Podcast Title: The Triple Option
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Episode: Tennessee NIL Drama, NFL Draft Talk with Todd McShay, Ohio State Preview & Masters Memories
Release Date: April 16, 2025

In this compelling episode of "The Triple Option", hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone navigate through a whirlwind of topics that are reshaping the landscape of football. From the intricate drama surrounding Tennessee’s quarterback Nico Iamaleva’s NIL negotiations to an insightful discussion on the NFL Draft with special guest Todd McShay, and a thorough preview of Ohio State’s upcoming season, this episode offers listeners an all-encompassing look into the current state of the sport.

1. Tennessee NIL Drama (00:20 – 15:01)

The episode kicks off with a blend of humor and tension as the hosts delve into the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) controversy involving Tennessee’s starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleva. Nico’s attempt to renegotiate his NIL deal has led to unexpected consequences, including his absence from practice, stirring debates about player autonomy and team dynamics.

Urban Meyer articulates the gravity of the situation:

"We have to quit calling it NIL. It's not. It's pay for play. It's exactly what they’re doing. It's NFL. It's professional sports right now."
(Timestamp: 10:21)

Mark Ingram II chimed in on the timing and impact of Nico's actions:

"I think Nico should have played it out, but also, Mark, and you've been there. You want what your value is."
(Timestamp: 10:10)

The discussion highlights the shift in power dynamics within college football, where players are increasingly leveraging their value for better financial compensation. Rob Stone emphasizes the normalization of such holdouts:

"This is the norm now, Coach. I think in the 2023 recruiting class, seven of the eight quarterbacks have transferred."
(Timestamp: 08:48)

The hosts examine the potential fallout for Tennessee, questioning how Nico’s departure or continued holdout could affect the team’s performance and the broader implications for college football policies and player contracts.

2. NFL Draft Talk with Todd McShay (25:27 – 42:55)

Bringing in NFL Draft guru Todd McShay, the conversation shifts to the intricacies of the upcoming NFL Draft. Todd provides a comprehensive analysis of the draft class, identifying trends and predicting how teams might approach their selections.

Todd McShay breaks down the focus on premium positions:

"In the first two rounds last year, 91% of the picks were on the premium positions [...] So this year, in the third round and beyond, expect more tight ends, running backs, and interior offensive linemen."
(Timestamp: 26:04)

He elaborates on how NIL and the transfer portal have influenced draft depth:

"With the transfer portal opens today, they are going to go start swinging but make your stand and that's fine, that's great."
(Timestamp: 13:07)

Urban Meyer reflects on the evolving draft strategies:

"With the phenomena of NIL, you have more mature guys that are ready to play right away."
(Timestamp: 28:30)

The segment underscores a paradigm shift where teams must balance traditional scouting with the new realities of player mobility and financial negotiations. Todd’s insights reveal a draft class that is not only deep but also more strategically complex than ever before.

3. Ohio State Preview (45:35 – 50:25)

Turning attention to Ohio State Buckeyes, the hosts provide a detailed preview of their chances in the upcoming season. With a roster undergoing significant changes—15 players projected to enter the NFL Draft, new coordinators, and key position adjustments—the discussion is rich with anticipation and analysis.

Rob Stone references Vegas odds to frame the expectations:

"Bet MGM has set their regular season win total at ten and a half, with the overset at plus 100 and the under at minus 125."
(Timestamp: 46:52)

Urban Meyer cautiously aligns with the ten-win prediction:

"I got him at 10. I think they're going to win ten games."
(Timestamp: 46:52)

Mark Ingram II breaks down the Buckeyes’ challenging schedule:

"The two toughest tests on paper are home versus Texas and Penn State."
(Timestamp: 47:02)

The trio discusses the strategic adjustments Ohio State must make, including integrating new offensive and defensive schemes under coordinators Brian Hartline and Matt Patricia. They ponder whether the team can maintain its elite performance despite significant departures and emphasize the importance of veteran leadership and robust recruitment.

4. Masters Memories (17:29 – 23:14)

Adding a personal touch, Urban Meyer shares a nostalgic anecdote about winning the national championship and receiving an invitation to the Augusta National Golf Club from Fred Ridley. This story transitions into a lively discussion about golf, showcasing the hosts’ camaraderie and diverse interests beyond football.

Urban Meyer recounts the memorable phone call:

"President Obama calls me to congratulate the team, and then Fred Ridley invites me to Augusta National. That’s the promised land in my world."
(Timestamp: 17:30)

The conversation shifts to golf dynamics, with Rob Stone and Mark Ingram II humorously debating their golfing skills and experiences, highlighting the importance of focus and resilience—a metaphor applicable both on the golf course and the football field.

Notable Quotes:

• Urban Meyer:

  "We have to quit calling it NIL. It's not. It's pay for play. It's exactly what they’re doing. It's NFL. It's professional sports right now."
  (00:20 – 10:21)

• Mark Ingram II:

  "I think Nico should have played it out, but also, Mark, and you've been there. You want what your value is."
  (10:10)

• Rob Stone:

  "This is the norm now, Coach. I think in the 2023 recruiting class, seven of the eight quarterbacks have transferred."
  (08:48)

• Todd McShay:

  "In the first two rounds last year, 91% of the picks were on the premium positions [...] So this year, in the third round and beyond, expect more tight ends, running backs, and interior offensive linemen."
  (26:04)

• Urban Meyer:

  "I got him at 10. I think they're going to win ten games."
  (46:52)

Conclusion:

This episode of "The Triple Option" masterfully blends on-the-field analysis with behind-the-scenes insights, offering listeners a holistic view of contemporary football issues. From the empowerment and struggles of student-athletes navigating NIL deals to the strategic foresight required in NFL Draft preparation, and the enduring legacy of powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Meyer, Ingram, and Stone provide a multifaceted exploration of the sport’s current and future states. Personal stories, like Meyer’s golf anecdotes, add depth and relatability, making the episode both informative and engaging for fans seeking a comprehensive understanding of the game they love.