Bussin’ With The Boys – Luke Combs Talks New Album 'The Way I Am' + NFL Free Agency Reactions

Episode 370 | March 10, 2026
Hosts: Will Compton, Taylor Lewan (with Jack)
Guest: Luke Combs

Episode Overview

This lively episode features superstar country artist Luke Combs riding the bus with the crew for an in-depth conversation spanning NFL free agency drama, behind-the-scenes of the Raiders trade chaos, speculation on league moves, podcast dream guests, and deep-dive into Luke’s journey in music—including the making of his highly anticipated new album, The Way I Am. The Boys also riff on sports culture, college football, and the wild evolution of the music industry.

Key Topics & Insights

1. NFL Free Agency: Max Crosby to the Ravens (07:40–21:32)

• Raiders trade Max Crosby to Ravens for two 1st-round picks:

  • Both sides (Ravens & Raiders) may have “won” the deal. Ravens get a Hall of Fame defensive end; Raiders reload for the future.
  • “Max Crosby is a Hall of Fame defensive end that is currently, like, still in his prime. Ravens made an incredible move. They're clearly all in.” —Luke Combs (08:19)
  • Raiders hope QB Fernando Mendoza is the answer.

• Inside the Raiders Dysfunction:

  • Talk of Tom Brady’s influence as minority owner and the increasing power of trainer Alex Guerrero.
  • Friction over business decisions, especially regarding training staff loyalty and tanking rumors.
  • “Tom has a lot of juice inside the organization and it's ruffled feathers…” —Luke Combs (12:15)
  • Deeper analysis of the stress on players, trainers, and the effect on culture.

• Discussion on the broader issues of franchise instability, coaching carousels, and how Raiders fans weigh optimism vs. pessimism.

2. Broader NFL Free Agency Moves & Hot Takes (21:32–39:46)

• Other Major Moves:

  • DJ Moore to the Bills: “This is a massive addition for them. Would love to see the Bills make one more move…” —Jack (33:08)
  • Tua Tagovailoa to the Falcons speculation: Mostly met with skepticism.
  • Mike Evans rumored to 49ers; Kyler Murray possibly to Jets or Vikings.

• Fun banter on teams, draft strategy, and how franchises break out of mediocrity.

• NFL Season:

  • The constant mental grind for players is discussed, including social media drama and trade rumors.
  • Joe Burrow as a dream guest (“white buffalo”) for the show, ranking above even Vince Vaughn and Blink 182. (28:15)

3. Logan Paul Challenge & Athlete Boxing Debate (45:53–51:57)

• Logan Paul says no NFL player could beat him in boxing, putting up $1 million.
  • The boys debate: would size (e.g., Myles Garrett) beat boxing technique?
  • “Unless guys know how to box…like, it doesn’t matter. ...I would beat a guy that’s 250 if he doesn’t know how to box.” —Jack (46:34)
  • Discussion about the realities of boxing, stunt matches, and Logan Paul as “one of the greatest marketers in the world.”

4. Luke Combs’ Musical Journey & Insight (79:26–152:00)

• High School & Early Days:

  • Luke recounts football stories, being “Jokes” on his team, his friendship with Caleb Presley, and memories of watching future stars like Brandon Spikes.

• Music Career Origin:

  • Singing since childhood, choir passion, picking up guitar at 21 after a rough summer.

  • “I just always did. For what? As soon as I could talk, I was singing. I’m not sure why, but I just was.” —Luke Combs (101:27)

  • First public show at Boone’s Parthenon Cafe (14 years ago to the day of recording), earning $200—and knowing music was his life path.

  • Social Media as a Breakthrough (Vine, etc.):

    • Luke leveraged Vine before that was "the plan" and talks about building organic buzz, selling tickets, outgrowing his hometown as an unsigned artist.

• Nashville Hustle & The Industry:

  • Moved to Nashville without a manager or agent, writing five days a week, playing small gigs, and focusing on building genuine craft/relationships.

  • Chris Stapleton’s breakout moment (2015 CMAs with Justin Timberlake) “changed the mold” and opened doors for non-industry types like Luke.

  • Record Deals Demystified:

    • Explains artist leverage, the importance of negotiating for points/ownership, and why radio (now softened by streaming) was once the only game.
    • “Now kids are coming to town with 2 million TikTok followers…it’s undeniable.” (115:25)
    • Candid about contracts, record company structures, and how he sidestepped bad deals by building his own fanbase first.

  • Notable Quote:
    “If we don't have each other, what do we have? Doing it all by yourself...Who are you even excited about it with?” —Luke Combs on collaborative songwriting (143:00)

• Album Process:

  • The Way I Am is 22 tracks from 40 recorded songs; balances commercial hopes with genuine, classic Luke sound.
  • “I just felt like it's the best I've got. So if it doesn't work, I'm kind of screwed!” (184:34)

5. College Football Fandom, Transfer Portal, and CFB Nostalgia (152:30–177:20)

• College Football Passion:

  • Deep dive into App State pride, the “Michigan upset” memory, portal frustration for mid-majors.
  • Luke’s hot take: Given NIL/portal era, FCS national championships brought more joy—a Group of Five playoff would make college football more meaningful for schools like App State.
  • “Now we’re a farm team for these Power Five schools…it stinks, dude.” —Luke Combs (173:24)

• Debate: What school should Luke assign his kids' fandom to?

  • Debates commitment to App State vs. picking an SEC/B1G team for his family’s future. Tennessee emerges as a local favorite amidst wordplay and Photoshopped face-tats.

• Endearing discussions of dad life, playing with kids' toys (Magna-Tiles, LEGOs), and snow days.

6. New Album “The Way I Am” – Vision and Hopes (182:18–189:16)

• Luke reflects on stepping away post-Fast Car fame to focus on fatherhood, coming back with a record for his day-ones and new fans alike.

  • “It’s just me and my boys writing stuff, and what’s the best we’ve come up with in the last two years?...I’m trying to throw fastballs down the middle.” (184:42)

• Biggest stress point is narrowing tracks from 40 to 22—wants fans to “digest it in one sitting,” not feeling cheated after a long wait.

7. Rapid Fire Fan Q&A & Fun Moments

• Bud Light Question: What would Luke Combs do anything for?

  • Panthers Super Bowl—he’d “sell the farm” for it. (190:17–192:46)
  • Ranks Panthers SB above even an App State FBS title, given realistic possibility.

• Stories of being starstruck, especially by Panthers greats (Keuchly, Steve Smith, Julius Peppers). Fun McConaughey-level musing on body image and “hot guy” standards in country music.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Max Crosby Trade (08:19):
  “Max Crosby is a Hall of Fame defensive end that is currently, like, still in his prime. Ravens made an incredible move. They're clearly all in.” —Luke Combs

• On Raiders Dysfunction (12:15):
  “Tom has a lot of juice inside the organization and it's ruffled feathers…” —Luke Combs

• On Being a Fan & College Football (173:24):
  “Now we’re a farm team for these Power Five schools…it stinks, dude.” —Luke Combs

• On Making His Career (143:00):
  “If we don't have each other, what do we have? Doing it all by yourself...Who are you even excited about it with?”

• Self-Deprecating Humor About Success (139:02):
  "God made me fat for a reason. If I was in good shape, I'd be miserable to be around."

Timestamps for Major Topics

• Raiders/Ravens Free Agency Breakdown: 07:40–21:32
• NFL Free Agency Rumors & QB Drama: 21:32–39:46
• Logan Paul vs. NFL Boxer Debate: 45:53–51:57
• Luke Combs' Music Origin Stories: 79:26–102:18
• Record Deals & Nashville Industry: 114:10–122:37
• Chris Stapleton’s CMA Moment/Industry Shift: 133:14–136:49
• Songwriting & Collaboration: 141:57–144:02
• New Album, The Way I Am, Process: 182:18–189:16
• College Football, App State & Transfer Portal: 152:30–177:20
• Rapid Fire, Fun Dad Life, Bud Light Question: 189:16–192:46

Final Thoughts

This episode is a quintessential example of Bussin’ With The Boys’ unique energy—equal parts unfiltered locker room, sports radio, country back porch, and therapy session. Luke Combs offers deep authenticity on music, balancing peak creative ambition with devotion to family and real talk about the business side of making it big. NFL and college football fans will love the wit and inside banter, especially the honest breakdowns of player moves, franchise culture, and what truly matters to the Boys on (and off) the field.

“At the end of the day, if we don’t have each other, what do we have?”

Don’t miss:

• Luke's candid take on music business leverage
• Mental health/locker room honesty around NFL drama
• Passionate college football nostalgia
• All the moments the Boys crack each other up about sports, dad life, and what aging out of football and music really feels like.

For Fans:

Subscribe, Rate 5 Stars, and Catch Luke’s new album The Way I Am out now!