KSR Podcast (iHeartPodcasts & Sports Talk 790)

Episode: 2026-1-2 KSR - Hour 2

Date: January 2, 2026
Host(s): Drew Franklin (filling in for Matt Jones), Ryan Lemon, Nick Roush

Episode Overview

The first KSR episode of 2026 launches with Drew Franklin hosting alongside Ryan Lemon and Nick Roush. The crew recaps a busy slate of college football playoff games, Kentucky sports news, listener calls, and their top Kentucky basketball and football moments from the past year. They also preview the upcoming Kentucky vs. Alabama basketball matchup and share memorable moments from the show itself.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Year Catch-Up & Show Introduction

Timestamp: 03:22 - 04:33

• Drew Franklin welcomes listeners back after a holiday break, noting it's the first show of 2026 and recapping recent events.
• Multiple listeners are invited to participate via the Clark’s Pump and Shop phone line and A Vision Glass text machine.

2. Kentucky Football Transfer and Recruiting Updates

Timestamp: 04:44 – 05:45

• Willie Rodriguez & Bowley Transfer:
  • Uncertainty discussed after Bowley's departure given Rodriguez was his roommate.
  • Nick Roush says, “Seems like they have [Willie Rodriguez] locked up” despite transfer rumors.
  • Oregon's tight end usage and game performance are examined, referencing how it may impact Kentucky’s recruiting and offensive identity.
• Nick comments, “If you watched any of the Oregon game, they like to throw to their tight ends...”

3. College Football Playoff Reactions

Timestamp: 05:39 – 20:16

Miami’s Upset Over Ohio State

• Kicker performance as game-changer:
  • “Ole Miss doesn’t win without their kicker… Ohio State needed those three points down the stretch in a bad way.” (Nick Roush, 06:14)
• Miami’s physical dominance:
  • “Mario Cristobal has got dudes on both sides of the trenches. They got after Ohio State and made them one-dimensional.” (Nick Roush, 07:02)
• Michael Irvin’s sideline theatrics:
  • The team jokes about the “too much Michael Irvin” broadcast coverage.
  • “He’s been much cooler for me for much longer, but… him putting a jersey on a Gatorade cooler and just beating it while holding his pants up…” (Nick Roush, 08:12)

Other Playoff Games

• Oregon’s Defensive Showdown vs. Texas Tech
  • “Texas Tech’s defense is awesome. They are legit.” (Nick Roush, 10:38)
  • Oregon’s offensive woes with turnovers highlighted; “Plus two in the turnover margin... only up 3-0. That’s how good Texas Tech’s defense is.” (Nick Roush, 10:32)
• Indiana Steamrolls Alabama and Ohio State
  • Indiana’s quick dominance of powerhouse teams noted as a possible inspiration for Kentucky football’s future.
  • “If Indiana can do it… why can't Kentucky do it?” (Ryan Lemon, 14:36)
  • Indiana’s success attributed to the right coach, staff, and portal players—not just big money:
    “Indiana has money, but... they just have the right guys.” (Nick Roush, 15:18)
• Rose Bowl Thriller & Georgia’s Clutch Win Over Ole Miss
  • Game described as “one of those that you’re just like, imagine anything being better than football.”
  • Trinidad Chambliss’s star turn: “That dude, I want whatever… he looked like Joe Burrow out there.” (Nick Roush, 17:08)
  • Coaching decisions and crucial plays debated, especially around late-game clock management and field goals:
    “They tried to go for the win… that guy got beat deep, Trinidad made a perfect throw.” (Nick Roush, 18:13)

Observations on College Football’s Changing Landscape

• Notable that playoff final four features Miami, Oregon, Indiana, Ole Miss—not the usual blue bloods.
  • “No Georgia, no Alabama, no Ohio State, no Michigan, no Clemson... I kind of love that.” (Ryan Lemon, 19:53)

4. Listener Calls & Kentucky Sports Q&A

Timestamp: 26:23 – 31:31

Joe on Recruiting/Volleyball

• Ohio recruiting is still a focus: Nick Roush says, “I do think they still will be recruiting Ohio. Staff has a lot of connections to Louisiana and Texas, too.”

Super Dave on Basketball Preview

• Alabama game preview is teased; hosts express excitement and note long layoff since last Kentucky basketball game.

News Brief: Shooting Near KSBar

• Drew responsibly addresses a tragic local incident near KSBar, clarifying it was unrelated to the business and expressing sympathy for victims.

5. Ryan Lemon’s Top Five Kentucky Sports Moments of 2025 (Presented by Stockton Mortgage)

Timestamp: 31:31 – 32:43

Football:

1. Will Stein’s Introduction as Offensive Coordinator (top moment)
2. Beating Florida at home
3. Beating Auburn at Auburn
4. Ty Bryant deciding to come back
5. Media Day with Big Pete

Basketball:

1. Otega’s game-winner in SEC Tournament (“at that moment, we still had championship dreams”)
2. (Originally) Lamont Butler’s game vs. UofL, replaced by other big moments (see below)
3. Beating Illinois to reach Sweet 16
4. Colin Chandler’s dunk (“it’s one of the few times I’ve jumped out of my seat”)
5. Pope’s open media practice (“good father-son moment for me”)

*Special mentions by Drew and Nick:*

- Trent Noah’s big game at Knoxville  
- Otega’s clutch shots at Oklahoma  
- Jackson Robinson at Mississippi State  
- Quinn “Weetabix” Madness during March  

6. Host “Best of KSR” Show Moments

Timestamp: 41:09 – 42:53

• Ryan’s Top KSR Show Moments:
  1. London Tornado Relief Show (“that one kind of hit hard… got to see it firsthand”)
  2. Pregame at Indy for Tennessee game (“just packed… a lot of fun”)
  3. Whiskey Thief Halloween Show (“huge crowd, good vibe, great weather”)
  4. Tayden Lorenzen/Thomas Highlands emotional show (“it meant a lot to me”)
  5. Donut Show at his pool (“threw up donuts — wild time”)
• Drew’s Additions:
  • Fire alarm chaos show ("utter chaos... I have this smile you cannot wipe off my face." 45:46)
  • The Buffalo road trip with Billy (the shoes, the vegetables, "suitcase Billy")
  • Tearful Max Duffy farewell live on air
  • DrewPalooza week of guest hosting
  • Archie Goodwin & Khalil Whitney opening up in interviews

7. Final Kentucky vs. Alabama Basketball Preview

Timestamp: 48:01 – End

• Alabama strengths:
  • 3rd-best offense nationally; block shots at elite rate
  • Player to watch: LeBaron Filon (21 PPG, 42% from three)
  • “They beat us three times in a row, scored 96 in each…”
• Game is at noon the next day on ESPN; Matt Jones returns to host pregame at 9:30am.

Memorable Quote:
"Listen, the women showed us how it's done. Let's go get a win on the road." – Drew Franklin (48:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If Indiana can do it, why can't Kentucky do it? ...This is where it's going to start." (Ryan Lemon, 14:36)
• "The offensive line was the Rose Bowl MVP… like, you all, you kicked all the a--. You get to be the MVP.” (Nick Roush, 15:18)
• "Never has 96 points in each one of those games." (Nick Roush previewing the Bama game, 48:53)
• "Utter chaos...I have this smile you cannot wipe off my face." (Drew Franklin re: fire alarm show, 45:46)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Hour 2 Starts: 03:22
• Football transfer and recruiting: 04:44 – 05:45
• Miami upsets Ohio State: 05:39 – 09:16
• Indiana’s CFP run: 12:23 – 14:36
• Listener Calls: 26:23 – 31:31
• Top 5 Kentucky Moments (Football & Basketball): 31:31 – 38:19
• Top KSR Show Moments: 41:09 – 42:53
• Alabama Basketball Preview: 48:00 – End (49:05)

Tone

Conversational, fast-paced, and light-hearted, with playful ribbing among hosts and plenty of digressions into personal anecdotes and inside jokes. The show maintains a strong Kentucky sports focus while branching into national college football topics and engaging with fans directly.

For New Listeners

This episode is an ideal entrypoint to the Kentucky Sports Radio community. It offers:

• A lively and accessible review of the latest Kentucky sports headlines and big-picture college football news
• Nostalgic recaps of the past year’s highs and lows in Kentucky sports
• Memorable host banter and authentic fan interaction

For the latest Kentucky news and more, tune in to KSR weekdays from 10 to noon.