Podcast Summary: See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Tennessee & Joey Aguilar FALLOUT and Vols Predictions for 2026 | OC Game-Changers

Date: February 24, 2026
Host: David Pollack (with co-host and guest analysts Brent Rollins and Wesley)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the ongoing fallout and drama at Tennessee—especially the status of quarterback Joey Aguilar—while analyzing the outlook for the Vols in 2026. David and his team also examine the impact of new offensive coordinator (OC) hires across major programs, break down the evolution of modern offensive schemes, analyze top returning wide receivers, and share personal and humorous moments, topped off by their “Who Won the Weekend” segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Fallout & 2026 Outlook

Joey Aguilar NCAA drama and the QB Situation

• Joey Aguilar's status remains uncertain due to NCAA eligibility battles, but David expects him to ultimately play. Any resolution, even if delayed, puts him ahead of last year’s acclimation timeline.

  “If we just keep suing the NCAA, at some point we’ll just wave the white flag... I expect Joey Aguilar to be there.” — David Pollack [01:36]

• Tennessee has highly touted QB depth: If Aguilar can't go, redshirt freshman George McIntyre or five-star Faison Brandon could step up, along with transfer Ryan Stob.

Josh Heupel's Program Evolution & System

• Heupel inherited a sinking program and drove consistent progress:
  • Wins by year: 7, 11, 9, 10, 8.
  • Offense reliably produces above-average QB play, even if not always top-tier NFL prospects.
  • System aids QB transition and development, though still “very much a college system.”

    “You feel pretty secure... that they're going to be pretty good at that spot.” — David [03:41]

• Defensive regression was a big problem last year; key injuries and departures force transition, but new DC Jim Knowles is a highly-touted “been-there-done-that” leader tasked with righting the ship.

Key Defensive Additions & Adjustments

• Transfer portal bolstered secondary and linebacker groups (notably Chaz Coleman as the “number one guy to know” for TN’s defense).

  “Chaz Coleman ... played 150 snaps a year ago. But he looked the part...He was the number one guy in college football in the portal on the defensive side of the ball.” — David [06:18]

• Jim Knowles brings trusted defenders from Penn State; Tennessee’s depth and talent pool, especially via portal/HS recruiting, is strong.

Schedule & Realistic Expectations

• Vols start with manageable games (Furman, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State) to ease into SEC play.
• Big games at home: Texas, Alabama, LSU.
• No Georgia on the new SEC schedule (regretted by both hosts), but tough road games remain (South Carolina, Arkansas, Texas A&M).
• Predicted win total: Steady 8–9 wins; “not a playoff team” but should remain solid.

  “That’s Hypo’s floor ... that’s pretty dang good, Tennessee fan.” — David [16:16]

2. College Football Offensive Coordinator (OC) Game-Changers

Top New OCs for 2026: Ranked and Discussed

David and Brent break down coordinators poised to make the biggest impact at their new schools.

• #1: Lane Kiffin & Charlie Weiss Jr., LSU

  • The duo’s blend of run-first creativity and tempo is praised as “death by a thousand cuts.” Explosiveness expected in Baton Rouge.

  • “If you don’t think that matters, it does. Like when you game plan together... life’s so much easier.” — David [21:00]

• #2: Buster Faulkner, Florida

  • Renowned for mixing offensive “worlds” (drop back, play-action, RPOs, screens, movement, gadgets).
  • Praised for adaptability: “His ability to sort of mold his offense to his talent is incredible.” — Brent [28:09]

• #3: Will Stein, Oregon/LSU

  • Known for balance, physicality, QB development, and adaptability.

• #4: Chip Kelly, Northwestern

  • Noted for relentless innovation and adaptability to personnel; now challenged to be creative with lesser talent.

• #5: Bobby Petrino, North Carolina

  • Notoriously elite passing scheme designer; concerns about whether he’ll fully control play calling.

  • “Bobby Petrino is good, man. Like, he's just a real...His passing game has always been so elite.” — David [27:08]

Honorable Mentions and Additional Names:

Dean Kennedy (UCLA), Colin Klein (Kansas State), Shannon Dawson (Miami), Mike Denbrock (Notre Dame), Mike Bobo (Georgia), Lincoln Riley (USC), Jake Spavital (Baylor), Tim Beck (Vanderbilt), Andy Kotelnicki (Penn State), Drew Chronic (Wing-T innovator), Arthur Smith (Ohio State; “most intriguing” per Brent).

OC Philosophy Take:
Running game diversity and adaptability to personnel (“can you run when you want and have diversity in run/pass game?”) is set as the gold standard for top coordinators.

“Guys that can do that…can literally kind of pick the style they want to be.” — David [28:35]

3. Wide Receiver Trends & 2026 Impact Players

Recent Shifts in WR Production

• Since 2019, power conference 1000-yard receivers have plummeted from 24 to only 10 in 2025, despite QB yardage remaining steady (~20 QBs >3,000 yards yearly).
  • Causes: Defensive structure (2-high looks), running game revival, and expanded tight end usage.
  • Only 11 FBS receivers return with 1,000+ yards (2026).

Most Impactful Transfer WRs for 2026 (Selected Players)

• Names to watch (per Brent and David): Cam Coleman (Texas), Iverson Hooks (Oregon), Jackson Harris (LSU), Nick Marsh (Indiana), Shaz Preston (Indiana/Tulane), Trail Harris (Oklahoma), Chase Hendricks/Ian Strong (Cal).
• “Impact” now measured less by raw yardage, more by game-changing plays and versatility.

  “It’s not the yardage...it’s hey can you get 8 to 900 yards but have big plays and be consistent.” — Brent [54:14]

4. Agents & the NIL Era: Cautionary Tales and Needed Reform

• Agents and unregulated “street agents” are described as exploiting young players—charging outrageous fees, giving bad advice, and driving ill-informed transfer/NIL decisions.

  “Agents are causing guys to move halfway across the country for 30,000 more dollars they’re spending on the moving van.” — David [41:00]

• Advocacy for NFL-style certification and standardized practices to protect players and programs alike.
• High schoolers particularly vulnerable to “bad advice, if not more dangerous” repercussions.

  “Whether it’s a real agent or their uncle or their mom, I mean, they're asking for things they haven’t earned yet.” — Wesley [44:29]

5. Memorable Moments, Quotes & Banter

Atmosphere and Fan Culture

• Neyland Stadium described as the “loudest stadium” David’s ever experienced.

  “Those fans are so freaking awesome. Loudest stadium I’ve ever heard at one moment in time.” — David [10:22]

Coaching and Philosophy

• Discussion of OC personalities: planners (scripted, plays building on plays) vs. feelers (in-game, gut-based adaptors).

  “I think you have play callers that are planners...then you have play callers that are feelers.” — David [33:17]

Personal Stories & Humor

• David recounts getting hit in the chest with a flying hockey puck while covering Boston College, providing comic relief. [60:04]
• Playful banter about youth football coaching, helmet collections, and video game nostalgia.

6. Who Won the Weekend?

• Local sports success: North County Titans girls’ and boys’ teams win region championships; baseball beats rivals. [55:00]
• USA Hockey: Celebration of the U.S. men’s and women’s teams beating Canada, with special note of the 40th anniversary of “Miracle on Ice”—emotional, patriotic moment for David.

  “Not only the hockey was awesome...the win in overtime, the 3 on 3 in overtime was unbelievable…but then watching the guys celebrate...the pride in US of A. I was all in, man.” — David [57:44]

• Academic Shift: Milan Graham (Notre Dame transfer) jokes about finally attending class, referencing Cardale Jones’ legendary tweet about “playing football, not school.” [62:42]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “If we just keep suing the NCAA, at some point we’ll just wave the white flag...I expect Joey Aguilar to be there.” — David Pollack [01:36]

• “You feel pretty secure about...that they're going to be pretty good at that spot.” — David [03:41]

• “Chaz Coleman...he was the number one guy in college football in the portal on the defensive side of the ball.” — David [06:18]

• “If I asked you right now in the chat, where is Chip Kelly? Who is he coaching?...Chip Kelly’s at Northwestern.” — David [25:37]

• “His ability to sort of mold his offense to his talent is incredible.” — Brent [28:09]

• “Guys that can do that…can literally kind of pick the style they want to be. And whatever you're weak at, they can exploit...” — David [28:35]

• “Those fans are so freaking awesome. Loudest stadium I’ve ever heard at one moment in time.” — David [10:22]

• “Agents are causing guys to move halfway across the country for 30,000 more dollars they're spending on the moving van.” — David [41:00]

• “It's not the yardage...it's hey, can you get 8-900 yards but have big plays and be consistent...” — Brent [54:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:23: Tennessee situation overview & Joey Aguilar update
• 04:00: Tennessee under Heupel—program rebuilding and QB development
• 06:18: Chaz Coleman/defensive player analysis
• 09:05: Portal QB talk; win-now vs. talent development at QB
• 10:21: Schedule, Neyland Stadium, and “soft landing” for 2026
• 14:10: Tennessee offense schematic evolution (run game, tight ends)
• 15:12: 2026 SEC schedule preview; impact of home games
• 19:02: Top 2026 OC hires ranking begins
• 21:46: OC deep dive; Kiffin/Weiss, Buster Faulkner, Chip Kelly, Petrino
• 28:09: Honorable mentions; Brent’s alternative OC picks
• 39:40: Segment on agents, player movement, NIL, and system reforms
• 47:47: Wide receiver trends; impact of new position trends
• 55:00: Who Won the Weekend: local sports & USA Hockey
• 60:04: David's hockey puck story and nostalgic banter

Conclusion

The episode masterfully combines in-depth SEC analysis (especially on Tennessee and the ever-changing transfer/NIL landscape), sharp breakdowns of OC philosophies and future “game-changers,” and a survey of explosiveness in the modern passing game. The crew keeps things lively with anecdotes, laughs, and “who won the weekend,” making it a must-listen for fans eager to follow the ever-evolving world of college football.