College basketball takes center stage on today’s Sports IQ with Larry Smith as the spotlight shines on an unbeaten Nebraska program rewriting its own history.

Larry is joined by Ben Doody, Executive Editor of the Omaha World-Herald, to break down the Cornhuskers’ best start ever, why this run feels different, and what Nebraska’s rabid fan base is experiencing as national expectations rise. Can this team make a real March push—or even dream bigger?

Then, Purdue play-by-play voice Rob Blackman joins the show to explain why the preseason No. 1 Boilermakers are somehow flying under the radar despite elite consistency, a dominant frontcourt, and another Big Ten title chase. Plus, how Purdue is adjusting travel and preparation for its West Coast swing against USC and UCLA.

The episode wraps with NFL Divisional Round previews, as Larry and producer Tony Cordero break down the matchups, quarterback pressure points, and the teams most likely to punch tickets to the conference championships.

Finally, a jaw-dropping Moment of Awe: an Arizona high school player drops 100 points in a single game, evoking shades of Wilt—on a much smaller frame.

College hoops, NFL playoff intrigue, and a historic scoring night—all in one packed episode.

The improbable has become reality. Indiana and Miami — two programs from vastly different football worlds — meet Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium with a national championship on the line.

On this episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith and the team break down everything you need to know heading into the College Football Playoff Championship, from on-field matchups to the deeper forces shaping modern college football.

Indiana enters as the No. 1 seed and favorite, powered by elite efficiency, discipline, and a postseason run that has stunned the sport. Miami, the No. 10 seed, arrives battle-tested, physical, and surging behind a balanced offense and postseason grit.

Larry is joined by two insiders who know these teams best:

• Shannon Griffith (Hoosiers.com) breaks down Indiana’s dominance, Fernando Mendoza’s historic efficiency, the Hoosiers’ trench play, and why this run has awakened one of the largest alumni bases in college sports.

• Adam Lichtenstein (Sun Sentinel) provides the Miami perspective — Carson Beck’s redemption arc, the Hurricanes’ punishing run game, and why controlling the line of scrimmage is Miami’s path to a title.

• Why Indiana’s playoff run may be one of the most efficient stretches in college football history

• How Miami’s physical identity and run game can neutralize explosive offenses

• The chess match in the trenches that could decide the title

• Alumni power, TV value, and why football remains the front porch of a university

• Transfer portal changes, NIL ripple effects, and why fewer players are entering the portal

• Major headlines from the NFL, college basketball, and the NBA

On this day in 1892, the rules of basketball were officially published — setting in motion a chain that leads from James Naismith to Kansas, to Dean Smith, and ultimately to Michael Jordan. A reminder of how sports history echoes forward in ways no one could have predicted.

📍 College Football Playoff Championship
🗓 Monday Night
🏟 Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, FL
📺 ESPN

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🔍 Inside the Championship Matchup🏈 What You’ll Hear in This Episode🌟 Moment of Awe

Vanderbilt is one of the final undefeated teams in Division I basketball — and it’s not a fluke. On this episode of Sports IQ with Larry Smith, we go inside the Commodores’ remarkable rise, break down Auburn’s ongoing rebuild across football and basketball, and unpack what’s really happening behind closed doors with the College Football Playoff expansion talks.

Larry and the crew are joined by Henry Oelhafen, Sports Editor of The Vanderbilt Hustler, to explain how Mark Byington’s coaching, transfer portal success, and elite backcourt play have vaulted Vandy into national contention. Later, Peter Rauterkus of AL.com joins the show to discuss Auburn’s coaching transition, portal-heavy roster rebuild, and the challenges of sustaining success in the SEC’s new era.

Plus, Larry revisits a 16-team College Football Playoff model he proposed nearly two decades ago — and why it might finally make sense in 2026 and beyond. From NIL chaos and transfer portal realities to WNBA labor negotiations and historic sports moments, it’s a packed episode you won’t want to miss.

🏀 Topics Discussed in This Episode

• Vanderbilt basketball’s undefeated start and national legitimacy

• SEC basketball power shifts and key upcoming matchups

• Mark Byington’s impact and transfer portal strategy at Vandy

• Auburn football’s coaching change and roster overhaul

• Transfer portal stress from the player and coach perspective

• Auburn basketball after Bruce Pearl’s sudden retirement

• WNBA players union moratorium and looming CBA implications

• Larry Smith’s 16-team College Football Playoff blueprint

• What CFP expansion could mean for conference titles and bowl games

• Moment of Awe: 75 years since the first-ever Pro Bowl at the LA Coliseum