The Solid Verbal College Football

IT'S. GAME. WEEK! Join us as we power rank the most interesting matchups on Thursday and Friday of an extended holiday weekend of Week 1 games and take an advanced preview of two of the biggest contests as Texas heads to Ohio State and Clemson hosts LSU in the Death Valley Invitational. After reviewing some extra takeaways from Week 0 – including why we shouldn't overreact to early season rust – we break down the news that Bryce Underwood has officially been named Michigan's starting quarterback. How should this affect our read on the Wolverines in 2025? Then, we rank the five most intriguing of the 28 games being played on Thursday and Friday, from Auburn-Baylor as a potential Friday night thriller to the sneaky-good matchup between Boise State and USF. We close out by tackling two monster games: Texas traveling to Columbus as slight road favorites in a College Football Playoff semifinal rematch, and Clemson hosting LSU as a four-point favorite. Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro 2:22 - Week 0 Takeaways 10:36 - Bryce Underwood named Michigan starter 16:13 - Power Ranking Thursday/Friday Games 44:06 - Texas vs Ohio State Preview 57:51 - LSU vs Clemson Preview 1:08:52 - Richard Verbal Update Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

College football is officially underway! We break down Iowa State's 24-21 victory over Kansas State in Dublin, including the sloppy conditions, key fourth-down decisions, and what the Clones' win means for the Big 12 race. Plus, we're joined by Jenny Dell, the lead college football reporter for CBS Sports, who gives us incredible behind-the-scenes insights from the sidelines. From her 20-second storytelling challenges to Brad Nessler's shocking pre-game eating habits, Jenny discusses the difference between covering the SEC and Big Ten, sneaky injury tent investigations, what it's like to catch players and coaches in their most vulnerable moments, and much more. We also unveil the most important email to ever grace our inbox, potentially with long-term ramifications for the Solid Verbal family. Timestamps: 4:50 - Iowa State beats Kansas State 19:26 - Interview with Jenny Dell 58:07 - Important news from the Solid Verbal family Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

College football is back! The season officially starts this weekend with Week 0, and we're here to break down all five games, including the big Farmageddon matchup between Iowa State and Kansas State in Ireland. But first, we talk through some of the biggest quarterback battles across the country, with news of CJ Carr winning the job at Notre Dame, Julian Sayin taking the reins at Ohio State, Ty Simpson getting the nod at Alabama, and Bear Bachmeier becoming the first true freshman to start at BYU. Then, a quick chat about the College Football Playoff committee's decision to use "enhanced metrics" to put more weight on strength of schedule, the potential short- and long-term impacts of the move, and whether the new numbers will be personally sponsored by Greg Sankey. We also circle back to Michigan's punishment by the NCAA, which was handed down at the end of last week, and unveil our preseason Verballer Top 12. Finally, we give our predictions for all five Week 0 games, with special focus on the showdown between Iowa State and Kansas State. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 4:41 - QB Battles 15:36 - Injury News 19:21 - Enhanced CFP Metrics 27:28 - Week 0 Predictions 45:59 - Verballer Top 12 Poll 51:50 - Michigan's Punishment Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time again—the season is on the doorstep, and we brought in ESPN’s Bill Connelly to help us make sense of the chaos ahead. From his new SP+ rankings with a dozen teams clumped near the top to the Arch Manning hype train and a logjam of unproven quarterbacks, we dive headfirst into why 2025 might be the most unpredictable season in years. We cover the teams with the widest range of outcomes (hello, Tennessee), the portal-fueled rebuilds at Purdue and West Virginia, and which traditional powers might quietly be underrated. Bill also opens up about his new book Forward Progress, why realignment and money distribution could shape the sport’s future, and what “canaries in the coal mine” fans should keep an eye on. Plus, why offensive lines could make or break this year’s contenders, whether Texas Tech is ready to crash the playoff party, and what keeps college football so beautifully chaotic despite all the off-field drama. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 7:01 - Interview with Bill Connelly 55:12 - Outtro & Show Updates Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's receipts time! We put our college football credibility on the line with our official 12-team playoff brackets, complete with seeding, matchups, and championship predictions. The time has come to go all-in on our bold calls that will either age like fine wine or haunt us all season long. We break down our top-4 seeds (spoiler: we disagree wildly on Clemson), debate the SEC vs. Big 12 representation, and explain why Notre Dame might be the key to everything. Plus, we reveal our Heisman winners, Coach of the Year picks, and other awards predictions. The Verballerhood also chimes in with their own bold predictions via the Reverb line, including some spicy takes on Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, and whether all three service academies can make bowl games. But that's not all – it wouldn't be the college football season without some Fantasy Things to keep us entertained. Join in on the fun as we draft the quirky college football storylines and media moments we're most excited to track this season. Think espionage scandals, bizarre training regimens, Dave Portnoy vs. Urban Meyer, and RG3 going rogue in the Fox Sports booth. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 3:50 - CFP Predictions 32:21 - Heisman & Coach of the Year 35:54 - Verballer Predictions 46:55 - Reverbs 49:36 - Fantasy Things Reveal Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the feeling every college football (and sports) fan knows too well: Doubting your own takes. In this episode, we're joined by Brett Ciancia from Pick Six Previews to talk through the opinions we're second-guessing the most after several weeks of conference previews. From Ty's thoughts on Miami and USC to Dan's comments on Missouri, we lean on the most accurate college football predictor over the past decade to set us straight. Brett even has some doubts of his own in the SEC. We also dig into Brett's "Game Grader" formula and how it spots teams that were way better (or worse) than their records showed. Plus, an honest conversation around how the transfer portal is making projections more complicated, how the Big 12 remains unpredictable, and a brief look ahead at the marquee matchups in Week 1. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 7:27 - Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews 57:29 - Closing Thoughts Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New AP Poll just dropped! In this college football podcast episode, we react to the newly-released poll by discussing which teams are too high and which are too low. Plus, we talk through key injury news around the sport, including LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and others. And last but not least, we make our case for the College Football Red Zone channel, and why we think we should be hosts. Finally, we close out our 136-team preview marathon by breaking down Notre Dame and UConn. How close is the quarterback derby between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, and how do the Irish stack up this season as compared to last? Then, we examine UConn's fascinating rise under Jim Mora. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 5:53 - AP Top 25 Poll Reactions 24:26 - Injury Updates 29:37 - CFB Red Zone Channel 38:31 - Notre Dame Football Preview 1:00:30 - UConn Football Preview Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We close out our three-part SEC preview by taking a closer look at Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Arkansas, South Carolina, Auburn, and Vanderbilt. In this college football preview episode, we ask burning questions about eight SEC teams that could swing wildly in either direction this season. Is Florida poised for a big jump with a (finally) healthy DJ Lagway navigating one of the most brutal schedules in the country? Will the addition of quarterback John Mateer and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle lead Oklahoma back to prominence, or is their monster schedule too much to overcome? Is 2025 a stepback year for Josh Heupel and Tennessee after losing key offensive pieces, or can their elite defense carry them? We examine Texas A&M as a legitimate playoff contender behind Marcel Reed's dual-threat ability and a physical rushing attack that could punish teams late in games. We discuss whether Sam Pittman can do enough to keep his job at Arkansas with Taylen Green leading a completely revamped receiving corps and a defense that struggled mightily in pass coverage. We analyze if LaNorris "The Creator" Sellers and pass-rushing phenom Dylan Stewart have enough of a supporting cast around them to lift South Carolina after massive bigtime turnover. Plus, we debate how much we should believe in Jackson Arnold's fresh start at Auburn with an elite receiving corps but lingering questions about offensive line stability, and what to make of Vanderbilt, which brings back tons of production from their magical 2024 season but will no longer be able to fly under the radar. From Florida's injury concerns to A&M's playoff potential to Vandy's encore attempt, this is your guide to the SEC's X-factors that could completely change the conference landscape. Timecodes: 5:49 - Florida Preview 17:43 - Oklahoma Preview 31:16 - Tennessee Preview 42:16 - Texas A&M Preview 52:43 - Arkansas Preview 1:01:04 - South Carolina Preview 1:10:33 - Auburn Preview 1:19:31 - Vanderbilt Preview Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive deep into the SEC's upper crust with our first of two comprehensive preview episodes, breaking down eight of the conference's most talented and high-expectation teams. From Texas's national championship aspirations and the beginning of the Arch Manning era to Alabama's loaded roster under Kalen DeBoer and a revamped offense for Georgia under Kirby Smart, we explore the teams most likely to compete for SEC titles and playoff spots. In this college football podcast episode, we analyze Texas as the preseason No. 1 team and whether Arch Manning can navigate one of the toughest road schedules in the country, including trips to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia. We examine Alabama's quarterback battle between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell, plus the reunion of Kalen DeBoer with longtime coordinator Ryan Grubb. We discuss Georgia's search for offensive star power with Gunner Stockton at the helm and their favorable SEC schedule. We also break down Ole Miss's "nothing to lose" mentality with Austin Simmons taking over for Jaxson Dart, LSU's all-in approach with Garrett Nussmeier and their loaded but unproven receiver room, and Dan's Big Ten-to-SEC quarterback theory with Beau Pribula at Missouri. Plus, we examine Kentucky's massive roster overhaul under Mark Stoops with 40+ new players and Mississippi State's uphill climb in Jeff Lebby's second season after going 0-8 in SEC play. This is your guide to the SEC's championship contenders and the key questions that will determine their 2025 fates, with eight more teams coming in our next episode! Timecodes: 4:00 - Texas Preview 17:06 - Alabama Preview 25:29 - Georgia Preview 39:37 - Ole Miss Preview 47:48 - LSU Preview 56:03 - Missouri Preview 1:04:03 - Kentucky Preview 1:13:45 - Mississippi State Preview Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preview season rolls on as we dive into the SEC, figure out the contenders and pretenders, making some irresponsible predictions, and chew on the conference's biggest storylines going into the 2025 college football season. In this SEC preview episode, we discuss the impact Arch Manning could have on the Texas Longhorns, provided the offensive line can get sorted in time. Plus, a conversation around whether this year's Alabama squad will feel more "DeBoerian" than in 2024, and how Georgia stacks up with Gunner Stockton at the helm. We also debate the meaty middle of the conference and wonder if Brian Kelly can turn talent into big wins, if Mike Elko can bully the conference with his rushing attack, if DJ Lagway can handle a murderer's row of a schedule, and if Missouri is the ultimate wildcard. And of course, a conversation about a new-look Ole Miss, the fearsome trio of LaNorris Sellers, Dylan Stewart and Nyck Harbor at South Carolina, Oklahoma's new quarterback / coordinator tandem, Tennessee's transfer trade, Auburn's portal fever, and much more. And finally, we take the temperature of Arkansas, Vandy, Kentucky and Mississippi State. Consider this your starter pack for the 2025 SEC football season. Timestamps: 2:41 - Big SEC Themes 8:31 - The Contender Tier 22:26 - The "Right There" Tier 56:26 - Snakes in the Toilet 1:08:47 - The Bottom Tier 1:16:05 - SEC Predictions Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stand back as Take-a-Toa, our volcano of molten college football takes, erupts for the first time in over a year! In this college football podcast episode, we're welcoming Josh Pate from Josh Pate's College Football Show for a scorching session of hot takes that will have you questioning everything you think you know about the 2025 season. Josh delivers a stunning ACC prediction that involves "hateful three-stars" and a program most people are sleeping on, while Dan forecasts a looming coaching exodus that could reshape the sport. Meanwhile, Ty makes a bold LSU comparison that will make SEC fans nervous and goes all-in on another FCS transfer quarterback. (What else is new?) We explore why one SEC powerhouse might have a "fantastic" season despite disappointing records, which Big Ten offense could see a surprise jump, and how Missouri's dream schedule could lead to CFP chaos. Plus, the Verballerhood chimes in with a Lincoln Riley take so wild it breaks our brains. This is your guide to the wildest possibilities in what could be college football's most unpredictable season yet. Timecodes: 0:00 - Show Intro 3:09 - Josh Pate & Take-a-Toa Intro 9:24 - Georgia Tech 13:53 - Coaching Chaos 20:52 - LSU 23:59 - Lincoln Riley 30:41 - Tennessee 35:06 - QB Duds 38:10 - Mark Gronowski 42:40 - Michigan State 47:39 - Kalen DeBoer 51:54 - Notre Dame, CFP & Surprise 7-5's 54:48 - Arch Manning 56:10 - Missouri 1:00:29 - Outtro Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We wrap up our Big Ten preview series with the third and final installment, breaking down the remaining nine teams that represent the conference's fascinating middle tier and intriguing sleepers. From Iowa's FCS quarterback gamble to Rutgers' weird look-ahead potential, we explore the teams that could shake up the Big Ten landscape. In this college football podcast episode, we dive into Ty's affinity for new Iowa QB Mark Gronowski and why the Hawkeyes could surprise people. We analyze Nebraska's year-three Matt Rhule expectations with Dylan Raiola's development and a better offensive line, debate USC's ability to finally finish games with Jayden Maiava, and explore Washington's white-knuckle potential with Demond Williams. We also break down Wisconsin's aggressive portal additions despite a brutal schedule, examine Minnesota as the "But Also" team of the Big Ten with rookie quarterback Drake Lindsey, and wonder how spicy Michigan State can be with the tandem of Aiden Chiles and Nick Marsh. Plus, we discuss Nico Iamaleava's supporting cast at UCLA and debate whether Rutgers can capitalize on their advantageous scheduling spots. This is your complete guide to the Big Ten's most unpredictable programs and potential spoilers. Timestamps: 03:18 - Iowa Preview 16:03 - Nebraska Preview 27:32 - USC Preview 40:10 - Washington Preview 49:40 - Wisconsin Preview 58:04 - Minnesota Preview 1:04:13 - Michigan State Preview 1:08:29 - UCLA Preview 1:12:51 - Rutgers Preview Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the Big Ten with the second part of our three-part conference preview series, breaking down nine teams with detailed previews of the conference's contenders and most compelling storylines. From the Penn State hype train to Purdue's "Pastrami of the Big Ten," we give you enough to be dangerous around the water cooler. In this college football podcast episode, we examine Ohio State's championship odds with new coordinators Brian Hartline and Matt Patricia, debate whether Julian Sayin can handle the pressure in Week One against Texas, and wonder if the Buckeyes can overcome so many new variables. We break down James Franklin's "Phil Collins" moment with a loaded roster of veterans, a splash hire of Jim Knowles to run the defense, and a schedule working in their favor. We analyze Oregon's talent-heavy retooling under Dan Lanning, questioning whether Dante Moore and a loaded-but-unproven roster can match last year's success. Plus, we debate Michigan's ceiling with true freshman Bryce Underwood potentially starting behind a rebuilt offense, and examine the fascinating battle between Illinois' experience-heavy roster and Indiana's portal-powered reload under Curt Cignetti. We also explore Maryland's youth movement with four-star freshman Malik Washington, Northwestern's impossible schedule in their temporary lakefront stadium, and Purdue's complete roster overhaul under Barry Odom, featuring 69 new players and the "most erotic sandwich potential" in college football. Can Penn State finally beat Ohio State when they matter? Can Ryan Day get the Michigan monkey off his back? This is your comprehensive guide to the most intriguing storylines and burning questions in the Big Ten's upper crust. Timestamps: 3:50 - Ohio State Preview 20:40 - Penn State Preview 34:09 - Oregon Preview 43:21 - Michigan Preview 54:40 - Illinois Preview 1:03:55 - Indiana Preview 1:13:26 - Maryland Preview 1:20:27 - Northwestern Preview 1:26:32 - Purdue Preview Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We tackle the Big Ten with the first of our three-part conference preview and break all 18 teams into tiers, discuss the biggest storylines and use protein metaphors to capture just how overwhelming this massive conference has become. From Ohio State's run at another national championship to Penn State's lofty expectations and the intriguing battle for fourth place, we unpack what makes this conference both excellent and exhausting. In this college football podcast episode, we debate our contender tier with Penn State, Ohio State, Oregon and... Michigan (?), analyze the fascinating second tier among six quality teams, wonder which "weird little stinkers" might surprise us. Plus, we examine why this might be the most difficult conference to rank from top to bottom. We explore Ty's bold Nebraska optimism versus Dan's skepticism, debate whether USC can finally finish games in the fourth quarter, wonder if Iowa's Mark Gronowski will bring his FCS magic to Iowa City, and talk through what the transfer of Nico Iamaleava means for UCLA. Plus, is Illinois fool's gold? Can Indiana make another improbable playoff run? Should we start a support group for Minnesota football fans? Will Northwestern finally get something from a transfer quarterback? Can Rutgers make a bowl? How far can the combo of Aiden Chiles and Nick Marsh take Michigan State? And what will Purdue look like with 69 new players?! Consider this your starter pack for navigating the beautiful bulk that is Big Ten football in 2025. Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Thoughts 11:31 - Sleepers 15:58 - The Contenders 27:30 - The Battle for Fourth 49:31 - Weird Little Stinkers 59:14 - Drive for Six 1:08:32 - The Bottom 1:13:17 - Big Ten Predictions Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We conclude our Big 12 preview series with our third and final installment, breaking eight more teams and their burning questions headed into 2025. These eight teams represent the conference's intriguing middle tier: Utah, TCU, Kansas, Cincinnati, BYU, Houston, Oklahoma State, and Colorado. In this college football podcast episode, we break down Utah's offensive makeover with new coordinator Jason Beck and quarterback Devin Dampier, examining whether Kyle Whittingham can bounce back from his first losing season in over a decade. We dive into TCU's brutal schedule despite having one of the conference's best passing attacks with Josh Hoover, and debate whether Kansas can capitalize on the good vibes of their reopened stadium and another year of Jalon Daniels at quarterback. We discuss Cincinnati's make-or-break year under Scott Satterfield, BYU's quarterback crisis following Jake Retzlaff's late departure, and Oklahoma State's rock-bottom 4.5 win total after Mike Gundy's worst season ever. Plus, we quiet Willie Fritz's steady rebuild at Houston and Colorado's fascinating next chapter without superstars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Which programs will exceed expectations with new coordinators or transfer quarterbacks? Which will struggle with brutal schedules and roster turnover? And how will the unpredictability of the Big 12's middle tier shake up the conference (and playoff) conversation? This is your deep dive into the Big 12's most compelling question marks. Timestamps: 2:24 - Utah Football Preview 12:33 - TCU Football Preview 19:02 - Kansas Football Preview 24:06 - Cincinnati Football Preview 31:18 - BYU Football Preview 38:52 - Oklahoma State Preview 47:35 - Houston Football Preview 54:24 - Colorado Football Preview Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back for the second part of our Big 12 preview episodes and taking a look at our top five and bottom three teams, highlighting the things we like and don't like about Arizona State, Kansas State, Iowa State, Baylor, Texas Tech, West Virginia, UCF, and Arizona. How much will the loss of Cam Skattebo hurt Arizona State's chances of another conference title? Is Avery Johnson ready to take the next step at Kansas State? Can Iowa State avoid the random disappearing acts? How much hype is too much hype for Baylor and Texas Tech? Which reboot is more interesting between West Virginia and UCF? And is Ty being overly skeptical of Arizona? Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro 3:44 - Arizona State Preview 13:37 - Kansas State Preview 25:03 - Iowa State Preview 36:05 - Texas Tech Preview 47:18 - Baylor Preview 54:28 - West Virginia Preview 1:01:07 - UCF Preview 1:07:38 - Arizona Preview Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive deep into the Big 12 with the first of our three-part conference preview and break out all 16 teams into contender tiers, discuss the biggest storylines shaping the season, and use goofy metaphors, quotes and sounds to capture the delightful uncertainty that defines the league. From Arizona State's quest to repeat as champions to the transfer portal revolution reshaping rosters across the league, we unpack what makes this conference so addictively unpredictable. In this college football podcast episode, we discuss why the Big 12 in 2025 feels like the ultimate chaos conference where almost anything is possible. We have a healthy debate over which teams belong in the top tier, with Arizona State and Kansas State leading the way, discuss the hype around Texas Tech and Baylor, and wonder if Iowa State can take the next step. Plus, we analyze the most meaningful coordinator changes at programs like Utah and Oklahoma State, examine rosters heavily influenced by the portal, and revel in the fact that nearly every team has at least at 35% change of reaching a bowl. We also explore the post-Shedeur and Travis Hunter era at Colorado, debate whether Texas Tech's investment will pay dividends, and wonder if this is finally the year Kansas State breaks through under Chris Klieman. Plus, can Baylor's explosive offense carry them despite defensive concerns? Will Utah's new-look offense complement their traditionally strong defense? Can Kansas ride good vibes to 7 or 8 wins? And why does Mike Gundy's Oklahoma State feel like it's entered desperation mode? Consider this your starter pack for navigating the beautiful chaos that is Big 12 football in 2025. Timestamps: 2:47 - Opening Thoughts 8:37 - Top Tier 29:09 - Middle Tier 41:42 - Oklahoma State Tier 46:34 - Bottom Tier 58:23 - Predictions Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Wildcard Tier! In part three of our ACC preview, we tackle the unpredictable "meaty middle," featuring nine teams that could finish anywhere from 4-8 to 9-3. In this college football podcast episode, we break down the Bill Belichick experiment at North Carolina and whether the greatest NFL coach of all time can translate his genius to college football. We dive into Florida State's must-win season for Mike Norvell with new coordinators Gus Malzahn and Tony White, examine NC State's coordinator overhaul and brutal schedule, and debate whether Duke has become the most reliable mid-tier team in the conference. We discuss what it'd mean if Virginia Tech figures out how to finish in close games, Syracuse's Year 2 challenge under Fran Brown, and Boston College's intriguing pieces under Bill O'Brien. Plus, we take the temperature of hot seats at Cal and Virginia. From "weird little stinkers" to teams that could totally reframe the national conversation, this is your guide to the ACC's most fascinating roller coaster of teams. Which of these nine wild cards will exceed expectations? Which will fall flat? And how will their chaos impact the conference race? This is your deep dive into the craziest tier of the ACC. Timecodes: 3:38 - NC State Preview 12:43 - North Carolina Preview 21:52 - Duke Preview 28:03 - Virginia Tech Preview 35:05 - Florida State Preview 42:07 - Syracuse Preview 47:09 - Boston College Preview 52:21 - Cal Preview 59:34 - Virginia Preview 1:05:20 - Closing Thoughts Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's dive deep into the ACC's contenders and rebuilding projects in part two of our three-part conference preview. From Clemson's championship steam to Stanford's complete rebuild, we break down the teams at the top and bottom of the conference hierarchy. In this college football podcast episode, we debate whether Clemson is the clear conference favorite and discuss whether Cade Klubnik can take the next step. We examine Miami's Carson Beck experiment and defensive coordinator change, make the case for Pitt as a sleeper contender, and discuss SMU's inevitable step back after their magical 2024 run. Plus, we dive into Louisville's massive roster turnover, Georgia Tech's potential as a dangerous spoiler, and why both programs represent fascinating wild cards. We also look at Jake Dickert's fresh approach at Wake Forest and Stanford's complete overhaul with interim coach Frank Reich. Can Wake Forest find an offensive identity with Robbie Ashford? Will Stanford be competitive despite massive roster turnover? And which of these teams has the best chance to pull off an upset? This is your deep dive into the most compelling storylines at the top and bottom of the ACC heading into 2025. Timestamps: 3:23 - Clemson Preview 15:21 - Miami Preview 26:51 - Pitt Preview 35:30 - SMU Preview 41:44 - Louisville Preview 49:36 - Georgia Tech Preview 57:21 - Wake Forest Preview 1:03:56 - Stanford Preview Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the ACC with the first of our three-part conference preview and talk through our contender tiers, the biggest questions and storylines driving the narrative, and use ice cream and video games as a metaphor for the way the league sets up. From Clemson's title hopes to Miami's untapped Playoff hopes, we unpack what makes this conference so damn fascinating. In this college football podcast episode, we discuss why the ACC in 2025 feels like a grand experiment. We debate Clemson as the clear conference favorite, analyze the battle for second place and discuss Ty's surprise contender. Plus, we examine the coaching moves that will have an impact, from Bill Belichick at North Carolina to coordinator changes at Florida State, Virginia Tech and beyond. We also explore the volatility of the middle of the ACC, with nine teams that could easily go 4-8 or 8-4, debate which quarterback transfers will make the biggest impact, and wonder if it's safe to feel this good about Duke football. Also, is this Virginia Tech's make-or-break year? Can Syracuse survive their brutal schedule? And why does every team seem to have a Texas State transfer? Consider this your starter pack for navigating the beautiful chaos of the ACC football in 2025. Timestamps: 5:20 - Key Themes for the ACC 9:13 - The Contender Tier 14:12 - The "1B Tier" 23:39 - The Wildcard Tier 53:22 - "Don't Trust Anybody" 56:50 - 2025 ACC Predictions Support the show and get perks like ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, Discord access and much more: https://www.verballers.com _____ A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts Spotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify Amazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music Overcast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast Pocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts Podcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict CastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal Learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/about Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe. College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it! Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.