Next Up with Adam Breneman

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles opens up about his journey to Happy Valley and what it means to coach at the school he grew up idolizing. From his first impressions of the Penn State culture to the fast-moving process that led him to take the job, Knowles brings you inside the mindset of one of college football’s top defensive minds. He b...

In this episode of Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with Nate Burleson — former NFL star turned Emmy-winning TV host and entrepreneur. Nate opens up about how he built a second career even bigger than his first: the struggles of life after football, finding his voice in media, navigating self-doubt, investing smartly, launching new businesses, and why preparation is the secret weapon to success on...

James Franklin has been the face of Penn State football for over a decade, but this may be his most revealing interview yet. In this episode, Adam Breneman sits down with Coach Franklin to talk about the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal, why players are staying at Penn State, and how he landed top defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. They dive deep into leadership, culture, and what it’ll t...

Penn State’s offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is one of the most creative minds in college football. In this episode, we dive deep into his offensive philosophy, how he’s developing Drew Allar into a future star, and the culture shift happening inside the Penn State football building. Kotelnicki opens up about why he left Lance Leipold after 11 years, what it was like getting hired by James F...

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, presented by Teamworks, USC General Manager Chad Bowden joins the show for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a national powerhouse football program. Chad shares how he made the decision to leave Notre Dame and join Lincoln Riley at USC in just 24 hours, and why he believes California is home to the best high school football tal...

Duke Head Coach Manny Diaz joins Adam Breneman for an in-depth conversation about his coaching journey, leadership philosophy, and the challenges of building a winning program in today’s college football landscape. From getting fired at Texas in 2013 to leading Miami and coordinating one of the nation’s top defenses at Penn State, Diaz has seen it all. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge at Duke,...

Wake Forest football is entering a new era under Head Coach Jake Dickert, and in this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, he opens up about the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a Power 4 program. From his first team meeting to the culture he’s building, Coach Dickert shares what it takes to win in today’s college football landscape. He talks about the unconventional path that...

Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman joins Adam Breneman for a raw and insightful conversation about his journey to leading one of college football’s most storied programs. He shares what it was like stepping into the role, the whirlwind 72 hours that changed his life, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Freeman opens up about the challenges of being a head coach, the adversity he faced in...

Wake Forest Athletic Director John Currie joins Adam Breneman for a candid conversation on the future of college sports, the rapid changes in NIL and revenue sharing, and how Wake Forest is positioning itself for long-term success. Currie dives into what it’s really like to be a Power 4 AD, how he approaches hiring coaches, and why Wake Forest has become the fastest-growing fan base in the Power 5...

In this episode, Memphis Head Coach Ryan Silverfield takes us inside his journey—from getting the head coaching job to building a sustainable winning culture. We discuss the lessons he’s learned, key coaching philosophies, and how Memphis continues to compete at a high level. We dive into his biggest surprises as a head coach, the advantages of being promoted from within, and the moment he found o...

In this exclusive interview, Michigan Football Head Coach Sherrone Moore shares his incredible journey from graduate assistant to leading one of the most storied programs in college football. He opens up about the moment he got the head coaching job, the lessons he learned from Jim Harbaugh, and the challenges of stepping into this high-profile role. Coach Moore breaks down his approach to recruit...

Tim Pernetti, Commissioner of the American Conference, joins me for an unfiltered conversation about the future of college football, conference realignment, NIL, media rights, and the business behind the game.  From leading Rutgers’ move to the Big Ten to reshaping the American Conference, Tim has been at the center of some of the biggest decisions in college athletics. In this episode, he shares...

The Pac-12 Conference has faced one of the most challenging periods in its history, but what happens next? In this interview, I sit down with Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould to discuss the conference’s survival, media rights, expansion, and the future of the Pac-12. She shares what it was like stepping into leadership during such a critical time, the tough decisions she’s had to make, and her vis...

In this candid and inspiring conversation, Adam sits down with Arizona State Head Football Coach Kenny Dillingham. We dive deep into his journey to becoming one of the youngest head coaches in college football, the challenges of building a winning program, and his philosophies on recruiting, culture, and leadership. Coach Dillingham shares incredible stories, lessons learned, and a look into the f...

Next Up is back and now part of Front Office Sports.  In the first edition of the new Next Up, Johnny Manziel opens up about his remarkable journey through football and beyond. From his breakout moment at Texas A&M to winning the Heisman Trophy and navigating the chaos of the NFL, Johnny shares stories, including his draft night experience and the challenges of adjusting to pro football schemes. H...

Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley joins Adam Breneman on today’s episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, Locksley opens up on success at Maryland and his ultimate goal of winning a national championship.. Having worked worked for legendary head coaches Nick Saban and Urban Meyer, Locksley gives insight into his career decisions that led him back to Maryland and shaped him as a head coach....

Akron Head Coach Joe Moorhead joins Adam Breneman on today’s episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, Moorhead opens up on stories from Penn State, success & adversity at Mississippi State. As a successful Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator, Moorhead shares his take on the important metrics of offensive football, new helmet communication with QB's, recruiting, and the landscape of college...

USC Safety Kamari Ramsey joins Adam Breneman on today’s episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, Kamari Ramsey discusses his decision to transfer from UCLA to USC and how the adjustment has been so far. Kamari also sheds some light on what D’Anton Lynn’s defensive scheme will look like in 2024, embracing a leadership role for the Trojans, and much more. PRIZEPICKS: Get a $100 Sign Up Bonus...

Alabama Football Offensive Coordinator Nick Sheridan joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, Coach Nick Sheridan opens up about his adjustment to Alabama and his plans for the Crimson Tide offense. Coach Sheridan also talks about his relationship with Jalen Milroe and Kalen DeBoer, his offensive scheme, how he evaluates talent and offensive efficiency, and m...

USC Football Co-Defensive Coordinator Eric Henderson joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. Coach Eric Henderson opens up about his transition from the NFL to college football in this exclusive interview. Eric talks about how he plans to help turn around USC's defense, some of the lessons he learned from Sean McVay and Aaron Donald during his time with the Rams, USC's recruiting strate...

USC Football Defensive Coordinator D'Anton Lynn joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, D'Anton Lynn opens up about his plans to rewrite the narrative surrounding USC's Defense. Coach Lynn touches on his defensive scheme and approach to play-calling, the defensive culture he's building with the Trojans, Lincoln Riley and much more. PRIZEPICKS: Get a $100 Sig...

USC Football WR Zachariah Branch joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, Zachariah Branch reflects back on his All-American season with USC last season and explains what USC fans can expect from Lincoln Riley's offense in 2024 with Miller Moss leading the way. Zachariah Branch also talks about playing alongside Caleb Williams, his recruiting process, why he...

Alabama Football Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. Kane Wommack opens up about his coaching journey and in his decision to become Alabama's Defensive Coordinator in this exclusive interview. Coach Wommack also talks about his defensive scheme and philosophy, how he intends to uphold Nick Saban's standard at Alabama and much much more. PRIZEPICKS:...

USC Football QB Miller Moss joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. In this exclusive interview, Miller Moss opens up about the adversity he's faced throughout his time at USC and how he's managed to overcome it. Miller also talks about the challenge of replacing Caleb Williams, what it's like playing QB for Lincoln Riley, his approach to leadership, how he navigates the bright lights o...

Alabama Football QB Jalen Milroe joins Adam Breneman on today's episode of Next Up. Jalen Milroe opens up in this exclusive interview, diving deep into the adversity he's faced in life and his football career, his Heisman hopes for next season, what Alabama fans can expect from Kalen DeBoer's new offense, the differing coaching styles between Kalen DeBoer and Nick Saban, and much much more. PRIZEP...