The Dan Patrick Show — Hour 2, March 24, 2026
Episode Overview
In Hour 2 of The Dan Patrick Show, Dan and the crew dig into a lively discussion about the NFL Draft’s quarterback prospects, evaluating recent takes by Dan Orlovsky, and question media and agent influences on draft narratives. Legendary CBS basketball analyst Clark Kellogg joins to break down March Madness, addressing the absence of Cinderella stories, the “mid-major” future in college hoops, and tournament expansion. The show also features humorous and nostalgic segments with callers, and reflections on sports media trends.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Poll Question: Career You’d Want — Otani, Wembanyama, or Other
[03:48–05:45]
- Paulie reports: Otani dominates poll (73%), Wembanyama at 15%, Others (including iconic athletes) at 12%.
- Dan: Appreciates Otani’s global presence but notes that winning is what truly cements a legacy.
- Crew Discussion:
- Paulie and Tony debate the wording (“today’s athlete” might be more fitting).
- Tony wonders if any current, globally dominant, young athlete compares in scope; soccer’s superstars are aging, tennis’ Carlos Alcaraz is mentioned as a young contender.
Notable Quote
“I think once you win something... we waited for Giannis to win, we waited for Embiid, he won an MVP... Otani is here, he’s now.”
— Dan Patrick [04:08]
2. NFL Draft QB Debate: Ty Simpson vs. Fernando Mendoza
[07:02–14:58]
- Dan recaps Dan Orlovsky’s strong endorsement of Ty Simpson as QB1 in this draft class, quoting Orlovsky extensively from ESPN’s “Get Up.”
- Orlovsky’s Take [07:21]:
“I think Ty Simpson is QB1... what was asked of these two quarterbacks... Ty Simpson, and it’s not close... Who was more consistent in panic? Ty Simpson.”
— Dan Orlovsky [07:21] - Dan’s Analysis:
- Asks if Orlovsky’s faith in Simpson is purely analytical or influenced by agency connections, since both Orlovsky and Simpson are represented by CAA (a common agent for players/media).
- Points to the importance of collegiate “sample size” — skeptical of QBs with limited experience (Simpson: ~16 starts). Favors prospects like Bo Nix or Jaden Daniels, who played 4–5 years.
- Cites Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes as examples of QBs succeeding due to situation/fit, not just talent.
- Discusses how media/agent alliances can shape draft narratives, especially in the pre-draft “rumor mill” [14:32–15:34].
Notable Quotes
“Just because you’re the number one pick... that doesn’t equate to success.”
— Dan Patrick [08:11]
“If I said right now he’ll have the career of Joe Flacco — you’re gonna sign up for that.”
— Dan Patrick [12:45]
- Paulie and Tony highlight that previous Orlovsky “hot takes” (such as on Jaden Daniels in 2024) can be right at the time, but perceptions shift quickly.
3. March Madness Deep Dive with Clark Kellogg (CBS)
[24:25–36:18]
Clark’s Thoughts on:
- The Lack of a “Cinderella” in This Year’s Tournament [26:06–28:31]
- Tournament always produces unpredictability and emotion.
- Enjoys the current blend: “Cinderella showed up briefly and we still have one, I think in Iowa who shockingly dominated Florida.”
- The Future of Mid-Majors vs. Power Conferences [28:31–32:03]
- Recency bias makes us overreact to a power-conference-heavy tournament.
- Power teams are increasingly dominant, but mid-majors always have a chance with “the right mix and formula.”
- NIL changes may further reduce mid-major Final Four appearances, but “Cinderella moments” can still happen.
- Transfers, NIL, and Roster Dynamics [29:53–32:03]
- Dan suggests: With the ability to make NIL money, big-name players may stay longer and transfer from mid-majors to power schools, making it harder for smaller programs.
- Clark agrees but reminds that many top freshmen will continue to find their way into successful mid-major programs.
- Duke and Tournament Favorites [32:03–32:58]
- “Feels like people are cooling on Duke’s chances... I could see that. Where people would cool on their chances to win it all.”
— Clark Kellogg [32:58]
- March Madness Expansion [33:41–35:41]
- Dan predicts more play-in “First Four” games (double Tuesday/Wednesday) but main bracket remains at 64.
- Clark agrees, notes NCAA aims for 20% of D1 teams in tournament, expansion should be rational.
- Charles Barkley Moments [35:41–36:15]
- “He’s one of the most gracious celebrities you’ll meet... and he is a genuinely funny guy, which adds to his persona.”
— Clark Kellogg [35:47]
Notable Quotes
“This tournament always, always, always delivers. Now, depending on your personal preference... it might deliver more or less in a given year than you think.”
— Clark Kellogg [26:39]
“I would rather let the data accumulate before making a statement on it.”
— Clark Kellogg [29:53]
4. Call-In Highlights & Show Banter
[16:13–24:25] [36:22–41:42]
-
Emotional call from “Dave in Montana” reflecting on the comfort the show has provided his family across years and the passing of his father.
- Humorous moment when his kids criticize a rival sports radio show:
“They look at the radio... All you hear from the back is, ‘This guy sucks.’”
— Caller Dave [18:01]
- Humorous moment when his kids criticize a rival sports radio show:
-
“Mark in Nebraska” shares what it’s like for Nebraska fans to be relevant in basketball for the first time in years; rivalry with Iowa.
-
Dan and crew joke about Todd’s “Todcast,” self-focused podcast.
-
Brief show banter about integrating Dan Patrick Show traditions into Dan’s daughter’s upcoming wedding, with jokes about “stat of the day” and live calls from guests.
5. Broadcasting, Sports Media, and Technology
[45:39–50:38]
- Discussion about MLB Opening Day, the tradition moving away from starting in Cincinnati, and baseball’s broadcast innovations.
- Automated balls and strikes are imminent, with the possibility of new on-screen visuals:
“If it means we’re getting more calls correct, then great. It’s inevitable... can I get green light strike, red light ball?”
— Dan Patrick [47:55] - Crew debates whether removing the strike zone box will make broadcasts cleaner, and whether the aesthetic evolution of televised sports is a positive.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On quarterbacks and team fit:
“Patrick Mahomes going to Kansas City, if he’d gone to Carolina or Cleveland or the Bears, he’s not Patrick Mahomes.”
— Dan Patrick [09:40] -
On the evolving nature of sports broadcasts:
“It’s all about the aesthetics of watching a game... it’s more than just watching a sporting event, it’s an event within an event.”
— Dan Patrick [48:13] -
On keeping live callers:
“I love that relationship. You get an opportunity to be part of the show and I welcome that.”
— Dan Patrick [51:48]
Important Timestamps
- Poll Results & Career Discussion: 03:48–05:45
- Orlovsky/Quarterback Segment: 07:02–14:58
- Caller ‘Dave in Montana’ Story: 16:30–18:41
- Clark Kellogg Interview:
- Intro/Memorabilia: 24:25–26:06
- Tournament Analysis: 26:06–36:18
- Caller ‘Mark in Nebraska’: 36:22–38:23
- Baseball Broadcast/Tech Segment: 45:39–50:38
- Live Callers Philosophy: 51:48
Summary Table
| Segment | Main Topic | Highlight | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 03:48–05:45 | Athlete career poll | Otani’s dominance, “today’s athlete” debate | | 07:02–14:58 | NFL QB Draft Analysis | Orlovsky on Ty Simpson, draft narratives/media/agents | | 16:30–18:41 | Emotional Caller Story | Show’s impact on listeners, family, taste in hosts | | 24:25–36:18 | Clark Kellogg Interview | March Madness, Cinderella, mid-major future, expansion | | 36:22–38:23 | Nebraska Fan Caller | Newfound basketball relevance, rivalry with Iowa | | 45:39–50:38 | MLB Opening Day, Media Tech | Broadcast aesthetics, automated strike zone | | 51:48 | Callers in Sports Radio | Importance of listener engagement |
Takeaways for Listeners
- NFL Draft coverage is as much about narrative and networking as scouting.
Take “insider” draft takes with healthy skepticism. - March Madness always delivers drama — even as the shape of Cinderella stories and mid-major success evolves.
- Media technology and presentation are rapidly adapting, aiming for both accuracy and entertainment in sports broadcasts.
- Dan and the crew blend serious sports analysis with warmth, nostalgia, and self-deprecating humor, making the show feel like a community.
This hour covers wide-ranging sports topics in Dan Patrick’s light, insightful, and approachable tone — part draft war-room, part March Madness, part sports radio old school, all entertaining.
