The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

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RECRUITING: IMG Academy Intel–Nation Farmer, Jayden Wade, Phoenix Evans, Kody Strayhorn & More Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

IMG Academy's rising stars ignite the national recruiting scene as Jayden Wade commits to Georgia and Elijah Newman-Hall pledges to Ohio State, but can their class of 2028 set a new standard for elite high school football? Brian Smith spotlights a powerhouse roster featuring Nation Farmer, Phoenix Evans, and Kody Strayhorn, with major programs like Alabama, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame vying for generational talent.

Smith breaks down IMG's unparalleled depth at wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive line, the national scope of its recruiting battles, and why schools like IMG Academy, Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Bergen Catholic are must-recruit programs for schools like Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, and more. Insightful discussions on NIL, the impact of the Protect College Sports Act, and the strategic pull of powerhouse programs raise key questions: Will IMG’s dominance continue? How are top schools adapting to the evolving recruiting landscape? Don’t miss this comprehensive recruiting intel from the heart of IMG Academy.

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PAC 12: League MVP Candidates, Fresno State's Recruiting & San Diego State's WR Room Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Boise State and Texas State quarterbacks headline the Pac-12 MVP race—can Brad Jackson’s eye-popping stats outshine Maddox Madsen’s veteran presence and Boise’s winning pedigree? With concerns over Texas State’s defense and Boise’s shifting offensive weapons, the quarterback battle fuels debate as fall camp approaches.

Christian Rauh and recruiting expert Brian Smith spotlight Fresno State’s top 2027 recruits, including versatile lineman Manese Brown and power receiver Bayon Harris, analyzing how these future Bulldogs could shift the conference landscape. The episode also breaks down San Diego State’s dynamic wide receiver room, led by Jacob Bostick and Jordan Napier, and considers whether Sean Lewis’s offense can make the Aztecs true Pac-12 contenders. Listeners are left wondering: Who will step up as the league’s next breakout star?
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The Game
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Wayfair
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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.

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MUST-WIN: Auburn Battles Alabama for Elite 2028 In-State RECRUITS Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

The Auburn Tigers face a pivotal recruiting class, with top prospects continuing from the state of Maryland like 5-star defensive line recruit Tyzon Swann. Alex Golesh and DJ Durkin have done a tremendous job mining the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas, and they’ll need that same kind of success inside the Yellowhammer State to beat Alabama for top 2028 recruits.

Both programs set their sights on top in-state prospects for the 2028 class like Joey Fleming and Sam Bailey, two key linemen from the Huntsville area. Auburn’s desire to catch Alabama’s talent level begins in the trenches. The Tigers need at least one of those two prospects. Further, Nehemiah McCary could be the most important in-state recruit. A 6-3 240-pound edge rusher who’s played a bevy of positions at the prep level, McCrary’s recruitment has blown up. Bama and Auburn are expected to be prime contenders. There’s also a quarterback to discuss, and the other theme of how well the Tigers can go toe-to-toe with Alabama for several Alabama high school prospects. Will Auburn land its must-have playmakers and change the recruiting narrative in the state?

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IMPACT: Ole Miss Freshmen Landon Barnes & Dorian Barney READY to Challenge Veterans This Fall Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Ole Miss Rebels’ freshmen Landon Barnes and Dorian Barney are generating buzz as potential impact players this fall. Can these first-year standouts crack a loaded roster, or will upperclassmen keep them off the field? Discussion centers on Barnes’ edge-rushing upside from powerhouse Duncanville and Barney’s rapid development at cornerback, highlighting the fierce competition in Pete Golding’s defense.

Brian Smith and Steven Willis break down which second-year Rebels—like Shekai Mills-Night, Ladarian Cardy, and Connor Howes—are positioned to earn key roles, especially given Ole Miss’ improved depth both at the skill positions and in the trenches. The episode tackles the realities of freshman roles in elite SEC programs, the effects of the transfer portal on roster balance, and the ongoing “salary cap” debate that’s shaking up college football. Will Ole Miss’ up-and-coming talent push the Rebels closer to playoff success?
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The Game
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Wayfair
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Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Indeed
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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.

IMPACT: Debating College Football's Most IMPORTANT Transfer Portal Additions Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Which transfer will make or break a college football national title run? Top programs turn up the pressure as Miami, Georgia, LSU, Indiana, and Ohio State reload with impact players in the trenches and on the perimeter. Edge rushers Damon Wilson (Miami) and Princewill Umanmielen (LSU) headline the list of must-have performers, while Ohio State’s new safety Terry Moore and Indiana’s transfer wide receiver Nick Marsh face high expectations. Will these high-profile moves give their teams the winning edge?

Spencer McLaughlin and Brian Smith break down the top five non-quarterback transfers who must "pop" for their teams to lift the championship trophy. The conversation spotlights Joe Bruner’s offensive line boost for Indiana, Cam Coleman’s breakout potential at Texas, and the critical kicking upgrade for Notre Dame. Can Oregon’s Michael Bennett III solidify the Ducks’ title hopes? Find out which names should be on every college football fan’s radar this season.

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CASH KINGS: Notre Dame & Ohio State Add MASSIVE Jersey Deals With SoFi & JPMorgan Chase Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State and Notre Dame shake up college football with eye-popping jersey sponsorship deals—JPMorgan Chase joins the Buckeyes, while SoFi partners with the Fighting Irish. Are massive brand partnerships the new weapon in the NIL arms race, and can rivals like Michigan, Texas, or USC match these powerhouse moves?

Brian Smith breaks down the multi-million dollar impact of these deals, exploring how top programs leverage sponsorship cash for recruiting, roster upgrades, and maintaining a championship edge. Key topics include which college football teams could secure similar partnerships, the looming debate over a salary cap, and the influence of boosters and big-name companies on the future of NIL in the NCAA. Will tradition give way to revenue patches, and can underdog programs keep pace? Tune in for sharp analysis and predictions on the rapidly changing landscape of college football sponsorships.

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The Game
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Wayfair
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Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Indeed
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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.

2028 RECRUITING: Indiana, Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State & More Programs Add Commitments Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

College football recruiting heats up as elite 2028 prospects like Jett Harrison (Ohio State), LuKas Prock (Indiana), and Darieon Prescott (Notre Dame) make early commitments, signaling a seismic shift in how top programs court future stars. Alabama surges ahead with seven early pledges, while heavyweights like Penn State, Oklahoma, and South Carolina solidifying key positions like quarterback and defensive line. Will programs like Georgia and Clemson adjust their NIL strategies to keep pace with recruiting giants–especially the way Texas A&M is spending NIL–or risk falling behind in the next recruiting cycle?

Brian Smith breaks down the ripple effects of the new five-for-five eligibility rule, the growing NIL arms race, and how early teenage talent evaluations are redefining college football’s landscape. Key storylines include Miami’s pursuit of top-10 recruits A’mir Sears and Brysen Wright, the Big 12’s trench recruiting dilemma, and what Notre Dame’s edge-rusher haul means for their defensive future. Don’t miss this rapid-fire analysis of recruiting, NIL, and the future of powerhouse programs.

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RELOAD: Ohio State's BATTLES B10's Indiana & Oregon for Best IMPACT Transfers Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana shake up college football’s transfer portal, pulling in big-time talents and sparking national title buzz. Can Christian Alliegro anchor the Buckeyes’ defense after replacing NFL first-rounders? Will Michael Bennett III’s transition from Yale secure Oregon’s offensive line and playoff hopes? Nick Marsh’s arrival in Indiana raises expectations for a breakout offense—are the Hoosiers poised for a deeper run?

The conversation focused on immediate impact players—like Joe Brunner (IU) John Walker and Terry Moore (IU) and Koi Perich (Oregon)—and examined how roster moves could decide conference races. A key theme was the high stakes of offensive line transfers, player development, and coaching philosophy in modern college football. The discussion explored whether heavy reliance on portal talent hurts long-term success and which programs expertly balance recruiting with portal additions. Don’t miss this inside look at how Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana could shape the Big Ten race and national picture this season.

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KALSHI
For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.

The Game
Don't miss this chance to celebrate 40 years of The Game with 40% off your entire order. Visit https://TheGameCaps.com and use promo code LOCKEDON at checkout.

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

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.

TRENDSETTERS: Miami's 2028 Recruiting EXPLODES, Led by A'mir Sears & Brysen Wright Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

Miami’s recruiting prowess continues with a quick start to an electric in-state 2028 recruiting class. Local two-way star A’mir Sears plays for Mario Cristobal’s high school alma mater, Miami Columbus. The Canes are the favorites, and he may not be the only national top-five recruit the Hurricanes add from the Sunshine State. Jacksonville Mandarin wide receiver Brysen Wright has visited The U three times in the last year, and he’s contending with Sears for the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit.

The Canes are also looking to restock the defensive line and it’s a tremendous group of Florida prospects at the position. Jacksonville Bolles is where 5-star Asher Ghioto plays, another recruit who’s familiar with UM’s campus. There’s also Antonio Thomas, Jr from Tampa Carrollwood Day, and Aden Johnson from Miami Carol City. Out of state, there’s a definitive 5-star edge to discuss because he’s also visited Coral Gables already. Pull up a seat and listen or watch Alex Donno and Brian Smith discuss the Hurricanes’ recruiting efforts.

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SEC MEDIA DAYS: College Football Writers & Podcasters PRAISE Pete Golding & Ole Miss Football Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

The Ole Miss Rebels generate buzz as Pete Golding commands attention at SEC Media Days, leaving analysts rethinking the impact of X's and O's versus pure roster talent. With Pete Golding's candidness and a stacked defensive backfield featuring Jay Crawford, Edwin Joseph and Joenel Aguero, expectations for the Rebels' defense soar—especially with new depth aimed at shutting down explosive offenses like LSU and Georgia

Brian Smith and Steven Willis spotlight the ascending wide receiver trio of Deuce Alexander, Johntay Cook II, and Horatio Fields. They discuss how impact Michigan State transfer running back Makhi Frazier will have behind All-American candidate Kewan Lacy, and how the Rebels’ depth exploded during the offseason overall.

The conversation tackles Lane Kiffin's Media Day strategy, the importance of upgraded secondary play, and a critical season opener against Louisville, where Lincoln Kienholz’s mobility could test the revamped defense. Can Ole Miss capitalize on its loaded roster to contend at the top of the SEC?

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Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

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.

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