ESPN College GameDay

Pete Thamel, Dan Wetzel & Max Olson break down a chaotic College Football Playoff quarterfinals, starting with Ole Miss taking down Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The conversation then turns to Indiana’s physical dominance against Alabama, then to Oregon’s defense that left Texas Tech unable to move the ball. Plus, the guys get into Miami’s win over Ohio State which they say comes down to winning the game on the ground. To close, with the transfer portal officially open, they get into the bidding wars that are underway. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Ole Miss downs Georgia in Sugar Bowl 4:36 - How Georgia got the ball at the end 9:55 - Pete Golding gets credit for keeping Ole Miss alive 14:53 - Indiana’s physicality buries Alabama 22:20 - Alabama has no excuse for a 35-point loss 27:46 - Texas Tech failed to move the ball against Oregon 30:42 - Ole Miss is the SEC’s last hope in the CFP 35:00 - Transfer portal has opened & the bidding wars have begun 38:47 - Miami outrushes Ohio St to secure the win 48:41 - Transfer portal clock is on, teams have 2 weeks to shape rosters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel & Dan Wetzel break down the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, starting with Miami vs Ohio State, the trust factor around Carson Beck and whether Ryan Day taking over playcalling changes the matchup. They then preview Oregon vs Texas Tech, asking if Texas Tech’s historic run is ready for its toughest test yet, before turning to Alabama vs Indiana and whether QB Fernando Mendoza can live up to his Heisman expectations. Plus, they debate if Ole Miss can land the blow against Georgia, pick who they think will punch through to the next round, and close with Michigan’s coaching upgrade in Kyle Whittingham. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Miami vs Ohio St: The most draft-loaded matchup? 9:31 - Can Miami trust QB Carson Beck in a big game? 14:06 - Does it matter that Ryan Day is taking over playcalling for Ohio St? 19:02 - What to watch for in the red zone 22:38 - Texas Tech faces its biggest test against Oregon 38:29 - Should Baylor get to sign an ex-NBA pick? 50:58 - Alabama vs Indiana: Old guard vs new blood 57:35 - Can Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza deliver on his Heisman expectations? 1:02:18 - Lane Kiffin takes grocery store basket, was this the right move? 1:05:38 - Can Ole Miss land the blow against Georgia? 1:09:44 - Is this the best CFP yet? 1:11:02 - Who survives the CFP quarterfinals? 1:18:41 - Michigan upgrades with new head coach Kyle Whittingham 1:21:42 - Concerns about Kyle Whittingham’s player development abilities? 1:23:30 - Why did Kyle Whittingham leave Utah? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel break down the defining moments from the first round of the College Football Playoff. They examine how Alabama capitalized on Oklahoma’s mistakes, question Texas A&M’s late-game decisions against Miami, and assess why the Group of Five teams came up short. Then they wrap the conversation with the latest on Michigan’s pursuit of Kalen DeBoer. 0:00 - Welcome 1:00 - Lasers, flyovers, 50 Cent & a purple sunset 2:15 - Why can’t there be more CFP home games? 4:30 - How the Rose Bowl sunset affects the kickoff time 10:30 - A possible fix to making bowl games matter 12:48 - Guess the price of a CFP hotel stay 22:27 - Alabama cashes in, Oklahoma misses chances 30:10 - What’s with Ryan Williams’ production drop-off? 33:31 - Should Texas A&M have run Marcel Reed at the end? 38:17 - Miami secures a program-defining win 45:38 - Why the Group of Five teams fell short 56:43 - Update: Michigan’s pursuit of Kalen DeBoer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel take a deep dive into Michigan’s current situation, debate whether Kalen DeBoer is a realistic option, and explore why Kenny Dillingham could be an ahead-of-the-curve hire. Then, the guys shift to College Football Playoff Round 1 previews before closing with a conversation about the Heisman standard and what that honor truly represents. 0:00 - Welcome 0:31 - Where do things stand with Michigan? 3:55 - Does Kalen DeBoer go to Michigan? 13:08 - Michigan vs Alabama: Coaching culture 15:43 - Michigan vs Alabama: Conference factor 21:12 - Who’s next, if a star coach isn’t available? 26:06 - Does Kenny Dillingham go to Michigan? 35:13 - Why Kenny Dillingham could put Michigan ahead 41:33 - CFP Round 1 preview: Alabama vs Oklahoma 49:46 - CFP Round 1 preview: Miami vs Texas A&M 58:17 - CFP Round 1 preview: Tulane vs Ole Miss 1:03:20 - CFP Round 1 preview: James Madison vs Oregon 1:09:07 - Upholding the Heisman standard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel break down a massive day in college football as the final CFP rankings drop and the playoff bracket is officially set. The guys examine why Notre Dame fell short of the CFP, Curt Cignetti’s two-year run, and the toughest corner of the CFP bracket. They also ask, is this the greatest CFP field we’ve ever seen? 0:00 - Welcome 0:34 - The final CFP rankings are in 5:39 - Time to rethink weekly rankings? 13:17 - Why the CFP should hold off on expansion 17:48 - Why conference realignment is the root problem 20:15 - Why Notre Dame fell short of the CFP 24:05 - The pros & cons of conference title games 40:13 - Curt Cignetti’s 2-year run is the best in the sport? 44:14 - The toughest corner of the CFP bracket is… 48:58 - Is this the greatest CFP bracket yet? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel break down the latest CFP rankings. They dig into what the College Football Playoff committee said about Alabama, whether the ACC can squeeze a team into the CFP, and Notre Dame’s path to a national title. Plus, a full slate of previews and a reminder that Jim Valvano’s iconic speech airs tonight on ESPN at 7 PM ET. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Why did Alabama move up one spot? 3:26 - CFP rankings put ACC in tough spot 5:06 - Miami CFP hopes are still alive 11:43 - Notre Dame’s pathway to a national title 22:09 - Leagues battling for limited spots 28:09 - Should the committee sharpen its message? 34:23 - How much does the Big Ten title game matter? 46:57 - Preview: Jim Valvano’s iconic speech airs tonight 7P ET 47:55 - Preview: Georgia vs Alabama 50:07 - Preview: Indiana vs Ohio St 54:49 - Preview: BYU vs Texas Tech 57:53 - Preview: Duke vs Virginia 1:01:54 - Preview: North Texas vs Tulane 1:04:47 - Preview: Troy vs James Madison 1:07:03 - Preview: UNLV vs Boise St Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel dive into Lane Kiffin’s wild 6-week decision saga and what it means for Ole Miss after he chose career over a CFP run. They also break down whether Pete Golding is the right fit to take over Ole Miss’ program. Then the guys tackle the ACC title game controversy, should Miami have made it, and debate whether Texas is being unfairly punished for scheduling Ohio State. 0:00 - Welcome 0:37 - The 6-week drumbeat to Lane Kiffin’s decision 5:08 - Lane Kiffin chose his career, walked away from a CFP team 14:30 - Lane Kiffin’s wild exits outnumber his big wins 22:52 - Is Pete Golding the best head coach fit for Ole Miss? 34:23 - ACC title game: Should Miami have gotten in? 44:49 - Duke and James Madison to make the CFP? 49:43 - Texas being punished for their Ohio St loss? 56:29 - Should teams be ranked at the end of the season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel react to the committee’s rankings ahead of Rivalry Week. They react to CFP Selection Committee chair Hunter Yurachek's insights on evaluating Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin, should he decide to leave the Rebels. Plus, the Six Pack of Picks for Rivalry Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel break down Week 13’s action. The coaching carousel with Justin Wilcox losing his job at CAL, while Mike Norvell keeps his job at FSU. The latest on Lane Kiffin, his future with Ole Miss and preview of the Egg Bowl. Plus, the names poised for the 2025 Heisman Trophy and a big preview of Michigan vs. Ohio State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel react to the third batch of College Football Playoff rankings, discuss the latest on Lane Kiffin and unleash their Six Pack of Picks. 0:00 Welcome, Rece at MSG for Rankings Reaction 2:10 College Football Playoff ranking reaction 9:44 Would Notre Dame get in over Miami? 14:44 Potential Alabama conundrum 17:42 More CFP hypotheticals 22:56 The latest on Lane Kiffin 31:35 James Franklin introduced at Virginia Tech 37:55 USC at Oregon 41:28 Missouri at Oklahoma 44:05 Georgia Tech at Pitt 45:44 Tennessee at Florida 47:03 BYU at Cincinnati 48:34 Hawai’i at UNLV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel break down every angle of the Lane Kiffin sweepstakes, should he stay at Ole Miss and chase a national championship, leave now, or leave next year? And for schools trying to poach him, when is it time to walk away? The guys also dive into the latest on James Franklin, and the biggest College Football Playoff storylines of the week: Who's a lock for the CFP, who makes it in between USC, Notre Dame, and Miami, and what if Auburn stuns Alabama? 0:00 - Welcome 0:32 - Lane Kiffin, will he stay or go? 5:57 - Should Lane Kiffin just stay and chase a Natty? 12:31 - For schools chasing Lane Kiffin, when should they walk way? 19:03 - Should Lane Kiffin stay and leave in a year? 21:45 - The advantages of staying at Ole Miss 24:48 - Update: James Franklin to Virginia Tech? 38:08 - Who's almost a lock for the CFP? 42:01 - The CFP USC-Notre Dame-Miami dilemma 47:22 - CFP chaos: What if Auburn beats Alabama? 51:03 - Make the case for keeping and cutting conference title games 58:43 - CFP changes that would benefit the fans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel react to the season batch of College Football Playoff rankings. Plus, they discuss where the ACC stands in the CFP race, if USC is on the ascent and the latest on the drama at LSU with Brian Kelly’s firing. Then, the guys get into the Six Pack of Picks, and talk about Maryland and UConn. 0:00 Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast! 0:30 College Football Playoff rankings reaction 13:14 Where does the ACC stand? 22:32 What about USC? 28:54 The latest on LSU and Brian Kelly 36:35 Rece & Pete's Six Pack of Picks 40:18 Notre Dame at Pitt 44:22 Iowa at USC 46:00 Oklahoma at Alabama 50:39 Texas at Georgia 53:56 USF at Navy 57:43 Maryland’s rough season 1:02:13 UConn’s stellar season 1:04:50 Kennesaw State at Jacksonville State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel debate whether a Heisman moment is essential to winning the Heisman …and if Fernando Mendoza has delivered on this. Then, they break down the current CFP picture specifically the chaos in the ACC, the Big 12 potentially sneaking a team in at the end, and which Big Ten powerhouse team will emerge on top. 0:00 - Welcome 1:41 - Fernando Menoza, new Heisman leader? 8:06 - The top team in the Big Ten is… 19:14 - ACC wheel of destiny: Who get’s a CFP bid? 32:18 - Big 12 to get the last at-large CFP bid? 39:05 - CFP: Some of the good, the bad, and the new 52:05 - The best player you might not know 54:19 - Which coach gets fired next? 57:26 - Proposals and ‘I do’ on and off the field Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pat Fitzgerald joins Rece Davis and Pete Thamel for his first public interview since his 2023 departure from Northwestern. The College Football Hall of Famer opens up about what he’s been up to, reflects on his time in Evanston, and discusses what the future might hold now that he’s back on the coaching market. Plus, Rece and Pete react to the first College Football Playoff rankings and wrap things up with their Six Pack of Picks. 00:00 - Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast! 00:30 - CFP rankings reactions 14:13 - Pat Fitzgerald joins the show! 17:33 - Pat feels "vindicated" after wrongful termination 24:13 - Pat on his coaching future 26:26 - Pat on handling the new era of college football 40:04 - Pat's ideal coaching fit 53:46 - Rece & Pete's six pack of picks 1:09:13 - Thanks for listening ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel discuss the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings. They make picks on who they think will take the No. 1 spot and how many bids each conference gets. They also break down Auburn's coaching search and whether Clemson can recover from their tailspin season. Then, country superstar Kenny Chesney joins to talk about his new book drop, Heart Life Music, Tennessee Vols memories, his songwriting process and more! 0:00 - Welcome! 0:32 - CFP rankings: Who's taking No. 1 spot? 6:41 - CFP rankings: What to watch for 10:35 - How many CFP bids does each conference get? 18:20 - CFP rankings: Where does Michigan land? 21:37 - Auburn: Who replaces Hugh Freeze? 33:23 - CFP race: Miami is walking a fine line 37:54 - Can Clemson pull out of a tailspin? 46:29 - Kenny Chesney joins the pod! 47:27 - Kenny Chesney's Tennessee Vols memories 50:15 - Kenny Chesney shares his best lyric 53:41 - Inside Kenny Chesney's writing process 56:53 - Kenny Chesney's drink of choice 59:26 - Kenny Chesney's fave moment as GameDay guest picker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a spooky Week 10 on the College GameDay Podcast! Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss risky coaching hires, early playoff rankings, their Halloween candy favorites and their Week 10 picks. 00:00 - Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 04:48 - CFB scheduling issues? 11:15 - The latest on the coaching carousel 25:04 - Bill Belichick's call to go for 2 28:08 - Expectations from 1st CFP Rankings 36:02 - Six pack of picks 55:48 - Let's talk Halloween 58:11 - What's your favorite Halloween candy? 01:01:13 - Thanks for watching the College GameDay Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel dive into LSU's move to fire Brian Kelly and what comes next for the Tigers. They kick around how much the Governor might actually matter in the coaching search and whether his voice will carry any weight. And with Lane Kiffin's name in the mix while Ole Miss is still chasing a playoff spot, the big question is if LSU can really wait until his season's over to make a move. 0:00 - Inside The Day LSU Fired Brian Kelly 5:19 - Surprised Brian Kelly Is Out After Texas A&M Loss? 6:39 - Brian Kelly Made LSU A Contender, Don't Forget! 14:09 - Who's Really Picking LSU's Next Coach? 21:14 - LSU To Make A Run At Lane Kiffin? 30:37 - Can LSU Wait Out CFP To Hire A Coach? 35:59 - Rank The Top Coaching Jobs: Florida, LSU, Penn State 48:21 - Auburn, Florida St, Wisconsin To Shake Up Coaching Market? 51:37 - What To Expect: GameDay at Cincinnati vs Utah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel break down a massive Week 9 slate! Can Missouri pull off a top-10 upset on the road against Vanderbilt? Will LSU save its season against Texas A&M? And can Houston keep rolling against Arizona State? We preview all the biggest matchups and storylines from across the country in this episode of the College GameDay Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel break down Billy Napier’s firing at Florida and what it means for the Gators’ future. Who’s next in line for the job... Could it be Lane Kiffin? The guys also dive into the mounting pressure at Florida State and Auburn, where frustration is beginning to boil over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are back to preview a massive Week 8 in college football. Can Georgia get redemption between the hedges against No. 5 Ole Miss? Will Notre Dame’s playoff hopes survive a must-win clash with USC? The guys make their Week 8 picks and break down all the big storylines. Plus, Ivan Maisel joins the show to discuss his new book and reflect on the legendary career of Frank Leahy. All that and more on this episode of the College GameDay Podcast. 00:00 - Welcome to the College GameDay Podcast 00:54 - Lane Kiffin's jab at Kirby Smart 03:16 - A tough week for the refs 05:54 - Ole Miss vs Georgia preview 20:29 - Ivan Maisel joins the show 48:39 - Week 8 Six Pack of Picks 01:08:02 - Deep cut game of the week 01:13:53 - Thanks for watching / listening to the College Gameday Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices