Bussin' With The Boys Fantasy Draft + Mitch Deals With The Haters | Inside The Bus (September 5, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delivers a laid-back, inside look at the Bussin’ With The Boys crew as they catch up on life off the bus, break down their annual fantasy football draft—with plenty of trash talk and controversy—and let Mitch respond directly to his online critics. The conversation ranges from personal stories and behind-the-scenes trips to a candid airing of grievances, giving listeners both classic locker room banter and glimpses into NFL media culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Check-in and The Sherman Absence (01:50-03:40)

• Sherman’s not present because he’s busy handling a Nebraska video project and “dad duty.” The group jokes about priorities and missing a full squad.
• “Shout out the baby.” – Jared (JP) Hovey (02:30)

Fan Mail Moment & High School Jersey Story (04:43-06:02)

• The boys are hyped about receiving their first fan mail: a Frank Wycheck high school jersey, sent from listener Mike Anuski.
• “Shout out you, Mike!” – The group collectively (05:35-05:46)
• Conversation touches on the challenges of setting up a mailing address for the show’s fan gifts.

Mitch’s Move & “Bring Your Own Boxes” Party (06:02-09:02)

• Mitch is moving, which sparks the idea of a furniture-free, moving-out party—each room a different drinking/game station.
• Emphasis on cleaning up to try to get the security deposit back.
• “BYOB: Bring your own boxes.” – Jared (JP) Hovey (07:23)

Mitch vs. the Haters: Clearing the Air on Ohio State (10:11-14:28)

• Mitch addresses criticisms for being a “casual” Ohio State fan and not attending a big game in person:
  • He prefers watching games at home or with his people over being in crowded stadiums.
  • Feels misunderstood by online detractors doubting his love of football.
  • Quote: “To the haters, like, I know ball probably better than a lot of you guys out there.” – Mitch (13:07-13:12)
  • The group validates—and pokes a little fun at—Mitch’s fandom philosophy.

Bathroom Hacks Segment (14:28-15:33)

• Debate over the proper way to pee in public: through the zipper or by unbuttoning. General consensus?
  • “Through the zipper is diabolical.” – Jared (JP) Hovey (14:57)
  • They agree that peeing outside is “just a vibe.” (15:28)

Deep Dive: Fantasy Football Draft Drama

Taylor’s “GM” Advantage (15:44-18:01)

• Major controversy as the group accuses Taylor of employing a ringer—a **fantasy GM pro from back home—to draft for him, explaining his past league victories.
• Taylor and Will’s team breakdown: (17:15-17:49)
  • QB: Jayden Daniels
  • RBs: Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry
  • WRs: Drake London, Tyreek Hill, Terry McLaurin
  • TE: Sam LaPorta
  • Flexes: Isaiah Pacheco & Rasheed Rice (suspended early in season)
  • Defense: Cardinals D (Will’s pick)
  • Bench: Roma Dunze, Jalen Warren, more

“Should you be allowed to bring in a third party GM?” – Open debate, with most saying no (20:17-20:27).

Other Teams & Draft Struggles (20:33-23:12)

• Jared (JP) Hovey describes stress drafting without a GM and reaching for Alvin Kamara.
  • “My receivers are stacked: CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra, Marvin Harrison… QB is Dak.” (21:29-21:36)
• Jack/Coop’s team includes Joe Burrow, Christian McCaffrey, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, and Travis Kelce (benched).
• They note the uniqueness of an eight-team, two-person-per-team league—lots of waiver wire strategy to come.

Behind the Scenes at ESPN’s Get Up! (24:09-29:53)

• The group recounts Will and Taylor’s first appearance on ESPN’s Get Up! in New York.
• Early wake-ups, hotel mishaps (bad plumbing, missing charger), and last-minute prep anxiety.
  • “Will’s collar was popped—like, he just got out of a nightmare.” – Coop (25:23-25:53)
• Praise for the professionalism and “fun atmosphere,” both on and off camera.
• Killer cafeteria moments, celeb cameos:
  • Adam Schefter, Greeny (Mike Greenberg as the omelet chef), and Stephen A. Smith all make appearances.
  • “Greeny has a very distinct voice. Even off TV, he’s the same guy.” – Mitch Carsley (29:30)
• The ESPN set is compared to a laid-back, high-value production more “Rich Eisen Show” than uptight network set.

Stadium Stories: Trip to Mercedes-Benz (32:34-39:24)

• Will and JP detail their trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a South Carolina game:
  • Impressed by the stadium (“like a UFO”), the bucket-list feel, and the low-priced, high-quality food.
  • “Chicken and fries, low key, didn’t even need sauce.” – Mitch Carsley (35:18-35:22)
• Discuss lack of traffic due to well-run Atlanta police, and how easy parking/tailgating was.

JP Getting Recognized & Fan Moments (33:47-40:29)

• Will sets an "over/under" of 5.5 on how many times JP will get recognized:
  • “He got recognized at the gas station—hit the over.” (40:00-40:13)
• Will jokes about being mistaken as JP’s “sidekick,” wearing his pod merch as a signpost.

More Personal Antics & Weekend Stories

• Jared’s wild night: 11 friends (and several dogs) staying with him, culminating in a drunken “demon” fan encounter at Red Door bar.
  • “If y’all see me in public, come up. Feel free to say what’s up.” – JP (43:34)
• Mitch’s college Ring of Honor induction:
  • His 2019 football team is being honored. Mitch recounts giving awkward team speeches as a captain, being the only offensive representative among defensive teammates.
  • “I’d kind of just black out and say the most coach-speak thing of all time.” – Mitch (46:28-46:44)
• Hints at possible Bussin’ With The Boys Christmas caroling vlog—debate over Music Row or Pennsylvania as setting.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On fan criticism:
  Mitch: “To the haters, like, I know ball probably better than a lot of you guys out there.” (13:07)
• On fantasy football fairness:
  Coop: “Should you be allowed to bring in a third party GM?” (20:17)
• On ESPN set life:
  Mitch Carsley: “Greeny’s voice is the same in person as it is on TV.” (29:30)
• On stadium food:
  Mitch Carsley: “Chicken and fries, low key, didn’t even need the sauce.” (35:18)
• JP’s message to fans:
  “If y’all see me in public, … come up, feel free to say what’s up.” (43:34)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Sherman’s Update & Crew Roll Call: 01:50–03:40
• Fan Mail Jersey Story: 04:43–06:02
• Mitch’s Moving Party Plans: 06:02–09:02
• Mitch vs. Haters (Ohio State): 10:11–14:28
• Bathroom Hacks (Comic Relief): 14:28–15:33
• Fantasy Draft Discussion & Taylor Controversy: 15:44–23:12
• ESPN Get Up! Recap: 24:09–29:53
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium Review: 32:34–39:24
• JP Fan Recognition & Statistic: 33:47–40:29
• Jared’s Demon Encounter / Weekend Stories: 41:00–43:34
• Mitch’s Ring of Honor Induction: 43:37–48:46
• Christmas Caroling Vlog Pitch/Outro: 51:47–53:13

Tone & Style

The overall episode is loose, playful, and driven by genuine friendship, inside jokes, and competitive energy. There’s a constant toggling between self-deprecating humor, proud storytelling, and the lively chaos of an NFL-adjacent friend group. The pod is at its best when debates (fantasy GMs), "hater" rebuttals, and insider tales from the sports media world collide.

For Listeners Who Missed It:

Expect a classic Boys episode blending fantasy trash talk, the grind—and glory—of sports media, and the everyday stories that make up the group’s off-field chemistry. Mitch stands his ground against “haters,” the fantasy league stokes old and new rivalries, and behind-the-scenes stories from road trips and ESPN keep things fresh and personal. If you want to feel like you’re on the bus with the crew, this is the episode for you.