DOUBL3 COVERAGE PODCAST – Episode 9

Manti Te’o Sounds Off On Notre Dame’s Playoff Case, Lane Kiffin Going To LSU, and Jaxson Dart
Hosts: N3on & Mystic Zach
Guest: Manti Te’o
Date: December 6, 2025

Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with former Heisman finalist and NFL linebacker Manti Te’o. The discussion ranges from his career transitions in football and media, to strong opinions on Notre Dame’s playoff case, Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU, and the current state of high-profile programs and players in both the NFL and college football. Te’o also offers unique perspectives on leadership, culture, coaching carousel impacts, and player development both on and off the field.

Main Themes

• Manti Te’o’s transition from the NFL to sports media and entrepreneurship
• Notre Dame’s playoff case and the challenges of being an independent program
• The evolving value of running backs and offensive philosophies in football
• Lane Kiffin’s impact and the dynamics of his move to LSU
• Leadership in coaching, program culture, and player mentality
• NFL topics: the Steelers’ ceiling with Mike Tomlin, the importance of interior linemen, and more
• Off-the-field priorities: Youth empowerment, nutrition, and giving back
• Hot takes on recent NFL and CFB events, including tough hits and emergent stars

Detailed Breakdown

Manti Te’o’s Post-NFL Journey & Broadcasting Career

[00:39-03:49]

• Manti discusses his current role as one of the hosts on Good Morning Football and his busy daily routine (“I’m usually down by 8:30 so that I could be up by 2:45 in the morning. We're rolling.” — Manti Te’o, 01:13)
• Transition from player to media was not pre-planned; encouraged by Steve Weiss after a Hall of Fame induction.
• Nate Burleson acts as a mentor, advising Te’o about the craft (“Simple things that he told me has really helped me elevate my game and my craft.” — Manti Te’o, 03:12)
• Reflections on how former players like Burleson and Strahan have transcended football into major broadcast figures.

The Art of Broadcasting and Relating to Fans

[04:36-05:32]

• The difficulty of translating technical football knowledge for viewers:

  • “The great ones are able to take what they know and deliver it in a very digestible form for their audience. And I think that’s what Tony Romo does, you know, better than most.” — Manti Te’o, 05:15

• Noting the NFL’s ever-growing viewership and the pressure to communicate effectively as media.

College to NFL: Scheme, Adaptation, and the Modern Game

[06:27-09:14]

• Explains the complexity jump from college to the NFL, emphasizing pre-snap learning:
  • “In the NFL, everything is done pre snap. If you are not 99% confident of what is going to happen before the ball snaps, you’re done.” — Manti Te’o, 08:02
• His skill set matched the “throwback” era, but the spread offense revolution made his position more challenging.
• “C ball, get ball is always my thing.” — Manti Te’o, 09:14

Notre Dame Football: Playoff Case & Heisman Discussion

[09:18-13:38]

• Manti strongly advocates for Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love’s Heisman candidacy:
  • “For me, it’s going to be Jeremiah Love.” — Manti Te’o, 09:51
  • Praises Love’s patience, explosiveness, and vision (likened to Le’Veon Bell and Ezekiel Elliott).
• Debunks the analytics trend that says “running backs don’t matter.”
  • “Can you say that to the Detroit Lions?... Jameer Gibbs is now one of the best running backs in the league... So when you’re looking at a running back, if you utilize them at a high volume, go get them.” — Manti Te’o, 12:20

Ben Johnson, The Bears’ Rebuild, and Offensive Philosophy

[14:16-17:47]

• Ben Johnson’s impact with Chicago Bears: building a run-centric, balanced offense and transforming Caleb Williams’ maturity.
• “Ben Johnson is at his core, he’s a runner. He wants to run the football.” — Manti Te’o, 16:28
• The necessity of establishing the run to “set up” trick plays and play-action.

Notre Dame’s Playoff Case & Independence Challenges

[18:09-21:43]

• The head-to-head playoff debate: Notre Dame vs. Miami for the 10th spot.
  • “The playoffs is based on how you’re playing now, not how you played in week one.” — Manti Te’o, 19:15 (citing Marcus Freeman)
• The double-edged sword of independence: “When you are part of a conference, winning that conference automatically gets you in.... It’s hard to get into the playoffs as an independent.” — Manti Te’o, 19:52

Lane Kiffin’s Move to LSU – Impact and Cultural Fit

[21:43-26:11]

• Lane Kiffin’s influence on players, with Te’o empathizing about the heartbreak for Ole Miss athletes and excitement for LSU:
  • “If I was an Ole Miss player, I would be hurt... On the flip side for LSU, I’d be excited.” — Manti Te’o, 22:46
• Potential for Kiffin to rapidly elevate LSU due to in-state talent, but challenges in merging personal and local culture:
  • “If Lane Kiffin can come into this scenario, understand the culture, respect the culture, but then implement his own and find that perfect recipe for it…I think…if he’s able to do that, for sure [they’ll be contenders].” — Manti Te’o, 25:20

Leadership, Culture, and the Coaching Carousel

[27:43-31:31]

• Te’o analyzes failings of former coach Brian Kelly, focusing on the head coach’s challenge to command the room and inspire players.
• Recalls the national championship game vs. Alabama and the clear difference in program depth:
  • “I start peeking at the goal line and I’m like, them dudes look like the dudes on the 40. And that’s when I knew…this is different.” — Manti Te’o, 29:19

NFL Talk: Toughest Players, Evolution of Defense

[31:31-35:53]

• On toughest runners to tackle: “Marshawn Lynch, where he would laugh at the bottom of the pile and it was just like, okay, this guy's psycho, just like me.” — Manti Te’o, 31:48
• The growing value of elite interior linemen (Leonard Williams, Aaron Donald, Vita Vea):
  • “When you have somebody that’s in front of you…that can take up multiple blockers and you can run free, it makes my job as a linebacker a million times easier.” — Manti Te’o, 33:13
• Praise for Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, and leadership-oriented linebackers; extensive mention of defensive stalwarts and how they shape team culture.

Troy Polamalu’s Influence & Football Instincts

[36:05-38:26]

• Polamalu is Te’o’s most important influence (“I named my son after him…He has so much wisdom, not only in the game of football, but then in life.” — Manti Te’o, 36:32)
• Polamalu’s legendary instincts: doubled reps, analyzed cadences, outworked everyone to gain timing on snaps.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Tomlin’s Ceiling

[39:19-42:14]

• On Steelers fans’ impatience: “Mike Tomlin is going to get them to the playoffs…But when you have an offensive system that is unable to [produce points quickly], I think it puts you behind the eight ball already.” — Manti Te’o, 40:55
• Laments the departure of George Pickens, comparing him to Anquan Boldin and Heinz Ward.

NFL Player Contracts & Motivation

[42:24-43:10]

• Te’o on whether players “let up” after getting paid: “That’s definitely a thing for some guys. I hope that he’s not, because the game of football in general is better when players like him are really humming.” — Manti Te’o, 42:29

Giving Back: Youth Development & Nutrition

[43:43-46:36]

• Te’o advocates giving kids exposure, networking, and holistic education.
• Passionate about proper nutrition and sourcing for youth (“What these animals are fed has a direct impact on me and my children.” — Manti Te’o, 46:36)

Current CFB Events: Jaxson Dart’s Big Hit

[47:49-49:32]

• On Dart’s sideline hit: “I love the hit. Number two, I am so glad the refs didn’t throw a flag... The message that that sent...was big.” — Manti Te’o, 48:04
• Respect for Dart’s toughness and not complaining; difference between clean violence and dirty play.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Not for the weak. Not for the weak for sure. But you know, it’s part of the sacrifices you need to make in order to do great things.” — Manti Te’o on his morning routine [01:29]

• “If you are not 99% confident of what is going to happen before the ball snaps, you’re done.” — Manti Te’o on the NFL mental game [08:02]

• “I think what Jeremiah Love has been able to do this year alone...he has every skill set to be one of the best running backs in the league.” — Manti Te’o [11:00–11:53]

• “You gotta believe in your vision. That’s the number one thing.” — Manti Te’o on building a franchise [17:14]

• “The only thing that’s going to be [Lane’s] biggest challenge is...how can he navigate the cultural aspect.” — Manti Te’o [25:20]

• “When you have somebody in front of you, that can take up multiple blockers and you can run free, it makes my job as a linebacker a million times easier.” — Manti Te’o [33:13]

• “Troy [Polamalu]...I named my son after him.” — Manti Te’o [36:32]

• “I hope he does get paid...but I just hope he keeps a level head and is able to provide for his family and be a productive football player.” — Manti Te’o on George Pickens [42:59]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Manti Te’o broadcasting/media journey: 00:39–03:49
• College-to-NFL transition, football IQ: 06:27–09:14
• Heisman Trophy & Notre Dame playoff case: 09:18–13:38, 18:09–21:43
• Ben Johnson & Chicago Bears’ philosophy: 14:16–17:47
• Lane Kiffin to LSU & cultural impact: 21:43–26:11
• Leadership lessons, depth of program: 27:43–31:31
• Evolution of NFL defense & favorite defenders: 31:31–36:58
• Mike Tomlin, Steelers, player contracts: 39:19–43:10
• Youth advocacy & nutrition: 43:43–46:36
• Jaxson Dart’s big hit & tough mentality: 47:49–49:32

Tone & Vibe

The tone is conversational but insightful, blending direct, sometimes blunt football analysis with behind-the-scenes maturity and plenty of stories and laugh-out-loud analogies. Te’o exudes both passion and humility, never shying away from opinions but also staying measured and solution-oriented. The hosts lean into their own experiences and use vivid comparisons, keeping the discussion dynamic, relatable, and grounded in real football perspective.

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers a rich blend of football expertise, personal anecdotes from the highest levels of college and NFL play, and candid takes on current headline topics. Manti Te’o impresses with his football IQ, balanced perspective, and dedication to helping youth. Insights on scheme, leadership, and the importance of culture—plus memorable quotes and strong opinions—make this a must-listen for serious football fans and anyone invested in the game's next generation.