THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk

THE Varsity Voices
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Football
  • Updated Weekly

In depth discussions and inside information on different topics pertaining to high school sports in Illinois and across the country, high school football and the Chicago Catholic League.

  1. Chicago Catholic League Football 2026 Preview | Every Team's First Two Games, Bold Predictions & Biggest Storylines

    2d ago

    Chicago Catholic League Football 2026 Preview | Every Team's First Two Games, Bold Predictions & Biggest Storylines

    The road to the Chicago Catholic League championship begins long before conference play. In this episode of THE Varsity Voices: Chicago Catholic League Sports Talk, Joe and Dan break down the first two non-conference games for every team in all six CCL divisions. Rather than simply reviewing schedules, we ask the questions every Chicago Catholic League football fan is asking before kickoff: 🏈 Which teams face the toughest opening stretch? 🏈 Who has the best chance to start the season 2-0? 🏈 Which coaching staffs scheduled the smartest? 🏈 Which matchups are must-watch games? 🏈 Where could the biggest upset happen? 🏈 What storylines will everyone be talking about after the first two weeks? From powerhouse programs to potential surprise teams, we offer our predictions, debate the schedules, and preview what could shape the 2026 IHSA football season before conference play even begins. If you're a fan of Chicago Catholic League football, Illinois high school football, recruiting, coaching strategy, and preseason predictions, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly coverage of the Chicago Catholic League throughout the 2026 football season, including game previews, recaps, rankings, player spotlights, coach interviews, and breaking news.

    1h 8m
  2. NCAA's New 5-for-5 Rule: Will It Change High School Recruiting, Prep Academies & Reclassification?

    Jun 26

    NCAA's New 5-for-5 Rule: Will It Change High School Recruiting, Prep Academies & Reclassification?

    The NCAA has approved one of the most significant changes to college athletic eligibility in decades. Beginning with future student-athletes, the new 5-for-5 eligibility model will replace the traditional "4 seasons in 5 years" system, changing how athletes, parents, coaches, and recruiters think about the path from high school to college sports. But will it actually change behavior? In this episode of THE Varsity Voices, we break down what the NCAA's new rule means and explore the unintended consequences it could have on high school athletics. We discuss: 🏈 What the NCAA's new 5-for-5 eligibility rule actually means 🏈 Why the NCAA made this change 🏈 Will prep academies become less attractive—or even more valuable? 🏈 How reclassification and repeating grades could be affected 🏈 Whether parents will still invest in a postgraduate year if it means arriving at college stronger, more mature, and ready to contribute immediately 🏈 The financial realities of prep academies like IMG Academy and whether they're worth the investment 🏈 How this rule could impact recruiting, NIL opportunities, roster construction, and the future of high school sports This isn't just a college sports story. It's a conversation that could reshape recruiting, player development, and the decisions thousands of families of high school student/athletes make every year. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, recruiter, or simply passionate about high school sports, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️ THE Varsity Voices—Giving High School Sports a Voice. Subscribe for weekly conversations covering the Chicago Catholic League, Illinois high school sports, recruiting, NIL, the transfer portal, IHSA news, and the biggest issues shaping the future of athletics. #HighSchoolFootball #NCAA #Recruiting #PrepSchool #StudentAthlete #NIL #TransferPortal #CollegeFootball #HighSchoolSports

    38 min
  3. Introducing THE Varsity Voices GCAC Flag Football Podcast |Inside the GCAC and the Future of Illinois High School Sports

    Jun 19

    Introducing THE Varsity Voices GCAC Flag Football Podcast |Inside the GCAC and the Future of Illinois High School Sports

    Girls flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and THE Varsity Voices is excited to announce the launch of our newest podcast dedicated to covering the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC). In this episode, we discuss why girls flag football is experiencing tremendous growth, what makes the sport unique, and the key factors that separate good teams from championship contenders. We also explore the importance of speed, quarterback play, defensive flag-pulling, coaching, and the impact of multi-sport athletes on the future of the game. Plus, we share our vision for covering GCAC flag football throughout the season, the storylines we're watching, and why we believe this sport is becoming one of the most exciting developments in Illinois high school athletics. Whether you're a coach, player, parent, fan, or simply curious about the future of girls flag football, this episode is the perfect introduction to the sport and what's ahead. Topics Include: 🏈 Launch of the new GCAC Flag Football Podcast 🏈 Why girls flag football is growing so rapidly 🏈 What skills define the best teams 🏈 The importance of speed and quarterback play 🏈 Multi-sport athletes and player development 🏈 Bold predictions for the future of the sport 🏈 The future of girls athletics in Illinois Subscribe for weekly coverage of the Chicago Catholic League, GCAC Flag Football, Illinois high school sports, recruiting, coaching news, and more. #GirlsFlagFootball #GCAC #IllinoisHighSchoolSports #VarsityVoices #FlagFootball

    32 min
  4. Meet New DePaul Prep Head Coach Nick Bizzieri | Chicago Catholic League Football 2026

    Jun 12

    Meet New DePaul Prep Head Coach Nick Bizzieri | Chicago Catholic League Football 2026

    DePaul Prep enters a new era of football, and we're joined by the man leading the Rams into the future. In this episode of THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk, Joe and Dan Freveletti sit down with new DePaul Prep Head Football Coach Nick Bizzieri to discuss his journey to becoming the head coach, his vision for the Rams program, lessons learned from coaching in the Chicago Catholic League, and what DePaul Prep fans can expect in the seasons ahead. Coach Bizzieri has been an important part of the DePaul Prep football program and now takes over one of Illinois' premier high school football programs following the successful tenure of Mike Passarella. Topics include:🏈 Taking over as Head Coach at DePaul Prep🏈 Building on a State Championship culture🏈 The future of Rams football🏈 Competing in the Chicago Catholic League🏈 Player development and leadership🏈 The evolving landscape of high school football If you're a fan of DePaul Prep, the Chicago Catholic League, Illinois high school football, or high school sports in general, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe for weekly conversations with coaches, athletes, administrators, and insiders from across the high school sports landscape. THE Varsity Voices Media NetworkYour Voice for High School Sports #ChicagoCatholicLeague #DePaulPrep #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #HighSchoolFootball #CCLFootball #NickBizzieri #RamsFootball #IHSAFootball #ChicagoFootball #VarsityVoices

    22 min
  5. The Professionalization of High School Sports | Reclassification, Transfers & the CCL Arms Race

    Jun 5

    The Professionalization of High School Sports | Reclassification, Transfers & the CCL Arms Race

    Are high school sports beginning to resemble college athletics? In this episode of THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk, Joe and Dan discuss two of the biggest trends reshaping high school athletics today. First, we examine the growing practice of student-athletes reclassifying their graduation year and even repeating 8th grade before entering high school. Is this a legitimate developmental strategy, or is it becoming another way to gain a competitive advantage in recruiting and future NIL opportunities? Then we turn our attention to what we're calling the Chicago Catholic League "Arms Race." Schools across the CCL are investing in new stadiums, fieldhouses, training facilities, coaching staffs, and recruiting efforts. Former NFL players are joining coaching staffs, club coaches are being hired by high schools, and transfer announcements seem to be increasing by the week. Are these schools setting the national standard, or simply trying to keep pace with one another? And with the IHSA Competitive Balance Committee expected to make recommendations regarding transfers and competitive equity, could the landscape be on the verge of another major shift? Topics include: • Student-athlete reclassification trends• Repeating 8th grade for athletic development• NIL and recruiting implications• Chicago Catholic League facility upgrades• The coaching arms race• High-profile transfers• Competitive balance in Illinois high school sports• The future of high school athletics Plus, before the show's conclusion, Dan shares a few heartfelt thoughts about Zuko, our beloved "OG Dawg" and longtime member of the Varsity Voices family. Subscribe for weekly coverage of Chicago Catholic League football, Illinois high school sports, recruiting, coaching news, transfers, and the issues shaping the future of high school athletics. #HighSchoolSports #ChicagoCatholicLeague #CCLFootball #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #IHSA #HighSchoolFootball #StudentAthletes #Transfers #Recruiting #NIL #YouthSports #SportsPodcast #FootballPodcast #HighSchoolAthletics #VarsityVoices #ChicagoSports #Coaching #HighSchoolRecruiting #CompetitiveBalance #CCL

    41 min
  6. Future Dawgs: Who's Next? | CCL Blue Division Football Prospects | Loyola, Mount Carmel, Brother Rice & Marist

    May 29

    Future Dawgs: Who's Next? | CCL Blue Division Football Prospects | Loyola, Mount Carmel, Brother Rice & Marist

    Who are the next stars of the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division? In this episode of Future Dawgs: Who's Next?, Joe and Dan Freveletti break down the top underclassmen, rising stars, and future impact players from the Chicago Catholic League's Blue Division featuring Loyola Academy, Mount Carmel, Brother Rice, and Marist. The Blue Division is loaded with championship programs, elite talent, and some of the best high school football players in Illinois. We identify the names every Chicago Catholic League fan, coach, recruiter, and college program should know before the 2026 season. Which players are ready to break out?Who could be the next Division I recruit?Which underclassmen are positioned to become household names across Illinois high school football? Join us as we spotlight the future of CCL football. Subscribe for weekly coverage of:• Chicago Catholic League Football• Illinois High School Football• Player Recruiting News• Future Dawgs: Who's Next?• Coaching Changes & Program Analysis• The Biggest Stories in High School Sports THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports TalkHosted by Joe and Dan Freveletti #CCLFootball #ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #FutureDawgs #VarsityVoices

    46 min
  7. IHSA Competitive Balance Debate: Public vs Private Schools, Transfers & The Future of Illinois High School Football

    May 22

    IHSA Competitive Balance Debate: Public vs Private Schools, Transfers & The Future of Illinois High School Football

    In this episode of THE Varsity Voices Podcast, Joe and Dan Freveletti are joined by Daily Herald reporter Kevin Schmit to discuss one of the biggest issues facing Illinois high school sports today: competitive balance between public and private schools. The IHSA recently formed a committee to study competitive balance across Illinois athletics, sparking major conversations involving: transfers and athlete movementrecruiting and exposurepublic vs private school advantagesenrollment multipliers and success factorsthe Chicago Catholic Leaguesocial media’s impact on high school sportsthe future of Illinois high school footballIs this really a public vs private school issue? Or is the landscape of high school athletics simply changing faster than the rules can keep up? We break down the IHSA committee, the growing transfer culture, why a small number of elite programs may be driving the debate, and whether true competitive balance is even possible in the modern era of high school sports. If you follow Illinois high school football, the IHSA, the Chicago Catholic League, recruiting, or transfers, this is a must-listen episode. Follow THE Varsity Voices Media Network for year-round coverage of Illinois high school sports, the Chicago Catholic League, recruiting, coaching changes, player development and more. #IHSA #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #ChicagoCatholicLeague

    33 min
  8. Future Dawgs: Who’s Next? | CCL Red Division Preview | Marian Catholic, Leo, De La Salle & Saint Viator

    May 15

    Future Dawgs: Who’s Next? | CCL Red Division Preview | Marian Catholic, Leo, De La Salle & Saint Viator

    The Future Dawgs series continues as THE Varsity Voices Media Network breaks down the Chicago Catholic League Red Division heading into the upcoming Illinois high school football season. In this episode, we spotlight the programs, players, storylines, and future impact athletes from Marian Catholic, Leo Catholic, De La Salle Institute, and Saint Viator. Which teams are building momentum?Which under-the-radar players could emerge this season?And which programs may surprise people in the CCL this year? We dive into roster development, program direction, coaching storylines, and the next generation of talent across one of the most intriguing divisions in the Chicago Catholic League. If you follow Illinois high school football, Chicago Catholic League football, recruiting, or rising football prospects, this episode is for you. Subscribe for weekly coverage, interviews, recruiting discussions, player spotlights, and in-depth conversations surrounding high school football in Illinois and beyond. #ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #CCLFootball #FutureDawgs #VarsityVoices

    42 min
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In depth discussions and inside information on different topics pertaining to high school sports in Illinois and across the country, high school football and the Chicago Catholic League.

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