See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: DJ Lagway & Dylan Raiola Transfer Portal REACTION | CFP First Round PREVIEWS
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: David Pollack | Co-Host: Brent Rollins

Overview

This episode dives into the current chaos of the college football transfer portal, focusing on the high-profile quarterback switches—particularly DJ Lagway and Dylan Raiola—while providing sharp analysis on if the “five-star quarterback” is still worth the investment in the NIL/transfer era. The hosts break down how transfers have shaped the landscape heading into this College Football Playoff, assess standout Heisman finalists and their journeys, and preview the first-round playoff matchups: Alabama-Oklahoma and Texas A&M-Miami.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Quarterback Transfer Portal Frenzy

David Pollack and Brent Rollins start by dissecting the ever-intensifying transfer portal:
- “It’s portal season. Everybody’s well, well aware of that.” – Pollack (02:14)
- Not only are playoff teams managing postseason prep, but they’re fielding nonstop questions about player movement.

DJ Lagway: Talent with Caveats

Pollack: “Watching DJ Lagway, the talent is exceptionally high… He can throw it, he can run enough. But man… the injury bug has bit him like crazy.” (03:39)
Pollack questions whether Lagway has the “it” factor:
- “If I was buying [a QB], the biggest thing for me… Do you have it? Does he have the it factor?... I haven’t seen it.” (04:52)

Dylan Raiola: More About Environment Than Talent?

Rollins: “Both [Lagway and Raiola] definitively need [a supporting cast]…when things crumbled around them this past year it impacted their play. Both QBs…had more turnover-worthy plays than they had big-time throws.” (06:12)

The Transfer Portal’s QB Problem

Of eight five-star QBs from 2023–2024, only Arch Manning hasn’t transferred (07:44)
Pollack: “Quarterback is the most dependent group in the country…You gotta have an offensive line, you gotta have guys that can win.” (07:46)
Rollins: “Is the five-star QB worth the investment?” (09:59)

2. The High School vs Portal Pipeline

Pollack highlights why teams are shifting from high school recruiting to the portal:
- “If I’m making decisions… I’m making a lot of my decisions based on the portal…Why am I guessing? I’ve seen it. I know they’ve done it.” (10:07)
Teams without the resources, however, “have to take chances, take people’s leftovers.” (10:40)
Not all situations are equal: some institutions can be picky, but others must “bet on the talent."

3. Scouting Transfer QBs Beyond Lagway & Raiola

Brendan Sorsby is praised as a portal QB for a quick release and athletic toughness:
- “He can get the ball out. He can make those quick reads. You can do some fun things with him.” (12:17)
Pollack likes the idea of Sorsby to Florida: “Sorsby would make a lot of sense in that offense...the hose, the arm strength, the RPOs, the running...” (14:13)
Debate over “runner vs. passer” at QB, with Pollack saying: “If it’s even remotely close, give me the really good runner.” (15:24)
Discussion about portal QBs vs. entering a “weak QB draft” and how NIL could sway decisions. (15:57)

4. Heisman Recap and Transfer Success

All three Heisman finalists were transfers, underlining how essential the portal has become. (16:18)
Mendoza (Indiana) wins Heisman and is celebrated for his integrity and impact:
- “Mendoza just continues…to be everything you want. He’s such a good representative of Indiana, of college football... He’s going to be the number one pick, too, in the draft.” (18:26)
On Diego Pavia’s controversial comments post-Heisman—
- Pollack: “I love that he apologized…You have to have next-level confidence. But…he didn’t represent himself well [initially].” (19:45)
Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman trying to keep Jeremiah Love from leaving is mentioned as part of Heisman buzz. (22:10)
Rollins highlights a changing trend: “The last eight [Heisman] finalists… include guys who started at places like Jackson State, Boise State, UCF, Incarnate Word, Cal, and New Mexico State.” (24:40)

5. Impact Transfers on Playoff Teams

Pollack notes Indiana’s reliance: “Mendoza and Indiana—three OL starters and four on defense are not transfers. Everyone else is.” (26:01)
Pollack and Rollins draft top impact transfers in the playoff:
- 1. Mendoza (Indiana): “Biggest transfer add you could have.” (26:19)
- 1. Zachariah Branch (Georgia): “Branch is their offense. It’s all built around him.” (27:54)
- 1. Julian Sayin (Alabama): “His accuracy…best in the business. Without him, you could maybe take away some of those Ohio State receivers.” (29:14)
- Other names discussed: David Bailey & Romello Height (Texas Tech), Caleb Downs & Arvell Reese (Ohio State-to-Bama), Dante Moore (Oregon), Cassius Howze & Casey Concepcion (Texas A&M), Akeem Mesidor (Miami), Jacoby Thomas (Miami), Trinidad Matier (Ole Miss), and more.
Key quote:
- Rollins: “If you don’t hit in the portal, your chances of going to the College Football Playoff are much, much smaller.” (38:31)
Emphasis: “You better supplement in the portal and find your stars—high school recruiting alone won't get it done anymore.” (38:46)

Game Previews & Matchup Analysis

6. Texas A&M vs. Miami (Saturday)

Pollack and Rollins analyze the health and personnel:
- “It looks like Miami is as healthy as they’ve been all season…CJ Daniels, QB Frederick good to go.” (41:26)
- Rollins questions impact of distractions for staff with new coaching jobs during playoff prep (43:15)
X-Factors:
- A&M’s run game with/without Le’Veon Moss
- Miami’s offense vs. A&M’s third-down defense:
  - “A&M’s defense…can confuse and make life hard.” (45:42)
- Miami receiver Malachi Tony vs. A&M’s slot coverage:
  - “Highest completion percentage and most receptions allowed…where Malachi Tony does a lot of his work.” (48:24)
If “Malachi Tony, Casey Conception, or Mario Craver” are options, hosts would take Tony right now (49:01)
Picks:
- Pollack: Texas A&M (“Playing at home, Marcel Reed’s ability to run and scramble is the difference.”) (50:14)
- Rollins: Miami (likes the underdog, “Kicking game maybe comes down to that,” final score 23–20) (51:29)

7. Alabama vs. Oklahoma (Friday)

Key questions:
- Health: “Does R Mason Thomas play? Their center Jake…Miller and Cuevas…will play but are gutting it out…” (52:19)
- Can Oklahoma’s offense reinvent itself and can either OL block effectively? “Oklahoma doesn’t block well up front. I’m not letting Alabama off the hook either…” (53:52)
Ty Simpson (Alabama QB) and Dequan Matier (Oklahoma QB) have come back to earth after hot starts.
Pollack: “Oklahoma’s defense has been the more dependable…playing at home is a big advantage.” (55:44)
Rollins: Likes Oklahoma as the underdog, picking them to win 23–20 “same exact score as the first matchup.” (57:10)
Pollack: Ultimately picks Alabama—cites regression to the mean on turnovers and being “better when hated.” (57:44)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Pollack on Transfer QBs:
- “Quarterback is the most dependent group in the country…They go to a new system and you’re like, 'Dang, that guy’s not that bad! I thought he was trash.'—No, he was playing with trash.” (07:46, 08:31)
Rollins on Heisman Finalists
- “The last eight [Heisman] finalists—Love started at Notre Dame, Sayin at Alabama/Ohio State, but others started at Jackson State, Boise State, UCF, Incarnate Word, Cal and New Mexico State... goes to show you the depth in the transfer world.” (24:40)
On Importance of Transfers in Playoff Teams
- “If you don’t hit in the portal, your chances of going to the College Football Playoff are much, much smaller.” (38:31)
Pollack on the Home Playoff Atmosphere
- “Home playoff games is a win for all of us. I wouldn’t mind seeing home games continue in the postseason.” (63:02)

Playoff Transfer MVP Draft (Approx. 26:00–38:00)

[26:19] Mendoza (Indiana)
[27:54] Zachariah Branch (Georgia)
[29:14] Julian Sayin (Alabama)
[30:14] David Bailey & Romello Height (Texas Tech)
[31:35] Caleb Downs (Alabama, ex-Ohio State)
[31:55] Dante Moore (Oregon)
[32:43] Trinidad Matier (Ole Miss)
[34:12] Cassius Howze/Casey Concepcion (Texas A&M)
[37:18] Akeem Mesidor (Miami)
[37:43] Jacoby Thomas (Miami)

Victory Formation (End of Show, ~59:35–63:00)

David Pollack: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

“Rodriguez…walked on, was a QB at Virginia, becomes the best defensive player in the country and wins almost every national award. Tip of the cap…” (59:38)

Brent Rollins: JMU Sports News Twitter Account

“They won the weekend...great run from the @JMUsportsnews Twitter account. Playoff appearances in 25, 26: JMU 1, Chiefs 0.” (61:09)

Wesley (Third Analyst): Navy QB Blake Horvath

“It’s kind of insulting to hear other teams say ‘brotherhood’ and bring in 20, 30 guys from the portal…this team is truly a brotherhood.” (61:36)

Episode Flow & Tone

True to the podcast's rep, this is fast-paced, candid, with deep scheme and recruiting insights plus personal stories and banter between co-hosts. There’s humor, nostalgia, and occasional pointed critique—“Come on, dude. Tell me you don’t watch football.” (28:36)—but always with healthy respect for coaches and players. Pollack in particular brings former player intensity and an eye for leadership/character.

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:11] Episode intro & playoff landscape framing
[03:40] DJ Lagway evaluation, injury talk, "it factor"
[06:12] Dylan Raiola’s struggles, importance of supporting cast
[07:44] Transfer rate among five-star QBs, Arch Manning
[10:07] Portal-centric recruiting strategy, positional dependencies
[12:17] Brendan Sorsby scouting & Portal fit debate
[14:13] Sorsby to Florida "dark horse" discussion
[16:18] Heisman finalists all transfers, Mendoza’s story
[18:26] Mendoza’s Heisman shopping spree & impact
[24:40] Transfer schools of recent Heisman finalists
[26:01–38:46] Draft of most impactful transfers in CFP
[41:25–51:29] Texas A&M vs. Miami Preview: analysis & picks
[52:19–57:44] Alabama vs. Oklahoma Preview: analysis & picks
[59:38–63:18] Victory Formation (weekly honors, fun debate)

End Note

A must-listen for true college football fans as Pollack and Rollins cut through hype and cliches, focusing on what elevates winners in the new era: not just raw blue-chip talent, but how programs adapt to portal madness, plug proven winners into key spots, and create championship chemistry on the fly.

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: DJ Lagway & Dylan Raiola Transfer Portal REACTION | CFP First Round PREVIEWS
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: David Pollack | Co-Host: Brent Rollins

Overview

Key Topics & Insights

1. Quarterback Transfer Portal Frenzy

David Pollack and Brent Rollins start by dissecting the ever-intensifying transfer portal:
- “It’s portal season. Everybody’s well, well aware of that.” – Pollack (02:14)
- Not only are playoff teams managing postseason prep, but they’re fielding nonstop questions about player movement.

DJ Lagway: Talent with Caveats

Pollack: “Watching DJ Lagway, the talent is exceptionally high… He can throw it, he can run enough. But man… the injury bug has bit him like crazy.” (03:39)
Pollack questions whether Lagway has the “it” factor:
- “If I was buying [a QB], the biggest thing for me… Do you have it? Does he have the it factor?... I haven’t seen it.” (04:52)

Dylan Raiola: More About Environment Than Talent?

Rollins: “Both [Lagway and Raiola] definitively need [a supporting cast]…when things crumbled around them this past year it impacted their play. Both QBs…had more turnover-worthy plays than they had big-time throws.” (06:12)

The Transfer Portal’s QB Problem

Of eight five-star QBs from 2023–2024, only Arch Manning hasn’t transferred (07:44)
Pollack: “Quarterback is the most dependent group in the country…You gotta have an offensive line, you gotta have guys that can win.” (07:46)
Rollins: “Is the five-star QB worth the investment?” (09:59)

2. The High School vs Portal Pipeline

Pollack highlights why teams are shifting from high school recruiting to the portal:
- “If I’m making decisions… I’m making a lot of my decisions based on the portal…Why am I guessing? I’ve seen it. I know they’ve done it.” (10:07)
Teams without the resources, however, “have to take chances, take people’s leftovers.” (10:40)
Not all situations are equal: some institutions can be picky, but others must “bet on the talent."

3. Scouting Transfer QBs Beyond Lagway & Raiola

Brendan Sorsby is praised as a portal QB for a quick release and athletic toughness:
- “He can get the ball out. He can make those quick reads. You can do some fun things with him.” (12:17)
Pollack likes the idea of Sorsby to Florida: “Sorsby would make a lot of sense in that offense...the hose, the arm strength, the RPOs, the running...” (14:13)
Debate over “runner vs. passer” at QB, with Pollack saying: “If it’s even remotely close, give me the really good runner.” (15:24)
Discussion about portal QBs vs. entering a “weak QB draft” and how NIL could sway decisions. (15:57)

4. Heisman Recap and Transfer Success

All three Heisman finalists were transfers, underlining how essential the portal has become. (16:18)
Mendoza (Indiana) wins Heisman and is celebrated for his integrity and impact:
- “Mendoza just continues…to be everything you want. He’s such a good representative of Indiana, of college football... He’s going to be the number one pick, too, in the draft.” (18:26)
On Diego Pavia’s controversial comments post-Heisman—
- Pollack: “I love that he apologized…You have to have next-level confidence. But…he didn’t represent himself well [initially].” (19:45)
Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman trying to keep Jeremiah Love from leaving is mentioned as part of Heisman buzz. (22:10)
Rollins highlights a changing trend: “The last eight [Heisman] finalists… include guys who started at places like Jackson State, Boise State, UCF, Incarnate Word, Cal, and New Mexico State.” (24:40)

5. Impact Transfers on Playoff Teams

Pollack notes Indiana’s reliance: “Mendoza and Indiana—three OL starters and four on defense are not transfers. Everyone else is.” (26:01)
Pollack and Rollins draft top impact transfers in the playoff:
- 1. Mendoza (Indiana): “Biggest transfer add you could have.” (26:19)
- 1. Zachariah Branch (Georgia): “Branch is their offense. It’s all built around him.” (27:54)
- 1. Julian Sayin (Alabama): “His accuracy…best in the business. Without him, you could maybe take away some of those Ohio State receivers.” (29:14)
- Other names discussed: David Bailey & Romello Height (Texas Tech), Caleb Downs & Arvell Reese (Ohio State-to-Bama), Dante Moore (Oregon), Cassius Howze & Casey Concepcion (Texas A&M), Akeem Mesidor (Miami), Jacoby Thomas (Miami), Trinidad Matier (Ole Miss), and more.
Key quote:
- Rollins: “If you don’t hit in the portal, your chances of going to the College Football Playoff are much, much smaller.” (38:31)
Emphasis: “You better supplement in the portal and find your stars—high school recruiting alone won't get it done anymore.” (38:46)

Game Previews & Matchup Analysis

6. Texas A&M vs. Miami (Saturday)

Pollack and Rollins analyze the health and personnel:
- “It looks like Miami is as healthy as they’ve been all season…CJ Daniels, QB Frederick good to go.” (41:26)
- Rollins questions impact of distractions for staff with new coaching jobs during playoff prep (43:15)
X-Factors:
- A&M’s run game with/without Le’Veon Moss
- Miami’s offense vs. A&M’s third-down defense:
  - “A&M’s defense…can confuse and make life hard.” (45:42)
- Miami receiver Malachi Tony vs. A&M’s slot coverage:
  - “Highest completion percentage and most receptions allowed…where Malachi Tony does a lot of his work.” (48:24)
If “Malachi Tony, Casey Conception, or Mario Craver” are options, hosts would take Tony right now (49:01)
Picks:
- Pollack: Texas A&M (“Playing at home, Marcel Reed’s ability to run and scramble is the difference.”) (50:14)
- Rollins: Miami (likes the underdog, “Kicking game maybe comes down to that,” final score 23–20) (51:29)

7. Alabama vs. Oklahoma (Friday)

Key questions:
- Health: “Does R Mason Thomas play? Their center Jake…Miller and Cuevas…will play but are gutting it out…” (52:19)
- Can Oklahoma’s offense reinvent itself and can either OL block effectively? “Oklahoma doesn’t block well up front. I’m not letting Alabama off the hook either…” (53:52)
Ty Simpson (Alabama QB) and Dequan Matier (Oklahoma QB) have come back to earth after hot starts.
Pollack: “Oklahoma’s defense has been the more dependable…playing at home is a big advantage.” (55:44)
Rollins: Likes Oklahoma as the underdog, picking them to win 23–20 “same exact score as the first matchup.” (57:10)
Pollack: Ultimately picks Alabama—cites regression to the mean on turnovers and being “better when hated.” (57:44)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Pollack on Transfer QBs:
- “Quarterback is the most dependent group in the country…They go to a new system and you’re like, 'Dang, that guy’s not that bad! I thought he was trash.'—No, he was playing with trash.” (07:46, 08:31)
Rollins on Heisman Finalists
- “The last eight [Heisman] finalists—Love started at Notre Dame, Sayin at Alabama/Ohio State, but others started at Jackson State, Boise State, UCF, Incarnate Word, Cal and New Mexico State... goes to show you the depth in the transfer world.” (24:40)
On Importance of Transfers in Playoff Teams
- “If you don’t hit in the portal, your chances of going to the College Football Playoff are much, much smaller.” (38:31)
Pollack on the Home Playoff Atmosphere
- “Home playoff games is a win for all of us. I wouldn’t mind seeing home games continue in the postseason.” (63:02)

Playoff Transfer MVP Draft (Approx. 26:00–38:00)

[26:19] Mendoza (Indiana)
[27:54] Zachariah Branch (Georgia)
[29:14] Julian Sayin (Alabama)
[30:14] David Bailey & Romello Height (Texas Tech)
[31:35] Caleb Downs (Alabama, ex-Ohio State)
[31:55] Dante Moore (Oregon)
[32:43] Trinidad Matier (Ole Miss)
[34:12] Cassius Howze/Casey Concepcion (Texas A&M)
[37:18] Akeem Mesidor (Miami)
[37:43] Jacoby Thomas (Miami)

Victory Formation (End of Show, ~59:35–63:00)

David Pollack: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

“Rodriguez…walked on, was a QB at Virginia, becomes the best defensive player in the country and wins almost every national award. Tip of the cap…” (59:38)

Brent Rollins: JMU Sports News Twitter Account

“They won the weekend...great run from the @JMUsportsnews Twitter account. Playoff appearances in 25, 26: JMU 1, Chiefs 0.” (61:09)

Wesley (Third Analyst): Navy QB Blake Horvath

“It’s kind of insulting to hear other teams say ‘brotherhood’ and bring in 20, 30 guys from the portal…this team is truly a brotherhood.” (61:36)

Episode Flow & Tone

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:11] Episode intro & playoff landscape framing
[03:40] DJ Lagway evaluation, injury talk, "it factor"
[06:12] Dylan Raiola’s struggles, importance of supporting cast
[07:44] Transfer rate among five-star QBs, Arch Manning
[10:07] Portal-centric recruiting strategy, positional dependencies
[12:17] Brendan Sorsby scouting & Portal fit debate
[14:13] Sorsby to Florida "dark horse" discussion
[16:18] Heisman finalists all transfers, Mendoza’s story
[18:26] Mendoza’s Heisman shopping spree & impact
[24:40] Transfer schools of recent Heisman finalists
[26:01–38:46] Draft of most impactful transfers in CFP
[41:25–51:29] Texas A&M vs. Miami Preview: analysis & picks
[52:19–57:44] Alabama vs. Oklahoma Preview: analysis & picks
[59:38–63:18] Victory Formation (weekly honors, fun debate)

DJ Lagway & Dylan Raiola Transfer Portal REACTION | CFP First Round PREVIEWS

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Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Overview

Key Topics & Insights

1. Quarterback Transfer Portal Frenzy

DJ Lagway: Talent with Caveats

Dylan Raiola: More About Environment Than Talent?

The Transfer Portal’s QB Problem

2. The High School vs Portal Pipeline

3. Scouting Transfer QBs Beyond Lagway & Raiola

4. Heisman Recap and Transfer Success

5. Impact Transfers on Playoff Teams

Game Previews & Matchup Analysis

6. Texas A&M vs. Miami (Saturday)

7. Alabama vs. Oklahoma (Friday)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Playoff Transfer MVP Draft (Approx. 26:00–38:00)

Victory Formation (End of Show, ~59:35–63:00)

David Pollack: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Brent Rollins: JMU Sports News Twitter Account

Wesley (Third Analyst): Navy QB Blake Horvath

Episode Flow & Tone

Important Segment Timestamps

End Note

Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Overview

Key Topics & Insights

1. Quarterback Transfer Portal Frenzy

DJ Lagway: Talent with Caveats

Dylan Raiola: More About Environment Than Talent?

The Transfer Portal’s QB Problem

2. The High School vs Portal Pipeline

3. Scouting Transfer QBs Beyond Lagway & Raiola

4. Heisman Recap and Transfer Success

5. Impact Transfers on Playoff Teams

Game Previews & Matchup Analysis

6. Texas A&M vs. Miami (Saturday)

7. Alabama vs. Oklahoma (Friday)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Playoff Transfer MVP Draft (Approx. 26:00–38:00)

Victory Formation (End of Show, ~59:35–63:00)

David Pollack: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Brent Rollins: JMU Sports News Twitter Account

Wesley (Third Analyst): Navy QB Blake Horvath

Episode Flow & Tone

Important Segment Timestamps

End Note