Hour 1: David Ubben, The Athletic

Summary

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The Paul Finebaum Show – Hour 1: David Ubben, The Athletic

Date: July 24, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum (ESPN/SEC Network)
Featured Guest: David Ubben (The Athletic)
Main Theme: Reactions to SEC Media Days, preseason predictions, and state of top SEC programs

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Episode Overview

This episode opens with Paul Finebaum sharing insights and reactions following the conclusion of SEC Media Days in Tampa. He discusses preseason predictions, particularly the surprising (and historic) low placement of Alabama, as well as the ongoing buzz around Texas and Georgia. Finebaum is joined by David Ubben of The Athletic for a thoughtful breakdown of media days takeaways, with candid calls from fans fueling lively debate around Lane Kiffin, Alabama’s trajectory under Kalen DeBoer, and much more.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SEC Media Days – Preseason Poll and Predictions

• Opening Take:
  Paul Finebaum highlights that most experts at media days believe Georgia and Texas are clear front-runners. He notes Alabama’s 6th-place prediction is their lowest since 2008.

  • "Although almost everyone down there felt Texas had a legitimate shot. Very close... Alabama at sixth. It's the lowest preseason prediction for Alabama since 2008.” [00:28]

• Finebaum’s Perspective:
  Polls are largely for discussion; the preseason poll has historically been accurate just 20% of the time.

  • "It doesn't mean anything. It's just something to wrap one's arms around." [01:55]

• David Ubben’s Analysis:
  Alabama’s perception has shifted, and the team’s failure to “set the world on fire” in portal recruiting is a concern. There’s intrigue around Keelan Russell’s potential as a star, and lingering optimism for Ole Miss due to Pete Golding’s playoff performance and the returning QB.

  • "The perception of Alabama, you know, obviously jumps out… But it's interesting just the way that they're viewed has changed pretty dramatically in a few years." [03:48]

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2. Oklahoma and the Quarterback Question

• Paul Finebaum’s Surprise:
  Despite the preseason buzz around Oklahoma, their actual poll ranking didn’t match the hype.

  • "Everybody's talking Oklahoma, Buzz, buzz, buzz. But they didn't really move the needle when it came to voting." [04:36]

• Ubben on Oklahoma’s Outlook:
  QB John Mateer’s limitations last season (following a thumb injury) remain a question. Whether he can elevate his play is key; Ubben isn’t optimistic about Mateer’s passing ability against elite SEC defenses.

  • “I'm not necessarily high on him as a guy that's refined enough as a passer to carry you to an SEC championship and dice up some of these defenses.” [05:18]

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3. The Wild Card: LSU’s Ceiling and Uncertainty

• LSU Roster Unpredictability:
  Both hosts agree LSU is hard to peg, with high potential—everything from “16-0 national champion” to 8-4 and missing the playoff feels possible.
  • "LSU I think is probably the biggest wild card in the country this year... I do think like 16-0 national champion is on the table. But I think 8-4 miss the playoff and, you know, have a great weekend in the ReliaQuest Bowl is on the board too." – Ubben [06:07]

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4. The SEC ‘Breakaway’ and Greg Sankey’s Comments

• Debating the “SEC Breakaway” Narrative:
  Finebaum and Ubben dissect Commissioner Greg Sankey’s mixed messages about conference autonomy, with Ubben calling rumors of SEC self-governance “plainly stupid.”

  • "The idea that an SEC breakaway is so plainly stupid when you barely press on it logically and project forward to what that world might look like, I have a hard time taking it seriously." – Ubben [08:42]
  • "If you have to say out loud, 'no, I promise this is not a leverage play,' then I think generally people are sort of seeing through it." – Ubben [08:55]

• Finebaum’s Colorful Response:
  "It's a sexy post-apocalyptic idea, but like, so is a zombie invasion. That doesn't mean we have to use up a lot of mental energy discussing it." – Ubben [09:41]

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5. SEC vs. Big Ten: Shifting Power Dynamics

• Changing Narrative:
  The Big Ten, not the SEC, has won the past three national titles. Now, Finebaum and Ubben note, SEC fans emphasize depth, but the undefeated Big Ten top teams soundly trumped SEC in recent matchups.

  • "Advanced numbers would also suss out that the teams at the top and the Big Ten have been a lot better than the SEC... the Big Ten has enjoyed a resurgence in the NIL era." – Ubben [10:43]

• SEC Scheduling Complaints:
  Ubben questions the narrative that “9-3 in the SEC equals 11-1 elsewhere,” saying such arguments ring hollow given SEC’s second-fiddle status lately.

  • "When you're looking up at the Big Ten, complaints about how hard it is in the SEC ring pretty hollow." – Ubben [12:02]

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6. Fan Calls: Heated Alabama, Lane Kiffin, and Coach Pressures

• Ole Miss Emotions & Lane Kiffin:
  Callers and Finebaum discuss lingering bitterness among Ole Miss fans toward Kiffin, with Finebaum recounting a heated airport exchange:

  • "A guy got on the plane... and he says, 'F Lane Kiffin.'... the Ole Miss fans have not forgotten or forgiven.” [14:00]

• Coaching Pressures in the SEC:
  Callers and Finebaum agree the conference’s stakes are immense—top salaries match massive expectations.

  • "This is big money ball, and that's the way it go." – Coach Andre [16:50]
  • "Brian Kelly... came into LSU as one of the most respected coaches in America. He went out a chump." – Finebaum [17:18]

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7. Alabama and Kalen DeBoer: Skepticism and Fan Base Anxiety

• Finebaum’s Critique:
  There’s skepticism about DeBoer’s charisma and ability to galvanize the Alabama supporter base in a post-Saban era, despite his prior on-field success.

  • "We've watched all the games. What does he do now? This is his third year. Nick Saban won a national championship at Alabama in his third year... Kaylen DeBoer inherited a team that came within a play or two of competing for the national championship." [32:46]

• Energy and Leadership Concerns:

  • "He says the same thing, but that's not unusual for a football coach. I just sat through 16 press conferences in Tampa, so he's not a lot different, except some coaches are able to relate." – Finebaum [33:44]
  • "What coaches have to do is get energy and excitement so they can raise money and... buy players." [34:35]

• Fan Perspective:

  • "It just seems like more Alabama fans... are becoming more delusional. And I hate to say that, but... it definitely isn't what it once was." – Chelsea [33:40]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• David Ubben on SEC Breakaway:
  "The idea that an SEC breakaway is so plainly stupid... I have a hard time taking it seriously." [09:05]

• Paul Finebaum on Kalen DeBoer:
  "I want a coach to stand up there and display confidence. I don't hear that from DeBoer... I want to see real energy, real authenticity." [35:52]

• Caller Andre with a classic SEC zinger:
  "These Rebel fans always act like a jilted bride left at the altar. Tell them to get over it. Ole Miss, man... I haven't seen anything to write home and tell Mama about." [16:04]

• Ubben’s comparison on breakaway talk:
  "It's a sexy post-apocalyptic idea, but like, so is a zombie invasion or an asteroid destroying the Earth." [09:41]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:28 — Paul’s SEC Media Days recap and poll rundown
• 03:48 — David Ubben reacts to Alabama/Texas/Ole Miss perception
• 04:58 — Oklahoma’s prospects and John Mateer’s uncertain status
• 06:07 — High ceiling vs. low floor for LSU
• 07:40 — Ubben on Greg Sankey’s breakaway messaging
• 10:43 — Big Ten’s rise; SEC/Big Ten rivalry context
• 12:15 — End of Ubben segment; fans begin calling
• 14:00 — Airport story about Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss fan vitriol
• 16:04 — Caller Andre on Ole Miss/Kiffin, pressure on SEC coaches
• 32:08 — Alabama’s coaching staff, talent development scrutiny
• 33:44 — Finebaum critiques DeBoer’s lack of energy/charisma
• 35:11 — On Saban vs. DeBoer in terms of fundraising and program excitement
• 37:06 — Chelsea references Ty Simpson’s comments on Down to Business podcast about DeBoer vs. Saban
• 38:04 — Episode wraps, preview of next guest (Dan Murphy)

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Additional Insights

Tone & Style

• Paul Finebaum:
  Characteristically sardonic, deeply informed, and unafraid to needle both guests and callers. Keeps the conversation brisk while offering pointed analysis.
• David Ubben:
  Analytical with dry wit, not afraid to label popular talking points as “stupid” or challenge conference narratives.
• Callers:
  Colorful, passionate, sometimes theatrical; embody the voice and spirit of SEC fandom.

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Episode Flow

• The show moved from structured discussion with a credentialed guest (Ubben) to looser, high-energy fan calls.
• Key issues (SEC hierarchy, coaching personalities, breakaway rumors) were dissected with humor and candor.
• Alabama’s identity crisis in the post-Saban era provided an undercurrent of anxiety, with Finebaum pushing back on “delusional” fan narratives and lingering doubts about DeBoer’s ability to rally the program.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode of The Paul Finebaum Show is a must-listen for those craving insight into the current state of SEC football, the credibility of preseason narratives, and the emotional temperature of fan bases grappling with change, particularly in Tuscaloosa. Finebaum’s blend of expert interviews and raucous calls offers both levity and substance—a true pulse check on the heartbeat of the SEC as the 2026 season looms.

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Transcript

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[Paul Finebaum]

The pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum show, our 1 podcast. This might be college football, and for the first time in a while, we are not live from Tampa Bay. Good afternoon. Welcome in media days has a It took a while, but we have a lot to talk about as a result of what happened in Tampa over the last couple of days. You're wondering who the pick to win the SEC is. It could be Georgia. What a surprise. Although almost everyone down there felt Texas had a legitimate shot. Very close. How about this? Georgia and Texas, top two teams in the league the last few years. Ole Miss, a and M. LSU at fifth, Bama at sixth. It's the lowest preseason prediction for Alabama since 2008. Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Arkansas. I'm not shocked. I would have voted Texas. I think it's just a fine line, but it shows that in spite of whatever has happened the last two years, Kirby Smart still has the confidence of the people. One more thing about that, I think I saw something from the SEC today. In the last 30 or 40 years, I think the preseason poll has only been right about 20% of the time. So it doesn't mean anything. It's just something to wrap one's arms around. Lane Kiffin, of course, was the big story there yesterday. He remains a big topic of conversation. Not much happened with Kiffin yesterday. And if you've been paying attention to this show for the last couple of months, you were told by many experts that nothing would happen. Meanwhile, how about this? All the sound and fury about that Senate bill by Lyin Ted Cruz. Well, look what. Look what's happening. No vote until after the recess. Why is that a big deal? Most people believe this vote had to happen now that as we get closer to the midterm elections, the chance of it getting to the Senate floor start to dissipate. Meanwhile, back on planet Earth, Greg Sankey doesn't favor SEC breakaway. How many times was he quoted saying that was what he was favoring? But options remain. A lot of conversation, a lot of nuance from the Commissioner, we spoke to him yesterday as of course, you remember, we got time for your phone calls. We have not had one all week. We will have one very shortly. First, let me check in with David Ubuntu to get some context from the athletic. David, thank you very, very much. Before we even get to media days, I'm just curious your reaction to that SEC poll and prediction and what stood out to you. Good afternoon.

[David Ubben]

Yeah, I think it's about right. I think the perception of Alabama, you know, obviously jumps out. I think that they've taken a hit in perception. Still a pretty good roster. You know, the future recruiting will kind of see they didn't set the world on fire in the portal this offseason. But like, if Keelan Russell's a star, that can change in a hurry. But it's interesting just the way that they're viewed has changed pretty dramatically in a few years. And a lot of leftover confidence from Ole Miss. You know, they lost a lot, but, you know, Pete Golding, I think, won over a lot of people with his performance in the playoff. Trinidad Chambliss, sort of the same thing. Certainly a case for him as the best returning quarterback in the country, but a lot of confidence around the Rebels, minus Lane Kiffin. So I thought those two things were pretty interesting to me.

[Coach Andre]

Yeah.

[Paul Finebaum]

And on the Alabama thing, that was not a surprise, frankly. I mean, it's about right at them. They could have been. They could have been lower, too. The one thing that did surprise me a little bit, I went in there not thinking much of Oklahoma. But, David, everybody's talking Oklahoma, Buzz, buzz, buzz. But they didn't really move the needle when it came to voting.

[David Ubben]

Yeah, I mean, the roster is okay. I think ultimately it comes down to how hamstrung was John Mateer last year because he put a lot of bad tape out there after the thumb injury. The arm strength left a lot to be desired. I covered the Oklahoma Tennessee game, talked to him after the game.

[Caller John]

The.

[David Ubben]

The scarring looked pretty gnarly. And so he's talking about I'm a whole new guy and that he had his own issues watching his own tape last year. So if he looks like a totally different player, then I think you could see, you know, Oklahoma surprising some people. But I'm not necessarily high on him as a guy that's refined enough as a passer to carry you to an SEC championship and dice up some of these defenses that they're going to see well enough to win the games that are going to be required to get to Atlanta and obviously win in Atlanta.

[Paul Finebaum]

And David, that poll pretty much indicates the wide swath of debate about lsu. We know what the roster says, we know who Kiffin is. So many new players, but it's hard to really figure that team out, especially with some of the quality ones above them.

[David Ubben]

Yeah, I mean sky high ceiling for lsu. I talked to a lot of coaches this offseason and certainly they, it's hard to get a feel for what rosters actually look like. But most people I talked to were like, I think, you know, Texas probably has the best roster. But then it comes down to perception, like, you know, it's SEC folks, it's hardened Southerners. You know, look into Austin and saying, well, I think they're better than that Georgia team that's the defending champion. You know, it is what it is. I like Texas roster a lot more than Georgia's, but LSU I think is probably the biggest wild card in the country this year because there are so many unknowns and you're putting so many things together and, and Lane Kiffin's in a new spot and getting used to a new staff and meshing some of that stuff, you know, holding over one coordinator, bringing his own. Like I do think like 16 oh national champion is on the table. But I think 8 and 4 miss the playoff and you know, have a great weekend. And the Reliaquetz bowl is on the, is on the board too. I think this is a really interesting team.

[Paul Finebaum]

Talking to David Ubbin. Media days are over. That's so I've lost track of all the media days. I know you've been to some and will continue to Big Ten is next week. But another part of the conversation all week were the off the field stories and I think we're all weary of them. The Sankey breakaway talk. And now he's almost contradicting the misperception of what he said on Monday when he did not really say what he was perceived to have said.

[David Ubben]

I mean, whatever. The whole thing doesn't really make sense. Like if you want to talk about governance, you know, to quote Bret Yormark, I know it's Jim Phillips, excuse me. You know, self governance to me is no governance. I don't know about that. But like if you want to make your own rules, okay, I think that that makes some sense. But they're not going to make their own rules and do it in a way that, you know, hurts them competitively against the Big Ten who my sources tell me it has, has won the last three national championships. I don't know if that's accurate or not, but that's what I'm told. And so like, when you have, when you have that, it's like, okay, well, you're not going to do anything that puts you at a competitive disadvantage. And then like the idea that you would break away and, you know, it's hard to even entertain it, like, play only yourself. Who wants this? And in a world when you haven't won the national championship in three years, then what are, what are we doing? It's so, it's so plainly stupid to me. And when everybody has to say out loud, no, I promise this is not a leverage play. Well, Paul, if you have to say it out loud, then I think generally people are sort of seeing through it in terms of the SEC getting their way in what the future of this sport and college sports in general looks like. But the idea that an SEC breakaway is so plainly stupid when you barely press on it logically and project forward to what that world might look like, I have a hard time taking it seriously.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, I want to compliment you. That's the best answer I've had to this rather complicated issue all week. So I'm glad to put that one.

[David Ubben]

Is it complicated, Paul? I don't know. I don't know it's that complicated.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, it's only complicated, David, because Sankey knew what he was saying, he delivered the message and then he spent. He did, he told us yesterday he did, you know, four days of interviews with every, every digital and radio station in the country and he basically walked it back. But he got the message across. And by the way, even if he got the message across, I'm still not sure who received it.

[David Ubben]

I mean, look, it's a sexy post apocalyptic idea, but like, so is a zombie invasion or an asteroid destroying the Earth. That doesn't mean we have to use up a lot of mental energy discussing it. It'd be like, oh, that'd be crazy if that happened. I think they're both all about the same likelihood. So, you know, Paul, if I run across you in, you know, an abandoned prison where we're fighting off zombies in a couple of weeks, I'll apologize formally.

[Paul Finebaum]

The way my life's been going lately, David, there's a good chance that will happen. All right, David, I've been talking to us here, David. I want to look ahead next week as Big Ten. And it felt a little weird for the SEC this week. You know, we in the bubble said it was still the best conference. Even Nick Saban joined in. And you know an answer that I'm still trying to dissect. But what do you think? Not so much on the Big Ten, but how do you think the SEC will be discussed next week at the Big Ten meetings?

[David Ubben]

Well, I have thought that the sudden change in tone is very funny because I think there have been times like the Big 12, 15 years ago in terms of decades depth I thought could challenge the sec, but we were told forever, well, it only matters who's holding up the trophy at the end. That's how you judge a league, is the team's the top. And now all of a sudden that's, that's not the case. Now we're talking about recruiting rankings and draft picks. Like, listen, in here in the real world, the reality is, yes, the SEC is a lot deeper than the Big Ten. I think that's pretty clear. Advanced numbers would suss that out. But advanced, advanced numbers would also suss out that the teams at the top and the Big Ten have been a lot better than the sec. Forget advanced numbers. Also, the football games that I watched in which the Big Ten won in the SEC either was not participating or lost. And that's just where the sport is right now. The Big Ten has enjoyed a resurgence in the nil era. The titles are what the titles are, but they don't have the same depth that the SEC does right now. And so, you know, I'm, on some level, I'm sensitive to the complaints of the SEC schedulers. Like, yeah, I think the SEC schedule is probably tougher than, than all the other leagues. But this idea that like nine and three in our league equals 11 and one in their league, it's like I, maybe in some small instances we'll compare those schedules and I could see them maybe being close, but I just, you know, when you're, when you're looking up at the Big Ten, the complaints about how hard it is in the SEC ring pretty hollow.

[Paul Finebaum]

David Ubb and perhaps the final appearance in our long friendship criticizing the SEC here on the SEC Network.

[David Ubben]

What can I say? What can I say?

[Caller Brad]

Paul?

[Paul Finebaum]

David, that was fantastic. Thank you very much. David Oven starting the show for us here on a Friday afternoon. We've got a lot to do. Dan Murphy on what happened to the Senate bill that seemed to be a sure thing. According to Eric Schmidt. He said he had 70 votes. He's the Missouri senator. And Pat Smith on the week that wasn't for Caleb. You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast. Welcome back. As we continue, we love SEC media days, but the One thing that doesn't happen is the exchange of what we love the most here, and that's talking to you. So it's always with glee that I go to the first call after media days, and it's Andre. Good afternoon.

[Coach Andre]

The one and only coach Paul Finebaum, the voice, I repeat, the voice of college football and the conscience of college football also. Coach, what's going on?

[Paul Finebaum]

Coach Andre, I was just so happy early this morning to walk into my house and knowing that no more Coach speak. Let's talk to the people that make the SEC great, and that's people like you,

[Coach Andre]

I correct you, not your house coat, but your mansion. Your butler probably greeted you at the door, but that's no.

[Paul Finebaum]

We sent him home by the time I got there last night.

[Coach Andre]

Coach, what you think what would happen, Coach, if Kippen went into Oxford, Mississippi and won the game? Would he get out of there live?

[Paul Finebaum]

Coach he would, but, you know, we talk about that like it can happen. It can happen.

[Coach Andre]

I don't know what can happen.

[Paul Finebaum]

And I'll tell you right now, if that happens, that is going to be a devastating blow to that Ole Miss program. I was on a plane last night, obviously coming back, and I had to change planes. And a guy got on the plane right in front of me and he looked at me and he said, what happened with Kiffin today? And I said, I was like about three words into it, and he says, f Lane Kiffin. And it was. But that, I mean, the Ole Miss fans have not forgotten or forgiven. And I think the anger level and the blood pressure is going up as opposed.

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[Paul Finebaum]

You know, when you're locked in, focused and fearless.

[Caller John]

Welcome to the wnba.

[Paul Finebaum]

Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assistant, every stop, every logo, three

[Coach Andre]

from beyond the logo, every.

[Paul Finebaum]

Did you see that moment?

[Coach Andre]

You bet.

[Paul Finebaum]

What records are going to be broken this season? All of it.

[Caller Dr. Retta]

Right here.

[Paul Finebaum]

Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN all season long.

[Coach Andre]

Coach, these rebel fans always say they. They act like a jilted bride Left at the altar. Tell them to get over it. Ole miss, man, I'm 62 years old. I don't remember Ole Miss ever winning anything in football. They had some decent teams. I can go back to John 4K and Manning when I was growing up in Mississippi. They've had some decent teams, but I haven't seen anything to write home and tell Mama about, except for last year's team. But, Coach, will you explain to the nation the pressure that these coaches have on them in this conference and what happens if they don't win? This is big money ball, and that's the way it go. Hey, thanks for taking my call, Coach Fireball.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you, Andre. Yeah, I mean, the answer there is pretty simple. I mean, it's enormous. Everyone knows that I'll sound like Kaylen DeBoer. I mean, everyone knows what they signed up for, and that's why they have such big salaries. There's no. I mean, look at Brian Kelly. The guy came into LSU as one of the most respected coaches in America. He went out a chump. Let's go to Dr. Retta next. Good afternoon, Paul.

[Caller Dr. Retta]

Welcome back. You were missed.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you so much.

[Caller Dr. Retta]

Listen, Paul, I know there's going to be a plethora of conversation about media days and all the things that transpired there, the remarks from our commissioner. But, Paul, because I have knowledge of the fact that we are leading into your birthday, my call is all about your birthday. Now, I know that many people call after the birthday, and it's a belated birthday, so I have called with a prelated birthday wish for you. Now, listen, I may have made that word up, but as an English major, I'm authorized to do that, as long as the etymology is sound. So, happy prelated birthday weekend, Paul. I know it's on Sunday, so God bless you with a long, divinely healthy and prosperous life. And another decade, at least on the SEC network as our facilitator. Have a great birthday weekend, Paul. I love you. Bye bye.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you, Dr. Ratt. I can't tell you what that means. Thank you so much. Let's check in next with John in Louisville. Hello, John.

[Caller John]

Hey. Hey, Paul. Good afternoon. And I'll join the queen of verbosity and wish you a pre happy birthday wish. Enjoy your Sunday.

[Coach Andre]

Hey, it's nice to have you back

[Caller John]

in the studio and the band back in Charlotte back together again. But I have to tell you, you and your. Your team did a wonderful job in Tampa as you moved the guests along. It was very, very impressive.

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah, it was. We had a Good week. It was by far the strangest site we've ever done the show from in terms of the sec. You look outside and there's all this water. But I thought from your stand, from the standpoint you're talking about, it was a fantastic conversation all week.

[Caller John]

Speaking of strange sight, did you bring back our friend Legend or is he still wandering around the hotel lobby in Tampa?

[Paul Finebaum]

You know, I would love to give you a very specific answer on that. He did come back early. I'm going to let Legend speak for himself. That was certainly a conversation piece in the hallways of the SEC media days.

[Caller John]

Yeah. So, Paul, my takeaways from those four days in Tampa is it runs too damn long. It feels like one big spin zone with a lot of coach speak and nuances and too much whining about the nine game SEC and the CFP selection criteria. And I found Alabama is now just an afterthought. What's your thoughts? Yeah,

[Paul Finebaum]

I think there's a way to do it more effectively, but they determined that it's a four day event. But I mean, the one thing I'll say about the SEC though, they held center stage the entire week. I mean, I'm doing all these shows from New York and we did a show with Stephen A. On I think one of the mornings, Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday, whatever day it was. I mean, we went on 30 minutes straight talking about the SEC, which is good for the SEC. And I think by doing it the way they do it, they command a lot of airtime, which you may not notice doing whatever you're doing, but the cumulative effect is significant. Take a break here. A lot to do. A number of guests will be dropping by and your phone calls. You're listening to the Paul Finebaum show podcast. Yeah, I'm just glad the Arch Manning encounter was not on live television this year like it was last year. We're continuing with your phone calls. Love to hear from all of you. And Andrew in Dallas is up next.

[Coach Andre]

Paul. Fine bomb. It is not lit, but it is Fish Friday. So fire up the grease trap because I got the folks to drop in it.

[Paul Finebaum]

Let's do it.

[Coach Andre]

A reading from the letter of the hostile apostle to the Southeastern Conference. Ladies and gentlemen, you have heard of Good Cap, Bad Cop. I give you Good Cousin Waterhead. Cousin Michael Bratton. Your nickname is the garbage disposal because everything that comes out of your mouth is trash. Speaking of trash, let's talk about Chris Doris. Chris, I am calling up Brad from Macon, Georgia. We are coming to Gainesville to put you back in that locker because you are a dork. You are the Trev Alberts of the Southeastern Conference and all you do is run your mouth. Your team is pathetic. You are pathetic. Next on the list we have John mid tier. The pride of Little El Texas. A regular Judas iscariot. Next to Mr. Parker Livingston. Let me talk something about this guy. He hurt his thumb, right? I might be slow, Paul, but why does a thumb injury preclude to changing your arm motion to fix your passing ability? Look at the numbers. They didn't change before and after the injury. The data says he is a mid quarterback. And last but not least, Tuscaloosa. Well, I hope you guys do fire Caleb DeBoer. It'll be the biggest mistake you've ever made. Maybe you can hire the all time good guy award winning coach, Charles Renee Strong hook him.

[Paul Finebaum]

I think I read the script. Well, I thought. Let me check in with Rhonda. Help me, Rhonda. Good afternoon.

[Coach Andre]

Hey, baby.

[Caller Rhonda]

Thank you for taking my call today. Beautiful day in the Smoky Mountains. Sun is shining and the grass is green. I was impressed with a lot of the SEC coaches during media days. Kiffin, I don't know. I don't know how to trust that guy anymore. In the se think was he real or. Or was he being who he was supposed to be during media day? The SEC has 16 teams that can win a national championship. I have 678 on our list. Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, Texas, of course, I don't know. We have a family member who is a big time Alabama fan and he is saying that Alabama will be there this year. What you say, my dear?

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you. Thank you, Rhonda. I think. I think there are about four or five that have a. Have a shot. Two in particular and maybe two or three more on the outside of that. Great to hear from you. Thank you very, very much. C.J. right outside of D.C. in Landover, Maryland.

[Caller Dr. Retta]

Thank you for taking my call.

[Coach Andre]

I'm going to talk quickly. I love you. Listen, the gentleman that said that a Mrs. Brother was left at the altar. There's a Hallmark show was left at the altar. All right. They found out what was wrong about both the relationships. Mississippi. Y' all look at it and get together. They wound up marrying. Life is good. Now, I'm not even in your camp. I'm an Alabama fan. But I loved what was said. And Lane, Kiffin, y' all stop letting him be in your brain. Just go out and play the game. And Paul Thongbaum, I like saying your name. Everybody says it all. And there's a lot to be loved about you. Thank you for taking my call. But come on, y' all gentlemen. Y' all like the game. Y' all go to it, go to church on Sunday, but y' all bring it to football. So carry on. But come on, don't.

[Paul Finebaum]

Don't let CJ thank you very much. That was, that was fantastic. Loved hearing from you. Brad joins us from the Zoom from Macon.

[Caller Brad]

Hey, Mr. Paul, thank you for taking me, taking my call. And hey, man, you were very much missed for the last three weeks and we're so much glad that you are back for sure. You know, we miss the godfather of college football. But I was thinking about SEC media media days as it relates to you. It's kind of like peak season relates to ups drivers. You know, what's coming up. It comes every year and you go down there and grind it out, try to have a little bit of fun. But I was going to ask you, how many of those SEC media years do you have under your belt?

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah, that came up. I was at the Tampa Airport last night after the show with Sid golden and Kirk Bolas, who were on the show, and they asked me that. And I was thinking, and I'm pretty sure I came up with a year. The very first SEC media days that I attended was the very first SEC media days that ever happened. And that was in 1985 in Birmingham. And we've been every single year since, other than the COVID year when there wasn't one. And it's been. Yeah, that's right. So, yeah, I mean, I guess it's about 40, doing the math. Yeah.

[Caller Brad]

Well, I watched SEC media days and Paul, I was going to run down, if I, if you would allow it, some things that I liked and didn't like real quick and.

[Paul Finebaum]

Sure. Absolutely.

[Caller Brad]

Your best analyst, as always. Our cousin Shane and Michael Bratton. I think they're the best who you have on your show. Even if they come on individually. They got down there with you and they knocked it out of the park. Bratton is so cool with his predictions and they were out there this year, I admit that. But I love both those guys. And as far as the coaches, Paul, the guy, the coach that really made an impression on me was Coach Lavie out of Mississippi State where he talks about, you know, retaining what he recruited. You wanted the players, you recruited the players. You're trying to hang on to the players so he can actually build something. I got excited about listening, listening to his speech, and I would run through a wall with this guy and I'm sorry and I'm gonna catch some slack on this, but hey, it is what it is. Kalin, the board. What are you thinking? No excitement. I mean, just can't. I got nothing from his speech, Paul. Basically, so flatline. I'd rather sit on the ground up against a pine tree and watch sapling out of it to listen to that bull crap because it sucked. And no wonder he can't get his fan base fired up. I wouldn't run through a wall of damn jello for this cat. I wouldn't do it. But you know, the way I look at Alabama is they got a chance like everybody else. But, you know, it's going to be hard going. But we. Me and you got a problem, Paul. We got a bad problem and I'm gonna. Can you get your staff to pull up Andy Staples next biopic? You gotta see this. Can you get them to do that?

[Paul Finebaum]

I'm sure, but help us out since we haven't seen it.

[Caller Brad]

Andy Staples graduated from the University of Florida.

[Paul Finebaum]

Oh, yeah, I did know that. I'm sorry.

[Caller Brad]

Yeah, his biopics got him sitting right there, standing right there, looking good.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, he. He went to Florida to play football. He did?

[Caller Brad]

Did you say. Did you say foosball or football? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you.

[Paul Finebaum]

He was a pretty good football player.

[Caller Brad]

No kidding.

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah. I mean, he didn't. I think he was on. I think he was on the team briefly.

[David Ubben]

I don't.

[Paul Finebaum]

I. But I'll ask him the next time I see him.

[Caller Brad]

Well, he. On his biopic, he's got himself pictured with a Wisconsin badger. A little tenor. A little tenor mascot. And that's what happens when you hang around and listen to another little tenor with a waterhead with nothing in between his ears. So Ari Wasman's rubbing off on me, on him. And I done told Andy the next time he comes on this show, he's going to take some shrapnel for that because that's an insult to the SEC nation and the University of Florida and the fine bomb show. You're going to have to change that. With your permission, Paul, he don't need to be put back on this show until he changes that biopic. We ain't gonna sit there and look at no little tenor like that.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, he was on here yesterday, so I'll talk to Jamari and Danny about ever letting him back here again. Thank you very much for. We're up against the break as we continue here Friday afternoon. Hope you'll stick around. You're listening to the Paul Finebaum show podcast of guest continue as well as Pat Smith a little bit later on to talk about what he's hearing from Alabama fans. Speaking of that, Chelsea is up next. Good afternoon.

[Caller Chelsea]

Hey, Paul, after seeing the offensive line fail, the regression of Ron Coleman, Williams and the hit or miss defense, do you think this is a crucial year that Alabama coaching staff needs to prove they can develop talent?

[Paul Finebaum]

Most certainly, Chelsea. I think Ryan Grubb got a pass last year because the offensive line and the running game was so bad, but he's not going to get one this year. And how he handles the quarterback situation in camp is going to be the most scrutinized aspect of his job.

[Caller Chelsea]

Yeah, I would agree with that completely. I have my eyes on Alabama right now, especially with the coaching staff, and just the development does not seem to be there like it once was.

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah, I mean, there's a. There's a lot of question marks about that, and I'm kind of worn out and weary from hearing about how great Kaylin DeBoer has been and what his record is. We've been to all the games. We've watched all the games. What does he do now? This is his third year. Nick Saban won a national championship at Alabama in his third year and inherited a dumpster fire. Kayewin DeBoer inherited a team that came within a play or two of competing for the national championship the year before he got there.

[Caller Chelsea]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, there's no doubt about it. And it just seems like more Alabama fans, and I mean, you could speak on this more than I can, but just from what I'm seeing, it just seems like they're becoming more delusional. And I hate to say that, but when you look at the reality of the situation, it definitely isn't what it once was.

[Paul Finebaum]

Now, Chelsea, the first thing any fan base wants to do, including Alabama, is defend their head coach. And by the way, there's nothing wrong with that. I mean, but that's not what we're talking about here. Nor are we talking about whether Calyn DeBoer is a good person. I believe he is. And I really don't think it makes one bit of difference whether. Whether he is or isn't, as long as he satisfies his bosses and the fan base. What does he do on the football field? How does he handle himself? He's bright. He's smart. He's very eloquent in the way he talks. I don't like the way he handles the most pertinent questions. He's fairly boring. He's fairly monotonous. He says the same thing, but that's not unusual for a football coach. I just sat through 16 press conferences in Tampa, so he's not a lot different, except some coaches are able to relate. And I had somebody tell me the other day, doesn't matter what he says as long as he wins championships. True, on one level, but on the other level, right now, what coaches have to do is get energy and excitement so they can raise money and. And buy players. And I was telling some people last night coming back, they were asking me, does Alabama have the money to compete? I said, I think they do to a degree. They don't maybe have A and M, Texas money. And the person said, if Nick Saban was there, could he. Could he get the money? And the answer is yes.

[Coach Andre]

Why?

[Paul Finebaum]

In addition to a championship resume, he has personal charisma that can call someone up and get them behind the program. I don't think Kaylen DeBoer can do that.

[Caller Chelsea]

Yeah, I would agree. Like, just going based off what we've seen, it's just not there. I have to see it to believe it. And, you know, I know you've been critical of his interviews, and rightfully so, because I don't think he handled that with confidence whatsoever.

[Grainger Announcer]

No.

[Paul Finebaum]

And listen, if you. It's like with the thing with Sankey yesterday.

[Coach Andre]

You.

[Paul Finebaum]

You can't. You don't want to. You don't need a transcript of. To hear what somebody said. If you look at the transcript of Kayewin DeBoer on Wednesday, he probably covered every base and said everything correctly. It's just the energy that he did not bring. And I want a coach to stand up there and display confidence. I don't hear that from the Boar. I feel like DeBoer. It's like, remember when you were in the seventh grade play, you memorized the script and you're up there trying to remember every word. He. I mean, I want to hear real. I want to see real energy, real authenticity about what he believes. I know what a good coach he is. I've seen that he makes a difference on Saturday. But how is he energizing that football team? And, you know, we had Damien Harris on the other day, and I realized he played 10 years ago for Nick Saban, but he was describing what his friends, the former players, are saying about DeBoer, and that that's a. That's a bad sign. When the former players, in many ways, and I'm sure they'll call up and say, this isn't correct, but I'm telling you it is. Are tuning out on what DeBoer is representing.

[Caller Chelsea]

Yeah, and I can speak on that because I watched Ty Simpson on Down to Business podcasts with Caleb Downs, and Ty Simpson even said that the coaching wasn't there against Indiana. So he's even kind of spoke on his thoughts with DeBoer compared to Nick Saban.

[Paul Finebaum]

Chelsea, very well said. Thank you for the call. Why don't we take a quick break here? That's going to be one of the big topics we have in about an hour and a half with Pat Smith. He does the show Three Man Front in Birmingham on wjox. He's hearing, he's hearing from fans every single day. And we'll get a read on how DeBoer played in his home state a little bit later on. Dan Murphy on what happened to that Senate bill that we were told was about to pass and change the future of college athletics.

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