

Cover 3 College Football
CBS Sports, College Football, Football, CFB, College Football Picks
The 'Cover 3 College Football' Podcast is the perfect call for any die-hard fan. Join hosts Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell and Bud Elliott as they take you from National Signing Day to the national championship with in-depth analysis from some of the biggest names in the sport. Cover 3 offers insider insight on the hottest topics in college football, tells you who is creating a buzz and previews each weekend with against-the-spread locks. From coaching searches to quarterback battles and everything in between, Cover 3 has it locked down.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 27, 2025 • 12min
Cover 3 Convos: Lincoln Riley expresses CONFIDENCE in USC QB Jayden Maiava I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Lincoln Riley, head coach of the USC Trojans, shares his insights on the promising new quarterback Jayden Maiava and his potential impact on the team. He discusses the depth of the wide receiver unit and the strategic improvements being made. Riley opens up about the challenges of transitioning to the Big Ten and navigating a demanding 2025 schedule. He also reflects on balancing hands-on coaching with his CEO responsibilities, highlighting the program's transformation and the future landscape of college football.

Jul 27, 2025 • 9min
Cover 3 Convos: Deshaun Foster says SKY IS THE LIMIT with Nico Iamaleava at the helm of the UCLA offense I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Deshaun Foster shares his ambitious vision for UCLA football, citing the immense potential with Nico Iamaleava at the offensive helm. He discusses Nico's unique skills that set the stage for a thrilling season. The conversation also highlights UCLA’s transformative journey in their new conference and the resilience shown during a recent win streak. With a focus on enhanced team dynamics and the excitement of fresh leadership, Foster emphasizes the optimism surrounding the upcoming season.

Jul 27, 2025 • 17min
Cover 3 Convos: Luke Fickell On Why Billy Edwards Jr Is The Right QB For Wisconsin + Biggest Difference In This Team I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Luke Fickell, the head coach of Wisconsin football, shares his insights from Big Ten Media Days. He highlights the exciting addition of transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and how this choice could shape their season. Fickell discusses the challenges of integrating a new offensive coordinator while maintaining team values. He also delves into the evolution of the defensive line and the importance of player cohesion. Additionally, he reflects on the complexities of college football scheduling and spotlights rising stars on his team.

Jul 26, 2025 • 16min
Cover 3 Convos: Dan Lanning on Chasing Greatness, Dante Moore & Building a Powerhouse I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Dan Lanning, head coach of the Oregon Ducks, shares insights at Big Ten Media Days, delving into the excitement of joining a new league and his team's dynamics. He discusses the evolving quarterback role and the importance of relationships for player development. Lanning also advocates for restructuring college football’s calendar to improve recruitment and player well-being. As Oregon’s brand grows nationally, he expresses pride in former players transitioning to the NFL and the collective confidence shaping the upcoming season.

Jul 26, 2025 • 15min
Cover 3 Convos: Ryan Day On Jeremiah Smith, The OSU QB Competition & Replacing Leaders I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, shares insights from Big Ten Media Days. He reflects on the emotional journey after winning a national championship and the team's legacy goals for 2025. Day discusses the evolving leadership dynamics within college football, emphasizing the mentoring of younger players. He highlights an intense quarterback competition leading up to the season opener and explores the dual nature of coaching as a CEO role, focusing on strategic adjustments and maintaining team continuity for improved performance.

Jul 26, 2025 • 12min
Cover 3 Convos: Jedd Fisch Says Washington Is Ready To Compete In Big Ten + Explains Friendship With Bill Belichick I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Jedd Fisch, the Head Coach at Washington, dives into the team's ambitions for the upcoming season at Big Ten Media Days. He reveals the challenges his squad faces as they adapt to the Big Ten, emphasizing the importance of player development and strategic road wins. Fisch also highlights a young quarterback's resilience and impressive growth, along with the trend of recruiting taller cornerbacks for defensive advantage. Plus, he shares insights from his friendship with Bill Belichick, showcasing the blend of camaraderie and professional growth in coaching.

4 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 12min
Cover 3 Convos: Curt Cignetti Says Big Ten Deserves 4 Automatic CFP Teams + Had To Wake Up Indiana Fanbase In Year 1 I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Curt Cignetti, the head coach of Indiana, shares insights from Big Ten Media Days. He highlights the revitalization of Indiana football, noting their impressive run to the College Football Playoff. Cignetti emphasizes maintaining a strong team mentality and the importance of player development. He discusses the complexities of evaluating transfer quarterbacks and the strategic role of scheduling in playoff dynamics. Cignetti advocates for the Big Ten's potential to secure four automatic playoff spots, adding depth to the conversation about college football's evolving landscape.

Jul 26, 2025 • 15min
Cover 3 Convos: Bret Bielema Says Illinois’ Luke Altmeyer Acts Like An NFL QB + Looks Back At Citrus Bowl Incident I Big Ten Media Days Interview
Bret Bielema, the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, shares insights from Big Ten Media Days. He reflects on player growth and how quarterback Luke Altmeyer embodies an NFL mindset. Bielema also discusses the emotional fallout from last season’s Citrus Bowl incident. Excitement builds for the upcoming season, with emphasis on recruitment strategies and team dynamics. Amid rising expectations, he humorously likens Big Ten coaches to UFC fighters while stressing the importance of continuity in coaching for player development.

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 42min
Cover 3 chats with Dan Lanning, Nico Iamaleava, Lincoln Riley, Sherrone Moore, Kirk Ferentz & more
Join heavyweight college football coaches like Lincoln Riley, head of USC, discussing high expectations as his team aims for revival this season. Dan Lanning from Oregon shares insights on navigating league transitions and player mentorship. Luke Fickell of Wisconsin dives into the team's changes and their ambitions for the future. The coaches engage in bold predictions for the Big Ten's landscape, with an intriguing peek at quarterback developments and playoff prospects. Get ready for a thrilling season ahead!

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 40min
Big Ten QB Rankings, CFB Schedule Debates + Chats with Ryan Day, James Franklin & Drew Allar
Join national championship-winning coach Ryan Day from Ohio State and James Franklin, head coach of Penn State, as they dive into quarterback outlooks and team dynamics. Hear from Drew Allar, Penn State's promising quarterback, on personal growth and championship aspirations. Also, Washington coach Jedd Fisch discusses the team's new identity while the conversation heats up around the Big Ten QB rankings. The looming debate on a revamped CFB calendar raises questions about player welfare and future strategies in college football.