Locked On College Football

The ACC, somewhat unexpectedly, got 2 teams into the Playoff last year with SMU at 11-2 and Clemson the champ at 10-3. Can they or the Big 12 pull that off in 2025? On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by Kansas WR and Alabama transfer Emannuel (Eman) Henderson. The Jayhawks' top source of optimism in the Big 12 starts with their HC and QB. San Diego State...

SEC football shakeup: AP Poll surprises and bold predictions for 2023. Is Texas really the "new Alabama"? Chris Gordy and the SEC Squad break down the latest AP Poll rankings, questioning placements of Missouri, Indiana, and Tennessee. The hosts dissect a controversial article comparing Texas to Alabama, sparking heated debate about the Longhorns' true potential. Key topics include Georgia's home...

Big 12 football shakeup: AP poll surprises and gambling scandal rock Oklahoma. Is a true freshman about to make BYU history? Experts break down the unexpected AP poll rankings, questioning Utah's inclusion and Oklahoma State's absence. The John Matier controversy at Oklahoma takes center stage, sparking debate on gambling in college sports. Quarterback battles heat up across the conference, with B...

Big Ten football faces SEC dominance in AP Top 25. Can the conference prove its worth on the field? Hosts dissect perceived SEC bias in rankings, with 10 SEC teams vs 6 Big Ten squads making the cut. The panel explores potential Big Ten expansion targets, weighing academic fit and competitive balance. Fall camp updates reveal key position battles and injury concerns across the conference. Spencer...

Miami enters year 4 under Mario Cristobal and some like FOX Sports' Joel Klatt think they must make the Playoff to succeed this year. That's not quite the case. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin lays out why Louisville is an underrated Playoff contender. The Cardinals' schedule for Jeff Brohm works out very nicely. Spencer and 'Locked On Utes' host JT Wistrcill c...

The AP Poll overrated SEC teams like Florida and Oklahoma by a lot, while underrating Texas Tech in the Big 12. Is that a problem for the Big 12's Playoff efforts? On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughliln and 'Locked On Ole Miss' host Steven Willis discuss the Rebels' outlook in 2025. Should Lane Kiffin be trusted to get the most out of a roster that isn't quite as tal...

The Pac-12 and the Mountain West are going to court amidst the Pac-12 seeking its media rights deal and a potential 9th football member. Does the outcome matter? On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and 'Locked On Cougs' host Parker Ainsworth discuss whether Willie Fritz can take another step forward this year. Houston could make noise with a favorable schedule. Pur...

Texas Tech is investing huge sums of money to gain relevance in college football. The results are paying off on the trail and they can separate in the Big 12. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin predicts how South Carolina's 2025 season will unfold with big expectations. The Gamecocks can be right where they were last year--but what about getting to 10 wins? Ohio S...

Brent Venables' defense has improved during his time in Norman, but the results on the field still took a step back last year. He must win or the Sooners should fire him. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by Washington State radio analyst and former Cougars QB Alex Brink. Jimmy Rogers' team in Pullman is one of the great enigmas in all of college footba...

College football's preseason rankings spark heated debate. Is Texas truly deserving of the top spot, or are the polls missing the mark? Chris Gordy and the SEC Squad dive into the controversial coaches poll, dissecting Oklahoma's grueling schedule and questioning Georgia's fourth-place ranking. The hosts analyze pivotal week one matchups, including Auburn's daunting trip to Baylor and LSU's clash...

Big 12 football faces an uphill battle for respect. Can the conference overcome media bias and scheduling challenges to earn a spot among college football's elite? Drake and the squad dissect the USA Today coaches poll, questioning Big 12 team rankings and omissions. The panel debates SEC quarterback talent, analyzes Big 12 perception problems, and proposes strategies for boosting the conference's...

Big Ten football's future stars take center stage. Who will lead the conference in passing, rushing, and receiving? Spencer McLaughlin and a panel of college football experts break down the top contenders for statistical dominance. From Ohio State's Julian Sayin drawing Dwayne Haskins comparisons to Oregon's Makai Hughes as a potential rushing leader, the discussion covers every angle. Dark horse...

ACC football shakeup: Clemson's 16-0 dream, sleeper teams emerge, and coaches poll controversy. Is Dabo Swinney's bold prediction realistic? Host Alex Dono and guests Jackson Holzer and J.J. Jackson break down Clemson Tigers' path to perfection, analyzing key matchups against LSU and South Carolina. The trio identifies potential ACC sleepers, with North Carolina and Virginia Tech under the microsc...

BYU's magical 9-0 start to last season fizzled at the end to see them miss the Big 12 title game and College Football Playoff. The Cougars won't be in that spot again. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and 'Locked On Utes' host JT Wistrcill discuss whether Utah should be believed as a Big 12 title contender. Kyle Whittingham just might have the right tools this t...

Tennessee had a shockingly noisy offseason when QB Nico Iamaleava departed for UCLA. The Vols made the right move, but expectations for 2025 should be tempered.  On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses the expectations of a sleeping giant (ish) in the ACC: Virginia Tech. The Hokies were a huge letdown team in 2024, and have serious questions for 2025. Iowa en...

The 2025 Coaches' Poll was released and the SEC has 4 teams inside the Top 10. That's not the egregious part--Tennessee and Florida have no business being Top 20. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses the Big 12 Championship race. TCU should not be overlooked as a potential contender. Cal is STILL seeking to climb out of the middle of the conference standin...

Florida former 5-star QB DJ Lagway has reportedly returned to practice after battling an injury. If he can't stay healthy, Billy Napier might not remain employed by the Gators. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin lays out why Georgia Tech is primed to pop this year under HC Brent Key. Haynes King has to step up, but they could resemble Notre Dame from 2024 at their...

The Pac-12 announced CBS as one of its primary media partners weeks ago, but has been quiet since. How concerning is that as they seek a few goals in the deal? On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by Carter Bahns of CBS Sports. Oregon State could be gearing up for a Playoff push in 2026 if 2025 goes according to plan. Texas A&M started 8-2 in 2024 before l...

SEC football predictions heat up as experts forecast 10-win seasons. Which teams will rise to the challenge in a fiercely competitive conference? Top analysts from Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Vanderbilt break down their teams' paths to success. The discussion covers crucial matchups, potential upsets, and players to watch in fall camp. Caleb Odom's move to tight end at Ole Miss and...

Conference realignment shakes up college football landscape. North Carolina eyes SEC move, Miami ponders Big 12 jump. What's next for the ACC? Drake and the Big 12 Squad break down potential conference shifts, analyzing financial motivations and brand impacts. The hosts explore ACC teams as expansion targets, weighing geographic fit and rivalries. Deion Sanders' dramatic health journey and coachin...

Big Ten football shakeup: Oregon's debut season under the microscope. Will the Ducks soar or stumble in their new conference? Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On crew dissect the top 100 college football players, questioning Big Ten representation and debating surprising inclusions. The hosts analyze Oregon's challenging 10.5-win total, breaking down key matchups against Penn State, USC, and Wash...

ACC football shakeup looms as UNC eyes SEC move. Will this trigger a conference realignment domino effect? Hosts Jackson Holzer, Kenton Gibbs, and Morgan Thomas dissect the potential impact of UNC joining the SEC on ACC football. They explore the ripple effects on rivalries, finances, and team dynamics. The discussion shifts to a bold proposal: an ACC-Big 12 merger as a strategic response to confe...

Texas Tech has invested to bring in a top 3 transfer portal class in the country coming off an 8-win season. The Red Raiders have the tools to make the B12 title game. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin predicts how LSU's season will go under Brian Kelly. The Tigers need to make the Playoff--and they should. Penn State enters 2024 with lofty expectations, and thos...

Realignment has created mega conferences that create issues in college football, including unbalanced league scheduling. What's the right fix on the conference front? On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by Josh Pate of CBS Sports and 'Josh Pate's College Football Show'. He shares his thoughts on scheduling in college football, and how Indiana's Curt Cigne...

Miami came up 1 game short of the Playoff last year with a late season upset at Syracuse. Mario Cristobal's Hurricanes will miss having Cam Ward and miss the playoff. On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and 'Locked On Bruins' host Zach Anderson-Yoxsimer to predict UCLA's record this year. The schedule does not set up well for transfer QB Nico Iamaleava. Kansas Stat...