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.

Welcome to the August 19, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1. NFL international expansion seems inevitable after Roger Goodell's latest comments, the guys discuss the feasibility and their interest in the idea. The MLB pennant race is heating up, EBo's Baseball Bonanza hits on a number of MLB topics of note. Friend of the program IndyCar star Pato O'Ward joins the show to discuss how his season is going as it hits the homestretch and previews this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC. And with under two weeks to go until Week 0, we go in depth in all things college football. Fox Sports' RJ Young came on to discuss his full 138-team rankings and the teams he expects to make a splash during the upcoming season. Plus, the guys talk about which notable coaches may see their stocks rise and fall throughout the season.

Welcome to the August 18, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1. PCA delivers in the clutch with a walk-off to lift the Cubs over the White Sox — but can he take the NL MVP from Shohei Ohtani? Big Cat, Eddie, T-Bob, Nick and Steven Cheah debate the MVP race, reacts to the first AP Preseason College Football Top 25 Poll and asks whether the Cowboys have what it takes to reach the NFC Championship Game. Plus, Eric Hosmer joins the show to break down the AL Wild Card race and what the Dodgers need to do to get Kyle Tucker going, Nate Tice talks NFL, Taylor McGregor discusses PCA, the Cubs and Dansby Swanson’s injury, and White Sox Dave joins the show.

Welcome to the August 17, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1. The NFL preseason is officially underway, and Dave Portnoy, Brandon Walker and T-Bob Hebert break down the biggest takeaways from Week 1, including Deshaun Watson outperforming Shedeur Sanders and what JJ McCarthy’s future in Minnesota could look like. Plus, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have the internet buzzing again after the Fever’s overtime win over the Dream. How good is the Clark-Reese rivalry for the WNBA? The crew also reacts to Ohio State moving Senior Day to Week 1, Dave reveals his Top 10 NFL quarterbacks entering the 2026 season, and we debate the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC.

Welcome to the August 14, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1.Fernando Mendoza and Drew Allar hit the field for NFL preseason action, and we break down what stood out from their performances. Plus, we dive into the biggest college football storylines heading into the 2026 season, including new rule changes, CFB Playoff sleepers, the latest surrounding Jayden Daniels and LSU, and whether Indiana can replicate its 2025 success. Bruce Feldman joins the show to break down his annual College Football Freaks List, while Brock Huard discusses the Seahawks and expectations coming off a Super Bowl appearance.

Welcome to the August 13, 2026 FULL EPISODE of Wake Up Barstool on FS1. Russell Westbrook officially retires after an incredible 18-season NBA career. The crew looks back at Westbrook’s legacy and what made the former MVP one of the most unique players in NBA history. Plus, who has more to prove this season: Nick Sirianni or Dan Lanning? Bryce Underwood or Kyler Murray? We break down the biggest pressure points heading into the NFL and college football seasons and react to the latest CFB uniforms, including Tulane’s new Mardi Gras-inspired look. NFL insider James Palmer joins the show to discuss JJ McCarthy’s future and what the Raiders have planned for Fernando Mendoza.