ESPN College GameDay

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel break down a defining week for Stanford football. The program hired Frank Reich, signaling a clear embrace of an NFL-style identity—but that move raises big questions, especially around recruiting and whether Andrew Luck, now Stanford’s general manager, can convince Reich to stay beyond one season. If he can’t, then who steps in next? Out in Colorado, Deion Sanders grabs headlines with a $54 million extension. The next big question: Can he keep the Buffaloes competitive in the Big 12? 1:58 - Stanford hires Frank Reich, embraces NFL identity 6:03 - Stanford's recruiting challenge 8:25 - Reich's historic comeback game with Maryland Terrapins 10:23 - How many schools will adopt the GM model? 13:53 - Stanford's split with Troy Taylor was unavoidable 16:10 - Stanford's next coach: Who is a good fit? 23:16 - Deion Sanders lands $54 million extension 30:51 - The art and chaos of picking a perfect bracket 35:43 - The dread and pain of a game-turning rewrite Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Ravech, host of Countdown to GameDay on the ESPN YouTube channel, and Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider, discuss the powerhouse teams hungry to take on Duke—or at least eager to see the Blue Devils fall—as the NCAA Tournament title game approaches. Off the court, more drama unfolds as the transfer portal swells with players, raising the question: should the portal window be pushed until after the tournament ends? Meanwhile, one coach in particular has drawn the ire of Maryland fans: Kevin Willard, who made a high-profile exit for Villanova. How did it all unfold—and what did it cost the Wildcats? 0:00 - The clear cut top 4 teams chasing the NCAA Tourney crown 6:33 - Wave of players hit the transfer portal 8:43 - Why not move the portal past the NCAA Tourney title game? 12:21 - The current transfer portal window forces rushed decisions 19:11 - Duke's biggest threat is Houston 24:00 - SEC to end their 12-year title drought? 28:30 - How Coach Kelvin Sampson completely transformed Houston 34:44 - Michigan State's costly mistake against Auburn 38:55 - How Coach Kevin Willard's exit from Maryland unfolded 43:18 - What it cost Villanova to land Kevin Willard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and ESPN Radio's Ian Fitzsimmons discuss, is a Colorado vs Syracuse spring game a genius move or not? They think it's worthwhile. They're also keenly aware of the conversations surrounding players being poached for the spring transfer portal. To this, Rece says maybe it's time for programs to put their players under contract. This leads to a discussion on the transfer portal, and if it's needed at all and if players should have the same freedom to move as coaches do. Is it even possible to keep an entire roster and coach on the same team for a whole season? 0:00 - Is it okay for sideline reporters to wear sneakers? 4:03 - Keep the best teams in the postseason 15:41 - Colorado vs Syracuse spring game - hit or miss? 23:13 - Is it time to institute player contracts? 26:50 - Fair for players to face transfer portal limits while coaches don't? 29:31 - Possible to get players and coaches to stick with programs a full season? 39:04 - The must-watch team to watch this spring - who ya got? 42:24 - The best sushi - try Tuscaloosa, Alabama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider, discuss how the NCAA Tournament is transforming—and if this is really for the better. The SEC's 14 teams in the field edged out mid-major teams which led to chalk in the first and second round. Is this what kills the domino of upsets and Cinderella runs everyone is so used to? Also, what happens to the Big East? Will their teams secure spots among the power conferences? As of right, BYU is turning heads and grabbing headlines. Do they have a chance to win a tourney title and why do they have lofty expectations for the next few years to come? 0:00 - Why chalk is okay in the first and second rounds 5:10 - Did the SEC deserve 14 teams in the tournament? 14:45 - Is there room for the Big East alongside the SEC and Big Ten? 21:03 - Why BYU will top headlines in the coming years 25:08 - How BYU signed future NBA star AJ Dybantsa 28:48 - The Rick Pitino - John Calipari rivalry 33:58 - Why did Rick Pitino bench RJ Luis? 39:32 - The two Sweet 16 matchups to watch 40:59 - Maryland head coach Kevin Willard to Villanova? 49:30 - The ACC's most interesting head coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel, Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider, & Bill Connelly, ESPN writer, discuss the traps in the Midwest Region! Houston may be a top seed, but a showdown with Gonzaga looms large. Also in the region are McNeese and High Point, who are eyeing Cinderella runs that could shake up the bracket. Kentucky, the No. 3 seed, has stumbled into March looking anything but steady, and Tennessee’s coach is looking to rewrite history for himself. The guys end their tournament bracket preview by unveiling who they think will fill the Final Four spots. 0:00 - Houston's brutal second round matchup against Gonzaga 3:52 - McNeese & High Point could be potential upset picks 5:48 - Kentucky, the No. 3 seed, looked disheveled the past couple of weeks 10:15 - UCLA vs. Utah St: Two big brands meet in the first round 12:07 - Tennessee's coach has a tortured NCAA Tournament history 14:19 - Jeff Borzello's Final Four picks 16:05 - Bill Connelly's Final Four picks 17:05 - Pete Thamel's Final Four picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel, Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider, & Bill Connelly, ESPN writer, discuss the battlefield that is the West Region. UConn’s Dan Hurley is eyeing a massive upset over No. 1 seed Florida, while Oklahoma’s NBA-bound star is ready to step into the spotlight. Colorado State sees a clear path forward, but may stumble to Texas Tech or St. John's. With so many top contenders colliding, which team will make emerge and advance to the Final Four? 0:00 - What makes the West Region a gauntlet? 5:06 - UConn's Dan Hurley to upset Florida, the No. 1 seed? 13:16 - Oklahoma's coveted NBA prospect 14:46 - Colorado State's favorable pathway 16:37 - Drake's strategy is to run down the shot clock, will it work? 20:08 - Maryland ready to go on a run, can they get to the Elite Eight? 23:37 - Texas & St. John's are heavyweights in the West Region 25:37 - Why Kansas vs. Arkansas is a spicy matchup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel, Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider, & Bill Connelly, ESPN writer, discuss the East Region - the NCAA Tournament's biggest offensive powerhouse. BYU is ready to light up anyone in their path, but VCU lurks as a defensive force capable of shutting down the best. The guys also dive into Arizona’s star player that might be able to carry the team and if Duke can survive without Cooper Flagg. 0:00 - East region: The tourney's offensive powerhouse 2:02 - BYU: The elite scoring team 3:08 - VCU plays some of the best defense in the region 3:55 - Alabama isn't as tough as you think 5:00 - Why Oregon lost their way this season 6:30 - How college ball is evolving 11:30 - Baylor has been bit by the injury bug 14:22 - Arizona has the most enigmatic player in the country 17:02 - Can Akron's coach lead his team to upset Arizona? 22:26 - How long can Duke go without Cooper Flagg? 23:57 - Why Montana doesn't stand a chance 25:37 - Saint Mary's is an anomaly this season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel, Jeff Borzello, ESPN college basketball insider, & Bill Connelly, ESPN writer dive into their first gut reactions to the field, from Auburn’s No. 1 seed in the South Region to UC San Diego surging in with momentum. Plus, they break down key first-round matchups like Marquette vs. New Mexico and Louisville vs. Creighton, and debate how far teams like Yale and Michigan State can really go. 0:00 - Initial gut reactions to the tourney bracket 10:09 - Auburn: The number one seed in the south region 10:27 - UC San Diego entering the tourney with momentum 12:07 - Iowa State likely out after major player injury? 14:43 - Fun matchup: Marquette vs. New Mexico 15:46 - How far can Yale go? 18:00 - Spicy close matchup: Louisville vs. Creighton 19:28 - Michigan St: A chalky pick 22:05 - No. 1 seed Auburn doesn’t have a history of winning 24:00 - Should the SEC have 14 teams in the tourney? 27:16 - Preview: First Four play-in games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel & ESPN writer Bill Connelly discuss Bowling Green's splashy offseason move by hiring Eddie George as their new head football coach - It's also a big win for the Mid-American Conference whose offseason has seen other coaches and players leave for greener pastures. The guys also look at early storylines for next season. Is Clemson back? Are they a top five team right now? Will Notre Dame's new roster get them to the College Football Playoff? Who will lead the charge at the quarterback position, Steve Angeli or CJ Carr? 0:00 - Why eyes are on Eddie George at Bowling Green 2:22 - The two emerging head coach hiring trends 6:10 - The talented coaches & players leaving the MAC 13:41 - The MAC rivalry you may not know about 14:19 - A way-too-early CFP scenario prediction 19:17 - Will Clemson be a top five team next season? 21:26 - In a 14-team CFP, what is the 4-4-2-2-1-1 model? 36:39 - How will head coach Marcus Freeman reset Notre Dame? 40:38 - Who will be Notre Dame's starting quarterback be next season? 42:23 - How is Rece on EA Sports CFB 25 Dynasty Mode? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the bitter standoff between the ACC, Florida State, and Clemson that threatened to fracture the conference. Now that a settlement has emerged, they get into what it entails and if it's sustainable through 2030. Then, Field Yates, NFL Draft analyst joins the pod! He attended the NFL Combine and shares which players he thinks put on a standout performance and the possible hits Will Howard's and Shedeur Sanders' draft stock took. 0:00 - Why were the ACC, Florida State & Clemson at odds? 6:13 - How big of a deal is the ACC, FSU, Clemson settlement? 10:20 - How much revenue will be paid to players? 13:22 - What will college football look like in 2030? 15:39 - Will streaming services want to broadcast games? 18:18 - The best way to watch the NCAA Tournament 21:12 - How good are AI chat bots at NCAA Tourney trivia? 23:27 - Why teams will overthink DL Mason Graham 25:17 - The NFL draft difference makers outside the top 10 30:30 - Will Howard’s poor performance at the NFL Combine 35:26 - Did Shedeur Sanders shoot down his NFL draft stock? 39:54 - Field Yates’ near altercation at the NFL Combine 44:20 - Should teams be charged a timeout for faked injuries? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel & Matt Miller, NFL draft insider discuss the quarterback class lacking surefire stars and how this could potentially create volatility in the draft order. Specifically, they get into Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders who flashed toughness and precision throughout the season yet still needs the right team to believe in him. They also look at Travis Hunter, a two-way talent. Will he stick with the cornerback position, where great players are scarce, or chase the money at wide receiver? Finally, they evaluate some familiar-named quarterbacks expected to go in the latter rounds. Could one rise up to be an NFL star? 0:00 - Why college spring games could disappear 7:21 - What is the depth level of the 2025 NFL draft class? 9:52 - Will Travis Hunter play both ways in the NFL? 16:56 - The player to NOT be blindsided on 18:17 - Could QB Shedeur Sanders fall out of the top 10 draft picks? 24:23 - Pros & cons about QB Cam Ward 26:40 - Where will QBs Quinn Ewers, Jalen Milroe, Dillon Gabriel land in the draft? 31:00 - What kind of NIL deals do players at smaller schools have? 32:50 - Besides NIL, the highest currency in college football is… 36:37 - The best time to be a college free agent 38:00 - Where to find NIL data on schools? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the meeting of power brokers in New Orleans and how the decisions from this event could shift the balance of power in the sport. Will this lead to a future SEC and Big Ten partnership? If so, can the Big 12 and ACC level up their teams enough to remain in the sphere of relevance? Meanwhile, in basketball, the NCAA Tournament could expand to 76 teams. The guys get into how this doesn't just benefit teams at the top but is also transformative to those who can break through and get into the field. 0:00 - Should the SEC teams play 8, 9, or 10 conference games? 6:21 - What’s the best way to get more eyes on college football? 12:18 - Will the SEC & Big Ten form a future partnership? 15:48 - Why the current peace in college football won’t last 22:38 - The Big 12 & ACC need to bring the pressure 32:24 - Why expand the NCAA hoops tourney to 76 teams? 40:20 - The hoops tourney expansion primary positive effect 43:28 - Why QB John Mateer to Oklahoma is interesting 45:55 - Can QB Miller Moss sneak Louisville into the CFP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss why former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles could be the missing piece that pushes Penn State to win a national title. Also, they say Clemson is flying under the radar when they shouldn't be. The guys bring out all the details on how Clemson leveled up. Then, ESPN national recruiting reporter Eli Lederman joins the pod to talk North Carolina, specifically how Bill Belichick has yet to put together a star-studded roster. Finally, Rece and Pete get into the underrated basketball history at Auburn and Alabama, and why you should have eyes on that Saturday matchup! 0:00 - Which Ohio State coaches are out? 5:00 - Penn State to win a title with DC Jim Knowles? 8:00 - Why you shouldn't sleep on Clemson right now 10:53 - Is Texas the number one team going into next season? 13:41 - What to expect from the College Football Playoff meetings 20:30 - Did Belichick recruit any high school stars for UNC? 23:27 - Who did Belichick bring in from the transfer portal? 32:15 - What you need to know about UNC quarterback Bryce Baker 35:00 - Why Auburn vs Alabama is a blockbuster college basketball game 45:30 - Rece's first-ever concert was with Elvis Presley? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Ryan McGee, host of "Marty & McGee" on SEC Network, take a birds eye view of the first year of the 12-team playoff and discuss the concerns they have from both the regular season and the postseason. Moreover, they get into the broader topic of college player professionalization and how they see that moving forward. Then they touch on the best stories that caught their eye and the stories coming this fall. The pod has a survey! Fill it out to contribute your thoughts on how the pod went this season: https://forms.gle/UHFg4idbbA5q7SHFA 0:00 - Welcome 1:50 - CFP National Championship recap with Ryan McGee 15:28 - What fixes should be made to the 12-team playoff? 19:30 - How should conference disparity be addressed? 27:30 - How should college player professionalization be addressed? 34:43 - How to differentiate college football from the NFL? 40:24 - The best parts of the regular season 45:10 - What to look forward to next season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Harry Lyles Jr., host of "Countdown to GameDay" on the ESPN College Football YouTube channel, discuss the adversity Ohio State overcame to win the College Football Playoff National Championship, the end of the narrative about Ryan Day's job being at stake, Notre Dame's promising future and more! 0:00 - Ohio State claims 7th national title 2:41 - Ohio State coach Ryan Day's gutsy call 4:34 - Did Notre Dame respond correctly on third-and-11? 5:39 - Ohio State's formula to secure the win 7:28 - What will Notre Dame's roster look like next season? 11:25 - The narrative that's been put to rest 12:20 - What's in store for Ohio State next season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Notre Dame's resiliency, the path to outlasting Ohio State, and how a national title will affect each coach in the eyes of their programs and fans. Then, Indiana Coach Curt Cignetti joins! He breaks down what he's seen from both Notre Dame and Indiana when he played them this past season. He also talks about how quarterback Kurtis Rourke played an entire season on a torn ACL, how he's rebuilding Indiana, and what to expect from their new quarterback! 0:00 - How Notre Dame has found ways to win 5:00 - The lore around Notre Dame 9:00 - How to deal with Ohio State's offensive line 12:37 - Ohio State fans fully embracing Coach Ryan Day? 18:11 - Notre Dame vs. Ohio State: Previous matchups 23:29 - National Championship game predictions 30:23 - Indiana coach Curt Cignetti joins! 31:00 - Cignetti on this year's transfer portal 32:44 - Kurtis Rourke played an entire season on a torn ACL? 34:00 - Cignetti on signing ex-Cal QB Fernando Mendoza 35:53 - Cignetti breaks down how the title game will go down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Ryan McGee, host of "Marty & McGee" on SEC Network, discuss the moment when Texas could've turned the tide of the game, Texas' future with Arch Manning, Jack Sawyer's unyielding loyalty and impeccable leadership with the Buckeyes, and If Notre Dame can keep the national title game close against Ohio State. 0:00 - Ohio State's soul killing plays 4:57 - Ohio State vs Texas: Who had the better regular season? 6:30 - Ohio State Jack Sawyer's scoop-and-score 9:09 - The person that bleeds buckeyes from their veins and their soul 11:16 - Is Texas close to eventually winning a national title? 15:20 - Notre Dame to put up a fight against Ohio State in national title game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the 54 seconds of football that changed Notre Dame's program, the eyebrow raising injuries for both Notre Dame and Penn State, the gauntlet Ohio State is in to get to the national title game and their next mammoth matchup against Texas, the transfer portal moves that caught Pete's eye, and more! 0:00 - A day dedicated to a notable Notre Dame coach 1:00 - The semifinals matchups everyone wanted? 4:26 - Notre Dame's crucial 54 seconds against Georgia 8:48 - Can Notre Dame run their punt team off the field before a play? 12:22 - The Big Ten's dominant season + a note about the top conference debate 22:19 - Penn State & Notre Dame key injury updates 27:02 - Penn State & Notre Dame storylines you may not know 30:23 - The team to take down Ohio State 34:57 - Texas' major execution issues 41:29 - The most interesting transfer portal moves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Ohio State's bludgeoning of Oregon, the person they caught wearing a Cheshire Cat grin at the end of the game, the rivalry between two coaches that they've picked up on, the mess of the Texas - Arizona State game, what Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman's said to his team following the Sugar Bowl's postponement, and more. 0:00 - Unbelievable Ohio State stat of the night 5:00 - Which Ohio State Buckeye stunned Oregon? 5:47 - Ohio State mindset that pushed them to a win 9:00 - Texas was playing with their food? 11:42 - Why Arizona State deserves their flowers 16:52 - The trend for Big 12 teams after they reach the top 18:46 - What Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said about the truck attack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly, creator of the SP+ college football ranking system, discuss the adjustments teams need to make to push through to the semifinals. In between, they talk about the obnoxious team they can't wait to watch, the section of the bracket they view as a dogged cage match, the unfair assessment of Ohio State's quarterback, how risky Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman will be, the biggest threat to the Sugar Bowl winner and more! 1:58 The toughest section of the playoff bracket 5:33 How teams are prepping for the Rose Bowl 12:02 Fair to criticize Ohio State's Will Howard? 18:20 Did Oregon previously overachieve against Ohio State? 21:52 What NFL scouts expect from the Sugar Bowl 26:39 Gunner Stockton auditions for Georgia starting QB role 32:21 The stakes for Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman 35:18 Will Georgia's title-winning character pull them through? 38:46 Who is the Peach Bowl underdog yapper? 40:42 The best non-Indiana story goes to… 47:50 Can Penn State continue their undefeated streak in the Fiesta Bowl? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices