Hour 2: Left Field Le Batard (feat. Edgerrin James & Billy Corben)

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 2: Left Field Le Batard

Date: January 13, 2026
Guests: Billy Corben, Edgerrin James
Location: The Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

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Episode Overview

This episode blends sports, Miami culture, and playful in-fighting as Dan Le Batard, Stugotz and the crew welcome filmmaker Billy Corben and Miami Hurricanes football legend Edgerrin James. The discussion is a dynamic, sometimes heated celebration (and roast) of Miami sports and identity, with segments on college football, journalism, local rivalries, and nostalgia, all delivered in the show’s trademark irreverent tone.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Miami Hurricanes Fandom: The Billy Corben–Mike Ryan Beef

Timestamps: 00:08–12:17

• Rundown: Billy Corben’s Miami Hurricanes “fandom” is questioned by Mike Ryan, who accuses Corben of being a late-arriving, fair-weather supporter. Billy defends his credentials, citing family tradition and the objectivity he brings as a journalist.

• Highlights/Quotes:

  • Billy Corben: “I was born a fan and he's a fanatic... I still can see the forest for the trees.” (01:10)
  • Mike Ryan: “You weren't with us when shit was rough... And you were one of us.” (03:38)

• Tension Peaks: Mike wants an apology from Billy for his sarcastic takes on the Hurricanes during their struggles. Billy refuses, standing by his critiques.

  • Billy Corben: "Absolutely not." (05:47)

• Greg Cody's beef with Billy is also addressed—more about stadium funding and local politics, which Billy dismisses as less enthralling:

  • Greg Cody: “He’s a little bit of a self-appointed policeman of morality.” (07:54)
  • Billy Corben: “He’s a sports welfare queen and it's a one-issue thing.” (08:56)

2. Cultural Miami Debate: Who Really Represents the City?

Timestamps: 10:57–12:17

• The crew debates the “most Miami” businesses and figures, tossing around names from Pitbull to Leon Medical Centers, Pinecrest Bakery, and Billy’s production company, Raconteur.
• Dan Le Batard: “In terms of presenting us to the world? Very few people have ever done that better than Billy Corben.” (11:18)
• Billy Corben: "He's Mr. 305. I'm Mr. 786." (11:45)

3. The U Is Back: Conversation with Edgerrin James

Timestamps: 16:30–24:18

• Pride in Miami: Edgerrin James expresses deep pride in his alma mater’s football resurgence, crediting coach Mario Cristobal for keeping local talent at home.

  • Edgerrin James: “Mario understood the assignment… Now these boys... are creating their own legacy.” (19:55)

• On Malachi Toney: Edgerrin and the panel marvel at star freshman Malachi Toney:

  • Dan Le Batard: “Malachi Tony is unlike any player I’ve seen in the uniform.” (20:27)
  • Edgerrin James: “He can play. That’s one element... nobody else in college football has.” (21:54)

• The Legacy Question: Dan tries to get Edge to crown the best Miami player ever; Edge gracefully dodges, praising the collective.

• Reliving the Past and Making It Present: Former players, including Edgerrin, find joy in being energized fans now—Miami finally justifies the pride.

4. College Football Nostalgia & Brotherhood

Timestamps: 30:12–34:45

• Discussion on how the Hurricanes' recent success feels for former players, and how Mario Cristobal’s tenure has brought the alumni and brotherhood back together.
  • Edgerrin James: "You have one of us at the helm... It’s bringing that whole Miami thing back. So this time it's real." (32:16)
  • Edgerrin James: “Now it’s a collaboration of everybody coming... what makes us stick.” (33:14)

5. Ticket Demand & Watch Parties

Timestamps: 37:24–39:05

• Demand for national championship tickets is through the roof, with players and alumni scrambling for access. Luther Campbell issues a PSA: stop asking him for tickets.
  • Edgerrin James: “They made it real clear that you’re not gonna be able to get tickets. And I really don’t understand it.” (37:47)
• South Florida finds ways to celebrate—the watch parties will be “popping.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Ryan on Billy Corben's fandom:
  “You weren’t with us when shit was rough. You were laughing at us... And you were one of us.” (03:38)

• Billy Corben on Miami cultural reality:
  “There is no market, particularly in this town, for telling the truth. That is an absolute fact. In Miami, we do not have reality. We have realty.” (04:46)

• Edgerrin James on Mario Cristobal and Miami football:
  “Mario understood the assignment… Now these boys... are creating their own legacy.” (19:55)

• Billy Corben, pridefully referencing Miami area codes:
  "He's Mr. 305. I'm Mr. 786." (11:45)

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Segment Timestamps for Easy Navigation

| Timestamp | Segment Highlights | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:08–12:17 | Billy Corben vs. Mike Ryan & Greg Cody—Miami fandom, journalism | | 10:57–12:17 | "Most Miami" debate: Raconteur, Pitbull, Leon Medical | | 16:30–24:18 | Edgerrin James on Miami’s resurgence & Malachi Toney | | 30:12–34:45 | The Miami brotherhood, alumni, Mario Cristobal’s impact | | 37:24–39:05 | Ticket scramble: Championship fever in Miami |

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Tone and Atmosphere

• Chaotic, combative, affectionate: The show’s classic "family roast" energy is on display. Corben, a Miami icon in documentary filmmaking, is both celebrated and mocked for his objectivity and wit. Edgerrin James brings calm, pride, and humility, embodying the Miami football spirit.
• Nostalgic yet forward-looking: The conversation consistently loops from Miami’s historic glory and past pains, to the current, vicarious excitement of the Hurricanes’ resurgence.

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Closing Moments

• The telestrator bit, typically a comedic prop, flops hilariously as Dan attempts to get Edgerrin James to use it; the crew dismantles the segment in meta-fashion.
  • Dan Le Batard: “It was a terrible idea, but this was the idea...” (41:35)
  • Edgerrin James: “Dan comes... He comes left field sometimes. You just gotta make the proper adjustment.” (27:17)

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This episode is a must for Hurricane diehards and curious sports fans alike—a Miami-centric ride that's as much about the culture, jabs, and camaraderie of being "from here" as it is about the Canes' actual football. If you’re looking for hard-hitting analysis sprinkled with Miami in-jokes, gleeful chaos, and nostalgia, it doesn’t get more "Le Batard Show" than this hour.

Transcript

[A]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[B]

I haven't felt physically, energetically what I'm feeling right now in the room with me since Nick Wright and Pablo Torre were in a room together, because I've got Billy Corbin and Greg Cody here. They are rivals historically, but also Mike Ryan is a lot angrier at Billy than Greg Cody's ever been. Like, so the history, Greg, what is the history between you and Billy Corbin before we ratchet up this tension here? Because Mike is. Mike is hostile. To begin this particular week with Billy Corbin, to start there aggressively. When you are the historian, above all historians, about, um, football, you have made the most beautiful things on behalf of Miami that are complicated. Rock on Tour. Your business is one of the few Miami businesses that makes excellent things. We were talking about this yesterday. It's like, it's Burger King, it's Bacardi, it's Rock On Tour, and. And Mike Ryan balance. Mike Ryan doesn't want you to make a part three for Meadowlark Media because he thinks you're a Juan Come lately when it comes to being a fan of this football team.

[C]

I was just happy that they spelled my name right in the Billy Corbin episode. But listen, the difference between Mike and I is that I'm a fan and he's a fanatic. I think that, first of all, I was born a fan. My grandfather graduated the University of Miami Law School 75 years ago. I was born a season ticket holder. And. But I still can see the forest for the trees. And I think I still have the perspective of a journalist where I have a little bit of. Of objectivity. And I can. I could call balls and strikes to mix sports metaphors, whereas Mike is. I mean, Carson Beck could shoot somebody in Fifth Avenue and Mike would still make excuses for him. He's a. He's a fanatic. And I appreciate it. I respect everything he's done.

[B]

Back for the program syndrome. Back derangement syndrome.

[C]

I respect everything he's done for the school and for the program. And I. It disappoints me. Respect what I've done for the school.

[B]

Mike Bryan has been working for four years to try to get to Miami. Miami here. And you've been making John Ruiz jokes for four years.

[C]

Listen, I'm sorry about his uncle. And I actually, I'm not sorry. Sorry. I'm not sorry about his uncle.

[B]

That sounded so insir. Like that. I'm sorry about.

[C]

I called. I called. What I'm seeing is I called it like I saw it. That's all. And I don't think I was that far off about it either.

[A]

And then you were totally off base, and the money was legit. You can make fun of him being delisted. John Ruiz won, all right? He's still helping. He gave Miami a leg up. And while you were laughing along the way, he actually put in place a template that allowed for Miami to get here four years later. I know what you think of the glossed over, delisted.

[C]

He glossed right over that.

[A]

You keep saying delisted as if, like. Like, that's a big fat L form. A guy made his money. You know, he made his money, and the money was legit. And let me tell you something. He put those kids to work, all right? Those kids were doing ads. Those contracts were fully executed. You thought it was a joke. You thought he was a joke. Four year, four years later, Miami is here. All right, well, you were doing your whole sarcastic.

[B]

The.

[A]

You was back, baby. The U was back. You did that.

[C]

I was right there, right now.

[A]

You did it after the SMU loss. I know exactly who you are in your. In your bona fides, as you were somehow born a season ticket holder. You didn't add charlatan because that is what you are. A charlatan. Oh, how so, Jezebel?

[B]

I've never heard you speechless.

[C]

No. I'm curious how I'm a charlatan.

[A]

You weren't with us when shit was rough. You were laughing at us. You were putting the boots to us. Everybody was having their turn, and you were teeing off just like the rest of them. And you were one of us.

[C]

There still was never. Never for all these years. I think a recruiting tool or a bigger way to support this team than those documentaries. I think that. I think that. And like I said, I appreciate what you've done for the program.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

And it. And it disappoints me that you don't see that what we contributed, the crew on the first you documentary had a combined 45 years at the University of Miami.

[A]

No, it was good.

[C]

It was a labor of love time ago. And this. And I agree, it was a long time ago that. That this team won anything before. Before this season.

[A]

Yeah. To remind everybody at every turn.

[C]

So I don't think that I reminded anybody of that. I think that the documentaries did, you.

[A]

Know, you're doing the thing. And Dan did this, too, where I feel like I can be a journalist and look at this objectively. No one wants that from you guys. I'm not asking for it from you. Like you think there's a big market for. Hey, Billy Corbin calls it likes he sees them when it comes to his football team. No one cares.

[C]

There is no market, particularly in this town, for telling the truth. That is an absolute, absolute fact in Miami. We do not have reality. We have realty. And that's the way that.

[A]

And I get the T shirts and.

[C]

I get through that.

[A]

So he plays for shady people.

[B]

Billy, you went to one of the old hits and we've heard those two.

[A]

Y' all don't care about it. I appreciate you being appreciated. I've done. But here's what I would like to hear. Here's what I would like to hear from you. An apology. An apology for laughing at your own brothers and sisters that rep the green and orange. We turn to you as a guy that made the greatest piece of art in arguably sports collegiate history. For sure.

[B]

Art.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. It was high art. It was a recruiting tool. It's all the things that you said. It's also a very long time ago. And you've had a heel turn since then.

[B]

You don't think it's art. You don't think that you made. You made a love letter to the University of Miami.

[D]

That's why I was teasing.

[C]

Yeah, I like the. I'm partial to the you part two, but it was.

[B]

It was art. He's asking for an apology from you boys.

[C]

Absolutely not.

[A]

You were the man when it came to the you, you were. You were looked up to. And then something happened. Maybe it was Jaron Williams, I don't know. But you turned your back on us somewhere along the way.

[C]

As a fan, you can appreciate the team and the good things. And you can also appreciate and call out when shit isn't going right. And I don't. I want to go and watch a game and enjoy it and go home. I don't want to move in and hang out in a locker room like you do with a bunch of naked men.

[D]

Right?

[C]

That's not.

[A]

Whoa.

[C]

That's not my. That's not my thing.

[A]

I thought you were an ally number one. That was a little coded for me, but no, what you're describing is player hating from the sideline.

[B]

That is what you're describing.

[A]

You're a player hating from the sideline. You just wanted to make fun of him and you had an opportunity to help the program once again.

[C]

Oh, I never.

[A]

Once again, you help out the program. And look.

[C]

And I never hated the player.

[A]

An ability to get in the game yourself and actually turned this around and now the whole thing's turned around and you've had nothing to do with it. And you're trying to come around here and, and, and clout, chase and be a glory hunter. How dare you, Billy Corbin.

[B]

That part.

[A]

How dare that. How dare you.

[B]

That part not. That's not fair. I invited him here. He's.

[A]

Well, he's a shit, sir.

[B]

You said Joey you were doing. You said that. You say I'm a shit, sir. You said Joey Galloway was a shitster and you said worse than that about Joey Galloway today. What's the matter with the.

[A]

He doesn't want the smoke. Joey Galloway gaslights like, do we want to pay attention to Joey G. Galloway real quick? Joey Galloway for weeks on end said Miami did not deserve to be in over Notre Dame. That Notre Dame was a lot better than Miami. And now when the smoke has reached Joey Galloway, he's like, I was just talking about process. I never said anything about it.

[B]

He's a fraud. He owes us a race. He says he could still run fast. He promised us he could. We tried to set it up at espn.

[A]

Why do these people hate me?

[B]

The only thing he did fast was run scared from his promises.

[A]

Look, I would also be confused as to why Miami people hate you if that were the actual case and you were only talking about the process. You were saying Miami wasn't good enough. All right? That's why Miami, Tony Baloney Galloway and I already explained why Miami people hate you.

[B]

All right, so Corbyn, this is not the only problem that you have in the room. Cody, what is the history of your beef with Billy?

[E]

Corbyn, I don't think it's quite as vital as this beef. This is wonderful. This is a great, genuine, ongoing current beef. No, Billy, you know, he's a little bit of a self appointed policeman of morality. He wants to set the, the template for how everybody else should think. And back in the day, I supported the Miami Marlins getting a new stadium with public funding. And it was a great deal for the Marlins. The way it turned out, through no fault of my own.

[B]

You conspired with Sampson to outrage Billy Corbyn cuz journalism was in bed with. I want a good team. I don't care what it costs. Please bilk Miami in order to do it.

[E]

I don't support local politicians and I don't support team owners. I do support fans and the audience and people who read me and listen to me. And I want Major League Baseball to succeed in this town. And the only way it was going to do that was with a new stadium.

[B]

You were right. This beef is more boring.

[C]

I mean, I would agree. He's a sports welfare queen and it's a one issue. I'm a one issue voter.

[A]

Stirring shit goes wrong.

[C]

He's a sports welfare queen.

[E]

That's all the only beef. The job is up to local politicians to make sure they don't get screwed by the local team.

[C]

I also don't much care about morality or how people people think. I can only express my. My thoughts and my opinions on it. And I don't think also that. That being a sports columnist is actually journalism. And particular. Particularly. Particularly Greg, you heard that particularly.

[A]

About it.

[C]

Particularly when you write the same column.

[A]

Oh my God.

[C]

Identical column 10 years apart saying that making the same argument about the making the same argument about the Mel Reese ball stadium as you did about the Marlins stadium when you already have the information on that. We already learned. We already touched the stove and we've already been burned.

[A]

We're the only ones that can make fun of him of repurposing columns.

[D]

Not you.

[C]

Yeah, okay. Also, by the way, I'm working on my fifth cocaine cowboys documentary so that.

[E]

We'Re interested in everything else.

[A]

No, we don't like. We like the coke stuff.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

What, what I'm saying is guilt. All of us kind of repeat the shit that we do well the first time.

[E]

But.

[C]

But Greg, you just admitted that you didn't do it well the first time. You didn't call it right the first time because it turned out to be a good deal for the Marlins and not for.

[B]

I don't know.

[E]

I never admitted that I didn't call it right the first.

[F]

Okay.

[E]

What I said was good. The responsibility.

[A]

Anybody else have a problem with Billy Corbyn?

[E]

Responsibility is on local politicians not to get screwed by the local team.

[B]

The part that I'm offended by. And all of you let slide. All of you let slide. I've invited Billy Corbin here because he makes the best things. And I want to see the you part three. I want us to debut that together.

[A]

The best things. Did you watch Domino?

[B]

And I want our audience to support the things that Billy is and Rock and Tour is just one of the hard pass.

[G]

Yeah.

[E]

Up there with Bacardi and Burger King.

[H]

That was wild.

[A]

Yeah. Very firm pass for me. I'm a no RSVP though so you can take catalog of it.

[B]

What do you think of the best businesses in the history of Miami are? It's slim pickings. Like Miami doesn't do business very well. So in Terms of presenting us to the world.

[A]

You won't find a single soul that says raconteur.

[G]

Have you heard of Leon Medical center's Dan?

[A]

That's right. I know this guy has bright line.

[B]

I understand that no one would say raconteur. But in terms.

[G]

Have you heard of Pinecrest Bakery?

[C]

Dan.

[B]

Okay, I would argue. I don't think. Which one unreasonable to say. Presenting Miami to the world. Very few people have ever done that better than Billy Corbin. That's not. You're not allowed. And Mike Ryan, you're not allowed to dispute that. Presenting Miami to the world.

[A]

Pitbull. Pitbull. Mr. Worldwide.

[G]

Gloria Estefan.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

The Miami sound machine, Miami Vice.

[B]

Put it on the poll at Levittard show. Is Pitbull more Miami than Billy Corbin? That's fair.

[G]

Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

He's Mr. Three. I'm Mr. 786. He's Mr. 305. Dolly.

[B]

Thank you, Chris.

[G]

You're off base here.

[B]

Dan, the game show is delightful.

[A]

Keeping up for this guy. He sucks.

[C]

I could tell you live on the.

[A]

Beach, you're not even.

[G]

You're not a Miami guy.

[I]

You're a beach guy.

[A]

Are you a south of 5th?

[F]

What are you doing?

[A]

Are you a south of 5th?

[B]

I want. I want the you part 3 to air on Monday on our YouTube channel before the national championship game.

[C]

How would that happen?

[B]

That's my end game.

[A]

It's a big game for you.

[I]

Who are you going for? Speaking to the mic.

[C]

That's the thing about a fam. We only have one team.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So it's Indiana.

[H]

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[G]

All right, kicking things off with Smirnoff, the official vodka sponsor of the NFL and the number one vodka in the world, Chris. Cody, you're here.

[A]

Smeared off.

[G]

Well, you're on the money with smeared off, Chris. You know what goes great with Smirnoff? Yes, but I'm really talking about game day fit. The style's gotta match the vibe. All right, here's the deal. Game day is everything. And that's exactly why your fit has to match the occasion. Starting this December, Smirnoff is giving fans 21 and over the chance to score limited edition Smirnoff commission merchandise from some of today's top creators, including Kayla Jones, Gavin, Matthew and Aleli May.

[A]

Smirnoff.

[G]

Here's the kicker. One lucky fan will take home the grand prize. A trip to the biggest game of the offseason. Plus, one fan will win a Laylee Mays one of one game day jacket.

[C]

Wow.

[G]

The merch will be dropped on select dates from December to January 21st. And it's all courtesy of what brand?

[A]

Smirnoff.

[G]

That's right, Chris. Fans 21 and over can head to Smirnoff Socials to learn how to sign up. And don't forget to grab a bottle of Smirnoff vodka number 21 at your local retail. Please drink responsibly.

[A]

Smirnoff.

[G]

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[I]

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[A]

Don LeBatard.

[B]

Mike Bryan's in there and he's the one with a baby. He's the one who's gotta like, worry about what the future is. And Mike Ryan bet on DraftKings because Mike Ryan bet on us. This is the bet you're afraid of doubling down on putting up a billboard in Edmonton.

[A]

Stugats. I care more about Matthew Tkachuk than I do my daughter. This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[B]

You want the University of Miami to win, correct? Or.

[C]

Oh, are you, are you kidding? I mean, this, it's like dueling fairy tales. I mean, it's one of the great, greatest narratives, I think, in the history of, of college sports is the Miami. I mean, the, the, the Mario Cristobal of it all. The breaking of the Fiesta bowl curse, the coming home for a national championship. And of course, when I say dueling fairy tales, there's the, the Mendoza of it all as well. I mean, I don't, I don't know that there's any better. Better story, certainly. And the fact that the Miami Hurricanes have had a rise, a rise and a rise. I've had three rises since the Miami Dolphins have done a damn thing. Shows that there's only one football team in South Florida. And, and it's always been the case. I mean, I just think it's, I don't know. I just think as a storyteller and as a Miamian and as a fan, I don't think there's been, I don't, I can't think of a more extraordinary story than this.

[A]

And you're sorry.

[C]

And the U is back, baby.

[A]

Son of a bitch. I don't hate.

[B]

The U is back.

[A]

Minor penalty, two minutes. Peste tremenda.

[G]

Come on.

[B]

Go sit in the penalty box. Corbin, get out of here. I will replace you with someone more Miami than you, Ed James.

[A]

You suck, Billy.

[B]

Yeah, see, let's see here.

[A]

From the back.

[B]

Yes. Mike. Mike. Again, Mike again. Again from the back.

[A]

I mean, in my defense, I hate him.

[B]

Oh, and so does Cody.

[E]

I just dislike him vehemently. I wouldn't say it quite goes to hatred.

[B]

What are the stages?

[A]

Hate is strong.

[B]

What are the stages of this?

[E]

It's just north of hatred.

[A]

Tell him to suck it from the background. It feels good.

[B]

Mike, for you to please stop it. No, I bet it would, Greg.

[E]

Double entendre.

[A]

Little rusty trombone.

[B]

So Adrian James is out there with Sedano and Domino, and it's Tuesday.

[H]

Apparently Jeremy. Jeremy won the first game I did.

[F]

It was awesome.

[B]

All right, can we welcome it in here? I'd like to talk to him. I mean, he was out there representing Miami. Walked onto the field with Ray Lewis. He takes a unique, neat pot. Excuse me. See, I told you this was happening to me during the holidays. I'm short circuiting. He takes a unique pride in representing Miami. When he doesn't take pride in representing many things, he doesn't lend his name to that many things. You know that royalty is walking in here when. When hall of Famer Adrian James, who introduced a new time of Miami's back with what he did against ucla, beat number one UCLA in the Orange bowl with how many yards do you remember off the top of your head in a single. In a single game? 299.

[E]

You didn't expect me to remember?

[B]

I don't know. I mean, it's. He seemed to come by it pretty easily the entirety of his career in a way that was a little breathtaking. I remember that he used to, after leading the league in rushing, he would just play basketball games on Sundays after the football games he had already played in because physically, an unusual beast. So welcome, sir. You know I've respected you for a long time. Thank you for making the trek in. You took a flight in for us, man.

[D]

I appreciate it, man. And I've watched this thing grow, man. It's awesome. This thing is big time.

[B]

As are you, sir. What kind of pride are you feeling these days in your school? And what other things in life over the course of the history of being Edgar and James, give you the kind of pride that you have in this particular School.

[D]

Oh, man, it's great, man. You watched everything develop, you know, for years. We always say, man, if we can just keep South Florida talent here. And Mario understood the assignment. Mario, keep the South Florida talent here and everything else will take care of itself. And you look at these guys right now, they're playing South Florida ball, and that's what Miami Hurricanes was always about. You know, you're keeping Florida talent here and everybody going, playing with a chip on their shoulder. And now these boys, they've taken that history and not just ride the wave, they're creating their own legacy.

[B]

Have you had a historical comp for Malachi Toney in the history of the program? Right. The University of Miami guys argue about who were the best four guys in their history, and you've got an argument to be in that fight. And Malachi Tony is unlike any player I've seen in the uniform. Like, I know Kevin Williams, I know Santana Moss, I know Devin Hester. But what this is, I haven't seen at 18 years old, 17 years old.

[D]

With braces, that's special. That's a special kid. He's coming in very humble. He's special. He's doing what he's supposed to do now. Just finish it and enjoy it. You know, you gotta make sure that you enjoy the whole moment. It's one thing to get out there. Like, a lot of times we make the comparison. We like to say, okay, he reminds you a lot of Santana, but he can throw that ball. He can throw the ball. So he just. He brings another element to every other person we try to compare him to, you know, but he's doing something special. And the good thing is, man, he can't. He stayed home.

[B]

Mike was saying that he would be fine with Malachi Tony being their quarterback. Yeah, he wasn't even joking.

[A]

No. If Miami whiffs in the portal, like, I'm good with what we have in the roster. And Lyne and Malley under center, I mean, this is a really cool story. And Edge probably knows, like, he was nicknamed Baby Jesus and it was given years ago, like, this is a prophecy fulfilled and this is people's eyes not lying to them, because I know he was only a three star, but if you watch South Florida football, high school football, you know the legend of Baby Jesus and you know that this guy was a gamer. And to see him do it right away, it's not surprising. Anybody that watched him in high school.

[D]

Yeah, I think I wouldn't want him at quarterback, but he can play, you know, that's one that's one element that we have that I don't think anybody else in college football has that he can actually play quarterback. He actually throw it. You know, a lot of times you see the. Another position, get at the quarterback position in the backfield. You can think automatic run or handoff with him. All everything's on the table.

[A]

I think he went 15. 15 in a state championship game.

[D]

Yeah. And that. But I still want to see the ball in his hands. We need to get a quarterback that can put the ball in his hands because that's going to be so much. It's going to help us so much more.

[A]

Yeah. The block got hot around Washington. Onto the next.

[B]

I want to sort of. And you've always been good at this. I want to pin you down, though, on the idea of best ever at the school because we always do these comparisons and you don't really like to do them right because it puts you in a position where you'd have to say you're the best running back when you're proud of all the running backs that came after you. And you don't do very much of that verbally. So when I ask you historical comp for that player, I don't think there is one. Like, I don't think the school has had any number of playmakers, but not this one. This way. Doing it at this age where you think he could do it for three years. You were similar.

[D]

Yeah, I came in at 17, but I. I didn't have another year of college of high school either. But no, this kid doing something that is unheard of. But, man, we'll take it. You know, I'm glad he's on our side of the ball.

[B]

I would say to you, I don't know if you would remember any of this, but when we talk about how rare it is for the Cubans to be at the top of this game. My friends who were good at Pace High School, which isn't quite Columbus High School, remember thinking they were pretty good at football and then going to play Pahoke Belglade, Immokalee and Edrin James was the running back in the backfield. Do you rem. Do. But do you remember. So do you remember what you did to Pace? Because my friends who were much like Tony were getting run over by Edger and James and they were scared that because there was a grown. There was a grown man in the backfield and Pace was still high school kids.

[G]

Dan, the funny thing is I told Mike so Edge is the first time I see you in person. And I look over to Mike, and.

[A]

I'm like, damn, Edge is big.

[G]

That's a big dude. Like, for a running back your size, your height is. Frank is not that big. Willis is not that big.

[A]

Like, you're a big guy, bro.

[D]

Willis pretty big.

[G]

No, but size wise, you're taller than Willis is.

[D]

I don't know. We're probably around the same. I don't know. But, you know, usually when I come across people, you know, they always look. Because the running backs are usually like, 5, 9, 5, 10. Like, for me, I could have played linebacker or safety or running back and. But it worked out. In the running back position, though.

[B]

It seems to have. It would have. It's been okay. You don't do much in the way of emotional. When I've talked to you over the years, do you get emotional doing that with Ray Lewis in front of, like, summoning Miami pride? Going out there for your school because your school matters more than it has in 20 years?

[D]

No. Everybody do it their own way. You know, me, Dre, we're kind of more chill. Ray and then Mike, of course, you know, everybody have their way of doing things, but it all comes together.

[B]

All right, let's. Can we examine. Can we give. Can we give Edge the telestrator to examine just Mike's way of doing it? Because this is not how Edge does it here. This is how Mike does it. And so this is the mascot for Miami. This is Michael Irvin. Yes, this is Michael Irvin. And this is what he said. This is just eight seconds. This is eight seconds of him yelling and screaming. But we have hours and spools of hours of Michael Irvin being the best mascot the University of Miami has ever had.

[D]

Mike is great, man. Mike's great. And it's fun on the sideline. You know, they're on the sideline. If you can take part of those conversations, you. It'll probably be better than what y' all probably think.

[A]

Edge, is he actually talking to anybody? Like, he's just making noises, and people are, like, picking up on what he's saying, but he's often, like, talking to nobody.

[D]

Do what now?

[B]

Now they're giving you the telestrated, inappropriate response. No, thank you. They shouldn't have listened to me. It's okay.

[A]

But, Dan, you threw that in there.

[G]

Like, this is the first time we.

[A]

Ever go, we're in danger. We'll cover this in the meeting. Don't listen to Dan.

[B]

Yeah.

[G]

So down. Right?

[B]

That's my fault, Edan. They shouldn't have listened to me. On that hit us with a Greg Cody.

[A]

Do what now?

[B]

It was a great response from.

[G]

He's writing that down.

[A]

Really quick idea from Dan, but it all depends. Let's play the result.

[B]

I don't have confidence anymore. I don't have any more confidence in the result. What I wanted visually is to play for Edan James a longer video of Michael Irvin on the sidelines and to see if I could get any telestrated content from Edan James where he idea that's.

[A]

We're all a little confused as to why you think this is going to go well.

[G]

X is an O's on Mike's thing.

[B]

Okay, agreed that it's a bad decision. It's my fault, but.

[E]

Oh, there he is. He's taking his belt off.

[H]

Oh, my.

[B]

To this stadium.

[D]

Oh, my.

[A]

How great is this?

[H]

Oh, my.

[B]

So simulating child abuse. Spanking the bum of a. Of a child. Where does this rank Edin James with great Miami, great college football traditions.

[D]

Oh, man. It's new. It's new.

[A]

It is so top five.

[D]

So we start and start. We starting. I think he raised the bar.

[A]

He's known Dan for a long time. Does he always make it this weird and awkward?

[D]

Dan comes. He comes left field sometimes, you know, so you just gotta. Just gotta make the proper adjustment.

[H]

Big left field guy. He's a huge left field guy.

[A]

Loves it a little too much.

[F]

Hello, listeners. You know that I live in Miami, which means my idea of quote unquote, winter is just putting on a hoodie or a cardigan and acting like I've suffered. But every time that I travel somewhere that's actually cold, I'm reminded that my wardrobe is completely and utterly unprepared. But that right there is where Quint's comes in. I also realize that if I'm going to be on camera for broadcast gigs, I probably shouldn't look like I just grabbed whatever was closest to the door. Quint's makes clothes that deliver premium materials, thoughtful design and pieces that hold up season after season after season after season. And particularly with quints. Their outerwear has been the thing that's especially impressed me. Those down jackets, wool coats, Italian leather. And folks, that cashmere sweater, ridiculously soft, looks great and somehow doesn't cost what you'd expect. Trust me, I am the only one on this show who actually dresses to impress. And quints is what's now helping me do it. Refresh your winter wardrobe with quince. Go to quince.com dan for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N c e.com dan free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com dan Happy New Year, everybody.

[A]

2026 is already getting off to an incredible start. Because you want to know how I rang in the new year. It was with a bunch of friends in a Dallas hotel lobby bar ordering a bunch of Miller Lights. Because that's how you do it. That's how you make special memories. Miller Lite has been by my side at many special football memories this year. And hopefully we get to write a few more memories with Miller Lite. Some of my most legendary moments have started that exact same way. A buddy's house, a lobby bar, a game. No big plan. And then you crack open a Miller Lite, you take a sip and you look around and. And you immediately recognize that you made the right call. Legendary moments start with Miller Lite. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Don LeBatard Someone say conservative entity?

[B]

Wow. No. Oh, See, this is why stuff better than mine. How is the fifth Zagaki better than the third and the fourth Tsagaki already?

[A]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stads.

[B]

Mike, you are excited to be in the presence of Edger James because you know you're in the presence of royalty. You don't want to talk talk about the past, though. You want to talk about now. You don't want to talk about the history of the program.

[A]

I'm curious Edge's thoughts on that because Dan does this thing where he can't help but talk about the past when we're dealing with the present. I look, it's great that you guys are hanging around the sidelines. I'm sure you do it. You do some mentoring, and that's awesome. But I feel like these kids deserve their own shine too, because you guys had a memory of the standard. These guys growing up in high school, it was all fairy tales and, and stories from the past. They haven't actually seen it. They had to buy into a vision from Mario Cristobal that he was telling that they didn't have proof of concept. You guys, you rebuilt the program from like the SI article and all that, but you had, you grew up. And you watched those guys. I think these kids deserve so much credit.

[D]

No, we give them a lot of credit. That's why we're there. And then for us, I don't think a lot of people really get a chance to understand that. We get a chance to be a fan. You know, all your life, you play ball and everybody's coming. Now you get a chance to go and cheer for the other guy. You get cheerful guy. And then especially a guy that you watch grow up from youth football to high school, and now they're playing for your team. Like, we really love the University of Miami. It's like, it's not something where, hey, we want to get out. And it's about us. No, it's about them. But it gives us a chance to be a fan. Like, we really get to chip. Like, we really sit over there and celebrate those kids, and we talk about how great those kids are and those plays.

[B]

We all.

[D]

It all. It brings back memories and everything.

[A]

Well, I've been hanging around a lot of the former players. I know you guys take the charter flights out there. It's cool to see the brotherhood. But one thing that really sticks out is how much you guys are actually enjoying this. Like, a little bit, like, pinch me. Like, I can't believe, like, we get to enjoy this as adults. Like, it's our team. Like, all the guys in the league have been laughing at us. We've been down bad for about 15, 20 years. And to be here, you guys have a smile on your face the entire time because you're thrilled for these kids, but you're also like, man, can you. Like, we've been taking so many Ls, all our colleagues have been making fun of us, and we're finally back to where we belong.

[D]

Yeah, they're looking at us like. Like we're like a Cowboys fan or something. Like, we back on the past. We talking about, like, the 90s or whatever. Like, now we get. We get a chance to say, okay, look, this what we're talking about right here, this the universe of mine. This the you that we know. Because over the years, I know we try to get behind the program, but deep down inside, you knew it wasn't Miami football players. You knew it wasn't Miami football, really, but you try to support it, but now you can really feel it because you have one of us at the helm. And we know Mario. Mario 1998. He's right there with us. You know, he's played ball there, so you can really feel it. And it's bringing that whole Miami thing back. So this time it's real.

[E]

Well, Edwin, I was going to ask you to elaborate on that because I think it's changed with Mario. Right. Like, has it always been as welcoming for the former stars than it is now? Because it just seems like you guys are out in force now not because you're front runners, but because you're more welcome than maybe you have been under other head coaches here.

[D]

Well, I think it's selective, you know, now it's more a collaboration of everybody coming, but before it was your relationship with whoever's in front and, you know, it was picking and choosing. Now it's kind of laid out to where it's like, hey, this university, Miami, this is what makes us stick. And that's one thing that I always have to compliment Mario on. He make it a point that he want the guys here, he want the guys involved, because it was a point where the guys didn't feel like they were welcome. And it kind of affects the program in a way that people don't really see when, in fact, when these guys are mentoring these guys and helping these guys in youth ball, but they have a decision to make. You're not pushing them to the University of Miami, you know, because it's not welcoming. That's why I hear a lot of the guys were talking about in the past, but now it's like, hey, we need to get him here, and everybody's on board trying to do whatever it take to get any kid that we wanted. Our school, that's a Miami hurricane because it's welcoming. It's making everybody feel like, hey, this is home. I didn't just go to this school and I'm an outsider.

[B]

You felt that you felt not welcome.

[D]

In the past, I said selective. Like, I've always been taken good care of. So I can't say from my personal experience, but I interact with everybody. You know, I interact with all the guys. And that was the feedback, because the school never, not one time where it wasn't the situation. That's why I said selective, because there were certain people or certain situations and certain relationships, but now I feel everybody feel included.

[B]

Well, the thing that I think that you understand about what was built here is somebody who comes from a region of the country in South Florida that very often is neglected, that you still care about. Like, you actually understand what Mario Cristobal was trying to block when he was trying to block Cortez Kennedy and Jimmy Jones and Russell, Maryland. And how insane that human being has to be for him to have, like, can you explain to me how that person, undersized, survived, fighting people who were much better than him physically?

[D]

Well, it starts with a mentality. You know, everybody's upbringing kind of shapes them. And you can tell Mario his upbringing shaped them. Then when you get around the guys, the guys give you confidence to actually be bigger than what you are. And that's one thing about Miami Hurricanes. We go out there, we're going to have so much confidence. I don't care. Deep down inside, we can think that we can know that the team may be better, but you'll never know it because our confidence is sky high. And that's what you see when you see, like, Mario going against those guys. Because everybody lifts each other up. Like in the practice field, we're going to do one thing, but when it comes to game day, we're all together.

[B]

How do you lift up somebody's confidence? Been broken? You've been killing it, Zaslav, for the last hour. I appreciate that you've stayed in the game, given it everything you've got, not talking, but acting the hell out of your last hour. He has not been the same. He's a professional broadcaster. He's very good. This is how he described the end of the Packers Bears game. The Bears famously won it. The packers famously choked it away. He hadn't spoken for 12 minutes. Here's how he described the game in a question.

[A]

The packers win or the Bear lose? Bears lose.

[B]

And he's been lacking confidence since then. Look at him.

[D]

Oh, he chose the packers, man.

[C]

Now Edge thinks I am a sucker.

[G]

Well, you are. You are a sucker. Edge, do you think that this is his normal dress? Like, you think he wears this every day?

[B]

How do you think this is a look? He's going for Cuban tio and barbecue. Doesn't speak for 12 hours. How do you feel as a Miami and somebody. Does he look. Does he look Cuban to you?

[D]

Not the Cubans I've been around.

[G]

Talk to him.

[B]

Talk to him.

[E]

First time he's ever worn that hat in his life.

[G]

Or. No, it's the chest hair. That's the tell right now. He's got no chest hair on that.

[A]

Zaz, are you in queue right now to try to get tickets?

[B]

So of that? Mike, Zaz is trying to buy tickets.

[A]

He's literally trying to buy tickets right now. I'm in queue right now.

[B]

It's Tuesday. We have a watch along.

[E]

Could the gold chain be any smaller?

[A]

That hasn't stopped him from asking me, actually, that the entire casted Audience, the entire cast of the Watch along has hit me up on the side.

[E]

Hey.

[A]

Trying to get tickets.

[B]

So, Edron, I've never seen this before, like, legitimately. What's happening with my phone and what's happening with former players, you must be getting it too. Who can't get tickets. Luther Campbell has already said, don't ask me for tickets. Stop. Like, stop. I don't have any tickets. I, I. Miami's a big event town. I've never had this happening with my phone. Can you get as many tickets as you want, or how does that work?

[D]

Nah, tickets are limited. They're not. They made it real clear. They made it clear that you're not gonna be able to get tickets. And I really don't understand it. You know, it kind of puts us in a bind, but at the same time, like, we're not gonna let that become a distraction because we still gotta go out and play the game. And one thing about, you know, down here in South Florida, we know how to adjust to pretty much anything. So I'm quite sure the day the game watch party, the day parties, those things right there gonna be popping also. So we're gonna make it. We're not gonna let that become an issue because we got one more game to win.

[A]

Yeah. Chess Green, like, the players know who to reach out to. It's not a Miami home game. So if any players are confused. Chess Green.

[F]

Can I get her email?

[D]

Jess gonna be mad at us.

[A]

Oh, that's a hard job.

[D]

That's a hard job. You know, like, Jess, her phone's blowing up. I'm not gonna call it today, but I'm gonna call it tomorrow.

[B]

Well, how does this work, though? You can be on the sidelines if you wish to be. And you will be, right?

[D]

Yeah. I think it continues from.

[A]

They have to limit.

[D]

It's limited. Probably. It's probably limited, but as long as they got Edge's ticket, I'm good, man. And I'm quite sure they got the right. They got the right amount to make our presence felt so we can keep this thing going. We don't need nothing going against what we've been doing the past couple of weeks.

[C]

I'm gonna be on this island.

[A]

Dressed just like this.

[E]

I dare you.

[D]

We're orange.

[B]

Do you have, you know the business of sports? You have sort of learned how hard some of this stuff can be physically. Do you have a sports allegiance? I guess your kids play. I mean, your kids playing at Louisville, I guess, would. When you play Cincinnati, we teach men.

[A]

Louisville.

[D]

Louisville. I'M University of Miami. And then it goes to the kids that I know. I'm always pulling for the kids that you watch or you mentor. So you always want to see them do well.

[B]

Okay, so your chief allegiance is Miami still, after all, more than Colts, more than everything. Like, I don't.

[D]

Well, they're all one and the same, you know, because they're all at different points in your life. But University of Miami is where you come in as a boy and you leave out as a man. So those days and those. Those memories, they're always going to be there. And then, you know, I always knew I would be coming right back to Miami to live. So this makes it easy.

[B]

Edge, good seeing you look at Roy. So look at the smile on Roy. You're just. You're. You're beaming. I don't understand. You're just. You're staring at Edrin James uncomfortably. I would say. I don't just.

[A]

Just out of admiration, don't project your awkwardness on Roy. Roy's doing just fine. How we doing on that Telestron?

[B]

A bad idea by me. I have those originally.

[D]

I.

[G]

What did you want him to do?

[B]

What did you want him?

[G]

What?

[A]

I wanted to draw Michael.

[D]

I just figured I just draw the car.

[E]

Oh, a sign. Telesp. I love it.

[A]

You can draw a little clown nose on Dan. That'll work.

[E]

Put a funny hat on Dan right now.

[B]

What I wanted. We have not used the telestrator successfully yet. Zaz used it overly.

[D]

Greg Cody, get rid of it.

[B]

Greg Cody used it poorly much?

[A]

We don't need it.

[B]

We're a show. Why you. You just asked me what I was trying to do. I'm going. Now that we're here, I'm gonna explain to you. It was a terrible idea, but this was the idea. Okay. Greg Cody has used the telestrator poorly.

[E]

I put arrows through heads. That was my special.

[A]

That's great guy. Steve Martin also, right?

[B]

Amen Al Hasan.

[A]

I literally.

[B]

Amin Elhassan used the telestrator poorly. Zaz used the telestrator poorly. And I'm going to admit now, this is bad judgment by me. Bad leadership. What I thought is, let's have Adrian James rescue this by using the telestrator of doing Michael Irvin on the sidelines as a mascot for the team. Being just Michael Irvin.

[G]

How do you telestrate that?

[F]

What do you telestrate the word mascot?

[B]

We have a hundred.

[A]

You prove that. Go ahead.

[D]

Bring that Michael Irving clip back. Let's see what Dan would. What Dan would have done.

[A]

Just picked up the blitz right there.

[G]

Go ahead.

[D]

Sweating.

[A]

He's sweating. All right, Dan, draw a picture of.

[E]

A man taking a belt off.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

No, and let's do it with the. The intro of simulating child abuse. Cuz that's fun. People want to hear that? Yeah, let's do that.

[B]

I have dropped. I have dropped whatever the tool is.

[A]

Tell what happens if somebody fumble D is nerv. What we explain to our players is when they got the ball, they got the program in their hand. You got the program. It was right next to you, Dan.

[H]

All right, Dan, take it away.

[C]

Hit the video.

[B]

Wait. Wait.

[A]

What do you mean, wait?

[B]

I need. It's not. This isn't the video that I want.

[A]

Oh, it's playing.

[G]

Go, Dan. Do it.

[B]

No, no. Go, go, go, go.

[A]

It's playing. Go.

[H]

Go for it.

[B]

Right?

[G]

Child abuse on the top.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Are you just going to sign it too? Are you just going to sign it?

[I]

There's room in the corner.

[B]

Please draw D. I need the password. I need the password.

[A]

I need the password. You're a guy.

[E]

He owns the company. He doesn't even have a 1, 1, 1, 1.

[B]

Okay, so now I've got it. Hold on a second. So, thank you for this. This is not the video I wanted. Edwin, I appreciate all your help.

[G]

Well, that's good. Okay, keep going.

[B]

I want a video.

[A]

Just draw a dick, dude.

[B]

Yeah, hurry up.

[A]

Just draw dick and be done with it.

[I]

And the balls.

[A]

Don't forget about the balls.

[D]

All right.

[B]

No, not too much, Dan.

[A]

That's too much.

[E]

That's too much.

[G]

What are you doing?

[B]

You lost your mind?

[A]

Pee. Are you peeing on a legend? Don't do that. These are bad options.

[B]

You ready? Pp.

[D]

Now.

[A]

Dude, you see that?

[B]

Unbelievable.

[A]

Pp. Juvenile. Left field. Ler.

[B]

Get him.

[G]

Oh, God.