FIGHT ON? USC’s Lincoln Riley projects a new confidence in 2026 | Tennessee QB sues NCAA | Alabama's QB Competition: Austin Mack or Keelon Russell?

As the college football offseason is underway, USC’s Lincoln Riley hopped on The Herd with Colin Cowherd to discuss the landscape of college football and what to expect in 2026. As the Trojans return a plethora of talent in Los Angeles including QB Jayden Maiava, how successful can the Trojans be this fall? Watch here as Andy & Ari dive deep into the Trojans ahead of Lincoln Riley’s 5th season with USC.

(0:00) On Today’s Episode

(1:05) Presenting Sponsor

(3:26) Intro: Lincoln Riley’s Comments

(6:00) Dissecting Lincoln Riley’s Quote

(13:10) Donor Paying Players Now

(17:04) Lincoln Riley’s Rhetoric Entering 2026

(21:20) Is USC where it wants to be?

(25:56) Programs who are investing more now

(29:44) Ari’s Closing Point on USC

(33:08) Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar files lawsuit vs NCAA

(42:00) Ari’s Power rankings of Rodents

(43:10) Ari’s time in insurance

(47:00) Alabama’s QB Competition

(59:42) Conclusion: Thanks for watching!

After the USC conversation, Andy & Ari turn their attention to Knoxville, Tennessee, where QB Joey Aguilar is filing a lawsuit against the NCAA in hopes of running through the T for one more year in Neyland Stadium. Will Aguilar be the Volunteers’ QB in 2026? Watch here as Andy & Ari discuss.

To close, the fellas dive into the world of quarterback competitions. While there are significantly less competitions at QB nationwide these days, there is one in Tuscaloosa that all eyes are on. Will Alabama roll with Keelon Russell or Austin Mack in Bryant-Denny Stadium this year? How will Kalen DeBoer’s offense look in year three at Alabama? Watch here as the guys discuss.

Send us your Dear Andy & Ari questions for Thursday’s show!

andystapleson3@gmail.com

ari.wasserman@on3.com

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Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

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