The McShay Show — "The Year of the College Quarterback and NFL Rookies to Watch in Week 1"

Podcast: The McShay Show
Host: The Ringer
Date: September 4, 2025
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer AI

Overview

In this episode, Todd McShay and his co-host ("Mensch") dive into what they're calling "the year of the quarterback" in college football, with particular focus on standout performances, emerging offensive schemes, and must-watch matchups for the upcoming weekend. The discussion also shifts to NFL rookies set to debut in Week 1, reviewing both camp buzz and tough opening assignments. The tone is energetic, conversational, and loaded with granular football insight, making it a great listen for hardcore CFB and NFL draft fans.

Main Themes and Key Points

1. Michigan vs. Oklahoma — First-Ever Visit to Norman

[03:13 – 18:14]

Michigan's True Freshman QB (Underwood)

• Historic setting: First true road game at an SEC opponent for Michigan.
• Impressive debut: Underwood's performance drew rave reviews for both poise and flashes of special talent.
• Notable Play [07:48]: "He hands the ball off…then goes out to see if he can lead block. …A little crack back, springs Haynes for a touchdown. …That play, I was like, I kind of like this guy." – McShay
• Mental makeup: Underwood played with "joy," showing resilience after missed throws and no turnovers, even when New Mexico made the game tight.
  • "He's out there playing with joy. Like, he's got some joy to him. He seems happy, he seems light." – Mensch [09:14]
• Key drive: Facing 3rd and 14 near the half, Underwood threw a "dart" to sustain the drive and delivered a touchdown before halftime, demonstrating advanced poise for a freshman.
• Running back standout: Justice Haynes (Alabama transfer): 16 carries, 153 yards, 3 TDs [07:34].
• Coach Chip Lindsey: Praised for his scheme, blending Michigan’s physical DNA with creative motion and RPO looks.
  • "I love what they're doing. I mean, in love with what they're doing." – Mensch [15:12]

Questions on Defense & Weapons

• Michigan's defense lost top 100 picks (Grant, Graham, Stewart). Will their depth stand up?
• TE Marlon Klein: emerging as a key weapon.

2. Oklahoma Preview and John Matier Buzz

[18:42 – 33:39]

Oklahoma’s Offense

• Transfer RB Jaden Ott: Recovering from injury, should be available and expected to feature, "gonna get plenty of run" [20:23].
• RB Tony Blaylock: Freshman flashed before a minor shoulder injury.
• WRs Keontes Lewis, Dion Burks, Jaren Canik: Combined for 21 catches, 297 yards, 3 TDs – a deep group.
• John Matier (QB): Prodigious debut, breaking Baker Mayfield’s Oklahoma single-game debut yardage record (30/37, 392 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT).
  • "Everything with this guy is a fire drill and like a well-constructed end result…he gives zero [cares] when you watch it. …He will challenge you on all three levels." – McShay [24:23]
  • Comparisons to Baker, Kyler, and Texas HS football: ultra-fast reads, RPOs, quick release, but not just short game.

Weaknesses/Questions

• Offensive line: Allowed 50 sacks last year. Can the new group hold up against a Michigan front even after its losses?
  • "There are some one on one matchups that Michigan can exploit. …That’s going to be interesting." – Mensch [32:50]

Notable Quote

“If Oklahoma wins on Saturday night, John Matier is the story in college football…he will have taken over September.”
— Todd McShay [24:14]

3. College Football Week 2 — Quarterback Matchups to Watch

[44:47 – 61:39]

McShay declares this season “the golden era of college football quarterbacking”, with incredible depth and storylines across the country.

Highlighted Noon Games & QBs [45:36–56:38]:

• Baylor at SMU: Sawyer Robertson (Baylor) vs. Kevin Jennings (SMU)
  • Robertson: 419 yards, 3 TDs vs Auburn last week
  • Jennings: Mobile, smart, “gamer”, took SMU to the playoff last year
• Illinois at Duke: Luke Altmeyer (Illinois) vs. Darian Mensah (Duke)
  • Both praised as poised pocket passers; Mensah "an absolute assassin"
  • Mensah: Led AAC in completion % and YPA last year. 2734 for 389, 3 TDs in opener.
  • Altmeyer: Former Ole Miss QB, highest # of late-game wins in CFB [55:02].
    • "He's one of the guys... prepares, does all the little things, loves his teammates..." – McShay [55:20]
• Iowa at Iowa State: Mark Gronowski (Iowa) vs. Rocco Beck (ISU)
  • Beck: Not flashy but "playing the position at a very high level" [60:31]
  • Gronowski: Former FCS Heisman winner, wobbly debut, but highly regarded in QB circles

4. NFL Rookie Watch — Week 1 Storylines

[62:14–71:29]

McShay’s Camp Standouts [62:53]

• Matthew Golden (Packers): 4.29 speed, “Jordan Love’s guy”
• Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers): Immediate trust from Baker Mayfield, “plays any position”
• Omari and Hampton (Chargers): "You don't see 6' 220 move like that"
• TreyVeyon Henderson (Patriots): "Different gear," should feature alongside Drake Maye
• Elijah Arroyo (Seahawks TE): Blocking, hands, speed, with Fant released he’s TE1
• Shemar Stewart & Demetrius Knight (Bengals D): Stewart emerging after holdout; Knight "shot out of a cannon"
  • "Playing his ass off like he did at A&M." – McShay [68:50]

Welcome-to-the-NFL Assignments (Mensch’s Take) [68:53–71:13]

• Cam Ward (QB, ?): At Denver
• Will Campbell (OT, ?): Facing Max Crosby
• Malaki Starks (S, Ravens): Starts at S vs. Josh Allen, Buffalo
  • "Let's see what you got. I'm excited to see him, see what he can do..." – Mensch [69:01]
  • Ravens' secondary: Starks, Wiggins, Alexander, Hamilton – “potential to be outrageous” [70:06]

Other Names to Watch

• Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Colston Loveland: Listed as notable rookies whose week 1 usage will be interesting.

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

• "I promise you, if Oklahoma wins Saturday night, John Mateer is the story in college football."
  — Todd McShay [24:14]

• "He's out there playing with joy…he seems happy, he seems light…I'll say it was a good vibe."
  — Mensch (on Underwood, Michigan QB) [09:14]

• "It's the golden era of quarterbacking in college football."
  — McShay [44:27]

• "Does he dominate lesser competition? 19 of 20 passing, three touchdowns. Well, yeah."
  — McShay (on Rocco Beck, ISU) [57:46]

Timestamps — Key Sections

| Segment | Start Time | |--------------------------------------------|------------| | Michigan-Oklahoma Background, Preview | 03:13 | | Michigan Freshman QB (Underwood) Analysis | 07:34 | | Oklahoma Weapons, John Matier | 18:42 | | Oklahoma’s Offensive Tempo, Receivers | 21:08 | | Matier’s Style, Game-Breaking Ability | 23:39 | | Matchup Questions: O-Line vs. Michigan DL | 32:16 | | CFB Week 2 QB Matchups Overview | 44:47 | | Baylor–SMU, Robertson/Jennings | 45:36 | | Illinois–Duke, Altmeyer/Mensah | 50:27 | | Iowa–ISU, Beck/Gronowski | 56:38 | | NFL Rookie Watch: Camp & Week 1 Assignments| 62:14 | | Cam Ward/Will Campbell’s NFL “baptisms” | 68:53 |

Summary — Why Listen?

• In-Depth Xs and Os: Deep-dive breakdowns on scheme, mechanics, and what to watch for in top college games.
• Scouting Mindset: Insight into the evaluation process and what NFL teams look for, straight from McShay’s experience.
• NFL Rookie Preview: Fresh info from training camp, with candid bullishness (and some caution) about top rookies' roles.
• Natural Banter: Engaging back-and-forth, anecdotes about the industry, and honest, sometimes self-deprecating humor.

Final Thoughts

The episode delivers an X-and-O-rich but accessible discussion of marquee matchups and rising stars across NCAA and NFL. With both college football and the NFL intersecting in early September, McShay and crew provide both a scouting lens and a fan’s enthusiasm.

Plan Your Saturday:

• Noon: Check out CFB’s next wave of QBs in Baylor-SMU, Illinois-Duke, Iowa-ISU.
• Prime Time: Michigan at Oklahoma — all eyes on Underwood vs. Matier, possible game of the year vibes.

NFL Week 1:

• Rookies to watch: Golden, Henderson, Egbuka, Arroyo, Stewart, Knight — and several being "baptized" by fire against tough opening matchups.

For more of McShay’s draft content and live shows, hit The McShay Report newsletter and subscribe on YouTube.

End of Summary