Notre Dame football is building a recruiting powerhouse, stacking up 5-star talent and positioning itself as a top-five program on the national stage. Can Marcus Freeman’s balanced approach and the addition of elite playmakers like Rodney Dunham and Ian Premer finally close the gap with perennial contenders? Host Brian Smith and guest Bryan Driscoll break down the explosive recruiting class, highlight dynamic additions at tight end, wide receiver, and defensive end, and spotlight standout quarterback Teddy Gerard reclassifying to 2026.

Key topics include how Notre Dame’s class balances all position groups, the impact of NFL legacy recruits like Kaydon Finley and Devin Fitzgerald, and where the Irish could target the Transfer Portal for instant-impact position upgrades. The discussion also explores roster depth, transfer market strategies, and the stability of Notre Dame’s coaching staff amid national attention. Is 2026 the year Notre Dame transforms elite recruiting into championship results?

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Miami Hurricanes look primed to upset Texas A&M as Carson Beck’s poise and savvy elevate the offense’s playoff hopes. Can Beck avoid costly turnovers against the Aggies’ elite pass rush and lockdown third-down defense? Brian Smith and Marcus Benjamin weigh Miami’s quarterback Carson Beck’s efficiency, the underrated value of checkdowns, and the keys to unlocking the Hurricanes’ full potential against a physical SEC opponent.

The conversation highlights crucial matchups—Rueben Bain’s impact off the edge, defensive back Keionte Scott’s emergence, and strategic transfer portal targets to address looming roster gaps. Insights on Mario Cristobal’s culture change, Miami’s defensive line recruiting edge, and tough questions about replacing NFL-bound talent. Will the Hurricanes’ depth and disciplined play be enough to topple Texas A&M at raucous Kyle Field?

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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.

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Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

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Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
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Rocket Money

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Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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)

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Josh Hoover shakes up the NCAA transfer portal with big NIL buzz—will he truly be the top quarterback on the move? Brian Smith spotlights Hoover’s downfield accuracy and potential, but questions remain over his interception rate and clutch consistency. With possible suitors including Tennessee and Lane Kiffin at LSU, Hoover’s fit could depend as much on scheme as surrounding talent.

Smith ranks the top transfer quarterbacks—comparing names like Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, DJ Lagway, and Colton Joseph—and breaks down how NIL offers and program interest are reshaping college football’s quarterback market.

Listeners get insights into Alabama vs. Oklahoma’s playoff battle, how injuries to Ty Simpson and John Mateer could tip the scales, and what programs like Wisconsin must spend to land a top-tier signal caller. Can these teams reinvest wisely and revamp their rosters for a championship run?

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 the community: https://theportal.supercast.com/

On X @fbscout_florida

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Help us by supporting our sponsors!

Omaha Steaks

Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Wayfair

Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Rocket Money

Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money.
Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today.

Aura Frames

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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)

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