can Coaches Survive The Hot Seat?

34:11 - What Does The AP Top 25 Look Like In The World Of A 24-Team Playoff?

37:57 - Is Brand Bias Real In College Football?

#TheAudible #CollegeFootball #PatMcAfee #CollegeGameDay #FSUFootball #ClemsonFootball #ACC #APTop25 #CFBPlayoff #CoachingHotSeat #BlueBloods #ArchManning #SportsPodcasts #CFBWeek9 #FootballNews

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Oregon has fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer following a devastating loss to Illinois, leaving the Ducks searching for answers at a critical crossroad in their season. On this episode of The Audible, Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman break down Dan Lanning's biggest staff mistake, what went wrong in Eugene, and whether the Ducks can salvage their season as former head coach Chip Kelly rolls into town with No. 20 Northwestern.

The crew also discusses the most disappointing programs in college football right now, the teams that are quietly staying on track, and delivers their official Week 9 Top 25 predictions against the spread!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome to The Audible!

1:22 - A Lost Season For Oregon, Ducks Fire OC Following Loss To Illinois

11:23 - Other Disappointing Teams So Far This Season

21:06 - No 17 Florida vs No 3 Georgia

22:06 - No 22 Arizona at No 13 Texas Tech

23:42 - No 2 Ohio State at USC

26:34 - No 6 Utah at Cincinnati

31:13 - The Audible Picks Week 9 Upsets

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

Subscribe to the show, leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and drop your Week 9 upset predictions in the comments below!

#OregonFootball #DanLanning #CollegeFootball #TheAudible #GoDucks #Northwestern #OhioState #USC #GeorgiaFootball #CFBWeek9 #CollegeFootballPlayoff

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Week 8 in College Football is in the books, and we are breaking down the biggest matchups of the weekend! On this episode, we react to the massive Big 12 shocker between UCF and BYU, review the intense Big Ten battle between Michigan and Indiana, and analyze how Arch Manning and the Texas defense survived a massive second-half scare against Ole Miss.

We are diving deep into the playoff implications, key player matchups, and postgame fallout for every major game. If you love the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe to The Audible for weekly CFB breakdowns!

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

#CFB #CollegeFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBWeek8 #AudibleShow #BYUvsUCF #GoCougs #GKNT #MichiganVsIndiana #GoBlue #IUFB #TexasVsOleMiss #HookEm #HottyToddy

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Welcome back to The Audible, presented by Trader Joe's. This week, Bruce and Ralph break down a devastating blow to the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff landscape following Ryan Day’s announcement that Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is out indefinitely. The crew dives into what this massive injury means for the Buckeyes' championship aspirations, who stands to benefit if the Big Ten falls apart, and the latest updates surrounding Oregon signal-caller Dante Moore as both powerhouses navigate sudden quarterback conundrums.

The injury bug takes a backseat to a burning coaching carousel as the college football season crosses the midway point. The guys react to breaking news out of College Park, where Maryland has officially dismissed head coach Mike Locksley following a disappointing loss to Rutgers. With Locksley out after a 39-54 tenure, Bruce and Ralph evaluate the fallout for the Terrapins before shifting gears to examine the rest of the country, identifying which coaches are officially sitting on the hottest seats entering the second half of the season.

To wrap up the show, the guys open up the listener mailbag to tackle some of your biggest burning questions. The panel debates whether Texas quarterback Arch Manning is tracking to become this generation's version of Chris Simms—a player surrounded by immense family hype who might ultimately be outshined by a gritty fan favorite. Plus, the crew analyzes Wake Forest’s potential postseason path as a one-loss team, before closing the episode with a fun hypothetical challenge: building the ultimate 2026 playoff roster using only pieces from the Group of 6.

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

#TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFB #OhioState #Buckeyes #OregonDucks #JulianSayin #DanteMoore #BigTen #MarylandFootball #MikeLocksley #ArchManning #TexasLongh

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Welcome back to The Audible, presented by Trader Joe's. This week, Stew, Bruce, and Ralph dive headfirst into a massive structural shift sitting right on the one-yard line: the nearly green-lit, 24-team expanded playoff format. While the crew breaks down what this transformative change means for the future of the sport, they address a bizarre public apathy surrounding the news, along with the existential realization that we may already be longing for a version of college football that is permanently gone.

The structural changes take a backseat to the immediate blue-chip quarterback crises unfolding at two of the sport's biggest powerhouses. We break down the tape on Arch Manning's continued processing struggles and decision-making errors following Texas' latest disappointing performance. Meanwhile, we unpack the explosive quarterback controversy in Ann Arbor after Michigan pulled the plug on Bryce Underwood at halftime against Penn State. With both generationally hyped signal-callers hitting a performance wall, the crew debates how much blame falls on the young quarterbacks versus their coaches' rigid offensive schemes.

To wrap up the show, the guys deliver their official Week 8 betting breakdowns and against-the-spread predictions. The panel weighs in on a crucial Big Ten test as No. 5 Indiana travels to Michigan, before diving into high-stakes SEC and Big 12 matchups, including No. 8 Texas Tech and Cincinnati, and a critical battle in Austin between No. 7 Ole Miss and No. 19 Texas. Finally, the crew closes out the episode by locking in their individual Upset Picks of the Week.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:04 - 24-Team Playoff Moves Closer To Reality

17:23 - Texas’ Arch Manning and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood Continue To Struggle

30:27 - No 5 Indiana at Michigan

32:02 - No 18 LSU at Auburn

34:38 - No 8 Texas Tech at Cincinnati

37:35 - No 7 Ole Miss at No 19 Texas

40:27 - No 14 Houston at No 10 Utah

41:55 - The Audible Picks Week 8 Upsets

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFB #ArchManning #BryceUnderwood #TexasLonghorns #MichiganWolverines #GoBlue #HookEm #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBPicks #QBControversy #Week8

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College football Week 7 completely shattered the national landscape, and we are breaking down all the massive post-game fallout! Join Stewart Mandel, Bruce Feldman, and Ralph Russo as they react to No. 8 BYU's thrilling 28-24 upset over No. 2 Notre Dame in Provo, Auburn's stunning walk-off field goal to take down No. 1 Georgia in Athens, and Florida handing No. 7 Texas its second-straight loss to expose serious flaws in the Longhorns' offense.

We dive deep into the absolute meat grinder that is the SEC after No. 14 Tennessee suffocated Alabama 26-10 in Knoxville to light up the traditional third Saturday in October cigars. Plus, the crew analyzes No. 5 Ohio State surviving a brutal road test against No. 4 Indiana—snapping the Hoosiers' historic 22-0 win streak—while facing massive playoff questions moving forward following the devastating injury to quarterback Julian Sayin.

Finally, we debate who deserves the undisputed No. 1 spot in the new AP Top 25 poll, break down Miami's wild overtime survival against Florida State, and hand out our weekend player shoutouts. From Connor Weigman's 5-TD explosion to Tommy Carr sparking a historic legacy comeback for Michigan, we cover every major headline from the craziest Saturday of the season!

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

#CFB #CollegeFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBWeek7 #AudibleShow #NotreDameVsBYU #OhioStateVsIndiana #BamaVsVols #GoCougs #CFBUpsets

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On today’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down why the 24-team playoff proposal is facing a massive backlash from college football fans. Following the lopsided results of The Audible’s CFP Expansion Poll, the guys debate whether playoff expansion has finally pushed fans past their breaking point and why the audience is overwhelmingly rejecting the idea of a broader postseason format.

Plus, the crew reveals the fascinating results of their Coaches Survey. If you had exactly one game to win, which coach are you taking? While Kirby Smart and Curt Cignetti dominate the voting, the real story is the high-profile coaches who didn't receive a single vote.

Finally, the guys crack open the Mailbag to answer your burning questions. They tackle the roster management dilemma facing eliminated teams like Texas A&M, debating when it is time to bench underperforming veterans to scout the transfer portal. They also break down whether college football's new professionalized era will lead to NFL-style, one-and-done coaching fires, before trying to give some hope to a panicked Penn State fan base frustrated with Matt Campbell's identity crisis.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:28 - The Audible’s CFP Expansion Survey Reveals

29:32 - Coaches Survey: One Game To Coach, Who Are You Going With?

46:05 - When Should Teams Start To Look To Next Season?

47:57 - Will CFB Have One-And-Done Coaches In New NIL Era?

51:17 - Why Should Penn State Fans Have Hope Under Matt Campbell?

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFBPlayoff #CoachesSurvey #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBExpansion #KirbySmart #CurtCignetti #PennStateFootball #MattCampbell #TexasAMFootball #TransferPortal #NIL #CFB #FootballPodcasts #SportsNews

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Welcome back to another episode of The Audible presented by Trader Joe’s! Today, we lead off with devastating breaking news shaking up college football as star quarterback Nico Iamaleava is announced out for the year. We break down the immediate fallout of this brutal injury blow and what it means for the UCLA Bruins

We then dive into a massive conference realignment move as James Madison officially joins the American Athletic Conference. Stew asks if the ACC is the next logical stop for the Dukes, Bruce highlights why leaving the Sun Belt makes sense given JMU's massive budget advantage, and Ralph breaks down how the AAC's strict spending minimums could drastically alter the rest of the conference landscape. Plus, the guys take a quick detour for a hilarious "Saban or Sagan" mixup in their group chat.

Finally, it is the moment you have been waiting for: our official Week 7 Picks and Predictions. After reviewing our updated records following a chaotic Week 6, we deliver our locks and logic for the biggest games on the slate. We start with the absolute blockbuster matchup: No. 4 Ohio State (-3.5) at No. 5 Indiana, analyzing how the Buckeyes' star freshman Jeremiah Smith and TCU standout Josh Hoover factor into this top-5 collision. We also lock in our predictions for No. 2 Notre Dame (-10) at No. 8 BYU, No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU (-12.5), No. 6 Alabama (-8.5) at No. 14 Tennessee, No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss (-6), and No. 18 Oklahoma State at No. 20 Houston (-4.5). Stick around until the very end to get our official Upset Picks of the Week as the guys back Arkansas, UNLV, and Cincinnati to shock the world.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava Out For Season

4:31 - James Madison To Join American Athletic Conference

7:00 - Thoughts on Nick Saban documentary

13:15 - No 4 Ohio State (-3.5) at No 5 Indiana

18:16 - No 2 Notre Dame (-10) at No 8 BYU

25:24 - No 16 Mississippi State at No 22 LSU (12.5)

29:38 - No 6 Alabama (-8.5) at No 14 Tennessee

31:35 - No 13 Missouri at No 9 Ole Miss (-6)

33:45 - No 18 Oklahoma State at No 20 Houston (-4.5)

38:55 - The Audible Picks Week 7 Upsets

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #CFBWeek7 #OhioStateFootball #IndianaHoosiers #NicoIamaleava #JamesMadisonFootball #AACFootball #BigTenFootball #SECFootball #TheAudible #CFBPicks

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Welcome to the post-game reaction edition of The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their full breakdown after a chaotic, history-making Week 6 weekend of college football that completely flipped the College Football Playoff picture upside down.

The guys dive straight into the fallout of the week's biggest blockbusters, starting with Oklahoma's stunning 27-24 walk-off upset over No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry, and Georgia’s gritty 20-17 victory in Tuscaloosa to snap their Alabama curse.

The crew also reacts to the rest of a wild slate:

🔹 Kentucky vs. LSU – Will Stein does it again! Big Blue Nation knocks off the No. 10 Tigers 35-34 with another gutsy overtime 2-point conversion.

🔹 Indiana vs. Nebraska – Josh Hoover sparks a thrilling 4th-quarter comeback to secure a 20-17 victory and extend the nation's longest winning streak to 22 games.

🔹 UCLA vs. Oregon – Bob Chesney makes program history as the Bruins force 7 turnovers to shock the Ducks 17-15 at Autzen Stadium.

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #GeorgiaVsAlabama #CFBWeek6 #TheAudible #RedRiverRivalry #TexasVsOklahoma #IndianaVsNebraska #CFBPlayoff #SECfootball #BigTenFootball #APTop25

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Welcome back to another episode of The Audible! Today, we dive deep into the absolute chaos surrounding postseason expansion as the looming "Road to 24" gains massive traction behind closed doors. With the exclusive ESPN media rights negotiating window closing on October 9 and a final drop-dead deadline of December 1 to lock in changes for the 2027 season, a 24-team field is quickly looking like a foregone conclusion. We break down the massive layout pushing this change forward under Jim Phillips and Tony Petitti, why eliminating conference championship weekend is on the table, and why these multi-million dollar executive power grabs make Stew "sick to his stomach."

We also look at a prominent program in crisis as the wheels completely fall off for Michigan in Ann Arbor. Despite their quarterback and offensive coordinator costing a combined $6 million per year, a broken offensive scheme is actively costing them their season following a brutal loss to Minnesota. We analyze the structural disaster under Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck, discussing why it is far easier for Michigan to bench Bryce Underwood than it is to move on from their coordinator, and why the current offense suddenly shares characteristics with the worst of the "Rich Rod" era.

Finally, we dive into a packed edition of the fan mailbag. We tackle an engaging question from Tyler in Philly asking if rising stars like Bob Chesney or Will Stein will follow the Curt Cignetti blueprint and stay at resource-rich schools, including a breakdown of the massive multi-million dollar buyout numbers on Chesney's contract if USC comes calling. Plus, we debate whether the path to a 12-team playoff at 9-3 is strictly an SEC luxury, look at how poll voters would rank ACC clusters like Pitt or Duke if Miami wasn't separating itself at the top, and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to discuss how our very first in-person college football experiences led to our present professions.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:03 - CFP Expansion Talk Heats Up…Is It Closer Than We Think

17:29 - A Program In Crisis: An Inside Look At Michigan's Spiraling Season

36:12 - Will CFB Coaches Jump To Bigger Name Programs Or Stay At Current Schools?

38:40 - Is There A 9-3 School Outside The SEC That Could Make The CFP?

42:10 - How Would AP Voters View ACC Teams If Miami Were Not In The ACC?

44:48 - What Was Your First CFB Experience?

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #CFBPlayoff #MichiganFootball #GoBlue #SECFootball #BigTenFootball #APTop25 #Bracketology #MiamiHurricanes #UCLAFootball #KentuckyFootball #TheAudible

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Welcome to a packed prediction edition of The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their official game breakdowns, betting lines, and against-the-spread predictions for an absolute blockbuster slate of Week 6 college football action.

The crew kicks off the show diving straight into a heated debate surrounding the controversy in the latest AP Top 25 rankings. Stew details why sticky preseason expectations are keeping teams like USC and Texas Tech overranked, while Bruce questions Utah's true standing on the ballot. Ralph takes you completely inside his official voter process to explain the absolute nightmare of trying to slot the middle tier from numbers 8 through 12. Ultimately, the guys break down why the current rankings are structured the way they are and who got left out entirely.

From there, the focus shifts to Lincoln for an in-depth look at undefeated Nebraska ahead of their massive Big Ten clash. Can Matt Rhule and the 5-0 Cornhuskers finally pick up a signature win over a ranked opponent, or will his grueling 20-game losing streak against ranked teams continue? This 5-0 start is Nebraska's best opening to a season since 2016, driven by a dominant defense and an offense that has outscored opponents by a massive 218-90 margin. Ralph breaks down why Nebraska fans aren't treating this as a do-or-die crisis for Rhule, contrasting it against the overwhelming, program-crushing pressure teams like Penn State endured in similar spots last season.

To wrap up the show, the guys drop their definitive straight-up and against-the-spread picks for the biggest matchups on the board:

🏈 No. 7 Indiana at Nebraska (-7.5)

Will the high-flying Hoosiers stay perfect in Lincoln, or can the Huskers' defense choke out Curt Cignetti's offense? The crew is completely split on whether the Huskers can cover the 7.5-point spread on their home turf.

🏈 No. 2 Georgia at No. 6 Alabama (-1.5)

For the ninth time since 2017, college football's premier heavyweight rivalry meets as a pair of Top 10 teams. Does Kalen DeBoer pick up his first signature SEC win in Tuscaloosa, or does Georgia defend its playoff standing on the road?

🏈 No. 1 Texas (-8.5) at Oklahoma

The Red River Rivalry takes center stage in the SEC. The top-ranked Longhorns are laying more than a touchdown against a dangerous Sooners squad in a hostile environment—find out who the guys expect to win the Golden Hat.

🏈 No. 21 UCLA at No. 13 Oregon (-11.5)

A massive Big Ten coastal clash under the lights. Can the Bruins keep it close and cover the large double-digit spread on the road, or will the Ducks roll comfortably inside Autzen Stadium?

🔥 Upset Picks of the Week

The crew uncovers the best betting value on the board and reveals their locks for the most likely outright underdogs to win in Week 6, featuring crucial spreads on Washington State, Houston, Purdue, and Florida State.

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #Week6Picks #NebraskaFootball #IndianaFootball #AlabamaVsGeorgia #TexasLonghorns #OklahomaSooners #OregonDucks #APTop25 #TheAudible #CFBPlayoff #AgainstTheSpread #CollegeFootballPredictions

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Welcome to a live post-game edition of The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their full post-game breakdown after a historic, record-breaking Week 5 weekend of college football.

The guys are diving straight into the aftermath of the week's biggest blockbusters. We break down No. 7 Alabama’s dominant 56-23 blowout victory over No. 16 Mississippi State in Starkville. We evaluate Keelon Russell’s massive 4-touchdown Heisman statement, and how Kamario Taylor’s costly turnovers and late-game walking boot impact the Bulldogs moving forward.

The crew also reacts to a wild slate that completely reshapes the College Football Playoff picture:

🔹 Ohio State vs. Iowa – Did the Hawkeyes bottleneck the Buckeyes? Not even close. We react to No. 5 Ohio State's 31-14 physical road win at Kinnick Stadium, highlighted by freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith’s legendary 11-catch, 206-yard masterpiece.

🔹 Florida vs. Missouri – No. 25 Mizzou absolutely dismantles No. 8 Florida in a stunning 45-17 Homecoming blowout, snapping their grueling 9-game losing streak against ranked opponents behind Jamal Roberts' 211 rushing yards.

🔹 B1G & ACC Shockers – Plus, the guys break down Minnesota’s historic 20-14 upset over No. 24 Michigan to take back the Little Brown Jug, USC’s gritty 25-21 second-half comeback over Washington, and No. 4 Miami’s absolute 41-13 throttling of Clemson in Death Valley.

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #AlabamaVsMississippiState #CFBWeek5 #TheAudible #KeelonRussell #KamarioTaylor #OhioStateVsIowa #FloridaVsMissouri #JeremiahSmith #MizzouFootball #LittleBrownJug #CFBPlayoff #SECfootball #BigTenFootball #APTop25

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Welcome back to another episode of The Audible! Today, we dive deep into the mounting pressure in Los Angeles as Lincoln Riley’s seat continues to warm up at USC. After a rough stretch for the Trojans, a compelling fan mailbag question from London asks the tough question: Will USC pull the trigger and move on from Riley, and who would Jennifer Cohen target as a replacement? From a prominent coach across town to big-name targets in the SEC, we break down what a potential coaching search could look like for the Trojans.

We also tackle the massive Nick Saban backlash rocking college football media this week. The legendary coach is facing serious hypocrisy charges after claiming that coach and player compensation belong in "different markets," arguing player salaries must be capped while coaching contracts remain unchecked. We discuss the double standard of these comments and how the Protect College Sports Act—which just moved forward with a last-second 20-school realignment limit—could reshape the sport once it hits the House after the midterms.

Finally, we hand out first-month grades for first-year head coaches across the country, highlighting who is succeeding (like Florida) and who is completely failing to get off the ground (like Cal). Plus, we rank the top 20 most impactful freshmen of the 2026 season so far, debate how Arkansas or Rutgers would fare against a full G6 schedule, and break down why losing or retaining your offensive coordinator can completely make or break a program's playoff hopes.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:03 - Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act, Still Needs House Approval

3:39 - Nick Saban Says Coach and Player Compensation Are ‘Different Markets’

13:39 - Which Freshman Have Made The Greatest Impact Through First Month?

21:53 - First-Year Coaches: Who Is Succeeding? Who Is Failing?

31:41 - Mailbag! How Would Arkansas Or Rutgers Fair With A G6 Schedule?

37:30 - Mailbag! Who Could Replace Lincoln Riley At USC If Trojans Move On?

47:18 - Mailbag! How Important Is Retaining Your Offensive Coordinator?

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #USCFootball #NickSaban #LincolnRiley #Trojans #FloridaGators #ArkansasRazorbacks #RutgersFootball #CalFootball #NIL #CollegeFootball2026 #TheAudible

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On today’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down a chaotic week in college football, starting with the massive news out of Columbia. Shane Beamer has suspended star defensive end Dylan Stewart indefinitely following his actions in South Carolina's loss to Alabama. The guys discuss the major fallout of this decision, what it means for Stewart's rising NFL Draft stock, and whether the temperature is officially rising on Beamer’s hot seat. Plus, we analyze the shifting landscape of coaching changes and take a hard look at how teams are faring in non-conference play against Power 4 competition.

Then, it’s time to head to the betting window for our official Week 5 Picks. The crew looks to break a three-way tie in the standings as they lock in their predictions against the spread for the weekend's biggest marquee matchups. Can No. 16 Mississippi State stay within the number against No. 7 Alabama? Will Iowa's defense muck things up enough to cover +13.5 at No. 5 Ohio State? The guys also break down No. 8 Florida at No. 25 Missouri, No. 4 Miami's tough road trip to Clemson, and wrap things up by tossing out their favorite Upset Picks of the Week.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - South Carolina Suspends Star DE Dylan Stewart

9:21 - Are More Coaches On The Hot Seat This Season?

18:27 - Non-Conference Records vs Power 4 Teams

35:57 - Week 5 Picks | No 7 Alabama (-5.5) at No 16 Mississippi State

40:30 - Week 5 Picks | No 5 Ohio State (-13.5) at No 14 Iowa

43:37 - Week 5 Picks | No 8 Florida (-4.5) at No 25 Missouri

46:00 - Week 5 Picks | No 4 Miami (-17.5) at Clemson

50:16 - The Audible Picks Week 5 Upsets

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

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Welcome to The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their full postgame breakdown after a historic, record-breaking weekend of college football. Week 4 set the all-time record for the most ranked-versus-ranked games on any single day in AP poll history, and the guys are diving into the aftermath of all six blockbuster Top 25 matchups.

We break down No. 20 Oregon's chaotic, emotional road victory over No. 12 USC at the Coliseum after backup quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped into the fire. Plus, we dissect No. 1 Texas grinding out a tight, penalty-filled victory at Neyland Stadium to survive No. 14 Tennessee behind Colin Simmons’ historic 5-sack defensive showcase.

The crew also reacts to the rest of a slate that completely reshapes the College Football Playoff picture, including No. 21 Florida absolutely dismantling No. 4 Ole Miss, No. 17 Iowa's breathtaking 91-yard walk-off touchdown drive to stun Michigan at the Big House, and No. 10 LSU securing massive revenge against No. 23 Texas A&M in Death Valley. Finally, we look at Boise State's dominant road win over Western Michigan and track where the Group of 6 Playoff race stands heading into October.

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #OregonVsUSC #TexasVsTennessee #CFBWeek4 #TheAudible #APTop25 #CollegeFootballPlayoff #SECfootball #BigTenFootball #USCTrojans #OregonDucks #TexasLonghorns #VolsFootball #GeorgiaFootball #LSUfootball #CFBLive

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Kamario Taylor: The Uncomfortable Conversation about Mississippi State’s Star Quarterback takes center stage on this episode of The Audible. Following an absurd start to the season, an anonymous Big Ten coach has dropped a massive bombshell quote, claiming Taylor’s freakish arm talent and accuracy make him the best college football QB in years—before dropping the ultimate kicker: “He’s gonna look awesome in a Miami Hurricanes uniform next year.” Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo dive deep into the modern NIL and transfer portal reality. Can Mississippi State pay up to retain their local star for a potential CFP run, or will the relentless pull of the portal lure him away to a program like Miami?

The guys also track the massive Week 3 fallout across the country, starting with heated fan protests at Arkansas and Maryland. The crew debates whether the Razorbacks’ athletic department would actually be a better fit in the Big 12, where their basketball-first identity aligns with schools like Kansas and Arizona. Plus, Ralph takes us on the road to Kalamazoo for Boise State vs. Western Michigan, a high-stakes matchup with massive Group of 6 (G6) College Football Playoff implications. We also address the growing national backlash against ESPN’s College GameDay for choosing its fourth straight SEC venue instead of heading west to Los Angeles for Oregon vs. USC.

Finally, the crew cracks open the Audible Mailbag to answer your burning college football questions. Are major programs falling into a "sunk cost fallacy" by refusing to bench highly paid, highly ranked quarterbacks like Bryce Underwood, John Mateer, and Marcel Reed? Bruce shares exclusive insider details on the true structure of Michigan's massive NIL deal with Underwood. We also break down whether undefeated, unranked teams like UCLA, Nebraska, Washington, and Northwestern are getting robbed by AP voters, and analyze why coaches like Lincoln Riley, Deion Sanders, and Dan Lanning treat local media radically differently than national outlets.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:24 - Fan Frustrations: Maryland and Arkansas Fans Protesting After Week 3

7:51 - The Curious Case of Kamario Taylor…Will the Miss State QB transfer?

16:31 - Boise State vs Western Michigan: Potential G6 CFP Implications In Kalamazoo

23:19 - Should ESPN’s College GameDay Be In Los Angeles For Oregon At USC?

32:11 - Mailbag! Are Coaches Falling Into A Sunk Cost Fallacy With QBs?

38:08 - Mailbag! Should UCLA, Northwestern, Nebraska, or Washington Be Ranked?

42:14 - Mailbag! Do Programs Treat Local Media Different From National Outlets?

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🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

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🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #KamarioTaylor #TransferPortal #MississippiState #HailState #MiamiHurricanes #GoCanes #NIL #CollegeGameDay #OregonFootball #USCFootball #ArkansasRazorbacks #WoooPig #MarylandTerrapins #BoiseState #TheAudible

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The college football landscape is shifting rapidly, and today on The Audible, Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo are breaking down the biggest crossroads in the sport. We lead off with the fallout from North Carolina’s devastating blown lead against Clemson and unpack the latest surrounding the brewing UNC investigation. With top assistants no longer around, the crew debates if the hole Bill Belichick dug himself into from year one is simply too deep to survive, and whether the Tar Heels are looking for a way out of his three-year contract before next season. 

From program turmoil to early-season shockers, we reveal our biggest surprises across the Power 4 and Group of 6, starring breakout players like Kamario Taylor, Jamal Rule, and Jesse Legree.

Finally, it’s time to look ahead with our official, high-stakes Week 4 predictions against the spread! The crew locks in their locks and picks for a loaded slate, featuring No. 1 Texas at No. 14 Tennessee, No. 4 Ole Miss visiting No. 21 Florida, and a brutal Big Ten clash between No. 17 Iowa and No. 18 Michigan. We wrap things up by dissecting the highly anticipated matchup between No. 20 Oregon and No. 12 USC, before handing out our official Upset Picks of the Week!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:37 - UNC Crossroads: Tar Heels Lose At Clemson, Program Investigation Still Pending

15:00 - What Are Your Early Season Surprises

27:37 - No 1 Texas (-4.5) at No 14 Tennessee

30:50 - No 4 Ole Miss at No 21 Florida (-3)

38:03 - No 17 Iowa at No 18 Michigan (-5.5)

41:38 - No 23 Texas A&M at No 10 LSU (-9.5)

46:17 - No 20 Oregon (-3) at No 12 USC

53:54 - The Audible Picks Week 4 Upsets

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🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #TheAudible #BillBelichick #UNCvsClemson #APPoll #Week4Picks #TexasFootball #Vols Football #OleMiss #GoGators #IowaHawkeyes #GoBlue #USCFootball #OregonDuck Football #CFBBetting #UpsetAlert

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Week 3 of the College Football season is in the books! Today on The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo are breaking down all the wild post-game action from Week 3, leading off with the absolute circus in Oxford as No. 8 Ole Miss spoils Lane Kiffin’s highly anticipated return, taking down No. 7 LSU in a thrilling 32-24 shootout behind a magical performance from Trinidad Chambliss.

Did the Rebels get the ultimate revenge on their former coach? We dive deep into Pete Golding’s gutsy two-point conversion call, Will Echols' dominant defensive night, and the incredible post-game fallout.

But that’s just the beginning. We shift over to the ACC to recap Clemson's massive comeback over UNC following a wild 2.5-hour rain delay, evaluating true freshman Tait Reynolds' first start and Bill Belichick’s biggest blown lead in a decade. That is followed by the explosive Top-25 battle between SMU and Louisville where Keyjuan Brown's second-half explosion secured a 41-31 track meet for the Cardinals.

Plus, we recap the jaw-dropping walk-off finish between NC State and Vandy, Kentucky's massive upset of No. 9 Texas A&M at Kyle Field, and Texas Tech holding off Houston by a matter of inches. 

Wrapping things up, the crew highlights the players who impressed them the most this weekend, hands out their latest team shoutouts, and takes your questions live!

📌 TODAY'S WEEK 3 TOPICS:

• Ole Miss Spoil's Lane Kiffin's Return: LSU vs Ole Miss Recap

• ACC Comeback: Clemson Survives Post-Delay Battle vs UNC

• Top 25 Track Meet: No. 23 Louisville Outlasts No. 16 SMU

• Improbable Finish: Vandy Stuns NC State on Walk-Off Fumble

• Kyle Field Shocker: Kentucky Upsets No. 9 Texas A&M

• Big 12 Hold 'Em: No. 13 Texas Tech Edges No. 22 Houston

• Weekly Awards: Players That Impressed & Weekend Shoutouts!

👇 Drop your thoughts in the live chat: Who is the biggest winner of Week 3?

Support the show by subscribing and hitting the notification bell so you never miss a live stream!

#CollegeFootball #TheAudible #LaneKiffin #LSUvsOleMiss #TrinidadChambliss #ClemsonFootball #UNCvsClemson #SMUvsLouisville #VandyFootball #NCState #KentuckyFootball #TexasAM #TexasTech #HoustonCougars #SEC #ACC #Big12 #CFBRecap

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This week on The Audible, Stew, Bruce, and Ralph break down The Athletic’s landmark investigative piece detailing the massive $50M vs. $8M roster spending gap across college football. Stew pulls back the curtain on how this massive report was executed, while Bruce and Ralph debate the realities of finding transparency in a murky financial system and what it actually costs to build a competitive roster in the modern era.

Plus, the guys dive deep into the ultimate SEC drama as Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford this Saturday. Is this the most villainous return in college football history? The crew previews the hostile LSU vs. Ole Miss matchup, before pivoting to a massive ACC showdown as North Carolina visits Clemson in a battle of two programs stuck at a historic crossroads. The guys debate where Dabo Swinney's program has gone wrong, and how his staffing choices and portal aversion have torpedoed the Tigers' elite development.

To wrap up the show, the guys discuss the Protect College Sports Act hitting the Senate floor, hand out their early two-week "prediction mulligans" on teams like Georgia, Oklahoma, and Oregon, and answer your mailbag questions! Is P.J. Fleck officially on the hot seat at Minnesota? And how has social media completely changed the way modern college football reporters vet their information? Dive in to find out!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:24 - The Athletic Report: The Real Cost Of A CFB Roster Revealed

20:53 - Is Lane Kiffin’s Return To Ole Miss The Most Villainous Return in CFB History?

27:21 - The Protect College Sports Act Hits Senate Floor

29:52 - At A Crossroads: What Should Clemson & UNC Do With Legendary Coaches?

43:42 - Mailbag! What Is Your Preseason Mulligan?

47:18 - Mailbag! Should P.J. Fleck Be On The Hotseat?

54:08 - Mailbag! Does Social Media Make Reporting More Difficult?

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #TheAudible #LaneKiffin #OleMiss #LSU #LSUvsOleMiss #Clemson #DaboSwinney #NIL #CollegeFootballPlayoff #OklahomaFootball #OregonFootball #PJFleck #SportsJournalism 

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The Oregon Ducks face heavy scrutiny following a shocking 39-31 loss against Oklahoma State, prompting national media comparisons to recent underachieving Penn State teams. Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman dive deep into whether Dan Lanning's squad is heading for a total free fall or if star quarterback Dante Moore has what it takes to right the ship. The guys also address the brewing controversy surrounding ESPN's College GameDay after the network granted Senator Ted Cruz extensive airtime to lobby for his Protect College Sports Act.

Turning their attention to the upcoming slate, the crew breaks down their official predictions for Week 3. They debate the tight margins of LSU at Ole Miss, analyze a tricky matchup as SMU visits Louisville, and preview Houston heading into a hostile environment at Texas Tech. Finally, the guys lock in their selections for Florida at Auburn before closing out the show with their signature long-shot underdog and upset picks of the week.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:22 - Is Oregon this year’s Penn State?

11:54 - Ted Cruz on College GameDay

24:47 - Week 3 Picks | LSU (-3) at Ole Miss

27:08 - Week 3 Picks | SMU at Louisville (-2)

30:02 - Week 3 Picks | Houston at Texas Tech (-8)

31:53 - Week 3 Picks | Florida (-2) at Auburn

33:25 - The Audible Picks Week 3 Upsets

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#OregonDucks #DanLanning #CollegeFootball #TheAudible #CFBChaos #Week3Picks #TedCruz #LSUvsOleMiss #TexasTech #WreckEm #AuburnFootball #FloridaGators #CollegeGameDay #APTop25

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The Audible reacts to a massive, chaotic Week 2 of the college football season! Join Stewart Mandel, Bruce Feldman, and Ralph Russo as they break down all the fallout, major statements, and shocking results from the biggest weekend of the month.

The guys go deep into the historic marquee showdown between Texas and Ohio State, dissecting Arch Manning's epic 4th-quarter comeback to knock off the No. 1 Buckeyes. Then, they evaluate the state of the Wolverines after Michigan flexed its defensive muscles to shut down Oklahoma.

We also separate early-season overreaction from true reality after No. 6 Oregon’s stunning upset loss to Oklahoma State, and look at the rest of the Big 12 after No. 13 Texas Tech narrowly fended off a massive upset scare in a 35-24 road win over Oregon State.

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🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#TexasFootball #OhioState #MichiganFootball #OklahomaSooners #CollegeFootball #CFB #ArchManning #BryceUnderwood #DrewMestemaker #CFBChaos #TexasTech #WreckEm #AlabamaFootball #RollTide #TheAudible #AudibleShow

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The high-stakes legal standoff between Lane Kiffin and the SEC has come to a sudden halt. Facing intense pushback and the threat of severe league discipline from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, the LSU Tigers have officially finalized their 105-man roster. By completing the roster with undergraduate talent, LSU balked and ended its quest to add former NFL players to the active squad, putting an end to a wild experiment in conference self-governance. We break down the explosive legal showdown, the "Lack of Institutional Control" warnings, and what this capitulation means for Kiffin’s program moving forward.

Beyond the drama in Baton Rouge, we dive straight into the wild "Clock Gate" controversy out of Michigan. The MAC has officially filed an appeal following Western Michigan’s bizarre loss, claiming a massive replay protocol error handed the Wolverines an illegal extra second. We look at the fallout of this timing failure, including why Jeff Sagarin is officially tracking this as a WMU victory, and how the College Football Playoff committee should factor the "human element" of this officiating disaster into their rankings.

Finally, we open up the mailbag to tackle your best questions from across the country. We address the rampant Week 1 overreactions and look at historical precedents to prove why national championship contenders always take time to develop. Plus, we look at the absolute misery currently surrounding Florida State football as they sit tied with UConn for ACC wins over the last two seasons, and examine how a potential 24-team CFP expansion will completely rewrite the future of scheduling for upper-tier G6 schools.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:09 - LSU backs down, does not sign former NFL players

16:01 - MAC, Western Michigan to appeal replay error

33:44 - Mailbag!

59:44 - Breaking News with LSU

Follow the Crew on X:

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🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #LaneKiffin #LSUTigers #SECFootball #GregSankey #MichiganFootball #WMUFootball #ClockGate #FSUFootball #CFBPlayoff

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The Big Ten replay center is under fire after a wild, second-chance Hail Mary finish in the Michigan vs. Western Michigan game. In this episode of The Audible, presented by Trader Joe’s, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph D. Russo break down exactly what happened with the game clock, what should have happened, and why there isn’t actually a "secret second clock" hidden in the replay booth.

Plus, the guys recap an action-packed Week 1—including Ole Miss outlasting Louisville in a Nashville thriller and Notre Dame dominating Wisconsin to open the 2026 season. Finally, we look ahead to massive Week 2 matchups, making picks for No. 1 Ohio State at No. 5 Texas, No. 10 Oklahoma at No. 16 Michigan, and our favorite underdogs of the week!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:28 - Explaining Michigan vs Western Michigan clock controversy

12:45 - Bryce Underwood’s job security

15:07 - Ole Miss outlasts Louisville 

20:23 - Notre Dame dominates Wisconsin

30:08 - Ohio State at Texas

34:33 - Oklahoma at Michigan

37:32 - Iowa State at Iowa

39:18 - Alabama at Kentucky

42:50 - Week 2 Upsets

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #MichiganFootball #TheAudible #BigTen #Week2Picks #NotreDameFootball #OleMiss

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Week 1 of the college football season delivered absolute chaos! Today on The Audible, Stew, Bruce, and Ralph break down the wildest opening weekend storylines, massive scares, and officiating drama.

⏱️ Michigan’s Clock Controversy Explained: Michigan survived a massive scare against Western Michigan, but the real story is the chaotic ending. We go behind the scenes of the Big Ten's replay protocol, the Hawk-Eye camera discrepancy, and exactly what the broadcast crew missed. Plus, the guys discuss why Michigan needs to throw in the towel on Bryce Underwood.

🦆 Oregon Dodges Disaster: Oregon survives a fierce battle against Boise State. We break down how Maddux Madsen and the Broncos pushed the Ducks to the absolute brink.

🐅 LSU Dominates Clemson: LSU made Clemson look like an FCS school. Is LSU a legitimate National Championship contender, or is Dabo Swinney officially entering his final season after getting outpaced by the modern transfer portal?

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#CollegeFootball #CFBRecap #MichiganControversy #OregonScare #LSUvsClemson #TheAudible

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What do college football coaches actually think behind closed doors? In this episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo break down Bruce's anonymous coach survey. The guys dive straight into the takes, revealing which hyped contenders coaches are calling the biggest frauds before flipping to their ultimate national title favorites.

Moving beyond the survey, the crew examines the mounting pressure on coaching hot seats across the country. They debate whether Lincoln Riley faces a Brian Kelly-style crisis at USC and evaluate the market appeal of major coaching retreads like Brian Kelly and Jimbo Fisher looking to get back on the sidelines.

Finally, the guys close out the show with a packed listener mailbag. They tackle predictions for the Border War, share their all-time favorite college football books, and run a fascinating thought experiment on what this season would look like under the old four-team playoff format.

Timestamps

0:00 -  Intro

1:23 - Coaches Confidential Survey

1:55 - CFB coaches pick the biggest frauds

12:30 - CFB coaches pick the ’26 nat’l champs

15:39 - CFB coaches pick the biggest sleeper

18:38 - Coaching Carousel

18:56 - Jimbo Fisher & Brian Kelly

30:27 - Dave Clawson

32:20 - Coaches to watch on the Hot Spot

46:29 - Mailbag Time!

59:10- Mailbag Winner

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

🔹The Audible: @audible.show

#TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFB #CoachesPoll #LincolnRiley #USC #CFP

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The legal war between LSU and the SEC is escalating right before kickoff, forcing Commissioner Greg Sankey and the league into a high-stakes standoff over controversial roster rules. In this episode of The Audible, presented by Trader Joe’s, we break down the massive legal risks the Tigers face if they choose to suit up players under a temporary state court injunction. Our panel analyzes whether this legal loophole provides actual protection or if LSU is cruising toward unprecedented conference penalties, fines, and forfeits.

Plus, the college football season is officially here, and the guys dive into a massive slate of Week 1 game picks, point spreads, and predictions. We break down the betting angles for Boise State at Oregon (-24.5), a highly-anticipated Clemson at No. 11 LSU (-10.5) showdown in Death Valley, and a historic Sunday matchup between Wisconsin and No. 4 Notre Dame (-20.5) at Lambeau Field. The crew also locks in their best bets for Louisville vs. Ole Miss (-7) in Nashville before revealing their favorite Week 1 upset picks—including a bold 30.5-point underdog shocker—and debating the most interesting under-the-radar storylines of the weekend, from Oklahoma State at Tulsa to SMU at Florida State.

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Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:23 - Lane Kiffin, LSU vs SEC

10:53 - Boise vs. Oregon

13:57 - Clemson vs. LSU

17:38 - Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame

23:52 - Louisville vs. Ole Miss

28:13 - Potential upset picks

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

#CollegeFootball #LSU #SEC #Week1Predictions #TheAudible #CollegeFootballPicks #TraderJoes #Clemson #NotreDame #OleMiss #Oregon #CFBNews

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Week 0 of the College Football season did not disappoint! Stew, Ralph, and Bruce break down a wild opening slate, starting across the pond in Ireland where Bill Belichick and UNC pulled off a stunning 15-10 victory over TCU. Is TCU already in disaster mode?

Plus, the guys head to Charlottesville where Virginia completely dominated NC State, easily covering the spread. Is UVA a legitimate College Football Playoff sleeper, or is NC State just doing typical NC State things? Finally, we look at USC’s season opener against San Jose State. The Trojans got the win but failed to cover—what did we learn about Lincoln Riley's squad? Plus, don’t miss shoutouts! 

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Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

3:15 - UNC stuns TCU

14:03 - UVA hammers NC State

20:39 - Can NC State bounce Back?

23:55 - USC beats San Jose State

29:46 - Memphis downs UNLV

34:28 - Shoutouts 

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

#CollegeFootball #Week0 #CFBRecap #UNCvsTCU #USCTrojans #NCState #TheAudible

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The 2026 college football season is officially here! Today we break down the massive emergency eligibility guardrails passed by the Big Ten and SEC, Arch Manning's surprising drop in the Top 100 rankings, and hand out our official Week 0 picks. 

Welcome back to The Audible with Stew & Ralph! With the final Week 0 games kicking off this week, football is finally back. Stew and Ralph pull back the curtain on their ultimate game-day viewing habits, detailing the micro player details and macro team schemes they focus on when tape is rolling.

The guys dive into the biggest news of the week: the Big Ten and SEC passing historic roster guardrails to prevent players on professional sports contracts from returning to the college ranks. Plus, we react to The Athletic's Top 100 list seeing Texas quarterback Arch Manning slide to No. 32, predict which Top 25 powerhouse will end up completely unranked, and drop our official Week 0 game picks.

📺 Watch us on YouTube: @AudibleShow

🎧 Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

1:45 - SEC and Big Ten take a stand

11:55 - Top 100 College Football players talk

18:00 - Week 0 preview

23:45 - North Carolina vs. TCU

26:52 - San Jose State at USC

31:45 - NC State at Virginia

35:31 - Memphis at UNLV

39:08 - Mailbag

Follow the Crew on X:

🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

#TheAudible #CollegeFootball #ArchManning #BigTen #SEC #Week0 #TexasLonghorns #CFBPicks #CFB2026

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Who wins the 2026 College Football Playoff? Could we see a repeat champion with the Indiana Hoosiers? Will Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns capture the title? Stew and Ralph give their picks for the 2026 CFP.

Welcome back to The Audible presented by The Athletic! In today's episode, Stew and Ralph go head-to-head with their preseason playoff projections. Ralph is backing the Texas Longhorns to take down the Oregon Ducks for the national title. Meanwhile, Stew drops a bombshell prediction, picking the Indiana Hoosiers to defeat Notre Dame and secure back-to-back national championships!

Plus, we break down a historic college football transfer market anomaly. Former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright has been waived by the Cleveland Browns and is headed to LSU to rejoin his former coach Lane Kiffin. This would make him the first player to ever go from the pros back to the college ranks. What does this mean for the future of player eligibility?

Timestamps 

0:00 - Intro

1:47 - Dea’Quan Wright expected to return to NCAA from NFL

10:05 - How did we get to this point?

23:22 - Ralph’s CFP bracket

38:20 - Stewart’s CFP bracket

49:09 - Bruce’s CFP bracket

50:35 - Heisman predictions

#CollegeFootball #TheAudible #CFBPlayoff #LSUFootball #IndianaHoosiers #TexasLonghorns #Bracketology #CollegeFootballPlayoff

Ralph's Bracket:

First Round

12 Navy at 5 Miami

11 TCU at 6 Notre Dame

10 Louisville vs 7 Florida

9 Washington vs 8 Texas Tech

Bye

1 Texas

2 Ohio State

3 Oregon

4 LSU

Quarterfinals

Texas vs Texas Tech

LSU vs Miami

Notre Dame vs Oregon

Ohio State vs Florida 

Semifinal

Miami vs Texas

Oregon vs Ohio State

Final

Texas-Oregon

Champion

Texas

Stew’s Bracket:

First Round

8 Oklahoma vs 9 Georgia 

5 Texas vs 12 Boise State

7 Ohio State vs 10 LSU

6 BYU vs 11 USC

Bye

1 Indiana

2 Notre Dame

3 Oregon 

4 Miami

Quarterfinals

Indiana vs Georgia

Miami vs Texas

Notre Dame vs Ohio State

Oregon vs BYU

Semifinal

Indiana vs Miami

Notre Dame vs Oregon

Final

Indiana vs Notre Dame

Champion

Indiana

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Can Dan Lanning finally take the Oregon Ducks all the way to the top? Will Jeremiah Smith follow up a historic season by leading the Ohio State superteam back to a championship? And can Curt Cignetti replicate the unfathomable standard he set at Indiana?

Welcome back to The Audible! In this episode, Stew and Ralph break down everything you need to know about the powerhouse Big Ten ahead of the upcoming season. The guys dive deep into a complete 18-team preview, separating the true College Football Playoff heavyweights from the programs facing massive pressure.

📺 Watch us on YouTube: @AudibleShow

🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

2:05 - Ohio State

3:49 - Oregon

6:25 - Indiana

8:30 - Does their non-conference schedule catch up with them?

10:58 - Challengers

11:09 - USC

13:59 - Michigan

17:30 - Penn State

20:35 - Washington

23:30 - Iowa

26:08 - Nebraska/Interesting coaching situations

29:23 - Wisconsin

32:27 - Maryland

34:38 - Northwestern

38:32 - Rutgers

41:40 - UCLA

43:02 - Michigan State

45:00 - Wildcards/Minnesota

46:45 - Purdue

48:06 - Illinois

50:00 - Mailbag

#BigTenPreview #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #OhioStateFootball #OregonDucks #IndianaFootball #JeremiahSmith #DanLanning #CurtCignetti

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The road to the 2026 College Football Playoff starts right here. Today, Stewart Mandel and Ralph Russo are breaking down every angle of the newly released 2026 AP Preseason Top 25 Poll. Big Ten heavyweights Ohio State and Oregon headline the poll at No. 1 and No. 2. But does this mean the Buckeyes or Ducks can actually make the National Championship game? We deep dive into whether Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame Fighting Irish truly belong at No. 4, or if they are sitting in a preseason trap.

Then, we flip the script to the Group of 6 (G6) preview. Stew and Ralph focus on the newly rebuilt Pac-12 conference and look at how Boise State is leading the pack after receiving the most votes outside the Top 25. We rank our top 3 CFP contenders from the G6 and close things out with a coaching special: which coaches could be on the move after the 2026 season wraps up?

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Audible App or your favorite audio platform.

👉 Subscribe to our channel for weekly college football game previews, recruiting updates, and bracketology breakdowns.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - AP Top 25 Preseason Poll

14:20 - Jayden Daniels

21:21 - Notre Dame

29:49 - G6 conversation

43:08 - Drafting G6 contenders for playoff

53:21 - Coaches Convo

#APTop25 #NotreDame #GroupOf6 #CFBPlayoff #BoiseState

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Can Mario Cristobal finally deliver a championship season in Miami? Is Dabo Swinney ready to evolve and get Clemson out of their recent slump? And can Bill Belichick salvage his high-stakes experiment at North Carolina after a disastrous 4-8 year? 

Welcome back to The Audible! In this episode, Stew, Bruce, and Ralph break down everything you need to know about the ACC ahead of the 2026 season. The guess dive deep into the ultimate 17-team ACC preview, sorting the true College Football Playoff contenders from the teams sitting firmly on the coaching hot seat.

🏈 TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Intro

1:17 - Miami

5:00 - Challengers/Clemson

9:43 - Louisville

12:32 - SMU

14:48 - Miami vs the Field

17:25 - Dark Horses/Virginia

21:36 - NC State

24:26 - Virginia Tech

26:58 - Cal

29:42 - Stanford

31:51 - Hot Seat coaches

32:00 - Florida State

38:16 - Syracuse

40:48 - Boston College

43:24 - North Carolina

48:46 - End of the Belichick era?

50:56 - Wildcards/Georgia Tech

53:16 - Duke

55:00 - Wake Forest

56:32 - Pitt

59:14 - Mailbag

#ACCPreview #TheAudible #BillBelichick #DaboSwinney #MarioCristobal

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South Carolina's Nyck Harbor has officially reclaimed the No. 1 spot on Bruce Feldman's 2026 College Football Freaks List, beating out Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith! 

Check out the full breakdown on The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7501158/2026/08/10/college-football-freaks-list-south-carolina-nyck-harbor-2026/

In this exclusive bonus clip, we dive into the craziest athletes in college football. While Jeremiah Smith is putting up historic numbers and turning heads, Nyck Harbor's rare combination of size and Olympic track speed keeps him at the absolute top of the football world. 

Who do you think is the biggest freak in the country? Let us know in the comments!

#CollegeFootball #FreaksList #NyckHarbor #JeremiahSmith #OhioStateFootball #GamecocksFootball #CFB2026

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The Big 12 is potentially the most wide-open and chaotic conference in college football, and we are breaking down every single contender, dark horse, and spoiler. Stew, Bruce, and Ralph look at Colorado's overhauled roster to see if Deion Sanders has the lines of scrimmage fixed enough to spark a massive rebound season after last year's frustrating 3-9 collapse. Then, they head to Lubbock to debate if Joey McGuire is finally ready to push Texas Tech to the very top of college football. Plus, the guys dissect Kenny Dillingham's developmental blueprint at Arizona State and see if the Sun Devils can shock the oddsmakers.

But the chaos doesn’t stop there. We run through over/under win totals and major storylines for all 16 teams navigating massive coaching changes across the country. Can the Utah Utes maintain their standard in a new era, or will Avery Johnson and Kansas State steal the crown? We check in on Lance Leipold’s Kansas squad, and discuss how Iowa State retools after a major offseason shift. Finally, we analyze the schematic changes for programs like Brent Brennan's Arizona Wildcats, Scott Frost's second year at UCF, and Scott Satterfield's high-stakes pivotal year with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

1:45 - Texas Tech

5:42 - BYU

10:37 - Utah

13:05 - Kansas State

15:52 - Houston

19:58 - Texas Tech versus the field

23:11 - Arizona

25:14 - TCU

27:34 - Arizona State

29:26 - Kenny Dillingham’s future?

33:17 - Colorado

36:08 - Will Deion will be the coach in 2027?

38:04 - Baylor

40:27 - Kansas

43:41 - Cincinnati

45:54 - Wildcards

46:03 - Oklahoma State

49:22 - West Virginia

50:50 - Iowa State

52:28 - UCF

55:09 - Mailbag

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#CollegeFootball #Big12 #ColoradoFootball #TexasTech #ArizonaState #UtahFootball #KStateFB #GoPokes #KUFootball #UCFKnights #BearDown #Cyclones

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The SEC is officially wide open, and we are breaking down every single team in the conference to find out who has what it takes to make a run at the National Championship!

From Lane Kiffin taking over a $45 million roster at LSU to Arch Manning's explosive new weapons at Texas, year one of Jon Sumrall at Florida, and Kalen DeBoer's fascinating quarterback battle at Alabama—we cover it all. We dive into the big-name transfer portal additions, the major coaching staff overhauls, playoff contenders like Oklahoma and Ole Miss, and the teams just fighting for competence.

Timestamps:

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

2:10 - Texas

5:21 - Georgia

9:51 - LSU

12:48 - Florida

16:41 - Auburn

19:12 - Kentucky

23:08 - Arkansas

26:52 - Alabama

32:09 - Tennessee

35:40 - South Carolina

39:50 - Oklahoma

43:54 - Ole Miss

47:38 - Texas A&M

50:43 - Mizzou

52:58 - Vanderbilt

56:26 - Mississippi State

58:52 - Mailbag

🎧 Subscribe to The Audible Podcast for weekly college football deep dives!

#SEC #CollegeFootball #SECPreview #LSUFootball #TexasFootball #AlabamaFootball #GeorgiaBulldogs #CFB2026

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On today's program, Bruce, Stew, and Ralph dive deep into a massive week for college football, spanning from historic rivalry renewals to major legal decisions shaping the future of the sport.

First, Bruce shares his inner-circle experiences from the FOX Sports Football retreat, including a fascinating breakfast breakdown with Chris Petersen and Gerry DiNardo about 1970s play-signaling restrictions. Plus, we dive into two crucial new rule changes explained by Mike Pereira and a quick recap of golfing with Tom Rinaldi.

Next, a classic rivalry is renewed! USC and Notre Dame have officially agreed to a four-game series beginning in 2030. The guys debate the formatting, exploring why USC fans are split, why Stew loves the early-season timing, and Ralph’s concerns about burning a historic matchup in Week 1.

We also break down the historic alignment between the Big Ten and the SEC, who have finally green-lit the college sports bill to head to the Senate floor. We examine if this seven-year journey will clear the House, what a potential 19-school conference realignment looks like, and if this bill could actually lead to kicking underperforming schools out of top conferences.

The crew also reacts to a judge granting an injunction that gives Class of 2022 athletes a fifth year of NCAA eligibility. Bruce explains why this may not be as exciting for teams as it looks on paper, while Stew and Ralph look at which favorite teams could suddenly get key stars back on the roster. 

Finally, we track the latest developments out of Chapel Hill, where North Carolina’s Michael Lombardi has retained an attorney and is ready to clear his name.

Catch Us Everywhere

• Watch on YouTube: Search "@AudibleShow" to see the full video episodes!
• Subscribe: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

0:47 - Bruce reveiews the start of the FOX offsites

6:00 - USC vs Notre Dame discussion

15:13 - Ralph discusses latest on potential Senate involvement

22:43 - Ralph explains the latest eligibility ruling in Colorado

34:15 - Latest on UNC GM Mike Lombardi

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Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel are live in Chicago for Big Ten Media Days! On today's program, the guys break down their biggest takeaways from the podium and ask a massive question: Are Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana the undisputed new "Big Three" and the class of the conference?

Plus, Stew shares details from his exclusive sit-down interview with the Big Ten Commissioner, and the guys look ahead to crucial Thursday storylines for Lincoln Riley and Penn State.

Later, the crew reacts to the historic news of Ohio State and Notre Dame adding sponsorship patches to their iconic jerseys.

The mailbag is packed this week. Ralph Russo answers your questions

• Most Dominant Seasons Ever: The guys tackle a heavy question from Jason in Columbia, SC, ranking four legendary individual seasons since 2000: Tim Tebow (2007), Cam Newton (2010), Joe Burrow (2019), and Travis Hunter (2024). Is Hunter's dual-award season actually crazier than Shohei Ohtani?
• Blue Blood Urgency: Which historic program needs a successful campaign the most to avoid sliding into complete irrelevance in this new era of player compensation?
• Coordinators Under Pressure: Bryan from Atlanta asks which coordinators across the country are facing the absolute most heat, whether they are stepping into championship expectations or trying to fix struggling units.

Timestamps

0:52 - Bret Bielema’s comments

4:49 - Stew on his convo with Tony Petitti

13:26 - Bruce’s takeaways from day 1 of media day

15:09 - Matt Campbell & Penn State

16:18 - USC & Lincoln Riley

23:15 - Stew is concerned about Michigan

24:50 - Dante Moore & Oregon discussion

25:49 - Stew on Oregon

27:45 - Jersey Patches

31:23 - Audible Mailbag

31:56 - Question 1: Blue Blood schools

35:57 - Question 2: Most impressive individual seasons

39:33 - Question 3: Coordinators under pressure

44:02 - Gift card for Mailbag winner

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In today’s episode, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo break down a chaotic week in college football, starting with breaking news out of Chapel Hill, a massive Big Ten Media Day preview, and the sport’s latest labor shifts. 

First, the guys dive into North Carolina placing general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave. What does this mean for the Tar Heels' 2026 season, the program's structural future, and the long-term relationship between UNC and Bill Belichick? Bruce and Ralph evaluate Lombardi’s brief tenure as a CFB general manager and project what expectations look like for UNC moving forward. 

Next, with Big Ten Media Days kicking off and USC head coach Lincoln Riley taking the stage tomorrow, the guys preview the biggest storylines, teams, and coaches they are chasing down. Plus, they break down the 2026 Preseason Big Ten Poll, discussing why predicting an order of finish is harder than the SEC this year and why Bruce is underwhelmed by the conference's running back rooms. 

Finally, they tackle the latest massive labor news as Stanford football players move toward creating a collective bargaining unit. Does this bring college football closer to a CBA? To wrap up, Bruce and Ralph highlight college football’s 2026 "All-Geezer Team," spotlighting the 7th- and 8th-year players still dotting rosters, including names like Avery Johnson and Bear Alexander.

📺 Watch us on YouTube: @AudibleShow

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TIMESTAMPS:

1:10 UNC places GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave due to HR complaint

6:13 - Another distraction for UNC

7:28 - What happens going forward?

16:36 - What is high on Bruce’s list for Big Ten media day?

20:36 - Oregon Ducks title contention?

23:31 - Last time Ohio State won the Big Ten

25:36 - Pressure on Lincoln Riley and USC

31:46 - The Big Ten RBs

34:35 - Stanford players and a CBA?

40:25 - The All-Geezer team

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In this episode, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo dive deep into the latest college football headlines, rank the nation's quarterbacks, and answer your burning questions in the mailbag.

First, we react to Florida head coach Jon Sumrall embracing the grueling 9-game SEC schedule and his thoughts on the rivalry with Georgia. Then, things get spicy in Lexington as Kentucky offensive coordinator Will Stein drops a bold, Curt Cignetti-style claim about why the Wildcats will win.

Next, we break down The Athletic’s 2026 college football quarterback tiers, ranking every projected starter from 1 to 138. The guys reveal their picks for:

• Which tier-2 (or lower) QBs will jump into Tier 1 (LaNorris Sellers, Marcel Reed, Jaden Craig)
• Which big-name signal-callers they are highly skeptical of (Josh Hoover, Julian Sayin, Noah Fifita)
• Their favorite under-the-radar tier 4-7 sleepers to ride with this season (Tyler Hughes, Alberto Mendoza, Lincoln Kienholz)

Finally, we open up the mailbag to tackle your questions:

• Is Indiana's Curt Cignetti destined to regress like Chip Kelly now that the rest of college football has copied his transfer portal blueprint?
• How would the summer hype surrounding Miami be different if Notre Dame had made the College Football Playoff over them last winter?

•Why has the recruitment of elite Junior College (JUCO) players dropped off so drastically over the last 15 years compared to the 1990s?

0:00 - Intro

0:48 - Will Jon Sumrall help reignite the Florida-Georgia rivalry?

11:15 - Has Kentucky found their Curt Cignetti in Will Stein?

16:43 - Start of the QB tier discussion

17:50 - Which QB not in tier 1 will finish the season in tier 1?

22:50 - Which QB are you skeptical of?

31:03 - Pick a QB ranked in tiers 4-7 to ride with this season.

40:19 - Mailbag questions

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Would the SEC do the unthinkable and leave college football? Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo discuss SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s press conference. The Southeastern Conference head spoke today at the annual media day. The Audible team reacts to his latest comments.

Plus, it’s the end of an era for the Michigan Wolverines. Athletic Director Warde Manuel will be stepping down at the end of the calendar year. His tenure is marked by controversy and championships. The guys ask Michigan fans if it was all worth it. Drop a comment below and let us know if you think it was or wasn’t.

Is Indiana the new wide receiver U? Curt Cignetti landed a 5-star recruit. Monshun Sales has committed to the Hoosiers. Does the Big Ten recruiting trail now run through Bloomington, Indiana? 

Finally, the guys discuss the ACC Media Days. Ralph was onsite for the availability and reacts to several interesting storylines. First, Dabo Swinney was fired up about his legacy and the state of the Clemson Tigers football program. Plus, what happened between Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi and Miami? And, are there ACC schools we should view differently?

📺 Watch us on YouTube: @AudibleShow

🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!

#CollegeFootball #Michigan #SEC 

0:00 - Intro

0:57 - Warde Manuel to leave Michigan

11:05 - Would the SEC actually break away from College Football?

17:00 - What should we make of Mizzou’s Eliah Drinkwitz’s comments?

22:47 - Is Indiana the new wide receiver U?

30:35 - Why did Dabo Swinney fired up at ACC Media Day?

38:10 - What happened between Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi and Miami?

43:15 - Are there ACC schools we should view differently?

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Brian Kelly is back in the college football conversation, and Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman break down his recent revealing interview. Kelly addressed his Notre Dame exit, his relationship with Notre Dame fans, and whether his coaching future could eventually lead him back to the ACC or another major college football job.

The Michigan investigation remains one of the biggest stories in college athletics, and Bruce shares the latest reporting after new details emerged surrounding the Wolverines football program. Stewart and Bruce discuss what the leaks suggest about the athletic department, why the report may not be released publicly, and what it could mean for Manuel’s future in Ann Arbor.

Then, it’s time for an ACC preview coming out of ACC Media Days. Is Miami the clear favorite to win the conference after adding major transfer portal pieces and continuing to recruit at an elite level under Mario Cristobal? The guys discuss why the Hurricanes may be the strongest Power Four conference favorite entering the season and whether the ACC needs Miami to become a true national contender.

Bruce also makes the case for NC State as a possible ACC sleeper, while Stewart questions whether the program can finally break through against the league’s best teams.

Plus, the mailbag covers whether NIL would have changed previous eras of college football, what happened to Dabo Swinney and Clemson, why Cody Campbell has become such a polarizing figure at Texas Tech, and how the modern college football GM role is evolving in the age of NIL, revenue sharing and the transfer portal.

Like and Subscribe for the best conversations about College Football and send your mailbag questions to theaudiblepod@gmail.com

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It's time for the biggest storylines entering the 2026 season. Can Curt Cignetti keep Indiana among the College Football Playoff contenders? How will the SEC's new nine-game conference schedule impact the playoff race? Will Lane Kiffin deliver immediately at LSU? Is Arch Manning ready to lead Texas into national championship contention? Stewart Mandel, Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo debate the programs, coaches and quarterbacks that will define the 2026 college football season.

The Michigan investigation appears to be reaching its conclusion, and The Audible crew breaks down what could be one of the biggest administrative stories in recent college football history. With reports that Michigan commissioned an extensive outside investigation into the culture of its athletic department, the crew discusses what it could mean for athletic director Ward Manuel, the fallout surrounding Sherrone Moore, and why this report could reshape the future of one of college football's premier programs.

Next, the conversation turns toward the field as The Audible begins its official preview of the 2026 college football season. Bruce shares his biggest takeaways from Big 12 Media Days, including a healthier Deion Sanders, Colorado's revamped roster, Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway's development, and what to expect from one of the most intriguing conferences in the country this fall.

The crew also gets into a spirited Arch Manning debate as Texas enters the season with massive expectations. Bruce and Ralph are buying the leap, pointing to Arch's late-season growth, improved playmaking and a loaded Longhorns roster that should have Texas thinking national championship. Stewart pushes back, questioning whether the Manning name is still inflating the hype and arguing that Arch can be a very good quarterback without needing to be treated like the next superstar before he has fully proven it.

Finally, Stewart, Bruce and Ralph examine the coaches facing the most pressure this year. From Bill Belichick's uncertain future at North Carolina to Mike Norvell's mounting expectations at Florida State, Luke Fickell at Wisconsin and several other hot-seat candidates, the guys discuss which programs are approaching pivotal moments and which coaches could be coaching for their jobs this fall.

Whether you're following Michigan football, Texas, LSU, Colorado, Indiana, the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC or the College Football Playoff race, this episode delivers in-depth reporting, insider analysis and informed discussion to get you ready for the 2026 college football season.

Will Arch Manning live up to the hype in 2026? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Plus don't forget to send in your mailbag questions to theaudiblepod@gmail.com

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Welcome to The Audible presented by Trader Joe’s! 

In this action-packed episode, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down the biggest storylines in the college football world. We kick things off with a wild recap of Big 12 Media Day, highlighting Deion Sanders’ incredibly unusual and tense media session that has everyone talking.

From there, we dive straight into the unfolding Brendan Sorsby saga. We break down David Ubben’s latest article and analyze the explosive accusations made by Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield, who claims Texas Tech illegally recruited and tampered with Sorsby during the 2025 season. What does this mean for the future of roster retention and the wild west of the transfer portal?

Plus, Bruce sits down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Mike Golic Jr. They discuss Golic Jr.’s massive upcoming move back to ESPN, what his new role will look like, and his expert insights on the rapidly evolving state of the Big 12 conference. 

Finally, we crack open the mailbag to answer your burning questions about 90s postseason nostalgia, potential World Cup-style electronic tracking technology in footballs, and whether middle-tier programs like the Minnesota Gophers should aggressively "swing for the fences" in the modern NIL era or play it safe.

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In this packed episode, Bruce and Ralph sit down with The Athletic’s David Ubben to unpack his mind-blowing feature story on Ron Weaver (aka Ron McKelvey). In 1995, a 30-year-old former community college coach stole a social security number, completely recreated his identity, and lined up as a defensive back for the Texas Longhorns—nearly getting away with it all until a sudden unraveling 12 hours before the Sugar Bowl. We dive into the psychology, the close calls, and how a grown man managed to hide in plain sight from coaching legends and future NFL draft picks.

But that’s not all. We are also tackling the massive officiating philosophical divide triggered by the recent Folarin Balogun incident: is it better to preserve the integrity of the game by fixing an official's error, or do we destroy sports by ignoring consistent protocol? Stew, Bruce and Ralph discuss how this topic relates to today’s college football environment.

Finally, we hit the gridiron to check the pulse of the Big 12. Five years after the seismic departures of Texas and Oklahoma, we evaluate the financial and competitive health of the conference. Can Texas Tech pull off a historic back-to-back championship run, or is another dark horse ready to claim the crown?

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It’s conference realignment day on The Audible. Stewart Mandel and Ralph Russo are back to break down a massive day of shifts and hiring across the college football landscape!

First up, it’s officially Conference Realignment Day! The guys dive into the brand-new look of the Mountain West and welcome the Pac-12 back to the table. What do these changes mean for the future of the sport?

Then, a major administrative shift in Madison: Wisconsin has officially hired Shawn Eichorst as their next Athletic Director. Stewart and Ralph discuss what this homecoming hire means for the future of the Badgers' football program and head coach Luke Fickell.

Plus, special guest Lucy Rohden joins the show! The college football content creator talks about her rise on The Dan Le Batard Show, her deep-rooted love for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and what is next as she ventures out on her own as a solo creator.

We wrap up the show by opening up the listener mailbag to answer your burning college football questions!

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Texas Tech's wild offseason isn't over, the College Football Playoff could be expanding again, and the NCAA's latest eligibility overhaul is already facing legal challenges. Ralph Russo and Stew Mandel revisit the biggest Brendan Sorsby developments, debate whether ties should return to college football, discuss The Athletic's 1990s series, and break down why the College Sports Commission's NIL enforcement may already be changing.

Stew returns from Europe just in time to weigh in on the Brendan Sorsby saga, questioning whether the former Texas Tech quarterback received the right legal advice after his NCAA suspension ultimately shut the door on both the NFL Supplemental Draft and the CFL. Ralph and Stew also examine the NCAA's newly approved age-based eligibility model, why traditional redshirts are disappearing, and why another lawsuit is already challenging the system.

The conversation shifts to The Athletic's College Football in the 1990s series, with a nostalgic look at the era's broadcasts, legendary teams, split national championships, and the evolution of the sport. Ralph and Stew also engage in one of the show's most entertaining debates yet: should ties return to college football? Ralph argues they create meaningful competitive outcomes, while Stew believes they'd create complete Playoff chaos.

Finally, Ralph and Stew dive into the latest College Football Playoff expansion discussions, including scheduling challenges surrounding a potential 16-team field, Army-Navy weekend, championship timing, and the growing logistical battle between college football and the NFL calendar. They close by examining the latest changes to NIL Go, the College Sports Commission, revenue-sharing limits, and why both the SEC and Big Ten are already pushing to reshape college athletics' new financial model.

If you love College Football Playoff news, NCAA governance, transfer portal coverage, conference realignment, recruiting, NIL, and the biggest offseason storylines shaping the 2026 season, be sure to subscribe, like the video, and leave your thoughts in the comments.

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The Audible is back with a loaded episode. Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo break down the Big 12's escalating legal battle with Texas Tech, discuss what comes next for Brendan Sorsby, and examine the ripple effects across college football. Then, Stewart Mandel joins the show as the crew makes their favorite SEC over/under picks, debates conference contenders, and discusses whether Arch Manning and Texas are ready to take the next step.

The episode opens with the latest fallout from the Brendan Sorsby case as the Big 12 pushes back against Texas Tech's plans surrounding the star quarterback. Bruce and Ralph discuss the conference's legal response, the possibility of sanctions, how the College Football Playoff could view the situation, and whether Sorsby's future could ultimately lie in the NFL rather than college football.

The Audible crew continues their conference win-totals draft with a deep dive into the SEC. Stew, Bruce and Ralph identify the teams they believe are poised to exceed expectations and those facing difficult paths ahead.

Can Arch Manning lead Texas to an SEC Championship? Is Georgia's favorable schedule the biggest advantage in the conference? The panel debates the outlook for the SEC's top contenders while breaking down the impact of quarterback play, coaching changes, roster turnover, and schedule strength on the race to reach the College Football Playoff.

Plus, the guys explain the logic behind their strongest SEC projections, discuss why South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Alabama could outperform expectations, and examine whether programs like Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Mississippi State can surprise this season.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Audible.

Which team is your pick to win the SEC?

Let us know in the comments.

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