In or Out

Summary

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College Football Bros — "In or Out" (June 4, 2026)

PodcastOne | Hosts: Michael & Trey Newman

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Episode Overview

In this dynamic and opinionated episode, brothers Michael and Trey Newman break down some of the most polarizing discussions ahead of the 2026 college football season. Using their signature "In or Out" format, the duo debates topics ranging from potential playoff expansion to high-profile quarterbacks and coaches across the country. Their conversation combines sharp analysis and relatable humor, offering fans a nuanced look at what's next for college football.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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1. College Football Playoff Expansion (00:07–06:47)

• Topic: Proposed expansion to a 24-team playoff format: 23 at-large teams + 1 G5 bid, which has support from several conference commissioners.

• Trey: Firmly OUT. Feels the move is rushed, noting, "The sport itself was pretty much the same for 50 plus years and now it's just chaos." (00:48)

  • Worries that further expansion "really devalues" rivalry week and the regular season.
  • Concern: Teams may start "rest[ing] players" leading into the playoffs, reducing the stakes for historic matchups (e.g., Ohio State–Michigan).
  • "Those [rivalry games] are de facto playoff games...I want Saturdays to matter." (02:09)

• Michael: OUT as well.

  • Points out that a 24-team format would let in too many mediocre teams: "8-4 Iowa getting in...with their best win being against 7-5 Nebraska..." (02:50)
  • Notes 12-team format still keeps regular season meaningful: "9-3, there's a good chance you're out. 10-2, even is not a guarantee." (02:50)
  • Warns the playoff "bubble" will shift from very good 9-3/10-2 teams to unremarkable 3–4 loss teams.

• Bill Connolly Quote (cited by Michael, 04:46):

  "I don't want to find out how Ohio State, Georgia, or Alabama fans react to almost never having to play a meaningful regular season game again."

• Consensus: Further expansion threatens the regular season's significance and is driven by profit, not by fan demand.

  • Michael (on finance): "At some point it might backfire...it's probably better financially...but I don't like it." (06:30)

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2. Michigan QB Bryce Underwood (07:04–10:35)

• Defining "In": Host standards interpret “in” as being a Big Ten star or near Heisman contention.
• Michael: OUT. Notable underperformance and inconsistency in 2025, concerning spring game performance ("terrible game"), and overall "not good vibes." (08:07)
• Trey: Split. Out by Michael's strict "Heisman-level" criteria, but "in" on the chance Underwood could take a major leap under OC Jason Beck, citing QB development history (Devin Dampier).
  • "I think if Beck lets Underwood use his legs...then I might be in." (09:27)
• Eric Weddle Reference:

  "[Underwood] was just pathetic in the spring game. I want him to prove me wrong, but I don’t see it right now." (08:10)

• Consensus: Leaning OUT for now, recognizing Underwood’s potential ceiling but seeing risk he falls short of massive recruiting hype.

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3. Alabama Offense in 2026 (10:37–13:42)

• Trey: OUT.
  • 2025’s unit finished 18th in efficiency, plagued by a terrible run game (125th in rushing).
  • Offensive line in full rebuild; quarterback competition remains unsettled.
  • "I just don't know if they have proven solid, multiple [receiving] threats at least." (11:49)
• Michael: OUT. Despite confidence in Kalen DeBoer and optimistic on QB options, too many question marks at OL and WR:
  • "A whole new room [O-line]… that's generally not a recipe for success."
  • Expects real steps forward to come in 2027.
• Notable: Ryan Williams' injury and lack of proven depth at WR further contribute to skepticism.

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4. Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule (14:28–17:03)

• Michael: OUT.
  • Rhule’s results in first three years are "pretty mediocre," with improvement lagging team-potential and resources.
  • “I could live with [the rebuild] if it seemed like it was building towards something. But we’re entering year four and the under 6.5 is favored on the win total.” (15:31)
• Trey: OUT (after some internal debate).
  • "The team talent suggests they should be much better."
  • Notes alarming staff turnover and late-season collapses.
  • “Sometimes if I’m an outsider after three years, you can just kind of tell.” (16:55)

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5. USC Defensive Coordinator Gary Patterson (17:03–20:53)

• Trey: IN, but not resounding.
  • Acknowledges TCU’s defensive decline in Patterson’s final year, but sees little to lose given USC’s defensive struggles (90th, 43rd, 53rd most efficient the past three years).
  • Bill Connolly ranks USC 16th in defensive returning production and they’ve recruited well.
  • "I think there’s a reason for hope he could improve it." (18:20)
• Michael: IN.
  • Initial skepticism fading amid positive quotes from spring:

    “[Patterson] does not seem like an old fart stuck in his ways...still innovating and he just still seems to have kind of that it factor.” (19:49)

  • Cites Patterson’s analyst stint at Texas as recent proof of impact.
  • Quote from Patterson:

    “...People that have watched me forever will be real surprised by some of the stuff we’re doing.” (19:49)

  • Both hosts feel realistic improvement (not overnight top-10 defense) is highly likely.

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6. Oklahoma QB John Mateer (21:05–24:03)

• Michael: OUT.
  • Despite more weapons and healthy O-line, Mateer’s track record is mixed—a thumb injury may explain 2025 drop in performance, but pass efficiency and running impact diminished in SEC play.
  • "Still just a little bit skeptical of John Mateer himself after last season." (22:15)
• Trey: OUT.
  • Skeptical Mateer will turn the corner after poor conference play and high sack totals (25 sacks in 2025, including 5 in a home playoff loss).
  • “Even with those weapons… can he truly push the ball downfield effectively enough?” (23:19)
  • Worrisome run-game depth (Blaylock struggled, was injured much of spring); too much on Mateer’s shoulders.
  • Expects a better offense but not at the level OU fans want.

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7. CJ Carr as Heisman Betting Favorite (24:03–27:38)

• Trey: IN.
  • Sees less trust-worthy alternatives among other top candidates (Arch Manning’s inexperience, Mensah’s Miami fit, Chambliss post-Kiffin).
  • Cites Carr’s excellent redshirt freshman numbers (67% completion, 24 TD / 6 INT, 9.4 YPA, 5th nationally in QB rating).
  • "They're going to be in the playoff hunt. Probably in the playoff. And Carr you would think would be putting up some numbers." (26:12)
• Michael: IN 100%.
  • Losing star RBs may boost Carr's passing stats (good for a Heisman campaign).
  • "He is clearly the safest bet in my opinion to at least make it there." (27:11)
• Fun Aside: If Michigan fans could swap Underwood for Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (grandson of Lloyd Carr), they should do it "in a heartbeat." (27:51)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trey, on expansion:

  “Why fix something that isn’t really broken?...No one’s asking for a 24-team playoff.” (06:09)

• Michael, critiquing expanded field:

  “You’re moving the playoff bubble from 10-2, 9-3 type teams...to teams that just weren’t that good, that have no shot to win at all.” (03:51)

• Trey, on Alabama’s offense:

  “They were 125th in the country in rush yards per game...a quarterback that's going to be very inexperienced.” (10:44)

• Michael, on Gary Patterson:

  “He is still trying to innovate... He does not seem like an old fart stuck in his ways.” (19:49)

• Trey, on John Mateer:

  “They just never scared people down the field at all.” (23:20)

• Michael, on Nebraska and Matt Rhule:

  “I think in this era of college football, that’s less of a great excuse than it used to be.” (14:40)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Playoff Expansion: 00:07–06:47
• Bryce Underwood (Michigan QB): 07:04–10:35
• Alabama Offense: 10:37–13:42
• Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule: 14:28–17:03
• USC DC Gary Patterson: 17:03–20:53
• Oklahoma QB John Mateer: 21:05–24:03
• CJ Carr Heisman Hype: 24:03–27:38

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Tone & Audience Takeaways

The Newman brothers deliver sharp critique and enthusiastic debate in an episode steeped in their signature mix of humor, objectivity, and fan perspective. They largely agree that the sport is at a crossroads—expansion and changes like realignment threaten traditional appeal. Fans looking for thoughtful, candid discussion on the most talked-about storylines heading into 2026—the voices and concerns of the "Fourth Bros" community—will find this episode a must-listen.

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Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the college football bros. I'm Michael Newman.

[B]

And I'm Trey Newman.

[A]

We have got a list of polarizing college football topics for this episode, mostly about the 2026 season. And we're going to decide if we are in or out on them. But we'll start with a topic that we have not addressed yet that actually goes beyond 2026. Trey, are you in or out on playoff expansion? And of course I bring this up because a 2014 playoff seems to be getting the most Buzz right now. 23 at large teams, one G5 bid. The ACC, Big 12 and Big 10 commissioners have expressed support for it. What do you think?

[B]

I am out? I think you could have predicted that.

[A]

Unsurprising.

[B]

Unsurprising. I mean it's, it's taken a lot for me just to accept 12. And I just think like, big picture, it's really kind of sad at the pace we're flying and not ever taking a second to pause and reflect and truly think about the ramifications of all these changes that are going on. I mean the sport itself was pretty much the same for 50 plus years and now it's just chaos. And first, obviously the ridiculous conferences. I mean, we haven't had the time yet to see kind of the full impact of that and how we can kind of finagle the conferences and maybe the scheduling to make, make a better impact. I mean just overall, like I saw Cal baseball last week, had to fly to Charlotte for the ACC baseball tournament. They were the number 13 seed. It was a one and done. They got smoked and they were. It's like they, it's just this makes no sense beyond common sense. But. But then as far as the College Football Playoff, we literally had one 12 team version. Then we modified it, the, the seating procedure last year and now all of a sudden we just want to move on to, to a bigger one. Like why can't we see the 12 team version out and just the expansion thought. My opinion is you're now going to really devalue.

[A]

We already.

[B]

People talk about devaluing the regular season and I really focus on like that rivalry week, that Thanksgiving week. There's going to be depending on the incentives on playoff seating and how that all works. There's going to be situations where teams are going to rest players. It's just there won't be potentially enough incentive for them to play like Ohio State, Michigan. There might be both teams could be in or like. And to me, when I look at a lot of those games, Texas, Texas A and M Michigan, Ohio State, those are de facto playoff games in themselves. So like just having it be called the playoff to have that extra round is just kind of making me boil. I want Saturdays to matter.

[A]

Yeah, 100 agree. Yeah, I, I hate going to 24, 23 at large teams is crazy. So like this past year that means 8 and 4 Iowa is getting in and at 8 and 4 Iowa with their best win being against 7 and 5 Nebraska, something like that. That's just, I really do not like that when we expanded to the 12 team like you said, like there were some, some, some trade offs, the elite matchups between undefeated teams matter a bit less. But they, they still matter because the, the margin for error for getting in the playoff in the 12 team era is still pretty small. Like it if you go 9 and 3, there's a good chance you're out 10 and 2 even is, is not a guarantee. So for example, early last year when Texas lost to Ohio State in an elite and you know, big matchup that really mattered because you knew there was some probability that that could end up costing Texas the playoff. And as it turns out it did. With a 24 team you're thinking eh, Texas is almost a lock to get in anyway. So I just think moving this, you're moving the playoff bubble from these, what it is now 10 and 2, 9 and 3 type teams that are really good teams that if they get in could conceivably make a run to the title and win the whole thing. The 20, the 24 team bubble is teams like 3 loss Houston, 4 loss Missouri, 3 loss Georgia Techs, teams that just weren't that good, that have no shot to win at all. Those are not the teams that should be playing in the most playoff relevant games at the end of the season. It's just, just makes no sense to me.

[B]

I saw like Mike Elko saying I want. He was being a little tongue in cheek but his point was I want 40 teams for job security. And to me that argument is just dumb because the criteria is going to change on job security. It's going to become, you know, if you don't get out of the first or second round, you're fired. So saying that that's irrelevant.

[A]

There was a good. Bill Connolly had an article on this expansion and how he does not like it. And here's one good quote from it. He said, I don't want to find out how Ohio State, Georgia or Alabama fans react to almost never having to play a meaningful regular season game again. Ohio State has finished ranked in 23 of the past 24 seasons. Georgia has done so for 24 of the past 29. Bama has done it for 18 straight. These teams might play games with genuine, you're in or out stakes only once a decade or so. I don't think we should understate the impact of that completely. Agree. Even like if you're a casual fan of a particular team with the 12 team playoff, you still got to follow the whole season, every game. Like I said.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

For the most part, really matters in a 2014 playoff. If you're an Ohio State fan, you can kind of check out for the regular season. If you're just a casual fan, I'll. I'll pop in when it's playoff time. I just. This is just going too far to where it's becoming a. A postseason sport rather than a regular season sport. Yep.

[B]

No, it's. Why fix something that isn't really broken? So here we are. I know, but. But there's also the consequence of devaluing some of that. Some of the other games where it's like, you know, there's give and take.

[A]

So okay, we can move on.

[B]

I don't even like who's asking for this. You know, it's just some of these things, the fans are not asking for the conference real. Some of this conference realignment. No one's asking for a 2014 playoff. Like it's.

[A]

No, it's just.

[B]

Just like the college basketball. No one was asking for a 76 team or whatever they went to. It's just. It's just stupid.

[A]

I know they're just trying to squeeze the most money out as possible and at some point it might backfire. But I don't. If you're just asking financially, expanding to 24, even though, yes, it devalues the regular season, it's probably better. I'm guessing that they're going to make more money, but I don't like it.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. It's too bad. All right, next. Are you good on the playoff now?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All right. Both out for sure. Next topic, Are you in or out on Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood?

[A]

So I guess we got to define what in or out is. And to me, in is a pretty high expectation because he was not just any five star recruit. He's in that tier of once every five years type elite prospect. And so I think to be in on him, it's not just saying he gets better this year. Of course he's going to get better. I think it's saying he becomes one of the better quarterbacks. In the Big Ten, he takes a huge jump and kind of sets the stage, if not to be a Heisman candidate this year, to head into 2027 as one of the Heisman favorites. And I don't see it right now. I'm out. He was inconsistent last year. Did not seem to get better as the, the season went on. Inefficient as a passer and just. I don't know, for whatever it's worth, I just haven't. There hasn't been good vibes. I feel like coming out of spring practice that. Well, at least at the, the spring game, there was more positive vibes on. What is it, Tommy Carr rather than Bryce Underwood. Bryce Underwood had a, a terrible game. I'll be at a. A short stint, so, yeah, I'm just. I'm out.

[B]

Yeah. Did you see the, the quote from Eric Weddle?

[A]

Weddle has been going crazy.

[B]

I know. He, I mean, he's. He's a Whittingham fan.

[A]

He's just mad that they took Whittingham, I guess.

[B]

But, I mean, he's, you know, he, he went on. A rookie was going on recruiting visits for his son, and he said, yeah, he was just pathetic in the spring game. And he said, I want him to prove me wrong, but I don't see it right now. He's not. Not a polished passer. And, and I mean, whether he's off the wagon or not, like, I kind of want to take his word for it since he can probably read it better than me, but. And I guess to your point, Michael, I guess I would be out in terms of that criteria of, like, you know, for sure, fire, going to be in the Heisman race next couple years, but I'm going to kind of say I'm going to be in. And really the reason I'm saying this is because of offensive coordinator Jason Beck. I'm not sure Devin Dampier at New Mexico and Utah, when he was there, was a polished passer, but Beck made him dramatically improve as a passer and made him much more efficient in his sophomore year. Talking about Dampier. And so if you look at Danpier, he went from 58% with a 12 touchdown to 12 interception ratio his freshman year. Last year, as a sophomore, jumped to 64%, 24 touchdowns, five picks, and then obviously amazing with his legs. You look at Underwood last year, his first year, 60%, 11 touchdowns, nine picks. So kind of similar there to, to what Dampier did his freshman year. So I think if Beck lets Underwood use his legs like Dampier then I might be in. But if he's mainly used as a pocket passer, then I would have a very difficult time being in. But I could see him having a big jump this year to kind of propel him into that 2027 conversation.

[A]

Yeah, I guess it just depends on what you're defining in or out because you make some good points there. I love Jason Beck and, and when you look last year, of course Underwood was only a true freshman, didn't have a great supporting cast or great coaching. His receivers dropped a lot of balls. So it was. He was not put in the best position and I think he's going to be put in a much better position this year. The receiving corps has still young, but they've at least got better potential this season. So, yeah, we'll see. I, I think he's going to get significantly better, but I don't know. I'm still leaning on not up to

[B]

his billing, his recruiting billing.

[A]

All right. Yeah. Next up we have the Alabama offense. Are you in or out for 2026?

[B]

So I'm going to say out. You look at last year, they were 18th in ESPN's efficiency metric and, and honestly just watching them, DeBoer probably got everything he could out of that offense with Ty Simpson to be 18th since they were, they were 125th in the country in rush yards per game. And you look at this upcoming year, the offensive line is nearly entirely resetting. Had a lot of turnover and you know, it's been pretty mum. But supposedly neither Keelan Russell or Austin Mack has taken clear reins on the quarterback job. Either way, it's a quarterback that's going to be very inexperienced and then kind of the surrounding pieces like I, I don't know, I want to see which Ryan Williams will get that, you know, that true freshman year where he just showed some amazing ability and then kind of in up and down versions of him we've seen recently. They brought in Noah Rogers, transferred in from NC State and Ohio State. You've got Brooks out there on the outside like

[A]

actually got, got hurt and it's going to be missed the first part of the season. So that, that's another reason to be

[B]

passing another weapon down. They just, I don't know if they have proven solid, multiple threats at least. None of them have really proven it in their careers other than you could argue Williams. But, but yeah. So I just, I don't, I don't, I don't foresee it as much this year.

[A]

I'm with you. I, I went into the, the prep for this episode thinking I'm going to be in on Alabama. I just am sky high on Kaylin DeBoer always. I I'm not deterred by his first couple seasons but and, and even the quarterback position, of course that's the the headliner. I'm not terribly worried about it. I just think between Keelan Russell and Austin Mack they should be fine. Especially if Keelan Russell is ready to be the guy and it seems like maybe he's the the favorite right now. There's a chance he's an upgrade, you know. Yeah, but still I just, I don't see this being a top 10 offense, maybe not even top 20, largely because the offensive line struggled last year and like you said, is almost completely turned over. It's a whole new room and that's I think generally not a recipe for success at receiver. Jeremy Bernard was kind of there I think was so important for them with Coleman Williams inconsistency, dropping a bunch of passes. So yeah, I don't know. I mean I like Lazier Brooks to take a big step forward after a good true freshman season and they've got good young depth at receiver so. But I don't think it's going to be better than last year. Like I don't think the receiving corp is going to take a big step forward. So it's kind of feeling like 2027 is the year for this offense because there's a lot of freshmen and sophomores on the two depth.

[B]

They're the especially if it say it's Russell like he's going to get some good experience in the sec. Like this is going to be his first run going through. So if he, if he can show at least some flashes, I would be bullish in the future because I didn't really love Ty Simpson. But man, if, if Russell or Matt can show something it could start to get exciting.

[C]

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[B]

All right, moving on to our all right, beloved Cornhuskers, are you in or out on Nebraska head coach Matt Rule?

[A]

Yeah, I mean we touched on him a little bit in our state of the program episode. I'm out. The first three years have been pretty mediocre. He hasn't done any better than I would expect just really any decent coach to do at Nebraska with the resources they have. I'm not saying they're, they should be a top 10 team, but they should be better than they have been. They should be better than what has he been 500, basically. I think exactly. Since in those three years. And you have the excuse of Scott Frost maybe not leaving a great situation. I think in this era of college football that's less of a great of excuse than, than it used to be. And either way, like I could live with that if it seemed like it was building towards something. But we're entering year four and the under six and a half is favored on the win total. So what? Why should I be in.

[B]

Yeah, that you make a great point. And I waffled on this toughest one of the episode for me, but I leaned out. Oh, I know. Just haven't seen.

[A]

I thought you were going to go in. Actually I could, I, I mean I

[B]

could easily make a case for that, but I just, I haven't seen enough like you said, I haven't seen enough of a leap in three years to warrant being exciting, excited. I mean, yeah, okay. People will say oh, the record has improved a little bit, but so what? They're barely bowl eligible through three years and their FPI finishes, they've 58th, 38th and 45th. The team talent suggests they should be much better than that. Some kind of, some red flags that he's turned over a lot of his staff to address issues. I mean at least he's trying to correct it. The last two years they've really struggled mightily down the stretch in Big Ten play. And I think Nebraska homers like looking at last year they'd say oh you know, Raiola was, was hurt and wasn't playing that last month. And I'd say to that, yeah, okay, maybe they beat USC in the game, he gets hurt. But, but Raiola wasn't good enough to overcome a 27 point loss to Penn State, a 24 point loss to Iowa, a 22 point loss to Utah to finish like I like Rule. I think he's dedicated and trying to get what he can out of the program. I'm not mad about hiring him. Still think he could improve them. But sometimes if I'm an outsider after three years, you can just kind of tell. And I agree with your point about the upcoming six and a half over under. It's like that kind of shows it.

[A]

Yeah. Okay, let's move on to my beloved USC Trojans. And we've got a new hire, USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. What do you think there?

[B]

Okay, this is it. We got to define the context of, of, in or out. But I'm going to say in, not a resounding in. And because I worry about him a little bit. The last few years kind of fell off at tcu. Granted, he was the head coach, but they fell off from the highs he had. That the last defense that he oversaw was. Was dreadful. But. But I'm in because I think he doesn't have much to lose as USC's defense hasn't been all that stout the last three years. They've been 90th, 43rd and 53rd most efficient. He's talked about, you know, this offseason, how he's excited about the bulk and size of his front four, bigger than anything he had at tcu. The roster, of course, has more talent. Now. Bill Connolly has SC's defense 16th in returning production, obviously inheriting a number one freshman class. So he's going to have some toys to develop. So I don't see why he can't at least improve the defense to be competent. Now if you were defining in as like, oh my gosh, he's going to be a top 10 defense next year or two. I don't. I'm not willing to say that, but I think. I think there's a reason for hope that he could improve it.

[A]

Yeah. When, when we made this hire, I, I didn't know what to think. I was pretty mixed. I. I definitely wish we had hired someone like Pete Kwikowski. That was the name that I wanted. Someone who is doing the job of defensive coordinator currently in college football at a high level. And of course USC didn't make that hire, so there was some disappointment there. And just a question of, are you. Hi. Hiring someone who's past his prime. But the more I have thought about it and the more quotes that have come out, I'm. I'm leaning more in Drake and the cool gonna be in on. Yeah, I am. He's so first off, he was reportedly pretty impactful as an analyst at Texas in 2022, helping Pete Kwikowski improve that defense. So that's pretty recent and like you said, yes, in 2021, his last season at TCU, the defense was horrible. But every year before that, yeah, the defense was still very good. So it's not like he was really trailing off defensively for quite a long time. It was one season that, that it didn't go well. So I think he. I don't think that hurts my opinion of him too much. And maybe this is dumb, but what's getting me more on board are the quotes coming out of spring ball. I'm just. He. He does not seem like an old fart that is stuck in his ways. He's not going to just try to run stuff because it worked five or 10 years ago. He is still innovating and he just still seems to have kind of that it factor. Here's. Here's a quote I read from him. He said last year USC had an emphasis on really more of a true zone concept when we're a little bit more of a man type concept. So how you marry those together, which some people that have watched me forever will be real surprised by some of the stuff we're doing. End quote. It's like I like hearing that. I like that.

[B]

It's.

[A]

He is still trying to innovate even at. And he's not that old. He's 65 years old. Something like that. So there's also another quote where he was talking about how when he was at TCU it was a little bit harder. I'm paraphrasing here, but a little bit harder to. To do personal development, self development as, as a defensive coach. Because during the off season he needs to be at tcu. You know, other coaches could come and watch his practices, but he's. He's kind of got to be there since he's been off for a couple years. And even just when he was an analyst at Texas and then briefly at Baylor, he was able to. To just learn more, study more defenses, talk to more coaches. And he says that he's developed from that now. It could just be coach speak, but I kind of buy it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I'm in. Drinking the Kool Aid.

[B]

All good. All right, let's shift over to a quarterback. Are you in or out on Oklahoma? Quarterback John Matier?

[A]

This is tough because I was all in last year.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And he disappointed. The offense will definitely be better around him this season. OU is third in the nation in returning production on offense. I like what they did in the portal. They addressed receiver really well, adding Parker Livingston from Texas, Trell Harris from Virginia, of course adding to Isaiah Satania coming back. So I think the receiving core will be much better. O Line returns five of their top seven players in terms of snaps. Plus they added the seventh best tackle in the portal, Emarian Harris from from Arkansas. So yeah, just talent wise should be better. But I'm still just a little bit skeptical of John Mateer himself after last season. He there's too many picks inefficient as a passer, not as effective as a runner in the SEC as when he was at Wazoo. Maybe I should have expected that. So I'm just gonna say I'm out. But the thing that gives me pause is that the thumb injury, how much was that bothering him last year? Because if you're, if you're in on him, here's a good stat. His four highest PFF grades of last year were the four games before he got hurt.

[B]

Yeah, maybe it was the foul jumps.

[A]

Yeah, partially.

[B]

No, I hear you Michael. We're I guess all but one so far aligned. I'm out on him as well. Just because last year it's not like he was some inexperienced player. And you can say he's just going to take this big jump this year because we know obviously two years ago had that full year of starting experience and, and, and he wants like you said, there's going to be the defenders pointing to the injury. But, but I just don't think it's a coincidence to me at least that he wasn't that effective in conference play. You could argue the first couple of those games in early October where maybe the thumb was still impacting but the games he tore up were against those weaker non conference foes. So I guess maybe another year with Arbuckle again as his offensive coordinator and that some of that returning production is going to do the trick. But they were the 59th most efficient offense last year. It was so tough to watch that offense at times. The other thing with him Is he took 25 sacks last year including five in their home playoff game against Bama. They just never scared people down the field at all. So even with those weapons that you talk about, can he truly push the ball downfield effective enough? And the other thing about they did the one thing I am worried about is their running game. They weren't all that great last year. Tory Blaylock is back. He only had 480 yards last year and was their leading rusher. He was hurt all spring and they put a lot of pressure on Matier to run the ball a lot. So if they could get somebody that was proven that I. If I knew that their running attack outside of Mater was going to be strong, then I might be more willing to. To buy into Mater. But with so much on his shoulders, I'm going to stay out.

[A]

It just feels like they're going to try to do it again this year where defense is carrying them and the offense is just grinded out. Exactly. I think they'll be better. Like, I definitely think they'll be better, but still, I don't think. Yeah, where OU fans will want it. All right, last one we've got here. Are you in or out on CJ Carr as the betting favorite to win the Heisman?

[B]

It is kind of weird, but I'm not going to bet on him, but I'm in on him being the favorite because the way I look at this is you've got first of all. The other current top contenders, I believe, have questions themselves. First, you can talk about Arch Manning. We've talked about it in prior episodes. Like, can he really produce all year at a high level against a tough schedule? Jury's still out on that. You look at a guy like Darian Mensah, he's now going to get the opportunity at Miami. Is he going to be able to put up enough stats in the Miami offense the first year that he's there, while also, you know, having a rushing attack that Cristobal likes to use, that they've got Fletcher, that they're also going to, you know, Malachi Toney might take away some of, some of the excitement around Mensah, Trinidad Chambliss. Is he going to be able to really thrive without Lane Kiffin? And then like, I'm pretty confident Julian Sain and Jeremiah Smith are going to look good, but do they kind of cancel each other out a little bit? So. So I think you have to like Carr. I'm not saying he's going to sling it all over the yard and put up insane video game numbers, but I factor in the fact that he was a true freshman last year. The offense honestly took a good step forward off of a team that went to the national title the year prior. They finished second most efficient. He completed 67% of his passes, 24 to 6, touchdown to interception ratio. He was fifth in the country in quarterback rating behind guys like Mendoza, say, and Pavia, third in the nation, 9.4 yards per attempt. He's doing all this as a freshman. He does lose Love and Price in the backfield. That's two first round running backs. So the running Game is a question mark and we'll see if that. But maybe you think if Carr's going to take a year to jump, he can kind of shoulder some of that, that loss in running, rushing production. And then obviously their schedule, oh my gosh, they're going to be a top five team. And their toughest games are what at byu? They got home to Miami later. I mean, so no matter what, two games. Yeah. They got SMU as a whole schedule. Yeah, exactly. Like they're going to be in the playoff hunt. Probably in the playoff. And car you would think would be putting up some numbers.

[A]

Yeah, I'm 100% in on him as, as the favorite. You brought up his stats last year. He was already really good as a redshirt freshman. And now I think not having love and price at running back as far as the Heisman campaign is maybe a good thing. Maybe the true this year they focus a little bit more on the passing game. He's got, I think still should be a solid receiving core with Quincy Porter coming in from Ohio State. Jaden Greathouse back healthy. So I, I think the receiving corps should be better this year. You know, the O line is always great, so.

[B]

Oh yeah.

[A]

And going they're the biggest lock to go 111 or 120 of anyone in the country. So it's just he is clearly the safest bet in my opinion to at least make it there. He's going to be the quarterback of a team that's tearing through their schedule. So. Yeah, I. While it's a, of course a wide open Heisman race, like it's kind of always is at the beginning of the season, I definitely agree with him being the favorite.

[B]

So everything is situation a lot. But like C.J. carr being the, Was he the grandson of Lloyd Carr? If you're a Michigan fan, would you want C.J. carr right now or Bryce Underwood?

[A]

Oh, I mean, you'd be crazy not to say cj. CJ Carr.

[B]

I know. Isn't that weird? But I know Bryce UNDERWOOD, but again, C.J. carr in that, you know, situation, who knows? But I guess you'd have to say C.J. carr.

[A]

I think so. Not to say that that couldn't change. Maybe if Jason Beck unlocks the, the potential, then maybe my answer is different next year. But right now that would be quite a gamble to, to pick Bryce Underwood there.

[B]

Yeah. Michigan fan. And they got to hate it too. Notre Dame guy.

[A]

Hey, Tommy Carr's better anyway. He's, he's, he's going to be.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

Okay. Well, I guess there was maybe not as polarizing as I thought. I know we had a lot of agreement.

[B]

It was just Underwood, I think.

[A]

Yeah. Anyway, that'll do it for this episode of the college football bros. Thanks for checking it out. As always, we would really appreciate your Support on Patreon. Patreon.com college footballbr. Bros. And we will talk to you next week.