Podcast Title: The Triple Option
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Episode Title: Agents in College Football, Todd McShay Talks NFL Draft, & Michigan's 2025 Expectations
Release Date: April 9, 2025

1. Introduction and Initial Banter

The episode kicks off with Rob Stone sharing a humorous anecdote about his first phone conversation with Urban Meyer:

Rob Stone ([00:00]): "Did I ever tell you, Mark, the story of when Coach and I first met over the phone?... Coach, your first question was like, who are you?"

This light-hearted exchange sets a friendly and informal tone for the discussion ahead.

2. Concerns Over College Football Agents and the Transfer Portal

Rob Stone introduces the primary topics, highlighting Kirby Smart's concerns about the current state of college football:

Rob Stone ([01:29]): "Georgia head coach Kirby Smart... has some real legitimate concerns about the state of college football."

Kirby Smart voices his apprehensions regarding the manipulation of the transfer portal by agents:

Kirby Smart ([01:56]): "There’s people reaching out to have a Zoom call and present all the players they represent... It could be one of the most legendary moments in all of college sports... what’s going to happen to the kids that went to two and three and four places?"

3. The Importance of Relationships and Work Ethic in Players

Urban Meyer and Mark Ingram delve into the significance of relationships and work ethic, contrasting it with the current trend of players seeking immediate financial gains:

Urban Meyer ([04:31]): "The agent, they have a very clear responsibility. It's maximize their client's value, period."

Mark Ingram ([07:38]): "Relationships and just an environment around a player to be successful... It's all about what can you do for me... there is no work ethic."

They emphasize that long-term success is rooted in dedication and strong relationships rather than short-term benefits.

4. Impact of the Transfer Portal on Player Development and Relationships

The hosts discuss how the transfer portal encourages players to "fly rather than fight," undermining team cohesion and personal development:

Rob Stone ([12:03]): "The transfer portal... it's teaching flight rather than fight."

Mark Ingram ([13:35]): "Communication, relationships, overcoming adversity... All the thing you love about football is hurting the sport right now."

This segment underscores the potential negative repercussions of the current transfer dynamics on both players and teams.

5. Transition to NFL Draft Discussion with Todd McShay

After addressing college football's internal challenges, the conversation shifts to the NFL Draft, introducing Todd McShay as a key guest:

Rob Stone ([16:12]): "We're going to Talk with Todd McShay about the NFL draft... The great Todd McShay from the Ringer joins us."

6. Todd McShay’s Insights on Quarterback Drafting and the Running Back Class

Todd McShay provides an in-depth analysis of the quarterback landscape and praises the current running back cohort as the strongest in decades:

Todd McShay ([26:31]): "If you bring a guy in with a top 10 pick... if he doesn't pan out, it's going to set you back, minimum three years."

Todd McShay ([31:35]): "It's the best running back group top to bottom that I've ever seen."

He highlights specific talents like Genty, RJ Harvey, and Travion Henderson, emphasizing their versatility and potential impact on the NFL.

7. Predictions and Analysis on Michigan's 2025 Season

The discussion narrows down to Michigan's expectations for the 2025 season, incorporating betting insights from BetMGM:

Rob Stone ([43:07]): "Michigan have set it at eight and a half regular season wins according to BetMGM for 2020."

The hosts debate the feasibility of this prediction, considering Michigan's schedule and the development of quarterback Bryce Underwood:

Urban Meyer ([48:50]): "Vegas is right on it. I'm going to go nine wins."

Mark Ingram ([48:33]): "If Bryce Underwood could continue elevate his game over the course of the season, they could be a dangerous team in the Big Ten."

The conversation navigates through potential game outcomes, concluding with a consensus on Michigan likely securing around nine regular-season wins, contingent on player development and performance.

8. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with the show and recap the main discussion points:

Rob Stone ([51:19]): "See you next week on the Triple Option."

The episode effectively blends insightful discussions on current college football issues with expert analysis of the NFL Draft and future predictions for Michigan, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the sport's evolving landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Kirby Smart ([01:56]): "What's going to happen to the kids that went to two and three and four places?"

• Urban Meyer ([04:31]): "The agent... is to maximize the value of their client. Period."

• Mark Ingram ([07:38]): "Relationships and work ethic matter more than instant gratification."

• Todd McShay ([31:35]): "It's the best running back group top to bottom that I've ever seen."

• Urban Meyer ([48:50]): "Vegas is right on it. I'm going to go nine wins."

This episode of The Triple Option offers a deep dive into the complexities of college football's evolving dynamics, the critical nature of strategic drafting in the NFL, and anticipates Michigan's competitive trajectory in the upcoming season. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to the sport, the insights provided by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram, Rob Stone, and guest Todd McShay offer valuable perspectives on the game we all love.