The McShay Show: The Big Ten and SEC Championship Player Draft | Rough Draft 1.6

Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Todd McShay (with Mensch)
Podcast: The Ringer Presents: The McShay Show

Overview

In this episode, Todd McShay and co-host Mensch dive into a creative “player draft” format, previewing the Big Ten and SEC Championship games by “drafting” the best players and position units from the four contending teams—Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia, and Alabama. The approach is not based solely on draft stock, but on which players these experienced evaluators would want for a single high-stakes championship game. They break down QBs, RBs, wideouts, tight ends, O-lines, all defensive units, and even pick their dream head coach for these matchups.

The episode is rich with evaluation insights, back-and-forth banter, and plenty of debate—both serious and tongue-in-cheek—about personnel, big-game potential, and program strengths.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Structure

[00:05] McShay introduces the episode as a test of their football evaluation skills via a draft of the best players and units from the SEC and Big Ten championship contenders.
[02:24] Outlines the draft: quarterback, every offensive skill position, and various defensive units—including a surprise request from the producer to pick the coach they’d want on their sideline.

2. Quarterback Draft

[07:02] McShay takes the first pick and, after much consideration, chooses Julian Sayin (Ohio State) for his rapid progression as a first-year starter:
- “I’ve seen an advancement in his game that’s just… astounding to watch.” (McShay, 08:23)
Mensch, with the second pick, goes Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), citing his clutch, high-stakes wins on the road against Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State:
- “The wins the way that [Mendoza] has won, where he’s won, gave him a little bit of an edge over Sayin even though Sayin’s playing at an elite level.” (Mensch, 11:22)
Both agree the QB field is unusually strong—any of the four (including Ty Simpson and Gunner Stockton from the SEC) would be championship-caliber options.

3. Running Back Draft

[14:36] Mensch picks first, takes Bo Jackson (Ohio State), citing his explosive finish to the season and expanded role:
- “For the last five games, he’s going over 100 yards rushing… He’s got it all. I think he maybe hasn’t reached his full potential yet, which is scary.” (Mensch, 15:07)
McShay: Nate Frazier (Alabama), noting his explosive ability and recent turnaround after early-season fumble issues:
- “He is fast. He is explosive. He’s got fresh legs too… and it’s going to be like three or four runs that could make all the difference in this game.” (McShay, 17:23)

4. Wide Receiver Draft

Each picks two WRs.
- McShay’s #1: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
  - “His presence is such a difference… you have to account for Jeremiah Smith, his impact, no matter how good it is production wise, is going to be massive.” (McShay, 19:44)
- Mensch’s #1: Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
  - “If there’s a 50-50 ball, I expect Carnell Tate to come down with it. I think it’s more like 80-20.” (Mensch, 21:30)
- Second WR choices:
  - McShay: Jeremy Bernard (Alabama) – praised for reliability and NFL-caliber route running.
  - Mensch: Zachariah Branch (Georgia) – “I just love the explosiveness… an extension of the running game.” (Mensch, 23:38)

5. Tight End Draft

Slim group, but both see Max Clare (Ohio State) as the top option:
- “Claire is the most talented of the four. I agree.” (McShay, 26:17)
McShay also highlights Oscar Delp (Georgia) and Riley Nowakowski (Alabama) as interesting but not “featured” options.

6. Offensive Line Draft

McShay: Ohio State’s line, citing both personnel and surging physicality
- “This year they’re just being quiet, lining up and… being more physical.” (McShay, 28:55)
Mensch: Indiana’s line, especially left tackle Carter Smith and the group’s cohesion
- “Carter Smith, the left tackle, might be the best left tackle playing in these two games… this is a unit that’s really good as a whole.” (Mensch, 29:55)

7. Defensive Front: Edge & Interior DL

Edge:
- Mensch: Ohio State’s group (Kaden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr.)
- McShay: Alabama, for talent and depth (led by Yonze Pierre)
Interior DL:
- Mensch: Ohio State for Kaden McDonald’s high impact.
- McShay: Indiana for the nation’s 2nd-best run defense and a collection of stout bodies led by Tyreek Tucker.

8. Linebacker & Secondary Drafts

Linebacker

McShay: Ohio State as the clear best, with two first-round talents in Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles
- “There are two… first-round inside linebackers… That’s astounding.” (McShay, 40:54)
Mensch: Indiana’s linebackers—Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones, and Relijah Hardy—are remarkably underrated and central to Indiana’s defensive success
- “These Indiana linebackers are criminally underrated.” (Mensch, 43:38)

Defensive Back

Mensch: Alabama, highlighting Bray Hubbard and the ascending freshman Dijon Lee
- “I wanted to go in another direction, but I ended up on Alabama.” (Mensch, 45:14)
McShay: Agrees but says Ohio State is very close, particularly with their corners’ play and the #1 pass defense.

9. Head Coach Draft

[48:54] McShay (surprise pick): Kurt Signetti (Indiana)
- “He scares the fuck out of me. He’s a wild card… there’s something about that Signetti nut going into a weekend like this where they’re clearly outclassed… somehow, some way, this game’s going to be close late.” (McShay, 49:46)
Mensch: Ryan Day (Ohio State)
- “Give me Ryan Day… from the end of last year when they lost that game and the sky was falling until now, has put on an absolute clinic.” (Mensch, 51:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the four QBs: “Give me any one of the four and I'll roll with any of them. I really am. That's rare.” – McShay (11:22)
“Anytime you go into two of the biggest games of the year… and we can honestly say we’re cool with all four quarterbacks, that’s... setting up for an awesome Saturday, right?” – McShay (13:36)
On Bo Jackson’s development: “At the end of the year… he’s their guy.” – Mensch (14:36)
“This was one of the easiest [positions to pick].” – McShay, on LB for Ohio State (39:33)
On Kurt Signetti as head coach: “You are out of your goddamn mind… but I love Signetti.” – Mensch (48:57)
“I'm not saying who's gonna coach my program forever. I'm saying he scares me Saturday night.” – McShay (51:43)
“There are two… first-round inside linebackers. That's astounding. There have been two true off-the-ball linebackers drafted in the first round in the last three years in the NFL and [Ohio State's] got two playing on that defense alone. It's wild.” (McShay, 40:54)
On Alabama’s secondary: “I would put this secondary up with any secondary in the country.” – McShay (45:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Intro & Draft Setup: [00:05-02:55]
Quarterback Picks: [07:02-13:18]
Running Backs: [13:54-18:09]
Wide Receiver Draft: [18:09-24:50]
Tight Ends: [24:53-27:33]
Offensive Line: [27:40-31:17]
Edge & Interior DL: [33:49-39:23]
Linebackers: [39:26-43:56]
Secondary: [43:56-48:28]
Coach Draft: [48:44-53:07]
Closing Recap & Bet Picks: [53:07-60:57]

Summary Table: First Picks by Position

| Position | McShay's Top Pick | Mensch's Top Pick | |-------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------| | QB | Julian Sayin (OSU) | Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) | | RB | Nate Frazier (Alabama) | Bo Jackson (OSU) | | WR1 | Jeremiah Smith (OSU) | Carnell Tate (OSU) | | WR2 | Jeremy Bernard (Alabama) | Zachariah Branch (Georgia) | | TE | Oscar Delp (Georgia) | Max Clare (OSU) | | O-Line | Ohio State | Indiana | | Edge | Alabama | Ohio State | | Interior DL | Indiana | Ohio State | | LB | Ohio State | Indiana | | Secondary | Alabama | Alabama | | Coach | Kurt Signetti (Indiana) | Ryan Day (OSU) |

Tone & Delivery

Candid, lively, irreverent: Strong opinions and friendly needling abound (“You are out of your goddamn mind.”).
Insightful and analytical: Offers both “eye test” football talk and specific stats/trends.
Accessible expertise: Provides both granular player analysis and big-picture program context.

Concluding Thoughts

This episode serves both die-hard fans and the draft-curious, providing a rare “all-star” lens on the Big Ten and SEC Championship rosters. With sharp debate, concrete reasoning, and entertaining chemistry, McShay and Mensch paint a detailed picture of the high-stakes matchups to come. The discussion is as much about traits, adversity, and game-altering potential as it is about sheer talent—making it a must-listen (or read) for anyone following the march to the College Football Playoff.

The McShay Show: The Big Ten and SEC Championship Player Draft | Rough Draft 1.6

Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Todd McShay (with Mensch)
Podcast: The Ringer Presents: The McShay Show

Overview

The episode is rich with evaluation insights, back-and-forth banter, and plenty of debate—both serious and tongue-in-cheek—about personnel, big-game potential, and program strengths.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Structure

[00:05] McShay introduces the episode as a test of their football evaluation skills via a draft of the best players and units from the SEC and Big Ten championship contenders.
[02:24] Outlines the draft: quarterback, every offensive skill position, and various defensive units—including a surprise request from the producer to pick the coach they’d want on their sideline.

2. Quarterback Draft

[07:02] McShay takes the first pick and, after much consideration, chooses Julian Sayin (Ohio State) for his rapid progression as a first-year starter:
- “I’ve seen an advancement in his game that’s just… astounding to watch.” (McShay, 08:23)
Mensch, with the second pick, goes Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), citing his clutch, high-stakes wins on the road against Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State:
- “The wins the way that [Mendoza] has won, where he’s won, gave him a little bit of an edge over Sayin even though Sayin’s playing at an elite level.” (Mensch, 11:22)
Both agree the QB field is unusually strong—any of the four (including Ty Simpson and Gunner Stockton from the SEC) would be championship-caliber options.

3. Running Back Draft

[14:36] Mensch picks first, takes Bo Jackson (Ohio State), citing his explosive finish to the season and expanded role:
- “For the last five games, he’s going over 100 yards rushing… He’s got it all. I think he maybe hasn’t reached his full potential yet, which is scary.” (Mensch, 15:07)
McShay: Nate Frazier (Alabama), noting his explosive ability and recent turnaround after early-season fumble issues:
- “He is fast. He is explosive. He’s got fresh legs too… and it’s going to be like three or four runs that could make all the difference in this game.” (McShay, 17:23)

4. Wide Receiver Draft

Each picks two WRs.
- McShay’s #1: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
  - “His presence is such a difference… you have to account for Jeremiah Smith, his impact, no matter how good it is production wise, is going to be massive.” (McShay, 19:44)
- Mensch’s #1: Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
  - “If there’s a 50-50 ball, I expect Carnell Tate to come down with it. I think it’s more like 80-20.” (Mensch, 21:30)
- Second WR choices:
  - McShay: Jeremy Bernard (Alabama) – praised for reliability and NFL-caliber route running.
  - Mensch: Zachariah Branch (Georgia) – “I just love the explosiveness… an extension of the running game.” (Mensch, 23:38)

5. Tight End Draft

Slim group, but both see Max Clare (Ohio State) as the top option:
- “Claire is the most talented of the four. I agree.” (McShay, 26:17)
McShay also highlights Oscar Delp (Georgia) and Riley Nowakowski (Alabama) as interesting but not “featured” options.

6. Offensive Line Draft

McShay: Ohio State’s line, citing both personnel and surging physicality
- “This year they’re just being quiet, lining up and… being more physical.” (McShay, 28:55)
Mensch: Indiana’s line, especially left tackle Carter Smith and the group’s cohesion
- “Carter Smith, the left tackle, might be the best left tackle playing in these two games… this is a unit that’s really good as a whole.” (Mensch, 29:55)

7. Defensive Front: Edge & Interior DL

Edge:
- Mensch: Ohio State’s group (Kaden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr.)
- McShay: Alabama, for talent and depth (led by Yonze Pierre)
Interior DL:
- Mensch: Ohio State for Kaden McDonald’s high impact.
- McShay: Indiana for the nation’s 2nd-best run defense and a collection of stout bodies led by Tyreek Tucker.

8. Linebacker & Secondary Drafts

Linebacker

McShay: Ohio State as the clear best, with two first-round talents in Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles
- “There are two… first-round inside linebackers… That’s astounding.” (McShay, 40:54)
Mensch: Indiana’s linebackers—Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones, and Relijah Hardy—are remarkably underrated and central to Indiana’s defensive success
- “These Indiana linebackers are criminally underrated.” (Mensch, 43:38)

Defensive Back

Mensch: Alabama, highlighting Bray Hubbard and the ascending freshman Dijon Lee
- “I wanted to go in another direction, but I ended up on Alabama.” (Mensch, 45:14)
McShay: Agrees but says Ohio State is very close, particularly with their corners’ play and the #1 pass defense.

9. Head Coach Draft

[48:54] McShay (surprise pick): Kurt Signetti (Indiana)
- “He scares the fuck out of me. He’s a wild card… there’s something about that Signetti nut going into a weekend like this where they’re clearly outclassed… somehow, some way, this game’s going to be close late.” (McShay, 49:46)
Mensch: Ryan Day (Ohio State)
- “Give me Ryan Day… from the end of last year when they lost that game and the sky was falling until now, has put on an absolute clinic.” (Mensch, 51:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the four QBs: “Give me any one of the four and I'll roll with any of them. I really am. That's rare.” – McShay (11:22)
“Anytime you go into two of the biggest games of the year… and we can honestly say we’re cool with all four quarterbacks, that’s... setting up for an awesome Saturday, right?” – McShay (13:36)
On Bo Jackson’s development: “At the end of the year… he’s their guy.” – Mensch (14:36)
“This was one of the easiest [positions to pick].” – McShay, on LB for Ohio State (39:33)
On Kurt Signetti as head coach: “You are out of your goddamn mind… but I love Signetti.” – Mensch (48:57)
“I'm not saying who's gonna coach my program forever. I'm saying he scares me Saturday night.” – McShay (51:43)
“There are two… first-round inside linebackers. That's astounding. There have been two true off-the-ball linebackers drafted in the first round in the last three years in the NFL and [Ohio State's] got two playing on that defense alone. It's wild.” (McShay, 40:54)
On Alabama’s secondary: “I would put this secondary up with any secondary in the country.” – McShay (45:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Intro & Draft Setup: [00:05-02:55]
Quarterback Picks: [07:02-13:18]
Running Backs: [13:54-18:09]
Wide Receiver Draft: [18:09-24:50]
Tight Ends: [24:53-27:33]
Offensive Line: [27:40-31:17]
Edge & Interior DL: [33:49-39:23]
Linebackers: [39:26-43:56]
Secondary: [43:56-48:28]
Coach Draft: [48:44-53:07]
Closing Recap & Bet Picks: [53:07-60:57]

Summary Table: First Picks by Position

Tone & Delivery

Candid, lively, irreverent: Strong opinions and friendly needling abound (“You are out of your goddamn mind.”).
Insightful and analytical: Offers both “eye test” football talk and specific stats/trends.
Accessible expertise: Provides both granular player analysis and big-picture program context.

The Big Ten and SEC Championship Player Draft | Rough Draft 1.6

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Summary

The McShay Show: The Big Ten and SEC Championship Player Draft | Rough Draft 1.6

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Structure

2. Quarterback Draft

3. Running Back Draft

4. Wide Receiver Draft

5. Tight End Draft

6. Offensive Line Draft

7. Defensive Front: Edge & Interior DL

8. Linebacker & Secondary Drafts

Linebacker

Defensive Back

9. Head Coach Draft

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Summary Table: First Picks by Position

Tone & Delivery

Concluding Thoughts

Summary

The McShay Show: The Big Ten and SEC Championship Player Draft | Rough Draft 1.6

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Structure

2. Quarterback Draft

3. Running Back Draft

4. Wide Receiver Draft

5. Tight End Draft

6. Offensive Line Draft

7. Defensive Front: Edge & Interior DL

8. Linebacker & Secondary Drafts

Linebacker

Defensive Back

9. Head Coach Draft

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Summary Table: First Picks by Position

Tone & Delivery

Concluding Thoughts