The McShay Show – Episode Summary

Episode: "Why Clemson, Texas, and Penn State Top Todd’s Preseason Power Rankings"

Date: August 28, 2025
Hosts: Daniel Jeremiah (DJ), Mitch Light
Purpose: Todd McShay reveals and debates his top three preseason college football teams—Penn State, Texas, and Clemson—breaking down roster strengths, coaching factors, and questions marks as the 2025 season kicks off.

Episode Overview

Todd McShay and co-hosts dive deep into the final unveiling of McShay's preseason top three college football teams: Penn State, Texas, and Clemson. The discussion unpacks the logic, concerns, and high-stakes storylines behind each ranking, focusing on roster composition, coaching acumen, quarterback play, and the likelihood of each program breaking through amidst high preseason expectations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[04:19] – Penn State at #3

Strengths & Key Players:

Returns more starters (15; 9 on offense) than any other 2024 playoff team.
"This is a team that everyone thinks is going to make a run...everything comes back to the reason everyone’s so high on Penn State is because there’s questions everywhere else." – Mitch Light [04:19]
Notable returning offensive weapons: QB Drew Aller, RBs Nick Singleton and Katron Allen, an upgraded WR room with Tyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), Trayvar Pena (Syracuse).
Strong tight end tradition, with Khalil Dinkins hyped as next breakout by position coach Frank Leonard.

Coaching & Schedule Talk:

Concerns center on head coach James Franklin’s record in big games (4–20 vs AP Top 10), and Drew Aller’s struggles against top competition.
Relatively easy early schedule allows time for new WRs to gel with Aller before facing Oregon and Ohio State.
"It’s the two most important spots in college football: head coach and quarterback. That’s why I don’t have them number one." – Daniel Jeremiah [07:35]
Defense lost key star Abdul Carter, but “they always have edge rushers.”
Penn State's deep, NFL-bound talent, but "seen this movie before" skepticism from Mitch Light.

Aller, Pressure & Playoff Odds:

Aller is 23–6 as a starter, but 0–6 vs AP-ranked Power 4 programs. Sub-50% completion rate and 8/5 TD/INT in those games, but 67% and 52/5 in all others.
"I don’t think he’s a choke artist...But against those teams, defensive lines come at you and I don’t even know… I think that’s part of it." – DJ [20:25]
Team could endure a loss and still make the playoff with the new format, but must defeat at least one blueblood.

Notable Quote:

"I am not a James Franklin guy. I don’t trust him...But I have to say, this roster is talented enough...maybe I gotta put all that aside this year." – Daniel Jeremiah [25:00]

[33:13] – Texas at #2

Why a "Home Depot Renovation" Pick:

Massive NFL Draft exodus: 14 players lost, 6 in first three rounds.
"Why are we high on them? Blind faith…but I believe in Sark so much. And I believe in their continuity." – DJ [34:09]
Steve Sarkisian’s fifth year; program stability in coaching staff (Pete Kwiatkowski, DC; Kyle Flood, OL).
Talented roster, even if only 2 top-75 prospects entering the year—it’s expected to rise.

QB & Offensive Evaluation:

Arch Manning steps up as starter, praised for his "physical readiness for the SEC," running ability, and leadership development.
Deep but unproven receiver room: Ryan Wingo (breakout candidate), DeAndre Moore (needs to catch more consistently), Emmett Mosley (Stanford transfer), plus explosive young burners (Livingston, Butler, McCutcheon, French, Lockett).
RB room led by C.J. Baxter (fully healthy post-injury), Trey Wisner, and newcomer Herrick Gibson provide punch and rotational depth.
Jack Andries, TE, seen as next impact transfer (from Cal).
OL replaces 4 starters: key test, but faith in Kyle Flood's coaching.

Defense Outlook:

Secondary excelled last year (22 INTs, 9 TDs allowed) despite losing playmakers Jayden Baron and Andrew Mukuba.
Front seven returns Colin Simmons (potential top-five pick, edge), Anthony Hill Jr. (possible LB1), depth up front bolstered by portal additions (Marade Watson, Cole Brevard, Travis Shaw).
Defensive scheme praised as disciplined and confusing for QBs: "It’s confusing for a quarterback...They can play the ball." – DJ [48:27]

Biggest Questions & X-Factors:

"It really comes down to the offensive line on the offensive side of the ball because the running backs, again, are super talented." – Mitch Light [45:28]
Offense's ability to get big plays, improve consistency, and defense’s adaptability after significant roster churn key to Texas’ ceiling.
Brutal schedule includes Ohio State, Florida (off a bye), Georgia, and Oklahoma (one week after Georgia).

[57:43] – Clemson at #1

Main Arguments for #1:

"My concerns with Penn State are the head coach and quarterback. When I look at Clemson, you can say whatever you want about Dabo...he’s won two national championships, nine ACC championships." – Mitch Light [57:43]
Real confidence in QB Cade Klubnik’s "ascension," experienced offensive line, and emerging run game (Adam Randall, top recruit Gideon Davidson, backup Eziomum).
Offensive skill corps includes Antonio Williams ("better than DeAndre Moore"), Bryant Wesco, Tyler Brown, and FCS transfer Tristan Smith.
"I love the depth on the defensive line...they brought in help from the transfer portal. Defense brings back difference makers Peter Woods, TJ Parker, and 5-star Sammy Brown." – DJ [60:59]

Scheme & Defensive Edge:

Tom Allen (ex-Indiana, ex-Penn State DC) takes over as defensive coordinator; emphasis on better tackling and unleashing deep talent.
"The biggest thing...that team kind of sucked for a really good defense at tackling last year. That has been addressed. Tom Allen’s number one thing was ‘we’re going to be a better tackling team.’" – DJ [61:00]
Loaded with NFL-caliber talent (5 in McShay’s top 75), scheme will "let them play fast but smart."

Running Game Questions:

Will the run game be "championship enough"? Both hosts believe yes, with more explosiveness and depth than previous years.
"I think it will be because I think the talent’s there at running back and I think the experienced offensive line comes together...All of that comes together for that to be good enough as a running game." – Mitch Light [66:04]

Schedule/Circumstances:

Not an easy road: key out-of-conference tilt with LSU in Week 1 (debated at length), plus traditional ACC title race.
If Clemson were in the Big Ten? "No hesitation," says Mitch Light, asserting they’d still be #1 outside the SEC.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Penn State’s Big Game Woes:

“Franklin’s teams, 34 and 8 the past three years, but one in six versus top 10 teams and that one win came against a non-power four program in Boise State.” – DJ [13:48]
On Texas’ Confidence in Coaching:

“I believe in Sark so much. And you know what else I believe in? I believe in the continuity...Pete Kwiatkowski still at defensive coordinator, Kyle Flood a damn good O-line coach.” – DJ [34:09]
On Clemson’s Dabo Swinney:

“Say what you want about him and you can say a lot about him. He’s won two national championships, nine ACC championships...he knows how to win.” – Mitch Light [58:13]
On the Modern SEC Grind:

"The best team in the country might be a two or even three loss SEC team, and people are going to go nuts about this...it is what it is." – DJ & Mitch Light [59:51]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[04:19] – Penn State's ranking, strengths, and flaws
[13:48] – Franklin’s big game record; WR room upgrades; early schedule overview
[19:22] – Drew Aller’s tale of two performances
[21:56] – Penn State roster depth, NFL prospects, skepticism on breakthrough
[25:00] – McShay’s reservations with James Franklin vs. faith in roster
[33:13] – Transition to Texas, draft losses, coaching faith
[34:57] – Deep dive on Texas’ coaching staff, offensive playmakers, and breakout candidates
[41:05] – Arch Manning’s differential upside vs. last year’s offense
[45:28] – Offensive line questions, wide receiver room depth, overall unit assessments
[47:17] – Defense: scheme, returning talent, and potential breakout defenders
[53:58] – Clemson over LSU pick, Week 1 implications
[57:43] – Clemson’s championship formula: QB, defense, coaching
[66:04] – The running game verdict
[66:51+] – Depth chart tweaks, running back rotation, closing predictions

Tone and Takeaways

Tone: Informal, energetic, analytic, friendly-argumentative—true to "inside football" banter with deep expertise.
Takeaway: McShay’s top three is less about 2024 results than about projecting stability and upside. Penn State rises due to national chaos. Texas is a reconstructed juggernaut with an exceptional coach and emerging QB. Clemson combines championship pedigree, rising stars, and defensive depth—making them this year’s consensus pre-season top dog, despite running game questions.

For in-depth breakdowns on each team’s position units, day-of reactions, and a full scouting report on key prospects (e.g., Drew Aller, Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik), check out previous McShay Show episodes or subscribe to The McShay Report.

Next: Live reaction show on YouTube during the closing minutes of Clemson-LSU.

The McShay Show – Episode Summary

Episode: "Why Clemson, Texas, and Penn State Top Todd’s Preseason Power Rankings"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[04:19] – Penn State at #3

Strengths & Key Players:

Returns more starters (15; 9 on offense) than any other 2024 playoff team.
"This is a team that everyone thinks is going to make a run...everything comes back to the reason everyone’s so high on Penn State is because there’s questions everywhere else." – Mitch Light [04:19]
Notable returning offensive weapons: QB Drew Aller, RBs Nick Singleton and Katron Allen, an upgraded WR room with Tyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), Trayvar Pena (Syracuse).
Strong tight end tradition, with Khalil Dinkins hyped as next breakout by position coach Frank Leonard.

Coaching & Schedule Talk:

Concerns center on head coach James Franklin’s record in big games (4–20 vs AP Top 10), and Drew Aller’s struggles against top competition.
Relatively easy early schedule allows time for new WRs to gel with Aller before facing Oregon and Ohio State.
"It’s the two most important spots in college football: head coach and quarterback. That’s why I don’t have them number one." – Daniel Jeremiah [07:35]
Defense lost key star Abdul Carter, but “they always have edge rushers.”
Penn State's deep, NFL-bound talent, but "seen this movie before" skepticism from Mitch Light.

Aller, Pressure & Playoff Odds:

Aller is 23–6 as a starter, but 0–6 vs AP-ranked Power 4 programs. Sub-50% completion rate and 8/5 TD/INT in those games, but 67% and 52/5 in all others.
"I don’t think he’s a choke artist...But against those teams, defensive lines come at you and I don’t even know… I think that’s part of it." – DJ [20:25]
Team could endure a loss and still make the playoff with the new format, but must defeat at least one blueblood.

Notable Quote:

"I am not a James Franklin guy. I don’t trust him...But I have to say, this roster is talented enough...maybe I gotta put all that aside this year." – Daniel Jeremiah [25:00]

[33:13] – Texas at #2

Why a "Home Depot Renovation" Pick:

Massive NFL Draft exodus: 14 players lost, 6 in first three rounds.
"Why are we high on them? Blind faith…but I believe in Sark so much. And I believe in their continuity." – DJ [34:09]
Steve Sarkisian’s fifth year; program stability in coaching staff (Pete Kwiatkowski, DC; Kyle Flood, OL).
Talented roster, even if only 2 top-75 prospects entering the year—it’s expected to rise.

QB & Offensive Evaluation:

Arch Manning steps up as starter, praised for his "physical readiness for the SEC," running ability, and leadership development.
Deep but unproven receiver room: Ryan Wingo (breakout candidate), DeAndre Moore (needs to catch more consistently), Emmett Mosley (Stanford transfer), plus explosive young burners (Livingston, Butler, McCutcheon, French, Lockett).
RB room led by C.J. Baxter (fully healthy post-injury), Trey Wisner, and newcomer Herrick Gibson provide punch and rotational depth.
Jack Andries, TE, seen as next impact transfer (from Cal).
OL replaces 4 starters: key test, but faith in Kyle Flood's coaching.

Defense Outlook:

Secondary excelled last year (22 INTs, 9 TDs allowed) despite losing playmakers Jayden Baron and Andrew Mukuba.
Front seven returns Colin Simmons (potential top-five pick, edge), Anthony Hill Jr. (possible LB1), depth up front bolstered by portal additions (Marade Watson, Cole Brevard, Travis Shaw).
Defensive scheme praised as disciplined and confusing for QBs: "It’s confusing for a quarterback...They can play the ball." – DJ [48:27]

Biggest Questions & X-Factors:

"It really comes down to the offensive line on the offensive side of the ball because the running backs, again, are super talented." – Mitch Light [45:28]
Offense's ability to get big plays, improve consistency, and defense’s adaptability after significant roster churn key to Texas’ ceiling.
Brutal schedule includes Ohio State, Florida (off a bye), Georgia, and Oklahoma (one week after Georgia).

[57:43] – Clemson at #1

Main Arguments for #1:

"My concerns with Penn State are the head coach and quarterback. When I look at Clemson, you can say whatever you want about Dabo...he’s won two national championships, nine ACC championships." – Mitch Light [57:43]
Real confidence in QB Cade Klubnik’s "ascension," experienced offensive line, and emerging run game (Adam Randall, top recruit Gideon Davidson, backup Eziomum).
Offensive skill corps includes Antonio Williams ("better than DeAndre Moore"), Bryant Wesco, Tyler Brown, and FCS transfer Tristan Smith.
"I love the depth on the defensive line...they brought in help from the transfer portal. Defense brings back difference makers Peter Woods, TJ Parker, and 5-star Sammy Brown." – DJ [60:59]

Scheme & Defensive Edge:

Tom Allen (ex-Indiana, ex-Penn State DC) takes over as defensive coordinator; emphasis on better tackling and unleashing deep talent.
"The biggest thing...that team kind of sucked for a really good defense at tackling last year. That has been addressed. Tom Allen’s number one thing was ‘we’re going to be a better tackling team.’" – DJ [61:00]
Loaded with NFL-caliber talent (5 in McShay’s top 75), scheme will "let them play fast but smart."

Running Game Questions:

Will the run game be "championship enough"? Both hosts believe yes, with more explosiveness and depth than previous years.
"I think it will be because I think the talent’s there at running back and I think the experienced offensive line comes together...All of that comes together for that to be good enough as a running game." – Mitch Light [66:04]

Schedule/Circumstances:

Not an easy road: key out-of-conference tilt with LSU in Week 1 (debated at length), plus traditional ACC title race.
If Clemson were in the Big Ten? "No hesitation," says Mitch Light, asserting they’d still be #1 outside the SEC.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Penn State’s Big Game Woes:

“Franklin’s teams, 34 and 8 the past three years, but one in six versus top 10 teams and that one win came against a non-power four program in Boise State.” – DJ [13:48]
On Texas’ Confidence in Coaching:

“I believe in Sark so much. And you know what else I believe in? I believe in the continuity...Pete Kwiatkowski still at defensive coordinator, Kyle Flood a damn good O-line coach.” – DJ [34:09]
On Clemson’s Dabo Swinney:

“Say what you want about him and you can say a lot about him. He’s won two national championships, nine ACC championships...he knows how to win.” – Mitch Light [58:13]
On the Modern SEC Grind:

"The best team in the country might be a two or even three loss SEC team, and people are going to go nuts about this...it is what it is." – DJ & Mitch Light [59:51]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[04:19] – Penn State's ranking, strengths, and flaws
[13:48] – Franklin’s big game record; WR room upgrades; early schedule overview
[19:22] – Drew Aller’s tale of two performances
[21:56] – Penn State roster depth, NFL prospects, skepticism on breakthrough
[25:00] – McShay’s reservations with James Franklin vs. faith in roster
[33:13] – Transition to Texas, draft losses, coaching faith
[34:57] – Deep dive on Texas’ coaching staff, offensive playmakers, and breakout candidates
[41:05] – Arch Manning’s differential upside vs. last year’s offense
[45:28] – Offensive line questions, wide receiver room depth, overall unit assessments
[47:17] – Defense: scheme, returning talent, and potential breakout defenders
[53:58] – Clemson over LSU pick, Week 1 implications
[57:43] – Clemson’s championship formula: QB, defense, coaching
[66:04] – The running game verdict
[66:51+] – Depth chart tweaks, running back rotation, closing predictions

Tone and Takeaways

Tone: Informal, energetic, analytic, friendly-argumentative—true to "inside football" banter with deep expertise.
Takeaway: McShay’s top three is less about 2024 results than about projecting stability and upside. Penn State rises due to national chaos. Texas is a reconstructed juggernaut with an exceptional coach and emerging QB. Clemson combines championship pedigree, rising stars, and defensive depth—making them this year’s consensus pre-season top dog, despite running game questions.

Next: Live reaction show on YouTube during the closing minutes of Clemson-LSU.

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Why Clemson, Texas, and Penn State Top Todd’s Preseason Power Rankings

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Summary

The McShay Show – Episode Summary

Episode: "Why Clemson, Texas, and Penn State Top Todd’s Preseason Power Rankings"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[04:19] – Penn State at #3

[33:13] – Texas at #2

[57:43] – Clemson at #1

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Takeaways

Summary

The McShay Show – Episode Summary

Episode: "Why Clemson, Texas, and Penn State Top Todd’s Preseason Power Rankings"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[04:19] – Penn State at #3

[33:13] – Texas at #2

[57:43] – Clemson at #1

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Takeaways