College sports shaken by new executive order. What does it mean for student-athletes and NIL deals? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs analyze the President's recent action on collegiate athletics, exploring its impact on scholarships, women's sports, and third-party payments. SMU football's rise takes center stage as Grayson Singleton previews their upcoming season and key players like Dereon Coleman. Rich Clark, College Football Playoff Executive Director, shares insights on potential expansion and h...
Jul 25, 2025•38 min•Ep. 1006
The ACC Squad podcast brings together college football experts to discuss the Atlantic Coast Conference's position in the power conference hierarchy. Featuring hosts from various ACC team-focused podcasts, the episode delves into whether the ACC's third-place standing is sufficient for long-term success. The panel debates potential growth opportunities, including the pursuit of Notre Dame as a full member. They also analyze predictions for the upcoming season, with Clemson emerging as the consen...
Jul 24, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1005
FLORIDA STATE FOOTBALL: Quarterback's Bold Alabama Claims Spark Controversy Tommy Castellanos stands by his comments about Alabama, but clarifies his intent at ACC media day. The FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES face heightened expectations for 2023, with oddsmakers setting their over/under at 7.5 wins. Head coach Mike Norvell delivers a passionate speech on team culture, emphasizing the importance of embracing high standards and developing real confidence through action. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips an...
Jul 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1004
ACC Football Shakeup: New Rules, Revenue, and the Return of the Pony Express Commissioner Jim Phillips' bold statements signal a stronger ACC, with record revenues and rising football prowess. Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs dissect the conference's positioning, including the Florida State and Clemson settlement. ACC head of officiating Al Riveron reveals groundbreaking transparency measures for reviews and clarifies targeting rules. Former SMU star Craig James discusses the enduring legacy of the "...
Jul 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1003
ACC football takes center stage as media days approach. What burning questions await Commissioner Jim Phillips? Host Alex Donno and former NC State defensive lineman Kenton Gibbs break down the hot topics surrounding ACC Kickoff. They analyze the potential impact of NIL executive orders, debate college athlete employment status, and discuss the fairness of College Football Playoff expansion for the conference. The duo also preview upcoming coach interviews, including Miami's Mario Cristobal and ...
Jul 22, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1002
NIL reform shakes up college sports landscape. Is an executive order on the horizon for the ACC and beyond? Kenton Gibbs and Alex Donno tackle the hot-button issue of Name, Image, and Likeness in college athletics. The duo dissects a potential game-changing executive order, exploring its impact on antitrust laws and state regulations. They dive into the fairness of athlete compensation, drawing from Gibbs' experiences as a former NC State defensive lineman. The conversation shifts to Phil Steele...
Jul 18, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1001
ACC football shakeup looms. Will Virginia Tech's Brent Pry and Florida State's Mike Norvell survive the hot seat? Alex Dono and the ACC Squad break down crucial matchups against SEC powerhouses that could make or break coaching careers. The crew analyzes Clemson's dominance in Pro Football Focus's top 50 players list and debates the Tigers' national championship prospects. Plus, shocking speculation about Nick Saban's potential return to coaching. Could the legendary coach find a new home in the...
Jul 17, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1000
ACC QB Rankings Shake-up: Is Darian Mensah the Real Deal? Miami Hurricanes football takes center stage as Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs dissect Andy Staples' controversial ACC quarterback rankings. The duo analyzes Mensah's potential impact at Duke, debates Cade Klubnik's ceiling at Clemson, and explores how supporting casts influence QB success. They also tackle Pro Football Focus's Top 50 players list, questioning ACC representation beyond Clemson's stars. The conversation shifts to NIL spending...
Jul 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 999
PENN STATE FOOTBALL: Dark Horse CFP Contender? Nittany Lions' Path to Glory Analyzed Is Penn State primed for a College Football Playoff run? Host Alex Donno and guests Kenton Gibbs and Zach Seiko break down the Nittany Lions' chances, comparing them to ACC powerhouses Clemson and Miami. The trio dissects quarterback battles, with Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, and Carson Beck under the microscope. Penn State's defensive upgrades and offensive firepower take center stage, while Clemson's returning pr...
Jul 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 998
ACC Coaching Hot Seats: Virginia Tech, Florida State, and NC State Under Scrutiny Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs dissect the precarious positions of ACC football coaches, focusing on Brent Pry at VIRGINIA TECH, Mike Norvell at FLORIDA STATE, and Dave Doeren at NC STATE. The duo analyzes each program's expectations, recent performances, and the potential for change. Gibbs, a former WOLFPACK defensive lineman, offers insider perspective on NC State's situation and the growing fan apathy. The hosts al...
Jul 14, 2025•32 min•Ep. 997
ACC football faces seismic shifts as NIL regulations reshape college sports. Will the new College Sports Commission level the playing field or spark legal battles? Hosts Alex Donno and former NC State defensive lineman Kenton Gibbs dissect the impact of NIL changes on ACC powerhouses like Miami, Clemson, and Florida State. The duo analyzes Pro Football Focus's surprising ACC championship prediction, questioning if the Hurricanes can live up to the hype. They also break down ACC Media Days select...
Jul 11, 2025•34 min•Ep. 996
ACC football's landscape is shifting. Will Clemson Tigers maintain their dominance, or can Miami Hurricanes or SMU Mustangs challenge for the top spot? Host Jackson Holzer and guests Isaac Shade and Grayson Singleton break down ESPN's 2025 ACC Football Preview, highlighting key matchups and potential Heisman candidates. The trio debates sleeper teams, with Duke Blue Devils emerging as a dark horse under new coach Manny Diaz. Georgia Tech's Haynes King takes center stage as they discuss his under...
Jul 10, 2025•33 min•Ep. 995
ACC Football Shakeup: Can SMU's Rhett Lashlee Maintain His Coaching Magic? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs dissect ESPN's bold claim about SMU's Rhett Lashlee being college football's top performer. They analyze the Mustangs' back-to-back 11-win seasons and debate the challenges of SMU's transition from underdog to hunted. The duo also examines Syracuse's uphill battle with only 46% returning talent, Florida State's contentious ranking, and Georgia Tech's surprising potential as an ACC dark horse. F...
Jul 08, 2025•33 min•Ep. 994
SYRACUSE FOOTBALL SHOCKS WITH 5-STAR RECRUIT. Is a new ACC powerhouse emerging? Head coach Fran Brown's recruiting prowess takes center stage as the SYRACUSE ORANGE land Calvin Russell, a coveted 5-star receiver from Miami. Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down this game-changing commitment, exploring Russell's potential impact on both football and basketball. The discussion shifts to recent ACC settlement agreements, with Florida State and Clemson potentially eyeing a football "Super League." ...
Jul 07, 2025•33 min•Ep. 993
MIAMI HURRICANES Football: ACC Title Drought Ends in 2025? Can the MIAMI HURRICANES finally claim their first ACC championship after 21 seasons? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the HURRICANES' path to success in 2025, analyzing the impact of quarterback Carson Beck and new defensive coordinator Corey Heatherman. The duo examines Miami's offensive firepower, defensive improvements, and key players like Reuben Hurricane Bane and Wesley Besaint. With predictions ranging from an 8-4 floor to ...
Jul 03, 2025•33 min•Ep. 992
Revenue sharing hits college sports, sparking immediate salary cap disputes. Will this reshape the NCAA landscape? Former NC State defensive lineman Kenton Gibbs joins host Alex Donno to break down the groundbreaking revenue sharing implementation in college athletics. They analyze the $20.5 million salary cap, potential audits, and implications for non-revenue sports. The duo also dives into EA Sports' college football game ratings, examining ACC team rankings and player evaluations. Clemson's ...
Jul 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 991
NC STATE WOLFPACK football's 2025 season preview: Can C.J. Bailey lead a top-five ACC offense? Is an 8-win season on the horizon? Former NC State defensive tackle Kenton Gibbs breaks down the WOLFPACK's offensive firepower, highlighting QB C.J. Bailey's development and dynamic RB Hollywood Smothers. The discussion covers defensive challenges under new coordinator D.J. Elliott, potential breakout stars like Brian Nelson, and a favorable yet tricky schedule. Gibbs offers insider perspectives on th...
Jun 27, 2025•34 min•Ep. 990
ACC football drama unfolds as Thomas Castellanos' controversial comments spark heated debate. Is the former Boston College QB burning bridges or building hype for his Florida State future? Host Jackson Holzer and panelists dissect Castellanos' bold claims, questioning his on-field performance and impact on team dynamics. The discussion shifts to the potential NCAA basketball tournament expansion, with experts weighing in on its implications for March Madness. A legal battle between Miami and Wis...
Jun 26, 2025•35 min•Ep. 989
Duke Blue Devils football poised for breakout 2025 season? Transfer QB Darian Mensah sparks high expectations in Durham. Head coach Manny Diaz's squad aims to build on recent success, with the Blue Devils eyeing their third 9-win season in four years. The offense, led by Mensah and a potent running back duo, looks to elevate Duke's scoring prowess. On defense, standouts Chandler Rivers and Terry Moore anchor a unit that ranked 7th in the ACC last year. JJ Jackson, host of Locked on Duke Blue Dev...
Jun 26, 2025•27 min•Ep. 988
SYRACUSE ORANGE Football: Offensive Overhaul and Defensive Dilemmas for 2025 Can the SYRACUSE ORANGE bounce back after losing key players? Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs break down SYRACUSE's offensive rebuild, focusing on the quarterback battle between Rickie Collins and Steve Angeli. The hosts analyze the ORANGE's defensive prospects, highlighting the experienced secondary led by Duce Chestnut and Devin Grant. They debate SYRACUSE's potential win range, considering their tough schedule agains...
Jun 25, 2025•34 min•Ep. 987
Can CLEMSON TIGERS football reclaim their spot atop the ACC? With a revamped offense and aggressive defense, the Tigers are poised for a comeback. Host Jackson Holzer and co-host Kenton Gibbs break down Clemson's potential, focusing on their formidable offensive line and Heisman candidate quarterback Cade Klubnick. They explore the team's running back situation, defensive changes under new coordinator Tom Allen, and standout players like TJ Parker and Peter Woods. Guest Morgan Thomas, host of Lo...
Jun 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 986
Bold words and fiery comments: Thomas Castellanos ignites controversy with Alabama challenge. Can the Florida State Seminoles quarterback back up his trash talk? Hosts Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs dissect Castellanos' audacious claim that Alabama can't stop him without Nick Saban. The discussion shifts to a groundbreaking lawsuit as Wisconsin accuses Miami of player tampering. Explore the potential ramifications for college football recruiting and the challenges of proving these allegations. ...
Jun 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 985
ACC Football Shakeup: Syracuse's Surprising FPI Ranking and Top QB Battles ESPN's FPI predictions spark debate as Syracuse faces a projected 4.6-win season despite last year's success. Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs analyze the Orange's tough schedule, new coach Fran Brown's impact, and transfer QB Steve Angeli's potential. The duo breaks down Josh Pates' ACC quarterback rankings, highlighting Cade Klubnik, Carson Beck, and Haynes King as top contenders. Impact transfers like Deuce Robinson (Florid...
Jun 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 984
FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES: ACC Contenders or Pretenders? Breaking Down FSU's 2023 Outlook Can the Florida State Seminoles football team challenge Clemson's ACC dominance? Host Alex Donno and guest Brian Smith analyze FSU's championship aspirations, dissecting their revamped offensive line and quarterback Tommy Castellanos' potential impact. Smith offers candid insights on Mike Norvell's coaching, fan confidence, and crucial recruiting battles. The discussion covers defensive standouts like Daryl J...
Jun 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 983
Private equity firms enter college sports. Is this the death knell for non-revenue programs? ACC insiders break down the potential fallout from this game-changing development. Key topics include resource allocation shifts, impacts on smaller schools, and the future of college athletics. The panel explores how private equity could reshape everything from recruiting to facility upgrades. Each host reveals their team's biggest offseason surprise. NC State's defensive exodus, Duke's QB acquisition, ...
Jun 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 982
ACC Football Shakeup: Miami Hurricanes Outrank Clemson in ESPN's FPI? Rivalry Showdowns Explored! Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs dissect ESPN's controversial Football Power Index ratings for ACC teams, questioning Miami's surprising edge over Clemson. The duo analyzes fierce rivalries like Florida State vs. Miami and Georgia Tech vs. Georgia, debating what truly makes a college football matchup legendary. From the electrifying atmosphere of Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium to the historic "wide right" ...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 981
PITT PANTHERS' recruiting blitz stuns college football world. Is Pat Narduzzi building a dark horse ACC contender? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the Panthers' impressive 10-commit haul in just three days, highlighting the national reach of their recruiting efforts. The discussion shifts to the game-changing House vs. NCAA settlement, with guest Brian Smith offering insights on its potential impact on ACC programs like Wake Forest and Boston College. Florida State's recruiting challenges...
Jun 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 980
ACC football's recruiting landscape is shifting. Who are the top head coach recruiters shaping the conference's future? Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs break down the ACC's recruiting powerhouses, analyzing Fran Brown's impressive turnaround at Syracuse and debating Dabo Swinney's Clemson legacy. The duo explores high-impact transfers, including Carson Beck's potential game-changing move to Miami. They dissect the Hurricanes' 2024 outlook and how Beck could alter the program's trajectory. Tune i...
Jun 06, 2025•39 min•Ep. 979
ACC football under fire: Is Paul Finebaum's criticism fair? Hosts from Locked On ACC podcasts tackle recent comments dismissing the conference's relevance. The panel dissects Finebaum's controversial statements, exploring ACC's place in college football's landscape. ESPN's FPI rankings spark debate, with Miami's surprising 9th-place position raising eyebrows. Clemson's Cade Klubnik leads the discussion on top ACC quarterbacks, with Georgia Tech's Haynes King and SMU's Kevin Jennings also in the ...
Jun 05, 2025•38 min•Ep. 978
ACC football takes center stage as Paul Feinbaum's controversial comments spark heated debate. Is the SEC analyst crossing the line with his playoff format suggestions? Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs dissect Feinbaum's remarks, labeling him an "SEC propagandist" while advocating for fair representation in an expanded College Football Playoff. The duo explores ideal formats, emphasizing on-field performance over conference prestige. They also tackle the impact of transfers on rivalries, using Ve...
Jun 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 977
