Next Up with Adam Breneman

Brent Richard, CEO of IMG Academy, and Drew Weatherford, co-founder of Weatherford Capital and former FSU quarterback, dive deep into the evolving landscape of college sports. They propose a bold solution: adding more athletes instead of cutting teams. The discussion covers the financial potential of non-revenue sports, the implications of NIL rights, and the future of college athletics by 2035. They emphasize the importance of mentorship and empowerment through sports, aiming to create a more inclusive and developmental environment for all student-athletes.

“Row The Boat” isn’t a slogan. It’s the heartbeat of Minnesota football. P.J. Fleck opens up on how it was born from tragedy, why it resonates so deeply, and how it’s transformed the culture of Gopher football. Full episode with P.J. Fleck: https://youtu.be/B2dB6RcETKs For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, we sit down with Drake Lindsey, Minnesota’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Lindsey opens up about his journey from Fayetteville, Arkansas to Minneapolis, the moment he knew he was “a Gopher,” and what it’s really like playing for Coach P.J. Fleck. He breaks down his development behind Max Brosmer, the importance of NIL (and why it’s not his focus), how he’s building chemistry with star running back Darius Taylor, and what his “Why” is as he prepares to lead the Gophers into a new era. If you’re a Minnesota fan, college football junkie, or just love hearing from the next generation of leaders in the sport, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. PRIZEPICKS: Get a $50 bonus from PrizePicks with code "NEXTUP": https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/NextUp For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro :54 - Mindset going into 2025 1:23 - Growing as a QB 2:00 - Welcome to College Football moment 2:43 - Recruiting process 4:00 - Committing to Minnesota 4:38 - Being QB1 for P.J. Fleck 5:49 - Best P.J. Fleck story 6:53 - Biggest adjustment at Minnesota 7:48 - Tanner Morgan and Max Brosmer 9:26 - being ready for the spotlight 10:40 - Darius Taylor 11:10 - Check down vs. Big play mentality 12:13 - Offseason improvements 13:00 - What family means to Drake 14:15 - NIL at Minnesota 15:44 - Advice to younger Drake 16:20 - Expectations for 2025 17:11 - Drake’s why On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Nate Burleson didn’t want to be known as just a football player. After 11 years in the league, he walked away with no Hall of Fame jacket… and a decision to make. Be remembered for what he was or become something greater. He chose the hard road — reinventing himself from scratch. Now he’s a multi-time Emmy winner, one of the most respected voices in media, and still pushing for more. This is what reinvention really looks like. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full episode with Nate Burleson: https://youtu.be/csh1mfEdFS8 FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

This week on Next Up With Adam Breneman, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck sits down for a wide-ranging conversation on building a program, leading through change, and the personal experiences that shaped his “Row The Boat” culture. Fleck reflects on the moments that defined his tenure at Minnesota — from snapping a 15-year losing streak to Wisconsin, to the program-changing upset over Penn State in 2019. He explains how his background as a 6th-grade teacher influenced his coaching style, why he believes “control is for amateurs,” and what he looks for in both recruits and young coaches. The conversation also dives into how Fleck keeps his program transformational in an era that’s increasingly transactional. He shares why Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest retention rates, how his staff manages NIL and revenue sharing, and the importance of honesty and transparency with players when money is involved. Fleck opens up about the origin of “Row The Boat,” born after the loss of his infant son, and how it became a symbol of resilience for Minnesota football and the community. He also discusses the advice he received from Greg Schiano, the lessons he’s learned in 13 years as a head coach, and the legacy he hopes his players remember: not wins, but the life lessons of being better husbands, fathers, and leaders. PRIZEPICKS: Get a $50 bonus from PrizePicks with code "NEXTUP": https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/NextUp For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Defining last 9 years at Minnesota 2:52 - Building culture at Minnesota 6:06 - Evolving as a Head Coach 9:36 - Traits in young coaches 11:38 - Transparency with players 14:37 - Shifting Model for Revenue Sharing 16:48 - Coach Fleck’s favorite part of the job 18:43 - Elevating the Minnesota Football Brand 20:18 - Row The Boat origin story 22:15 - Minnesota is a life program 23:20 - What still needs to happen at Minnesota 24:32 - Best advice Coach Fleck has ever received 27:40 - Coach Fleck’s why 29:15 - What Coach Fleck wants his players to say about him On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Syracuse’s first spring practice was sloppy, guys were fighting and professors were watching. So, Fran Brown made the whole team bear crawl — even the quarterback. That was the day everything changed. That was the culture shift. Watch the full episode with Fran Brown: https://youtu.be/_su7k1_DqGs For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full episode with Jim Knowles: https://youtu.be/JCv9pf-kO-Y FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Virginia Tech starting quarterback Kyron Drones joins Adam Breneman on Next Up for an in-depth conversation about his journey from Texas high school football to leading the Hokies. Growing up in Pearland, Texas, Drones won a state championship with his dad as head coach, a moment that solidified his love for the game.  After beginning his college career at Baylor and learning patience through a redshirt season, he transferred to Virginia Tech, where he quickly earned the starting job and began shaping the team’s identity. In this episode, Drones opens up about how he knew Virginia Tech was the right fit, what he learned from his first start, and how he’s battled through adversity, injuries, and outside noise. He shares how he balances being a playmaker with making smart decisions, the ways he’s grown as a leader, and the brotherhood that’s fueling the Hokies this season. Drones also talks about life off the field—from his approach to NIL opportunities and investing in real estate, to his commitment to mental health and the unwavering support of his family. PRIZEPICKS: Get a $50 bonus from PrizePicks with code "NEXTUP": https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/NextUp For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE HERE:  https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM:  INSTAGRAM |  https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 1:33 - Transferring to Virginia Tech 3:26 - Growing up in Pearland, Texas 5:22 - Realizing Kyron was D1 bound 6:21 - Why Baylor out of high school 8:04 - Welcome to College Football moment  9:07 - Redshirting at Baylor 10:44 - First impression of Coach Pry 11:14 - First start at Virginia Tech 13:16 - Where Kyron’s toughness comes from 14:10 - Offseason improvements 15:56 - Kyron’s definition of leadership   17:20 - Winning games through the air and not running   18:49 - Best Coach Pry story  19:51 - Fall camp so far at Virginia Tech 20:43 - What makes Virginia Tech special 21:44 - Overcoming adversity 22:59 - Blocking out the outside noise  24:48 - Advice to 18-year-old Kyron 25:17 - Best advice a coach ever gave Kyron 25:43 - Family 26:57 - What the world doesn’t know about Kyron Drones 27:47 - Kyron as a teammate and leader 28:15 - How Kyron has changed in college 29:08 - Measuring success in 2025 29:33 - NIL as starting QB at Virginia Tech 32:46 - Goals for Virginia Tech in 2025 33:28 - Weekly routine 34:20 - Kyron’s why On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.  Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.  Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Jim Knowles, the Defensive Coordinator for Penn State, is known for his aggressive defensive schemes. In this engaging conversation, he addresses the skepticism surrounding his bold approach. Knowles shares insights into pressure management and strategic decision-making that foster team unity. He emphasizes building a strong foundation through collaboration and innovation, shedding light on how he aims to create the best defense in the nation while silencing critics. Expect a blend of coaching philosophy and personal reflection as he recounts his journey.

In this episode, Adam Breneman sits down with Vanderbilt Head Coach Clark Lea for one of the most thoughtful and transparent conversations ever on Next Up. From his emotional first day on the job to the grind of building a winning program in the SEC, Coach Lea opens up like never before. He reflects on the early failures, the pressure he put on himself to be the “savior” of the program, and how those expectations had to be broken down before real growth could begin. Lea discusses the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on his recruiting blueprint, the internal culture shift he fought to instill, and the importance of alignment at every level — from the weight room to the classroom. He also shares what it takes to lead with purpose in a results-driven world, why retention is just as important as talent acquisition, and how he’s learned to coach with patience, clarity, and conviction. Beyond the X’s and O’s, this is a conversation about growth, fatherhood, self-awareness, and building a program rooted in values. Whether you’re a coach, player, or leader of any kind, this episode will challenge you to think differently about success. PRIZEPICKS: Get a $50 bonus from PrizePicks with code "NEXTUP": https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/NextUp For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 1:23 - Day 1 as Vanderbilt’s new head coach 2:20 - Going into year 5 3:43 - Moment of getting head coaching job 9:43 - Interview process 14:00 - Biggest surprise during first few months at Vanderbilt 17:40 - Changing culture at Vanderbilt 22:22 - Creating culture with coaching staff 25:05 - Turning point as a head coach 32:53 - Favorite moments of last season 35:54 - Roster construction 40:51 - Being Nashville’s college football team 44:34 - What Coach Lea looks for in young coaches 49:06 - Most important decision in Coach Lea’s life 56:58 - Legacy at Vanderbilt On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

Beau Pribula didn’t want to leave Penn State. He had just practiced. Thought he was playing in the playoffs. Then everything changed. The phone call from his family. The meetings with Coach Franklin. The decision that changed everything. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: advertising@frontofficesports.com SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdam?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the full episode with Beau Pribula: https://youtu.be/fCm3aTWfrJk FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM: INSTAGRAM | https://shorturl.at/d9IdQ X | https://x.com/NextUpWithAdam TIKTOK | https://shorturl.at/qasuc SPOTIFY | https://shorturl.at/5ZdaK APPLE PODCASTS | https://shorturl.at/mW49D On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.