Larry Smith welcomes one of the most respected voices in college football — Phil Steele, publisher of the Phil Steele College Football Preview. Phil shares insights from his 31st annual edition, breaking down the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and which programs could surprise in 2025. From Big Ten powerhouses to SEC contenders and sneaky playoff hopefuls, Steele offers his take on teams to watch and how roster continuity could be the new key to winning. Plus, Producer Tony joins to dissect NFL preseason storylines, including Justin Herbert’s unexpected start, the Bears’ new-look offense, and Micah Parsons’ value in Dallas.

Guests:

• Phil Steele — Publisher, Phil Steele College Football Preview

Tags:Phil Steele college football preview 2025SportsIQ Larry SmithNIL and transfer portal impact2025 College Football Playoff predictionsOklahoma Sooners surprise teamSEC playoff contenders 2025Big Ten football 2025 seasonNFL preseason Chargers Bears CowboysMicah Parsons contract Dallas Cowboys

Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro welcome two insightful guests to cover both the NFL and college football.

🏈 NFL Spotlight – Jacksonville Jaguars
Sports reporter Alessandra Pontbriand (News4Jax) breaks down the Jaguars’ offseason overhaul, from Trevor Lawrence’s footwork focus to rookie sensation Travis Hunter’s two-way potential. She shares why Doug Pederson’s era fizzled, how Liam Coen is reshaping the offense, and why kicker Cam Little’s 70-yard preseason field goal could be a game-changer. Defensive communication, young talent, and special teams weapons all take center stage in Jacksonville’s quest for a turnaround season.

🐊 College Football Focus – Florida Gators
Kevin Brockway (Gainesville Sun) previews a pivotal year for Billy Napier’s Gators. From quarterback DJ Lagway’s readiness, to a powerful run game led by Jayden Baugh, to a defensive unit aiming to build on last year’s momentum, Kevin outlines the keys to Florida navigating one of the nation’s toughest schedules. He explains how early-season results could define playoff hopes and why The Swamp’s energy remains a true home-field edge.

Tags:Jacksonville JaguarsTrevor LawrenceTravis Hunter JaguarsCam Little 70-yard FGLiam Coen Jaguars OCAlessandra Pontbriand News4JaxFlorida Gators footballDJ LagwayJayden BaughBilly Napier GatorsKevin Brockway Gainesville SunSEC football 2025SportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

⚾ Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, joins us to share the rich history of the Negro Leagues, their role in shaping Major League Baseball, and the museum’s ambitious plans for expansion in Kansas City. From Jackie Robinson to Henry Aaron, Kendrick’s stories bring to life the players, pioneers, and cultural impact of Black baseball in America.

🏀 Pam Seidenman, founder of Accelerate Equity, discusses the persistent gender inequities in college sports more than 50 years after Title IX. She explains the data behind scholarship and participation gaps, the potential negative impact of the House settlement, and what needs to change for true equality in college athletics.

Plus, producer Tony Cordaro brings the latest sports headlines and unveils two more teams in his preseason Top 25 countdown.SportsIQ Podcast Larry SmithBob Kendrick Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumPam Seidenman Accelerate EquityTitle IX college sportsNegro Leagues history Jackie RobinsonHank Aaron MLB integrationHouse settlement NIL gender equityWomen’s sports NCAACollege football preseason Top 25Producer Tony Cordaro

BEST OF:

On this encore edition of SportsIQ, Larry Smith sits down with three top NFL beat writers to get an inside look at training camps and expectations for 2025.
🏈 Falcons: D. Orlando Ledbetter (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) breaks down Michael Penix Jr.’s rise to QB1, Atlanta’s young defensive talent, and the urgency to deliver for owner Arthur Blank.
🏈 Saints: Matt Paras (New Orleans Times-Picayune) discusses Derek Carr’s surprise retirement, the QB battle between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, and how new head coach Kellen Moore is reshaping the franchise.
🏈 Packers: Max Dible (Heavy.com) analyzes Green Bay’s evolving wide receiver corps, Jordan Love’s next-step potential, O-line depth concerns, and whether Matt LaFleur’s squad can reclaim NFC North supremacy.

Tags:NFL Training Camp 2025Atlanta Falcons Michael Penix Jr.Arthur Blank FalconsNew Orleans Saints QB battle Spencer Rattler Tyler ShoughKellen Moore SaintsGreen Bay Packers Jordan LovePackers wide receiversMatt LaFleurD. Orlando Ledbetter AJCMatt Paras New Orleans Times-PicayuneMax Dible Heavy.comSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

On today’s SportsIQ, Larry Smith sits down with veteran sports journalist Hondo Carpenter for an unfiltered look at Michigan State football — from the tumultuous Mel Tucker years to the promise of new head coach Jonathan Smith. Hondo shares insider stories from decades of covering the Spartans, his candid take on NIL’s impact, and why Tom Izzo’s integrity stands apart in college sports.

Then, Penn State insider Tom Hannifin (State of State Podcast) breaks down the Nittany Lions’ 2024 playoff run, the Drew Allar factor, and the road ahead in 2025. With a favorable schedule and high expectations, can Penn State finally break through to a national championship?

🏈 Michigan State’s coaching changes and cultural reset
💰 NIL realities — who’s really driving change in college football
🏟 Tom Izzo’s legacy and loyalty to players
🦁 Penn State’s depth, schedule, and playoff lessons learned
📈 The balance between recruiting, retention, and winning big games

TAGS:Michigan State footballJonathan Smith head coachMel Tucker Michigan StateTom Izzo legacyNIL impact college footballPenn State Nittany Lions 2025 previewDrew Allar quarterbackBig Ten football 2025Hondo Carpenter RaidersTom Hannifin State of State PodcastSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

On today’s SportsIQ, Larry Smith closes out the week with two power-packed interviews and a slate full of gridiron headlines:

🏈 College Football Deep Dive – Legendary analyst Danny Sheridan joins Tony Cordaro to deliver scorching hot takes on the coming season. He predicts surprise flops from Texas, Miami, and Clemson, names coaches on the hot seat (even at Alabama and Auburn), and lays out why Florida's brutal schedule makes nine wins a fantasy. Plus, Heisman favorites and why Arch Manning might just be the frontrunner.

🏟️ Mountain West Commissioner Speaks – Gloria Nevarez, Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference, gives a revealing interview about lawsuits, expansion, and survival. She breaks down the league’s strategy post-realignment, discusses NIL and enforcement optimism, and explains how the Mountain West is positioning itself for a possible “super conference” future.

💥 NFL Preseason Opens – Ravens edge Colts despite shaky QB play, Eagles backups shine, and Chargers suffer a crushing injury to star tackle Rashawn Slater.

🏀 WNBA on ION – Larry previews Friday night’s doubleheader with injury updates, MVP chatter, and a bizarre off-court controversy involving cryptocurrency and flying sex toys.

⚾ Baseball Notes – Colby Thomas goes deep for the A’s, Paul Skenes continues his dominance, and the Mariners sweep the White Sox.

🎾 Moment of Awe – 18-year-old Victoria Mboko upsets Naomi Osaka to win the National Bank Open, also knocking out Coco Gauff en route to her first WTA title.

TAGSDanny Sheridan college footballGloria Nevarez Mountain WestSEC football predictionsTexas football 2025Heisman Trophy favoritesArch Manning 2025NIL lawsuit Mountain WestNFL Preseason Ravens ColtsWNBA Caitlin Clark MVPVictoria Mboko WTASportsIQ Podcast Larry SmithTony Cordaro

🏈 NFL Headlines:

• Mike Vrabel bloodied in a wild joint practice brawl.

• Teddy Bridgewater speaks out after suspension from high school coaching job — a powerful reflection on integrity and mentorship.

• NFC East chaos: Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders make noise, while the Eagles quietly stay elite.

• NFL Preseason kicks off: What to watch and who's playing.

⚾ MLB Madness:

• Toronto crushes Colorado with a historic 45-run sweep.

• Gavin Williams loses a no-no in the 9th.

• Brewers, Cubs, and Guardians surge; Dodgers' NL West lead shrinks to 2 games.

🏀 WNBA & Behavior Debate:

• Aces bounce back behind A’ja Wilson’s dominance.

• Another fan throws a sex toy at a game — Larry and Tony react to growing stadium misconduct.

🎓 College Football:

• Dabo Swinney clears the air on “16–0” quote: clickbait vs. context.

• Tony unveils #22 in the preseason top 25 — Arizona State, led by Coach Kenny Dillingham, continues its rise.

🧍‍♀️ Moment of Awe:

• Jen Pawol set to become the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game — a historic weekend at Truist Park.

SportsIQ PodcastLarry SmithTeddy Bridgewater BuccaneersMike Vrabel PatriotsMLB 2025 highlightsBlue Jays vs RockiesDabo Swinney ClemsonArizona State FootballWNBA behavior issuesNFL Preseason 2025Jen Pawol MLB umpireNFC East dramaPhiladelphia EaglesKenny Dillingham Arizona StateTrevor Lawrence ClemsonA’ja Wilson WNBAGavin Williams no-hitterSports CommentaryChief Sports NetworkSportsIQ LS

On today’s SportsIQ with Larry Smith, we dive deep into NFL preseason buzz and baseball brilliance:

🏈 NFL Preview: Packers & Browns

• Packers beat writer Max Dible (Heavy.com) breaks down Green Bay’s chances in the NFC North:

  • Jordan Love’s development curve

  • Rookie WR Max Golden’s impact

  • O-line stability and Edgerrin Cooper’s breakout potential

  • Is Rashan Gary overpaid?

  • Pressure mounting on Matt LaFleur?

• Browns reporter Scott Petrak (Chronicle Telegram / BrownZone.com) joins to unpack Cleveland’s complicated QB room:

  • Joe Flacco likely Week 1 starter

  • Dylan Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders for backup

  • Miles Garrett’s MVP potential

  • Defensive standouts and key injuries

  • Organizational expectations and fan patience

⚾ MLB Roundup

• Mariners, Astros, and Red Sox all rolling

• Phillies shut out Orioles; Brewers extend division lead

• Trade pickups paying off in Seattle and Houston

• Yankees fall flat in Judge’s return

🏀 WNBA Mayhem

• Brittney Sykes traded to the Seattle Storm

• Sex toys thrown on the court in LA?!

• Caitlin Clark misses game, but Sparks end Fever streak

• Liberty surge behind Emma Meesseman’s return

• Triple-double watch: Alyssa Thomas strikes again

🎓 College Football Top 25 Countdown

• #23: Iowa State

  • Matt Campbell’s consistency

  • Cyclones’ Week Zero test vs. Kansas State

  • Can good coaching outshine recruiting gaps?

🌟 Moment of Awe

• Oakland A’s catcher Shea Langeliers goes 5-for-6 with 3 HRs in his first-ever leadoff game — tying the catcher record with 15 total bases.

🔖 TAGSJordan Love PackersMax Dible Heavy SportsEdgerrin Cooper breakoutNFL RedZone ESPN mergerScott Petrak Browns QBJoe Flacco Browns starterShedeur Sanders Dylan GabrielMLB Recap August 6Shea Langeliers 3 home runsWNBA news Brittney Sykes tradeAlyssa Thomas triple-doubleIowa State football Matt CampbellSportsIQ podcast Larry Smith