Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Spring Games Disappearing, Nebraska's Matt Rhule Joins, 2025 Heisman Trophy Predictions

Release Date: February 26, 2025
Presented by Wendy’s

Introduction

In this episode of The Triple Option, hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delve into the evolving landscape of college football. The discussion centers around the diminishing role of spring games, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal, and predictions for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Special guest Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule joins the conversation to provide insights from his perspective.

The Purpose and Future of Spring Games

The episode kicks off with a debate on the relevance of spring games in college football. Urban Meyer raises concerns about their effectiveness for both teams and fans.

Urban Meyer [03:00]: "It depends on the team. If you're taking over a program that's already a powerhouse, spring games don't offer much. But for teams rebuilding, they can be crucial."

Rob Stone echoes Meyer's skepticism, questioning the necessity of non-conference matchups for Big Ten teams already engaged in rigorous conference schedules.

Rob Stone [00:32]: "Why would a Big Ten team who's already playing nine conference games, ever play one of those games?"

Impact of NIL and the Transfer Portal

The conversation shifts to the significant influence of NIL and the transfer portal on spring practices. Meyer discusses how these factors have altered team dynamics and player retention.

Urban Meyer [02:03]: "The transfer portal is real, and it impacts spring practice. Schools are wary of naming starters to avoid losing players to transfers during spring."

Mark Ingram adds to the discussion, highlighting the uncertainty players face when entering the transfer portal.

Mark Ingram [07:46]: "Over 3,300 players entered the portal last year, with only about 58% finding new homes. This creates a gap where college careers can end abruptly."

Matt Rhule’s Perspective on Nebraska’s Spring Game

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule shares his thoughts on why his program is reconsidering the traditional spring game format. He expresses concerns about showcasing players to other programs, potentially increasing transfer activity.

Matt Rhule [06:38]: "Last year, our spring game was highly televised, and we saw players receiving numerous offers immediately after. It doesn't make sense to showcase like that anymore."

Rhule emphasizes his focus on recruiting and managing the current roster rather than exposing players to external scouting during spring.

Matt Rhule [06:43]: "I don't want to open up our players for the outside world to poach them. We'll explore alternatives like seven-on-seven competitions and skills challenges instead."

Challenges and Solutions in the Transfer Portal Era

Urban Meyer addresses the broader issues presented by the transfer portal, including the uncertainty it creates for both players and programs. He underscores the lack of a centralized governing body to regulate transfers, leaving teams to navigate these challenges independently.

Urban Meyer [12:35]: "There's no umbrella organization to standardize rules, so the rich get richer and the weak get weaker. It's a flawed system that’s not getting fixed anytime soon."

Meyer advocates for players to focus on their education and personal development to mitigate the instability caused by frequent transfers.

Coaching Strategies: Matt Drills and Accountability

The discussion transitions to coaching methodologies, with an emphasis on Matt Rhule's "Matt Drills" designed to instill accountability and discipline among players. Rhule explains how these drills replace traditional combative practices to foster teamwork and resilience.

Matt Rhule [31:53]: "Mat drills are about competitive agility and accountability. If one player falters, the entire team has to redo the drill, teaching them the importance of each individual's effort."

Rob Stone praises Rhule's commitment to maintaining intensity and discipline within the program.

Rob Stone [30:15]: "I believe in it, and I'll never let them fire me before I quit doing it."

Recruiting Strategies in a National Landscape

Recruiting remains a pivotal topic, with Rhule outlining Nebraska’s approach to securing talent both locally and nationally. He highlights targeting regions like Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, and extending into Texas and California to attract top-tier athletes.

Rob Stone [22:19]: "We're focusing on a 500-mile radius, including Kansas City and St. Louis, and extending into major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Denver, Texas, and California."

Rhule emphasizes the importance of balancing high school recruits with strategic transfers to build a competitive roster.

Matt Rhule [24:38]: "We aim to bring in about 15 high school recruits annually while also leveraging the transfer portal to fill specific needs."

2025 Heisman Trophy Predictions

The episode culminates with a discussion on potential Heisman Trophy contenders for the upcoming season. The hosts present a list of six frontrunners, with Matt Rhule expressing his confidence in Jeremiah Smith as the likely winner.

Urban Meyer [46:55]: "I believe Jeremiah Smith is going to be the first receiver in a while to win the Heisman Trophy."

Mark Ingram adds his perspective, acknowledging the competitive field and the impact of player performance on Heisman odds.

Mark Ingram [46:01]: "Jeremiah Smith has 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. A lot of us think he's the best player in college football right now."

Meyer also discusses the importance of supporting players with strong quarterbacks, noting that the synergy between position players significantly influences Heisman success.

Urban Meyer [49:32]: "The quarterback's role is crucial, but having a dominant receiver like Jeremiah Smith can make all the difference."

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future of college football, addressing critical issues such as the decline of spring games, the ramifications of NIL and the transfer portal, and the strategies employed by coaches like Matt Rhule to navigate these changes. Additionally, the discussion on Heisman Trophy predictions offers listeners a glimpse into the standout players anticipated to make significant impacts in the upcoming season.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Stone [00:32]: "Why would a Big Ten team who's already playing nine conference games, ever play one of those games?"
• Matt Rhule [06:38]: "I don't want to open up our players for the outside world to poach them."
• Urban Meyer [12:35]: "There's no umbrella organization to standardize rules, so the rich get richer and the weak get weaker."
• Matt Rhule [31:53]: "Mat drills are about competitive agility and accountability."
• Urban Meyer [46:55]: "I believe Jeremiah Smith is going to be the first receiver in a while to win the Heisman Trophy."

Stay Connected

For more in-depth discussions and exclusive content, follow The Triple Option on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and social media at @3XOptionShow.

Thanks to our sponsors Wendy’s and BETMGM for supporting this episode.