Opening & Context (00:00–00:03)

• Welcome back; part of the Voice of College Football network.
• Football season over: Indiana won the national championship over Miami.
• Shift to basketball later (Buckyball success & upcoming schedule).
• Main focus: 2026 football outlook & way-too-early rankings.

• Consensus around #8 nationally in early 2026 preseason rankings (USA Today, others).
• Significant jump in respect under Mike Elko (Year 3).
  • Year 1 (post-Jimbo): ranked very low (~bottom 20–25).
  • 2025 season: historic 11-0 start → 11-2 finish, first-ever CFP appearance (lost to Miami 10-3 in playoff).
• Losses: 12+ players to NFL Draft + several portal exits.
• Gains: 17 transfer additions + strong 2026 signing class (mostly depth, some potential starters).
• Key return: QB Marcel Reed (third year, second as full-time starter).
• Notable portal additions:
  • WR Isaiah Horton (familiarity with Reed).
  • EDGE Anto Saka.
  • Four experienced SEC offensive linemen.
  • DBs Ricky Gibson & Tafiq Byer.
  • DL pieces (CJ Mills, Angelo McCollum, Ryan Henderson).

• Tough slate: early road games at LSU & Missouri (repeat from prior year), late back-to-back Oklahoma & Texas.
• Last year with consecutive LSU/Missouri matchups due to 9-game SEC schedule format.

• Promotions from within (familiarity & scheme continuity emphasized by Elko):
  • Holman Wiggins → OC (co-OC last year; wide receivers background).
  • Lyle Hemphill → DC (rising star; same defensive philosophy as Elko).
  • Joey Lynch → QB coach (long-time OC experience; prior work with Reed at Vanderbilt; Broyles nominee).
  • John Perry → WR coach (20+ years experience; NFL background with Texans under O'Brien).
• Key external hire:
  • Elijah Robinson returns as DL coach (former A&M mainstay, interim HC after Jimbo, brief Syracuse DC stint).
  • High recruiter; already helped land several DL transfers.
• Overall theme: Elko prioritizes fit, scheme continuity, and internal trust over big-name external hires.

• Both view #8 as fair/respectable but early/conservative.
• Cameron: Good spot; lots to prove with new pieces, but excitement around Wiggins/OC continuity & Reed/Horton combo.
• Keenan: Cautious — talent turnover high; spring ball & potential portal surprises could shift things. Likes defensive backfield additions & familiarity with staff.

1. Ohio State (star power + returning talent)
2. Notre Dame / Indiana (championship pedigree & coaching)
3. Georgia
4. Texas (Arch Manning + loaded skill talent) 5–8. Mix of Texas A&M, Oregon, Miami, Texas Tech 9–12. BYU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU / USC (wild cards; portal-heavy rosters)

• Sponsor read: Underdog Fantasy (code: VOCFBAggies).
• Basketball teaser: tough upcoming stretch starts vs. Georgia.
• Next show: Tuesday (possible cornerbacks coach hire update + more positional battles & recruiting).

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