

Next Up with Adam Breneman
Front Office Sports
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2024 • 16min
Pawn Stars Owner Rick Harrison On Building A $20M Pawn Shop & The CRAZIEST ITEM Someone’s Brought In
Pawn Stars owner and reality TV star Rick Harrison joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. Rick Harrison reveals how he built his iconic store, The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, using the power of reality TV. Rick talks about the early days of Pawn Stars, including how he duped Hollywood producers into giving him a TV show, the craziest item he's seen a customer bring in, and what goes into selecting the items you see on TV.
*This interview was filmed on Radio Row at the 2024 Super Bowl*
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FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithab/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
01:58-Building Pawn Stars
04:55-Strangest Sale
06:07-Advice to Entrepreneurs
08:32-Greatest Life Lesson
10:02-Business Ventures
11:26-Assessment Process
14:11-Most Famous Contact

Feb 21, 2024 • 59min
Raheem Mostert On Breakout 2023 Season, Tua Tagovailoa & Funniest Mike McDaniel Stories
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. Raheem Mostert talks about the highs and lows of his NFL journey, from getting cut multiple times to his record-breaking season with the Miami Dolphins in 2023. Raheem also talks about having to overcome adversity early in his upbringing, his chemistry with QB Tua Tagovailoa, and his welcome to the NFL moment.
Get 15% off ALL MERCH with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15
Use promo code ADAMB for a 10% deposit match on https://kutt.com/
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithab/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
03:10-Super Bowl & Podcasting Journey
06:07-2023 Season
09:53-Playing w/ Tua Tagovailoa
10:39-Welcome to the NFL Moment
14:01-Pivotal Moment in Raheem’s Career
17:53-Raheem's Upbringing
22:25-First NFL Paycheck
23:53-Investment Strategy
26:15-RM Collective
29:41-Overcoming Adversity in the NFL
35:39-Reflecting on 2023 Season
40:43-Getting Cut in the NFL
45:30-Tua Tagovailoa
49:40-Best & Worst Pieces of Advice
52:31-Favorite NFL Cities
53:37-Navigating Fame
54:41-Raheem's Why

Jan 31, 2024 • 1h
New Packers DC Jeff Hafley Tells All: Building Boston College, Defensive Scheme & Portal Tampering
Boston College Head Coach Jeff Hafley joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. Jeff Hafley gets personal about his entire coaching journey -- from starting out as a graduate assistant, coaching in the NFL alongside the likes of Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel, and finally becoming the head coach for Boston College Football. Coach Hafley also shares his thoughts on the current state of NIL in college football, transfer portal tampering, and the challenges faced as a head coach in the NIL era. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Get 15% off ALL MERCH with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15
Use promo code ADAMB for a 10% deposit match on https://kutt.com/
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to:
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
03:10-Catching Up
05:00-Taking the BC Job
08:44-Handling Staff & Recruiting Cycle
15:20-Building a Roster
17:39-Culture at BC
19:47-Coaching Journey
26:08-Toughest Job Interview
31:26-Becoming BC’s Head Coach
35:22-Changes Needed at BC
37:17-Trends in College Football
38:50-Hafley’s Defensive Scheme
40:08-Rule Changes for CFB
41:42-Evaluating Players
44:43-Keeping Players at BC
45:56-NIL & Transfer Portal
48:53-Thomas Castellanos
50:58-BC’s Future
53:12-Best Piece of Advice
55:51-Overcoming Adversity
59:01-Motivation

Jan 20, 2024 • 32min
Theo Johnson On Penn State Career, NFL Expectations & James Franklin
Penn State TE Theo Johnson joins Adam Breneman on today's special episode of Next Up. Theo Johnson gets personal about the highs and lows of his Penn State career, his expectations for the NFL, playing for Coach James Franklin, and more. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
*This interview was filmed on December 29th*
Get 15% off ALL MERCH with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15
Use promo code ADAMB for a 10% deposit match on https://kutt.com/
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to:
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
03:03-Catching Up
04:16-Opting Out + Bowl Week
05:51-TV Potential
07:20-Theo’s Upbringing
09:32-Overcoming Adversity
12:39-Transitioning from Canada to Penn State
14:07-Theo’s Locker Room Speech
15:28-Is Penn State Elite?
17:15-Covid Journey
18:28-Looking Forward to the NFL
22:40-Theo’s Strengths
23:41-Favorite Penn State Moment
25:00-Rapid Fire Questions
27:07-NFL Combine Goals
29:23-More Rapid Fire

Jan 1, 2024 • 27min
Kalen DeBoer On The Rise Of Michael Penix Jr & Washington's CFP Journey
Washington Head Coach Kalen DeBoer joins Adam Breneman on today's special episode of Next Up. Kalen DeBoer gets honest about the Washington Huskies' journey to the college football playoff, the rise of QB Michael Penix Jr., and more. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Use promo code ADAMB for a 10% deposit match on https://kutt.com/
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/
Get 15% off site wide with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
01:32-Catching Up
01:56-Journey to CFP
03:50-Defining Moment
04:36-Physicality
05:45-Michael Penix Jr.
09:22-Last Month of the Season
10:26-Retaining Staff
11:56-Keeping Players Focused
12:55-UW Social Media
14:09-UW’s Defense
15:24-How Penix Became Elite
17:40-NIL
18:47-UW’s Administration
19:48-Lessons Learned
21:00-Game-planning for Quinn Ewers
23:28-Keys to Success for the Offense
24:11-Balancing Risk
25:31-Ryan Grubb
26:10-Message to the Team

Dec 29, 2023 • 39min
Jacob Zeno On Turning Down $800k To Stay At UAB, CFB Journey, & Trent Dilfer
UAB QB Jacob Zeno joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. Jacob Zeno gets honest about college football journey, playing for Coach Trent Dilfer, and why he turned down an $800k offer in the transfer portal to stay with UAB Football. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Use promo code ADAMB for a 10% deposit match on https://kutt.com/
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/
Get 20% off + Free Shipping @Manscaped with the code ADAMB at http://manscaped.com/
Get 15% off site wide with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to:
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
02:29-Catching Up
03:21-Recruiting Process
07:47-Coach Trent Dilfer
08:50-Elite 11
09:57-Transfer Portal
10:51-Decision to Stay at UAB
16:55-Playing for Coach Dilfer
18:28-Overcoming Adversity
22:11-Staying Humble & Silencing Outside Noise
24:56-Current State of College Football
26:16-Learning from Coach Dilfer
27:08-Improvements Needed
28:02-2024 Outlook
28:40-Best Piece of Advice
32:07-Life After Football
33:03-Jacob Zeno Outside of Football
33:41-Leadership Style
34:33-Toughest Career Moment
37:02-Finding Confidence in 2023
37:57-Motivation

Dec 22, 2023 • 1h 6min
Trent Dilfer Tells All: Building UAB Football, Tampering in CFB & Super Bowl Career
UAB Football Head Coach Trent Dilfer joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. In this tell-all interview, Trent Dilfer reflects back on his playing days in the NFL, coaching journey to UAB football, experience as an analyst for ESPN, building Elite 11, and more. Coach Dilfer also discusses the challenges UAB faces as a G5 program, transfer portal tampering, and how the Blazers are competing with the biggest brands in college football. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Use promo code ADAMB for a 10% deposit match on https://kutt.com/
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/
Get 20% off + Free Shipping @Manscaped with the code ADAMB at http://manscaped.com/
Get 15% off site wide with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
02:13-Setting Up
02:56-Taking The UAB Job
13:02-Challenges at UAB
19:25-Keeping QB Jacob Zeno
23:46-Schedule as a College Coach
27:03-Solution for College Football & Evaluating Players
35:57-Core Values
38:55-Lessons Learned in the NFL
40:49-Proudest Accomplishment
44:37-Building Elite 11
49:44-TV Career & Working at ESPN
58:04-Overcoming Adversity
1:01:14-Best Piece of Advice

Dec 8, 2023 • 53min
Cardale Jones Tells All: Playing for Urban Meyer, 2014 National Title & Ryan Day’s Future at OSU
Former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. Cardale Jones gets personal about the highs and lows of his time at Ohio State, playing for Urban Meyer, and the Buckeyes' 2014 national title run. Cardale Jones also clears the air on his iconic tweet and shares his thoughts on Ryan Day's future at OSU. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/!
Get 20% off + Free Shipping @Manscaped with the code ADAMB at http://manscaped.com/
Get entered to win bowl tickets AND 15% off site wide with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15!
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
03:44-Catching Up + Cardale’s Media Career
07:40-Coolest Career Moment
11:44-Replacing J.T. Barrett
14:32-On Urban Meyer
18:12-Thoughts on CFP Teams & FSU Dilemma
22:55-Freakiest Athletes at Ohio State
26:40-2015 QB Competition
30:17-OSU Transfer Portal Targets & Ryan Day’s Future
38:36-Cardale’s Iconic Tweet: “We ain’t come here to play school”
44:55-Toughest Moment of Cardale’s Career
49:56-Cardale’s Book

Dec 1, 2023 • 32min
Brady Cook On Playing For Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri’s Culture Shift & Overcoming Adversity
Missouri QB Brady Cook joins Adam Breneman on today's new episode of Next Up. Brady Cook talks up about what it's like playing for Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz and explains the viral 'we stand on business' comment Coach Drinkwitz made to Josh Heupel after the Tennessee game. Brady also discusses Missouri's culture shift and how the Tigers have quietly put together a 10-2 season. Brady Cook also gets personal about the adversity he's faced throughout his college football journey thus far. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Start recovering faster and moving easier and get 25% off with promo code NEXTUP at https://ekrinathletics.com/!
Get 20% off + Free Shipping @Manscaped with the code ADAMB at http://manscaped.com/
Get entered to win bowl tickets AND 15% off site wide with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15!
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
03:02-Bowl Game Prep
04:26-Recruiting Journey
09:08-Welcome to College Football Moment
11:43-Favorite Moment of Career
12:22-Eliah Drinkwitz
15:44-Silencing Doubters
17:24-Being a Home Town Hero
19:44-Missouri’s Culture Shift
21:03-NIL
23:10-Overcoming Adversity
25:56-Best Piece of Advice
29:36-Brady’s Why

Nov 30, 2023 • 59min
The Pac-12 Finale w/ Dan Lanning, Kalen DeBoer, Michael Penix Jr & More
This special episode of Next Up features my favorite segments from my interviews with Dan Lanning, Kalen DeBoer, Michael Penix Jr., Tosh Lupoi, and Will Stein. Get ready for the Pac-12 championship with this special look into the Oregon and Washington football programs. From the coaching philosophies of Dan Lanning and Kalen DeBoer to Michael Penix Jr. vs. Bo Nix, the cultural building blocks of each program, and more. Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, and be sure to tune in on Friday night as the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies face off to determine who will punch their ticket to this year's college football playoff!
Tune in for another great episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman!
Get entered to win bowl tickets AND 15% off site wide with the code ADAMB15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/ADAMB15!
FOLLOW NEXT UP WITH ADAM BRENEMAN HERE:
► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdam
► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@nextupwithadam
► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithadam/
► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSHvLjhWJ4XEpHC_sVrucw?sub_confirmation=1
For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: ads@teammercury.io
Next Up is hosted by Adam Breneman and is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. On Next Up, Adam Breneman sits down with the biggest names in sports and lets them tell their stories, unfiltered. Adam is a former All-American and Penn State alum, media personality, college football analyst for ESPN, and co-founder of Mercury (@TheCollegeSportsCo).
CHAPTERS
00:00-Intro
02:17-Dan Lanning’s Coaching Journey
19:20-Kalen DeBoer’s Coaching Journey
26:39-Will Stein on Bo Nix
30:02-Michael Penix Jr.
36:35-Oregon’s Defense
39:39-Oregon’s Offense
41:16-What Makes Dan Lanning Special
46:02-Kalen DeBoer’s Coaching Philosophy
51:51-Dan Lanning’s Coaching Philosophy
54:17-Oregon’s Path to a Championship
56:17-Washington’s Path to a Championship
57:41-AB’s Prediction