Trinidad Chambliss REACTION: Ole Miss Fallout | Texas CFP Charge in 2026

Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Trinidad Chambliss REACTION: Ole Miss Fallout | Texas CFP Charge in 2026
Date: February 17, 2026
Host: David Pollack
Guest: Brent Rollins

---

Episode Overview

In this jam-packed episode, David Pollack and regular analyst Brent Rollins dive deep into two of college football’s top stories: the ongoing eligibility saga and ultimate vindication of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, and the rising prospects—and pressure—on the Texas Longhorns for the 2026 CFP. The show also features a breakdown of key returning running backs for the upcoming season, commentary on conference upheaval, and classic banter about life, coaching, and college football culture.

Pollack brings his trademark mix of Georgia intensity and thoughtful, straight-talk analysis, while Rollins, bringing his stats-based approach, provides sharp insights from a numbers and historical trends perspective.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Trinidad Chambliss Eligibility Saga and Ole Miss Fallout

• The Story: Trinidad Chambliss, originally from Ferris State (D-II), transferred to Ole Miss. He was a top-tier QB, pivotal in the playoff run, but the NCAA denied his eligibility appeal for an extra year due to a disputed 2022 medical redshirt.
• Resolution: Chambliss sued the NCAA in Mississippi state court, won an injunction via Judge Robert Whitwell, and is now eligible for another season at Ole Miss.
• Pollack’s Take: College football’s eligibility rules are convoluted, consistently opening loopholes (“one box opens to another box…” [06:09]), and the NCAA’s inconsistencies have led to more litigation.
• Rollins’ Perspective: The cycle perpetuates itself, as denied athletes sue and almost inevitably win if persistent—see cases like Cam McCormick and Solomon Tuliaupupu, who got nine years of college eligibility.

Notable Quote:

“Just sue the NCAA and sue them again and sue them again. And we've seen time and time again you're going to win at some point.”
—David Pollack [06:46]

Debate—Did Chambliss Make the Right Call Returning?

• Pollack: “Trinidad made the right decision because he's going to make a heck of a lot more money at Ole Miss… But next year’s [NFL] class, he is not going to be drafted as high as he’d be in this year’s class.” [07:10]
• Both agree the equation is money now vs. draft status and long-term pro prospects.

Impact on Ole Miss: Chambliss transforms Ole Miss from a middle-tier SEC team to a legitimate contender, provided the OC and team synergy clicks.

2. NCAA Eligibility Chaos and Reform

• The “lawsuit route” has made almost any eligibility denial reversible if an athlete is persistent and sues.
• Pollack’s Solution: NCAA must move to a simple “five for five” rule — five years, five seasons of eligibility, period.
• Rollins’ Addition: Adds a caveat for graduates to play an extra (fifth) season, combined with a residency requirement and a one-time free transfer.

Notable Quote:

“You get five years… they’ll break and shatter every single [record].”
—David Pollack [06:44]

---

3. Texas 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) Charge

The Setup: Texas enters as a loaded, high-expectation program after missing the playoff last year.

• Blame last season’s falter on offensive line woes rather than Arch Manning, who was unfairly scapegoated.
• Texas addressed these issues via the transfer portal: Melvin Ciani (Wake Forest) and other O-line/skill additions.
• QB Arch Manning: Gained vital starting experience; down the stretch, he significantly improved in poise, time to throw, and passing grade ([21:53–22:09], see stats below).

Defense: Biggest news is hiring Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator.

• Muschamp brings “dog”, toughness, and a no-nonsense approach as a counterbalance to the laid-back Sarkisian.
• The panel agrees Muschamp’s presence may be as critical as any player acquisition.

Stats for Arch Manning’s Growth

• First 7 games: Passing grade of 71.2, average time to throw 3.09s
• Last 6 games: Passing grade 88.7, average time to throw 2.68s
  ("Ball came out, the ball was coming out a lot quicker, more decisive." —Brent Rollins [22:09])

Is Texas a Lock for the Playoff?

• Rollins is skeptical, pointing out Texas’s tough SEC schedule and that their issues against elite programs—specifically Georgia—are unresolved.
• Pollack pushes back: “I’m getting a little bit tired of these preseason schedules… you don’t know [how strong those teams will actually be].” [19:23–20:14]
• Pollack’s Assessment: “Texas—it’s all set up… offense, defense, schedule, everything—it’s now or never.” [~15:00–18:00]

---

4. Pac-12/“Eight Pack” Scheduling Quirks

• With only eight teams remaining, the Pac-12 (soon “Eight Pack”) has instituted a Week 13 FLEX: every team plays the other seven, then a rematch in the final week, possibly optimized to protect the league’s playoff chances.
• This approach is smart but controversial, and Pollack wonders if other conferences may try it to protect top contenders.

Notable Quote:

"They're going to decide who you play. If you're in contention, do you play somebody different to keep you in contention?... It kind of got some, it's got some smart to it..."
—David Pollack [24:50]

---

5. Running Back Breakdown: Who Will Break 1,000 Yards?

Numbers Game:

• 20 FBS running backs who topped 1,000 yards are returning.
• 31 FBS running backs with 900+ yards are back, many on new teams via transfer (e.g., Cam Cook to WVU, Caleb Hawkins to OK State).

Player-by-Player Projections

• Nate Frazier (Georgia): Over 1,000? Pollack: “Yes,” if healthy. [31:12]
• Hollywood Smothers (Texas): Pollack takes the under; split touches and O-line concerns. [33:10]
• Justice Haynes (Ga Tech): "If healthy... doesn’t take a back seat to many in CFB." [34:00]
• Carson Hansen (Penn State via ISU): Pollack—yes, expects ground-and-pound Matt Campbell offense. [35:25]
• Kendrick Raphael (SMU via Cal): Over 1,000 possible due to offensive fit and league. [37:07]

Insight: With the NFL’s devaluation of running backs, Pollack predicts more top RBs will stay in school for NIL money rather than jump early to the pros.

Notable Quote:

“Those guys ain't leaving for the NFL anymore because they're going to get paid where they're at better than they're going to get paid in the NFL.”
—David Pollack [38:17]

---

6. “Who Won the Weekend?” — Personal & Feel-Good Reflections [39:14–42:59]

• Brent Rollins: Chooses himself; enjoyed a rare, laid-back weekend with family and high school baseball.
• David Pollack: Relishes time with wife, peace at home, “winning when the house is empty,” and watching "Lincoln Lawyer."
• Heartfelt Highlight: Shoutout to Anthony Kim, who made an inspiring comeback win after substance abuse issues. The team on LIV Tour celebrated with water instead of alcohol in solidarity. Pollack: “Always fun to watch those comeback stories.” [41:37]

---

Memorable Quotes

• On NCAA rules: “The NCAA... They're just never easy on themselves. They always make it hard and they open one box which opens to another box.” —Pollack [06:09]
• On Will Muschamp’s hire: “If you're not going to be the dog that bites, I need to bring in the dog that bites.” —Pollack [17:47]
• On preseason predictions: “Can you guarantee me what Florida, Tennessee and Ole Miss are going to be? ...You don't know.” —Pollack [19:23]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trinidad Chambliss Saga & NCAA Litigation Explainer: [01:37–09:23]
• Chambliss Decision—Ole Miss Fallout: [07:10–08:25]
• Texas 2026 CFP Preview (Offensive and Defensive Overhaul, Pressure on Sark and Muschamp's Role): [12:20–19:23]
• Texas’s Historical Issues vs. Elite Defenses (Georgia Effect): [16:42–17:47]
• SEC, Playoff Expansion & Scheduling Complexity: [19:23–21:25]
• Arch Manning’s Analytics—Improvement Story: [21:53–22:09]
• Pac-12 (“Eight Pack”) Flex Scheduling: [24:52–25:12]
• Running Back Deep Dive: Stats Game, Major Transfers, Top 1000-Yard Backs Analysis: [25:12–38:51]
• Personal Reflections, “Who Won the Weekend” & Feel-Good Sports Stories: [39:14–42:59]

---

Episode Summary

This episode is a quintessential See Ball Get Ball experience: hard-hitting takes on the latest NCAA eligibility chaos and the real-world implications for schools and athletes, analysis of two heavyweights (Ole Miss and Texas) at program-defining crossroads, and a numbers-based breakdown of running back talent shaping 2026.

Between the football insights, career advice for players, and even some lighter life lessons, Pollack and Rollins deliver compelling, fan-focused content in a conversational, relatable style.

---

For more deep-dive discussion and analysis, tune in every week and join the See Ball Get Ball community!

Transcript

[McDonald's Ad Voice]

Quick, choose a meal deal with McValue. The $5 McChicken meal deal, the $6 McDouble meal deal or the new $7 Daily Double meal deal. Each with its own small fries, drink and Four Piece McNuggets. There's actually no rush. I'm just excited for McDonald's for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary. Not badly for McDelivery.

[VRBO Ad Voice]

You know what they say. Early bird gets the ultimate vacation home. Book early and save over $120 with Robo because early gets you closer to the action. Whether it's waves lapping at the shore or. Or snoozing in a hammock that overlooks. Well, whatever you want it to. So you can all enjoy the payoff come summer with VRBO's early booking deals. Rise and shine. Average savings $141. Select homes only.

[Grainger Ad Voice]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's Easy U's website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Brent Rollins]

And how about that Pollock interception in the end zone?

[David Pollock]

Well, it's David Pollock and I think people are going to learn what kind of ball player he is. He's got a heart of a lion. I'm real proud of that kid.

[Brent Rollins]

This is C ball. Get ball. College football's top show for football analysis, predictions and coach interviews. Now here's your host, three time all American, seven time Emmy award winner.

[David Pollock]

What up, dudes? Welcome on in to Seball. Get ball. It is February 16th. How about that? Hope everybody had a good Valentine's Day. Hope you took care of your loved ones like you're supposed to. I don't know about you guys. We. We should talk this. I'll talk about this with Brent a little bit. But like flowers in my house has always been a no no. Like it's a no no. So I don't know if you guys are the same way. I'm interested to see my wife's like, they die. I don't want flowers. So we do coffee and food in our house and that never disappoints. So I hope everybody took care of their Valentine's Trinidad Chambliss got taken care of this past week. If you haven't followed it a little bit, like, remember Trinidad went to, to Ferris State as a Division 2 football player, won a national championship, was a baller. Remember Ole Miss found him by his social media. So if you don't believe social media helps recruiting, you're wrong. Parents, I apologize. I hate it for you because you have to have your kids on there, but they have to be on there. It's better than email. The coaches check those more often. Specifically, if you want to send people direct messages on X, that's the one that their favorite is for recruiting. So he put his tape on there and then remember the Ole Miss story. And this is, listen, this isn't a good QB. This is one of the best QBs in all of college football. Like he was, he was Superman in the playoffs down the stretch. And you saw this dude do a little bit of everything. So how did this happen? I think is is always a good question, like, you know, how did we get here where he got another year when the NCAA told him he couldn't have another year. Well, it's very simple that the 2022 year was the year in doubt where he said he had a medical issue where he couldn't play. Ferris State said he didn't. Obviously. The NCAA denied it a while back. They denied it multiple times. The initial waiver, the appeal, the reconsideration, like all of it denied out, like, should not be debatable. Um, but then Shambless Chambliss did the right thing if you want to get out through this thing. And he sued in Mississippi State court claiming the NCAA acted in bad faith and declaring him ineligible. And he wins on February 13th. A couple days ago, he won. A judge ruled this is probably the most popular judge, Robert Whitwell, the most popular judge. If you're an Ole Miss fan, like you are jacked up, excited about Mr. Robert Whitwell and he did the injunction, so he's eligible now. And listen, if you watched college football and if you follow it like the, the, the system in which we use to, to help people eligible, it's pretty dumb. It doesn't make a lot of sense. I actually went on McElroy this past week on Always College Football and I talked about this, some of this stuff with him. But like the guy from Montana, Solomon Tulipua Pua, I don't know how to say his name. He was granted a ninth year, a ninth year by the ncaa. He just got granted the other day a Ninth year. So you talk about all these cases across the country. Remember Cam McCormick, tight end for Miami? Like LA. I think it was LA last year. Yeah, last year was in his ninth season. Like so any, anybody who's in these, you know, predicaments, here's what they do. They individually sue the ncaa. The NCAA has to take up an attorney. They, they have to pay and they have to go defend themselves. And then when they resew again, they have to go defend themselves again. You can see it's nauseating. Like ag Joey Aguilar for Tennessee is going through the same thing, right? Like it's going to continue to happen in college football until we implement a new rule. Five for five. You get five years. Like you want to make it really, really easy for the ncaa. The NCAA screwed themselves making it very difficult when they wanted to start doing the four games things. Well, you have four games and it doesn't count for eligibility. Right. They already had the medical hardship, you know, like if you get medically injured and you haven't played a certain amount of the season, like that's a stipulation. So all these stipulations open more boxes. Remember Diego Pavia being in junior college? That was a big deal because he got granted more time. Aguilar tacked onto the same suit. Like he literally went onto the same Diego Pavia suit to try to get eligibility before he took it out and then went to Knox county for, for his ruling. But you know, it's amazing the fact that a linebacker from, from Montana got a, got a ninth year. He was in the recruiting class, Brent. He was in the recruiting class with Micah Parsons and Trevor Lawrence.

[Brent Rollins]

That's.

[David Pollock]

Micah Parsons and Trevor Lawrence are on their second contracts in the NFL. First round picks. He was in their recruiting class. And I'm not saying there's extenuating. There's not extenuating circumstances for some people. But like, my gosh, the ncaa, they just never make it easy on themselves. They always make it hard and they open one box which opens to another box which opens to another box which is going to get us to. In the end, we're going to go five years. You got five years to play college football. Which by the way, you want to talk about screwing every rule in history. When you got five years and people get five years and stay healthy of five years of eligibility, they'll break and shatter every single rule.

[LifeLock Ad Voice]

Yes.

[Brent Rollins]

Like records would be.

[David Pollock]

Which potentially screws everything in, in the record books. But I mean, just sue the NCAA and sue them again and sue Them again. And we've seen time and time again you're going to win at some point.

[Brent Rollins]

Well, that's. And in this case, they actually said no, and then it took lawsuit to change it. But so the question now. All right, so he's going to be there. Did he make the right decision?

[David Pollock]

I don't think so, because I think Trinidad. I think Trinidad could have been the second quarterback in this class. Yeah, like. Well, here's the thing. Here's what I'll say. Trinidad made the right decision because he's going to make a heck of a lot more money at Ole Miss. He's going to make way more money this year at Ole Miss.

[Brent Rollins]

I agree.

[David Pollock]

But next year's class, he is not going to be as drafted as high as he is in this year's class. And so I think you weigh the pros and the cons. You know that if you get drafted in that first round, you get that fifth year, which is. Which is a good thing for teams, so they're more inclined to come up there and. And grab you at the end of the first. But he's a guy that will be interesting to watch in the pros. He doesn't have the measurables, but he is more than great in the college game. And here's the thing. I think Ole Miss, I would have been teetering with putting them right in the middle of the sec. Brent in the middle, like, right in the middle. Now. Now you go. Now, listen, I still got Charlie Weiss Jr. To worry about.

[Brent Rollins]

Yeah.

[David Pollock]

Play caller still gone. Lane Kiffin still gone. But this goes from middle of the SEC to now.

[LifeLock Ad Voice]

If.

[David Pollock]

If the OC's connection with him and Pete got this thing rolling, this thing could be at the top of the sec. So they got their dude that showed you that he can put the Superman cape on. He's not like everybody else.

[Shopify Ad Voice]

He.

[David Pollock]

He can be different.

[Brent Rollins]

I was trying to think of this, like, in. Obviously, I'm a professor by day, so I was trying to think like, so if I.

[David Pollock]

The great Brent Rollins. Hey, you're a real doctor. Solomon, who's gone to school for nine years, is not a doctor, but you're actually a real doctor who went to school for a long period of time.

[Brent Rollins]

Actually, Dan always says, I'm not a real doctor. Remember that. Don't forget that. I'm like Ross on Friends kind of doctor. But it's like, hey, when a student finds out that they're really close to an A after the final exam, they're like, hey, can we go back and look at the first exam or that first quiz. I think that one I actually got wrong. That's because none of this would be an issue if he didn't just have an amazing season and do what he did. No, like he would have, he just would have been a backup and would have moved on.

[David Pollock]

And hey, that 18 commercial though got broke off. We'll get more commercials, more things. I think it's a smart play for the here and the now. Getting the money while you can get the money like that get the guaranteed money. And he's got the guaranteed money at Ole Miss.

[Brent Rollins]

And that's the only thing you can actually he can control right. He can control right now. And I think that agree in terms of especially this year. Now the other one though the more interesting and his actually wasn't like if he would have done went through the steps initially and it would have gotten approved because he didn't play and all the things with it like it probably would have been okay. It wouldn't have been that big a deal. But the Aguilar case, the Joey Aguilar case, that's the one to me where it's like that's a different level of. You're talking what is it? 7. I forget even get how many years he would be now in college football.

[David Pollock]

But yeah but the juco stuff that Pavia, you know, put a precedent on with like not counting obviously is. It's a good thing to tack onto. And that's what he initially started his lawsuit on.

[Shopify Ad Voice]

Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Shopify is the home of the number one checkout on the planet. And the not so secret secret with shop pay that boosts conversions up to 50% meaning way less carts go abandoned and way more sales going through. So if you're into growing your business, your commerce platform better be ready to sell wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling on the web, in your store, in their feed and everywhere in between. Businesses that sell more sell on Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout that Skims uses. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period for three months at shopify.com Westwood One all lowercase go to shopify.com Westwood One to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.com Westwood One.

[McDonald's Ad Voice]

Quick choose a meal deal with McValue. The $5 McChicken meal deal, the $6 McDouble meal deal or the new $7 Daily Double meal deal. Each with its own small fries, drink and Four Piece McNuggets. There's actually no rush. I'm just excited for McDonald's for a limited time only. Prices, the participation may vary. Not badly for McDelivery.

[Grainger Ad Voice (Alternate)]

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[David Pollock]

Listen, if you want to know what I'm thinking, if you're a betting man, always bet on the player. Bet on the player. The player is going to win. Joey Aguilar is going to win. Like he'll be the next one to win. I mean it's just, it's just the way it works.

[Brent Rollins]

We'll find out like potentially tomorrow or. Yeah, we'll find out early. Middle of this week. Yeah, I agree. In terms of eligibility, mine was five years to play four, but you can play the fifth year if you graduate.

[David Pollock]

If you graduated, I think just graduated and then, and then my stipulation is, you know, you got to be at school for two years one time free transfer rule. Like there's a lot of things that we can do to continue to make this game better. All right, we're going through our series. We're going to continue to talk about teams that like can take, who can break through the college football wall next year and make the playoff. Texas. Listen, this ain't a big stretch. Texas did it the two years before last year. They didn't do it. And to me there was, there was one big reason why I think everybody laid it at the feet of Arch. Arch was, was the scapegoat. Arch was the one that got crucified because everybody had pumped Arch up to here before the season even started. But if you looked at it, the offensive line for Texas let them down like point blank. Couldn't run the football, couldn't protect their quarterback. Besides that, they were doing a great job. So they had to address that concern. Remember, both their tackles were drafted really high in the draft the year before. So they struggled in pass protection like crazy. They struggled to run the football. I think they kind of struggled at receiver to find their go to guy. So they went in the transfer portal. They got more athletic, they got more experienced. Did they get more physical? That's my thing. Did you get more physical? I Need to see a little bit more nasty. Like I need to see those guys up front be a little bit more physical and less penalties. They put themselves in bad and a lot of bad spots with penalties. One of the most penalized units up front, they go to Wake Forest, they get Melvin Ciani, I think that's how you say his name. Over 900 saps, snaps, zero sacks. So you put him in Goosby at tackles, you got a one, two punch a tackle. Now you get Seymour from. From Western Kentucky, who has great experience. You move Baker now you can shift Baker from tackle to guard to make you more athletic. So I just think athleticism on a whole way up. Arch Manning got a lot of experience. I mean, that's what he needed, man. He didn't have a lot of experience before that. How do you grow? How do you get better? It's by experience. And remember he played at a small school in high school. He was the most athletic guy on the field. Like it's going to take some time to grow. I think everybody expected it to happen a little bit sooner because his last name was Manning. Otherwise they wouldn't have. So the offense and then the additions we. We've talked about Brown and Smother, Hollywood Smothers at running back like two of the best portal running backs. Cam Coleman coming in at receiver. Like they loaded the. They loaded the chamber, man. They loaded it up and gave Arch everything he possibly needed. Like offensive line up, receiving court up, like running backs up, experience for Arch coming back. Dude, it's. It's all set up. And then they made the most important decision. The most important decision was on the other side, Will Muschamp. Big deal, man. Like when you bring in now a head coach of your defense, a tone setter of the team, like a guy that's physically physical, physicality, toughness. Always played aggressive style of defense, you know, forces turnovers, no nonsense. Doesn't take things off. When you watch Kotowski in this Texas defense, it's been very good. It's been very sound, it's been very zone heavy. It's been very conservative. Don't mess up, don't give up the big plays. That ain't Will Muschamp style. Will Muschamps coming for your throat. Like Will Muschamp just got off coaching in the league at Georgia, watching his son in the league at Vanderbilt, head coaches, gigs at, at South Carolina, at Florida, played in the league. Like check, check, check. Game plan against all these different offenses, all these different players. And then now you go to Texas where You got the cheddar where you got the players like, I think an immediate uptick for the defense, an immediate uptick in talent and infusion of talent on the offense. Brent Rollins, by the way, I didn't introduce him correctly, writes for PFF rights for ON3, one of the smartest college football fans you'll know. Also, Brent, one of the toughest schedules in the country. And you, I think I can say this too, by the way. You're a Texas hater slash doubter, correct? I mean, that's, that's. I think that's fair to say I've.

[Brent Rollins]

Been a Sark daddler a little bit because I don't think he's evolved as much like I think he's kind of been what he's been for the past four to five years offensively and against certain defensive schemes. And when you just have better players in those games, it works. And when you don't, it doesn't necessarily work. So let's, let's speak of that. They got, they've had a Georgia problem. Like, yeah, they like it or not, they've had a Georgia problems. They play 14 non UGA SEC games, 30 points a game, 158 rush yards a game, only two sacks allowed per game in the three games against Georgia, 14 a game, 62 rush yards a game, over five sacks allowed in a per game. Like now, granted, is Georgia on their schedule? No. But I, I do think there's a 90. Hey, I'm getting Mus Champ to coach my defense 10%. Hey, tell me what I'm doing wrong. Tell me how I need to evolve. Tell me how my offense needs to, to be better. Because all those things and all those additions that you talked about, are you even able to quantify I think the pressure that is on Sark this year? Because I think it's, I think it's large.

[David Pollock]

I think, I think it's large, but I think people are also going to go. He made the playoffs two out of the last three years. I think out of all the, the people that we brought, that we talked about, that's brought on board. I think must champs the most important because Sark is California. Sark is chill. Sark is laid back. Well, Muschamp is not. If you're not going to be the dog that bites, I need to bring in the dog that bites, right? Like, if you're not going to be the hammer, I need to bring in a hammer. I need somebody on my staff that's going to be like, listen, it is no nonsense this is how we do it. Hey, the best coach in college football is Kirby Smart. He spent the most time, he spent the most time of his career, the last part of his career with Kirby Smart. Like, how does he do it? I want to know. I want to know why he kicks me in the teeth. Right? So you get that information. But, but I think the. You want the physicality, you want the toughness. That's why you got Will MUS champ. I think it's a perfect compliment to Steve Sarkeesian. And do you think there's any way Texas is not back in the College Football Playoff?

[Brent Rollins]

Yes, I do. Like, I don't. That's not a statement to me because the schedule and we, like, we've talked about it, you just mentioned it a little bit, but obviously you play, you get them at home, week two, but you got to go to Tennessee. You get Oklahoma, as always. Florida, Ole Miss at Missouri, at lsu at A and M. Like, that extra game for the SEC is one of those where you're like, okay, if that's nine and three and depending upon who that loss is again, I mean, is that a playoff team? I don't know.

[David Pollock]

Well, and here, here's your thing. Everybody that doesn't realize that the SEC adding that 9th conference game, that means half of your teams are going to get another loss. Half your teams, like, you're guaranteed. I'm not a mathematics professor, but I've stayed at a Holiday Express. Okay? I know that if half, if they're all playing each other, half of them are going to lose. That I'm not sure of. I do not need a doctorate degree for that. But, like, that's, that's going to be a real thing, too, as we continue to march on to, to playoff expansion. But I don't think it's a smart investment for the sec. But I tell you what, man, if Texas can't do it this year, I know the schedule is tough. Here's the thing, man. I'm getting a little bit tired of these preseason schedules and saying, hey, well, they got Florida, they got Tennessee, they got Ole Miss. Can you guarantee me what Florida, Tennessee and Ole Miss are going to be? So don't, don't act like they're perennial powers. Like, I mean, you don't know.

[Brent Rollins]

Like you don't know.

[David Pollock]

You know what? I know I saw this the other day somewhere. Tennessee and Mississippi State have the same number of Games won since 2010. Like, that's pretty, pretty good sample size when you're going back 15 plus years. So I I, I, I, I get all that and I keep hearing that like I, I'm not convinced what LSU is going to be. I know they're going to be better. I don't know if they're going to be great. Like I think we do a lot of we, we've given a lot of the benefit of the doubt to those scheme, to those schools and their talents and I think we're starting to learn that they don't deserve necessarily the benefit of the doubt until they show us like a lot of other programs.

[Brent Rollins]

Yeah, it's still though, much like even look at Texas a season ago, they should have gotten beat at Miss Mississippi State, they should have gotten beat at Kentucky. They, they hung on and won those games and they won them in the end. But those were games that were easily losable against two of the worst teams in the conference. So now I will say if you want to put Texas in pin in your College Football Playoff 2026 prediction. There's one reason it's because of Arch's ascension at the end of the season is because you think that that's going to continue and only get better with the improved running game potentially and the new.

[David Pollock]

Here's a crazy thing, actually, here's a crazy thing, man. When you play more, you, you get a little bit better. Like when you play more, you get more experience. When you play more, you see things a little bit faster. When you, when you play more, the ball comes out. Like here's the thing, you're building a database of all these things that you haven't seen for the first time underneath the helm. And like so the way he took off down the stretch obviously probably gives you hope for that. Let's keep it moving though.

[Brent Rollins]

I'll say some numbers real quick for that. His first seven games, his passing grade, PFF, passing grade was 71.2. His average time to throw was 3.09 seconds. The last six games his passing rating was 88.7 2.68. Average time to throw.

[David Pollock]

Ball came out, the ball was coming.

[Brent Rollins]

Out a lot quicker, more decisive.

[David Pollock]

All the, well and you saw a lot of hitches. You saw feet going all over the place and then the heart rate starts to simmer down. Like wait a minute, I've got this. After, well, well after the national media buried him, everybody buried him. Like I, I didn't, we didn't bury him. We talked about, we talked about how Sark let him down and they should have done a better job scheming and they did down the stretch. All right. Here's one more thing to, to, to peek at. Pack 12, baby. The two pack is gone. It's really the eight pack. By the way, it's not a 12 pack yet. So eight teams, if you didn't remember, if you don't remember, it's Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State. So you don't get the invite unless State is at the end of your school. So future expansion, you better, you better realize that it's got, you got to have a state there. Well, they've got a new scheduling calendar and I'm very interested to see how this works out. They've got a week 13 flex, so everybody in the league is going to play the other seven opponents. So there's eight teams, they're going to play the other seven. So everybody gets the head to head. Well, obviously because they got an odd number, they're going to flex the 13. So the, the, the next game, that eighth conference game is going to be from another, a rematch basically. So it'll be a home at home. If you played them away, you'll play them at home. Hence the word flex though. It's a flex because they're going to decide who you play. So if you're in contention, do you play somebody different to keep you in contention? It doesn't count for the standings, by the way. It's like an extra game. It's just an extra game. But like I think what, what this league is, is to me what they're going to do. And it's strange, it's weird, it's different, but like what they're going to do is basically if you're, at first you're going to play like a last ranked team in the league or somebody that you're, they know you're going to beat. So your league still stays up here and you got a chance to go to the playoff right like that. So that, that to me is, it's, it's different, it's odd. But you have an odd number of teams. But I'm curious too to see how everybody views this because maybe this is something that people view down the road and be like, wait a minute, I can protect my teams. Like I, I literally am saving my squad from having to play someone else possibly. It kind of got some, it's got some smart to it does. Do people look around and see it or do you think as much as I do. I think it's kind of strange. But it protects the pack 12. It definitely protects their playoff chances if you're going to continue to keep your champion alive and not have them play another great game. When I saw it, I was like, oh, man, the best two teams are going to play. We're going to get extra great football. And then I was like, wait a minute. No, it's not what we're going to do. We're going to actually flex this and. And change it where it's even easier. So welcome back. Pack 12, eight pack, formally two pack. Wasn't even 12 back in the day, by the way, when it was really good. But all right. We do it every week. Numbers. Numbers to know. Brent. Rollin, you're going through all these running backs that are coming back in college football and you got some numbers that we all need to know and to consider.

[Brent Rollins]

First off, before we forget, because you mentioned it earlier, we are in complete agreement in the Rollins household, no flowers. They die.

[David Pollock]

Like. So Deanna's all for that?

[Brent Rollins]

Yes. No, that's ne. We've never been a thing. I've. If I've done it, it's. It's very random.

[David Pollock]

Just what does Deanna. What does Deanna want for what is. What is her Valentine's Day? What does she want?

[Brent Rollins]

Nothing. Like, just to relax and just do whatever. Like, it was actually a pretty great weekend. But. And I did. I did surprise her with something that she didn't expect and it was good and great gift and really helped me out and we. We took care. Hey.

[David Pollock]

Girl. Braylee.

[Brent Rollins]

Yes, but I got, you know, got. Got the gift. So the running backs. Have you ever. Do you ever play any of the game on the Price is Right? You Price is Right fan at all.

[David Pollock]

Price is Right was fantastic.

[Brent Rollins]

Did you ever go?

[David Pollock]

I never went no. But. But I did watch it growing up. Now I won't watch it now. It's not near as good now as it used to be, but Bob Barker was freaking the.

[Brent Rollins]

The game that to me, if you had to. If I had to say one game that I was elite at more than any. It's the clock game. So where they have like two prizes and 30 seconds on the clock and you start, you give a starting bid and it's like higher because of that heart rate that.

[David Pollock]

That Rollins heart rate stays level too high.

[Brent Rollins]

Yeah, it's math. All right, so if we're going to do a clock game on number of running backs in the FBs that are returning that had over a thousand yards, what would be your first guess? Higher or lower?

[David Pollock]

I'd say 20.

[Brent Rollins]

Well, you would have just gotten it right away.

[David Pollock]

It was 20. Was it really?

[Brent Rollins]

Yes.

[McDonald's Ad Voice]

Quick Choose a meal deal with McValue. The $5 McChicken meal deal, the $6 McDouble meal deal, or the new $7 Daily Double meal deal, each with its own small fries, drink and Four Piece McNuggets. There's actually no rush. I'm just excited for McDonald's for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary. Not badly for McDelivery.

[Shopify Ad Voice]

Nobody does selling Better Than Shopify Shopify is the home of the number one checkout on the planet and the not so secret secret with shop pay that boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning way less carts go abandoned and way more sales going through. So if you're into growing your business, your commerce platform better be ready to sell wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling on the web, in your store, in their feed, and everywhere in between. Businesses that sell more sell on Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout that Skins uses. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period for three months at shopify.com WestwoodOne all lowercase go to shopify.com Westwood One to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.com Westwood One.

[VRBO Ad Voice (Alternate)]

At VRBO, we understand that even the best of plans sometimes need a little support. So we plan for the plot twists. Every booking is automatically backed by our VRBO Care guarantee, giving you confidence from the very start. Whenever you need help, it's ready before your stay, through the moments in between and after your trip. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind and maybe a good playlist. But we've got the peace of mind part covered.

[Grainger Ad Voice (Alternate)]

This is the story of the 1. As the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, she knows the only thing more important than having the right safety gear is having it there when you need it. That's why she partners with Grainger for auto reordering, so her team members can count on her to have cut resistant gloves on hand and each shift can run safely and efficiently. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[David Pollock]

That's the luckiest bull crap of all time.

[Brent Rollins]

Exactly.

[David Pollock]

Do I get extra on the Price is Right? Yes, you.

[Brent Rollins]

Well, I mean you might win like the both showcases or something.

[David Pollock]

Let's go. Both showcases that Bob Barker's full of. Shh man.

[Brent Rollins]

Price is wrong.

[David Pollock]

Price is wrong.

[Brent Rollins]

Bobby Way Sean Parker from Utah. We talked about them last week. He was only eight yards away from a thousand, so it was almost 21. There was actually 31 FBS running backs with over 900 yards that are coming back. So like we talked about this sort of going into neck last season with coach Dan Casey about how heavy personnel and the run game and it's getting more and more like the NFL so you're seeing more and more backs and a lot of those guys have transferred enter in new places. So like Cam Cook who let he was the leading returner, had 1650 yards is now at West Virginia from Jacksonville State. Caleb Hawkins followed his coach to Oklahoma State from North Texas. Wayne Knight also followed his coach from JMU to ucla.

[David Pollock]

Yep.

[Brent Rollins]

Cam Edwards, who's gotten better each every year at UConn is now at Michigan State. And then another name people might not realize, Evan Dickens, who was at Liberty and had almost a thousand yards in the last five games had 200 yards three of the last five games is now at Boston College. But that's not, that's I wanted to just sort of highlight those guys that are in new places. But the one the question I have for you and we're going to maybe sort of chat with each about each one is which of these running backs who didn't get over a thousand yards last year are most likely to be over a thousand yards in 20, 26.

[David Pollock]

All right.

[Brent Rollins]

First name Nate Frazier finished with 947 yards. We talked about sort of his ascension towards in the last latter part of the season. He had 553 in the last six games. Georgia hasn't had a thousand yard back since DeAndre Swift in 2019 and the previous two years 17 and 18 they had two guys each with a thousand yards. Chubb and Michelle and then Holyfield and Swift. So well is he one gets over.

[David Pollock]

A thousand the heart, yes. He's going to get over it. I think he'll get over it. You know the health is always the issue and you don't know how that's going to go with all these running backs. That's probably the hardest part to ever predict. I think he showed me enough to show me like the things that I that he lacked his first year. He really improved on his second year vision, patience. But that that sucker's feet. He also like I say that he I think he was too explosive sometimes but this year he showed you a little bit of the I can also be a little bit patient but then suck a guy and hit the gas and understand when to do it. So I think he does. But I also think you've seen this trend with Georgia like they're going to give a bunch of guys the ball and they're going to try to keep you as fresh as possible. So the best version of you shows up late in the season so you're not beat to crap. But I think it's a safe bet that Frazier's running back number one and that I think he'll get this because I think the big playability will be there for him because he just, he showed you more and more down the stretch the big plays.

[Brent Rollins]

I saw a recent video of him talking about how after the fumble at Alabama where he didn't step foot on the fee or against Alabama at home, he didn't step foot on the field the rest of the game and how after that he sort of really did a lot of self reflection of like hey, I'm not what I think I am. I've got her. Dig deep. And he said he, he did the, the. What was the kid's first name? Jefferson was his last name. I remember that from the program who had to carry around Darnell Jefferson. There we go. He did that treatment. He said he carried it everywhere wherever he went. You know, make sure he football. And you could tell when he came after that game he came back focusing in on holding the ball and it slowed him down a little bit. All right, so that was the first one. Second one. Hollywood Smothers. We talked about Texas a little bit ago. You mentioned him addition now splitting time with Relik Brown. He had 9:39. He missed a few. Even missed some time last year at NC State. Is that somebody you think is a thousand yard type back?

[David Pollock]

I go under now. Here's another, here's another thing to consider too. Playoff runs also count. That's another big deal. Like these guys are going to add up like the ones that play four more playoff games. Three more playoff games. Like it's going to be pretty easy to get to a thousand if you're the feature guy. So you know, maybe they're in the playoffs but I think him and Brown are going to really split that rock. Like Brown runs it angry. He runs it great.

[Brent Rollins]

Listen, I'm not actually had a thousand yards last year.

[David Pollock]

Yes. But I'm also not sold on the Texas offensive line yet that they're going to move people out of the way and run the football so consistently that they're going to be able to support 2,000 yards back. So I'd take the under.

[Brent Rollins]

Yeah. So he, the rest of him and the rest of these, the other three are at new places. Justice Haynes.

[David Pollock]

Yeah.

[Brent Rollins]

Now Georgia Tech. Write it down 57, 10 TDs. He got hurt games last year.

[David Pollock]

He got hurt. Yeah. If he didn't get hurt. Justice Haynes to me was the second or third best back in college football last year when he was healthy. Like the physicality, the vision. Like he, he's, he's a big strong sucker. Like now listen, if he had Haynes King, my gosh, this would be at 15,000.

[Brent Rollins]

Like that's the question with this is who is the other pieces and who's. Because not only they lost their quarterback, they lost the backup quarterback.

[David Pollock]

Yeah, that, that's a, that's a big deal. And does this offense, where does it go and what does it look like? Like we've been bragging on Faulkner for the last several years of how good he is at merging multiple systems and living in so many different worlds, which is very tough to do. How do you do that? Now it takes a step back, I'm sure. But that hammer will get the rock. And here's the one thing I know about Coach Key. He's a former offensive lineman. They'll be, they'll be nasty up front. They'll have some dudes, they'll run the football. I can promise you that. But he, he's, he's, I think he's a really, really good back when healthy. I don't, I don't think he takes a back seat to a lot of backs in college football.

[Brent Rollins]

All right, next one. Carson Hansen followed his coach to Penn State from Iowa State. He was their leading rusher a year ago at 952. Had six TDs. Last five games he had over 600 yards and four touchdowns. Now they also brought the people's kid in from Ohio State. But do you think that is a. Hey, let's, let's play some smash mouth Penn State Cyclone football in the Big Ten this year and Hanson gets over a thousand.

[David Pollock]

I don't think Campbell, that's who Campbell is. Like it's, it's, it's going to be. You're going to see three tight ends on the field. Like I think you're, that that's who they are. That's who they've been. So Hansen's going to get touches. And let me tell you something about Hanson. He is a lot more physical than you think. Like the dude's got some speed, but he is physical. He'll break tackles. Like obviously you lose Allen. Obvious. Allen and Singleton are gone. And that's a great one to punch. I'll say, I'll say yes. Now the people's Will Peoples will steal touchdowns and short yardage for sure because I think that's his thing, right? I think he'll know that was Donaldson. Donaldson was doing that at a high level. But, but I think, I think, I think Hanson will get a bunch of touches in that offense. It'll be a ground and pound team. Rocco Beck also will keep the sticks moving. The offense will be good because it'll be experienced and very similar to what it was. I think it'll be a good enough offense to support a thousand yard back.

[Brent Rollins]

And the schedule is very. Schedule ain't bad for Penn State this year. Last one is one that many probably don't really realize, but Cal's leading rusher, Kendrick Raphael is now at SMU. He had 935 yards, 13 TDs and SMU lost their top two guys to either graduation or transfer. Like one of them actually is a Clemson Johnson Jr. But like with Jennings coming back and that offense like Rashard Smith had a ton of yards two seasons ago, it's like, okay, maybe, maybe, maybe SMU is kind of that sneaky. We're not talking about them enough, but their quarterback's back, they're resetting after losing a bunch of guys and then they make some noise in the ACC this year.

[David Pollock]

Here's the thing. When I watched him tote Rock last year, he's not real big, he's not, he's not overly huge. But dude, he's got some speed. And what do you think when you think about that offense, the way they tempo you and they spread you out like those. He's the kind of guy to me that can absolutely thrive. Like I will take the over, I will take the thousand. I will. I think he'll get to a thousand again. Jennings at the quarterback spot. The league that they play in is not the best defensive leagues across college football. The tempo in which they play and the number of plays. And I tell you, he stuck out to me last year, them running the football like he stuck out in a bunch of games when they came back and they created enough balance. I know, I know Sanga Pulla was the main guy like pulling the strings and making the plays. But he was a baller. He showed he was really, really good.

[Brent Rollins]

Like, no, what's amazing about it is like I didn't even mention some of those new guys who had a thousand or in their new places. But Ahmad Hardy, Kiwan Lacey, LJ Martin, Mark Fletcher, Jaden Ball, Cameron Dickey, like just a lot of dudes at the running back position in college football in 26.

[David Pollock]

Listen, those guys ain't leaving for the NFL anymore because they're going to get paid where they're at better than they're going to get paid in the NFL. The NFL has devalued that position like crazy. You're gonna pay for those in college. Like, you got a good running back in college. It makes a big difference. And those guys are getting some guaranteed money while they can because they know that body life and that shelf life ain't good. Right? Like that. That 30 number comes quick like. And you see the. The numbers in the NFL, regardless, you know, you don't get to. You don't get to stick around too long in that league anyways.

[Brent Rollins]

All right, next week we'll look at the. We'll look at the receivers a little bit, because that number. Not as much.

[David Pollock]

That's a cool way. That's a cool way to look at guys, though, for next year and for you guys to kind of get some. Some thoughts together in your head about who the ballers will be like, you think about who will win those awards. All right, speaking of ballers, who won the weekend? All right, Brent Rollins, I will give you the floor first.

[Brent Rollins]

So Trinidad's the easy answer, I think.

[David Pollock]

Yeah, we already talked about him, but.

[Brent Rollins]

We already talked about him. So I'm actually going to go very selfish in terms of who won the weekend. I'm gonna say me. Oh, I got to watch high school baseball on Friday. Yeah, see Carson, he came.

[David Pollock]

Someone. Someone say, that's losing. But okay, maybe that's.

[Brent Rollins]

That was. That was very much winning. It wasn't cold. It wasn't like, crazy cold. It was warm.

[David Pollock]

That's true.

[Brent Rollins]

Then got to just no football this weekend. Just quality time with the fam. Go out errands, watch the movies, Just all sorts of fun stuff this week. So those kind of weekends are rare for me. I mean, because you think about, you know, when college football's in. We're every weekend for the entirety of the time. It's. You're dialed in for hours on end. So these weekends of just chilling and, you know, QT and. And also getting to watch some high school baseball. Should have won two games, but only won one. It was a great weekend. I won the weekend. I like selfish there.

[David Pollock]

I like. I like. You run the weekend. I. I hope you got some gym time in. Oh, yeah. Because when you got a lot of.

[Brent Rollins]

Walking, got on the bike, when you.

[David Pollock]

Got nothing to do, should be getting. Making sure we get some gym time in. I. I would echo that by the way I. I enjoyed the. The slow weekend, too. And Saturday, it was so nice because I was like, nicholas, my son, was going to hang out with his girlfriend, and I was like, crap, we're gonna be stuck with Leah. And then I was. And then Lindsay was like, leah's going to Mimi's. I'm, like, winning. Let's go. Like, all kids out the house. Yes. Yes. Me.

[Brent Rollins]

Me and mama.

[David Pollock]

Me and mama were happy. We were excited. We got in the hot tub. Like, we. We did whatever.

[Brent Rollins]

Whatever we wanted right there.

[David Pollock]

We.

[Brent Rollins]

Yeah, we.

[David Pollock]

We finished the. The new season of Lincoln. Lincoln Lawyer. That was fantastic, because that's a fantastic show. If you don't watch that show, I would. I would recommend it like crazy. It's really, really good. So we got. We got to get a bunch of those in by ourselves. It's always like, man, when we're. When kids are gone, in a couple of years for us, we're gonna be like, there's no reason we're not, like, super healthy in shape. Like, you got all this time. You got all this time to do what you want, like, coaching off the table. Speaking of, though, I want to give one more. I want to give a shout out to Anthony Kim. Anthony Kim won the weekend. Like, if you didn't watch, he won on the live tour. And the thing to. The thing that was cool about it when you watched it, like, this is a dude that struggled with substance abuse and being on the tour and just had a long, windy journey. The fact that he got to get a dub and get to win and make that money. But his little girl running out to a man, his wife running out to him, who was both a part of their journey and why they. Why he got back on his feet and got to where he was. I thought Anthony Kim won the weekend. I thought it was one of the coolest things I saw. And I love the way the guys came and celebrated, and they knew his background, and they knew that he struggled. Struggled a little bit with substance abuse. And it was water. Like, it was water that they sprayed on him, and they made sure it was water and, like, good friends looking out for him. But I think it's always fun to watch those comeback stories. Tiger at the Masters a couple of years ago, like, everybody was watching, right? It was Tiger, and it was the comeback, Right? So Anthony Kim, not as many eyeballs, but the story was just as fricking good. I mean, it was. It was really, really cool to see. So we hope you guys won the weekend. We continue to grow here. At Seaball, get ball. Still do that thing where you like, you rate, you subscribe, you give us all that. Good, Stu. Good for us. As we continue to. To march through the off season. We'll continue to do some draft stuff with Matt Miller on Wednesdays. We'll continue to grab coaches like we said. Wes. Wes, promised you. Wes. Wes Blankenship, not me. Promised you. We'll have every Power 4 coach that took a job and next week we'll have Mr. Silverford for. For. For Arkansas. We'll have him on next week. So I'll be interested to talk to him to catch up with him.

[Brent Rollins]

You're going to ask him about. About his comment and then who he plays. Think on schedule this year.

[David Pollock]

I'm thinking about it. Thinking about it. My, my main goal with those interviews, man, I really just want to get to know the guys, like, what makes them tick. Like, ask them some of the same questions, like, who'd you call first? And like, really get to know who they are as a person. But that, that comment obviously will be. Will be talked about.

[Brent Rollins]

Georgia, hey, what'd you think when you saw your schedule and you're like, oh, I got to play them.

[David Pollock]

And for those who don't remember, he. He made a. He, like he was doing an interview and he just kind of dropped, like.

[Brent Rollins]

You know, Georgia, about Georgia and driving.

[David Pollock]

Right? Driving. And it wasn't. They weren't very good at it. Which, listen, he's not lying. There's been plenty of evidence to back that up with Georgia's players. They've gotten in a lot of trouble driving vehicles. So thank goodness for Georgia. Knock on some wood. It hadn't happened in a little while. So, you know, that's always your. Your off season. Fear as a coach is always like, crap, what are your guys doing?

[Brent Rollins]

Every coach in the country is like, please. Especially because these kids got the cars they have now.

[David Pollock]

Yes, now they got real cars. We didn't have them real cars.

[Brent Rollins]

We were.

[David Pollock]

We were holding on to whatever we could. But we'll see y' all back here on the channel on Wednesday for Brett Rollins, David Pollock. Thank you, dudes, very much.

[Brent Rollins]

Peace.

[LifeLock Ad Voice]

It's tax season, and at Lifelock, we know you're tired of numbers, but here's a big one you need to hear.

[David Pollock]

Billions.

[LifeLock Ad Voice]

That's the amount of money in ref the IRS has flagged for possible identity fraud. Now here's another big number. 100 million. That's how many data points LifeLock monitors every second. If your identity is stolen, we'll fix it. Guaranteed one last big number. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com special offer for the threats you can't control. Terms apply.

[Matthew Collar]

Hey football fans, Matthew Collar here of the Purple Insider podcast. Every day I take you inside the Vikings locker room, breaking down every game, every move, and all the and downs that go along with following one of the most fascinating teams in the NFL from a beat reporter's perspective. Tune in daily to hear different voices talk about the team, from former football players to analytics experts to fan Q and as. I've even got a fantasy show, all things Vikings in one spot on Purple Insider. Be sure to listen on Apple or Spotify.

[David Pollock]

If you like the show, please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe. It really does help the show to grow. Thank you for listening.