Locked On College Football

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BISON UPRISING? North Dakota State’s Expansion to Mountain West COULD See Year 1 Success for Bison Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

North Dakota State's first schedule in the Mountain West as a football-only member has been unveiled. How reasonable is a conference title push for the Bison?

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses the lawsuit being brought by Virginia QB Chandler Morris against the NCAA. He should not win to play a 7th year of college football.

The Cincinnati Bearkats surged in the Big 12 to begin 2025 only to fall off in the 2nd half and lose their QB, Brendan Sorsby, to Texas Tech. Are they bound for the bottom of the league?

00:00 North Dakota State Playoff Dreams

05:21 North Dakota State's Measuring Stick

07:39 Mountain West Rankings Debate

19:04 5-Year Eligibility Limit Debate

21:23 Big 12 Chaos and Eligibility Debate

25:00 Cincinnati's Dire Season Predictio"

27:19 Big 12 Outlook and Predictions

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Mazda
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Jeff Monken's Army-Navy College Football Playoff Proposal SAVES College Football’s BROKEN Calendar? | Targeting Rule Changes Inbound? | Jimmy Rogers Bold Iowa State Statement Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Army head coach Jeff Monken’s forward-thinking proposal ignites a conversation about the future of college football’s postseason. Monken’s willingness to move the iconic Army-Navy game to Thanksgiving weekend puts the nation’s values—duty, honor, country—front and center while challenging tradition for the greater good of the sport. Jake Hatch unpacks how this shift could open the door to an earlier college football playoff, potentially resolving the chaos caused by overlapping transfer portal windows and a championship game that drags deep into January. With Monken envisioning a one-semester season ending around New Year’s, the episode asks: Is college football ready to trade nostalgia for progress, and could this fix the broken calendar that frustrates athletes, coaches, and fans alike?

Controversy isn’t limited to scheduling. Hatch tackles the ongoing debate over the targeting rule—a hot-button issue that has left star players sidelined during pivotal games. Recent high-profile suspensions, including Xavier Lucas missing a national title half, highlight flaws in punitive measures for second-half ejections. Should the NCAA scrap the carryover penalties and finally treat in-game incidents independently? The proposal for a two-tier system—akin to basketball’s flagrant fouls—offers intriguing possibilities but poses questions about subjective officiating and legal liability. As uniform standards stir debate, particularly the “biker shorts” phenomenon, college football’s rules committees grapple with both player safety and tradition. Will reforms finally bring clarity and fairness, or will controversy continue to reign on Saturdays?

The episode shifts to Big 12 football, spotlighting Iowa State’s new head coach Jimmy Rogers and his fearless promise: The Cyclones won’t finish 16th in the conference. Facing the massive challenge of rebuilding amid roster attrition after Matt Campbell’s departure to Penn State, Rogers has rapidly filled 103 out of 105 slots, leveraging recruiting and transfer portal magic. Can his winning pedigree translate in a league defined by unpredictability? With BYU, Texas Tech, and Utah all vying for “blue blood” status, and past underdogs like West Virginia and Arizona State showing what is possible, the discussion explores whether Rogers can replicate prior Cinderella stories. Is 6-6 a successful season for Iowa State, and which Big 12 program has the ambition—and resources—to rise to the top? Get ready for a thought-provoking look at college football’s evolving landscape and the bold moves shaping its future.

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Mazda - This episode is brought to you by Mazda. We put that same drive into every detail. Wins define the moment. Putting in the work – That defines you. Stay tuned for highlights in this week’s “Moving the Game Forward.” There’s more to a Mazda, because there’s more to you

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EXPOSED: The NCAA Just HINTED at MAJOR CHANGES for College Football With Deion Sanders DENIAL! Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

NCAA stirs controversy by denying joint spring practices for Colorado and Syracuse—yet hints at major college football calendar changes on the horizon. Could fans finally see a streamlined schedule and a return to two bye weeks? Jay Smith explores how a secretive NCAA subcommittee featuring coaches and ADs might reshape the sport’s future, with debates about playoff timing and college football’s struggle to avoid NFL competition.

The episode breaks down Joey Aguilar’s failed eligibility appeal at Tennessee and contrasts it with waiver approvals for quarterbacks like Walter Eget (Duke). Jay Smith also spotlights Curt Cignetti’s raise at Indiana and reveals how locking in loyal coordinators could become a blueprint for program stability. With heated discussions on NCAA’s rule inconsistencies, player transfers, and coaching longevity, this fast-paced show asks: Is tangible reform finally coming to college football, or is chaos here to stay?

EXPOSED: The NCAA Just HINTED at MAJOR CHANGES for College Football With Deion Sanders DENIAL!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNQsWmyf0LCFUKr01QZ2LQ

Chapters:

[00:00] NCAA Blocks Joint Practices, Calendar Changes Leaked

[10:38] NCAA Eligibility Rulings: QBs Denied and Approved

[20:00] Kurt Signetti's Raise: Blueprint for Coaches?

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5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Coast

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Term Apply. The Coast Visa®️ Commercial Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. All card accounts are subject to credit approval.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

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BIG 12 WARNING: BYU and Bear Bachmeier Set to CONTINUE Strong Run—Washington State THREAT in Pac-12? Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

BYU's 2025 season was not good enough in the eyes of the committee to make the 12-team Playoff, getting left out at 11-2. The Cougars can replicate that record in 2026.

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by Washington State radio analyst Alex Brink to discuss Kriby Moore's arrival. Optimism in Pullman is warranted.

Indiana DC Bryant Haines correctly won the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top coordinator. Could he be a future head coach in the Big 10 by 2027?

04:24 Bear Bachmeier's Promising Offseason

06:28 Notre Dame vs. BYU Showdown

14:52 New Beginnings for College Football

17:54 Pac-12 Flex Scheduling Impact

21:34 Mountain West Transformation Insights

26:25 Wisconsin Football's Favorable 2024 Schedule

32:47 High Stakes Season Opener

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SAFE BET: Miami, Darian Mensah EXPECTED to Roll to Playoff for Mario Cristobal--ACC Surprise Team? Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

Miami was one drive from winning the national championship this past year, coming up 6 points shy of Indiana. The Hurricanes are a near lock to make the Playoff in 2026.

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and 'Locked On SEC' host Chris Gordy discuss Kentucky's #11 transfer portal class. Can the Wildcats be taken seriously with a tough schedule?

SMU wasn't able to make the Playoff for 2 years in a row despite knocking off eventual national runner-up Miami. Can Rhett Lashlee navigate this year's schedule to make it?

03:18 Miami's Schedule Advantage Explained

07:25 Miami Hosts Duke for Homecoming

14:45 Coach Loyalty and Opportunity

19:23 Uncertainty Surrounding Kentucky Football Season

25:56 SMU's High-Stakes Season Start

30:54 SMU's Challenge: Cal and ACC

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AUDITION: Sac State’s Pac-12 Expansion Hopes—What Would SECURE Their Spot After the 5-Year MAC Deal? Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Sacramento State's move into the MAC borders on (if not outright crossing into) desperation with a 5-year deal. Are they just auditioning for the Pac-12?

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by 'Locked On Nebraska' host Connor Happer to discuss the Cornhuskers' schedule. It's a massive shift from 2025.

Colorado enters 2026 seeking a new outlook at quarterback (JuJu Lewis) and OC (Brennan Marion). Will their schedule let them contend in the Big 12?

00:00 Sacramento State's Football Appeal

05:54 Sacramento State's Path to Elevation

07:09 Building Sacramento State's Value

12:04 2025 Season Hopes and Setbacks

15:32 Tough Schedule, Key Iowa Game

19:36 Nebraska's Quarterback Room Depth

28:16 Pressure Mounts Amid Struggles

31:16 Colorado's Challenging Football Schedule

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

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INSANE GAMBLE: Sacramento State Betting $18 Million+ in Realignment Risk as MAC Details Clarify Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

Sacramento State is doing literally whatever it takes--or costs--to be in the FBS level in the MAC. Is their move too desperate to be a good idea?

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, 'Locked On BYU' host Jake Hatch joins to discuss the massive MAC gamble by the Hornets. Plus, Kenny Dillingham is quietly thriving in the transfer portal.

Washington was in control of its own destiny to make the Playoff in 2025, only to stumble down the stretch against Wisconsin and Oregon. Will they be in that spot again in 2026?

00:00 Sacramento State's Costly FBS Move

05:47 Sac State & MAC Dynamics

09:50 Sacramento State vs. NDSU FBS Readiness

14:10 ASU's Underrated Transfer Portal Success

19:53 Arizona State Boosts Defensive Depth

24:34 Huskies' 2024 Schedule Outlook

28:29 Season-Defining Stretch for Huskies

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

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WHOA! Sacramento State's MAC Realignment Move is NOT a Homerun—Will Realignment Move Pay Off? Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Sacramento State is joining the MAC as a football-only member for 2026, coughing up $18 million to do so. Will the Hornets come to regret the move to the FBS?

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and 'Locked On Ole Miss' host Steven Willis break down the Trinidad Chambliss return for 2026. Is the move setting a bad precedent in the sport?

North Carolina added a transfer (!!) QB in Western Carolina signal caller Taron Dickens. Could he be the next Trinidad Chambliss story but in Chapel Hill?

00:00 FCS to FBS: Worth the Jump?

04:10 Sacramento State Joins FBS, MAC

07:43 North Dakota State vs Sacramento State

10:59 Judge's Decision Transforms Ole Miss

14:45 College Football Eligibility Debate

18:39 College Sports' Lose-Lose Dilemma

31:04 Bobby Petrino's QB Impact Discussed

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GAMECHANGER? Pac-12 Flex Schedule Can Transform G6 Playoff Race – Trinidad Chambliss RETURNS in '26 Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

The Pac-12 announced its first ever conference schedule for 2026 which includes a "flex" week in which certain games are TBD. The unique approach is a great move for the league.

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin reacts to the latest court ruling for Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss. What comes next for the Rebels?

Paul Finebaum doesn't think that Alabama is going to remain committed to its 2027-28 home-and-home series with Ohio State. Should the Crimson Tide really back down from the Buckeyes?

00:00 Pac-12 Playoff Maneuvering Explained

04:23 Flex Week Matchup Benefits

12:07 Trinidad Shambliss Eligibility Ruling

16:32 Chambliss Cleared, Ole Miss Boosted

17:31 Ole Miss Football's Future Outlook

22:29 Alabama's Scheduling Dilemma

27:35 College Football Leadership Needed

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

REIGN? Texas Tech Targets Big 12 Glory—Can Bear Bachmeier and BYU Cougars OVERTAKE the Red Raiders? Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Texas Tech made the Playoff for the first time after dominating their way through the Big 12 including a double digit win over BYU. Who is their biggest threat in 2026?

On today's episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by 'Locked On BYU' host Jake Hatch and 'Locked On Kansas State' host Christian Rauh. Can the Big 12 get two teams into the Playoff as they should have had this season?

00:00 Big 12 Dark Horse Debate

04:23 Utah's Trench Play Questioned

08:44 Kansas State's Season Outlook

14:32 BYU-Notre Dame Game Impact

19:13 Oklahoma State's Potential Rise

21:35 "klahoma State's QB Potential

24:38 Bear Bachmeier's Remarkable Rise

26:53 Avery Johnson's Potential Unlocking

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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