What Lincoln Riley Must Prove + Big Ten Media Day Expectations

What Lincoln Riley Must Prove + Big Ten Media Day Expectations

Author: The Athletic July 28, 2026 Duration: 44:54

In today’s episode, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo break down a chaotic week in college football, starting with breaking news out of Chapel Hill, a massive Big Ten Media Day preview, and the sport’s latest labor shifts. 


First, the guys dive into North Carolina placing general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave. What does this mean for the Tar Heels' 2026 season, the program's structural future, and the long-term relationship between UNC and Bill Belichick? Bruce and Ralph evaluate Lombardi’s brief tenure as a CFB general manager and project what expectations look like for UNC moving forward. 


Next, with Big Ten Media Days kicking off and USC head coach Lincoln Riley taking the stage tomorrow, the guys preview the biggest storylines, teams, and coaches they are chasing down. Plus, they break down the 2026 Preseason Big Ten Poll, discussing why predicting an order of finish is harder than the SEC this year and why Bruce is underwhelmed by the conference's running back rooms. 


Finally, they tackle the latest massive labor news as Stanford football players move toward creating a collective bargaining unit. Does this bring college football closer to a CBA? To wrap up, Bruce and Ralph highlight college football’s 2026 "All-Geezer Team," spotlighting the 7th- and 8th-year players still dotting rosters, including names like Avery Johnson and Bear Alexander.


📺 Watch us on YouTube: @AudibleShow

🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode!


TIMESTAMPS:


1:10 UNC places GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave due to HR complaint

6:13 - Another distraction for UNC

7:28 - What happens going forward?

16:36 - What is high on Bruce’s list for Big Ten media day?

20:36 - Oregon Ducks title contention?

23:31 - Last time Ohio State won the Big Ten

25:36 - Pressure on Lincoln Riley and USC

31:46 - The Big Ten RBs

34:35 - Stanford players and a CBA?

40:25 - The All-Geezer team


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For anyone who lives and breathes college football, the weekly conversation happening on The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph is essential. This isn't just a recap of last Saturday's scores; it's where the sport's narrative gets unpacked by three of its most connected and seasoned voices. Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo bring a combined depth of experience that cuts through the noise, offering clarity on everything from coaching changes and playoff implications to the evolving landscape of conferences and recruiting. Their access is a key part of the podcast, featuring candid interviews with coaches, players, and insiders you won't hear elsewhere. Whether it's the frenzy of National Signing Day, the weekly drama of the regular season, or the road to the National Championship, they provide a consistent, intelligent, and often entertaining analysis that follows the sport's endless calendar. Presented by The Athletic, this show delivers the kind of substantive discussion and forward-looking insight that true fans rely on, making it a staple for those who want to go deeper than the headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph: A show about college football
Podcast Episodes
Cignetti's Underdog Story, AI in Recruiting, and a G6 Playoff Push [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
Stew's new piece on Curt Cignetti reveals how 15 seasons (14 losing) as an assistant shaped his chip-on-the-shoulder identity. Then, some recruiting departments are using AI to provide a boost to their productivity. The…
The latest on Brendan Sorsby, and where Texas Tech goes from here [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:05
The dust on the Brendan Sorsby gambling scandal isn't going to settle any time soon, even if Texas Tech realistically needs to start planning for a 2026 season without it's greatest get in the transfer portal. On this ep…
Sorsby's Gambling Bombshell + What the Draft Taught Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
Texas Tech's quarterback situation just went from promising to potentially devastating. Brendan Sorsby's gambling admission, which includes alleged bets on Indiana games while he was there, could end his college career e…
The 24-Team Playoff No One Wants + Mostly Sad QB Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:40
CFP commissioners are meeting in Dallas, and Ralph gives a 50/50 chance that college football has a 24-team playoff by 2028. Stew isn’t happy. What’s really at stake here? We have presumed or official QB1s at Florida Sta…