College football recruiting faces a hidden reality: everyone’s breaking the rules, from head coaches to boosters and even high school trainers. Are programs like Miami and Ole Miss just the tip of the iceberg? Brian Smith uncovers the systemic web fueling Transfer Portal inducements and NIL deals, highlighting why Darian Mensah and Luke Ferrelli’s drama are only the most visible cases in a widespread game of back-channel negotiations.

Smith exposes how college coaching financial incentives keep cheating rampant, with job security and massive salaries enticing both assistants and staff. He questions whether the NCAA or state governments can truly police these actions, especially in places like Tennessee, where bold laws protect teams’ interests. Without clear rules and harsh penalties—like scholarship losses or playoff bans—can college football ever level the playing field? Is appointing a commissioner, possibly even Nick Saban, the next big step? The chase for wins continues, fair or not.

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Mazda

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Indeed

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FanDuel

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LSU Tigers set the college football world abuzz after Lane Kiffin crafts the best transfer portal class seen yet—40 elite additions alongside a loaded 2026 recruiting haul. Can Sam Levitt, recovering from a tricky Lisfranc injury, lead LSU’s high-octane offense to a playoff berth, or will health and rep concerns derail championship hopes?

Brian Smith spotlights game-changing arrivals such as Jordan Seaton and Jayce Brown from the Portal, and Richard Anderson, Deuce Geralds, and Lamar Brown from the prep ranks, breaking down their impact on both sides of the ball. Discussions center on LSU’s fierce defensive upgrades, Kiffin’s play-calling creativity, and the secondary’s ability to withstand SEC firepower. The episode explores NIL dynamics, potential portal restrictions, and whether this revamped Tigers squad is primed to dethrone Alabama and Ole Miss or faces unanswered questions in its quest for college football supremacy.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join the community: https://theportal.supercast.com/

Help us by supporting our sponsors!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Which college football coach is on the hottest seat heading into 2026? Florida State’s Mike Norvell, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, North Carolina’s Bill Belichick, and Maryland’s Mike Locksley are among several college coaches facing mounting pressure as expectations threaten their jobs. Could Florida State’s brutal early slate against SMU, Alabama, Louisville, and Miami force a high-stakes midseason firing? Or will Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks survive a punishing SEC run with matchups against Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee?

Brian Smith offers sharp insights, breaks down buyout complications, and highlights how power struggles off the field—NIL, booster involvement, and staff shake-ups—directly impact program stability. Get scouting on who’s poised to take over next: top coordinators, Group of Six coaches, and bold predictions about surprise openings. Can embattled coaches survive, or will college football’s coaching carousel start spinning faster than ever?

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join the community: https://theportal.supercast.com/

Help us by supporting our sponsors!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.