Dooley explains why he wasn’t surprised LSU pushed the SEC as far as it did before ultimately backing down, how Lane Kiffin has mastered the social media era, and why controversy can actually strengthen Kiffin’s brand and motivate his team.

Dooley also weighs in on the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy and recalls the infamous Tennessee-North Carolina Music City Bowl ending that helped spark multiple college football rule changes. Plus, he breaks down Georgia, LSU and Texas in the SEC race, the questions facing Arch Manning, and why Gunnar Stockton may be the SEC’s most underrated quarterback.

Then, Hutton & Withrow debate the fallout from LSU’s battle with the SEC, Bryce Underwood’s concerning response to Kyle Whittingham putting his Michigan starting job on notice, and whether there are bigger problems brewing inside the Wolverines program.

Plus, the guys deliver their Hard Rock Bet Locks of the Week and preview Tennessee-Georgia Tech, Oklahoma-Michigan and more from the upcoming college football weekend.

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The Tennessee Titans are talking tougher under Robert Saleh, but now comes the real test: can Cam Ward, JC Latham and the Titans back it up against the New York Jets? Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow explain why Week 1 feels like a must-win for Tennessee and why the organization needs to prove its new identity on the field.

Plus, the guys react to Drake Maye and the Patriots’ costly loss in Seattle, preview 49ers-Rams in Australia, and go around the NFL with the biggest storyline from every Week 1 matchup, including Chiefs-Broncos, Bills-Texans, Packers-Vikings, Cowboys-Giants and more.

Former Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley also joins the show to talk college football, the SEC, Lane Kiffin and LSU, and more.

Plus: Hutton & Withrow mourn the end of a Southern institution as O’Charley’s closes its doors—and make the case for Clay Travis to come to the rescue.

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McClain reveals his Super Bowl pick, explains why he believes the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams could be headed for a showdown at SoFi Stadium, and breaks down the AFC South, including what he expects from the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

The guys also discuss what Cam Ward must prove in Year 2, the pressure facing Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the AFC North, and why McClain believes the Denver Broncos could win the AFC West.

Plus, McClain reacts to the Titans revoking Jared Stillman’s media credential and weighs in on the controversial changes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection process following Bill Belichick’s first-ballot snub.

Also on the show: Hutton’s 10 NFL players facing “prove-it” seasons, Primary Complaint, and the debut of “Going for the Bundle” with NFL and college football picks.

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Plus, Western Michigan isn’t backing down after the controversial ending against Michigan. The Broncos are fighting the result as questions continue over the game clock and the NCAA’s response.

Chad unveils his Top 5 best vibes in college football, featuring Western Michigan, Memphis, Colorado, Miami, and Tulsa. Then the guys turn to Clemson, where Dabo Swinney is once again pushing back against criticism of his program. Has Dabo adapted to the changing landscape of college football—or is his defiance becoming Clemson’s biggest problem?

It’s a packed edition of Hutton & Withrow with LSU vs. the SEC, Lane Kiffin, Greg Sankey, Western Michigan vs. Michigan, Dabo Swinney, Clemson, Coach Prime, Miami, Memphis and more from around college football.

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The guys also revisit Dabo Swinney’s legendary confrontation with “Tyler from Spartanburg” as Clemson’s recent struggles put the viral exchange in a whole new light. Was the infamous caller actually ahead of his time?

Plus, Hutton reveals five NFL players poised for huge contract-year seasons, including Puka Nacua, Kyler Murray, Brian Thomas Jr., Rashee Rice and Tyjae Spears.

And Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter turns his NCAA eligibility controversy into something positive, pledging $427 for every tackle to cancer research, with Clay Travis promising to match his donation.

The guys also preview the biggest Week 2 college football games and SEC betting lines, including Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech, Alabama vs. Kentucky, Mississippi State vs. Minnesota and Texas vs. Ohio State.

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The guys also react to Florida State’s bizarre power outage and loss to SMU, as the pressure continues to build around Mike Norvell and his massive buyout.

Plus, Lane Kiffin’s fiery LSU halftime speech leaks, sparking a debate over Kiffin’s villain status, ESPN’s coverage of the LSU coach and whether college football fans are beginning to embrace him after LSU’s dominant start.

Later, Hutton and Withrow look ahead to Arch Manning and Texas vs. Ohio State, discuss Arian Carter, and reveal five NFL players poised for monster seasons while playing for their next contracts.

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Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow are joined by CBS Sports’ John Talty, author of “Lane Being Lane,” for a revealing conversation about one of the most polarizing coaches in college football. Talty explains why Kiffin embraces the villain role, what drives his constant pursuit of the next challenge, his relationship with Nick Saban and Greg Sankey, and why his latest battle involving LSU and the SEC could have carried major consequences.

The guys also react to a dominant opening weekend for the SEC, debate whether LSU should be the No. 1 team in college football, assess Michigan and Bryce Underwood after a shaky start, and discuss whether Notre Dame is already positioned for another College Football Playoff run.

Plus, NFL Week 1 is here. Hutton and Withrow preview the biggest games on the opening slate, including 49ers-Rams in Melbourne, Broncos-Chiefs, Packers-Vikings, Bills-Texans and Ravens-Colts, and explain which matchups could have major playoff implications by the end of the season.

It’s a packed Labor Day edition of Hutton & Withrow covering Lane Kiffin, LSU, Ole Miss, the SEC, Big Ten, College Football Playoff and the biggest storylines heading into NFL Week 1.

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Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow break down Michigan’s controversial finish against Western Michigan and the bizarre clock discrepancy that gave the Wolverines another play. Was Western Michigan robbed, and why were there seemingly two different clocks?

Plus, LSU dismantles Clemson in a dominant performance that raises serious questions about Dabo Swinney and the future of the Tigers. The guys also react to Lane Kiffin’s appearance on ESPN College GameDay, the friendly treatment he received amid the controversy surrounding LSU and Ole Miss, and Kiffin’s latest headline-making comments.

They also dive into Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon’s impressive debut, Vanderbilt fans already calling for five-star freshman Jared Curtis, Ole Miss’ dramatic win over Louisville, Auburn surviving Baylor, and the biggest takeaways from the opening weekend of college football.

College football is back — and Hutton and Withrow have everything you need to know from a wild opening weekend.

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Walker Jones, Executive Director of The Grove Collective, joins the show to discuss the state of Ole Miss football following Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU, how the Rebels are navigating the rapidly changing world of NIL and the transfer portal, and why organizational alignment has helped Ole Miss emerge as a legitimate national contender.

Jones explains why Ole Miss believes it can sustain its success under Pete Golding, how last season’s College Football Playoff run changed the program, and why the Rebels are embracing an early test against Louisville in Nashville.

Then, Chad Withrow unveils his Top 10 college football games of Week 1. Clemson-LSU takes the No. 1 spot as Dabo Swinney faces Lane Kiffin in Death Valley, while Louisville-Ole Miss, Wisconsin-Notre Dame, Baylor-Auburn, UCLA-Cal, Boise State-Oregon and more highlight a packed weekend.

Plus, the guys make their upset picks, discuss the coaches already facing pressure, preview the biggest quarterback matchups and make their Week 1 picks and props.

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Hutton & Withrow break down the escalating battle between LSU and the SEC over player eligibility, as Lane Kiffin and the Tigers face major questions about whether they will roster players the conference has ruled ineligible. Could the SEC respond with suspensions, forfeitures or other sanctions? And how far is LSU willing to push the fight?

Plus, Rutgers suffers a stunning home loss to UMass, reigniting the SEC vs. Big Ten debate and questions about the depth of college football’s two powerhouse conferences.

The guys also react to the fallout surrounding NFL insider Diana Russini and debate what her next move in sports media should be — including whether Sport & State should make a run at hiring her.

Then, Colorado shocks Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Boo Carter makes an immediate impact for Coach Prime, and Hutton & Withrow examine Brent Key’s late-game decisions.

Finally, the turmoil at North Carolina continues as Michael Lombardi exits the program and new allegations raise even more questions around Bill Belichick’s tenure in Chapel Hill.

It’s a loaded college football Friday with LSU, Lane Kiffin, Greg Sankey, Bill Belichick, Rutgers, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Diana Russini and much more on Hutton & Withrow.

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Hutton & Withrow look ahead to Year 2 for the former Tennessee quarterback and debate whether Iamaleava can finally live up to his five-star potential, turn UCLA around under Bob Chesney, and work his way back into the NFL Draft conversation. After a disappointing first season in Los Angeles, could Nico emerge as one of college football’s biggest comeback stories?

The guys also make their Hard Rock Locks as the college football season kicks off, including why they’re backing Georgia Tech against Colorado and debating whether Miami can cover a huge number against Stanford.

Plus, Hutton & Withrow sound off on Lincoln Riley’s defense of USC’s attendance, the Tennessee Titans media controversy, Dolly Parton’s vandalized Nashville Walk of Fame star, and why Hollywood needs to stop turning every major movie into a three-hour marathon.

College football is back — and Hutton & Withrow have you covered with predictions, picks, analysis and plenty more.

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Could LSU face major consequences if it defies the SEC and plays former NFL players? The guys examine the legal fight, the possibility of LSU backing down, whether other SEC programs could follow the Tigers’ lead, and why Kiffin once again finds himself at the center of college football’s biggest controversy.

Plus, new reports add even more intrigue around Kiffin, Ole Miss, and alleged tampering, while the guys look ahead to the return of college football.

Then, Hutton & Withrow unveil their Top 10 NFL head coaches for 2026. Where do Mike Vrabel, Matt LaFleur, Jim Harbaugh, Dan Campbell, John Harbaugh, Mike Macdonald, Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay rank — and is there anyone who can knock Andy Reid out of the No. 1 spot?

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Stillman reveals what the Titans told him about the decision, including their explanation that he is now primarily a YouTube host and that the move reflected the “totality” of his coverage rather than one specific incident. Stillman responds to accusations that he's been too negative toward the organization and argues that the Titans should be more concerned with winning football games than controlling their critics.

Hutton and Withrow also examine whether Stillman’s recent exchange with quarterback Cam Ward played a role in the timing of the decision, what the controversy could mean for other reporters covering the Titans, and whether restricting a prominent critic ultimately creates an even bigger problem for the franchise.

Stillman explains why he believes reporters should be willing to ask direct questions, discusses whether he wants his Titans access restored, and delivers a simple message to the organization: “If you don’t like it, play better.”

Plus, Hutton & Withrow preview Week 1 of the college football season, breaking down Georgia Tech-Colorado, Alabama, Kentucky, LSU-Clemson and some of the biggest point spreads across the SEC and college football.

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The guys break down the controversy surrounding the Titans’ media policy, the reaction across Nashville, and what it says about an organization trying to turn things around on the field.

Plus, the battle over Lane Kiffin and LSU’s pursuit of former professional players continues to escalate. SEC leaders are standing firm as a court hearing approaches, while college football officials discuss potential penalties that could even impact College Football Playoff eligibility. Hutton & Withrow examine why LSU isn’t backing down and what this fight could mean for the future of college football eligibility.

Tennessee is also cashing in with a massive 10-year, $120 million First Horizon jersey-patch agreement for Vols football. The guys compare Tennessee’s deal with Ohio State, Notre Dame and other major programs and discuss how corporate sponsorships could become an increasingly important source of revenue across college athletics.

Finally, new Sport & State writer Karen Crouse joins the show to discuss leaving legacy media, her book “Norwich,” the problems with today’s youth sports culture, NIL’s potential impact on Olympic sports, and stories from her career covering the Jets, NBA and Olympics.

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The guys also fire back at Tennessee Titans fans over their criticism of Cam Ward, explaining why expectations and accountability should be high for the former No. 1 overall pick as the Titans enter a pivotal season.

Plus, Hutton and Withrow make their NFL division winner predictions, including bold picks for the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, while debating the Rams, Packers, Lions, Chargers and other contenders.

And Tennessee honors Dolly Parton with a special butterfly helmet decal as the Vols prepare for the 2026 college football season.

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Hutton and Withrow also debate which programs—including Notre Dame, North Carolina, Clemson and Florida State—would be the most attractive SEC additions if conference realignment accelerates.

Plus, the guys turn their attention to the Tennessee Titans and the pressure facing Cam Ward entering the 2026 NFL season. After another offseason of investment around the former No. 1 overall pick, it’s time for Ward and the Titans to show real progress. Can Tennessee finally start winning consistently, and should Titans fans be demanding more from their franchise quarterback?

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Plus, Lane Kiffin responds to the growing SEC eligibility controversy, saying LSU will follow conference rules if the court sides with the SEC. But is Kiffin helping create the very chaos he now says he’ll abide by?

The guys also react to Nike getting involved in SEC sorority rush, the surprising money being spent on sorority consultants, and Tom Cruise returning for Days of Thunder with Anne Hathaway.

Then, Memphis head coach Charles Huff is turning heads with his brutally demanding approach to building a winning culture, and Hutton & Withrow explain why he could quickly become one of the hottest names on the college football coaching market.

Finally, the guys look ahead to the first full college football weekend, break down massive SEC point spreads and give their early NFL and college football win-total picks.

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The guys break down the growing battle between Lane Kiffin and the SEC over player eligibility, why the conference appears ready for a legal fight, and whether Kiffin’s aggressive approach could force major changes across college football.

Plus, Week 0 delivers plenty of early storylines: USC’s lackluster atmosphere and the pressure building on Lincoln Riley, Florida State’s shaky start, Bill Belichick and North Carolina, and the never-ending SEC vs. Big Ten debate.

Then it’s on to the Tennessee Titans, where Will Levis is officially out, questions remain about Cam Ward’s preseason performance, and the team is facing criticism over a $28 ticket promotion honoring Chris Johnson that sends only $5 from each ticket to ALS research.

Hutton & Withrow break down the biggest stories from college football and the NFL as football season finally gets underway.

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The guys debate the return on investment for some of college football’s highest-paid quarterbacks, the impact of NIL and multi-year deals, and why programs could soon find themselves constantly renegotiating with young stars just to keep them from leaving.

Then it’s time for the college football coaching hot seat.

Which coaches enter the 2026 season needing to win? Hutton and Withrow examine the pressure surrounding Shane Beamer at South Carolina, Jeff Lebby at Mississippi State, Mike Norvell at Florida State, Luke Fickell at Wisconsin and Bill Belichick at North Carolina — plus whether Josh Heupel could eventually feel heat if Tennessee falls short of expectations.

Plus, the NFL preseason is nearly over, and Cam Ward still has something to prove. The guys explain why they want to see more from the Titans quarterback before Tennessee enters the regular season.

Also: Week Zero picks, TCU-North Carolina, UNLV-Memphis, Virginia-NC State, the return of high school football, and why Chad wants everyone to spend Friday night under the lights.

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Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow examine LSU’s aggressive approach to building its roster, the legal fight surrounding former professional players attempting to return to college football, and why Lane Kiffin is quickly becoming one of the sport’s biggest villains. Could LSU’s all-in strategy blow up in its face — or could the Tigers actually ride the chaos all the way to an SEC championship?

Plus, the guys break down the Cleveland Browns’ baffling decision to start Deshaun Watson. RG3 claims Watson was not head coach Todd Monken’s preferred choice and that people inside the organization wanted Shedeur Sanders. So why go back to Watson after everything that has happened in Cleveland?

Hutton and Withrow also discuss ESPN removing its famous BottomLine score ticker from college football broadcasts, whether the move is really about creating a cleaner viewing experience — or making more room for advertising — and how it could change the way fans watch Saturdays this fall.

Also on the show: optimism surrounding Alabama and Tennessee, the SEC race, college football quarterback spending, ACC replay innovations, and why LSU could become must-watch television this season.

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Plus, college football is officially back. Hutton and Withrow rank the Week Zero slate, including Bill Belichick and North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin and Memphis vs. Dan Mullen’s UNLV, while looking ahead to the real kickoff of the college football season.

The guys also discuss why the NFL’s Pro Bowl may not really be dead, the league’s growing push into flag football and international markets, and whether Tom Brady and Saudi Arabia could factor into what comes next.

And who becomes America’s next great movie star after Tom Cruise? Glen Powell, Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler and Miles Teller headline the debate over Hollywood’s next true blockbuster leading man.

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On today’s Hutton & Withrow, Chad Withrow and Jonathan Hutton break down the SEC’s new policy blocking players who have already signed with or appeared on professional football rosters from returning to play in the conference. Did Greg Sankey and the SEC only act after the Big Ten took a stronger stand, and what happens if Lane Kiffin and LSU decide to challenge the rule?

The guys also turn their attention to Tennessee football and the NCAA’s controversial suspension of linebacker Arian Carter. Why should Josh Heupel and the Vols consider playing Carter anyway, and how important could his versatility be to Jim Knowles’ Tennessee defense this season?

Plus, Hutton & Withrow remember Tennessee icon Dolly Parton and debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore of Tennesseans. Does Elvis Presley belong alongside Dolly Parton, Andrew Jackson and Pat Summitt — and who gets left off?

Also on the show: Tennessee’s outlook entering the season, Lane Kiffin’s championship expectations at LSU, the latest chaos surrounding college football eligibility, Primary Complaint, and the surprisingly heated debate over whether Tom Brady has really never tried coffee.

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On the latest Hutton & Withrow, Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow break down Kiffin’s response to the SEC as former NFL players explore returning to college football. With court rulings challenging traditional eligibility rules, Kiffin’s message is simple: If these players are allowed to return, somebody is going to recruit them — so why shouldn’t he?

The guys discuss the SEC’s pushback, Greg Sankey’s response and whether college football is reaching a point where coaches have no choice but to exploit every available loophole to remain competitive.

Plus, why shouldn’t Tennessee simply play Arion Carter despite his NCAA suspension? Hutton and Withrow debate whether Josh Heupel and Tennessee should challenge the NCAA rather than continue playing by rules that seemingly aren’t being enforced consistently.

The eligibility insanity isn’t limited to football. Former Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis has been granted a temporary injunction allowing him to join LSU after spending time as a professional basketball player, giving Will Wade another potential weapon as he rebuilds the Tigers.

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On the debut episode of Hutton & Withrow on Sport & State, Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow tackle the stories sports fans are actually talking about: Deshaun Watson's relationship with Cleveland, the latest college football quarterback decisions at Tennessee and Alabama, the absurd new reality of NFL players returning to college football, and why the WNBA keeps finding itself in the middle of cultural flashpoints. Along the way, there are plenty of side roads, disagreements, inside jokes, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you've been doing this together for years.

Join us live every morning on Sport & State. Bring your opinions, jump in the chat, and pull up a chair. The conversation is just getting started!

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