10 Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 1 of College Football. Plus, a Mini Mailbag.

Summary

---

The McShay Show (The Ringer)

Episode: 10 Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 1 of College Football + Mini Mailbag

Air Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Todd (Mike) McShay
Guest/Co-host: Daniel Jeremiah

---

Episode Overview

In this bonus pre-Week 1 episode, Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah break down the 10 most intriguing NFL Draft prospects to watch during the opening slate of college football games. Their conversation delivers insider scouting insights, critical position battles, player development updates, and edges to monitor for draft enthusiasts and football fans. They also preview key matchups by position, discuss team-building in the portal era, and answer listener mailbag questions on transfer strategies, scouting processes, and dark-horse playoff contenders.

---

Key Segments & Highlights

1. The Show Goes Live & Special Announcements

[01:24 - 05:24]

• Live Show Announcement:
  McShay announces the first ever McShay Show live event, featuring Barstool’s Big Cat as special guest. The event will be in Chicago (Sept 10, Lincoln Hall).
• McShay Newsletter Promo:
  Reminder about premium newsletter access, preseason extravaganza, and the 50% subscriber discount through Sept 1.

---

2. Primary Prospects & Matchups to Watch in Week 1

2.1 LSU vs. Clemson: Nussmeier vs. Klubnik – The QB Watch

[05:24 – 11:08]

• Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Cade Klubnik (Clemson) receive top billing as McShay’s and Jeremiah's quarterbacks to watch.
  • Both impressed at the Manning Passing Academy with leadership qualities and athletic traits.
• McShay:
  “You talk about like IT, and like, who’s got the stuff. These two guys stood out above all the other great guys in terms of just you want to play for.” [07:49]
• Klubnik: Veteran team, returning offensive line, promising WRs (notably Antonio Williams – possible fringe first-rounder).
• Nussmeier: Playing on the road with some injury concerns (knee tendinitis), young WRs maturing.
• Jeremiah:
  “Who's going to take care of the football the most, who's going to make the plays that they need... and then who is going to have the, as you would say, the ponies to step up and make a throw when it's there?” [10:05]

2.2 TJ Parker (Clemson, EDGE)

[11:08 – 12:20]

• Parker is listed #3 on McShay’s must-watch prospects.
• Potential to be top edge rusher and top 10 pick if technical refinement matches his raw power.
• “If he takes it to another level this year, I legitimately think he could be the top edge rusher... maybe top five.” – McShay [11:39]

2.3 Caleb Downs (Ohio State, Safety)

[12:22 – 15:24]

• Highest summer grade in McShay’s evaluations; now faces greater responsibility as defensive leader.
• New defensive coordinator (Matt Patricia), key defensive departures amplifying his role.
• Key matchup: “Can he bait the young guy [Arch Manning] into a couple plays when Arch takes off and runs?” – McShay [14:06]
• Jeremiah highlights Malik Muhammad (Texas CB) vs. Ohio State receivers.

2.4 Gerard McCoy (Tennessee, CB vs. Syracuse)

[15:24 – 16:39]

• Potential CB1 for 2026 if fully healthy (returning 7.5 months after ACL tear).
• Syracuse’s high-volume passing attack will challenge him: “Ain't no hiding, Gera.” — McShay [16:34]

2.5 Parker Brailsford (Alabama, C) vs. Daryl Jackson (FSU, NT)

[16:39 – 19:27]

• Intriguing trench battle:
  • Brailsford: undersized, quick, technical.
  • Jackson: massive, powerful.
• Jeremiah:
  “You could have a lot of good snaps, a good tape, and then you gonna get exposed if… there’s any kind of laps[e]. So that’ll be the key for him.” [18:34]

---

3. Other Key Week 1 Matchups and Prospects

• Jordan Tyson (Arizona State, WR) – Intriguing “Debo-like” receiver coming off injury; focus on hands and after-catch ability. [21:19]

  • “Fighting [the ball] a little bit… I want to see the drops part—did we do the work in the offseason to improve?” – McShay [21:19]

• Len Norris Sellers & Nyck Harbor (South Carolina) vs. Virginia Tech

  • Sellers: High-upside QB.
  • Harbor: Track-star traits, physically unique, reports of major WR improvement after full offseason focus. [24:07]
    • “He looked like a track star playing football last year. But I’m now told [it’s his] first time in his life committed, showing major improvement as an actual receiver.” – McShay

• Reuben Bain Jr. (Miami, EDGE) vs. Notre Dame OTs; Carson Beck (Miami QB); Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame RB)

  • Beck: “Roller coaster offseason” and now “more decisive… showing up early, staying late, teammates responding.” – McShay [28:17]
  • Bain: Can he return to his 2023 dominant form? “If he is, he’s a first round pick all day long.” – McShay [28:42]

---

4. Mini Mailbag

Q1: Texas Tech’s Portal Investment – Is It Something to Be Ashamed Of?

[29:20 – 32:51]

• Listener (Jordan): Is it wrong for a Red Raider fan to be excited about using NIL money and the portal to build a contender?
• McShay: “Don’t apologize… The only way you’re going to compete with Tuscaloosa and Clemson and Norman is to compete with them. This is what we’re living in.” [30:20]
• Jeremiah: “Winning is way better than that feeling of… ‘we are who we are and we’ll always be that that try-hard team.’ No, take the wins, Jordan. Spend the money, man.” [32:46]

Q2: How Much Weight Do Scouts Put Into Programs & Coaches?

[33:18 – 38:14]

• Jerry asks about non-blue-chip coaches/programs influencing NFL evaluation.
• McShay: Now, up to 40%+ of the scouting conversation focuses on culture, work ethic—trustworthy sources matter more than ever.
  • “Everyone now has the same level of tape and access and analytics… Does this guy love ball? Is he tough? Does he fit what we’re doing?” [34:10]
• Jeremiah:
  “If you trust Fleck [Minnesota] or whoever is on his staff… you are more apt to go in that direction.” [35:34]

Q3: Out-of-Nowhere Teams to Make a Playoff Push

[38:14 – 42:25]

• Listener (Chad): Which unranked teams could shock the field?
• Jeremiah:
  • Utah: “I think Utah is going to win the Big 12… They’re not in the top 25… I think Utah is a team that could get into the playoff and make some noise.” [39:57]
  • Washington: Explosive playmakers, Jed Fisch’s leadership, and QB Demond Williams as X-factors.
• McShay:
  • “USC… Lincoln Riley can still coach. Bud Mayaba, Jaden Mayava is talented… Something tells me USC is sneaking around the chicken coop.” [41:04]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On young QBs:

  • “You don’t want to be checked down, Charlie. All game. Right? …when you get a chance with those weapons…who's going to be the guy who steps up and takes advantage?” — Daniel Jeremiah [10:27]

• On the transfer portal era:

  • “This is the… world we’re living in.” — McShay [30:20]

• On scouting background:

  • “Everyone now has the same level of tape… Scouting hasn’t gotten easier, but it’s gotten easier to access everything.” — McShay [34:10]

• On Utah as a dark horse:

  • “I think Utah is a team that could get into the playoff and make some noise." — Jeremiah [39:57]

• On “bringing a hatchet” to college football’s arms race:

  • “Don’t go to a hatchet fight without a hatchet. LSU. True. Listen, Alabama, they’re bringing hatchets, so you got to bring your hatchet.” — McShay [31:09]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:24] – Live Show and Big Cat guest announcement
• [05:24] – Introduction to prospect focus: Nussmeier vs. Klubnik
• [11:08] – Edge rushers: TJ Parker deep dive
• [12:22] – Safety spotlights: Caleb Downs’ year and challenges
• [15:24] – CB storyline: Gerard McCoy and the Tennessee-Syracuse showdown
• [16:39] – Interior trench battle: Brailsford vs. Jackson
• [21:19] – WR eval: Jordan Tyson (Arizona State) and drop rate questions
• [24:07] – NYCK Harbor and ‘next level’ receiver scouting
• [28:42] – Miami–Notre Dame: Bain Jr. edge rush status
• [29:20] – Mailbag #1: On the transfer portal & NIL
• [33:18] – Mailbag #2: Coaches/programs’ impact on evaluations
• [38:14] – Mailbag #3: Out-of-nowhere playoff contenders (Utah, Washington, USC)

---

Closing Thoughts

The episode serves as a college football scouting cheat sheet for NFL Draft fans heading into Week 1—highlighting not only star names but “prove-it” opportunities, system changes, and position battles that could define draft stock. The mailbag dives into the new world order of talent acquisition, character evaluation, and surprises lurking outside the AP Top 25.

---

Recommendation:
If you want to track future NFL talent as the college season kicks off, use this episode (and summary) as your Saturday viewing guide.

---

Transcript

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

This episode is brought to you by the Home Depot. Labor Day savings are happening right now at the Home Depot so you can get more out of your outdoor space this fall. The Home Depot has a wide selection of cordless outdoor power equipment that makes it easy to clear your lawn starting at just $79. You gotta love a power tool. Then why not make those colors pop with string lights and mums that bloom all season long. Shop Labor Day savings now through September 3rd, only at the Home Depot. This episode is brought to you by Prime. Prime delivery is fast. How fast are we talking? We're talking a cooler for your snacks, a folding chair, a Bluetooth speaker, and a six pack of your favorite seltzer delivered by tomorrow. Fast.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Oh, yeah.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

Extra napkins, last minute guac bowls, backup phone chargers, even a replacement remote. Fast. I feel like I've ordered all of those things. We're talking everything you need for game day. Fast. Fast. Free delivery. It's on Prime.

[Mike McShay]

Bonus show Mensch. We had two days off kind of getting ready for the season. We taped a show on Wednesday and I got to go screw it up, but I kind of couldn't help myself. We got prospects to watch all over the country. We haven't seen them since last season. So why wouldn't we do a bonus show the day before football kicks off? By the way, 236 days until the NFL Draft. Met you good?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I'm good, man.

[Mike McShay]

All right, let's roll with this then. Now the big news. Mensch. Excited?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I am excited. Can't wait to hear what you got. You never tell them anything ahead of.

[Mike McShay]

Time, so I know. I do it because I, I want to see your reaction. Kind of like, you know, the audience is. Is reacting. You're. You're a peek into that window. We've got a live show coming up. I promise a special guest. That live show is in Chicago. It's September 10th. The McShay show is going live on the road for the first time ever. Seats are starting to go, men. Okay. And what I'm about to say, I have a feeling you might want to. You might want to go to theringer.com events September 10th in Chicago, Lincoln hall, and get your tickets now because I. People love this guy. People love this guy nationally. People love this guy around the world. I knew him when he was a puppet. I knew him when he was. When he was trying. He and. And. And. And a couple buffoons who. Who are. Remain buffoons and. And they will admit it, but like, are highly successful in. In our. In our I don't even know our spit, whatever space it is. I knew I knew him back when we were doing a combine. So it's some like dinky field in, in Massachusetts, I think, in Dorchester, Mass. Of all the lovely places. And I'm doing, timing them, run 40 yard dashes and vertical jumps, measuring and, and all that stuff.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

It's a big time hit right there.

[Mike McShay]

The big cat man, Dan Cat's our guy. The big cat is going to join us. Special guest. I can't wait. He's beloved in Chicago. He, I actually, I've been talking to him. He's like a seven minute walk. I said, we'll send, we'll send a car service for you, big guy. You know, he's like, don't. He sent me a map. Seven minute walk. So the big cat is going to join us with the big fella. Mensch myself there, the little guy. And, and we're gonna have a blast that night. It's gonna be a lot of fun. We'll break down some tape. We'll take you inside. We'll talk Chicago sports, football, obviously, the Bears. We'll talk Notre Dame. We'll talk Big Ten football. We'll talk national scope. We'll, we'll, you know, reveal some draft stuff we haven't revealed yet on the show. It's going to be a lot of fun. You're going to want to be there. So again, theringer.com events is where you go get it. You can get all your ticket information there. But know this, it's Wednesday, September 10th, in Chicago. Lincoln hall and Barstool, Barstool's own Big Cat will be joining us. And, and I'm really, you know, thank you for, thank you for, for joining us, my man. And we're excited. We're doing a college football preseason extravaganza in our newsletter, the McShay Report. Google it. Subscribe. It's the McShay Report. You can subscribe for free. And you're almost, you're almost out of time. September, September 1st. 50% off. If you go, you go. Become a premium subscriber right now. Premium subscriber by September 1st. You get 50% off for the year. I'll hook you later. So you might as well get half off now.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Get the deal.

[Mike McShay]

But Dan's coming at me every day this week with a new article for the newsletter. But I, I love this. I like this one so much that I was like, you know what, we're going to do a show on Friday. And I had to get Mench out of his cave. I had to come off the beach I Fridays. To me, you're in your. You're in your hoodie. I threw on my big blue swamp Scott High School. My little hoodie and so there's nothing bad.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I didn't even notice that. That's nice.

[Mike McShay]

Big blue. Swamp's got big blue. It's week one of college football. So let's play the hits, right? I don't have to go deep diving into all these matchups of day three prospects. Some small school like we get to see for the first time this season the top prospects back on the field. Are they. Are they bigger? Are they stronger, are they faster, quicker, more refined. This is our first look at a mensch to start our four month, four month tape process leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. So let's start right off the top. Saturday 7:30, ABC and sorry Herbie and Fowler, but the McShay show is breaking in with about five to 10 minutes remaining in that prime time game will be on YouTube. Go to the McShay show page because I can't. There's no way we could help ourselves. We got NUSSM versus Klubnick. We got Peter Woods. We get TJ Parker. Two potential top 10 picks. The influx of talent, LSU in the portal, homegrown talent. But, but like I can't wait to see these quarterbacks. I saw him at the Manning passing Academy. So like as I said, we're going to play the hits. I want to see Nuss Meyer. I saw him at the Manning passing academy. Hey, I saw. And I saw Klubnick. I saw him at I like, hey, Nuss, I'm the only one out there. I don't even think people there, I don't think the reporters and everyone. I'm the only one with my dinky phone filmed you throwing that 40 yard throw into the, into the basketball hoop in between drills. I saw that. Hey, club. I saw you talking to Peyton at the 50 yard line. I saw you being a sponge for that information. I also saw you working drills with the high school kids imparting your wisdom. The way you carried yourself, both these guys, the way they carried themselves. You talk about like it and like who's. Who's got the stuff. These two guys stood out above all the other great guys in terms of just you want to play for. And so you got Klubnik on one side with a veteran team and four offensive linemen back. Wide receivers growing up talked about Wesco, right? Talk about Antonio Williams, who I Already think is kind of a fringe first rounder. But how does Club Nick do against this LSU defense now that's improved? They sucked in 2023. New coordinator comes in last year. Thanks. And they, they, they start to figure things out, but they're still kind of up and down, middle of the road. The portal, second year in the scheme. I want to see club Nick, how does he get at home game? And then there's Nussmeier on the other side going on the road to the other Death Valley, 7:30pm prime time. He's got tendonitis in his knee. Brian Kelly saying it's a 1.5 out of 10 injury. But is it like right somewhere down at certain points last season, do we see any, like, as a scout, am I seeing anything in his game that's concerning about that? As a scout? With both these quarterbacks, new wide receivers, younger guys getting older, where are we in the process?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah.

[Mike McShay]

As an NFL evaluator, this is going to be a fourth quarter game.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah.

[Mike McShay]

You and I both know this. And I'll let you jump in. I'm sorry. You and I both know this. The season's over. We're getting ready for the Senior bowl, getting ready for the combine. All this stuff that goes on after the season. The first thing you do with all these prospects, doesn't matter the position. The first thing you do is you go back and you look at that schedule because you got it, you got it on our iPad right there. I'll pull it up right. And I'm okay. I want to watch certain games first. It'll be the College Football Playoff. These teams are fortunate enough to be there and take care of their business. It will be for lsu, a couple big hitters in the sec. For Clemson, it'll be that South Carolina game probably, and a couple other games. You on like the eight September. Off the top of my head, maybe Florida State. If they're as good as we think they could be with all the transfer portals, we might be down in Clemson for that game on November 11th. Eighth, I think eighth, whatever it is, whatever didn't show up on the 11th. If the game's on the 8th, we're gonna start with this game. So this game really cool for both of them.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah. I want to see how they manage their emotions early on and I want to see how they manage game situations. I mean, that's what's going to be great about it. What are they, what are they looking at on third and short, third and long? Who's going to take care of the football the most, who's going to make the plays that they need to move the offense and then who is going to have the, as you would say, the ponies to step up and make a throw when it's there?

[Mike McShay]

You know, the onions.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah, the onions. You don't want to be checked down, Charlie. All game. Right? That's great. It's good. But when you get a chance with those weapons, when you get a chance to strike, who's going to be the guy who steps up and takes advantage of those opportunities? And I think for nuss, it's a, probably a tougher test. Right? You're going on the road. New offensive line, you know that defensive front, there's probably a, it's probably a tougher test for Nussmeier. But both these guys, man, like let's just, let's get back into it. Let's go. Let's start like breaking down some guys in some real life situations in some big time games against some big time talent. I mean, how lucky are we? This opening weekend's awesome, but how lucky are we to see these two quarterbacks right out of the gate?

[Mike McShay]

And I'm not, I'm not doing this by, by like game times or anything else. I'm do like these are the two players that I want to see the most. And you know who the third is? I just, I just am so intrigued by TJ Parker. Yeah, I know Peter woods is on that defensive line. I can't wait. T.J. parker's in the, the 10 guys that I want to see the most. I've got him third on the list as an edge rusher.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Really?

[Mike McShay]

You know why?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Oh, these are draft guys though, right?

[Mike McShay]

These are draft prospects. Yeah, draft prospects.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Got it.

[Mike McShay]

TJ Parker, like if he, if he takes it to another level this year, I legitimately think he could be the top edge rusher. I legitimately think he's a top 10 pick, maybe top five. And I say that because it was power based pass rushing, just destroying guys. That pit offensive tackle still having nightmares. The guard from Virginia that he ran over, I think the floor Florida State guard. Like, yeah, we saw him stand up and literally run over guys. So is he bigger and stronger this year? Is there more of that and is he more refined with his hands and tying his feet to his hands and kind of. I want to see how, where he's developed in his game.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Me too.

[Mike McShay]

Fox. Big noon kick and it's Caleb Downs.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Okay.

[Mike McShay]

And why Caleb Downs? Like he's such a sure thing. We know what he is, he's a safety. So he might not go top three, top five, because he's a safety, but he's carrying the highest grade of any prospect in the summer work that we did on tape. He's carrying that in to. To this season. But now things are a little different. Right?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

You're the guy, man.

[Mike McShay]

Knowles is out. Patricia's in. Knowles is the guy that made those three high looks and put you in the right spot. Patricia's a really smart dude.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yep.

[Mike McShay]

Patricia, with Belichick, they did a lot of great things, but then all of a sudden, it was offensive coordinator. With him, it was the Lions, like, so that's squirrely. Yeah, it got a little squirrely for a minute. So now Patricia's here with a lot of pressure on him as defensive coordinator at Ohio State, defending national championship champions. But I want to see Downs in this system. I also want to see Downs as the guy, as you said, eight players drafted more than any other defense in the country gone to the NFL. So now, like, you're not protected by jtt, captain Jack up front and those defensive tackles that were both drafted. One of your linebackers got drafted. Sonny Styles is back. One of your corners, like, they lost a lot. Can he still. Yeah. Can he still be that? Can he be allowed to. Or. Or is he pressing and trying to do too much? I just. I'm curious. I want to see. And you get to go up against Arch.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yes. Right.

[Mike McShay]

Noon kick. All eyes in the country. No offense, Tennessee, Syracuse. No offense, abc. Like, all eyes are on this game. I can't wait to see what Caleb Downs is able to do. Can he bait the young guy into a couple plays when. When Arch takes off and runs? And it's going to be a lot. Talk to people at Dawson. They're not holding them back, man. He's going to use those legs that he got from his grandpop and from his mom, track star.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right.

[Mike McShay]

And from his dad, wide receiver. Okay. I'm excited to see that. Anyone else in that game, Texas, The.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

The corner, Malik Muhammad against those. Those Ohio State. Ohio State receivers is going to be pretty good to watch.

[Mike McShay]

I mean, there's Scarnell Tate. Is he. Is he taking another step?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right. So, yeah, I mean, there's gonna be other guys. I mean, that. You just talk about the tight end, Jack Andries, going against Downs there a little bit. That speed will be interesting, how it challenges them. On the other side of the guy, Max Claire, the tight end from Ohio State. Yes. Yeah, he should be very good against those zone defenses. But we'll see. Is he smart enough to figure out where he needs to be? I think he is. So there's, there's some, I mean, there's, it's all over the place, right? I mean, there's going to be a lot of matchups.

[Mike McShay]

All right, so. So we talked about Ohio State, number one team in the country versus Texas, number three, Clemson, LSU, both top 10 teams. Not, excuse me, not quite the game. But this one's fascinating to me, man. Number 24, Tennessee versus Syracuse. Also a noon kick. Again, apologies, ABC. A lot of eyes are going to be in, in Columbus and that Fox. Big noon kick. But I'll be keeping an eye on Gerard McCoy. Man. Gerard McCoy out of Tennessee is the number one cornerback every. Not every, but there are people in the league that believe if healthy, if back to 100%. He's cornerback one in this class for 2026. But is he really after seven and a half months? I'm just seven and a half months off of ACL. That's the report. Hey, is he in the game? I'm told he is. B, is he 100%? And C, this is why I marked this down. Syracuse throws the ball as much, if not more than any other program, more.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Than anyone last year.

[Mike McShay]

Ain't no hiding, Gera.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

No, they spread you out and they are. Go, go, go.

[Mike McShay]

So this one's. That's going to be fascinating. Okay. 3:30, just after those kicks, you got the Ohio State number one, Texas number three, then Tennessee's number 24. Going up against the Syracuse. Syracuse program that we know recruits well is going to throw the ball all over the yard. Those Games are over. 3:30, ABC. They lost the window in the noon to Fox. They ain't losing the window here. Florida State, Alabama. Alabama ranked eighth. Florida State, the all time wild card. Awesome. In 2023. Like an absolute. I can't use the word I want to use because I'll get in trouble, but an absolute mess in 2024. But there are people who think that they might be pretty good. I had to dig one for you for my big guy here. I had to dig one trench. Trench matchup and I found it. Alabama Center Parker Brailsford vs. Florida State Nose tackle Daryl Jackson. I want to see Brailsford, who's graded higher coming in the year, but both guys trying to, like, play well enough to lock down a spot on day two. I think that's fair to say. Yeah, Jackson didn't have a great year last year. A lot of hype about Florida State. Jackson in the interior, Patrick Payton on the, on the outside. Well, Peyton's transferred to lsu. Might not even start for the Tigers right now. Daryl Jackson's back at Florida State. Here's what I love about this. And you tell me, I want you to tell me. You got 6, 2, 2, 90 quickness, hand placement, leverage, smarts versus Jackson. 6, 5, 3, 37 behemoth power.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yep.

[Mike McShay]

What's that gonna look like?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I mean, it's, it's all about technique. If Brailles Brailsford's gonna have to play with good pad level, he's going to be quick, he's gonna be smart. By the way, that's something that he does well. Yeah, but you could have a lot of good snaps, a good tape, and then you're gonna get exposed if you, if there's any kind of laps. So that's that. That'll be the key for him. I think both players will be motivated early on to come out and show what they can do. Jackson is more physically imposing. It's not just the size. I think he's the better overall kind of athlete. Better natural tools. So Brailsford, the key for him is to make sure that he's, he's got his angles right, that he's quick, he knows a snap count, which you know, as a center he should. And he'll get some help from those guards. He's got some pretty good guards next to him, so that'll help him as well. So it's a good matchup though because it is, it's that, it's that quickness and technique versus strength and just raw power. We'll see how it goes.

[Mike McShay]

Also good.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I don't know if you get into it, but the, in the Miami game on, on Sunday, Reuben Bane Jr. Against those Notre Dame.

[Mike McShay]

I'm coming, I'm coming back. I'm coming back.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

All right.

[Mike McShay]

This is what happens. I give you, I, I give you a little, a little offensive line leash and you go running off script. So we got, we got noon kickoff covered. Two games, number one versus number three. Ohio State versus Texas. We got also on ABC, Tennessee, the number 24 team going up against a dangerous Syracus. 330 covered Alabama, Florida State prospects in all of those. Right. And we, oh, and we have this, the game I'm probably looking forward to the most. I mean arguably. I don't know which one's more exciting. Top 10 matchup, Clemson versus versus LSU club Nick Nussmeier. And we'll be on late night game YouTube channel. Come join us. It's going to be fun and we're going to then recap the whole day what we've seen. But while we're still on, probably while we're still on, definitely, we're gonna have to go back and watch the tape on Sunday morning on this one. It's on ESPN plus. I wouldn't have thrown this in. We know about Sam Levitt for Arizona State. Arizona State's ranked 11th. They're playing Northern, Northern Arizona. It's not about the matchup for me here. I want to see Jordan Tyson, the wide receiver. The first time I get a chance to put my eyes on him. He's, he's 6:1. He's like 2:10. He's physical. A lot of Debo comparisons I'm not sure is versatile but strong after the catch. Physical receiver. Got a little bit more scoop than you think. But the drops, man, 7% drop percent drop rate last year, 8 drops on 114 attempts.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

And the way he caught the ball, I mean, it didn't look good on tape.

[Mike McShay]

Right. Fighting it a little bit. So I want to see the drops part like we did we do with the work in the off season to improve. Very clearly. Any scout that he talked to, any coach on his staff, he talked to. That's the area of improvement, improvement that has to come. But he's also coming off that injury last year.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right.

[Mike McShay]

It held him out of the College Football Playoff.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

And you want to take a peek.

[Mike McShay]

You want to see how I want my eyes. Is he crisp? Is he crisper in and out of his breaks or is he struggling a little bit? Is he the confidence in, in, in the, in the injury, like so all that stuff. But he's vying for wide receiver. One man, there's a lot of good guys, but there's no Jeremiah Smith or Ryan Williams in this year's class. So it's a competition. Maybe it's Antonio Williams. Maybe it's some of these other guys. So I want to see Jordan Tyson in his first, first showing. Then we go to Sunday. We'll be up real late Saturday night doing our recap show. Breaking into that, that primetime game on a ABC Nussmire vs. Klubnick. Sunday, though, South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech. Sneaky. Good game. We don't know how good South Carolina is going to be this year. Yes.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah, it has that Virginia Tech Miami game that was out like insane last year where Virginia Tech had the Hail Mary. There was a touchdown and it was called back. And maybe it's because it was Just Virginia Tech, but I'm just getting vibes. I'm getting vibes at that Virginia Tech South Carolina game is going to be a lot better than some people think.

[Mike McShay]

But I really want to see, I really want to see Lenora Sellers because I'm really, I'm really going to want to see him in every game versus a competent defense. But this is the first time we can see, okay, I saw such growth in him from week one to week four and beyond last year. Now you got an offseason to go watch tape to work on your footwork, work on your mechanics, become more consistent as a passer to work with these young receivers. And I'll get to one in a second. I really want to see Lenora Sellers in that game. Are we sending a message? Is this a guy who really is on track to be in the 2026 class, right. Who's, who's got the talent, the mobility that none of these other guys have, but could maybe be QB1 or still growing, still a long way away. That and it's not going to be decided or defined. And we saw from last year, week one to week four, the growth and I'm sure we'll see more growth this year from week one to week four. But I want to see where he is now and then his wide receiver I'm actually almost more intrigued by. Yes, Nick harbor, he looked like a track star with physical phenom traits. You just can't coach like DK Metcalf that like long, tall, big, all these things with burnt like track star speed. You know why? Because he is a track star.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right.

[Mike McShay]

And he looked like a track star playing football last year. But I'm now told full focus on football this off season. First time in his life committed, showing major improvement as an actual receiver.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Played tight end in high school which is again you're a pass catcher. But it is a different thing when you're running routes out there. It's. It is a different thing.

[Mike McShay]

So could this guy who like I can't stamp with anything right now because I only saw the physical flashes but I don't know who, what he is as a product like a wide receiver product is the growth is good when I'm watching it as the reports are coming out of Columbia, South Carolina and then finally what time's that Miami Notre dame game on?

[Daniel Jeremiah]

7:30, I think.

[Mike McShay]

7:30. So. So 3:00 clock for, for Lenoris Harbor, Nick harbor and 7:30 and South Carolina going against Virginia Tech and then right after that 7:30.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

That's a great Sunday afternoon game that the more I look at that game again, what a great opening weekend. That's Virginia Tech and South Carolina is sneaky.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

This message is a paid partnership with Apple Card. There's one thing I'm going to make sure I pack for my summer vacation. It's my Apple card. I can earn up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase, including fuel for my car and booking places to stay. Plus, I don't have to worry about fees, including foreign transaction fees, which is perfect when I'm planning to travel abroad. To get an Apple Card for your summer travels, apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Variable APRs for Apple Card range from 18.24% to 28.49% based on creditworthiness rates as of July 1, 2025 Terms and more at applecard.com this episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game?

[Mike McShay]

Well, with the name your price tool from Progressive you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Insurance Company.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

And affiliates Price and coverage match limited by state law.

[Mike McShay]

Not available in all states. Two players I want to see and we'll get out of here. Carson Beck from Miami.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Sorry, go ahead.

[Mike McShay]

Go ahead. Carson Beck from Miami and Jeremiah Love for Notre Dame. Love is obvious. I just want to see him. I want to see if he's like reports are he keeps getting better physically. He's worked. He's he's like his all the things. We got a mini mailbag I'm told.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Now Dan's on top of us, man. You can feel us trying to sneak.

[Mike McShay]

Out of here always. I'm trying to. I got one last day at the beach. I gotta get going. Jeremiah Love I want to see coming into the. You got a. You got a quarterback, right? C.J. carr just got named. Everything's on his shoulders, Pop. I want and this Miami defense by all accounts improve. Then on the other side I want to see Carson Beck. What a roller coaster off season. I talked about a man. It's almost like this like rejuvenated like career rejuvenating PR firm that he went to. Let's just go make all sorts of social media mess. Let's let Georgia let me get away go to Miami, bring my Ferraris, get them stolen data superstar online. Break up with her because of all reports my my deeds. But then all of a sudden A few weeks before the season starts. Let's get the reports out there. That and he's more decisive. Receivers aren't working for the ball the way they used to. Really comfortable in this offense. Showing up early, staying late, teammates responding to him, leadership.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Oh, we'll see.

[Mike McShay]

I get to see Sunday at 7:00', clock, man. Yeah.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

All right. Don't forget Reuben Bain Jr. The edge from Miami going against Notre Dame offensive tackles.

[Mike McShay]

All right. Few mailbag questions? Yes. No. Go ahead, finish.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Now, I want to see if he regained the four.

[Mike McShay]

He.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I thought he was awesome last year. I really do. But he was even better in 23 when he was healthy. So I kind of want to see if he's back into shape, back into form. And he's. And he's rolling out there like he was two years ago.

[Mike McShay]

I totally agree. And if he is, he's. He's a first round pick all day long. All day long.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yep.

[Mike McShay]

All right, Mailbag. These are premium subscribers. We thank you for it. And this is one of the many ways that we try to pay you back for the investment you've made in us. And again, it's the McShay Report. Go ahead and Google it. Subscribe for free if you want. Or this is a chance. You got like 72 hours left. September 1st, last day that you can get the McShay report for 50 off for the year. Okay. Here, this, this one's from Jordan. Appreciate you want me to read them? Are you gonna read them? Go ahead, read them.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Love the. From Jordan. Love the show, fellas. As a native Lubbock Texan and Red Raider football fan, is it wrong to be excited about the money football strategy used to get the nation's top ranked transfer class to bolster our chances for a playoff national title run? Why can't Lubbock be like Norman Clemson or heck, Tuscaloosa? He's talking about the Matador Club, right?

[Mike McShay]

The Red Matador Club.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

The Matador Club. It's great.

[Mike McShay]

I love that. They've had 16 transfer portal guys is what. What I last read. David Bailey, maybe the best of them from Stanford, got a chance to be a first round pick. But he's got a lot to prove this year. A lot to prove. This. No, what are you trying. Don't apologize to anyone because you know what's going to happen. A, you got to find the right guys in the portal. B, you got to plug holes that the roster already has. C, you got. You got to have your coaching staff mesh them. D, you got to have a general Manager that knows the money to spend and the caps basically a salary cap.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

E.

[Mike McShay]

There are existing players that have been in the program there that now have an opportunity to work with some more talented players. Like it's still ball man, man. And it's, and it's. I'm old school. Look at me in my high school freaking big blue hoodie like yeah, I'm old school. But this is the, this is what we're living in. Is anyone mad at LSU for all their p transfer portal guys like no. So get out. Not get out of here question. It's a good question. But get out of here with your lovage. Read my the Matador club guilt like let's go. And the only way you're going to compete with Tuscaloosa and Clemson and, and Norman is to compete with them. This you know, right.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

And Jordan, if I'm wrong, my high school base.

[Mike McShay]

Speaking of Swamp Scott High School, here we go. Frank D. Feliz, God rest his soul. Two things I'll always for always remember. I told you the one thing is one of my favorite all time quotes. We're going to play Matignon, this high school for a scrimmage in the preseason. Boys, we're going to be there. We're going to try to play 27 innings. Gonna be there all day long. Pack a lunch. Can't eat it on the bus, can't eat it on the field. Figure it out. And we did. Now I look at my son Tate, who's 10 years old and how many times I want to tell him that story. Like how about we figure something out? And number two that I won't forget from Frank D. Felice. Don't go to a hatchet fight without a hatchet. But think about it. Lsu. True. Listen, Alabama, they're bringing hatchets, so you got to bring your hatchet.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

This is what I think. And Jordan, if I'm wrong about you specifically, please forgive me. I think there's a lot of fans of like the Texas Techs of the world who have for a long time said we don't have the same resources as those big time programs and that's why we don't win here. And that was kind of the reason why you didn't like them. Right? They were, they were the, they were. The big corporations are kind of like the Yankees. You know, everyone hates the Yankees because they get all the players. And you always hated these big time corporations, but it was okay because you were the local guy. I loved your local team. And now that your local team Your. Your. Your small team is going out and spending like the Yankees and spending like the Clemsons. You're like, oh, I don't know. Do I feel okay with this? Guess what?

[Mike McShay]

You do.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Winning is way better than that feeling of like, oh, we are who we.

[Mike McShay]

Are, and we'll always be that.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

That try hard team. And I love. No, take the wins, Jordan. Spend the money, man. Go out and don't feel bad about it for a second.

[Mike McShay]

Go do it. All right, let. Let's go. I don't. I totally agree with you. Let's go. We got two more questions. I want to be out of here in a couple minutes.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Okay?

[Mike McShay]

Friday, everyone's. It's game time. Let's go.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

All right, the next one gotta pull it up.

[Mike McShay]

Sorry.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I'm curious. This is from Jerry. I'm curious how much stock teams and scouts put into programs and coaches during evaluations. And I'm not talking blue bloods. Think Minnesota. And PJ Fleck, a consistent Power 5 performer winning bowl games five straight years. At least around two pick runs a clean chip, but isn't among the elites anywhere. That's from Jerry. I think Jerry might be a. Might be a Gopher. Feels like a Gopher. He's not wrong.

[Mike McShay]

No, he's not wrong. And honestly, I'll tell you this, Jerry, like, you'd be shocked the amount of time if I have a hundred minutes talking to a scout, obviously, but let's just say 100 minutes. For even math. It used to be 90 of those minutes would be about the player. The height, the weight, the speed, the strength, the power, the.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

The.

[Mike McShay]

The explosiveness in and out of brakes, the armchair, all that stuff. Right now I find myself, like, I don't know, they're much more interested because it's become much more important. And maybe it's 60, 40, maybe it's 50, 50, but maybe I'm talking 60 minutes about the guy. Yeah, the work ethic. Because. Because everyone now has the same level of tape and access and analytics and everything else. Scouting hasn't gotten easier, but it's gotten easier to access everything. It's not like the old days where you had, like, these old scouts on the road and they're trying to unearth guys at a small program or a guy maybe wasn't a starter and only started four. Who was it? Ron with the Raven. Ron. I don't want to mispronounce his last name, but, like, I just think back to, like, some of the old scout. You know, everyone has access now. It's about, like, does it, does this guy love ball? Is he tough? Does he fit what we're doing? You know what I mean? And so I say that because I, I, I've never heard anyone say, well, no, that's not true, actually, I have heard he comes from that program. He played for that guy. So, yeah, there is some of that.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah, I think of, I think of Howie and the Eagles taking all those Georgia players, and then you could say, well, that's just a super talented Georgia team. I, I know, I get that. And you know, another example is Mike Vrabel from the Patriots taking Travion Henderson. I do think there are programs because what it speaks to right there is when you're talking about work ethic and all those things, you have to trust. I can tell you right now, there's, there are players that I've talked to scouts and one of them will tell me he's the best kid ever, and another one will tell me they got questions about his work ethic. You had better trust who you're asking. So if you have faith in a program, and I think it is a bigger deal, and it's not generally one program, it might be multiple programs. So if you, for example, with Minnesota and Fleck, if you trust Fleck or whoever is on his staff that you're talking to, that he's going to give you the right steer on a guy and tell you this guy's awesome or this guy's not, you are more apt to go in that direction. I often think about it and it's your story to tell. Maybe you want to tell it. But jamarcus Russell coming out of LSU and what you were told about jamarcus Russell coming out of LSU wasn't necessarily accurate.

[Mike McShay]

You know, it was far from accurate.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right. You got some bad information and you go back and you say to yourself.

[Mike McShay]

Yeah, and I never use that source again. And I got better sources over time. And like, yeah, when he was sitting and he's sitting down talking to reporters because he was gassed after his pro day workout. And I like questioned that and it was like, no. And like he's like, it's actually part of what makes him great. Like, never a big moment. He's relaxed, he's poised. And I was like, all right, he's just a little built a little differently. But I couldn't then couldn't get over him throwing 65 yards in the air from a knee, hitting the goal post, right? Because I was young and I was stupid. I was stupid and I didn't have the access. But as it went on and I got more access. I think it's important for coaches like you all. You always knew Nick Saban's not going to kill one of his players who's going in the draft. But you know where guys stand. And you know, if he thought he should come back for a year, if, you know, if he was a program guy and then there when there's one that's exceptional, you knew who those guys were, too. He had a way, his way. Urban Meyer was the same. Had a lot of contentious conversation. Good friend of mine, Urban is to this day. So, yeah, I think it's when Sanchez.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Came out in the USC and Pete Carroll was begging him basically in public, don't do it, man. That was a tough, tough to watch.

[Mike McShay]

It wasn't a good look for Pete. But you know what? NFL, NFL teams trust him.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

But I also think Pete was trying to do like everything in his power to say to the kid, please listen to me. And Sanchez had made up his mind that he was coming out, you know.

[Mike McShay]

All right, last question. Let's go. Yep, last question. Chad.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Too slow.

[Mike McShay]

Go ahead. Do any of you. Do any of you have. And do any of you have an out of nowhere, out of nowhere team? See that you're better at Reading? I do any of you have an out of nowhere team that's not ranked that can make the real. Make a real playoff push this year? Personally, I keep looking at University of Washington's roster and believe that Jed Fish can make a.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

A real run?

[Mike McShay]

Go ahead.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

I don't hate that, by the way. Washington's team.

[Mike McShay]

I'm a big Jed Fish guy, too.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Utah. Listen, I. I texted.

[Mike McShay]

I was gonna say Utah. Shut up. I texted Sanford, Steve. I got another one two weeks ago.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

And I was like, am I crazy? Am I crazy about Utah? I look at that offensive line. They are doing the same thing that Oklahoma is doing with John Matier in the offense coordinator. Utah's got a transfer quarterback coming in, Devin Dampier, who threw for like 2700 yards and ran for over a thousand yards at New Mexico. His offense coordinator, Jason Beck, who was really successful at New Mexico, is coming over, too. Again, the offensive line, I think of all the close games that they lost, all those heartbreaking games that they lost last year go their way, and I believe in Kyle Winningham. I think Utah is going to win the Big 12. I think Utah's going to get in the playoff. They're not in the top 25 for the coaches or for the AP right now. San Francisco was like, no, man, you're not missing it. And then I listened to our guy, Pete Dammel on college game day.

[Mike McShay]

Gave us a nice plug, by the way, on our.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Yeah, he did. And guess who he has too, is his sneaker. His sneaky team, Utah. So I think it's kind of a bat, not a well kept secret, but they're not in the top 25. I think Utah is a team that could get into the playoff and make some noise.

[Mike McShay]

Washington is interesting. Denzel Boston is the real deal. I can't wait to see his growth this year. You got Jonah Coleman, running back. They portal it. They recruit well. Jed Fish knows what he's doing. What I'm most interesting, interested in watching him in Manning Passing Academy. Dude, Demond Williams is. Is a guy.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

You keep springing him up, man.

[Mike McShay]

I know, I know he's 5 11. I know he's 197. We're not talking about the draft. I'm talking about college football this year. He's going to. You got to deal with him. You got to deal with it.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

He's.

[Mike McShay]

That it's.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

If they're not there as far, like, I don't hate it. I don't hate it, but I think Utah is my team. But Washington's another one to keep an eye on. And he gets to Cario Davis, the corner that some people are not thrilled about as an NFL draft prospect. But he was a damn good corner for Finch when they were in Arizona together.

[Mike McShay]

So I'll give you another one.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

You're full of them. Let's go.

[Mike McShay]

I'll give you another one. You ready? Usc.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Interesting.

[Mike McShay]

What if usc, like Lincoln Riley can still coach Bud Myaba. Jaden Mayava is talented. We saw flashes last year against Notre Dame. I'm just looking at the Jacoby Lane at wide receiver. Yeah.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Lemon at wide receiver.

[Mike McShay]

Lemon and wide receiver. Defense got better last year. I don't know.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

At Illinois, at Notre Dame, at Oregon. Good luck, man.

[Mike McShay]

Yeah, that's a tough one.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

It's not that I don't like the team. That schedule is going to be tough to sneak in.

[Mike McShay]

I'm telling you, they. They're seven and six last year. I get it. Struggles, all the problems. Lincoln Riley, does he fit? Something tells me USC is sneaking around the chicken coop. And yes, Lee Corso, who's actually a good friend. Congratulations on retirement.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Like, amazing.

[Mike McShay]

I'll tell some more Lee Corso stories next week. But like, he's everything that you hope him to be. A lot of times you meet the guy and he's not the guy that you thought. He's literally everything and and more genuine than you would expect someone who's that became that big of a star. So.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Right.

[Mike McShay]

Congratulations to Lee. I hope everyone enjoys watching him in his in his final college game day and everyone enjoy it. Like we snuck this one in. We weren't even supposed to be here. I said 20 minutes. We're pushing 40. I love you. Enjoy weekend Saturday night. Come see us Saturday Night YouTube Live. We'll be there at the end of the game later. 5 stars 5 stars must be 21 plus and present in select states for Kansas in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino or 18/ plus and present in D.C. kentucky or Wyoming. Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler or visit rg-help.com, call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit gamblinghelp linema.org or call 1-800-327-5050. For 24. 7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8-HOPE NY or text hopeny in New.