436 episodes

With the help of players, coaches, TV analysts, school administrators and NCAA officials, AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo tackles on-and off-field issues affecting the sport throughout the year. The show gives everyone from the casual fan to the obsessed alum, an insider look into the AP Poll and all that is trending on campuses around the country. Be ready for the big game, signing day or spring practice with this weekly chat about college football.

AP Top 25 College Football Podcast The Associated Press

    • Sports
    • 4.5 • 231 Ratings

With the help of players, coaches, TV analysts, school administrators and NCAA officials, AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo tackles on-and off-field issues affecting the sport throughout the year. The show gives everyone from the casual fan to the obsessed alum, an insider look into the AP Poll and all that is trending on campuses around the country. Be ready for the big game, signing day or spring practice with this weekly chat about college football.

    Who are the best coaches in college football?

    Who are the best coaches in college football?

    Who are the best coaches in college football?


    Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel of The Athletic join AP's Ralph Russo to discuss their rankings of the Top 25 coaches in college football right now. The retirement of Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh moving on to the NFL and a few down years by Dabo Swinney have opened up more than a few spots in the near the top of the rankings, opening the door for coaches such as Lance Leipold of Kansas and Kalen DeBoer, Saban's replacement who just led Washington to the national championship game. And how will expectations on coaches change in college football's new world order?






    Ralph's Top 10 coaches:



    No. 1 Kirby Smart, Georgia



    No. 2 Dabo Swinney, Clemson



    No. 3 Brian Kelly, LSU



    No. 5. Kyle Whittingham, Utah



    No. 6 Kalen DeBoer, Alabama



    No. 7 James Franklin, Penn State
    No. 8 Lance Leipold, Kansas
    No. 9 Mike Norvell, Florida State
    No. 10 Lincoln Riley, USC

    • 45 min
    Post-combined draft talk and CFP shenanigans

    Post-combined draft talk and CFP shenanigans

    Post-combined draft talk and CFP shenanigans


    The NFL Draft combine in the the rearview mirror and the is about a month and half left before the actual draft. Eric Edholm from NFL.com joins AP's Ralph Russo to discuss what was learned at the combine and what to make of USC QB Caleb Williams choosing not to be evaluated by every teams' medical staff. Plus, this offensive line class is loaded. Then in Three-and-Out, Russo explains why the Big Ten and SEC's CFP power play is unnecessary and not in the best interest of college football.

    • 45 min
    Why the CFP is expanding already

    Why the CFP is expanding already

    Why the CFP is expanding already


    The first 12-team College Football Playoff hasn't even been played yet and the conference commissioners who run the CFP are talking about adding more teams. How did we get here so soon? Nicole Auerbach from The Athletic joins AP's Ralph Russo to discuss how the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference are throwing their weight around and how the playoff that was revealed in 2021.

    • 45 min
    Does ESPN have too much control of college football?

    Does ESPN have too much control of college football?

    Does ESPN have too much control of college football?
     
    ESPN is moving toward a deal to have sole ownership of the expanded College Football Playoff through the 2031 season. Is that good for college football? Bryan Curtis, sports media writer for The Ringer, joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk about the impact of college football’s splintered media rights been deals, with Fox being all in on the Big Ten and ESPN being the exclusive home of the SEC and ACC. The leaders of the CFP hoped to have an NFL-style media deal for its postseason with multiple networks involved. Instead, ESPN will remain in control at a time when many fans believe the network controls the sport from behind the scenes.

    • 35 min
    Are coaches really fleeing to the NFL?

    Are coaches really fleeing to the NFL?

    Are coaches really fleeing to the NFL?
     
    When Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley decided to quit his job and take a new one as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, it inspired more than a few takes that the move was a red flag for the state of college football and that an exodus of quality coaches was something to fear. Max Olson of The Athletic joins AP’s Ralph Russo to discuss the potential brain drain and why coaches jumping from college to the NFL might not be worth worrying about. Also, trying to identify the next Jayden Daniels or Bo Penix among this year’s transfer quarterbacks.

    • 45 min
    Wrapping up the January coaching carousel

    Wrapping up the January coaching carousel

    Wrapping up the January coaching carousel !


    Michigan has new head coach in Sherrone Moore, replacing Jim Harbaugh, but the story of the 2023 national champions is far from over. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg joins AP's Ralph Russo to discuss the lingering debate over how to view Michigan's accomplishments with the cloud of the sign-stealing scandal forever hanging over the Wolverines. Plus, we wrap up the January coaching  carousel and talk short-term expectations for new coaches at Alabama, Washington and Arizona.

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
231 Ratings

231 Ratings

DB79Falcons ,

Dilemma

Ralph, I have a problem. I never want your show to end, yet I can’t wait to get to 3 and Out! Is there a name for this condition? Is there a cure? Signed - Hurry up and wait.

StephenBunchofNumbers ,

Great podcast

This is the best college football podcast available. It’s insightful and entertaining, without being sophomoric. I feel like I learn something every time I listen.

Doobie Poon5 ,

4 stars

I like the podcast and would give it 5 stars but the host keep talking over the guests. He has to make his point instead of just letting them finish their point first.

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