AP Top 25 College Football Podcast artwork

AP Top 25 College Football Podcast

297 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 178 ratings

With the help of players, coaches, TV analysts, school administrators and NCAA officials, AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo tackles on-and off-field issues affecting the sport throughout the year. The show gives everyone from the casual fan to the obsessed alum, an insider look into the AP Poll and all that is trending on campuses around the country. Be ready for the big game, signing day or spring practice with this weekly chat about college football.

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Episodes

Fitz on College Football

May 21, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MB

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to a Big Ten West championship last season and a bowl victory against Utah. This season he replaces a four-year starting quarterback with a former five-star recruit and Clemson transfer as Northwestern tries to maintain a remarkable level of success and consistency.Fitzgerald joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk transfer rules, compensating players and how he handles it when NFL teams come calling.

Fitz on College Football

May 21, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to a Big Ten West championship last season and a bowl victory against Utah. This season he replaces a four-year starting quarterback with a former five-star recruit and Clemson transfer as Northwestern tries to maintain a remarkable level of success and consistency. Fitzgerald joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk transfer rules, compensating players and how he handles it when NFL teams come calling.

Fitz on College Football

May 20, 2019 21:00 - 34 minutes

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to a Big Ten West championship last season and a bowl victory against Utah. This season he replaces a four-year starting quarterback with a former five-star recruit and Clemson transfer as Northwestern tries to maintain a remarkable level of success and consistency. Fitzgerald joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk transfer rules, compensating players and how he handles it when NFL teams come calling.

Fitz on College Football

May 20, 2019 21:00 - 34 minutes

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to a Big Ten West championship last season and a bowl victory against Utah. This season he replaces a four-year starting quarterback with a former five-star recruit and Clemson transfer as Northwestern tries to maintain a remarkable level of success and consistency. Fitzgerald joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk transfer rules, compensating players and how he handles it when NFL teams come calling.

Fitz on College Football

May 20, 2019 14:00 - 34 minutes

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to a Big Ten West championship last season and a bowl victory against Utah. This season he replaces a four-year starting quarterback with a former five-star recruit and Clemson transfer as Northwestern tries to maintain a remarkable level of success and consistency. Fitzgerald joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk transfer rules, compensating players and how he handles it when NFL teams come calling.

The future of the College Football Playoff

May 14, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes

Two things are safe to say about the future of the College Football Playoff: Someday it will expand to include more than four teams. That expansion is unlikely to happen soon. ESPN playoff reporter Heather Dinich joins AP’s Ralph Russo this week for an all playoff talk edition of the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast. They discuss why we are not on a fast track to expansion and what hurdles need to be cleared to get there. And what would be the best expand playoff formats and what would hav...

The future of the College Football Playoff

May 14, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes - 17.2 MB

Two things are safe to say about the future of the College Football Playoff: Someday it will expand to include more than four teams. That expansion is unlikely to happen soon.ESPN playoff reporter Heather Dinich joins AP’s Ralph Russo this week for an all playoff talk edition of the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast. They discuss why we are not on a fast track to expansion and what hurdles need to be cleared to get there. And what would be the best expand playoff formats and what would have ...

The future of the College Football Playoff

May 13, 2019 21:00 - 37 minutes

Two things are safe to say about the future of the College Football Playoff: Someday it will expand to include more than four teams. That expansion is unlikely to happen soon. ESPN playoff reporter Heather Dinich joins AP's Ralph Russo this week for an all playoff talk edition of the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast. They discuss why we are not on a fast track to expansion and what hurdles need to be cleared to get there. And what would be the best expand playoff formats and what would hav...

The future of the College Football Playoff

May 13, 2019 21:00 - 37 minutes

Two things are safe to say about the future of the College Football Playoff: Someday it will expand to include more than four teams. That expansion is unlikely to happen soon. ESPN playoff reporter Heather Dinich joins AP's Ralph Russo this week for an all playoff talk edition of the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast. They discuss why we are not on a fast track to expansion and what hurdles need to be cleared to get there. And what would be the best expand playoff formats and what would hav...

The future of the College Football Playoff

May 13, 2019 14:00 - 37 minutes

Two things are safe to say about the future of the College Football Playoff: Someday it will expand to include more than four teams. That expansion is unlikely to happen soon. ESPN playoff reporter Heather Dinich joins AP's Ralph Russo this week for an all playoff talk edition of the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast. They discuss why we are not on a fast track to expansion and what hurdles need to be cleared to get there. And what would be the best expand playoff formats and what would hav...

Who is most likely to succeed?

May 08, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 31.6 MB

There are 27 first-year coaches in FBS this season. Who is most likely to succeed? Who is least likely? AP’s Ralph Russo ranks the new coaches from 1 to 27 based on who is best positioned for long-term success. Recurring guest Paul Myerberg of USA Today joins the show to debate and breakdown Russo’s rankings. Plus, Myerberg has his rankings of the 10 new coaches most likely to have a successful first season. We also spoil Avengers: Endgame in the final minutes. You have been warned.

Who is most likely to succeed?

May 08, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour

There are 27 first-year coaches in FBS this season. Who is most likely to succeed? Who is least likely? AP’s Ralph Russo ranks the new coaches from 1 to 27 based on who is best positioned for long-term success. Recurring guest Paul Myerberg of USA Today joins the show to debate and breakdown Russo’s rankings. Plus, Myerberg has his rankings of the 10 new coaches most likely to have a successful first season. We also spoil Avengers: Endgame in the final minutes. You have been warned.

Who is most likely to succeed?

May 07, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour

There are 27 first-year coaches in FBS this season. Who is most likely to succeed? Who is least likely? AP's Ralph Russo ranks the new coaches from 1 to 27 based on who is best positioned for long-term success. Recurring guest Paul Myerberg of USA Today joins the show to debate and breakdown Russo's rankings. Plus, Myerberg has his rankings of the 10 new coaches most likely to have a successful first season. We also spoil Avengers: Endgame in the final minutes. You have been warned.

Who is most likely to succeed?

May 07, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour

There are 27 first-year coaches in FBS this season. Who is most likely to succeed? Who is least likely? AP's Ralph Russo ranks the new coaches from 1 to 27 based on who is best positioned for long-term success. Recurring guest Paul Myerberg of USA Today joins the show to debate and breakdown Russo's rankings. Plus, Myerberg has his rankings of the 10 new coaches most likely to have a successful first season. We also spoil Avengers: Endgame in the final minutes. You have been warned.

Who is most likely to succeed?

May 07, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour

There are 27 first-year coaches in FBS this season. Who is most likely to succeed? Who is least likely? AP's Ralph Russo ranks the new coaches from 1 to 27 based on who is best positioned for long-term success. Recurring guest Paul Myerberg of USA Today joins the show to debate and breakdown Russo's rankings. Plus, Myerberg has his rankings of the 10 new coaches most likely to have a successful first season. We also spoil Avengers: Endgame in the final minutes. You have been warned.

Live From Scottsdale

May 01, 2019 04:00 - 26 minutes

It's College Football Meeting Time. This week, AP college football writer Ralph Russo sits down with his colleagues Nicole Auerbach and Max Olson of The Athletic while covering the meetings of the top college football conferences. They chew over the stunning selection of Duke's Daniel Jones over Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the NFL draft, and consider the rationale behind and effects of top-dollar contracts for top-level coaches.

Live From Scottsdale

May 01, 2019 04:00 - 26 minutes - 12.2 MB

It's College Football Meeting Time. This week, AP college football writer Ralph Russo sits down with his colleagues Nicole Auerbach and Max Olson of The Athletic while covering the meetings of the top college football conferences. They chew over the stunning selection of Duke's Daniel Jones over Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the NFL draft, and consider the rationale behind and effects of top-dollar contracts for top-level coaches.

Live From Scottsdale

April 30, 2019 21:00 - 26 minutes

It's College Football Meeting Time. This week, AP college football writer Ralph Russo sits down with his colleagues Nicole Auerbach and Max Olson of The Athletic while covering the meetings of the top college football conferences. They chew over the stunning selection of Duke's Daniel Jones over Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the NFL draft, and consider the rationale behind and effects of top-dollar contracts for top-level coaches.

Live From Scottsdale

April 30, 2019 21:00 - 26 minutes

It's College Football Meeting Time. This week, AP college football writer Ralph Russo sits down with his colleagues Nicole Auerbach and Max Olson of The Athletic while covering the meetings of the top college football conferences. They chew over the stunning selection of Duke's Daniel Jones over Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the NFL draft, and consider the rationale behind and effects of top-dollar contracts for top-level coaches.

Live From Scottsdale

April 30, 2019 14:00 - 26 minutes

It's College Football Meeting Time. This week, AP college football writer Ralph Russo sits down with his colleagues Nicole Auerbach and Max Olson of The Athletic while covering the meetings of the top college football conferences. They chew over the stunning selection of Duke's Daniel Jones over Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the NFL draft, and consider the rationale behind and effects of top-dollar contracts for top-level coaches.

Manny Diaz Takes on Miami

April 23, 2019 16:00 - 35 minutes

New Miami coach Manny Diaz grew up in south Florida when the Hurricanes were king. Now the son of the former mayor is the 'Canes head coach. He hopes his connection to the program and community can help bring Miami championships again. Diaz joins AP's Ralph Russo for an interview that ranges from his Miami roots to working the transfer portal.

Manny Diaz Takes on Miami

April 23, 2019 16:00 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MB

New Miami coach Manny Diaz grew up in south Florida when the Hurricanes were king. Now the son of the former mayor is the 'Canes head coach. He hopes his connection to the program and community can help bring Miami championships again. Diaz joins AP's Ralph Russo for an interview that ranges from his Miami roots to working the transfer portal.

Manny Diaz Takes on Miami

April 23, 2019 09:00 - 35 minutes

New Miami coach Manny Diaz grew up in south Florida when the Hurricanes were king. Now the son of the former mayor is the 'Canes head coach. He hopes his connection to the program and community can help bring Miami championships again. Diaz joins AP's Ralph Russo for an interview that ranges from his Miami roots to working the transfer portal.

Manny Diaz Takes on Miami

April 23, 2019 09:00 - 35 minutes

New Miami coach Manny Diaz grew up in south Florida when the Hurricanes were king. Now the son of the former mayor is the 'Canes head coach. He hopes his connection to the program and community can help bring Miami championships again. Diaz joins AP's Ralph Russo for an interview that ranges from his Miami roots to working the transfer portal.

Manny Diaz Takes on Miami

April 23, 2019 02:00 - 35 minutes

New Miami coach Manny Diaz grew up in south Florida when the Hurricanes were king. Now the son of the former mayor is the 'Canes head coach. He hopes his connection to the program and community can help bring Miami championships again. Diaz joins AP's Ralph Russo for an interview that ranges from his Miami roots to working the transfer portal.

Tough Jobs: What new coaches have their work cut out for them?

April 16, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes

Stepping into a new job is always challenging, but what new coaches have the toughest tasks ahead of them in college football? Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic joins the AP's Ralph D. Russo to talk dirty jobs and heavy liftiong. Nobody seems to have his work cut out for him more than Scott Satterfield at Louisville. Mike Locksley at Maryland is also walking into a tricky situation. Bruce and Ralph also discuss which new coaches at Group of Five schools could be the next rising sta...

Tough Jobs: What new coaches have their work cut out for them?

April 16, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MB

Stepping into a new job is always challenging, but what new coaches have the toughest tasks ahead of them in college football? Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic joins the AP's Ralph D. Russo to talk dirty jobs and heavy liftiong. Nobody seems to have his work cut out for him more than Scott Satterfield at Louisville. Mike Locksley at Maryland is also walking into a tricky situation. Bruce and Ralph also discuss which new coaches at Group of Five schools could be the next rising sta...

Tough Jobs: What new coaches have their work cut out for them?

April 15, 2019 21:00 - 44 minutes

Stepping into a new job is always challenging, but what new coaches have the toughest tasks ahead of them in college football? Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic joins the AP's Ralph D. Russo to talk dirty jobs and heavy liftiong. Nobody seems to have his work cut out for him more than Scott Satterfield at Louisville. Mike Locksley at Maryland is also walking into a tricky situation. Bruce and Ralph also discuss which new coaches at Group of Five schools could be the next rising sta...

Tough Jobs: What new coaches have their work cut out for them?

April 15, 2019 21:00 - 44 minutes

Stepping into a new job is always challenging, but what new coaches have the toughest tasks ahead of them in college football? Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic joins the AP's Ralph D. Russo to talk dirty jobs and heavy liftiong. Nobody seems to have his work cut out for him more than Scott Satterfield at Louisville. Mike Locksley at Maryland is also walking into a tricky situation. Bruce and Ralph also discuss which new coaches at Group of Five schools could be the next rising sta...

Tough Jobs: What new coaches have their work cut out for them?

April 15, 2019 14:00 - 44 minutes

Stepping into a new job is always challenging, but what new coaches have the toughest tasks ahead of them in college football? Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic joins the AP's Ralph D. Russo to talk dirty jobs and heavy liftiong. Nobody seems to have his work cut out for him more than Scott Satterfield at Louisville. Mike Locksley at Maryland is also walking into a tricky situation. Bruce and Ralph also discuss which new coaches at Group of Five schools could be the next rising sta...

Big Ten breakdown and Saban's "rant"

April 10, 2019 04:00 - 42 minutes

With the college football championships out of the way, it's time to turn back to football. Bill Bender of The Sporting News joins the AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the first look at quarterback Justin Fields, playing for Ryan Day's Ohio State program. Plus is this finally Jim Harbaugh's year to beat the Buckeyes? And which of 2018's surprise teams _ Washington State, Syracuse, Missouri _ can build on their successes, and which will regress? Also, Nick Saban's so-called rant about players le...

Big Ten breakdown and Saban's "rant"

April 10, 2019 04:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MB

With the college football championships out of the way, it's time to turn back to football. Bill Bender of The Sporting News joins the AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the first look at quarterback Justin Fields, playing for Ryan Day's Ohio State program. Plus is this finally Jim Harbaugh's year to beat the Buckeyes? And which of 2018's surprise teams _ Washington State, Syracuse, Missouri _ can build on their successes, and which will regress? Also, Nick Saban's so-called rant about players le...

Big Ten breakdown and Saban's "rant"

April 09, 2019 21:00 - 42 minutes

With the college football championships out of the way, it's time to turn back to football. Bill Bender of The Sporting News joins the AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the first look at quarterback Justin Fields, playing for Ryan Day's Ohio State program. Plus is this finally Jim Harbaugh's year to beat the Buckeyes? And which of 2018's surprise teams _ Washington State, Syracuse, Missouri _ can build on their successes, and which will regress? Also, Nick Saban's so-called rant about players le...

Big Ten breakdown and Saban's "rant"

April 09, 2019 21:00 - 42 minutes

With the college football championships out of the way, it's time to turn back to football. Bill Bender of The Sporting News joins the AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the first look at quarterback Justin Fields, playing for Ryan Day's Ohio State program. Plus is this finally Jim Harbaugh's year to beat the Buckeyes? And which of 2018's surprise teams _ Washington State, Syracuse, Missouri _ can build on their successes, and which will regress? Also, Nick Saban's so-called rant about players le...

Big Ten breakdown and Saban's "rant"

April 09, 2019 14:00 - 42 minutes

With the college football championships out of the way, it's time to turn back to football. Bill Bender of The Sporting News joins the AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the first look at quarterback Justin Fields, playing for Ryan Day's Ohio State program. Plus is this finally Jim Harbaugh's year to beat the Buckeyes? And which of 2018's surprise teams _ Washington State, Syracuse, Missouri _ can build on their successes, and which will regress? Also, Nick Saban's so-called rant about players le...

Wrapping up Recruiting

January 29, 2019 06:00 - 36 minutes

The second and final signing period begins Feb. 6, but most of the recruiting for this year has already been done. The early signing period in December has become THE signing period. Alabama has already locked up the number one class and about 80 percent of available scholarships have been handed out. Barton Simmons, scouting director of 247 Sports, joins AP’s Ralph Russo to preview what’s left for teams to do on signing day. Simmons also discusses how the new transfer rules and early signing...

Wrapping up Recruiting

January 29, 2019 06:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MB

The second and final signing period begins Feb. 6, but most of the recruiting for this year has already been done. The early signing period in December has become THE signing period. Alabama has already locked up the number one class and about 80 percent of available scholarships have been handed out. Barton Simmons, scouting director of 247 Sports, joins AP’s Ralph Russo to preview what’s left for teams to do on signing day. Simmons also discusses how the new transfer rules and early signing...

Wrapping up Recruiting

January 28, 2019 23:00 - 36 minutes

The second and final signing period begins Feb. 6, but most of the recruiting for this year has already been done. The early signing period in December has become THE signing period. Alabama has already locked up the number one class and about 80 percent of available scholarships have been handed out. Barton Simmons, scouting director of 247 Sports, joins AP's Ralph Russo to preview what's left for teams to do on signing day. Simmons also discusses how the new transfer rules and early signing...

Wrapping up Recruiting

January 28, 2019 23:00 - 36 minutes

The second and final signing period begins Feb. 6, but most of the recruiting for this year has already been done. The early signing period in December has become THE signing period. Alabama has already locked up the number one class and about 80 percent of available scholarships have been handed out. Barton Simmons, scouting director of 247 Sports, joins AP's Ralph Russo to preview what's left for teams to do on signing day. Simmons also discusses how the new transfer rules and early signing...

Wrapping up Recruiting

January 28, 2019 16:00 - 36 minutes

The second and final signing period begins Feb. 6, but most of the recruiting for this year has already been done. The early signing period in December has become THE signing period. Alabama has already locked up the number one class and about 80 percent of available scholarships have been handed out. Barton Simmons, scouting director of 247 Sports, joins AP's Ralph Russo to preview what's left for teams to do on signing day. Simmons also discusses how the new transfer rules and early signing...

The 150th Anniversary of College Football

January 22, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes - 17.2 MB

College Football turns 150 years old in 2019 and ESPN is preparing a yearlong project to commemorate the birthday and tell the story of the sport. Longtime college football writer Ivan Maisel joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk about the project and the challenges of telling such a wide-ranging story. Maisel is overseeing the television content _ and there will be 35 hours of it _ along with writing stories and producing podcasts. For a college football fan, it figures to be must-see TV, and Ivan ...

The 150th Anniversary of College Football

January 22, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes

College Football turns 150 years old in 2019 and ESPN is preparing a yearlong project to commemorate the birthday and tell the story of the sport. Longtime college football writer Ivan Maisel joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk about the project and the challenges of telling such a wide-ranging story. Maisel is overseeing the television content _ and there will be 35 hours of it _ along with writing stories and producing podcasts. For a college football fan, it figures to be must-see TV, and Ivan ...

The 150th Anniversary of College Football

January 21, 2019 23:00 - 37 minutes

College Football turns 150 years old in 2019 and ESPN is preparing a yearlong project to commemorate the birthday and tell the story of the sport. Longtime college football writer Ivan Maisel joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the project and the challenges of telling such a wide-ranging story. Maisel is overseeing the television content _ and there will be 35 hours of it _ along with writing stories and producing podcasts. For a college football fan, it figures to be must-see TV, and Ivan ...

The 150th Anniversary of College Football

January 21, 2019 23:00 - 37 minutes

College Football turns 150 years old in 2019 and ESPN is preparing a yearlong project to commemorate the birthday and tell the story of the sport. Longtime college football writer Ivan Maisel joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the project and the challenges of telling such a wide-ranging story. Maisel is overseeing the television content _ and there will be 35 hours of it _ along with writing stories and producing podcasts. For a college football fan, it figures to be must-see TV, and Ivan ...

The 150th Anniversary of College Football

January 21, 2019 16:00 - 37 minutes

College Football turns 150 years old in 2019 and ESPN is preparing a yearlong project to commemorate the birthday and tell the story of the sport. Longtime college football writer Ivan Maisel joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk about the project and the challenges of telling such a wide-ranging story. Maisel is overseeing the television content _ and there will be 35 hours of it _ along with writing stories and producing podcasts. For a college football fan, it figures to be must-see TV, and Ivan ...

Kyler’s Choice

January 15, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes - 17 MB

Kyler Murray has declared for the NFL draft. Whether he will give up baseball for professional football is still to be determined, but ESPN’s Tom Luginbill believes Murray has all the skills necessary to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Luginbill joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk about Murray, the aftermath of a championship loss by Alabama, the transfer portal and a little recruiting with signing day a few weeks away.

Kyler’s Choice

January 15, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes

Kyler Murray has declared for the NFL draft. Whether he will give up baseball for professional football is still to be determined, but ESPN’s Tom Luginbill believes Murray has all the skills necessary to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Luginbill joins AP’s Ralph Russo to talk about Murray, the aftermath of a championship loss by Alabama, the transfer portal and a little recruiting with signing day a few weeks away.

Kyler’s Choice

January 14, 2019 23:00 - 37 minutes

Kyler Murray has declared for the NFL draft. Whether he will give up baseball for professional football is still to be determined, but ESPN's Tom Luginbill believes Murray has all the skills necessary to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Luginbill joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk about Murray, the aftermath of a championship loss by Alabama, the transfer portal and a little recruiting with signing day a few weeks away.

Kyler’s Choice

January 14, 2019 23:00 - 37 minutes

Kyler Murray has declared for the NFL draft. Whether he will give up baseball for professional football is still to be determined, but ESPN's Tom Luginbill believes Murray has all the skills necessary to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Luginbill joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk about Murray, the aftermath of a championship loss by Alabama, the transfer portal and a little recruiting with signing day a few weeks away.

Kyler’s Choice

January 14, 2019 16:00 - 37 minutes

Kyler Murray has declared for the NFL draft. Whether he will give up baseball for professional football is still to be determined, but ESPN's Tom Luginbill believes Murray has all the skills necessary to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Luginbill joins AP's Ralph Russo to talk about Murray, the aftermath of a championship loss by Alabama, the transfer portal and a little recruiting with signing day a few weeks away.

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