Join ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis and Senior Writer Pete Thamel, as well as many of GameDay’s key analysts and contributors, as they discuss and debate the biggest stories and break down the biggest games in college football, while also leaning into the key basketball moments and storylines as well. With episodes Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays in the fall, and a year-round weekly presence this is the place to be for the college sports fan.
UNC Puts Michael Lombardi on Paid Leave + Big Ten Media Days are Here!
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel react to North Carolina placing Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave and discuss what it means for the program moving forward. Plus, they debate whether this is a make-or-break season for Lincoln Riley at USC, whether Indiana should still be the favorite in the Big Ten, and break down the biggest storylines heading into Big Ten Media Days. All that and more on this episode of the College GameDay Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SEC Media Days: Eli Drinkwitz on Power Four Scheduling
Rece Davis is back from Wimbledon and joins Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel to talk about SEC Media Days. They discuss Eli Drinkwitz’s thoughts on Power Four nonconference scheduling, predict the SEC race, make early picks for Weeks 1 and 2, and weigh in on Josh Heupel’s comments about Lane Kiffin’s return to Neyland Stadium. 0:00 - Welcome back from Wimbledon, Rece 7:55 - USF’s new stadium and outdoor bar 14:51 - Best sponsor names for iconic stadiums 23:03 - Eli Drinkwitz on P4 nonconference games 40:17 - Who will win the SEC this season? 42:19 - Picking early season winners: Week 1 48:38 – Picking early season winners: Week 2 57:16 - Josh Heupel’s comments on Kiffin’s return to Neyland 1:01:11 - Looking ahead to SEC media days Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michigan Athletics Investigation: Is Warde Manuel’s Job in Jeopardy?
Pete Thamel, Dan Wetzel and Sports Illustrated senior writer Pat Forde break down the Michigan Regents’ upcoming discussion on the athletic department culture investigation and what it could mean for Athletic Director Warde Manuel’s future. They also discuss Penn State and how the Nittany Lions could surpass Michigan as the nation’s largest stadium. Finally, the guys previews ACC Media Days, highlighting the biggest storylines to watch across the conference. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Michigan regents to discuss athletics probe 4:56 - Michigan AD Warde Manuel’s future uncertain 10:38 - What does it take to run Michigan athletics? 14:28 - Michigan finalizing college basketball coach contract 18:38 - Penn State to become largest stadium in the U.S.? 25:37 - ACC Media Days Preview: Miami vs Duke QB feud 35:18 - ACC Media Days Preview: Is Clemson slipping? 39:28 - ACC Media Days Preview: Belichick’s roster 47:55 - ACC Media Days Preview: FSU to bounce back? 50:12 - ACC Media Days Preview: James Franklin 51:34 - ACC Media Days Preview: Clemson, FSU tensions 53:58 - Airline window seats without windows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Big 12 Tension: Texas Tech is Outspending Everyone
Pete Thamel, Dan Wetzel and college football and transfer portal reporter Max Olson break down the biggest storylines coming out of Big 12 Media Days, including the tension surrounding the conference and whether Texas Tech has separated itself from the rest of the league. They discuss if the Red Raiders need the Big 12, why other programs are struggling to keep pace, and what the future holds for Deion Sanders. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Big 12 media days: Behind the tension 6:44 - Is Texas Tech carrying the Big 12? 11:09 - Texas Tech’s options outside the Big 12 15:19 - Why Big 12 teams can’t catch Texas Tech 24:33 - What’s holding Colorado back? 31:32 - Is the Deion Sanders era over? 33:41 - Kenny Dillingham’s next step at ASU 39:44 - What makes ASU a sleeping giant? 41:09 - Big 12 intrigue: ASU WR and QB room 45:06 - Big 12 intrigue: Utah, BYU, Houston 48:54 - Big 12 intrigue: Oklahoma St and TCU 50:07 - The Oklahoma St QB story you need to know 51:32 - Big 12 intrigue: Cincinnati OL and DJ Lagway 52:43 - Who is the Florida banana chip bandit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trinidad Chambliss Responds to Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Comments + Biggest Games of the Year
On this episode of the College GameDay Podcast, Dan Wetzel is joined by Ryan McGee and Pat Forde to discuss Trinidad Chambliss pushing back on Lane Kiffin’s comments about recruiting in Oxford, adding yet another layer to what will be a wild scene when LSU visits Ole Miss in week 3. The guys break down why Kiffin’s exit from Ole Miss still feels so personal, and why LSU-Ole Miss will be the game everyone wants to see. Plus, they draft their must-watch games of the season and close with a look at some of college sports’ strangest national championships -- everything from meat judging, to dairy tasting, skeet shooting and quarter-scale tractor building. 00:00 Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 01:34 Trinidad Chambliss responds to Lane Kiffin’s comments 14:37 Why the LSU - Ole Miss feud runs deep 23:18 Drafting the best games of the college football season 24:19 Miami at Notre Dame 26:25 Ohio State at Indiana 29:20 Ohio State at Texas 30:35 Georgia at Alabama 32:40 Other must-watch games this season 46:38 College sports’ strangest national championships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brendan Sorsby’s Football Future, Dusty May to the NBA & CFB’s World Cup Fan Comparisons
Brendan Sorsby is out of college football options — and now the NFL may not be an option until 2027. Dan Wetzel, Ryan McGee and Pat Forde break down what comes next for Sorsby, whether Dusty May leaving Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks says something bigger about the state of college coaching, and why college sports’ latest fight in Congress has the SEC and Big Ten facing real pushback. Plus: Boise State is selling pieces of the blue turf, the NCAA may be moving toward a five-year eligibility model, and the guys compare World Cup fan bases to their college football counterparts. 00:00 Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 01:20 What’s next for Brendan Sorsby? 12:04 Dusty May leaves Michigan for the NBA 23:00 Boise State is selling pieces of the blue turf 29:15 Latest on the Protect College Sports Act 39:55 NCAA moving toward a five-year eligibility plan 46:00 Pairing World Cup teams with college football fan bases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why the Big 12 Went Nuclear in the Brendan Sorsby Case 👀
Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel unpack the latest twist in the Brendan Sorsby saga, including the Big 12’s aggressive response and Texas Tech’s role in the controversy. Plus, they identify the saga’s biggest winners and losers, discuss how Texas Tech will be viewed moving forward, and how college sports can fix a system that continues to invite legal challenges. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Brendan Sorsby saga: The Big 12’s big move 6:18 - Brendan Sorsby saga: How Texas Tech folded 11:06 - The growing abuse of temporary injunctions 14:58 - Could Cincinnati or Indiana have known? 23:37 - Brendan Sorsby saga: Winners and losers 29:13 - Michigan weighs in 34:35 - How will Texas Tech be viewed this season? 38:31 - Can Congress make an eligibility rule? 44:28 - Who will be Texas Tech’s QB1? 47:12 - The perfect idea for a commercial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brenden Sorsby Cleared to Play: What's next for the NCAA?
Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel react to Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby being granted a temporary injunction. What does this decision mean for the NCAA moving forward? Is anybody going to play Texas Tech this season? We have those answers and more on this episode of the College GameDay Podcast. 00:00 - Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 01:49 - Reactions to the Brendan Sorsby News 14:40 - What's next for Sorsby and Texas Tech? 20:57 - Where does the NCAA go from here? 31:12 - Thanks for Listing to the College GameDay Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Truth About The SEC-Big Ten “Super League” + The College Sports Bill
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel break down whether the proposed college sports bill can save college football or if it’s doomed by self-interest. They also dive into the biggest sticking point of the bill: media rights. They talk about how there was no alignment between lawmakers, the SEC and the Big Ten, and how political fear mongering is fueling the misconceptions around the idea of an SEC-Big Ten super league. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Will the college sports bill save college football? 4:39 - Do we only get one shot at this bill? 6:01 - The college sports bill targets media rights 7:44 - No synergy between the bill’s writers, the SEC, or the Big Ten 16:44 - How self-interest could kill the bill 21:08 - The misconception the SEC and Big Ten want to form a super league 25:15 - The super league and political fear mongering 36:05 - Likely the bill will pass? 38:50 - The Brendan Sorsby case: Where are we now? 41:07 - Enough leniency for Sorsby? 41:48 - Why the medical argument falls short 47:36 - Why is the middle of college football season in November? 54:57 - What happened to college football games in December? 56:47 - Throwback songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Could The SEC Break Away From The NCAA?!
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel discuss whether the SEC could eventually break away from the NCAA, and if so who would enforce the rules. The guys also dive into whether the College Sports Commission and even Congress can effectively regulate the sport. Plus, the guys get into Brendan Sorsby’s gambling situation and whether medical leniency make sense or if cases like this could create exploitable loopholes in the future. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Is college football turning into the NFL? 3:24 - Does Ed Ogeron belong at LSU? 7:25 - SEC to break away form NCAA? 9:11 - Can the SEC follow its own rules? 19:47 - Can the College Sports Commission to enforce rules? 22:25 - Can Congress enforce rules? 25:59 - Should the market dictate college spending? 35:36 - Is it fair to give Brendan Sorsby medical leniency? 47:30 - Joey Chestnut hot dog drama, explained 52:10 - Steve Sarkisian’s basket weaving comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Did The Punting Rule Change? | College GameDay Podcast
Rece Davis, Dan Wetzel and Pete Thamel react to college football’s brand-new — and very confusing — punt rule. The crew also discuss whether a 24-team College Football Playoff would hurt the importance of the regular season and gives some love to Midwest. All that and more on this episode of the College GameDay Podcast! 00:00 - Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 01:01 - NCAA New Punt Rule Madness 05:55 - Why was the punt rule changed? 15:38 - Is the 24-team playoff worth it? 35:49 - 24 -team playoff devaules the regular season? 40:10 - A make or break season for USC? 41:36 - College Football 27 Update 45:43 - Showing love to the Midwest 51:04 - Thanks for listing to the College GameDay Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lane Kiffin’s Controversial Ole Miss vs LSU Comments | College GameDay Podcast
Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel react to Lane Kiffin’s controversial comments about Ole Miss, Steve Sarkisian's jab at their academics, the possible return of the legendary Notre Dame vs. USC rivalry and how a 24-team College Football Playoff could completely reshape the sport. 00:00 - Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 00:53 - Lane Kiffin on LSU recuriting vs Ole Miss 02:56 - Kiffin: Top recurits families wary of Oxford 11:16 - Were Kiffin's comments a jab at Ole Miss? 23:47 - Steve Sarkisian takes a jab at Ole Miss 38:41 - USC and Notre Dame back in negotiations 43:03 - The problem with the 24-team playoff 55:10 - Rece goes into the Alabama sports Hall of Fame 59:39 - Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Big 12 & Duke-Amazon Deals: Is private money ruining college football?
Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel discuss how private capital is reshaping college football. From the Big 12’s private capital move to the Duke Blue Devils partnering with Amazon to stream marquee games, the guys break down how money is changing the sport. Plus, they get into whether the sport is better or worse because of it. Then they give a very early preview on what to watch for heading into the season. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Bring back preseason magazines 6:08 - IYKYK: Preseason magazine codes 9:52 - Is the Big 12 private capital deal good or bad for the sport? 15:46 - Do you miss when going to games was simpler? 19:38 - Is the Duke-Amazon marquee games deal good or bad for the sport? 24:46 - Are big venues or home games better for the sport? 33:19 - Do schools really need luxury facilities? 37:45 - Do coaches deserve big contracts after only one big year? 41:56 - Set to be good or great?: Notre Dame 44:21 - Set to be good or great?: USC 47:44 - Set to be good or great?: Arch Manning 50:10 - Set to be good or great?: Ohio State’s offense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brendan Sorsby Story: How It Broke + Penalties Explained
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel unpack the Brendan Sorsby situation, how the story surfaced, what penalties athletes actually face for gambling, and whether it’s time for a more nuanced, case-by-case approach. They also turn to Texas Tech’s quarterback outlook: will an injured Will Hammond be ready to go this season? Then the guys zoom out, reacting to Arkansas’ decision to disband its tennis program and what it signals for the future of college athletics. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - How’d the Brendan Sorsby story break? 7:27 - What gambling penalty do athletes face? 12:34 - Should athlete penalties vary by case? 19:10 - The rise of gambling culture 23:43 - Can gambling culture be reeled in? 29:57 - Will Texas Tech QB Will Hammond be ready to play this season? 36:29 - Arkansas to disband tennis program 40:27 - College sports vs education 49:30 - Should some sports be self-funded? 54:46 - New reality: Player compensation strains budgets 56:58 - In next year’s NFL draft, who would your No. 1 pick be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can Fernando Mendoza Live Up to the Hype as the No. 1 Pick? 👀
Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel break down the NFL draft through a college football lens. They dive into the biggest storyline of the year: Can Fernando Mendoza live up to the hype as the No. 1 pick? Plus, the guys spotlight potential stars, sleepers, and steals, predict landing spots for QBs Carson Beck and Taylen Green, and share the college players they’ll miss most on Saturdays. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Unforgettable NFL draft moments 6:07 - Pittsburgh set for 2026 NFL draft 9:42 - Can Fernando Mendoza deliver as the No. 1 pick? 18:12 - Is Las Vegas the right fit for Fernando Mendoza? 23:25 - NFL draft picks: Hits & misses 32:28 - NFL draft stars & steals to watch for 40:02 - Where will QBs Carson Beck & Taylen Green land? 44:28 - College players we’ll miss: Makai Lemon 45:44 - College players we’ll miss: Peter Woods 46:38 - College players we’ll miss: Haynes King 48:20 - College players we’ll miss: Diego Pavia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inside the Mind of an NFL Scout
Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel are joined by former Miami Dolphins scout Adam Engroff to pull back the curtain on the world of NFL scouting. From how player reports are built to the challenge of uncovering a player’s true character, Engroff breaks down what teams are looking for and what’s hardest to find. The guys also dive into how scouts sort through conflicting intel, evaluate injury risk vs. durability, and the other factors that go into assessing a prospect. 0:00 – Welcome 0:30 - Inside the life of an NFL scout 5:00 - How an NFL scout builds player reports 9:30 - The difficulty of scouting character 13:50 - Ideal player character traits 16:45 - The wildest Miami scouting story? 22:05 - How one scout shaped Miami’s roster 27:00 - Who’s more intimidating? Coach Parcells or Saban? 30:17 - NFL Draft backroom strategy 34:00 - Does staying in school hurt a player’s draft stock? 40:15 - 2027 NFL Draft hype vs reality 41:55 - The schools that get players NFL-ready are… 46:21 - How to evaluate a player’s injury risk and durability 49:56 - How to handle conflicting intel on a player 52:48 - The best hotel spots are… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michigan DENIES UConn, Claims Title + UNC Hires Mike Malone
Pete Thamel, Dan Wetzel, and ESPN college basketball insider break down Michigan holding off UConn to win the NCAA national title. They talk about what went wrong for the Huskies and how Michigan won in the paint. Then the guys dive into UNC hiring Mike Malone just hours before the transfer portal opens and his challenge of building a roster. Plus, they discuss NCAA tournament expansion and whether it actually makes the sport better. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Michigan holds off UConn, wins NCAA title 5:04 - UConn’s costly mistakes: Free throws, Turnovers 9:19 - Michigan wins behind bigs in the paint 12:47 - Michigan’s Dusty May could’ve coached at Indiana? 16:18 - Michigan’s roster moves pay off 21:59 - UNC to hire ex-NBA coach Mike Malone 23:58 - UNC hires Mike Malone just before transfer portal opens 28:20 - Why is the transfer portal open now and not in May? 30:44 - UNC’s Mike Malone is set to build a roster on the fly 37:59 - NCAA tournament is expanding from 68 to 76 teams 44:55 - Can there be too many portal transfers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duke HAD IT then UConn Stole It
Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel break down UConn’s dramatic win over Duke and what it means for the Huskies’ legacy. And after another crushing exit, is it time for Duke to rethink its roster strategy? Plus, the guys dive into Michigan’s dominant win over Tennessee, Illinois and Arizona punching their tickets to the Final Four, and the greatest shots in tournament history. 0:00 – Welcome 0:30 - Duke hands UConn the win 7:15 - UConn becoming the next UCLA? 13:37 - UConn’s Tarris Reed steps up 17:05 - The best tourney shots of all time are… 26:34 - Did the best teams reach the Final Four? 30:16 - Michigan demolishes Tennessee 36:55 - Illinois and Arizona advance to the Final Four 42:51 - Duke’s back-to-back crushing losses 45:10 - Duke needs to get older to win? 48:31 - Duke is held to an unfair standard? 50:50 - Tennessee denied Final Four again 53:51 - Tourney goal is to reach the Final Four 55:35 - Pete Thamel on UConn’s game-winning shot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kansas FREEZES UP, Florida COLLAPSES, Plus Coaching Carousel Updates
Pete Thamel, Dan Wetzel, and college basketball insider Jeff Borzello go through the highs and lows of the NCAA Tournament, including Florida’s late-game strategy falling apart, St. John’s buzzer-beater over Kansas, and the possible head coach positions opening up at Kansas and North Carolina. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Four days in: Tourney highs and lows 2:42 - Florida’s late-game strategy falls apart 7:18 - Are the extra clock reviews giving teams extra timeouts? 8:52 - St. John’s hits a buzzer beater, Kansas stays frozen 13:41 - Is Kansas Coach Bill Self retiring? 19:32 - Is UNC Coach Hubert Davis on the hot seat? 28:26 - Do Kansas & UNC still hold coaching appeal? 35:36 - Are the Big Ten and SEC squeezing out the rest of the field? 39:24 - Has the NCAA Tourney seeding code been cracked? 45:45 - Can the low majors still compete in the tourney? 48:32 - Is Syracuse legend Gerry McNamara the right coach for the team? 57:15 - Championship picks: Who’s winning it all? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Best Matchups, Upsets, & Star Power: Full Bracket Breakdown
Pete Thamel, Dan Wetzel, and ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello break down everything you need to know about the Men’s NCAA Tournament bracket. They reveal the must-watch First Four matchup, how much chalk to expect, and whether Florida can repeat as champs. Then they go region by region, spotlighting title contenders, star power, upset alerts, and the matchups that could define the tournament. 0:00 – Welcome 0:30 - Was Auburn robbed of an NCAA Tourney bid? 2:14 - The must-watch First Four game is… 5:23 - Will this be a chalk-heavy tournament? 8:47 - The mid-major competitive advantage is… 13:00 - The tournament sweet spot 16:19 - Will Florida be repeat champs? 22:07 - The East Region best teams 28:04 - The East Region best upset 31:57 - The South Region title contending teams 36:31 - The South Region best upsets 38:58 - The West Region star power players 45:32 - The West Region best upset 46:56 - The Midwest Region highly anticipated matchup 50:54 - The Midwest region best upset 52:54 - NCAA Tournament Final Four locks & title picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
