The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Local Hour: Mike Ryan's Dark Money (feat. Pablo Torre)
Dec 9, 2025
Mike Ryan, a prominent Miami superfan and activist known for his push to get Miami into the College Football Playoff, joins the discussion. He shares insider details about the H2H Matters campaign, including the creative billboards and plane banners that aimed to sway the committee. The conversation also dives into Miami's recent sports triumphs, critiques of the playoff selection process, and the role dark money plays in college athletics. With emotional recounts of playoff day, Mike brings both passion and insight to the table.
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Episode notes
Power Of Outside Political Pressure
- Mike Ryan's mobilization (planes, billboards, money) likely shifted the College Football Playoff conversation toward Miami.
- The episode argues outside influence and campaigning can materially affect committee decisions.
Flying A Plane Over The Committee
- Mike Ryan recounts funding a plane and billboards to promote "H2H Matters" near the selection committee site.
- He says he contributed to a pot and helped buy the campaign presence that argued Miami's case.
Inconsistent Committee Criteria Breeds Outrage
- The hosts note the playoff committee's inconsistent criteria (head-to-head vs. résumé) fuels frustration and perceived unfairness.
- They argue expansion (e.g., 12 teams) won't remove controversy because subjective judgments persist.