Hour 2: Pick Six Previews

Summary

The Paul Finebaum Show – Hour 2: Pick Six Previews

Date: August 13, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum
Guest: Brett Ciancia (Pick Six Previews)
Network: ESPN

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Paul Finebaum Show dives deep into recent SEC and college football controversies, focusing primarily on the Jaden Daniels jersey/Heisman Trophy situation and broader reactions within the college football community. The second half features Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews, who offers detailed predictions for the 2026 season—including SEC favorites, playoff contenders, and teams to watch.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Jaden Daniels Controversy: Fan and Show Reactions

Starts ~01:19, continues throughout first half

Main Issues Discussed:

• Recent uproar over Jaden Daniels (former LSU and now Washington Commanders QB) and the dispute regarding jersey number retirement, Heisman rights, and the role of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
• Caller reactions broadly condemn Daniels's and his family's actions as selfish, petty, and lacking perspective regarding his legacy and relationship with LSU.

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• On Daniels’s legacy:
  • Paul Finebaum [05:59]:
    “I think [Jaden Daniels is] a second-tier icon because I don't think half the audience, when I mention his name really…like Jaden Daniels. I mean, he's a Washington Commander. I don't think of him at LSU. I think of Joe Burrow down there because I remember him holding up the national championship trophy."
• On the pettiness of the dispute:
  • Caller [06:37]:
    “It's like, okay, well, you can't use my…in my NIL. But also, hey, by the way, that replica Heisman trophy, you got to get that back. I'm going to take my football, my trophy, my jersey number, and I'm just going to go home. And that's, that's what it seems like, Mr. Finebaum.”
• Fan frustration with Daniels:
  • Caller (Josh) [08:33]:
    "What gives this guy the right to do what he's doing? … You're an idiot."
• On Daniels vs. Stetson Bennett/Heisman fairness:
  • Caller (David, FL) [16:48]:
    “Jaden Daniels wants someone to give his Heisman Trophy back. He should be sending his to Stetson Bennett. … Stetson Bennett raised back-to-back national championship trophies, but since he wasn't the fair-haired boy of the media, of course it wasn't given to the rightful person.”

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2. SEC and College Football Legacy, Fan Culture & Controversial Moments

Scattered through calls, highlights around 02:03-11:17, 39:56-41:45

Main Themes:

• Calls about SEC team representation on the show, especially Georgia’s prominence.
• Suggestions for a recurring segment featuring retired officials to discuss controversial calls.
• Discussions on rivalries, recruiting battles, and old-school stories connecting Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, and SEC lore.
• Defense of certain infamous show callers, e.g., John from St. Louis, confirming their reality.

Notable Quotes:

• On SEC representation:
  • Caller [02:43]:
    “The Dogs are on top, right?... They're just not featured enough in your preamble…It's like they're being slighted.”
  • Finebaum [03:06]:
    “That's the whole idea of this network, is to treat everyone equally.”
• Segment suggestion:
  • Caller [03:27]:
    “You should add a segment and we could call it like the Rest Corner…have a retired old school SEC ref on your show so that he can calm down all the crazy Bama fans who call in and explain why a flag was thrown.”

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3. Contract Law, Transfer Portal, and Player Movement

Key segment: 14:18–15:34, threaded throughout with Daniels/NIL talk

Core Discussion:

• Callers and Finebaum discuss the implications of NCAA revenue-sharing, transfer portal freedoms, and the enforceability of contracts when players transfer shortly after signing.
• Critical view of programs (like Ole Miss) being pressured for trying to uphold contractual obligations.

Key Quote:

• Finebaum [14:48]:
  “My understanding of contract law would indicate that they absolutely should be.”
• Caller's quip [15:25]:
  “I did not go to law school nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but I'll try in the next few days, sir.”

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4. Expert Segment: Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews

Main interview begins at 23:03

Major Areas of Analysis:

a. Pick Six Previews Magazine Philosophy

• Print vs. digital debate in the modern era.
• “Tailgate tested,” easy-to-use, packed-with-insight format.
• Ciancia [24:07]:
  “It’s the never-ending research project…now with the explosion of the transfer portal, these rosters are changing every day…”

b. 2026 SEC & National Landscape Predictions

• Favorites:

  • Georgia: 14 returning starters, “classic Kirby Smart defenses,” easiest SEC schedule.
    • “I do like Georgia as the favorite to win the league.” [25:21]
  • Oklahoma: Elite defense under Brent Venables, predicted to make the SEC title game despite brutal schedule.
    • “I think by the time we get to kickoff that's going to sway towards Oklahoma…” [27:11]

• Playoff Picks:

  • Top four from SEC: Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Ole Miss.
  • “I have eight SEC teams in the top 16 in the country.” [29:52]

• Deep-Dives on Contenders:

  • Ole Miss: Heavy transfer portal activity, improved defense under Pete Golding.
    • “They signed eight, four-star transfers on defense alone…off the charts.” [28:28]
  • LSU: “Playoff or bust” roster loaded with transfers, but brutal September schedule raises risks.
  • Alabama: Historic questions on depth and performance post-Saban, most “questions” ever on a preseason roster.
    • “They couldn't run the ball or stop the run. It was the worst rushing attack in Alabama history…” [32:34]
  • Tennessee: Rising, with strong offense, new acclaimed DC Jim Knowles, predicted to exceed expectations.
    • “You have the Hypel offense paired with a Jim Knowles defense. I like Tennessee a lot here.” [34:18]

• Caution Flags:

  • Vanderbilt: High-profile past season, but loss of key playmaker Diego Pavia and unfavorable roster.
    • “I'm a little bit bearish on Vanderbilt this year coming off an all-time season.” [35:36]
  • South Carolina: Skeptical about “trendy top 25” hype, issues with offensive line persist.

c. National Title Prediction

• Oregon to win the 2026 National Championship
  • “It’s the year of the Duck…they were top five in both my offense and my defense numbers last year.” [36:47]
• 4th straight Big Ten national champion if so.

d. Where to Find the Preview

• Only available via PickSixPreviews.com (hard copy and digital).

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Memorable Quotes

• Finebaum, on Jaden Daniels's LSU tenure vs. Joe Burrow:
  “I think of Joe Burrow down there because I remember him holding up the national championship trophy…I don't really remember Jaden Daniels for a whole lot, quite frankly, other than what just happened last night.” [05:59]

• Brett Ciancia, on transfer portal’s impact:
  “Now with the, the explosion of the transfer portal, these rosters are changing every day in the offseason…It's the never ending research project.” [24:07]

• Ciancia on Georgia as the SEC favorite:
  “It’s five stars galore on this roster…classic Kirby Smart defense.” [25:21]

• On Alabama:
  “It was the worst rushing attack in Alabama history. And you know, they've been running the ball for over 100 years. So I have some questions.” [32:34]

• On Oregon winning it all:
  “I'm sticking to it. It's the year of the duck … It's a stacked roster if you've ever seen one.” [36:47]

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Important Timestamps

• 01:19 – Show resumes, Jaden Daniels/LSU controversy introduced
• 02:03–11:17 – Fan calls: Georgia’s representation, show traditions, SEC lore, Jaden Daniels debates
• 13:13 – Second segment resumes, caller backlash intensifies over Daniels situation
• 23:03 – Brett Ciancia joins to discuss Pick Six Previews and season outlooks
• 25:21–32:34 – SEC deep-dives: Georgia, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU, Alabama, Tennessee
• 36:47 – National champion pick (Oregon)
• 39:56 – Returns to calls; more Jaden Daniels fallout and show banter

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode of The Paul Finebaum Show is a must-listen for anyone wanting a finger on the pulse of SEC outrage, fan identity, and this season’s college football chessboard. Opening with a spirited (and, at times, scathing) discussion among callers about Jaden Daniels’s recent actions and legacy, the episode captures the emotional intensity of SEC fandom—covering the blurred lines between player rights, NIL, and tradition. Paul mediates these exchanges with his trademark mix of dry wit and authority.

The heart of the episode is a thorough, data-driven preview with Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews. He pushes past the preseason clichés, highlighting the unprecedented impact of the transfer portal, breaking down team strengths and vulnerabilities, and bravely (and, for SEC fans, controversially) picking Oregon as the next national champion.

Whether you’re an SEC diehard, a college football traditionalist, or just want cutting-edge analysis, this episode brings insight, humor, and all the fan passion you expect from the Finebaum airwaves.

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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 Fine Bomb show. Our two podcast this Might Be College Football.

We are back. Second hour is live and we are off and running. Let's get going here with a little bit of conversation about what we were talking about. You might have missed this a minute ago. From Tyler Horka, this is Rasheem Biles who is from Columbus O. He said I ain't trying to be a Buckeye. They ain't want me out of high school when I was right there. So I ain't no point in trying to get me now. By the way, I think he looks very good in burnt orange, so he is clearly looking forward to the second week of the season. Let's get some phone calls going here and grateful Dog is up next.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Hey Paul, how are we doing? Hey dog, thanks for taking my call.

[Paul Finebaum]

You bet.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

I just wanted to say your show saved my life during the pandemic. Thank you so much. And my first caller when I watched your show was Jerome. Where the heck is that guy?

[Paul Finebaum]

Jerome only calls when Alabama is on top, so he has not called in some time.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Well, thank you for that. So two quick things. One of the one is a critique and the other is a recommendation about your show which might make your producers a little angry.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, so we get criticized enough. So go ahead and Lay it on them.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Well, the dogs are on top, right? We won the SEC, what, two years in a row? They're just not featured enough in your preamble. And Taylor Hicks's song, it's like they're being slighted. I think that we are featured as much as maybe Arkansas or Mississippi State. So I don't get that.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, but that's the whole. That's the whole idea of this network, is to treat everyone equally.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

All right, next thing. But I'd love to see some more Dogs, some more prominence on the. On the preamble. Okay?

[Paul Finebaum]

So I promise you, if you guys could actually get out of New Orleans next year and maybe the Sugar bowl and win a title, I bet we feature you very prominently.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

You know what? I'm from. I'm from Georgia. And we have not been very good at sports for a long time. So I'm just happy they won two in a row. I'll take it. All right, here's what I got for you, buddy. You should add a segment and we could call it like the Rest corner. But I used to know a retired SEC ref out at the golf course. Great guy. I think you should have a retired old school SEC ref on your show so that he can calm down all the crazy Bama fans who call in and explain why a flag was thrown

[Caller - Various Locations]

or why it wasn't thrown.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

I think that would really. That would be a cool segment. A lot better than Bash.

[Paul Finebaum]

You know what? I agree with that. I think, because remember last year, two or three weeks in a row, Auburn got royally screwed. And I would have loved to have had an official on Monday pointing out exactly what the officials got wrong. It's a fantastic idea. I'll see if we can clear it through the sensors. Thanks for the call. Odisha is up next.

[Caller - Various Locations]

Mr. Fine Bomb. Thank you for always taking my call.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Various Locations]

I did want to weigh in on

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

the Jalen Daniels controversy somewhat.

[Caller - Various Locations]

You know, the thing is, is like I'm. I'm a Yankees fan. And we know that the Yankees retire

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

jerseys left and right. I mean, they're. They're absolutely about to get into triple

[Caller - Various Locations]

and quadruple digits on what number you can wear now with college. I think that especially if you have won the Heisman and, or brought a championship to the team, there should be a ring of honor versus. Versus a retirement.

[Paul Finebaum]

Okay, let me interrupt you for just a second. Otoche. And I'm going to play a game with you. If I asked you who the most iconic player in the history of the University of Florida Was who would you answer?

[Caller - Various Locations]

That would have to be Tim Tebow, sir.

[Paul Finebaum]

Okay. Have you ever seen anybody wear the number 15 at Florida after Thiebaud left? I have. Well, like, everybody has worn it. Florida has a policy and they've never done it. And I don't know many schools who have done it.

[Caller - Various Locations]

Alabama does.

[Paul Finebaum]

No.

So I, what I really don't understand is why Jaden Daniels, who, to me and, and there's almost no way to talk about him like this, but I am, I think he's a second tier icon because I don't think half the audience, when I mentioned his name really like, like Jaden Daniels. I mean, he's a, he's a Washington commander. I don't think of him at lsu. I think of Joe Burrow down there because I remember him holding up the national championship trophy. I remember him going into Tuscaloosa and out dueling to a Tungava. But I don't really remember Jaden Daniels for a whole lot, quite frankly, other than what just happened last night.

[Caller - Various Locations]

And it's funny that, you know, his mom is basically his representative. And look, I have kids and look, there is nothing like a mama bear. Oh, sure, but this is something that's so petty. It's like, okay, well, you can't use my. In my nil. But also, hey, by the way, that, that, that replica Heisman trophy, you got to get that back. I'm going to take my football, my trophy, my jersey number, and I'm just going to go home. And that's, that's what it seems like, Mr. Fine Bomb.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

I mean, it's just ridiculous.

[Caller - Various Locations]

I mean, if people would just do a ring of honor honor that jersey number, the person who wore it, we. This whole, this whole thing would be just settled. And I understand LSU has a buffer.

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah, listen, Odisha, I don't know, I mean, somewhere, somewhere. Remember that Jimmy Buffett song? You know, somewhere there's a woman to blame. Somewhere Brian Kelly is to blame for all of this. Thank you for the call. Really do appreciate it. Let me go to Josh up next. Hey, Josh. Good afternoon.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Hey, Paul, how are you?

[Paul Finebaum]

We are doing great.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Awesome, man. So on William and the lady that

called in and, and I guess you

could probably say the, the guy that just called in. I, I completely agree. Number one, what gives this guy the right to do what he's doing? Like, either he's an idiot or he's got an idiot as an advisor saying, this is. Yeah, this is a good idea. Number one, he didn't invent the number he got where the number when LSU said, yes, you can come play for us. You know what I mean? So, again, I don't know. I don't know what gives him the right to.

To do what he's doing.

But also on, I think it was Alec that called in. Prayers are lifted. Nothing but good love headed your way. But again, Jaden Daniels, what are you doing? Like you're an idiot.

[Paul Finebaum]

Josh, no argument here. Why don't we check in with Vance next in Georgia?

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Good afternoon, sir. Yesterday you had two callers of interest. One of them called up and he was talking about back in the day, how the state of Georgia had. That Tennessee and Florida got so many players from Georgia recruits. And in my day, Auburn, in the early 70s, Auburn and Clemson were in. Clemson was nowhere near the power that they became in those days. But they used to flock to Georgia.

[Paul Finebaum]

No, absolutely.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Think about Auburn's play. Bear Bryant proudly announced that he had given scholarships to young men that he knew weren't going to play just to keep them from going to sugar at Auburn.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, in Auburn, you know, they used to call Auburn, the slur was West Georgia because that's where it really. I mean, Auburn's on the Georgia border for the most part, so it's about 15, 20 miles. And it was much closer. I mean, if you lived in that part of the state, Columbus, all the way east, you were much closer to Auburn than you were Athens.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

And here's another guy called up and he said that this is a total change of subject, but he said, I don't believe John is real. You know, John from St. Louis. He said, I don't believe he's real. I fell into that thought pattern several years ago. I. I likened him to some creature, some being out of an R. Crumb. Zap magazine. I thought y' all were just having a blast. But I want to. I wanted to encourage him to pay close attention to the start of your show every hour. And you will see Paul at a table in Missouri in a black pullover and a gentleman sitting across from him. That's John. John is real. He's very real. And. And Paul, if you remember correctly, I might be wrong. I thought he equated himself very well on that set and the fans loved him. Do you remember that? I know you do, Vance.

[Paul Finebaum]

It was last September in Missouri. It was the only time that John has ever been part of the show where he was coherent, made sense, likable and all those things. Hey, thank you for the call. Up against the break, we have a guest waiting a lot of more guests to come. Busy afternoon on a Thursday. Your phone calls as well as you

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[Pharmaceutical Narrator]

Chronic migraine is 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more.

Botox Onobotulinum toxin a prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine before they start. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month. It prevents on average eight to nine headache days a month versus six to seven for placebo.

Prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection, causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away. Has difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome and medications including botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.

Why wait? Ask your doctor, visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-844-botox to learn more.

[Paul Finebaum]

You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast.

We are back and Tim is up next in Louisiana. Hello, Tim.

[Caller - Louisiana]

Good afternoon, Paul. Good to be with you again, sir.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Louisiana]

Not to beat a dead horse to death on this, Jaden Daniels, but this is the most childish, most ridiculous, selfish and greedy act of money grabbing that I have ever seen in my entire life.

[Paul Finebaum]

No arguments.

[Caller - Louisiana]

And so maybe then if Jaden needs some money, we should get a local children's hospital to donate some money. Or maybe Billy Cannon himself can print his own new money for Jayden Daniels to have.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, I just, I mean, for the life of me, I can't understand what the chain of command was from his people to have gone this far. It's senseless.

[Caller - Louisiana]

It Is it is beyond me, Paul, and I'll never, never able to comprehend it. But my second quick question to you is once a player signs a revenue sharing contract with a university and then days later decides to get into the portal transfer and within hours sign with another school, shouldn't those players be held to the contract that they signed?

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, my, my understanding of contract law would indicate that they absolutely should be.

[Caller - Louisiana]

And so why then is Ole Miss taking all this seat about holding these young men accountable?

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, because I think people are looking at other issues and confusing them with the issue at hand. In, in, in any dispute over something like this. It's not about what you think or believe or what somebody else said. It's simply about what that contract states.

[Caller - Louisiana]

Well, Paul, I appreciate it. And I did not go to law school nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but I'll try in the next few days, sir. Thank you.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, thank you. I plan on doing both tonight. Thank you for the call. Let's check in with David up next in Ocala, Florida. Hello, David.

[Caller - Various Locations]

Hey, Paul.

[Caller - Florida]

Good afternoon.

[Caller - Various Locations]

Hey.

[Caller - Florida]

I just want you to assure Vance that my comment was tongue in cheek. I forget to mute my TV sometimes when the leading announcer gives the phone number because every time I hear his voice I think of John and so I was just being tongue in cheek. But I do want to make a comment about Jaden Daniels. I mean, Jaden Daniels wants someone to give his Heisman Trophy back. He should be sending his to Stetson Bennett. I mean, you made the point that, you know, Joe Burris had raised a trophy. Jaden Daniels hadn't done that. Georgia in that national, in that SEC championship game against LSU, beat Jaden Daniels in LSU 50 to 30. Yet some years, not every year, some years, the Heisman is a beauty contest. It's not who truly deserves it. Stetson Bennett raised back to back national championship trophies, but since he wasn't the fair haired boy of the media, of course it wasn't given to the rightful person. And if you want to comment, fine, I'll hold on or I'll just be glad to hang up.

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah, no, I mean I agree with you on that and I listen, I live the whole Jayden Daniels season. We interviewed him, his uncle used to call every week and I was really happy to see him do well. I think he was rookie of the year with the commanders. He had an amazing time, but he was, it's maybe part of the transfer portal issue, but he wasn't at LSU to me long enough for me to really Remember much about him other than that one good season where his team didn't even win the sec? And you mentioned that Georgia game. I mean, they were. They were out of that game so fast. I'm. I was surprised to hear that it was only a 23 point game or 20 point game because remember, Georgia jumped out to an insurmountable lead early.

[Caller - Florida]

Yes, sir. And Stetson was a walk on.

[Paul Finebaum]

Yeah.

[Brett Ciancia]

And he proved it.

[Caller - Florida]

I mean, proved it over two years. But it's a beauty contest, unfortunately, some years. So, anyway, that was my comment. Appreciate you taking my call.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you very, very much. Appreciate your call. Why don't we continue here and talk to Stumpy? Hey, Stumpy. Go right ahead.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Hey, Paul.

How you doing today?

[Paul Finebaum]

We are well, thank you.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Good. I just wanted to chime in. I know there's a lot of talk about Jaden. Don't know if it's mentioned. You know, he had a good freshman year at Arizona State. In his next two years were not that good. And they were. Arizona State was having a lot of trouble and LSU rescued him out of Arizona State and gave him an opportunity. And I just think it's. My opinion is. I think it's a shame that he has turned on LSU like this who gave him an opportunity to become the Heisman Trophy. So it's a ridiculous state of affairs and certainly hate to see it.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, Stumpy, you've been around a lot of athletes in your time where you used to work and you know how agents and managers and family members often make really stupid decisions for the athlete.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

No doubt about it. Seen it a lot. I've seen a lot of people ruined by it and a lot of young people ruined by it because people take advantage of them. Like I always tell people, the vultures are out there. You gotta watch them. They're flying over your head every day, without a doubt.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thanks so much, Dumpy. Really good to hear from you. Let me check with.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Take care.

[Paul Finebaum]

You got it. Mark in Georgia. Hey, Mark. Hey, Mark, are you there?

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

No doubt about it.

[Paul Finebaum]

Apparently not. George is up next. Hey, George, you're in Louisiana. Good afternoon.

[Caller - Louisiana]

Hey, Paul, how are you today? And thanks for taking my call.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Louisiana]

Just wanted to give you a little clarification on the Jaden Daniels deal. I mean, I think it's stupid. I think. I think for some reason, I don't know that. I guess Brian Kelly, for some reason thought that he could retire jerseys. But that's not in his. That's not a head coach's deal. The only jersey that's been retired at LSU is Billy Campbell number 20. Now there's some talk about removing number seven and retired number seven for Burt Jones, but so many people use, use that number seven. That's a, that's a deal. At lsu, they pass it on from

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

player to player, usually a defensive player, player.

[Caller - Louisiana]

So I don't know what the deal is there anyway. Am I still on the line? Can you hear me?

[Paul Finebaum]

I sure, I sure can.

[Caller - Louisiana]

Okay. Yeah, I just, that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of, you know. But I understand the rumor is in Baton Rouge that Governor UEP Landry has gotten wind of this and he has packed up the Heisman Trophy and put it in a box and is bringing it to the governor's mansion. And it got, they hit a bump going over the bridge and the damn thing bounced off the truck and fell into the Mississippi River. So Jayden wanted to come jump in

[Brett Ciancia]

the river and get it.

[Paul Finebaum]

George, thank you. Appreciate it very much. We're up against the break. We have a very special guest. First time he has made the trip to the Fine Bomb show and we will meet him in just a minute. Brett Ciancia with Pick Six Previews coming

[Pharmaceutical Narrator]

up next Chronic Migraine is 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more.

Botox Onobotulinum toxin a prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine before they start. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month. It Prevents on average 8 to 9 headache days a month versus 6 to 7 for placebo.

Prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection, causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away. Has difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome and medications including botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk. The risk of serious side effects.

Why wait? Ask your doctor, visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-844botox to learn more.

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[Paul Finebaum]

You're listening to the Paul Fine Bomb

show podcast and welcome back. Always great to say hello to somebody new to our show. And that is exactly what we're saying with we're seeing with Brett Ciancio, who's with Pick six Previews got a copy of this a few weeks ago and it is truly a remarkable publication. Brett, great to meet you. Thanks so much for the time.

[Brett Ciancia]

Thanks for having me on, Paul. It's truly an honor. Thanks for the nice review of the magazine. It's, it's magazine season over here, so we're Busy with the 2026 edition going live and coming off the printing press, so best time of year. I appreciate you having me on.

[Paul Finebaum]

Well, Brett, I'm really curious because it is a, it's a complicated time in that industry for the obvious reasons that people have moved away from published items. They've gone so much to digital. But when I got a copy of it, I'm like going, I really like this. And there's some magazines I really don't care for. This one was simple, it was easy to read, it was right to the point. I'll let you explain your thought process in putting it all together.

[Brett Ciancia]

Thanks so much. Love the review. That's what I'm going for. I want it to be tailgate tested. I want it to be easy to talk about, but informative. I want to pack a punch. So, yeah, the process, I call it the never ending research project because now with the, the explosion of the transfer portal, these rosters are changing every day in the off season. So I mean, it really is a 365 day project. I'm talking to head coaches, talking to coordinators, local media, watching spring games, practice reports, everything I can get my hands on goes into this. And then of course, I have my numbers, my advanced formula, my game grader, and it all goes to paint a picture of what happened last year and then forecasting forward to this fall. So, yeah, it's the, it's the never ending research project. But to your point about the print copy, you know, I was told print is dead, but really, I think there's still a place for the college football annual preview magazine. People love bringing it to the beach, the lake, the Couch on Saturdays, you know, marking it up with pen and highlighter. And I think just having the tangible physical product, you know, college football season is about to kick off, so I think there's still a place for it, obviously.

[Paul Finebaum]

So, Brett, let's go through a number of different variables. We're pretty heavily into the SEC here. So give us your thoughts on what happens and how you went about differentiating the obvious favorites, the middle of the pack to the bottom and how it all turns out.

[Brett Ciancia]

Well, I would say the magazine process has gotten a lot more complicated from back in the day. Used to just look at the high school recruiting and then you're returning starters and there's your picture. But now you have so many different factors. You have the transfer portal, a lot of players leaving early for the NFL, a lot of fifth and sixth year guys coming back. So it's really a position by position project here. And what stood out at the top? I think you have Georgia, your SEC defending champions. They bring 14 starters back and it's one of those classic Kirby smart defenses, you know, the ones that he won national titles with. He's got that again. You look at it, it's five stars galore on this roster. And then you've got Gunnar Stockton back at quarterback. So I do like Georgia as the favorite to win the league and as if they needed any extra help, they got one of the easiest schedule draws in the sec. So I like Georgia at the top and I'm going with Oklahoma to play them in Atlanta. I know it's a shocking pick there. I know what I'm signing up for with Brent Venables elite defense, their top five every year on that side of the ball, a lot of starters and guys from the two deeper back. But I'm banking on a big offensive improvement from a second year quarterback, John Mateer, a second year coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, and then a young offensive line growing under an ace O line coach, Bill Beaten bow. So those are my two for Atlanta, but you got Texas, you got Ole Miss, both making my playoff bracket and then you go four more deep. You can talk LSU, A&M, Tennessee, Alabama, all playoff contenders. So I can, I mean half the league is a playoff contender this year. So it's, it's deep as ever.

[Paul Finebaum]

So Brett, listen, you talked about how easy Georgia schedule was and no, no disagreement. But the antithesis is true of Oklahoma. How do they navigate a schedule that really starts second week of the season at Ann Arbor and they go to Georgia, they have Red River. I mean it's a Never ending cavalcade of difficult games.

[Brett Ciancia]

Absolutely. When you look at this schedule, I think it starts out in the big House and I quite honestly, I think the wrong team is favored there. I think by the time we get to kickoff that's going to sway towards Oklahoma, even have them as a slight favorite. I've got them winning the game there in the big house, starting three and oh, you know, the road trip to Georgia, that's going to be tough. I just claim they're my pick to win the conference, so I think they're probably going to lose that one there. But I like them in the Red River. I think their defense is really going to travel this year on some of these tough road games. And then in November, that's where you make or break the season. With Ole Miss coming in a playoff projection. Projection for me, Texas A and M, a playoff team last year. So yeah, they're going to get the 10 wins though. I see 10 and two and that's going to be strong enough to make the playoff and then obviously make the SEC title game with a 7 and 2 conference record. Head to head over Texas being the key. But you know, I'm trusting Venables track record on defense. It's elite. You have all these all American and all SEC candidates on that side of the ball and then hopefully a big jump up with the offense.

[Paul Finebaum]

Talking to Brett Sanchez from pick six previews. Let's go to Ole Miss next because I, I mean they are so complicated. Everyone knows about Kiffin, everyone knows about that game. Everyone knows about Trinidad Chambliss. But what don't we know about this program and why are you so confident of them?

[Brett Ciancia]

Well, when I started the research process, I had a couple questions. I mean, right away, coaching change. But you saw them play in the playoff for Pete Golden. They played inspired football, went a couple rounds. So I'm impressed with what he's done already as the interim. Now the head coach. Question about losing Lane Kiffin. Obviously a huge hit to their offensive scheme, but I like their hire. They brought in John David Baker, a former Kiffin assistant Kiffin coordinator. He was quoted saying he's keeping the offensive scheme 80% the same. So I know what I'm signing up for there. With Trinidad Shambliss and Keevon Lacy in the backfield, interior of the offensive line returns. But here's the kicker. What Pete Golding did on defense this offseason was, was monumental for me looking at it. I mean as a defensive head coach now, he put a lot more funds and budget and attention onto that side of the ball in the transfer portal. They signed eight, four star transfers on defense alone. And if you follow the transfer market, that's unbelievable. Off the charts. So they're packing the defense with a lot of talent. Four stars in high school, four star transfers. So I see a more complete version of Ole Miss than last year. If you want some question marks, maybe the tackle spots on offense, they lose both tackles. And then maybe the overall transitional type feel you still have in the first full season with Golding. But all that to say I like Ole Miss. It was a no brainer pick for me to make the playoff. I've got him fourth in the SEC and then returning to the bracket there in December.

[Paul Finebaum]

So how many you have four or five SEC schools making the playoff? I'm trying to remember.

[Brett Ciancia]

I got four. And when you look back at last year, it was tilted towards the SEC. You had five SEC, three Big Ten and then of course the one from the ACC and the one Big 12. I think it's going to balance back out to four and four among the big two, the big two conferences, the Big Ten and the SEC. I say that because with the addition of the ninth conference game in the SEC, a lot of those 10 and two resumes from last year, they're going to look like nine and threes this year. And if we learned anything from the playoff committee, they're loss counters. They look at that loss column. So I think it's going to be. I can already hear the arguments coming in November you're going to have a lot of nine and three teams from both leagues, the Big Ten, the sec and you're going to be stacking all these resumes against each other. I think they're going to go with a clean 4 and 4 split. So that would have it as Georgia, the Red river teams, Oklahoma, Texas and then Ole Miss grabbing my last spot. But these other teams are right on the fringe. If you look at the book here, I have eight SEC teams in the top 16 in the country. So half the top 16 is SEC. They're all a game or two away, you know, a coin flip game here and there from being in the bracket.

[Paul Finebaum]

Let's go to LSU next. They're the most talked about team in the league, the most talked about coach. They've got the quarterback. They also have an incredibly difficult schedule.

[Brett Ciancia]

Yeah, well, I mean right away the Lane Kiffin effect. He, he calls himself the portal king and he certainly backed that up at Ole Miss. He's backing it up here again. 51 transfers coming to Baton Rouge with him, they're greater the number one transfer class in America for a reason. You think of football, college football, the most important positions, you think quarterback, you think a blind sign protector on offensive tackle, and then pass rush. He signed the number one in every single one of those positions with Sam Levitt at quarterback, Jordan Seaton, the big tackle from Colorado, and then Yuma Mellon coming with him from Ole Miss. So, you know, stacked roster. It's a playoff or bust type of roster for them, even in a transitional type season. But the catch is that their September looks brutal on paper. These, these games have got lined up. The return trip to Oxford, arguably the game in all of college football, in my opinion. Seeing Lane Kiffin go back to the Grove. But you catch them there in week three. I think there's so many moving parts with 50 transfers that you're looking at new line pairings, you know, a new starting 11 pairing on defense. So I think that having those two giant games, the road trip to Ole Miss and then the next week hosting A and M, that's going to be tough to overcome there for LSU in September. So I see a couple early losses. They're going to round into form and be right back in the mix in November. But I do have them right now as my last team out in the projection.

[Paul Finebaum]

Brett, let's go to Alabama because they're in many ways one of the most complex teams. A lot of people are really high on them. Nobody can. But there's the schedule looks manageable. DeBoer said today he still hasn't made up his mind on the quarterback. That was not a surprise. Where are you on the Tide?

[Brett Ciancia]

Well, I've got some questions and I think it all started last year. First off, remarkable run. They had all those one score wins as close wins. It was four straight ranked wins in the sec. SEC history, actually. First team to ever do it. But with that, those tight margins, I mean, that's hard to project forward. And then you saw them in the postseason. They really struggled to run the ball in the SEC title game against Georgia. The playoff games with Oklahoma and Indiana. They averaged under one yard per carry. They couldn't run the ball or stop the run. It was the worst rushing attack in Alabama history. And you know, they've been running the ball for over 100 years. So I have some questions. Then you look at it at the roster. They lost a lot of. Lost a lot of starters. Four offensive linemen are gone, a lot of the front seven gone as well. And they lost some star Players to the portal too. You think of Isaiah Horton going to A and M, a couple of linemen going to Ohio State. So I've got a lot of questions. I launched Pick Six Previews in 2012 and of course that was peak Nick Saban dynasty. So it's been a good run for them. But this is the most questions I've ever seen on an Alabama preseason roster here and quarterback's not even one of them. I think that they have two great picks there to choose from. Keelan Russell being your more dual threat, five star prodigy. And then you have Austin Mack coming with this staff from Washington, a pocket passer. So I like both guys. That's not even on the questions part. But yeah, I see a couple of losses here and I've got them outside the playoff bracket and you know they

[Paul Finebaum]

have games which I know you've dealt with every team like South Carolina, you don't really know, you know, how close to the last two years have been. But in looking at that, that next tier, you mentioned Tennessee as well. Like where, what, what do you, what do you make out of them? Unknown quarterback obviously. Everybody has the same difficult schedule there. There's. They have Texas early on before they get to Alabama. They have LSU later. What about Josh Hyp's team?

[Brett Ciancia]

I'm really high on Tennessee and this is one of my surprise teams. I've got them 15th in the country which you know that's a game away from the playoff. If they flip one of these tight SEC games but love their win total as well, it comes in at seven and a half. I think they're going to go over that and then some. You know what I like about it? You're getting the Josh Hypo offense. We know what that looks like. It's the wide splits, it's the hyper tempo pace. They're going to, they're going to get their 40 points a game. They bring eight starters back on offense, four being on the line, which is huge continuity there. Two star receivers coming back and, and a five star added to the mix. So you know you're getting on offense. It's the defense this year that caught my eye by them hiring Jim Knowles, one of the best defensive minds in the game. He's built defenses at Duke, at Oklahoma State, won a national title with Ohio State. He brings some star players with him to some staffers are going to get this install going pretty quick and he's inheriting, you know, a lot of five stars and top 100 recruits on that defensive front seven. So I think you have a complete team. You've got the hypo offense paired with a Jim Knowles defense. I like Tennessee a lot here.

[Paul Finebaum]

Brad, before you go, we talked about surprise on a good, in a good way. Everybody thinks their team is going to be great. Who are you concerned about among the teams that a lot of us think have at least a chance for a good season?

[Brett Ciancia]

Yeah, I'm concerned about Vanderbilt. Of course. They had a special season last year, an all timer. Even 2024 was an all timer too. When they beat Alabama and throw those through those goalposts into the river, just you love what they did with Clark Lee, built there in five years. But losing Diego Pavia, I mean the effect of him that he had on that offense, that team, all these plays that were off script, he was scrambling, creating. You take him out of the equation and then you look at their talent on paper. You know they're towards the bottom of the league in high school recruiting and transfers and NFL projections. So I'm a little bit, you know, a little bit bearish on Vanderbilt this year coming off an all time season. So that's one. And you know, maybe South Carolina as well. I see them as a trendy top 25 pick. I'm not buying it. I think they need still need to fix their offensive line. That's been a recurring theme. I'm asked every year about Carolina. It's always the offensive line. If they can get that fixed then sure they'll be top 25. But you know, I like Lenora Sellers there quarterback. Love the coordinator Kendall Briles. That's going to be a great pair. But I don't see top 25 from them just yet.

[Paul Finebaum]

Okay, we've obsessed over the SEC. That's something we're guilty of. We can't shake that disease. Who's going to win it all when they hand out the national championship trophy?

[Brett Ciancia]

Well, pick six previews readers in last year's edition 2025 on the page there I put that not 25 but in 2026. I'm calling for Oregon to win the national title. It was all these five stars but they're all freshmen and sophomores. I thought, hey, next year they're going to be unbelievable. Here we are 12 months later. I'm sticking to it. It's the year of the duck. You know, they were top five in both my offense and my defense numbers last year. Made the final four, had a special season last year and they're all back. I mean they got Dante Moore to return from the NFL draft. Would have been a first round pick. All four defensive linemen made my all Big Ten team. It is a stacked roster if you've ever seen one. So that would be the fourth straight Big Ten team to win it. Fourth different Big Ten team. I know that's not going to play well here on the fine bomb show, but that's where I'm going. I'm sticking with my prediction from 12 months ago. It's the year of the duck.

[Paul Finebaum]

I happen to agree with you Brett. But no, that is not going to play well nor will anyone ever hear that again in clips of the show that we disseminate. That will be cut out.

[Brett Ciancia]

Brett really censored that.

[Paul Finebaum]

Fun conversation. Congratulations on another great season. This is what it looks like. By the way, how do you find this thing before you go, thanks so much Paul.

[Brett Ciancia]

I really appreciate it. It's an honor to be on it's pick six previews.com all spelled out pick six previews. We have samples, testimonials. Go check it out. Hard copy and the digital. That's the only place to get it though is on the webpage there. Pick six previews.com and it's worth getting.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thanks Brett. Really appreciate it. We're up against the break after that conversation and we will take your phone call, Chef Elizabeth a little bit later on. We're coming right back.

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[Paul Finebaum]

You're listening to the Paul Finebaum Show

Podcast and and we are back. G is from Atlanta and you are next up.

[Caller - Georgia Fan]

Hey, G. Hey. Hey, Paul. Thanks for taking my call. I'm like the guy before me, a couple calls before me. I hate to be on a dead horse, Paul, but you are absolutely right about Jayden Daniels. He was a second tier high school trophy winner. You were dead on on that. And the only thing when you mentioned that guy's name, one thing I can remember well of him is when Carter for University of Georgia and SEC championship game picked him up with one hand, one arm and could have destroyed the guy but put him down on the ground politely and then he left the game because he got hurt. And to me, he would have been coming to the Hoffman trophy for ceremony in a wheelchair because he could have got destroyed, he should have destroyed him. But what he's doing now, and that's my memory. Mr. Daniels, Paul, have a great show today.

[Paul Finebaum]

Thank you very, very much. Rick is up next in Houston. Hey, Rick.

[Caller - Various Locations]

Hey, good afternoon, Paul. So a couple things before I weigh in on the Jaden Daniels thing. The bearded lady in South Carolina yesterday called you a bald faced liar. I found that, I found that a little bit ridiculous. But Paul, you know, his, his claim to fame is no man can make him quit anything he doesn't want to. Well, that's very true. His doctor told him to cut out the knee highs and moon pies and Chris told him, you know, you can't make me do that. I don't quit anything I don't want to. So we all know, we all know he never quit those. Paul, I read today on SI that a defensive coordinator in the SEC said that scan Sam Levitt didn't scare him, that he was more scared. He'd be more scared about playing Diego Pavia. But you know, this guy had to remain anonymous. So I find that kind of spineless. But you know, Paul, as far as Jaden Daniels and, and Joe Burrow and feeling disrespectful, well, the thing I always felt is that Joe. Joe leaned into LSU and Louisiana and the people there and you know, they loved him. And I think that he loved them back. I mean, there's, there's, there's numerous things to, to show that, but it always felt like Jaden Daniels was just this cool California kid that came in and,

[Paul Finebaum]

well, there's a reason for that, Rick, because that's exactly who he was. Thanks for the call. Up against the Break 2 hours ago

Listening to the Paul Fine Bomb show podcast.

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