Imagine growing up dreaming of playing quarterback in college football, betting on yourself, and then turning that dream into reality. Fast forward a decade, and you're calling plays for one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, wearing the colors of one of the most iconic brands in all of sports and coaching two of the most experienced quarterbacks in the history of college football. That’s the 30,000-foot view of Will Stein’s football journey.

Today on the Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Will Stein joins us to share the insights and lessons learned throughout his remarkable path in the game, as well as a breakdown on the 2025 Oregon Ducks offense.

As someone who also walked-on in college football, I’ve always been drawn to others who’ve taken that same leap. Will’s story of walking-on at Louisville has become legend in Kentucky. His father was a walk-on too, and that grit and relentless work ethic clearly runs in the family. Those traits earned Will a starting role at quarterback for the Cardinals and led to him becoming a 2023 Broyles Award finalist as the Ducks' OC.

What’s stood out most to me in getting to know Will, is his deep commitment to family, his passion for the craft, and the discipline that keeps him fully present each day. This episode will resonate with every athlete chasing a dream and every coach grinding before sunrise. His wisdom inspires belief, and his football IQ is a masterclass in growth mindset and high-performance leadership.

Draft Day + QB Thoughts

Speaking of success—the NFL Draft kicks off tonight, and we’ve got you covered at Y-Option. I’ve been calling it the “Elite Backup QB Draft,” and I think that label will prove true by Friday and Saturday.

One prediction: Tyler Warren is my pick for the most consistent playmaker and the closest thing to a sure thing. And when Cam Ward hears his name called as the #1 overall pick, let’s give him a standing ovation. Just six years ago, his father, Calvin, was cold-calling Division III schools looking for an opportunity for his son. Talk about inspiration. How Great Is Ball indeed!

Portal Mayhem & College Football Talk

What’s going on in college football? The portal has opened, chaos has ensued, and it feels like jerseys are being retired far too soon. In today’s opening segment, Jim Thornby and I bring thoughtful takes to three major storylines lighting up the airwaves:

* Nico Iamaleava and what might be college football’s first-ever trade. We dive into why it’s a win for UCLA and what it means for DeShaun Foster’s roster.

* Cal Bears, Ron Rivera, and the Portal – Somehow Berkeley is both chaotic and calm. And both can be true.

* Retiring Jerseys in Boulder – There’s been plenty of debate around Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. While both are incredible talents, the timing of retiring their jerseys might actually do them a disservice. We explain on today’s podcast.

I’m headed to Eugene for the Ducks spring game, live on Big Ten Network, alongside Y-Option alums Guy Haberman and Kenjon Barner. Dan Lanning’s squad has lost plenty of talent to the NFL, but this roster still boasts future stars. Tune in at 1 PM PST as we break it all down.

As always—much love, and stay steady.

— Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

"How much of the game is mental... and how much are you training it?"

That simple question from Dr. Michael Gervais, the world’s leading high performance psychologist, rang in my ears back in 2011. Its impact has echoed through my life ever since.

Today, Best Coast Media is proud to welcome back Dr. Gervais to the Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner 76.

In a wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the heart of college football. From navigating the transfer portal to becoming a millionaire at 19, from what Athletic Directors should prioritize when hiring a head coach, to mastering the pressures of high performance as the stage gets bigger. We also have a powerful, heartfelt exchange about youth sports.

Put simply: this episode is fire.

If you believe in the mental game - or even if you're just curious - pull out your journal. There are gems worth capturing.

Back in 2009, I met Dr. Michael Gervais. As the son of two therapists, I’ve always believed in the power of mindset and mental skills. Two years later, during the 2011 NFL Lockout, we shared stages around the country alongside leaders like then-Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll, Nike Executive Matt James, and author Kevin Carroll.

We traveled the nation, speaking to high school coaches about building a philosophy. We made memories. Hopefully, we made an impact.

But there’s one moment I’ll never forget.

Dr. Gervais would ask a question we’d all heard before: “How much of the game is mental?”

No matter the region, the answer was the same: “90%.”

Then he’d follow up: “How much time do you spend training the mental game?”

Again, the answer was consistent—and disappointing: “Less than 10%.”

Fast forward to today: Dr. Gervais is the leading voice in high performance psychology. He’s spent decades coaching the best in sport, business, science, and the arts. His work with the Seattle Seahawks is legendary, he’s been an integral part of our Elite 11 quarterback development for the past 18 years with his company and podcast Finding Mastery is a must listen for all seeking to unlock their potential within.

Since 2016, he’s joined my podcast once a year. Every time, I walk away a better man - a more connected father, an inspired husband, a more present broadcaster, and hopefully, a better friend.

My hope? This conversation lands with you too. And helps you get just 1% better, especially when it comes to your mental game.

Much love and stay steady,Yogi

P.S. This week we will take a deep dive into the Oregon Ducks with their Offensive Coordinator Will Stein in advance of broadcasting their spring game, as well as share thoughts on the current college football transfer portal, the turnover at Cal and retiring numbers in Boulder. Be sure to subscribe to the Y-Option newsletter and share it with a friend as we bring you thoughtful dialogue in College Football from the West Coast.

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

It’s Game Week!

Okay, not a real game, but a spring game. And I’m on a flight to Columbus, Ohio to call my first ever game at The Horseshoe for Big Ten Network.

Spring football always brings excitement. It’s a time of hope, opportunity, and fresh beginnings for every player on the roster.

For the Ohio State Buckeyes, this spring is about the 2025 team beginning to write their own story following a thrilling College Football Playoff championship run. The energy around the program is electric, and this weekend gives us a first glimpse of what’s to come.

On today’s Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, we dive into a full preview of the Buckeyes. I break down critical position battles and explain why I believe Ryan Day’s squad is primed for another CFP run. And here’s a spoiler: it’s not just because of their talent-rich roster - it’s the competitive culture Day has built that could be the difference maker.

One of the young men immersed in that environment is freshman quarterback Tavien St. Clair, a hometown kid who grew up less than an hour from Ohio State’s campus. Now he’s living his dream, wearing scarlet and gray this spring. Tavien and I sat down last summer at the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles, and in today’s episode, you’ll hear that conversation—his journey, his mindset, and the legacy he hopes to build.

Reflecting on that conversation reminded me of how special the Elite 11 experience has been for me over nearly two decades.

Back in 2009, my first year on the Elite 11 staff, the MVP was Jake Heaps. That class also featured Devin Gardner, Chandler Whitmer, Blake Bell, Nick Montana, and others. Meeting those athletes when they were 17 years old gave me a window into the unique world of top-tier quarterback prospects - a world filled with pressure, passion, and unpredictable journeys.

Now heading into my 17th year with Elite 11, we’ll share the same message with this year’s class that we gave to the ‘09 group and that we spell out in the best-selling book 5-Star QB: “The only thing that’s guaranteed is that your path won’t go exactly as you envision it.”

Looking back on that 2009 class, that truth has played out in so many ways:

* Jake Heaps transferred three times before a run in the NFL and is now a head coach in high school & the head coach of Elite 11.

* Devin Gardner played both wide receiver and quarterback at Michigan and now shines as a broadcaster with FOX Sports.

* Chandler Whitmer played at Illinois and UCONN and now serves as the QB coach at Indiana and in my eyes, is a rising star in the coaching ranks.

* Blake Bell won three Super Bowls - as a tight end.

* Nick Montana went from Washington to Tulane and today, he’s the co-founder and CEO of his own company.

Every one of them, like every Elite 11 QB since, imagined a long NFL career. And while not all had the career of Tom Brady or Jared Goff, they each carry incredible stories, filled with grit, growth, and perspective.

It’s a reminder that behind every 4 or 5-star ranking is a real human story. And here at Y-Option, we’re committed to telling those stories and shining a light on who these young athletes are vs who they are told they should be.

Hope you enjoy today’s episode featuring Buckeye signal-caller Tavien St. Clair - and as we evaluate their talent this Saturday in their spring game, let’s all remember that each of the players also have a story worth sharing.

Much love, and as always… Stay Steady,

Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.