College Football Enquirer

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Bonus Episode: LSU fires Brian Kelly Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

LSU has fired head coach Brian Kelly! This morning's episode of College Football Enquirer had Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey discussing that they knew this move was imminent, but it did not seem like it would happen today. Well, things moved much quicker than expected and LSU's head coach is out of a job, but is owed a $53 million buyout. The guys discuss how this turned so quickly today, and what went wrong in Kelly's four seasons in Baton Rouge. Where does LSU go from here, and how desirable is this head coaching job?

Be sure to check out this morning's episode for a full Week 9 recap on College Football Enquirer.

(1:02) - Explaining today's events that led to Kelly's firing

(21:57) - How to sell the LSU job to coaching candidates

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Week 9 recap: Is Brian Kelly done at LSU? + Looking at CFP races across conferences Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

Week 9 is in the books, and as is the theme of the last couple of weeks, there are rumblings about a coaching change at another big name school. Nothing has happened yet, but the writing seems to be on the wall for LSU's Brian Kelly after #20 LSU lost at home to #3 Texas A&M 49-25. Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey discuss what is going on in Baton Rouge and talk about when they think the move will be made. Then they talk about Mike Elko's Texas A&M team and the turnaround they've had in such a short time. The guys also discuss if #8 Ole Miss has clinched their spot in the College Football Playoff, #2 Indiana's dominant win over UCLA and #4 Alabama's continued struggles against unranked teams.

Later, Andy, Ross and Godfrey chat about the strange situation that occurred before #22 Texas' 45-38 victory over Mississippi State. A report was put out that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is interested in pursuing NFL head coaching opportunities. This report was quickly shut down by Sarkisian's camp. The guys discuss what was so odd about this situation. Then they dive into Texas' victory, Arch Manning's concussion and next week's matchup with #10 Vanderbilt. They also dive into the tightly contested race for the Group of Five bid for the CFP. After Memphis took down #18 South Florida on Saturday, the guys discuss who looks to be the favorite to come out of the Group of Five. There is a lot of confidence in the American Conference.

Then, they look at the race of a different conference. The Big 12 conference to be specific. The guys break down this tightly contested race and chat about who they think could be standing atop of the Big 12 mountain top come the end of the regular season. Lastly, they preview Week 10's slate and the games that are already playoff elimination games.

Wrap-up Week 9 with the College Football Enquirer.

(1:05) - Brian Kelly's fate after LSU's loss to Texas A&M

(17:40) - Has Ole Miss clinched a CFP spot?

(23:42) - Alabama's struggles with unranked opponents

(24:53) - Indiana continues to dominate

(27:13) - Steve Sarkisian NFL report

(32:43) - Discussing Texas' Week 10 matchup with Vanderbilt

(37:40) - Who is the best Group of Five team?

(45:18) - Who will win the Big 12?

(57:06) - Week 10 playoff elimination games

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Week 9 Preview: Michigan's rivalry game before "The Game" + Jimbo Fisher wants back into college football Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Michigan is involved in one of the biggest rivalries in college football, but that game is not played until the end of the season. However, to make "The Game" mean even more, they have to get through their in-state rival on Saturday as #25 Michigan visits Michigan State. Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey dive into what has happened to Michigan State over the years to diminish this rivalry. They look at the tenure of Jonathan Smith in East Lansing and then they chat about how Michigan's future schedule shapes up leading into their matchup with #1 Ohio State. Will Ohio State's lack of challenging games this season come back to bite them? Plus, there was breaking news Thursday morning in the NBA with Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier getting arrested for separate gambling investigations. The guys chat about this and what impact gambling issues could have on the future of college football.

Later, Andy, Ross and Godfrey chat about a couple of National Championship winning coaches who want back into college football. Jimbo Fisher and Ed Orgeron want to return to the sidelines. The guys discuss how realistic this desire is and how it can be accomplished.

Then, Ross gives an update in Ross' Congressional Minute on the SCORE Act and the Big Ten's private equity discussions. Lastly, it's time for I've Got A Feeling as the guys make their picks. Michigan, Mississippi State & North Dakota State are who the guys are taking this week.

Get ready for Week 9 with College Football Enquirer.

(1:01) - Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested

(6:01) - Gambling impact on college football

(10:30) - #25 Michigan @ Michigan State preview

(18:12) - Michigan's schedule leading up to Ohio State

(26:40) - Jimbo Fisher and Ed Orgeron want back into college football

(43:39) - Ross' Congressional Minute

(48:05) - I've Got A Feeling

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Coaching Carousel: Who is on the move next? + Mid-season awards Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

The coaching carousel continues to spin as more and more coaches continue to be let go this season. With some big name schools having vacancies already, and more appear to be coming in the near future, Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey look at who are some of the top candidates around the country. Could coaches like Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin and Vanderbilt's Clark Lea look to move elsewhere, or are they comfortable right where they are? Plus, who are some of the top names from the Group of Five coaching ranks? Where might coaches like Jon Sumrall and Bob Chesney land?

Later, the guys dive into what games might kick the coaching carousel into overdrive this week. What impact could #8 Ole Miss at #13 Oklahoma have on both Lane Kiffin and Brent Venables coaching tenures next season? Will #20 LSU and Auburn's games on Saturday be the final games for both Brian Kelly and Hugh Freeze?

Then, it's time for some mid-season awards. First, Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss who is in the lead for the Heisman. Will Alabama's Ty Simpson take it, or can Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia claim the coveted award? The next question has the crew deciding what team could be a real contender if they get some more NIL. The answers span across the country as the guys discuss Arizona State, South Florida, Vanderbilt and Northwestern. The final question is one that has us looking to the end of the year. Who will be the last four teams standing in the College Football Playoff? More than four schools get a vote as the guys can see a final four that has Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon and Indiana in it. Plus, some sleeper picks with Georgia Tech and Texas A&M.

Come get an inside look at what the second half of the college football season has in store on College Football Insider.

(3:36) - Florida State and Wisconsin's statements on their head coaches' futures

(8:17) - Who are the top head coach prospects?

(11:22) - Where might Jon Sumrall land?

(14:10) - Where could Alex Golesh go?

(16:21) - Could Dan Mullen be on the move?

(18:15) - Who might want Eric Morris?

(20:04) - Could Jim Mora leave UConn?

(21:19) - Where would Bob Chesney be a fit?

(28:10) - Will Clark Lea leave Vanderbilt?

(33:19) - Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss?

(39:06) - What other coaches may be on the move?

(42:06) - Games this weekend that may impact coaching futures

(49:13) - Mid-season Heisman

(51:27) - Who could be good with better NIL?

(57:00) - Predicting the CFP final four teams

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Florida fires Billy Napier! + Miami & Texas Tech get upset & full Week 8 recap Oct 19, 2025

Show notes

For the second week in a row a marquee head coaching job has opened up. Florida fired Billy Napier on Sunday after managing just a 22-23 record in four seasons. This happened after the full show was recorded, so you will only hear Andy Staples and Steven Godfrey breaking down the news and looking at who Florida will look to next. More Napier conversation is had later in the show where the guys correctly predicted that he would be fired today.

Then, Ross Dellenger joins the crew as the guys breakdown Week 8. They look at the big matchup in South Bend that saw #13 Notre Dame handle #20 USC 34-24. They also talk about the impact this win has on #2 Miami, who was upset by Louisville 24-21 on Friday. Is Miami still the favorite in the ACC? How does Notre Dame's success affect Miami's CFP chances? The guys also discuss what is happening in Baton Rouge. Is Brian Kelly on his way out after #10 LSU's loss to #17 Vanderbilt this weekend?

Later, they discuss what other coaches may be out of a job soon. In addition to Kelly, and the now-fired Napier, they discuss if Florida State's Mike Norvell and Auburn's Hugh Freeze are close to meeting the same fate as some of their other colleagues across the country. The guys finish up by covering the rest of a packed Saturday. They jump around college football and give their thoughts on a variety of games from the weekend. They look at UCLA, UAB, Oklahoma, Texas and so many more!

Get your Week 8 recap here at the College Football Enquirer.

(0:00) - Florida fires Billy Napier

(5:01) - Who should Florida look at next?

(17:10) - Notre Dame defeats USC

(20:20) - Is Miami still the ACC favorite?

(23:09) - Arizona State upsets Texas Tech

(25:14) - Georgia takes down Ole Miss

(29:23) - Will Brian Kelly be fired after Vanderbilt defeats LSU?

(42:02) - Will Mike Norvell be fired after Florida State's loss to Stanford?

(48:17) - Billy Napier and Florida

(57:56) - Recapping the rest of the weekend

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Week 8 preview: Playoff hopes on the line for USC vs. Notre Dame + Top 25 SEC matchups Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Week 8 is here, and with just over half of the season gone, there is already a matchup with playoff implications on the line. #13 Notre Dame plays host to #20 USC for another chapter of this storied rivalry. With Notre Dame already having two losses, a third loss would all but eliminate them from playoff contention. USC has a tough stretch of Big Ten games to end the season, so a loss to Notre Dame would make their playoff chances even less-likely. Ross Dellenger returns to join Andy Staples and Steven Godfrey to discuss this matchup and who they think will come out victorious.

Later, there are multiple Top 25 matchups in the SEC on Saturday. You will get to watch them all back-to-back-to-back starting at noon eastern with #10 LSU visiting #17 Vanderbilt. #5 Ole Miss at #9 Georgia is the game that follows, and the night finishes up with #11 Tennessee visiting #6 Alabama. Can Ole Miss take down Georgia again? Can Diego Pavia keep Vandy on a playoff track? Is Alabama poised to win the SEC? The guys discuss all of these topics and more as they preview each matchup.

Finally, the guys make their picks in I've Got A Feeling. Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Hawai'i are the picks for this week. Plus, they take a quick look at some other games on Saturday. The Holy War, #23 Utah at #15 BYU, and Washington at Michigan.

All of this and more to get you ready for Week 8 on College Football Enquirer.

(1:32) - USC & Notre Dame playoff hopes on the line

(23:53) - #5 Ole Miss at #9 Georgia preview

(35:15) - #10 LSU at #17 Vanderbilt preview

(42:46) - #11 Tennessee at #6 Alabama preview

(49:10) - I've Got A Feeling

(53:05) - Holy War preview: #23 Utah at #15 BYU

(56:00) - Kansas & Texas Tech pocket knife drama

(59:15) - Washington at Michigan preview

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Who should replace James Franklin at Penn State? + Texas Tech's investment paying off & CFP predictions Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Happy Valley is not so happy as of late. Preseason expectations of a deep CFP seem to be of a distant past after the firing of James Franklin on Sunday. Andy Staples and Steven Godfrey dive into how Penn State fell so fast and what led to the firing of a head coach whose team was ranked #3 just three weeks ago. Then the guys look at who Penn State should look to hire to be their new head coach. Should they try to poach big names like Alabama's Kalen DeBoer or Nebraska's Matt Rhule, or should they look at one of the hot new names like Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein or Syracuse head coach Fran Brown? The guys discuss what options are on the table.

Later, there are more hurdles to now jump over for the Big Ten's attempt to get a private equity deal done. In Ross Dellenger's latest article, he explains why USC is now against signing a private equity deal. Ross is out today, but Andy and Godfrey break down what all is going on and if the Big Ten will, or even should, ever get a private equity deal done.

Finally, the guys discuss a few notable topics from what we've been seeing on the field. First, they dive into the massive success, thus far, of Texas Tech. After an expensive offseason, it seems that all of the NIL investment is paying off. The Red Raiders are ranked seventh in the country and are currently undefeated going into Week 8. Andy and Godfrey discuss if they will face any hurdles in the Big 12, or if Texas Tech is going to run away with the conference. Then, they keep up the CFP talk but shift to a conference that will be fighting for a bid. The American Conference has been impressive this year, and the guys are convinced the winner of this conference will head to the CFP, but the question is who will that be? Four teams sit at the top with undefeated conference records currently. Navy, #22 Memphis, #19 USF and Tulane. Who will come away with the title and probably a CFP berth?

All of this and more on today's College Football Enquirer.

(1:28) - What led to James Franklin's firing?

(9:52) - Who should Penn State look to hire?

(29:19) - The Big Ten's latest private equity issue in Southern California

(44:43) - Texas Tech's Big 12 dominance

(51:53) - The American Conference to the CFP?

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Penn State fires James Franklin, Indiana earns statement win vs. Oregon & Kirby Smart's controversial 'clapping' Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey react to the biggest college football games from Week 7, starting with James Franklin who was fired as Penn State head coach after a loss to Northwestern. Elsewhere in the Big 10, Indiana silenced critics by storming into Eugene and dismantling Oregon.

In the SEC, the trio breaks down officiating drama that plagued the Auburn vs. Georgia matchup including a controversial fumble call and Kirby Smart convincing officials his calling for a timeout was simply him clapping on the sideline. Andy, Ross & Steven also talk about Texas A&M’s resurgence under Mike Elko and the uncertain future of Billy Napier at Florida.

(0:44) James Franklin fired as Penn State head coach

(12:34) Indiana upsets Oregon on the road

(21:42) Penn State loses to Northwestern

(27:50) How can teams deal with coach contract buyouts?

(39:57) SEC officiating controversy in Georgia vs. Auburn

(53:06) Alabama holds off potential Missouri upset

(58:39) Texas beats Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry

(1:03:27) Texas A&M tops Florida, what now for Napier?

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Battle of the undefeated: #7 Indiana vs. #3 Oregon & Ohio State's historic defense + previewing Week 7 Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Week 7 is here and it is a big week for the Big Ten's undefeated teams. The premiere matchup on Saturday will be #7 Indiana visiting #3 Oregon. Both teams are coming off of a bye following close games the week prior. Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey discuss this matchup and debate who they think holds the advantage. It will be a matchup of two top coaches in college football alongside two of the premiere quarterbacks in the game. The teams appear to be pretty evenly matched, but who will come out on top? Then the discussion shifts to the top team in the nation as #1 Ohio State takes a visit to #17 Illinois this weekend. Ohio State's defense is on pace to be historically dominant behind All-American safety Caleb Downs. Ross talks about his interview with Downs and his takeaways from that chat. The guys then discuss what Ohio State's road to the playoff looks like. Also, they discuss #15 Michigan paying a visit to USC. It appears the fans of both teams are starting to grow a little restless with their head coaches and Andy thinks that the fans of the losing team may start to jump ship.

Later, we briefly step away from talking games because there is some important college football news to discuss as well. To start, Ross' shares his Congressional Minute providing updates on the SCORE and SAFE Acts. This is followed by the guys discussing the latest issue with the College Sports Commission and the new, single transfer portal window officially being announced. Then, they break down the latest drama in North Carolina. There was a lot of false information on Wednesday about Bill Belichick potentially stepping down, but who started the rumors and how did this all go so wrong for North Carolina?

Finally, the guys make their picks for this week's I've Got A Feeling. Oklahoma, Clemson and San Diego State are who they are riding with this week.

Get ready for Week 7 with the College Football Enquirer.

(1:27) - #3 Oregon hosts #7 Indiana

(13:18) - Caleb Downs and #1 Ohio State's dominant defense

(22:29) - #15 Michigan visits USC

(29:22) - Ross' Congressional Minute

(31:05) - Impact of Private Equity in college athletics

(36:46) - New official transfer portal window

(40:34) - Latest issue with the College Sports Commission

(47:04) - The latest drama in North Carolina

(56:10) - I've Got A Feeling

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Make-or-break weekend for Texas, LSU & more SEC teams + Breaking down the Paul Finebaum controversy Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

The college football season is about halfway over and there are a lot of teams' seasons that are sitting in the middle of catastrophe and staying in the College Football Playoff hunt. Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey discuss which of these teams may survive and who may be looking for a new coach at the end of the year. Does the losing coach of LSU and South Carolina have to be concerned for his job after so much preseason hype? Is the loser of Texas and Oklahoma eliminated them from CFP contention, or would Oklahoma be able to survive a loss? Will Hugh Freeze be out with a loss to Georgia?

Later, a major controversy was the talk of the sports media world yesterday and today the guys discuss. The controversy surrounded Paul Finebaum's absence on ESPN after his interview with Clay Travis, where Finebaum spoke about potential interest in running for Republican Senate in Alabama. Monday, Travis claimed Finebaum was banned from the ESPN main network after not seeing Finebaum on any of the usual shows he is on over the last week. ESPN denied any truth to this and then speculation began. Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss what all seems to be happening and if there appears to be any truth or if this all may be designed to drum up controversy.

*Disclaimer: This conversation was recorded before any confirmation of Finebaum appearing on ESPN on Tuesday morning.

Finally, in the new world of NIL and college football, some teams and conferences were bound to fall behind. Steven Godfrey discusses the difficulties the Group of Five teams are having in this new world. He and Andy chat about the concept of some schools dropping down to FCS, or to D-2, and how that may be better than struggling in the Division 1 landscape.

Get your week rolling with College Football Enquirer.

(2:02) - What will determine the LSU & South Carolina coaches' job safety?

(6:59) - Are Texas & Oklahoma eliminated with a loss on Saturday?

(13:07) - Will Hugh Freeze be out at Auburn with a loss to Georgia?

(24:33) - Paul Finebaum controversy

(42:37) - Surviving in the Group of Five

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