3 and Out with John Middlekauff NFL Kicking off on a Wednesday, Latest with Puka Nacua, Final Four Picks
Mar 26, 2026
A spirited take on moving NFL kickoffs to Wednesday and why early Australia start times can skew competition. A look at how NIL money now reshapes college hiring and program fortunes. Updates on Puka Nacua’s off-field situation and Patrick Mahomes’ recovery timeline. A debate over Ty Simpson’s draft stock and bold Final Four picks as March Madness peaks.
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Australia Kickoff Breaks NFL Game Day Rhythm
- International NFL games can backfire when local kickoff times force U.S. teams into unnatural routines.
- John Middlekauff argues Rams/49ers playing in Australia at 10:30 AM ET forces early game-day logistics and is unfair to coaches and players.
NIL Has Replaced Tradition As The Main Driver
- College sports priorities have flipped from history and facilities to money and NIL budgets.
- Middlekauff says programs succeed now by outspending rivals on player pay and coach/assistant salaries, not legacy.
Ask About NIL Budget Before Accepting A Job
- When evaluating college coaching jobs ask first about the NIL/player-pay budget rather than program history.
- Middlekauff recommends coaches prioritize roles that promise 'unlimited' or top-tier NIL resources.