Manuel Warde, ACC Big Picture, and QBs

Summary

College Football Live – "Manuel Warde, ACC Big Picture, and QBs"
ESPN | July 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on major storylines from college football’s Big Ten and ACC as media days kick off. Key topics include the uncertain future of Michigan’s Athletic Director Ward Manual amidst administrative turmoil, Michigan football’s transition under new leadership, and a comprehensive look at quarterback prospects entering the 2026 season. The podcast also dives into high-impact transfers and key players shaping the ACC landscape.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Michigan AD Ward Manual’s Uncertain Future

• Opening Segment (00:32–03:53)
  • Michigan’s athletics are excelling on the field (recent national titles in football and basketball, Frozen Four in hockey), but AD Ward Manual’s position is under threat due to off-field scandals, sign-stealing investigations, and coaching turnover.
  • Manual’s recent interview suggests insecurity about his future (“I’ve been fired by social media three times in my 10 years here… I don’t know what the future is going to be…” – Ward Manual via Sam Webb interview, quoted at [01:29]).
  • Pete Thamel explains Michigan is likely negotiating a buyout with Manual, not aiming for a “for cause” firing, implying “no smoking gun in this report” ([02:27]).
    • Regents meeting in Traverse City later in the week expected to bring clarity.
    • The scandal places not only the athletic department but also Michigan's interim president and board under scrutiny.

Michigan Football: New Era Under Kyle Whittingham

• Transition & Expectations (03:53–07:50)
  • New head coach Kyle Whittingham arrives from Utah, aiming to stabilize the program and restore discipline after Sharon Moore’s departure ([05:08]).
    • “We know Kyle Whittingham is going to be able to come in and do that right away on both sides of the football... restoring the tradition of what the Wolverines have been known for.” – Jordan Reed, [05:08]
  • Offensive identity will remain power-oriented; OC Jason Beck (from Utah) and star QB Bryce Underwood headline the offense ([06:12]):
    • “They’re going to run the football. It’s a power spread scheme... Jordan Marshall comes back. Davion Hider... That’s going to be a great complement… But the real key here is Bryce Underwood…” – Dusty Dvorak, [06:12]
    • Underwood, now a sophomore, is highlighted as a potential breakout if he grows as a passer.
    • Major test: Michigan hosts Oklahoma in Week 2, billed as an early playoff barometer.

ACC Big Picture: Returning Powerhouses & New Contenders

• Previewing ACC Media Days & Season Outlook (07:59–10:59)
  • Miami is the statistical favorite to win the conference, though it has never done so in its ACC era ([08:58]).
  • Duke, the defending ACC champ, faces challenges with the loss of QB Gary and key personnel.
  • Florida State: Pivotal Year
    • Mike Norvell faces pressure to return FSU to winning ways; four losing seasons out of six, needs at least an 8-win year to rekindle past glory ([09:08]):
      • “This is a pivotal year number seven for Mike Norvell... It’s important for Florida State to get back on track and it’s important for the ACC to have Florida State back on track.” – Dusty Dvorak, [09:08]
    • Ashton Daniels takes over at QB amid a tough schedule.
  • Wildcards & Surprise Teams
    • Virginia Tech now led by James Franklin merits attention; SMU and North Carolina State (QB C.J. Bailey) also noted for sleeper potential ([10:24]).

2026 Quarterback Class: Prospects to Watch

• Jordan Reed’s QB Scouting Report (15:13–18:17)

  • Regarded as potentially “the best quarterback class we’ve ever had” – Jordan Reed ([13:55]).
  • Top Names (with brief scouting notes, all from Jordan Reed):
    • Arch Manning (Texas):
      • Inconsistent first half of 2025 but closed strong; needs mechanical refinement to become a #1 pick favorite ([15:13]).
      • “If he can build [off the Michigan game], I think Arch Manning has a chance to be a contender for the number one overall pick…” – Jordan Reed, [15:13]
    • Dante Moore (Oregon):
      • Returning for a final season, has over 30 game starts (“scouts love to see”), but must be better in marquee games ([15:52]).
    • C.J. Carr (Notre Dame):
      • Commanding presence, high football IQ, potentially leading a special season; “scratching the surface” of talent ([16:31], [18:36]). Comes with a chip on his shoulder as Lloyd Carr’s grandson.
      • “He commanded the room. There’s just a little something about him…” – Dusty Dvorak, [18:36]
    • Drew Messamaker (Oklahoma State, transfer from North Texas):
      • Rapid riser, walk-on gone elite. Faces a litmus test against Oregon’s defense in Week 2 ([17:08]).
    • Darion Mensah (Miami):
      • “Ready-made” offense at Miami could catapult his draft stock; part of the one-year-transfer-QB trend ([17:45]).

• General Takeaways:

  • Surprises still define college QB development – “Few years ago, when these guys were coming out of high school, nobody was really talking about Mensah and nobody was talking about Messamaker. And now they’re on Jordan’s top 10 list.” – Zubin, [18:17]
  • Notre Dame’s favorable schedule, Carr’s poise, and the Miami-Notre Dame game (Nov 7) flagged as must-see ([19:50]).

Transfer Portal Impact: ACC’s New Faces

• Key ACC Transfers (22:44–25:12)
  • Damon Wilson II (Miami, from Missouri):
    • Nine-sack season at Mizzou; will take over for two recent Miami NFL draft picks. Expected to thrive under DL coach Jason Taylor.
    • “Look for Wilson to have a big season this year just because he’s under the tutelage of Jason Taylor…” – Jordan Reed, [22:44]
  • Cooper Barkate (Duke → Miami):
    • Precise, reliable receiver now paired with Mensah to give Miami a potent 1-2 punch ([23:26]).
  • Justice Haynes (Georgia → Georgia Tech):
    • Returns home as a bruising, home-run threat RB to anchor a run-heavy offense; chemistry with fellow transfers/brothers referenced ([23:26], [24:34]).
  • Alberto Mendoza (Indiana → Georgia Tech):
    • Provides depth and diversity in GT’s backfield; seen as a complementary quarterback to Haynes.
    • “He can give you something in a design quarterback run game, but I look for this offense to not have a precipitous drop off just because…with Justice Haynes in the backfield and then with Mendoza coming over as well…” – Jordan Reed, [24:34]

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Ward Manual’s tenuous spot:
  “I think I’ve been fired by social media three times in my 10 years here. More importantly, it affects my staff and my family...I do know that I’m here today and...I do feel confident in the things that I have done.”
  – Ward Manual via Sam Webb interview ([01:29])

• QB Class 2026
  “Maybe the best quarterback class we’ve ever had.”
  – Jordan Reed ([13:55])

• On C.J. Carr’s swag and leadership:
  “He commanded the room. There’s just a little something about him… It’s like a chip on his shoulder…He’s got a high football IQ, very accurate with the football.”
  – Dusty Dvorak ([18:36])

• Portal Playmaker Boom:
  “It’s just basically become what college football is all about.”
  – Zubin on Transfer Portal ([22:05])

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Timestamps of Major Segments

• Michigan AD Ward Manual’s Situation: 00:32–03:53
• Whittingham & Michigan Football Outlook: 03:53–07:50
• ACC Previews & Surprises: 07:59–10:59
• QB Class Deep-Dive: 13:51–20:08 (notably: Arch Manning 15:13, Dante Moore 15:52, C.J. Carr 16:31, Messamaker 17:08, Darion Mensah 17:45)
• Transfer Portal Impact/ACC Newcomers: 21:52–25:12

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Tone and Takeaways

The episode blends fast-paced analytical banter and deep-dive scouting, with the hosts and guests displaying excitement for emerging talent and concern for institutions in flux. Key themes: leadership turbulence at Michigan, optimism for new coaching blood, the continuous churn and unpredictability of college QBs, and the rising impact of the transfer portal.

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For Further Listening

• ACC Media Days coverage continues tomorrow.
• Circle November 7: Miami vs. Notre Dame – potentially a clash of top QB prospects.
• Watch for Michigan’s critical early matchup vs. Oklahoma to set national narratives.

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Transcript

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[Show Host (Zubin)]

welcome inside college football Live media days continue tomorrow with the acc. Full coverage here on College Football Live in the ACC Network. But the Big Ten takes the center stage today, notably the Michigan Wolverines. The three most important sports in Michigan, hands down, not even close. Football, men's basketball, men's ice hockey. Football won the title three years ago. Basketball just won the title. Men's ice hockey made the Frozen Four. You would think with those results the athletic director would be in great shape at Michigan. That is not the case and that's where we're going to begin the show today with some developing news for you. The future of A.D. ward Manual is going to be decided later this week. We'll have more on that in a second. This all revolves around some of the things that have happened under his leadership, notably a sign stealing scandal and the ascent, support and downfall of head football coach Sharon Moore, who of course was replaced by Kyle Whittingham. A couple days before this all goes down, Ward Manual sat down with the Michigan Insider and said this

[Jordan Reed]

what what

[Dusty Dvorak]

happens in this world is that for whatever reason, people decide to put things out there about what the future is going to hold. I don't know, Sam. I think I've been fired by social media three times in my 10 years here. More importantly, it affects my staff and my family in the way that things get put out. I don't know what the future is going to be and how long I'll be in this position, but I do know that I'm here today and I do know that I'm going to be here tomorrow and I do feel confident in the things that I have done.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

That's what Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider an interesting tactic to take with an outside media source a couple of days before the university releases its findings. For more on that, we bring in Pete Thamel. So Pete, he says he'll be in his job today and tomorrow. Notably, he didn't mention the rest of the week. So what exactly do we need to know about him moving forward?

[Pete Thamel]

Well, Zubin the part of Ward Manual's interview with Sam Webb today that was most instructive was that he did not deny when directly asked that he and the university are in buyout talks. That has been the presumption this week as we've essentially gotten a three day recounting of Michigan's greatest scandal hits as Ward Manuals job has flung in flux here and administratively Michigan has an interim president. And obviously there's people on Michigan's board that don't want War Manual to continue. Whether or not he does, it appears that there will be some clarity come Thursday when Michigan's regents meet in Traverse City, Michigan. Until then, Ward Manual is blowing in the wind. And to his credit, he went on the defensive and answered questions publicly today. He'd be owed about 6 million or really more than $6 million. 36 months salary if he is fired without cause. It doesn't appear Michigan is anxious to fire him for cause. Which also indicates that there's likely no smoking gun in this report. Michigan again is commissioned to report this cost nearly $12 million. Zubin what what that actually finds, we'll find out if how much we do learn is there's not expected to be a written virgin disseminated from Michigan's Generand block law firm generated outside report. But it has been three days of Michigan administratively and Michigan's board and Michigan's president having egg on their face and as Ward Manual blows in the wind and everyone keeps bringing up the past.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Yeah, we'll hopefully have some resolution on the future either way coming up later this week. And I like that you hit on the fact that it's not just the athletic department leadership that's in flux. Michigan has had some problems at the top with school president as well. So it just all seems to be in flux and we'll see what happens later this week. It's certainly a situation I know you'll be monitoring. Pete, thank you very much. Let's just give you a primer here. I won't even charge you $12 million for this. I mean we could just put this thing on the screen for free. We know Kyle Whittingham was hired to replace Sharon Moore, who obviously had a tragic downfall. Bryce Underwood is ready to go in year two. One of the most highly hyped quarterbacks they've ever had there and that says something. He was also a Michigan high school stud that people are expecting to take the next step. They do have a pretty darn tough schedule, as you would expect in this new Big Ten that Of course has won the last three national championships. Let's dig into this because there is so much meat on the proverbial bone for that Midwest beef out there. We got Dusty Dvorak and Jordan Reed both joining us. It's great to have you both. Let's just talk big picture. Jordan, I want to just start with you. When people talk about the block M and the pride that everybody takes in Michigan and being a Michigan man, this is a sordid nightmare that they're going through. What do you make of where the program is and where they need to be?

[Jordan Reed]

Well, there's no doubting that the program is in flux right now. And as you guys mentioned, they got stuck with egg on their face a lot over the past eight months or so. But the good thing about them is that football is upcoming. So there is something to cheer for, the program upcoming. And that's why you bring in somebody like a Kyle Whittingham from Utah who we know is going to be able to establish a floor for this program, which is what they need right now. And if you think about it, the programs at Utah, they've always been disciplined, they've been tough and we know that they're going to compete in every single game that they're in. And that's what Michigan needs right now. Something that quote unquote can take their mind off of what is going on with the program. We know Kyle Winningham is going to be able to come in and do that right away on both sides of the football. So look for him to come in and establish some type of culture, something that really revolves around the discipline of the program and restoring the tradition of what the Wolverines have been known for.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Okay, so Jordan goes macro dusty. I want you to go micro here. He sort of touched on it. The best way they can do this is to just get back on the field and be Michigan. So in that vein, with the new head coach with an ascending quarterback, how do you see their season?

[Dusty Dvorak]

Well, look, I love the coordinator. Jason Beck did a phenomenal job both at New Mexico and then at Utah. But Devin Dampier, they're going to run the football. It's a power spread scheme. Number two in yards per carry last year and number two overall in rushing yards. So they're going to this is who Michigan is. They're going to win the line of scrimmage, a veteran offensive line and they got a two headed monster, a running back. Jordan Marshall comes back. Davion Hider, the five star Ballyhood recruit. They're going to make a great compliment to another. But the real key here is Bryce Underwood and I think he'll be utilized, you know, in this running attack, but he's got to continue to develop as a passer and I think Jason Beck is exactly what he needs. This was the number one overall quarterback just two years ago. He was thrust into that spot last year as a freshman and it was a bit of a mixed bag, but let's keep it 100. There's some weird things going on with Sherwin Moore, how the program is being run. I think he's in a much better situation to step up and thrive. J. Hill comes over as the defensive coordinator as well. He's going to do an excellent job with that defense. Got some players that followed Coach Whittingham from Utah. So the real question for me is if Michigan is a playoff team or not. How much growth and development do we see from Bryce Underwood in year number two? I love the field. The offensive coordinator Bryce Underwood has told everybody he feels like he's going to be the best player to come out of Michigan earlier this offseason. We're going to find out early enough. And Oklahoma coming to town in week two is such a big game for both the Sooners and Michigan. If they win that game, I think the Big Blue going to feel like they've got a great chance to be in that College Football Playoff discussion.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Dusty, do you think you'll be watching that game by chance?

[Dusty Dvorak]

Possibly. I think I might be tuned in. I don't know. We'll see if I have enough time that day.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

We'll see. I'm going to. I'm going to. I'm going to go with yes. And speaking of yes. Yes. ACC media days does start tomorrow in Charlotte again. Full coverage here on College Football Live. And Taylor, Kelsey and the Gang on the network. You know the deal. National title appearance five times in the CFP era, but they haven't hoisted one since Trevor was there. Duke is the reigning ACC champion but lost quarterback Gary and Mensah obviously. You know the deal with Mensah and Duke in Miami and all of the carnage there that ensued in the big name head coaches. James Franklin, the turnaround expert that we talked about yesterday and can Bill Belichick turn it around in here? Number two. The numbers say Miami has an overwhelming chance to win the academy. Something by the way, that they have never done, which is pretty amazing considering the hype they had when they first entered their league more than two decades ago. SMU and Clemson are there in double digits and both, of course, have had success in making the 12 team college football Playoff. So, Dusty, let's go to you once again. ACC kickoff coming tomorrow in Charlotte. What's kind of the big storyline you're keeping your eye on?

[Dusty Dvorak]

Well, one that hasn't even been broached yet. What about Florida State? I mean, this still is when they're at their best. To me, the biggest football brand in the ACC and Florida State, Mike Norvell, they got to have a better season. Look, here's the reality. In six years as a head coach, Mike Norvell has had four losing seasons. This is a pivotal year. Number seven for Mike Norvell. And with Ashton Daniels at quarterback, a lot of different transfer quarter points players. Can they rekindle what they had burning just a couple of years ago? When they go 130 and get stuff from the college football player, they don't have to do that, but they need to win again. They got to get back to a winning season, a bowl, eight wins. Plus it's a tough, daunting schedule that they have in front of them. But this is Florida State. There was a time and place not that long ago where this team was competing for ACC championships and national championships. Jimbo Fisher was doing it. It's important for Florida State to get back on track and it's important for the ACC to have Florida State back on track. So I'm, I'm looking forward to hearing from Mike Norvell tomorrow, from Ashton Daniels on what the outlook is in this pivotal season for the Knowles there in Tallahassee.

[Jordan Reed]

Yeah, Dusty, that's a great one. And you hit the nail on the head as far as Florida State getting back to the standard that they want to get to. But I'm interested to see who's going to be the surprise team in the ACC this year. Last year we saw Virginia and then also Duke competing in the ACC title game. Nobody really saw that a season ago. So is it going to be Virginia Tech now with James Franklin now in charge? SMU is an overwhelming favorite behind Miami this year. So are they going to be the team that gets to the ACC title game? North Carolina State led by C.J. bailey, who has a lot of fans in that conference this year. So I'm interested to see who is going to be the surprise team in the ACC this season.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Yeah, I think we discussed North Carolina State yesterday. That proverbial. Can they ever turn the corner? And that'll be really interesting to see. As you see on your screen, they will be speaking tomorrow. Speaking of what's coming up next year on College Football Live. I heard everybody loves quarterback talk, so why not get into it? The guys that Jordan is absolutely keeping an eye on on the way to a 2026 football season and a 2020 season 7 NFL Draft. That's when College Football Live returns once again tomorrow. ACC media days away in full force.

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[Pete Thamel]

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[Dusty Dvorak]

There's too many of them for it not to be a great class and

[Jordan Reed]

maybe the best quarterback class we've ever had.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

The athleticism, the quickness, the change of direction.

[Dusty Dvorak]

He's on fire. He can't miss.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Now far over the middle to the End zone, wide open. Touchdown, car on fire.

[Dusty Dvorak]

That'll be coming back to Oregon for one more year.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

That had some mustard on him, didn't it?

[Jordan Reed]

Stops, looks fired toward the end zone for the touchdown. Julian saying, parch Manning doing it all today.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Arch Manning can catch.

[Jordan Reed]

I'm not worried about my legacy. I'm just worried about playing ball and winning games.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

We're back on College Football Live. We put a lot of money and research into this and apparently everybody likes talking about quarterbacks. I could have told you that for free. And Jordan happens to be an expert in the category, so let's run through first some of the biggest names you need to know on Jordan's list. And then we're going to pare this down to the guys that he really wants to dig into. And the scouting report, you know, it goes from guys like Julian Sain, who was a Heisman finalist, to guys like C.J. bailey, who might not be known to the casual fan, but Jordan actually referenced in our previous segment, and lots of guys in between. But I think the one guy that would nearly have a 100% awareness rate, of course Jordan, is Arch Manning. Let's start. Start there with your thoughts on a scouting report for arch heading into 2026.

[Jordan Reed]

Yeah, Zubin, it really was a tale of two seasons, really, for Arch, just because if you go back to the very beginning with the Ohio State game, he was very disappointed considering the expectations for him coming in. But as the season went along, I thought he progressively got better throughout the year. Referencing the Florida game, even though they lost that one. It was really interesting to see him grow in that one. The Michigan game, though, is the one where the player really came together in that one. So if he can build off of that one, I think Archmanning has a chance to be a contender for the number one overall pick, but he just has to show more consistency specifically with his mechanics this season.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

There's no doubt. How about Dante Moore, who had a big decision to return to Oregon? He chose to.

[Jordan Reed]

Yeah. He's another one that a lot of people thought could be a contender for the number one overall pick last year. He surprisingly goes back to the school, only had 20. When he starts at the end of last season, he's going to get over that magical number of 30 games started this year, which is what scouts love to see. Just a natural thrower of the football. But the one area scouts want to see him play better in is in big games. Both of the Indiana games, he did not play well in Texas Tech, he did not play well in that game either. So if he can play better in those big showcase games, he's another, along with Arch Manning that has a chance to be a contender for the number one overall pick.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

I mean, tough to have a bigger stage than C.J. carr did in his freshman year. What are we looking at moving forward for him?

[Jordan Reed]

This is the one scouts have been glowing about this summer when speaking to league executives. A lot of people have very high expectations for Notre Dame this season saying that this could be one of the better teams that they have ever had under Marcus Freeman and C.J. carr is the person that is going to be orchestrating that offense. Yes, Jadarian Price and Jeremiah Love are going both the first round pick this past draft, but CJ Carr is now expected to be the engine of that offense and I'm excited to see what he's going to be this upcoming season with leading that Irish offense.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Drew Messemaker is a transfer from North Texas who Jordan barely played quarterback in high school, which is unreal. And now he's on your list.

[Jordan Reed]

If you're looking for one guy that can crash the party of potentially being a top 10 pick, circle this name is Drew Mestemaker, somebody that was a walk on when he came to North Texas. A lot of people didn't even know who he was coming into last season. But head coach Eric Morris who comes over from North Texas to Oklahoma State brings Drew Messamaker with him. I just need to see how he's going to play in the Big 12. One game to circle week two against Oregon. Get your popcorn ready. I'm going to be really excited to see how he performs against that defense.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

All right, so then we'll see him against Dante Moore. How about Darion Mensah who had a little bit of a messy split but bottom line he's at Miami.

[Jordan Reed]

He steps into the situation once again of that one year transfer where Miami loves to have. We saw what Cam Ward was able to do in this situation as well as Carson Beck. Both of those guys were able to catapult their draft stock and Darian Mentor steps into an offense that I think is fully loaded. Cooper Bar Kate, Malachi Toney. Mark Fletcher is back as well. He stepped into a ready made situation and he's another along with Mr. Maker. You're at the top of mock drafts right now, but when we're looking up in April, he definitely could be somebody that is at near the top of those mock drafts.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

This is why college football is so great, Dusty, as we steer the conversation towards you a Few years ago, when these guys were coming out of high school, nobody was really talking about Mensah and nobody was talking about mess to maker. And now they're on Jordan's top 10 list. That's. That's how crazy college football can be. So you just heard Jordan run through his big names. What are your takeaways from what you heard?

[Dusty Dvorak]

Well, it's a great list, per usual from Jordan, you know, and I agree with so much like Dante Moore. Got to play better in big games. I want to see that. Could he be the number one pick? Yes, but play better against the best defenses. Drew Messamaker, what does he look like against Power 4 competition week in, week out? And I love the fact that you included Darion Mensah. I am very high on Darian Mensah, but I may not be higher than as I am on CJ Carr, than anybody else on that list. I had a chance to do one of their games last year, and when he came into the room as a registered freshman, he commanded the room. There's just a little something about him. He's got a toughness to him, a swag to him. And remember, it's Lloyd Carr's grandson. He wasn't recruited to Michigan. It's like a chip on his shoulder. It's like he's going out to prove something every time he takes the field. He's got a high football iq, very accurate with the football. Jordan Faison's back at receiver. Two different Ohio State transfers coming at wide receiver. I'm with all the pundits. I think this has a chance to be a special season for the Irish. I even go back to that initial loss to Miami whenever he was on the road. And he brought that team back, put them in position, tying the ballgame late in the game. That was his first ever start. I think we've just seen, you know, he's scratching the surface of what CJ Carr is capable of. And if things go according to plan, that the popcorn must be ready for November 7th. Jordan. Because when Miami heads up to South Bend, Darion Mensis, DJ Carr, that, my friends, is must see tv.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

There is no question about it. And think about this from just one quick perspective. We had him on College Football Live last year, and I agree with you, Dusty. The one thing that he exuded was he didn't feel the weight of the job. When you're Notre Dame's quarterback, there is an intangible weight there. And he just sat down and rolled through it. And that wise and mature, beyond his years. We'll see what he does. They have a very, very favorable schedule too. Keep that in mind when College Football Live continues. It's just the coin of the realm now. If we don't talk a ton about guys in the Portal, we're doing a disservice. So the Portal playmakers you need to know that have a new face in a new place with Dusty and Jordan when College Football Live continues.

[Pete Thamel]

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[Dusty Dvorak]

Bryson right, with a spectacular grab.

[Jordan Reed]

It is caught. Man she went high.

[Dusty Dvorak]

What a grab.

[Pete Thamel]

Run a dime.

[Dusty Dvorak]

That's the best catch I've ever seen in person.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Flag Football fastest growing among in the country for guys and gals all over the ESPN networks for for more information NFL Flag.com transfers the portal. It's just basically become what college football is all about. Our Max Olsen I think is the portal guru. He follows it closer than anyone. Here are the names you need to know for the acc, the big ones that have moved from one school to another. We've already discussed the guy there on the top of the screen. We're going to get to a couple more here. Let's start with Jordan. Those are just some of the guys on the list. Take me through some guys that are in new faces in new places that people are going to want to get to know.

[Jordan Reed]

Well, the first one for me is Miami edge rusher Damon Wilson II who comes over from Mizzou to Miami stepping in the shoes of Ruben Bane and then also akeem mezador. Two guys we saw go in the top 25 in the NFL draft and last year at Mizzou he actually had nine sacks. He was a very disruptive edge rusher. Six foot four, 250 pounds. He has that ingredient that Miami loves rushing off of the edge. And I don't think there's a better defensive line coach in the country right now than Jason Taylor. We saw what he was able to do with the potential of Ruben Bane and then also Mezador. So look for, look for Wilson to have a big season this year just because he's under the tutelage of Jason Taylor and then also that Miami defense is once again loaded this season.

[Dusty Dvorak]

Totally agree. Corey Heatherman has absolute dudes on that side of the ball and I love this fitness. Damon Wilson going there because they've got to continue to get that production coming off the edge. Cooper Barkate is one of the better wide receivers that probably no one talks about and he doesn't get all the fanfare, but he helped lead Duke to that ACC championship too. To get Gary and Mensah. Not just him, but you get Cooper Barkay to take some of that pressure off Malachi Toney. A legit one two punch at wide receiver. He has such a knack for running crisp, precise routes, getting open and sure handed receiver down the field. The connection already there with Minton Barcade is huge and one of my favorite transfers is at Georgia Tech. Justice Haynes. By the way, if your name has a Haynes in it, you're going to Georgia Tech. Haynes King we know had a great career at Georgia Tech. Jamal Haynes had a great career at Georgia Tech. Data Part inner Justice Haynes he's got downhill home run capability, ability and in Brent Key style of offense where it's going to be tough, physical, downhill. I think Justice Haynes going back to his home state of Georgia is a perfect fit. Jordan

[Jordan Reed]

yeah, I agree and I'm excited about Alberto Mendoza as well who's going to be in the backfield with him. Let's see if he can keep that Mendoza magic going in college football. No Brent Key would love if he can replicate what Fernando Mendoza did at Indiana this past season. But Alberto, he's a little bit of a different style than Haynes King, he's not as good of an athlete. He can give you something in a design quarterback run game, but I look for this offense to not have a precipitous drop off just because as Dusty mentioned, with Justice Haynes in the backfield and then with Mendoza coming over as well, I think the passing game is going to be even better, but they're going to lean a little bit more on the running backs out of the backfield. More specifically with Haynes.

[Show Host (Zubin)]

Yeah, and one thing with Georgia Tech I think that's really important to keep in mind too is that they had a great start to last season kind of struggled towards the end. And if you said at the beginning or the middle of the season, who might represent the ACC in the title game or the national title game, it was more Georgia Tech over Miami. They really struggled towards the end again. ACC media day starts tomorrow. Complete coverage right here on College Football

[Pete Thamel]

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