Notre Dame excels at building a championship roster by blending high school recruiting with strategic use of the Transfer Portal. Can Marcus Freeman’s blueprint—anchored by relentless pursuit of elite offensive and defensive linemen—elevate the Fighting Irish to the top of college football’s new landscape? Notre Dame showcases the blueprint, while other teams use a similar pattern.

Brian Smith analyzes recruiting data from Notre Dame, Indiana, Georgia, Oregon, Miami, Ohio State, and LSU, spotlighting key names like IU’s Pat Coogan and the Canes’ Rueben Bain, Jr. Smith explores how programs stacking high school linemen gain a critical edge, why Indiana’s portal-heavy anomaly might be tough to repeat, and which teams are poised for playoff runs. The discussion breaks down portal-versus-high-school player dynamics, roster building, and the vital importance of culture and development in retaining talent. Will the high school-first approach win out, or do transfer portal kings have the upper hand as the playoff expands?

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Indiana Hoosiers shock the college football world, capturing the College Football Playoff National Championship with a perfect 16-0 record. Can Curt Cignetti’s underdog squad be crowned the greatest team in college football history? Jacob Goins and Brian Smith debate Indiana’s unprecedented rise, dissect their dominant win over Miami, and spotlight the clutch block punt that sealed their title run.

Key analysis centers on Indiana’s breakthrough Transfer Portal strategy, the impact of overlooked three-star recruits, and why Cignetti’s coaching staff now sets the bar nationwide. Discussion highlights include Fernando’s pivotal moments, roster depth, and how Indiana’s culture leaves blue bloods like LSU, Alabama, and Georgia scrambling for answers. Plus, a look ahead to Indiana’s 2026 prospects, the risks of coaching turnover, and grades for the expanded playoff format. Can the Hoosiers build a new dynasty as four- and five-star talent arrives in Bloomington?

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The Auburn Tigers secure a versatile weapon with the commitment of Trae “Tank” Proctor, igniting early excitement for Alex Golesh’s recruiting strategy. Proctor’s dynamic skill set at tight end promises to disrupt defensive schemes, while Golesh’s aggressive approach lands Auburn on the radar for elite prospects across the Southeast.

Brian Smith and Zac Blackerby spotlight standout recruits including safety Adryan Cole, wide receivers Jamarin Simmons and Keyon Standifer, and athlete Tae Walden, Jr.—each with strong SEC, Big Ten, and national offers. The episode explores Auburn’s revamped tight end room, the significance of Ohio State and Georgia offers, and how Golesh’s Florida connections are reshaping Auburn’s future. Can these high-upside targets propel Auburn back to SEC prominence? Don’t miss this insider breakdown of the Tigers’ recruiting surge and the names every college football fan should know.

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FanDuel

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Wayfair

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