The hosts return after a long break to preview the 2026 NC State football season, debating roster turnover, the offensive and defensive lines, and whether CJ Bailey can carry the team, before breaking down the opening game at Virginia.
The hosts kick off the season preview by briefly addressing Will Wade's messy LSU exit before admitting how hard it's been to talk college football during the offseason given the transfer portal chaos, NIL rules, and legal landscape (including the end of redshirts under the new 5-for-5 eligibility rule). They riff on NC State potentially playing more neutral-site games for NIL funding purposes, and lament the canceled Brazil game against Virginia, which is now a true road game instead of a neutral site matchup.
Turning to the 2026 outlook, the guys go through the roster overhaul on offense, noting CJ Bailey (entering his third year) lost most of his receiving corps (Noah Rogers, Justin Joly, Hollywood Smothers) and will rely on transfers like JoJo Trader, Victor Snow, and Davion Gauss (childhood friends of Bailey's). They debate whether highly-produced G5 transfers are more reliable than former four-star busts, and worry about the offensive line's lack of explosiveness at running back behind Duke Scott. On defense, they see reason for optimism with the addition of edge rushers like Harvey Dyson (via Delaware) and a secondary many believe is one of the best in years, but stress the team's ceiling depends on finally generating consistent pass rush after years of struggling to pressure the quarterback. They go through several PodChat over/under questions on CJ Bailey's stats, Duke Scott's rushing yards, and the team's win total, generally landing on cautious optimism (predictions range from 8-4 to 9-3).
The episode closes with a breakdown of the Virginia game itself, including concerns about Dave Doeren's track record in true road openers, UVA's injury-depleted receiving corps, and whether Bo Pribula's dual-threat ability can be contained. The hosts also discuss what counts as a "successful" season (they agree on 10 regular-season wins) and whether Doeren's consistent 8-9 win floor has actually limited the program's investment and national perception over time.
In this episode
- Offseason catch-up and college football chaos. The hosts address Will Wade's LSU departure and discuss how hard it is to follow college football with the new 5-for-5 eligibility rule eliminating redshirts and ongoing NIL/legal disputes.
- Neutral site games and the canceled Brazil matchup. They discuss how neutral-site games could generate player payments and express disappointment that the Virginia opener is now a true road game instead of the originally planned Brazil game.
- Offensive personnel breakdown. The guys analyze CJ Bailey's development entering year three, the loss of key receivers, and the incoming transfer class including JoJo Trader, Victor Snow, and Davion Gauss.
- Offensive line and running back concerns. They worry the rebuilt offensive line and running backs like Duke Scott lack explosiveness compared to departed players like Hollywood Smothers.
- Defensive improvements and pass rush questions. The hosts highlight secondary depth and new edge rushers like Harvey Dyson but stress the defense's success hinges on finally generating consistent quarterback pressure.
- Virginia season opener preview. They break down UVA's injury-riddled depth chart, Bo Pribula's running ability, and Dave Doeren's shaky history in true road openers before giving final win-total predictions.