College football’s playoff landscape heats up as the Big 10 has frontrunners like Indiana and Ohio State as strong title contenders. The Hoosiers might even deserve to be No. 1. There’s another Big 10 team to discuss, too.

The Oregon Ducks reload for a national championship run. Can Dante Moore, Jamari Johnson, and a stacked defensive line fuel Oregon’s quest for glory? Brian Smith and Spencer McLaughlin break down Oregon’s star power, tight end depth, and the strategic challenge of replacing key players like Kenyan Sadiq. Is Oregon’s kicking game their Achilles’ heel in clutch moments?

Bold predictions shape the race for 2026: Indiana and Miami surge into the College Football Playoff spotlight, while Texas Tech faces skepticism despite an easy Big 12 schedule. Surprise contenders like the California Golden Bears and Arizona State Sun Devils rise as potential dark horses, and the Houston Cougars’ dynamic coaching staff could shake up the conference hierarchy. Playoff expansion, strength of schedule, and the Big 12’s shot at multiple bids headline the discussion. Will preseason hype derail a favorite or fuel an unlikely Playoff run?

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Auburn faces a pivotal season as transfer quarterback Byrum Brown brings his high-powered production and familiarity with Alex Golesh’s offensive system to the SEC. Can Brown’s chemistry with fellow USF transfers and a talented running back room spark an instant turnaround against daunting opponents like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama?

Brian Smith and Zac Blackerby unpack Auburn’s retooled roster, spotlighting the impact of South Florida receivers, the challenges of leveraging Brown as both a passer and rusher, and the coaching shift’s effect on clutch performance. The conversation covers Auburn’s toughest games, the SEC’s evolving quarterback landscape, and why roster depth and elite playmakers set the stage for an unpredictable season. With Auburn looking to finally win big games, the panel explores whether Brown is the X-factor needed for success and how SEC power dynamics are shifting post-Saban.

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Gametime

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Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

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Darian Mensah rises above Sam Levitt and Brendan Sorsby to lead a powerhouse class of transfer portal quarterbacks. Can his consistency and elite passing propel Miami to a top-five finish? Brian Smith ranks his top five Transfer Portal quarterbacks, weighing productivity, clutch moments, and injury concerns as programs like Miami, Texas Tech, Auburn, LSU, and Oklahoma State reset their offenses with new signal-callers.

Brendan Sorsby transforms Texas Tech’s vertical attack, Byrum Brown’s USF-to-Auburn move promises SEC fireworks, while Sam Levitt faces high expectations—and a tough Lisfrank injury—at LSU. Drew Mestemaker’s explosive numbers make Oklahoma State a potential Big 12 sleeper. Key topics include how prior competition and leadership factor into playoff contention, Miami’s offensive strategy under Mario Cristobal, and which quarterback is built for pressure-packed moments. Will the new faces thrive, or will tough conference play expose their weaknesses?

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

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Help us by supporting our sponsors!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money

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FanDuel

If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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