Josh Pate's College Football Show Contenders vs Pretenders + Behind The Scenes Stories
Mar 20, 2026
Conference odds for the 2026 season get unpacked with bold confidence ratings for Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, and Georgia. Discussion of Indiana’s upside, Penn State’s schedule edge, and why no SEC team is a lock. Deep dive into ACC and Big 12 favorites and potential surprise teams. Behind-the-scenes stories from coaching sit-downs and a candid take on Miami’s identity and portal strategy.
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
Monitor Bryce Underwood As Michigan's Make-Or-Break Player
- Watch Bryce Underwood as a key levelling-up candidate; his development will determine Michigan's ceiling.
- Pate notes Underwood must improve decision-making quickly with tough early games versus Oklahoma and Iowa.
Charlie Becker Is Poised For A Bigger Role At Indiana
- Charlie Becker should statistically level up at Indiana after late-2025 breakout and with Cooper and Surratt gone.
- Pate highlights Becker's late-season trust and Penn State game seven-catch performance as a base for bigger role.
Reduce Turnovers To Unlock Texas A&M Upside
- Marcel Reed must reduce turnovers and erratic play to lift Texas A&M to true contender status.
- Pate points to late-season multi-interception games and heavy pass pressure as tangible areas to improve.