The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Chris Simms, NBC Sports analyst and host of "Unbuttoned," dives into the NFL wild-card weekend's excitement. He discusses Jaden Daniels’ rookie brilliance and whether Justin Herbert deserves his criticism. The conversation touches on Mike Tomlin's future with the Steelers and the thrilling Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen matchup. Simms also shares his thoughts on the Eagles' dominance this season. The light-hearted banter later shifts to quirky dilemmas, including stolen AirPods and dealing with a sweaty friend.

Van Lathan, a sharp commentator on sports and culture, joins to discuss Ohio State's thrilling victory over Texas as they head to the national title game. They delve into Texas fans' mixed feelings and the playful jibes at coaching dynamics with Notre Dame. The episode tackles the shifting sands of college football, debating the SEC’s waning dominance and rising rivalries. Lathan shares humor-laden life advice, illuminating the balance between chaos and leisure amidst intense sports discussions.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, a former NFL quarterback known for his dynamic career and keen insights, joins the conversation to analyze Lamar Jackson's performance against the Steelers. They dive into the wild-card round, sharing their favorite teams and playoff predictions. Additionally, they explore rising rookie quarterbacks and their impact on their squads. The discussion also touches on managing friendships amidst differing sports opinions, providing some light-hearted life advice. Fitzpatrick's perspectives bring a captivating edge to the playoff excitement!

Former NFL player and sports analyst Domonique Foxworth joins the conversation to discuss the Lions' impressive defense and their playoff chances. They delve into MVP candidates, with Foxworth sharing his insights on standout players. The duo evaluates coaching impacts, contrasting team strategies, and highlights the season's surprises and disappointments. As a bonus, they touch on navigating life's challenges in the fitness industry, offering entertaining life advice along the way.

This episode features Kyle Ceruti, a producer known for his insights and humor. The discussion kicks off with a detailed recap of Notre Dame's surprising win over Georgia, highlighting key plays and the implications for the SEC's dominance. They explore the changing landscape of college football, particularly the rivalry between the Big Ten and SEC. The conversation then shifts to lighthearted topics like nostalgic concert experiences, dessert debates, and the quirks of sports fandom, especially focusing on the Toronto Raptors.

Daniel Jeremiah, an NFL Network analyst and host of the Move the Sticks podcast, joins the discussion to break down Ohio State's impressive football journey and delve into the playoff dynamics affecting draft prospects. He shares insights on the quarterback showdown between Drake Maye and others, and evaluates the potential of college QBs like Drew Aller and Quinn Ewers. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of college football and the unpredictability of NFL team performances.

Booger McFarland, an ESPN analyst with deep insights into college football and the NFL, joins to dissect the latest happenings in sports. They debate the Vikings' emergence as NFC favorites after a decisive victory over Green Bay. The conversation then shifts to key college football playoff matchups, particularly the Oregon-Ohio State clash, and the prospects of players like Cam Ward. They also touch on the evolving narrative around college athletes regarding bowl games, and the complexities faced by players at both collegiate and professional levels.

In this engaging discussion, college football analyst Joel Klatt dives into the excitement surrounding the College Football Playoff games. He critiques the current playoff format, emphasizing its complexities and the need for potential expansion. Klatt also addresses the recent blowouts in the first round and highlights key matchups to watch. Alongside this, Ryen Russillo offers insights on Jimmy Butler's performance and defends Russell Wilson amid ongoing challenges, adding a dynamic layer to the conversation.

Bruce Feldman, a college football writer for The Athletic and Fox Sports, joins to dissect the dramatic college football landscape. They analyze Indiana and SMU's recent struggles and how Ohio State rebounded after its loss to Michigan. The conversation shifts to predicting upcoming matchups, potential upsets, and assessing teams vying for the national title. Additionally, they touch on NFL insights, spotlighting the Chiefs and intriguing personal anecdotes about lunch etiquette and social dynamics in sports.

Former NFL player and Fox Sports analyst Greg Olsen joins to discuss how to effectively judge quarterbacks by focusing on situational metrics rather than just traditional stats. He shares insights into the Falcons' choice of Penix and reflects on his playing days with entertaining anecdotes. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of preparing for diverse quarterback styles and the complexities of team dynamics. Plus, there's a playful chat about the upcoming 'Manlympics' and sports-related holiday fun!