The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

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ELITE: Notre Dame's Leonard Moore & Tae Johnson LEAD | CJ Carr | Rodney Dunham | Position Battles Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame Fighting Irish kick off spring practice with a loaded roster and fierce position battles. Can CJ Carr lead this elite team to a top-five recruiting class and playoff contention? Safety Tay Johnson flashes NFL potential, while Rodney Dunham makes instant waves on the defensive line. Are the new-look offensive line, breakout freshmen, and competitive depth enough to power Notre Dame’s ambitious run?

Tyler Wojciak and Brian Smith define Notre Dame's defensive strengths, the ongoing backup quarterback debate, and intriguing shifts at nickel and linebacker. The episode covers Aneyas Williams’ leadership at running back, Cam Williams and Mylan Graham’s receiver buzz, and the impact of recent Junior Day recruiting wins. Brian Smith offers insider analysis on roster talent, coaching philosophy, and why Marcus Freeman’s staff is on pace for another elite recruiting class.

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TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood
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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
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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TOP 10: Notre Dame Leads College Football's Top Rosters–Watch Indiana, Ohio State, Texas & Miami Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame headlines college football’s most stacked 2026 rosters—does an elite offensive line and CJ Carr at quarterback mean the Irish are championship favorites? Brian Smith ranks the nation’s top 10, putting Notre Dame ahead of heavyweights like Ohio State, Texas, and Miami, while key additions blue-chip players like Jeremiah Smith, Arch Manning, and Darian Mensah could tip the scales for contenders. Find out why teams like Alabama, USC, and Michigan are just outside the elite and how quarterback battles, returning production, and NIL money separate good programs from great ones.

From Texas’ Cam Coleman and Miami’s deep running back group, Georgia’s talented pool of defensive backs, and LSU’s transformative transfer class, roster depth and top prospects fuel this year’s power rankings. Brian Smith also sparks debate on who got snubbed, why quarterback play is paramount, the influence of NIL on competitive balance, and which surprise programs are poised to break through. Is your team primed for a national title run, or will off-field factors keep them out of the mix?

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Highlights make the reel. But the work behind them makes it count. The all-new Mazda CX-5. More to move every side of you.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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.

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

REINVENTED: Auburn Tigers Offense & Defense TRANSFORM—Byrum Brown & Xavier Atkins Stand Out Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Auburn Tigers poised for a dramatic turnaround in 2026—will quarterback Byrum Brown ignite an instant turnaround? With Alex Golesh demanding excellence and a host of USF transfers, Auburn’s spring practices reveal a program locked into the small details and ready to elevate its play at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Brian Smith and Zac Blackerby dissect Brown’s leadership, discuss Chaz Nimrod’s explosive potential among playmakers, and analyze DJ Durkin’s top-tier defensive continuity. Key topics include Auburn’s depth at edge rusher, interior line roles for Malik Autry and Jourdin Crawford, and the high-stakes matchup against the Florida Gators. Can the Tigers’ new culture, media savvy, and roster cohesion withstand a brutal schedule featuring Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, and Alabama? Explore Auburn’s path from underdog to contender as they chase signature wins and SEC respect. Don’t miss this insight-packed breakdown of their rising trajectory.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Highlights make the reel. But the work behind them makes it count. The all-new Mazda CX-5. More to move every side of you.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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 DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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

STUNNING TALENT: Notre Dame's CJ Carr Propels LOADED Irish–Watch Miami, OSU, Oregon, UGA & Ole Miss Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

College football's elite face a season defined by quarterback power and returning production. Can Arch Manning lift Texas to a new level? Will CJ Carr’s Heisman potential propel Notre Dame to a national title? Brian Smith tackles Bill Connelly’s returning production stats, dissecting why Miami’s Darian Mensah and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton shape their teams’ playoff chances. Surprising roster rankings shake up expectations for Texas, Georgia, Oregon, SMU, and Alabama, while Ohio State and Ole Miss look poised for dominance with Julian Sayin and Trinidad Chambliss at the helm.

Key topics include the importance of quarterback stability, top returning offensive lines, and underrated threats like SMU and Michigan. Brian Smith breaks down portal moves, emerging Heisman candidates, and which programs could disappoint despite strong numbers. Is this the most wide-open CFB playoff race yet? Join the debate on which powerhouse has the top roster heading into 2026.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the community: https://theportal.supercast.com/

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Highlights make the reel. But the work behind them makes it count. The all-new Mazda CX-5. More to move every side of you.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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.

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

MONSTER: Indiana Football’s Unthinkable RISE—B10, Notre Dame & Miami Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Big Ten powerhouses face pivotal seasons as FanDuel’s college football win totals spark heated debate. Can Indiana repeat its improbable national title run with just seven 4-star players—or is this year’s 10.5 win total a trap for bettors? Notre Dame’s light schedule, led by Heisman favorite C.J. Carr, and Miami’s loaded roster under Mario Cristobal are poised for dominant campaigns.

Brian Smith breaks down returning quarterback trends, transfer portal shakeups, and which teams like Illinois and Wisconsin could disrupt the Big Ten hierarchy. Key conversations explore Ohio State’s physicality issues against Miami, Michigan’s coaching staff overhaul, and why Miami in everyone’s preseason top 10, especially with their weak schedule–with the road trip to Notre Dame highlighted. How do injuries, new coordinators, and marquee matchups shape a season defined by over-under drama? Don’t miss this compelling analysis of college football’s evolving landscape.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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.

FanDuelFanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — 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.

BREAKTHROUGH: Ole Miss Football Targets Mitchell Turner & Caden Moss, Recruiting DOMINATES State Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Ole Miss football holds the recruiting edge on two elite in-state prospects, defensive tackle Mitchell Turner and offensive lineman Caden Moss—could landing both reshape the Rebels’ trench play for years to come? Is Mississippi’s surge of top 100 talent finally big enough to end the historic battle for homegrown stars between Ole Miss and Mississippi State?

Brian Smith and Steven Willis dissect the impact of game-changing recruits, spotlight Will Echols’ rise, and compare Caden Moss’s trajectory to Laremy Tunsil’s legendary path. The duo explores Pete Golding’s spring practice strategies, spotlighting Jay Crawford’s arrival at cornerback and potential effects on Antonio Kite and Suntarine Perkins. Plus, the hosts break down the Rebels’ toughest 2026 SEC schedule stretches, identify key “landmine” games against Florida, Auburn, and Oklahoma, and debate whether Ole Miss’s galvanized locker room can rise to the 2026 Playoff challenge.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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. FanDuelFanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — 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.

RECRUITING WARS: Florida Gators Target QB FLIP, Easton Royal, Amare Patterson & ELITE Prospects Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Florida Gators football recruiting surges as elite prospects eye Gainesville—will John Sumrall deliver a top 5 class? Quarterback battles headline the conversation, with Davin Davidson and Pitt commit Kevin Verpaele at the forefront, while blue-chip talents like Reed Ramsier and lightning-fast receiver Easton Royal fuel optimism for a dominant future.

Brian Smith explores the Gators’ aggressive recruiting strategy, emphasizing key official visit dates, pivotal NIL dynamics, and the critical importance of landing in-state stars like Zayden Gamble from hotbeds like Broward County. With looming head-to-head showdowns against Miami and Texas for top talents, and questions surrounding offensive line depth and defensive recruiting, Florida’s path back to national prominence is taking shape. Can Sumrall unseat rivals, establish quarterback stability, and restore Gainesville’s pipeline of elite NFL talent? Don’t miss this recruiting breakdown packed with insider insights and fan Q&A.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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.

FanDuelFanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — 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.

DOMINOES: Oregon & Auburn Quarterback Recruiting IMPACTS Every College Team | Notre Dame | Michigan Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Quarterback recruiting shakes up college football as top prospects like Will Mencl, Jake Nawrot, Israel Abrams, Elijah Haven, Kavian Bryant, and Kamden Lopati navigate a high-stakes chess match between elite programs. Who lands the game-changing signal-caller that triggers the next domino? Auburn, Oregon, Florida, Michigan, and Notre Dame battle for commitments as visit dates, NIL opportunities, and coaching relationships disrupt recruiting boards nationwide.

Brian Smith breaks down each quarterback’s skill set, stats, and most likely landing spots, revealing how early commitments can reshape a program’s recruiting momentum. Key storylines include Kavian Bryant’s explosive athleticism at Texas Tech, Georgia’s surprise pursuit of Elijah Haven, and the national reach of Auburn’s recruiting efforts. Listeners get essential insight on whether high school or transfer portal quarterbacks are the better investment—and which decision could make or break powerhouse programs next season.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

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.

FanDuelFanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — 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.

5v5 COMPETITIONS: Changing Recruiting RANKINGS And Offer Lists! Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

5-on-5 linemen competitions ignite a seismic shift in college football recruiting—can these intense, skill-on-skill battles overhaul how prospects like Kweli Fielder and Jamarcus Johnson catch coaches’ eyes nationwide? Brian Smith delivers a frontline look at how these events provide unrivaled exposure, offering linemen a platform for good-on-good matchups that high school film rarely shows.

From the rise of programs like Legendary Linemen to the impact of Under Armour and Aaron Donald’s 5-on-5 teams, discover why media scouts, college recruiters, and NIL evaluators are flocking to these camps. Key topics include the challenge of evaluating offensive and defensive line talent, the spread of tournaments to hotbeds like Georgia and Florida, and how real-time video and recruiting rankings are reshaped. Could this 5-on-5 revolution become as big as 7-on-7 for skill positions? Don’t miss Brian Smith’s breakdown of the hottest trend changing the recruiting landscape.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

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.

FanDuelFanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — 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.

UNDER ARMOUR ATLANTA: Recruiting SCOOP, Visit Dates & Top Performers Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Under Armour Atlanta brings together the nation’s elite recruits, lighting up the camp circuit with standout performances and fierce competition. Can prospects like Adryan Cole, Sean Green, Kweli Fielder, BJ Allen, parlay these showing into top national rankings and higher recruiting rankings.

Brian Smith spotlights rising stars, breaking down recruiting intel with programs like Georgia, Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Ohio State, as they battle for top standouts like Brylan Odour, Success Nwadube, Langston Abernathy, and Jarvaris Reed, while versatile defensive lineman Karlos May and breakout receiver Keyon Standifer draw serious SEC and ACC attention. The show features in-depth analysis of prospects’ one-on-one reps, why Under Armour camps boost recruit rankings, and bold predictions on which players will dominate the 2025 class. Join the fast-paced recruiting scoop as The Portal Podcast examines which programs are positioned to land Atlanta’s hottest talents—and what it takes to out-compete at the next level.

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

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.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

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
FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — 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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