SportsIQ with Larry Smith

It’s Derby weekend, but not the one you’re used to. Larry Smith breaks down a historically cold Kentucky Derby, plus insider betting insight with TwinSpires analyst Kyle Hampton —who gives his top picks for both the Derby and Oaks. From track conditions to pace strategy, this is everything you need before placing a wager. Then, the focus shifts to the NFL Draft with Micah Warren . What did teams g...

Derby weekend is here, and we’re breaking it all down on SportsIQ. Larry Smith is joined by racing analyst Kevin Kilroy from Churchill Downs to preview the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks — from post position drama to betting insights and top contenders. We also take a look back at what could be the end of an era in Pittsburgh, as the Penguins’ legendary trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang m...

The NBA playoffs are heating up—and so are the debates. We break down a dominant stretch from LeBron James at age 41, as the Lakers push to close out their series and make a run despite key injuries. Lakers insider Ben Royer joins the show to talk Game 5 strategy, Austin Reaves’ potential return, and why this version of L.A. might be more dangerous than expected. Then, CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbush b...

The playoff intensity is rising across the NBA and NHL—and we’ve got it all covered. We break down a wild night in the NBA, including Orlando stunning Detroit with a 3–1 series lead, OKC cruising with a sweep, and Denver staying alive behind Nikola Jokić. Plus, a deep dive into the Hawks vs. Knicks series with Antwane Willis Jr. , who explains what Atlanta must do to survive a gritty, evenly match...

The 2026 NFL Draft is complete, and Larry breaks down the biggest takeaways—from team strategies and positional trends to surprising historical notes and the story behind this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant.” The show then shifts to college football as spring practice wraps and attention turns toward the fall, featuring a deep dive on the Oregon Ducks with Zac Neel of USA Today. The conversation covers co...

The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books—and it delivered plenty of surprises. From unexpected picks to shifting team strategies, Larry Smith and guests break down what stood out most, including the rise of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State’s dominance, and a few head-scratching decisions that could reshape franchises. Draft analyst Aryton Ostly joins the show to dive into quarterback...

It’s NFL Draft Day, and SportsIQ dives into the history, quirks, and stakes of one of the league’s biggest nights. From the very first draft in a Chicago hotel room to surprising Hall of Fame picks and forgotten names, Larry brings the kind of trivia that makes you the smartest fan in the room. Then, a major shift in college basketball: Syracuse turns the page with a new head coach and AD. Beat wr...

The New York Mets are spiraling, and it’s getting worse by the day. Larry Smith is joined by TJ French to break down a 12-game losing streak, questionable roster construction, and whether the damage is already done in April. Meanwhile, at age 41, LeBron James is putting together one of the most impressive playoff stretches of his career—carrying a depleted Lakers roster to a 2-0 series lead with e...

The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft continues as Walter Cheripensky joins the show for a deeper breakdown of this year’s class. From a thin quarterback group to the hidden value in running backs, receivers, and tight ends on Day 2, the conversation highlights where teams can still find impact players—and why offensive line depth could shape the entire draft. On the ice, the Stanley Cup Playoffs ar...

It’s NFL Draft week, but the buzz isn’t quite there—and Walter Cheripensky explains why. In a deep but top-light class, teams may be forced to make tough decisions, with limited blue-chip talent and fewer first-round grades than usual. We break down potential movers like Dallas, draft strategy, and why next year’s class could be far more loaded. Before that, the New York Mets are in serious troubl...

Spring football is heating up in Columbus, and Ohio State Buckeyes are once again under the microscope. Beat writer Stefan Krajisnik joins the show to break down a massive offseason overhaul, the impact of the transfer portal, and what to expect from a retooled roster chasing a national title. With new coordinators and a blend of youth and experience, the Buckeyes are navigating a new era of colle...

Steph Curry adds another chapter to his legendary career, leading the Warriors to a clutch play-in comeback and reminding everyone why he changed the game forever. We break down his impact, the evolving NBA style of play, and what’s next in the postseason picture. As the NHL playoffs approach, we head to Denver with Colorado Avalanche radio voice Conor McGahey . From President’s Trophy expectation...

The week rolls on with a packed episode of Sports IQ , covering everything from NBA late-game chaos to the looming Stanley Cup Playoffs and the ever-evolving world of college basketball. We start with a wild NBA Play-In finish as LaMelo Ball goes from goat to hero in seconds, helping the Hornets survive in dramatic fashion. The guys break down the impact of the Play-In tournament and why it contin...

The WNBA Draft takes center stage as a new wave of talent enters a rapidly evolving league. With expansion teams, record-breaking rookie salaries, and fresh roster strategies, the future of the W has never looked brighter. Scott Agness joins the show to break down key picks, team needs, and how franchises like Indiana and Washington are positioning themselves for the 2026 season. From there, we he...

Rory McIlroy adds another chapter to Masters history with a dramatic Sunday finish at Augusta, securing back-to-back green jackets and cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats. The guys break down the rollercoaster weekend, including Justin Rose’s tough loss and what it all means for the future of golf. Andrew Monaco , the voice of Texas A&M, joins the show to talk Aggie football h...

The sports calendar is in full sprint, and Sports IQ covers it all—NBA playoff storylines, NFL draft intrigue, and the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics. Larry Smith is joined by veteran NBA journalist Steve Bulpett to break down one of the season’s biggest surprises: the Boston Celtics staying competitive despite a major injury to Jayson Tatum—and how Jaylen Brown has elevated his game...

North Carolina makes a stunning move, hiring NBA champion coach Michael Malone to lead the Tar Heels—marking a major shift in college basketball’s evolving landscape. UNC beat writer Shelby Swanson joins the show to break down how the hire came together, why it almost didn’t happen, and what it means for the future of the program in the NIL era. Plus, Austin Nivison previews the upcoming Stanley C...

It’s a loaded midweek edition of Sports IQ as Larry Smith and the crew take you inside the biggest stories across golf, football, and sports history. With the The Masters set to tee off at Augusta National Golf Club, NBC’s Dan Hicks joins the show to break down the field, course conditions, and what makes this tournament a “tradition unlike any other.” From firm-and-fast greens to must-watch conte...

Michigan is back on top. The Wolverines capture the 2026 national championship, ending a long Big Ten drought and capping a remarkable turnaround under head coach Dusty May. The win also completes a historic year for the conference, with titles in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball all in the same season. As the college basketball season closes, the sports world shifts immediately...

Larry Smith recaps a packed Final Four weekend from Indianapolis and sets the stage for the national championship showdown between Michigan and UConn. With insights from bracket expert Jerry Palm , the conversation dives into Michigan’s dominant run, UConn’s dynasty-level consistency, and the key factors—like injuries and depth—that could decide the title. Plus, a historic moment in women’s colleg...

Live from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Larry Smith previews a wide-open Final Four featuring Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and UConn, with insights on parity in college basketball and what makes this year’s field unique. USA Today NFL Trending Reporter Aryton Ostly joins the show to break down the latest draft storylines, including quarterback movement, under-the-radar prospects, and how rost...

It’s Friday Eve on Sports IQ, and we’re locked in on Final Four weekend. Larry Smith breaks down the latest headlines across college basketball, including Bill Self returning to Kansas, key injuries to watch heading into Indianapolis, and why this year’s tournament path feels different in today’s college sports landscape. We’re joined by Eric Hansen of BlueandGold.com for a deep dive into Notre Da...

Final Four week is here, and Sports IQ breaks down everything you need to know heading into Indianapolis. Larry Smith reflects on the spectacle of the Final Four—from his personal experiences covering the event to what makes this weekend unlike anything else in sports. With powerhouse programs like UConn, Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois in the mix, this year’s championship chase is wide open. The...

The Final Four is set, and Sports IQ dives into what makes this year’s field so compelling. Larry opens with the latest headlines, including the Women’s Final Four being finalized, NFL news on the 2029 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, and the league’s new push into professional flag football. From there, the focus shifts to March basketball, where seeding, momentum, and timing are once again shaping the r...

March Madness delivers again — and this time, it’s absolute chaos. In this episode of Sports IQ with Larry Smith , we break down a wild NCAA Tournament weekend as the Final Four is officially set. From Duke Blue Devils blowing a 19-point lead to UConn Huskies draining a miracle buzzer-beater, to Michigan Wolverines dominating their way back to the Final Four — this tournament has had everything. W...