3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

  1. 18h ago

    2026 NFL Kickoff: Patriots-Seahawks Predictions, Baker Mayfield gets PAID, Aaron Donald OUT for Week 1

    The NFL is officially back, and on this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the biggest storylines heading into the new season, from player news and international games to the latest developments across college football. John breaks down Aaron Donald and the latest surrounding one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. He also looks at the NFL's continued push to expand its global footprint with more NFL International Games and what the league's international strategy means for the future of the sport. The quarterback market is also in focus as Baker Mayfield gets paid. John discusses the significance of the deal and what it says about how NFL teams value quarterbacks who have established themselves as franchise-level players. John then shifts to college football, discussing Lane Kiffin and Florida State and the latest storylines surrounding the Seminoles as the college football season gets underway. Finally, John opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag, answering listener questions and tackling a wide range of NFL, college football, roster-building, coaching, and football-related topics. From the return of the NFL and Aaron Donald to Baker Mayfield's new deal, international games, Lane Kiffin, Florida State, and the Middlekauff Mailbag, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2026 NFL Kickoff: Patriots-Seahawks Predictions, Baker Mayfield gets PAID, Aaron Donald OUT for Week 1
  2. 18h ago ·  Bonus

    Introducing: The School of Greatness

    Introducing Why Grit Isn’t Enough to Get What You Want | Angela Duckworth from The School of Greatness. Follow the show: The School of Greatness Angela Duckworth, the psychologist who made “grit” a household word, sat down with Lewis and confessed something her research almost missed. Effort alone doesn’t build a great life. The situation you’re in does, and no one shapes that situation more than the person you marry. She traces it back to her own mother, a gifted painter who gave up her art for fifty years married to a man who walked past her paintings without a word. Then Angela goes further, into a marriage crisis she and her husband Jason never talked about publicly. Both of them were try-harder people who worked themselves into misery during the 2008 crash, until Angela told him on a walk that she cried every night and didn’t want to be married anymore. What saved them wasn’t more grit. It was therapy, three therapists between two people, and a willingness to change the situation instead of just pushing through it. Lewis matches her story with his own, requiring therapy before he’d even commit to dating Martha, because every past relationship had only gone to therapy once it was already collapsing. Angela ties it back to the Pygmalion effect. Your confidence is borrowed from the people who believe in you before you believe in yourself. By the end you’ll want to look around at your own life and ask who’s actually bringing out your best. Angela’s mother didn’t paint again until her husband died. Now, at 91, she paints every day. Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Angela's Instagram Angela's LinkedIn Angela's Facebook In this episode you will: Discover why proximity, not just grit, determines whether your effort ever pays offLearn how changing your situation, not trying harder, rescued a marriage on the brink of divorceRecognize the fundamental attribution error and why the power of situation is invisible until you name itChallenge the shame around therapy and see how it can rebuild a struggling relationshipUncover the Pygmalion effect and how others' belief in you shapes your own confidenceFor more information go to https://lewishowes.com/1977 More SOG episodes we think you’ll love! Get More From Lewis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    Introducing: The School of Greatness
  3. 2d ago

    Colin Cowherd Podcast - Michigan Struggles, LSU Humiliates Clemson, Super Bowl Predictions, Rams vs. 49ers

    Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” on The Volume. They start with Michigan’s rocky start in their first game under coach Kyle Whittingham and the regression shown by quarterback Bryce Underwood (2:30), they also discuss the crazy ending to their game against Western Michigan (7:30). They pivot to Clemson being humiliated by LSU and Colin questions whether it’s time for head coach Dabo Swinney to go (12:15), and they make their  predictions on how LSU will fare under Lane Kiffin (17:30).   Colin argues Miami’s Darian Mensah looks like the best quarterback in college football, and could have a special season now that he’s paired with dynamic wide receiver Malachi Toney (26:00). They also discuss the growing disparity between the power conferences and the mid-majors despite Boise State putting a scare into #2 Oregon (29:30). They move to the mess at UNC under Bill Belichick and why hiring a “friends and family” staff has hamstrung the program (37:00).  They pivot to the NFL and make their Super Bowl predictions and preview Seahawks vs. Patriots to open the NFL season (49:00). They preview the Rams vs. 49ers this Thursday on Netflix and Colin believes the Rams will become the target for everyone’s best shot since they’re the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl… and that it’s no guarantee the Rams even win their division (56:00). Finally, they react to Tua Tagovailoa winning the starting quarterback job for the Falcons (1:07:00)  (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!  #Volume  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colin Cowherd Podcast - Michigan Struggles, LSU Humiliates Clemson, Super Bowl Predictions, Rams vs. 49ers
  4. 2d ago

    CFB Week 1 Reaction: Western Michigan-Michigan, Clemson-LSU, Boise State-Oregon

    On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into another loaded week of college football, breaking down the biggest games, programs, and storylines making headlines around the sport. John starts with Western Michigan vs. Michigan, examining the Wolverines' performance and what the game tells us about where Michigan stands as the season continues. The conversation then turns to Clemson vs. LSU, one of the marquee matchups of the week. John breaks down the game, the pressure on both programs, and what the result could mean for their College Football Playoff hopes. John also discusses Boise State vs. Oregon, looking at Oregon's continued rise and whether the Ducks are firmly in the conversation among the nation's elite programs. Plus, John weighs in on Dabo Swinney, the changing landscape of college football, and how Indiana has become a major player in NIL. What are the Hoosiers doing differently, and can their approach continue to work? The episode also covers Miami vs. Stanford and the latest surrounding Arch Manning, as the Texas quarterback continues to draw massive attention every time he steps on the field. From Michigan and Oregon to Clemson, LSU, Indiana, and Arch Manning, John breaks down the biggest storylines across college football on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    CFB Week 1 Reaction: Western Michigan-Michigan, Clemson-LSU, Boise State-Oregon
  5. Sep 2

    The Return of Kauff on Campus: Big Ten vs. SEC, Arch Manning, Notre Dame & More

    On this episode, John Middlekauff and Jackson Groff take a deep dive into the biggest storylines in college football, with plenty to debate as the season begins to take shape. They kick things off with the ongoing Big Ten vs. SEC debate. Which conference is truly the best in college football, and which league has the strongest collection of teams capable of competing for a national championship? The conversation then turns to Arch Manning and the enormous expectations surrounding the Texas quarterback. Is the hype justified, and what should we realistically expect from Manning as he steps into the spotlight? John also breaks down Notre Dame, including the Fighting Irish's place among the nation's elite and whether they can compete with the Big Ten and SEC powerhouses. Plus, Oregon and USC, two programs with massive expectations and even bigger recruiting footprints, before diving into Oklahoma and Indiana and what their seasons could look like. The episode wraps with a look at Cal and the evolving college football landscape, where conference realignment continues to reshape the sport. From conference supremacy and superstar quarterbacks to Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Cal, The Return of Kauff on Campus has you covered with John Middlekauff's perspective on the biggest stories in college football. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Return of Kauff on Campus: Big Ten vs. SEC, Arch Manning, Notre Dame & More
  6. Aug 31

    Aaron Donald is BACK on Rams, Bill Belichick & UNC gets REVENGE on TCU, USC & Florida State in TROUBLE?

    On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the shocking return of Aaron Donald to the NFL. After stepping away from football, the future Hall of Famer is back—and John breaks down what motivated the comeback, what Donald can still bring to the field, and what his return means for the league. John also dives into the incredible story of Jalon Daniels, who went undrafted but battled his way toward earning an NFL roster spot. John discusses Daniels' journey, the obstacles he overcame, and why stories like his are what make the NFL so compelling. The conversation then shifts to college football, where Bill Belichick and UNC picked up a statement win over TCU. John breaks down what the victory says about Belichick's transition to the college game and whether UNC could become a legitimate factor under the legendary coach. Plus, USC dominated its opponent, but the performance came with a surprising storyline: the stadium was practically empty. John discusses the atmosphere surrounding the Trojans, what the lack of attendance says about the program, and why winning isn't always enough to capture a fan base. From an NFL legend making a comeback and an undrafted player fighting for his dream to Bill Belichick's college debut and USC's attendance problem, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Aaron Donald is BACK on Rams, Bill Belichick & UNC gets REVENGE on TCU, USC & Florida State in TROUBLE?
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Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

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