The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

Locked On Podcast Network, Brian Smith
  • 4.7 (54)
  • Football

The Portal is hosted by Brian Smith as he takes you through the biggest college football stories, College football recruiting, transfer portal, and NIL. Tune in for daily insights that will have impact at the local and national level. Brian Smith, a life-long recruiting fanatic, will break down the latest college football recruiting rankings, intel, commitments, evaluations from 7-on-7 and camps, and what’s next from coast to coast. He will be on the road covering what matters. That’s why Locked On College Football Recruiting is your dialed-in source for the latest news and insights! The Portal is presented by the Locked On Podcast Network.

  1. 12h ago

    TOP TIER: Rankings DEBATE for College Football's Elite–OSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, IU, UGA & More

    Which college football programs are poised to dominate the next five years? Brian Smith and Spencer McLaughlin dissect the shifting power rankings, spotlighting Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Miami, among many, competing for college football’s elite. The duo weighs the impact of elite coaches like Marcus Freeman and Mario Cristobal, and break down how NIL, recruiting classes, and coaching changes could shift the national landscape. Does Miami’s talent pipeline give them an edge to be top-five overall? Does Georgia’s recruiting dip signal a changing of the guard? Key team discussions include Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma’s shot at playoff relevance, the challenges facing Alabama and Stanford, and sleeper programs like Wake Forest and BYU. The hosts debate which traditional powers could be facing a decline and highlight financial obstacles for programs like Utah. Can new coaching hires and aggressive recruiting keep teams like LSU and Washington State in the national conversation? Don’t miss this brisk, opinion-packed rundown of college football’s evolving hierarchy. Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    TOP TIER: Rankings DEBATE for College Football's Elite–OSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, IU, UGA & More

  2. 17h ago

    PREDICTIONS: Quarterback Battle DECISIONS For Alabama, Florida, & Clemson, Plus Schedule STRENGTH

    Quarterback battles heat up as Alabama, Florida, Clemson, and Tennessee prepare for high-stakes decisions that could define their playoff futures. Will Keelon Russell or Austin Mack spark a Crimson Tide offensive revival under Kalen DeBoer? Can Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones stabilize Florida’s turbulent QB situation against a brutal SEC schedule? Brian Smith raises the stakes, examining whether Faison Brandon is ready to take Tennessee’s offense to the next level, and if Clemson’s Christopher Vizzina or Tate Reynolds can restore Tiger dominance amid mounting fan pressure. Playoff hopes hang in the balance as top programs navigate brutal schedules. Brian Smith compares the path ahead for Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, BYU, and Notre Dame, questioning whether the College Football Playoff committee values strength of schedule or simply win totals. With marquee matchups like Texas-Ohio State, LSU-Ole Miss, and Notre Dame-Miami looming, can contenders survive the gauntlet and convince the committee they deserve a spot? Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    PREDICTIONS: Quarterback Battle DECISIONS For Alabama, Florida, & Clemson, Plus Schedule STRENGTH

  3. 21h ago

    BREAKTHROUGH: Tennessee Snags 5-Star David Gabriel Georges, Vols OUTDUEL Ohio State

    Tennessee Volunteers land 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges, snatching the coveted recruit from Ohio State and igniting buzz about their SEC championship aspirations. Is this Josh Heupel’s most important recruiting win yet? The conversation focused on Georges’ rare physical profile, SEC-ready skill set, and how his combination of power, balance, and athleticism could transform Tennessee’s offense from day one. Key topics include comparisons to NFL stars like Eddie George and Todd Gurley, the Volunteers’ evolving running game, and how Tennessee’s recent recruiting battles with Ohio State have positioned the Vols for a dynamic 2027 lineup. Don’t miss expert analysis on the impact Georges and fellow 5-star prospects could have on the future of Tennessee football. Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    BREAKTHROUGH: Tennessee Snags 5-Star David Gabriel Georges, Vols OUTDUEL Ohio State

  4. 1d ago

    HISTORIC HAUL: Notre Dame Defensive Line RECRUITING is INCREDIBLE!

    Notre Dame Fighting Irish continue their meteoric rise in college football recruiting, assembling what could be the best back-to-back defensive line classes in program history. Marcus Freeman’s transformative recruiting strategy pays off with elite commitments like David Folorunsho and Abraham Sesay, while waiting for big-time defensive tackle recruit Brayden Parks to announce his college choice between the Irish and Oregon Ducks. Could adding Parks be the final push to the best two-year defensive line haul in Notre Dame history? Brian Smith and Tyler Wojciak break down the Irish’s recruiting with elite recruits discussed like safety Joey O’Brien and quarterback Wonderful Champ Monds, plus Lathan Whisenton and Tiki Hola still not receiving the recognition they deserve. The hosts discuss positional consistency, the recent swing into Florida recruiting, wide receiver room projections, and the challenges posed by new roster rules. Plus, they react to Phil Steele’s controversial preseason unit rankings and preview which 2026 matchups could define Notre Dame’s season. Are the Irish ready to silence doubters and make a long-term run as one of college football’s elite? Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    HISTORIC HAUL: Notre Dame Defensive Line RECRUITING is INCREDIBLE!

  5. 1d ago

    RIDICULOUS: SEC's COMPLAINTS Are ANNOYING After Poor College Football Playoff Records

    SEC coaches and fans are crying foul—but have they earned the right? Brian Smith spotlights the mounting pressure on the Southeastern Conference as the Big 10 won the last three College Football Playoffs. Has the SEC’s grip on the top of the sport slipped, or can Texas, Georgia, and new-look Texas A&M reclaim their place among the elite? Steve Sarkisian, Kirby Smart, and Mike Elko all take center stage, with fresh coaching hires and quarterback shakeups fueling debate. Key topics include the SEC’s 2-6 record in out-of-conference playoff games, fanbase complaints (with LSU and Alabama leading the charge), and which programs are primed to break through. Brian Smith ranks tiered coaching talent with Kirby Smart at the pinnacle, questions which first-year head coaches like Pete Golding (Ole Miss), John Sumrall (Florida), and Alex Golesh (Auburn) can win big, and explores how NIL changes, recruiting trends, and schedule shakeups could define the SEC’s next era. Is a true league powerhouse about to rise? Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    RIDICULOUS: SEC's COMPLAINTS Are ANNOYING After Poor College Football Playoff Records

  6. 2d ago

    HEADLINES: Curt Cignetti's Quarterback Streak in QUESTION, Biggest CFB Busts & Surprises

    College football’s next breakout stars and shocking disappointments are set to shake up the landscape. Can Josh Hoover redefine Indiana’s offense after a tumultuous run at TCU? Will Dante Moore finally meet sky-high expectations at Oregon, or will injuries and tough competition derail the Ducks’ hopes? Hot takes fly as quarterback battles—from Drew Mestemaker’s transition to Oklahoma State, CJ Carr’s evolution at Notre Dame, to Kevin Jennings’ leadership at SMU—come under the spotlight. Coaching decisions put South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Baylor’s Dave Aranda on the hot seat, while emerging programs like Washington, Missouri, and San Diego State are poised for surprise runs. The conversation focused on loaded receiver rooms (like Miami’s), pivotal injuries, and whether teams like Florida State can survive brutal schedules. Key questions: Which “busts” will crumble under pressure, and which under-the-radar squads have what it takes to stun the college football world? Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    HEADLINES: Curt Cignetti's Quarterback Streak in QUESTION, Biggest CFB Busts & Surprises

  7. 3d ago

    REACTION: 5-Star Monshun Sales' Indiana IMPACT, & the Next WAVE of Elite Quarterback Recruits

    The Indiana Hoosiers shake up the college football recruiting world by landing 5-star wide receiver Monshun Sales—can this power move mark the start of a new Hoosiers dynasty? Brian Smith explores what makes Sales a generational talent, from his rare athletic profile at Indianapolis Lawrence North High School to his potential to change the balance of power in the Big Ten. The discussion points to Indiana’s portal-first strategy and asks whether they can amplify high school recruiting while competing financially with powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame. The conversation pivots to the next wave of elite quarterback recruits for the 2028 class, spotlighting names like Jayden Wade, Christopher Vargas, Lukas Prock, and Donald Tabron II, and examining the impact of NIL, recruiting politics, and program fit on high school signal-callers. Brian Smith tackles tough questions about commitment, player development, and how teams are recalibrating their approach in a rapidly evolving recruiting landscape. Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    REACTION: 5-Star Monshun Sales' Indiana IMPACT, & the Next WAVE of Elite Quarterback Recruits

  8. 6d ago

    THE ELITE: CJ Carr, Darian Mensah, Julian Sayin and More, Defining the Best College Quarterback

    College football’s quarterback race heats up as rising stars like Darian Mensah (Miami), Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), and Arch Manning (Texas) battle for national recognition—and the coveted Heisman Trophy. Can Mensah’s schedule and elite supporting cast propel him to the top, or will big-time signal-callers like Chambliss and CJ Carr (Notre Dame) seize the spotlight with game-changing performances? Brian Smith breaks down key QB storylines, including Sam Levitt’s (LSU) injury questions, Bryce Underwood’s (Michigan) developmental curve, and Byrum Brown’s (Auburn) dual-threat potential. The conversation spotlights coaching changes, offensive line shakeups, and backup depth charts that could determine the season’s fate. Who truly ranks among college football’s elite quarterbacks—and which overrated signal callers may falter when it matters most? Get insight on power conferences, recruiting pipelines, and the hidden gems poised to disrupt the playoff picture. Support us by supporting our sponsors! 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 brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    THE ELITE: CJ Carr, Darian Mensah, Julian Sayin and More, Defining the Best College Quarterback
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4.7
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

The Portal is hosted by Brian Smith as he takes you through the biggest college football stories, College football recruiting, transfer portal, and NIL. Tune in for daily insights that will have impact at the local and national level. Brian Smith, a life-long recruiting fanatic, will break down the latest college football recruiting rankings, intel, commitments, evaluations from 7-on-7 and camps, and what’s next from coast to coast. He will be on the road covering what matters. That’s why Locked On College Football Recruiting is your dialed-in source for the latest news and insights! The Portal is presented by the Locked On Podcast Network.

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