The Portal - Daily College Recruiting and NIL Podcast

Arch Manning faces season-defining pressure to improve his passing, as the Texas Longhorns eye an SEC championship and a shot at the national title. Can Manning elevate his game to meet sky-high expectations and lead Texas through a brutal schedule featuring powerhouses like Ohio State, Oklahoma, and LSU? Explosive new offensive weapons, including Hollywood Smothers, Cam Coleman, and a revamped offensive line, could turn the Longhorns into the league’s most dangerous attack.

Brian Smith breaks down Arch Manning’s progress, statistical outlook, and the keys to Texas achieving offensive dominance. Discussion spotlights the challenge of clutch decision-making in high-stakes games, the potential for a 1,000-yard rusher, and whether Texas can consistently produce 35-plus points per game. With a playoff berth on the line, are the Longhorns ready to seize SEC supremacy, or will their daunting schedule expose critical weaknesses? Don’t miss this comprehensive look at Texas’s championship potential.

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/

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

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.

TurboTax 

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts

are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

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

Gametime

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

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

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.

Mississippi shakes up college football recruiting by eliminating state NIL taxes—will this bold move give Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Southern Miss a crucial edge over rivals like LSU, Alabama, and Georgia? Brian Smith explores how this game-changing legislation could ignite fierce competition across the SEC and beyond, as states like Arkansas and possibly Louisiana consider similar strategies to attract top recruits.

Key topics include the ripple effects on NCAA policy, potential court battles, and the ethical debate around taxing student-athletes versus essential workers. Brian Smith examines implications for booster collectives, transfer portal dynamics, and whether limits on NIL spending are even enforceable. Discussion highlights unique scenarios—from untaxed ticket sales and sponsorship deals to athlete enrollment controversies—making this a must-listen for anyone monitoring the future of college football recruiting and the ever-evolving NIL landscape.

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/

Support us by supporting our sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

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.

TurboTax 

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts

are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

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

Gametime

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

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

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.

The Sevens Atlanta tournament was fire!  Maddox Porter flashes NFL potential—could he become the next top wide receiver? Top 2027 prospects like Jamarion Simmons, Keyond Standifer, Julius Jones, Jr., Nick Lennear, Peter Bourque,  stir the recruiting spotlight with big performances and escalating NIL buzz, as powerhouse programs line up for official visits.

Brian Smith dishes out exclusive intel on loaded class from Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame, Texas Tech’s excellent recruiting start, plus rising recruiting power Indiana. Plus, analyzing key quarterback movements, including Champ Monds’ reclassification and national recruiting shifts for top talent. Is Clemson’s class ready for a comeback, or will the Tigers fall behind elite programs? Get insider views on recruiting trends, standout positional battles, and which teams are primed to make headlines on college football’s transfer portal.

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/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

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. 

Coast

Right now, Coast Pay is offering our listeners up to $2,000 credit when you get started at https://coastpay.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

Term Apply. The Coast Visa®️ Commercial Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. All card accounts are subject to credit approval. 

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

Gametime

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

FanDuel

Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. 

Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable 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.

Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is arguably its deepest and most talented since 1990, but with Marcus Freeman’s rapid overhaul of the roster, only a handful of freshmen may see significant action. Brian Smith and Irish Breakdown’s Bryan Driskell discuss which standouts—like Rodney Dunham, Ian Premer, and Joey O’Brien—are simply too good to keep off the field, despite historic depth. Could these rising stars have cracked the lineup on prior playoff teams?

Key debates include Chaz Smith’s underrated role among an elite trio of freshman cornerbacks, the balancing act of repping backup quarterbacks behind CJ Carr, and how Notre Dame’s future schedules stack up against critics’ narratives. Get insights into position battles, special teams contributions, and why the Irish’s 2026 schedule might be tougher than pundits admit. Don’t miss this must-listen look at Notre Dame’s evolving strategy and championship aspirations.

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/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

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. 

Coast

Right now, Coast Pay is offering our listeners up to $2,000 credit when you get started at https://coastpay.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

Term Apply. The Coast Visa®️ Commercial Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. All card accounts are subject to credit approval. 

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

Gametime

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

FanDuel

Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. 

Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable 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.

Alabama Crimson Tide face a pivotal quarterback choice—will Austin Mack’s size and arm power or Keelon Russell’s mobility and passing precision lead the team in 2026? With questions swirling around Kaelen DeBoer’s run game strategy and the need for more balanced offensive execution, fans wonder if College Football Playoff success is within reach.

Brian Smith analyzes Alabama’s rushing woes, highlighting their shocking 125th-place finish with only 104.1 yards per game. Key topics include Ryan Williams’ performance slump, receiver blocking, and the impact of new additions like wide receiver Noah Rogers. Does improving the run game unlock Alabama’s full offensive potential and secure a Playoff spot, or will the Tide’s quarterback battle leave more questions than answers? Catch this breakdown of Alabama’s quarterback profile and their quest to return to college football’s elite.

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/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

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. 

Coast

Right now, Coast Pay is offering our listeners up to $2,000 credit when you get started at https://coastpay.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

Term Apply. The Coast Visa®️ Commercial Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. All card accounts are subject to credit approval. 

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

Gametime

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

FanDuel

Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. 

Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable 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.