Lionel Messi is retiring from international soccer, sparking the ultimate debate: who is the greatest athlete of all time? Big Cat and the crew react to Messi’s retirement and debates where he belongs among the all-time sports GOATs. Then, we turn to the NFL and make predictions for the 2026 season: Can Patrick Mahomes lead the Chiefs back to the AFC West title? Will the Ravens beat out the Bills for the AFC’s top seed? Can the Giants make the playoffs while the Eagles miss out? Plus, Steven Cheah reveals his Top 5 NFL defenses, we break down the NL Wild Card race and Colton Cowser’s incredible game-saving home run robbery. Later, Cowboys legend Michael Irvin joins the show to talk Dallas’ expectations this season, Jerry Jones and whether the Cowboys finally have what it takes to get back to the Super Bowl.

Welcome to the August 31, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1. College football is officially underway, and Dave Portnoy, T-Bob Hebert and Brandon Walker break down the biggest storylines from the start of the 2026 season. Does UNC’s win over TCU change the outlook for Bill Belichick’s tenure in Chapel Hill? Plus, USC fans are under fire after a disappointing turnout for the Trojans’ home opener, and the guys make their picks for who will win this year’s College Football Playoff National Championship. In the NFL, Aaron Donald is officially back with the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season. The crew reacts to his return and debates which team poses the biggest threat to the Rams’ Super Bowl chances. Plus, LSU reportedly plans to sign former NFL players for the 2026 season, Dave Portnoy goes off on the umpires after Ceddanne Rafaela’s controversial “no catch” ruling during Red Sox-Yankees, and the crew reacts to the wild story of Daejon Love allegedly faking an NFL career to scam women out of $1.3 million. Memphis Tigers head coach Charles Huff also joins the show to talk on his viral comments about his team having fun.

Welcome to the August 20, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1. Dave Portnoy joins the show to give his expectations for Michigan this season as we break down the biggest questions heading into the 2026 college football and NFL seasons. Can Indiana repeat as National Champions? Which conference will be better — the SEC or Big Ten? We discuss the biggest College Football Playoff contenders, our Heisman Trophy picks and which teams have a legitimate shot at winning it all. Plus, we make our Super Bowl LXI predictions, debate whether Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills can finally make a Super Bowl run, which former No. 1 overall pick faces the most important season of his career, which NFL contender could take a step back and which team isn't getting enough attention. Steven Cheah and Liam Blutman also get you ready for the fantasy football season with advice, players to watch and more.