It is officially the offseason, unfortunately, but just because the confetti has been cleaned up does not mean the conversations about the CFP have stopped. In fact it is quite the opposite. The difference is these conversations are not about what is happening on the field. The debate continues to rage on as commissioners discuss potential expansion of the CFP. Andy Staples and Ross Dellenger discuss what happened in the meetings that were held in the week leading up to the National Championship. The Big Ten and the SEC seem to be at an impasse of how much they want the College Football Playoff to expand. With the deadline fast approaching, no decision appears in sight. Ross explains why these two commissioners hold all the power for this decision.
Advertisement
Then, the guys shift from one hot button topic to the next. The transfer portal. Specifically one athlete. Darian Mensah. The Duke quarterback has officially entered the transfer portal even though he has a signed NIL contract with Duke. The Blue Devils are suing Mensah to prevent him from leaving. It is expected he will head to Miami to be their new quarterback. Andy and Ross discuss the differences between this situation and the one with Demond Williams and Washington. They share why it seems like Mensah has a good chance to win this case and how schools can prevent these situations in the future. Plus, they dive into Adidas’ potential impact in this situation and their overall aggressive handling of NIL. Also, Duke wide receiver Cooper Barkate has entered the portal as well, with Miami being a favorite to land him too.
Later, the big news in college athletics is no longer about football. It is over in the college basketball world as Charles Bediako has temporarily been granted the ability to return to Alabama basketball. There is a hearing next week that will determine whether or not he can return full-time. Bediako previously played at Alabama and entered the 2023 NBA Draft. Although he has never played in an NBA regular season game, he has played on multiple Summer League and G League teams. Andy and Ross discuss Bediako being allowed to play college basketball again and the impact this could have on college athletics.
The season is over but the news never stops with College Football Enquirer.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti & SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
They’re going with former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who had been a popular name in this year’s coaching cycle, fielding interview requests from most teams with head-coach vacancies.
Advertisement
Baltimore announced the news on Thursday. Minter, who’s the fourth head coach in Ravens history, has agreed to a five-year contract with the team, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This will be Minter’s first time as a head coach, coming off two successful years as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. Minter had worked under Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh for the past four years, most recently as the defensive coordinator in L.A. and, previously, at the University of Michigan.
Advertisement
Minter had one other previous NFL coaching stint as an assistant with the Ravens as a defensive assistant and defensive backs coach between the 2017 and 2020 seasons, so there is familiarity there between him and the organization.
The Ravens job comes with an MVP quarterback, a veteran core and one of the most respected front offices in sports. It also comes with high expectations, as the Harbaugh ouster just showed.
Can Jesse Minter break through with Lamar Jackson after John Harbaugh didn’t?
To understand what Minter is supposed to bring to the table, it’s best to understand the circumstances that led to Harbaugh’s exit.
Advertisement
Harbaugh was the second-longest-tenured head coach in the NFL and immediately jumped to the top of several teams’ wish lists the second he became available. In 2023 and 2024, his teams went a combined 25-9, but fell short of the Super Bowl both times. In 2025, injuries and dysfunction saw the Ravens go 8-9, but still finish a missed field goal — or a questionable call — short of the playoffs.
It’s not often you see a team let a coach go after posting the kind of success Harbaugh had with Jackson, even with their postseason struggles. That might be because Harbaugh’s firing didn’t seem as much about past results as it did internal tension.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported a key pressure point was Harbaugh’s refusal to move on from offensive coordinator Todd Monken. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport claimed Harbaugh had lost the Ravens locker room, Jackson included. ESPN’s Adam Schefter contradicted that last idea, pointing to the emotional reaction from Ravens players to Harbaugh’s firing.
That’s a lot of noise for an organization that usually prioritizes harmony from the locker room to the front office, even if the Ravens were still winning (in the regular season) up until 2025. And so, Harbaugh was let go, which might have happened several years ago had Jackson not turned into an MVP.
Replacing Harbaugh is a formidable task. The only seasons the Ravens haven’t made the playoffs since Jackson became a starter were sabotaged by injuries; a stumble in Year 1 would be inexcusable. And the Jackson-Harbaugh era was regularly criticized for underperforming in the playoffs. That’s going to need to be different, too.
Advertisement
Above all, this new coach is going to need to be on the same page with Jackson from their first meeting.
Despite their 2025 struggles, the Ravens still have a talented roster. Now we’ll see what a new coaching staff can do for an organization suddenly running very low on excuses.
Championship weekend is on the horizon and we have Matt Harmon and Joel Smyth here to get you ready. The two preview both championship games and provide their favorite matchups and prop bets along the way. Smyth caps off the show with his top-5 fantasy free agents and best landing spots that could maximize their potential.
(5:30) #2 Patriots @ #1 Broncos
Advertisement
(31:15) #5 Rams @ #1 Seahawks
(52:35) Joel’s fantasy free agent best fits
Championship weekend is on the horizon and we have Matt Harmon and Joel Smyth here to get you ready. The two preview both championship games and provide their favorite matchups and prop bets along the way. Smyth caps off the show with his top-5 fantasy free agents and best landing spots that could maximize their potential.
How will the Baltimore Ravens fare with new head coach Jesse Minter? Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano, Charles Robinson and Ben Fawkes break down that blockbuster signing before previewing conference championship weekend with battles between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Seattle Seahawks. The crew closes things out with a peak behind the curtain into the intricacies of NFL MVP voting before discussing their “One More Thing”.
Advertisement
(4:10) – Ravens hire Jesse Minter
(9:45) – Patriots @ Broncos preview
(26:40) – Rams @ Seahawks preview
(48:08) – NFL MVP finalists announced
(1:03:50) – One More Thing
Will Jesse Minter lead the Ravens back to the playoffs in 2026? (Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney came to his Friday news conference with receipts. He rifled through them while accusing Ole Miss and its new head coach, Pete Golding, of tampering.
The serious allegations Swinney leveled arrive in the wake of former Cal linebacker Luke Ferrelli committing to and signing with the Tigers out of the transfer portal before re-entering the portal and joining the Rebels.
Advertisement
While Swinney blamed “the adults” and said he feels sorry for Ferrelli, he compared the whole situation to “having an affair on your honeymoon.” Swinney explained that Ferrelli had already moved to Clemson, bought a car, rented an apartment and attended class for a week.
Actually, class is where Swinney said Ferrelli received a text from Golding, who was asking what the linebacker’s buyout was at Clemson. Ole Miss ultimately offered Ferrelli a two-year, $2 million contract, according to Swinney.
“I want to challenge all of those coaches that have reached out to me [about other instances of tampering]. I want to challenge all of ’em,” he said. “You need to step up and call it out. Otherwise don’t complain.
“You either step up and you be an example to young coaches in this profession and be people of integrity or just shut your mouth and don’t complain again. That’s what I would say to all the coaches out there because I know this has happened, and we’re never going to get this under control until we start having some consequences.”
Dabo unpacks timeline
While referring to prepared documents, Swinney called out dates and times regarding communication between Ferrelli, Clemson and Ole Miss.
Advertisement
Here’s the timeline he described…
The beginning of the saga
Jan. 4: Clemson general manager Jordan Sorrells had his first conversation with Ferrelli’s agent.
Jan. 5: Ferrelli showed up to Clemson for his official visit. Swinney said this is when he first met the soon-to-be third-year linebacker. Swinney explained that Ferrelli and his dad were coming off a portal visit to Ole Miss.
“I said, ‘How was the visit?’” Swinney recounted Friday. “And his dad said, ‘Not good.’ He said it was a mess, it was unorganized, it was chaos. The building was a mess. Nobody knew what was going on. And I was like, ‘Well, I look forward to y’all seeing Clemson tomorrow.’”
Advertisement
Jan. 6: Ferrelli took his visit to Clemson, and he, along with his agent and dad, verbally accepted the terms of the offer and made a commitment to the Tigers.
“We were going to take one linebacker. … So we got our linebacker,” Swinney said. “We canceled all the visits of all the other guys that we were going to schedule to come in throughout the rest of the week because [we] were done.”
Later that day, Ferrelli and his dad flew back to California.
Jan. 7: Ferrelli signed his financial aid agreement with Clemson.
Jan. 11: Ferrelli moved to Clemson.
“Rents an apartment, buys a car, goes to class for a week. He’s in training for a week, team meeting, position meeting, all that,” Swinney said.
Advertisement
Jan. 14: Ferrelli’s agent called Sorrells and let the Clemson GM know that Ole Miss has been pursuing Ferrelli. Swinney said that the agent assured Sorrells that Ferrelli had no intention of leaving Clemson.
A text from Golding; calls from QBs Trinidad Chambliss, Jaxson Dart
Jan. 15: Sorrells informed Swinney about the conversation he had with Ferrelli’s agent the previous night. Swinney then told Sorrells to contact Ole Miss GM Austin Thomas.
“I said, ‘Listen, this guy has been a head coach for four weeks,’” Swinney said, alluding to Golding, who took over for Lane Kiffin after Kiffin took the head-coaching job at LSU. “I said, ‘You reach out to the GM. I’m going to give him some grace, and you let him know that we know what’s going on. And if he doesn’t cease communication, I’m going to turn him in.’ I really thought that would be the end of it, but it wasn’t.”
Advertisement
Swinney said Sorrells got in touch with Thomas, Ole Miss’ GM, and reiterated Clemson’s stance on the situation. Thomas told Sorrells that he communicated to Ferrelli’s agent that he wanted no part of the engagement, and that his relationship with Sorrells was more important to him than the recruitment of Ferrelli, per Swinney.
Thomas added, though, that “Pete Golding just does what he does,” according to Swinney.
Linebacker Luke Ferrelli (41), pictured while playing for the California Golden Bears, is now with Ole Miss after a complicated transfer journey. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images)
Later that afternoon, Sorrells and Clemson linebackers coach Ben Boulware met with Ferrelli, who told them that Golding texted him the previous morning during his 8 a.m. class.
Advertisement
“He said the text message said, ‘I know you’re signed. What’s the buyout?’ And he also said that Coach Golding also texted him a picture of a $1 million contract,” Swinney said.
Additionally, Ferrelli noted that Golding had quarterback Trinidad Chambliss talk to him on the phone, and that current New York Giants and former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart also reached out and called him.
At the time, however, Ferrelli maintained his commitment to Clemson.
When everything unraveled for Clemson
Jan. 16: Clemson held a staff meeting on the final day of the portal window. That morning, Ferrelli called his position coach, Boulware, and told him Ole Miss had reached out again, this time doubling its offer to two years, $2 million.
Advertisement
That afternoon, Sorrells spoke with Ferrelli’s agent, who confirmed that Golding had continued to communicate with Ferrelli and had raised the offer.
“The agent communicated that if we were to add a second year at a million dollars to the already agreed upon deal with [Ferrelli], then they would gladly give us whatever we need in order to turn Ole Miss in,” Swinney said.
Sorrells rejected that arrangement, per Swinney. Then he talked with Ferrelli outside the facility, and Ferrelli still confirmed that he was planning on playing at Clemson.
But hours later, Sorrells got a call from Clemson’s compliance office, telling him that Ferrelli was requesting to re-enter the transfer portal. At this point, Swinney said he called Clemson athletic director Graham Neff and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, who Swinney said called SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.
Advertisement
Eventually, Sorrells and a Clemson coach turned up to Ferrelli’s apartment, of which Ferrelli was in the driveway and told them he was going to Ole Miss.
Ferrelli later notified Boulware and Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen that he was hitting the portal before relaying the same news to Swinney himself.
Dabo bashes Ole Miss, Golding for ‘tampering 301’
Once Swinney finished running through the receipts, he opined — about the situation and, more generally, about college football and its lack of regulation during the NIL and transfer portal era.
The two-time national champion head coach did so fearlessly.
Advertisement
“There’s tampering, and then there’s blatant tampering,” Swinney said. “Tampering 101 is when you’re talking to kids who aren’t in the portal. Tampering 201 is when you’ve already negotiated the deal when the kid’s not in the portal. Tampering 301 is when you got a kid who’s gone in the portal, signed somewhere, moved there, going to classes, and you’re texting ’em while they’re in class.
“That’s like a whole ‘nother level of tampering, and it’s total hypocrisy because all this is going on while they on the other side are trying to fight their defensive end from going in the portal. They have accused publicly others of tampering with their roster and their players while they are over here tampering.”
Swinney added: “We have a broken system, and if there are no consequences for tampering, then we have no rules and we have no governance. It’s really just that simple.”
Swinney emphasized that he’s not just discussing a linebacker at Clemson or trying to get anyone fired.
Advertisement
“But let me tell you what it is about,” he said. “It’s about the next kid, and it’s about the message that is being sent if this blatant tampering is allowed to happen without any consequences.
“This is about protecting our program. This is about college football. That’s what this is about.”
After 20 weeks, it’s come to this: the final two teams in the AFC will meet for the championship game. After a crazy comeback season, the New England Patriots will visit the Denver Broncos for a shot at the conference title. While the Broncos are the No. 1 seed heading into the game, they’ll be without Bo Nix who broke his ankle in last Saturday’s win over the Buffalo Bills and will miss the rest of the Broncos’ post-season. Jarrett Stidham, who has started in just four previous NFL games, will replace Nix in what is probably the most important game of his career. No pressure.
The Patriots vs. Broncos game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this game, and learn how to watch the NFC Championship game between the L.A. Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, too.
Advertisement
How to watch the New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos AFC Championship game:
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos game time:
The Patriots vs. Broncos AFC Championship game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos game channel:
The AFC Championship game between the Patriots and Broncos will air on CBS, which means it’ll also stream live on Paramount+. You can also tune in on mobile devices with NFL+.
How to watch the New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncosgame without cable:
NFL Conference Championship schedule:
All times Eastern.
Advertisement
Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos, 3:00 p.m.(CBS)
NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks, 6:30 p.m. (FOX)
How to watch NFL games in 2026:
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market-game local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.
When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. Plus, Netflix is once again hosting at least two Christmas Day matches, so add that subscription into the mix. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).
Advertisement
Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.
Pros
Full package free trial available
Many local RSNs included
Free ESPN unlimited
Unlimited Cloud DVR
Cons
Cost
Regional Sports Network fee
Pros
Free trial available
Unlimited cloud DVR storage
Free ESPN unlimited
Cons
Entirely sports-focused
Doesn’t include NBC
Pros
Offers NFL Sunday Ticket bundle
Offers almost every channel you need for NFL games
Cons
High cost
Locked into YouTube TV Base Plan with the Sunday Ticket bundle
Nate Tice & Matt Harmon give their instant reactions and takeaways from the AFC & NFC Championship games. The duo start by reacting to a wild barn-burner in Seattle as Sam Darnold overcomes his demons to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 and take the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl LX. Next, the AFC Championship got cold FAST as the New England Patriots managed to weather the storm and defeat the Jarrett Stidham-led Denver Broncos on the road 10-7.
Advertisement
Nate & Matt give their early thoughts on the Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl matchup (which has some very interesting history) and how they see the next few weeks of narratives playing out. The two hosts wrap things up with their thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy as their next head coach as they try to find a way to spin the hire as an upgrade over what Pittsburgh already had in Mike Tomlin.
(2:30) – Seahawks beat Rams in NFC Championship
(21:45) – Patriots beat Broncos in AFC Championship
(48:40) – Early Super Bowl LX thoughts
(53:15) – Steelers hire HC Mike McCarthy
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 25: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammates on the field following the AFC Championship Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. The New England Patriots defeat the Denver Broncos 10-7. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Ricardo Pepi could be on the move again — but is Fulham the right next step for the USMNT striker? Christian and Alexis break down what a Premier League switch would mean for Pepi’s development and confidence. Plus, they shine a light on Pellegrino Matarazzo’s impressive rise at Real Sociedad and why his success in La Liga matters for American managers abroad.
Advertisement
Michael Carrick continues to impress on the touchline, but is he truly ready to become Manchester United’s full-time head coach? The guys debate Carrick’s tactical growth, leadership style, and whether United’s chaotic environment would help or hinder his evolution as a manager.
The NWSL locks in one of its biggest stars as Trinity Rodman stays put — but what does that decision say about the league’s future? Christian and Alexis discuss player power, league ambition, and whether keeping top talent at home strengthens the NWSL’s global standing or limits its stars’ potential.
Timestamps:
(9:00) – Right time for Ricardo Pepi to move to Fulham?
Advertisement
(24:30) – Pellegrino Matarazzo shines early at Real Sociedad
(36:30) – Michael Carrick ready to be Man United’s full-time head coach?
(48:30) – Trinity Rodman gets Paid! But what does it mean for the NWSL?
Kevin O’Connor & Es Baraheni debate whether the Raptors are the real deal after defeating OKC, keys to their success during this stretch and what moves they should make at the deadline. Next, they discuss Joel Embiid trending back up, Giannis trade rumors and other trade deadline hot topics. Later, Nate Tice joins the show to recap the AFC and NFC Championship weekend. Who will be the victor of Super Bowl LX? Nate gives his pick!
Advertisement
(0:56) Are the Raptors for real? (20:37) Should the Magic make a trade? (24:51) Joel Embiid on the rise (29:20) Trade deadline rumors (46:32) Who will step up for the Warriors? (58:28) Rams defeat Seahawks in NFC Championship (1:18:47) Patriots beat Broncos in AFC Championship (1:41:58) Super Bowl predictions (1:48:02) State of the Minnesota Timberwolves
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) reacts after being fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
What did we learn about the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots after their wins in the NFC & AFC Championships? Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano, Frank Schwab and Ben Fawkes break down the thrilling championship game action from all angles. Plus, will Mike McCarthy succeed in Pittsburgh as their next head coach? Hear about that and more on today’s jam-packed episode.
Advertisement
(3:40) – Seahawks beat Rams in NFC Championship
(26:30) – Patriots beat Broncos in AFC Championship
