College football is BACK—and the Higher Call is ready for Week 1!

Dan is joined by new co-host Jake for a packed episode covering the biggest stories from Week Zero and the games we’re watching in Week One.

We continue our ongoing battle with Notre Dame fans over their… let’s just say interesting cupcake schedule. 😏 We also welcome the North Dakota State Bison to the FBS—and after their dominant Week Zero performance, they may have officially become our new favorite team.

Plus, Jake brings the Florida Gator perspective as we look ahead to Florida’s season, Dan talks Houston Cougar football, and the guys dive into one of the most important questions in sports and faith: What’s your “why”?

Can sports teach us something about perseverance, purpose, and how we respond when things don't go our way?

And of course, it's time for the 5 and 5—10 college football games and 10 picks against the spread.

Whether you're a Gator, Cougar, Bison, Irish fan, or just a Christian who loves college football, there's plenty to talk about.

The Higher Call — Where faith and fandom meet.

Subscribe, leave us a review, and share the show with another Christian sports fan!

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Email: Highercallpod@gmail.com

#CollegeFootball #ChristianSports #TheHigherCall

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Higher Call

01:29 – The $5 Birthday Card Problem

04:02 – Florida Gators Season Preview

08:08 – Jake on Sports, Faith & Perseverance

10:15 – What’s Your “Why”?

11:17 – Thank You to Our Sponsors

12:10 – Week Zero: UNC vs. TCU

14:20 – Virginia Makes a Statement

15:20 – Why We Don’t Want Our Teams Playing Week Zero

16:15 – Meet Our New Favorite Team: North Dakota State

18:19 – The 5 and 5 Begins

19:00 – Colorado vs. Georgia Tech

19:35 – The Apple Cup

20:31 – Louisville vs. Ole Miss

22:36 – Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin

23:54 – We Continue to Insult Notre Dame’s Schedule

26:19 – Boise State vs. Oregon

27:14 – Texas State vs. Texas

27:33 – East Carolina vs. Alabama

27:46 – Oregon State vs. Houston

29:25 – Florida vs. Florida Atlantic

30:03 – SMU vs. Florida State

34:27 – Bonus Pick: North Dakota State

37:40 – College Football Is BACK

38:25 – Houston Heat & Florida Heat

39:10 – Closing Thought: Made in the Image of God

39:31 – Thank You for Listening

A huge thank-you to our sponsors for supporting The Higher Call!

Check out All2Traveled on TikTok for short travel videos, and check out Bill Ellis and the Father Figure Framework for simple, faith-grounded habits for strength, energy, and leadership at home.

We really appreciate both of you helping us grow The Higher Call!

And to everyone listening—thank you for being part of this community. Please like, subscribe, leave us a review, and share the show with another Christian sports fan.

The Higher Call — Where faith and fandom meet.

NFC North Preview with Dante | The Higher Call

The NFC North is loaded with tradition, rivalries, and plenty of reasons to believe this could be one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. Dan is joined by lifelong Chicago Bears fan Dante from DanteDreams.com to break down the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings.

Dante shares his love for the legendary 1985 Bears, Walter Payton, and the Chicago fan experience before giving his thoughts on Caleb Williams and the Bears’ potential to make a serious run this season. The conversation also dives into the Packers-Bears rivalry, Jordan Love, the Lions’ future after losing Ben Johnson, and whether the Vikings can compete.

The episode also explores the intersection of sports fandom and faith, including why the passion we bring to cheering for our favorite teams can remind us of the passion we should bring to praising God—and why healthy rivalries should never keep us from loving others.

Plus, Dante gives his game-by-game predictions for the Bears, including some bold picks that have Chicago fans dreaming about a Super Bowl!

Check out Dante’s webcomic and find his social links at DanteDreams.com

You can also check out Dante’s YouTube channel here: Dante’s YouTube Channel

Chapters:

00:00 — Meet Dante & the Olympics Debate
05:03 — The Monsters of the Midway & the 1985 Bears
15:03 — Sports Fandom, Faith & Healthy Rivalries
20:04 — Breaking Down the NFC North
29:16 — Dante’s Bears Game-by-Game Predictions
45:00 — Super Bowl Predictions & Where to Find Dante

A huge thank-you to our sponsors for supporting The Higher Call:

All Too Traveled — Follow All Too Traveled on TikTok for short travel videos and inspiration for your next getaway.

Father Figure Framework with Bill Ellis — If you're over 40 and running on fumes, check out Bill Ellis and the Father Figure Framework for simple, faith-grounded habits for strength, energy, and leadership at home. Visit BillEllis.coach.

Have questions, topic ideas, hot takes, or just want to connect? Email us at highercallpod@gmail.com.

And if you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share The Higher Call with another Christian sports fan!

Stat Correction: Case Keenum leads the NCAA in passing TDs, not the NFL.

College football is finally here! Dan is joined by Lucas for a Florida Gators season preview, including new coach Jon Sumrall, quarterback Aaron Philo, the SEC schedule, recruiting and NIL.

Then, in this episode’s faith conversation, Dan and Lucas explore what sports can teach us about selflessness and being willing to sacrifice so others can succeed—from offensive linemen and point guards to teammates, family, work, and faith.

Plus, Dan and Lucas draft 20 teams they believe will make the College Football Playoff, make conference champion and national championship predictions, share bold predictions, and kick off the new Five and Five with Week 0 college football picks against the spread, Red Sox-Yankees predictions, and a Little League World Series champion pick.

Thanks for listening to The Higher Call: The Christian Sports Fan Podcast!

Sponsors:

All Too Traveled on TikTok

Father Figure Coaching with Bill Ellis

Have a question, topic idea, hot take, or want to join the show? Email HigherCallPod@gmail.com.

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome to The Higher Call

01:27 — Florida Gators Season Preview

09:47 — Faith & Sports: Sacrificing So Others Can Shine

17:28 — Sponsor Break

18:27 — 20-Team College Football Playoff Draft

34:46 — Week 0 Five and Five Picks

A personal tribute to Dolly Parton following her passing at age 80. Dan reflects on Dolly's music, her Appalachian roots, her impact on his family through the Imagination Library, and the generosity, authenticity, and love she represented to so many people. No sports today—just a few minutes to remember someone who meant a lot to his family and to millions around the world.

Episode Description

From University of Houston memories to fantasy football strategy, this bonus episode of The Higher Call is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Dan sits down with fellow University of Houston alum and longtime friend Mike, the commissioner of one of Dan's fantasy football leagues.

Before diving into fantasy football, Dan and Mike take a trip down memory lane—from their days in UH campus ministry and legendary games of Mafia to Monday Night Football, worship music, and watching the University of Houston transform from a struggling football program into a Big 12 contender.

Then it's time to talk fantasy football.

Mike shares his strategy for the upcoming season, including why he's targeting running backs early, how PPR scoring changes draft strategy, whether it's worth taking Josh Allen early, how to approach tight ends, why playoff matchups matter, and whether Christian McCaffrey is worth the risk.

Dan and Mike also debate fantasy draft philosophy, players and teams to watch, and their early AFC, NFC, and Super Bowl predictions.

And, of course, there's plenty of Houston sports talk along the way—including some love for the Cougars' rise to national relevance.

Whether you're a serious fantasy football manager, a casual fan, a Houston sports fan, or simply someone who enjoys hearing how faith, friendship, and sports intersect, this episode has something for you.

Topics include:🏈 Fantasy football draft strategy
🏈 PPR scoring and running backs
🏈 Josh Allen and quarterback strategy
🏈 Tight end value
🏈 Christian McCaffrey's fantasy outlook
🏈 Fantasy playoff matchups
🏈 University of Houston football
🏈 Campus ministry memories
🏈 Faith, friendship, and sports

Thanks for listening to The Higher Call: The Christian Sports Fan Podcast!

Sponsors:

All Too Traveled — Check out All Too Traveled on TikTok for short travel videos and inspiration for your next getaway.

Father Figure Coaching with Bill Ellis — If you're over 40 and running on fumes, check out the Father Figure Framework: simple, faith-guided habits for strength, energy, and leadership at home. Learn more at billellis.coach.

Have a question, topic idea, hot take, or want to join Dan in the hot seat? Email highercallpod@gmail.com.

Like, subscribe, leave a review, and share The Higher Call with another sports fan!

Keep your eyes on the game, keep your heart on God.

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & University of Houston Memories

14:17 — Sponsors

15:16 — How Mike Started the Fantasy Football League

21:24 — Fantasy Draft Strategy: RBs, QBs & Tight Ends

38:56 — Playoff Matchups, Predictions & Super Bowl Picks

47:58 — Final Thoughts, Sponsor Thanks & Outro

The Premier League is back! ⚽️

Dan Satterfield is joined by Esai and Martin for a fun look ahead at the new EPL season. The guys make their predictions, debate the biggest storylines, and talk about the teams and players they're most excited to watch.

Plus, a Next Gen Conversation with Esai and our usual mix of faith, sports, and fun.

Faith and fandom meet on The Higher Call!

Thank you to our sponsors, All Too Traveled and Father Figure Coaching with Bill Ellis, for supporting The Higher Call!

Your support helps us continue bringing faith, sports, and great conversations to our listeners. We appreciate you being part of the journey!

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome to The Higher Call
02:50 — Next Gen Conversation with Esai
11:30 — Premier League Preview
16:20 — Spurs, Arsenal & Chelsea Deep Dive
30:30 — Top Four & Premier League Champion Predictions
33:35 — The Five and Five: EPL & MLB Picks

The Higher Call previews the 2026 NFC East with Eagle Dan! We discuss how he became an Eagles fan, Brian Dawkins, Jalen Hurts, the Eagles' championship potential, and predictions for the Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants.

Plus, we make NFC East win-total picks, go game-by-game through the Eagles' schedule, debate the Chiefs, and make our Super Bowl predictions. We chew on some lettuce-wrapped burger discussion as well.

Thanks to our sponsors All Too Traveled and Father Figure Coaching with Bill Ellis for supporting The Higher Call!

If you enjoy the show, like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another sports fan!

highercallpod@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & NFC East Preview

03:59 – Eagle Dan's Eagles Story

06:39 – Brian Dawkins & Faith

09:26 – Eagles & Jalen Hurts

23:08 – Cowboys, Commanders & Giants

31:42 – NFC East Win Totals

35:38 – Eagles Game-by-Game

52:20 – Chiefs & Super Bowl Picks

Dan is joined by passionate Jacksonville Jaguars fan Lucas to talk faith, family, youth sports, and the 2026 AFC South!

Lucas shares about the role sports have played in bringing his family and church community together, youth sports, sportsmanship, and his experience as a Little League umpire.

Then we dive into the AFC South, including the Jaguars, Texans, Colts and Titans, win-total predictions, Jacksonville's game-by-game schedule, the Jaguars' London games, and our Super Bowl picks.

As always, faith and fandom meet as we talk about putting others first, encouraging our kids, and remembering that every person on the field is made in the image of God.

🙏 Thanks to our sponsors!

All Too Traveled — Follow All Too Traveled on TikTok for short travel videos and travel inspiration.

Father Figure Coaching with Bill Ellis — Faith-grounded habits for strength, energy and leadership. Learn more at billellis.coach.

If you enjoy the show, follow, leave a review, and share The Higher Call with another Christian sports fan!

The Higher Call — where faith and fandom meet.

Email: Highercallpod@gmail.com

00:00 — Welcome to The Higher Call
04:00 — Family, Faith & Youth Sports
14:27 — AFC South Preview Begins
15:19 — Jaguars & Texans: The Division Favorites
24:12 — Colts, Titans & Win Total Predictions
30:28 — Jaguars Schedule & Super Bowl Picks