Cover 3 College Football

They debate whether the transfer portal has reshaped high-school recruiting and why elite QBs still stand out. A fantasy-style all-star roster spotlights returning offensive and defensive talent. Mailbag questions spark a rundown of fanbases with unrealistic expectations and which programs might be overhyped. They also speculate about a hypothetical billionaire donation to a mid-major and close with a quick Super Bowl preview.

A lively breakdown of College Football Playoff calendar changes and why New Year’s Eve lost its spot. A legal spotlight on a player eligibility lawsuit and how judges are reshaping roster rules. Deep dive into Florida State’s massive athletics debt and the pressure it creates. A nostalgic look at how National Signing Day and recruiting culture have transformed.

The Cover 3 crew is back to break down the latest news around the college football world. The boys discuss the recent reports that the College Sports Commission is looking into unreported NIL deals. Is it actually possible to police NIL deals? The boys also discuss some new hires and a quick recruiting update. 0:00 - Intro 2:00 - Gus Malzahn announces his retirement  9:30 - College Sports Commission looking into unreported NIL deals 26:00 - Arthur Smith officially hired by Ohio State 30:38 - National Signing Day this week Date of the National Championship game next year 46:25 - Targeting penalty under review heading into 2026 season 52:00 - John Sumrall tells the team to earn the Gator logo Cover 3 is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on college football. Watch Cover 3 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cover3 Follow our hosts on Twitter: @Chip_Patterson, @TomFornelli, @DannyKanell, @BudElliott3 For more college football coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They dig into Senior Bowl takeaways and which quarterbacks and defenders stood out. They debate whether any program can recreate Indiana's rise and what made that run unique. They brainstorm which NFL returnees would most reshape college teams. They argue the pros and cons of reseeding the College Football Playoff and rank the revamped Pac-12 against other leagues.

They dissect the Big Ten and ACC 2026 schedule releases and highlight the toughest cross-conference matchups. They cover Darian Mensah's litigation settlement and its roster ripple effects. They debate Miami's 2026 offense and defensive replacements. They react to Bill Belichick missing the Hall of Fame and pick the top Big Ten and ACC games to watch.

A fiery tampering drama involving Dabo Swinney and Ole Miss takes center stage. Transfer portal moves and Lane Kiffin’s incoming class at LSU get close scrutiny. Debates on players returning to college after pro attempts and NCAA eligibility questions pop up. The CFP’s decision to stay at 12 teams and coaching rumors at major programs round out the conversation.

The hosts dive into the final college football rankings, sparking debates over teams like Miami and Ole Miss. They share their strategies for ranking and discuss the SEC's dominance. Excitement builds around the Way-Too-Early 2026 Rankings and standout teams to watch. The conversation turns to coaching moves, including Gary Patterson's transition to USC. They also tackle the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on team dynamics, wrapping up with insights on replication of successful strategies.

Cooper Petagna, a college football writer and transfer-portal expert, joins the conversation to dissect the latest transfer portal moves. He provides in-depth insights on the quarterback market and key roster trends, evaluating which programs benefit most from premium signings. The discussion also covers the legal implications surrounding Darian Mensah's contract and NIL rights. Cooper highlights standout players to watch, like Drew Mestemaker, while praising teams like Indiana and Kentucky for their strategic portal maneuvers.

The hosts share their excitement over Indiana's thrilling 27-21 victory over Miami in the National Championship. They delve into the tactical shifts in Indiana's offense and the impact of Miami's defensive strategies. Key plays and momentum shifts, especially in the third quarter, are highlighted, alongside Indiana's creative red zone calls. The discussion shifts to Indiana's legacy and its implications for the Big Ten, while also assessing Miami's roster and future outlook. The vibrant fan atmosphere and potential shifts in rankings for the coming seasons round out the conversation.

Get ready for the clash between Indiana and Miami in the national title game! The hosts break down player impressions from media day, including standout Reuben Bain. Dive into the drama of the transfer portal and its impact on teams, plus a heated debate on the future of the College Football Playoff format. With tensions around seeding and payouts, the stakes are high! And don't miss a fun story about an unforgettable golf hole-in-one! Tune in for all the pre-game excitement!