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College Football’s Season-Defining Games: Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia & More Trap Spots
Which games will define the 2026 college football season for the nation’s top contenders? CBS Sports and Brandon Marcello’s post-spring Top 25 rankings spotlight the biggest “make or break” matchups — and they are not always the obvious ones. From dangerous trap games to brutal schedule spots, we break down the games that could shape the College Football Playoff race for Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, Indiana, Miami, Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, Ole Miss, Alabama and more. Texas faces a tricky road trip to Missouri. Ohio State gets USC on Halloween night in the middle of a brutal stretch. Oregon hosts Michigan after a road trip to Ohio State. Georgia welcomes Oklahoma and Brent Venables’ defense. Alabama travels to Tennessee in the middle of a loaded SEC gauntlet. Are these the games that will separate national championship contenders from pretenders? Also discussed: 🏈 Texas Longhorns at Missouri 🏈 Ohio State Buckeyes at USC 🏈 Oregon Ducks vs Michigan Wolverines 🏈 Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners 🏈 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Miami Hurricanes 🏈 Indiana Hoosiers at Nebraska 🏈 Texas A&M Aggies at LSU 🏈 LSU Tigers at Ole Miss 🏈 Oklahoma vs Texas in the Red River Rivalry 🏈 USC Trojans vs Oregon 🏈 Ole Miss vs Auburn 🏈 Alabama Crimson Tide at Tennessee Subscribe for more college football rankings, SEC football talk, College Football Playoff debates, schedule breakdowns and high-stakes CFB predictions. #CollegeFootball #CFB #CollegeFootballPlayoff #TexasFootball #OhioStateFootball #AlabamaFootball #GeorgiaFootball #OregonFootball #NotreDameFootball #SECFootball #BigTenFootball #LSUFootball #OklahomaFootball #USCFootball #OleMissFootball SUBSCRIBE: @NextRoundLive - / @nextroundlive FOLLOW TNR ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zlofzLZht7dYxjNcBNpWN FOLLOW TNR ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-round/id1797862560 WEBSITE: https://nextroundlive.com/ MOBILE APP: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-next-round/id1580807480 SHOP THE NEXT ROUND STORE: https://nextround.store/ Like TNR on Facebook: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Twitter: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Instagram: / nextroundlive Follow everyone from the show on Twitter: Jim Dunaway: / jimdunaway Ryan Brown: / ryanbrownlive Lance Taylor: / thelancetaylor Scott Forester: / scottforestertv Tyler Johns: /TylerJohnsTNR Sponsor the show: sales@nextroundlive.com
UH-OH: Colorado Has a HUGE Trap Game Early in the Season
Colorado’s 2026 football schedule has fans circling one matchup as the ultimate trap game: a tricky Week 3 trip to Northwestern. With Chip Kelly calling plays and a surging Wildcats roster that returns 27 experienced contributors, could this overlooked Big Ten road game derail Coach Prime’s high-pressure season before it starts? Kevin Borba lays out how a slip-up in Evanston might spark a dreaded September avalanche, especially with bruising showdowns against Texas Tech, Utah, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State looming in October. Plus, which transfer portal additions must step up for Colorado to turn the corner? Kevin Borba names the four newcomers who “have to be stars” in Boulder: linebacker Gideon Lampron (run-stopper extraordinaire), bruising backs Richard Young and Damien Henderson, and disruptive pass rusher Toby Nnanna from North Dakota State. Without breakout seasons from these transfers, Colorado risks a repeat of last year’s struggles against the run and inconsistent offense. In a candid look at roster turnover, Kevin Borba also ranks the three biggest portal losses: wideout Omarion Miller, cornerstone tackle Jordan Seaton (lured by an SEC bag), and culture-carrying linebacker TaFeek Bayard. Which departure stings the most—and can Colorado’s revamped locker room make up the difference? With Coach Prime’s Buffs aiming to silence doubters and toughen up in the trenches, this episode breaks down Colorado’s biggest potholes, potential breakout stars, and just how fragile the 2026 campaign could be if early missteps snowball. Is Northwestern a looming disaster, or a confidence-launching win for this new-look squad? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/locked-on-buffs Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege #Colorado #DeionSanders #ColoradoBuffs #collegefootball Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonbuffs.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. Wayfair Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
CANUCKS GM SEARCH DOWN TO TWO - May 10, 2026
It seems like the search for the next Vancouver Canucks is down to two finalists: Ryan Johnson and Evan Gold. Is there a chance the club will find new positions for both of them? #canucks #vancouvercanucks #nhl *** Support me by buying Canuck Clay merch here: http://canuckclay.threadless.com Thank you to my lead sponsors: √ VancityExperts Real Estate: https://www.vancityexperts.com/ √ Gassy Jack Art: https://www.gassyjackart.com/ √ MLGN Golf Co. – https://www.mlgngolf.com √ Vessi Footwear: https://tinyurl.com/vessiclay Look for the discount code DRYSOCKS-AP-19123 at the top of the page to receive a free pair of socks. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with me: √ Join the CCC Crew: https://www.youtube.com/canuckclay/join √ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/canuckclay √ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/cccapplepodcast √ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cccspotifypodcast √ Cameo: http://www.cameo.com/canuckclay √ Website: http://www.clayimoo.com √ Canucks After Dark: https://bit.ly/3yZI6TT -------------------------------------------------------------------- My bio: I am a Canucks season ticket member, award-winning video creator, speaker, parody song creator, and founder of the GLCPC (the Good Looking Canucks Positivity Club). I've volunteered with the Canucks organization for numerous charity events and I've written close to three dozen songs about, for, and with the team. Thanks for coming by. Make sure you subscribe to my channel! Thank you to the amazing and generous members of the CCC Crew: LEGEND: • Lucas Gates • Brian_Blingy • Carol Bovenlander • The Line Change • andrew chang Hall of Fame: • Justin Credible • Shannon Hollingworth • Hsmfangirl Gaming • The Swervin Yrvin • SGA SPORTSTALK CHANNEL • Rinketic Sports Agenda • Celina Chin Franchise: • jarhead0099 • Coach Rob Wille • Jeff King • Edmond Yan • C Edits • Derek Chang • Jed Lawson • SkyTraining Canuck Elfren • Carol Bovenlander • FillmoreWax • Philip Sangalang (4PSI Forsy) • Harry Ma • Billy C • Daniel Hammond • James Young • Darren in Vic • Erwin Aquino • hansolocujo • Victor Wong • Smiley Hello • Jaskaran Cumo • Clue96 • Ron Schooner • Ej 87 • n0thing is perfect • Kel M • Rosario • Jack Maloney • Hugh St Denis • somishows • caighil3 • Andy • Canucks.Uncensored • Rabee Chowdhury • Ricky Sangha • Adrian T • Kris • BuiumEnthusiast • Dino Vittorio • Dave Everett • Windy City Hawkey • Kyle Otsuji • Jacob Halstead • Jovito • Matt Blom • jacky fok • AdamShy • Hot Take Hockey • Tornado Freaks • iShawzy • Patchlife • Corey Williams • Alex G • Daniel Patterson • Shaun Fiedler • Matthew Paterson • Jason Leung • Anthonia C • Witton Chau • HughMungus • Mitch Bremner • Chris Simmons • Mztr Intensity • Satchel Geddon • Nobody • William Smith • Cosmic Dragon • raveocado • Sam Charmley • CHRIF AYACH (CityOfParis) • crazytomato 108 • sofiane benzaza • Nicholas Coffey • Nick Soucy • Aiden White • Aamir Hakik #19 • Phole • govind bajwa • prince chicken wings • Mash709 • Tommy chopper • recoutlaw • Armani Martinez • vendetta • sarah • XanCer • Tanner Henkel • Warm_Breeze • Markus Engberg • Michael Nguyen • DampMitthecoolsniper • Ben Yang Anaheim Ducks Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks Colorado Avalanche Columbus Blue Jackets Dallas Stars Detroit Red Wings Edmonton Oilers Florida Panthers Los Angeles Kings Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils New York Islanders New York Rangers Ottawa Senators Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs Utah Mammoth Vancouver Canucks Vegas Golden Knights Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets
Ole Miss Fans Are LOSING IT Over Lane Kiffin’s Comments
Lane Kiffin’s new Vanity Fair profile is OUT… and Ole Miss fans are NOT taking it well. 😳 In today’s episode of Locked On LSU, Matt Moscona reacts to the viral comments from Kiffin’s interview that have Rebels fans melting down across social media. From comments about Oxford and Baton Rouge to recruiting, diversity, NIL resources, and the infamous “better girl” analogy, Kiffin added even more fuel to one of college football’s most personal rivalries. Matt breaks down: Why Ole Miss fans are so upset What Kiffin REALLY meant in the article The “better girl” comparison that’s going viral Why Baton Rouge appealed to Kiffin personally and professionally The reality of LSU vs Ole Miss in recruiting How Kiffin’s celebrity persona impacts recruiting and public perception Why this entire story says more about the breakup than the football Plus, Matt explains why none of this ultimately matters unless LSU wins big in Year 1 under Lane Kiffin. 🔥 Is Lane Kiffin telling the truth? 🔥 Did Vanity Fair take things out of context? 🔥 Or did Kiffin intentionally troll Ole Miss AGAIN? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 📺 Subscribe for daily LSU football coverage 🎧 Listen on podcast wherever you get your podcasts 🐅 Locked On LSU — Your Team Every Day #LSU #LSUFootball #LaneKiffin #OleMiss #SECFootball #CollegeFootball #LockedOnLSU Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. Wayfair Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLSU?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege #LSU #LSUFootball #CollegeFootball
LATEST on Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy after sustaining a gunshot wound over the weekend
Over the weekend, star Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy sustained a gunshot wound in his home state of Mississippi early Sunday morning. What's the latest on the star Mizzou RB? Watch here as Andy & Ari break down the latest news over the weekend. 0:00 On Today's Episode 0:38 Presenting Sponsor 2:00 Intro: Ahmad Hardy news 6:15 USC vs Notre Dame: COMING BACK? 15:39 Is Nature Healing? BYU vs Notre Dame 27:20 RJ Day Commits to Northwestern 35:16 "Am I talented?" 43:18 Will Julian Sayin level up? 48:40 Arizona State & Kenny Dillingham 58:51 Conclusion: Fran Brown tomorrow After the Ahmad Hardy news, Andy & Ari turn to some good news in college football: The Notre Dame vs USC rivalry may not be gone for too long. In a report by Ryan Kartje at the Los Angeles Times, the Trojans and Irish have began negotiations on bringing the iconic college football rivalry back to the slate. How close are we to this game being back on schedules? Watch here. Next up, Northwestern received a notable QB commit over the weekend: Ryan Day's son, RJ Day. Andy & Ari discuss this notable commitment here while looking at it through a father's point of view. Continuing on Ohio State, Andy & Ari turn to Julian Sayin, where On3's Chris Low has a story on how the Buckeyes QB is turning the page towards the 2026 season. Thanks for watching! Be sure to come back tomorrow! Our show is also presented by BetMGM! If you haven’t signed up for BetMGM yet, use bonus code CFB and you will get up to a $1500 First Bet Offer on your first wager with BetMGM! Here’s how it works: 1. Download the BetMGM app and sign-up using bonus code CFB. 2. Deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. 3. You will receive up to $1500 in bonus bets if your bet loses! Just make sure you use bonus code CFB when you sign up! Make this college football season one for the history books. Make it legendary. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) . 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel Join On3 today! https://www.on3.com/join Subscribe to On3! ⬇️ youtube.com/on3sports/?sub_confirmati... Welcome to On3 | The best of college football and recruiting https://www.on3.com/ Listen to Andy & Ari On3 on podcast! Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AhQ4d2m5TQu5Q2vkwtxjt?si=d9016221aa2a4427 Apple 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andy-staples-on3/id1695325427 Follow Andy & Ari On3 on X! https://x.com/AndyAriOn3 Follow Andy Staples on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Andy_Staples Follow Andy Staples on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy_staples Follow Ari Wasserman on Twitter: https://x.com/AriWasserman Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/on3sports Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/on3/ Like/Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/On3Sports/ Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman Producer: River Bailey Interested in partnering with the show? Email advertise@on3.com
EVAN GOLD NEW CANUCKS GM? SEDINS ACCEPT INCREASED ROLES IN HOCKEY OPS
The Vancouver Canucks front office appears to be taking shape as there are strong rumours that Evan Gold will be named the new GM. As well, the Sedins have accepted increased roles in the hockey ops department. We'll see what all of this means for Ryan Johnson. #canucks #vancouvercanucks #nhl *** Support me by buying Canuck Clay merch here: http://canuckclay.threadless.com Thank you to my lead sponsors: √ VancityExperts Real Estate: https://www.vancityexperts.com/ √ Gassy Jack Art: https://www.gassyjackart.com/ √ MLGN Golf Co. – https://www.mlgngolf.com √ Vessi Footwear: https://tinyurl.com/vessiclay Look for the discount code DRYSOCKS-AP-19123 at the top of the page to receive a free pair of socks. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with me: √ Join the CCC Crew: https://www.youtube.com/canuckclay/join √ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/canuckclay √ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/cccapplepodcast √ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cccspotifypodcast √ Cameo: http://www.cameo.com/canuckclay √ Website: http://www.clayimoo.com √ Canucks After Dark: https://bit.ly/3yZI6TT -------------------------------------------------------------------- My bio: I am a Canucks season ticket member, award-winning video creator, speaker, parody song creator, and founder of the GLCPC (the Good Looking Canucks Positivity Club). I've volunteered with the Canucks organization for numerous charity events and I've written close to three dozen songs about, for, and with the team. Thanks for coming by. Make sure you subscribe to my channel! Thank you to the amazing and generous members of the CCC Crew: LEGEND: • Lucas Gates • Brian_Blingy • Carol Bovenlander • The Line Change • andrew chang Hall of Fame: • Justin Credible • Shannon Hollingworth • Hsmfangirl Gaming • The Swervin Yrvin • SGA SPORTSTALK CHANNEL • Rinketic Sports Agenda • Celina Chin Franchise: • jarhead0099 • Coach Rob Wille • Jeff King • Edmond Yan • C Edits • Derek Chang • Jed Lawson • SkyTraining Canuck Elfren • Carol Bovenlander • FillmoreWax • Philip Sangalang (4PSI Forsy) • Harry Ma • Billy C • Daniel Hammond • James Young • Darren in Vic • Erwin Aquino • hansolocujo • Victor Wong • Smiley Hello • Jaskaran Cumo • Clue96 • Ron Schooner • Ej 87 • n0thing is perfect • Kel M • Rosario • Jack Maloney • Hugh St Denis • somishows • caighil3 • Andy • Canucks.Uncensored • Rabee Chowdhury • Ricky Sangha • Adrian T • Kris • BuiumEnthusiast • Dino Vittorio • Dave Everett • Windy City Hawkey • Kyle Otsuji • Jacob Halstead • Jovito • Matt Blom • jacky fok • AdamShy • Hot Take Hockey • Tornado Freaks • iShawzy • Patchlife • Corey Williams • Alex G • Daniel Patterson • Shaun Fiedler • Matthew Paterson • Jason Leung • Anthonia C • Witton Chau • HughMungus • Mitch Bremner • Chris Simmons • Mztr Intensity • Satchel Geddon • Nobody • William Smith • Cosmic Dragon • raveocado • Sam Charmley • CHRIF AYACH (CityOfParis) • crazytomato 108 • sofiane benzaza • Nicholas Coffey • Nick Soucy • Aiden White • Aamir Hakik #19 • Phole • govind bajwa • prince chicken wings • Mash709 • Tommy chopper • recoutlaw • Armani Martinez • vendetta • sarah • XanCer • Tanner Henkel • Warm_Breeze • Markus Engberg • Michael Nguyen • DampMitthecoolsniper • Ben Yang Anaheim Ducks Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks Colorado Avalanche Columbus Blue Jackets Dallas Stars Detroit Red Wings Edmonton Oilers Florida Panthers Los Angeles Kings Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils New York Islanders New York Rangers Ottawa Senators Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs Utah Mammoth Vancouver Canucks Vegas Golden Knights Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets
Kansas State in HOT PURSUIT of Four-Star WR Jaiden Kelly-Murray, Battling Virginia Tech, Colorado
Kansas State Wildcats football makes a bold statement on the recruiting trail as four-star wide receiver Jaiden Kelly-Murray eyes Manhattan. Can Colin Klein’s coaching staff outpace Virginia Tech and Colorado—despite fierce NIL competition—to land this dynamic prospect and reshape K-State’s offensive future? Christian Rauh breaks down Jaiden Kelly-Murray explosive junior season, highlighting his elite speed, route versatility, and physicality—skills that could deliver immediate impact in the Big 12. The conversation covers the Wildcats’ growing 2027 recruiting class, why coaching relationships are outshining dollar signs, and key battles with programs like Virginia Tech, Illinois, Wake Forest, and the Buffaloes. Also featured: Dee Kennedy's historic 20-20 season for K-State baseball and a spotlight on Wildcats women’s basketball’s strong showing at the USA Basketball 3-on-3 Showcase. Check out his junior highlights here: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19694838/Jaiden-KellyMurray Go AD Free and More with the Everydayer's Club! Learn More Here: https://lockedonkansasstate.supercast.com/ Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM More Coverage from Christian Rauh: https://blueprintsportsnetwork.com/ #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers
Into the Mehtaverse: Braden Birch joins New Jersey Devils Front Office as Assistant GM + Mock Drafts
Zach Berman opened the episode by announcing that New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta made his first major hire of the offseason, bringing in Braden Birch as Assistant General Manager and as General Manager of the Utica Comets, the Devils’ AHL affiliate. This move marks the beginning of Mehta’s efforts to strengthen the Devils’ front office, starting by recruiting talent from his previous organization, the Florida Panthers, where Birch played a pivotal role in their recent Stanley Cup successes. In detailing Birch’s background, Zach Berman highlighted his 12-year tenure with the Panthers, most recently as Director of Hockey Operations and salary cap management. Birch's experience includes significant involvement in contract negotiations for key players and maintaining Florida’s excellent salary cap health, something the Devils have struggled with in recent years. His hockey roots include playing professionally and earning a master’s degree in sport management, further underscoring his blend of on-ice and management expertise. Zach Berman provided examples of Birch’s impact in Florida, referencing his hand in savvy contracts and cap management for top players like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Sam Reinhart. He also noted Florida’s ability to replace key departures internally and find valuable contributors through their farm system or waivers, contrasting this with New Jersey’s struggles to develop homegrown talent or depth. The hire of Birch is positioned as Mehta’s commitment to instilling a more proactive, organized, and effective approach to team building in New Jersey. To conclude, Zach Berman speculated about future front office moves, suggesting that Bryan McCabe could be another addition if not intercepted by the Maple Leafs, and addressed the current uncertainty regarding other Devils executives. He emphasized that Birch’s arrival should significantly improve the Devils’ farm system—considered among the league’s weakest—and that player development is critical to reducing reliance on expensive acquisitions. The episode closed with the assertion that Mehta’s moves signal an exciting, less predictable era for the Devils, promising ongoing updates and further discussion of mock drafts and organizational changes. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LODevils?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Subscribe to Locked On Devils! Follow me on the "X" app: @zachbrettberman Follow the show on the "X" app: @LockedOnDevils Listen to Locked On Devils: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnDevils For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Listener Survey: We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Thumbnail credit: USA TODAY #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL