Ohio State Sends a Message in Dominant Win Over Tennessee
​Ohio State made a resounding statement in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, dismantling Tennessee in a 38-17 rout. The Buckeyes looked every bit the national championship contender and erased all doubts following their loss to Michigan. Playing with a chip on their shoulder, Ohio State came out laser-focused, delivering sharp execution on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Will Howard led the charge, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith showed why he was a 5-star recruit, hauling in six receptions for 103 yards and two scores. Ohio State jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead after the first quarter, leaving Tennessee reeling.

The Volunteers showed brief signs of life, cutting the lead to 21-10 at halftime, but the Buckeyes responded swiftly. A third-quarter touchdown extended the lead to 28-10, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava flashed his raw talent but demonstrated why he still has plenty of development ahead. While the Volunteers had a solid season, they ran into a buzzsaw in Ohio State.

The Buckeyes' defense was relentless, delivering big hits and forcing mistakes. This was the Ohio State team everyone expected to see all year—arguably the most talented roster in college football. Based on this performance, the Buckeyes should be considered the favorites to win it all.

Texas Survives Clemson's Push, Advances Behind Dominant Run Game
Texas appeared poised for a blowout early, jumping out to a quick lead over Clemson, but the Tigers fought back to make the game more competitive than expected. Quarterback Cade Klubnik showed tremendous improvement this season and kept Clemson in the game despite facing one of the most talented defenses in the country.

The Longhorns loaded roster was too much for Clemson. Texas rushed for 292 yards on 6.2 yards per carry, wearing down Clemson's defense. Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a mixed performance, throwing crisp passes in the red zone but continuing to struggle when pressured. Ewers' hesitancy to leave the pocket and his inconsistency raise questions about his readiness for the next level. Backup Arch Manning saw action in some key situations, hinting at a potentially larger role moving forward.

Clemson ends the season with questions about how to address its defensive struggles, but Texas' sheer depth and talent proved too much. With their offensive firepower and defensive strength, the Longhorns remain a dangerous contender—provided Ewers can elevate his play.

Penn State Exposes SMU in Blowout Win
Penn State left no doubt about SMU's lack of readiness for the playoff stage, cruising to a 38-10 victory. This game highlights why many believed the committee made a mistake including SMU, a team that capitalized on a weak schedule in a weak conference.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings had a nightmare outing, throwing three interceptions, including two pick-sixes by Penn State linebackers Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas. The Nittany Lions jumped out to a 14-0 lead before their offense even got going and never looked back.

Penn State showed why they belong among college football's top programs despite James Franklin’s 12-25 record vs. top 25 teams. Penn State boasts NFL-caliber talent on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, SMU's performance underscores their need to build through NIL and recruiting plus impact transfers to compete at this level in the future. While the Mustangs have deep-pocketed boosters and now a spot in the ACC, they remain far from ready to challenge top-tier programs.

Notre Dame Overpowers Indiana
Notre Dame's 27-17 win over Indiana showcased a stark talent gap between the two programs. Despite an incredible turnaround season under Curt Cignetti, Indiana was overmatched by the Fighting Irish's physicality and team speed.

Notre Dame leaned on its proven formula of running the ball and playing stifling defense. Quarterback Riley Leonard didn't light up the stat sheet but managed the game effectively while the defense held Indiana to just 138 total yards and three points in the first half.

Indiana managed some late scores to make the game appear closer than it was, but the outcome was never in doubt. For the Hoosiers, the focus now shifts to building off this year's success on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal to elevate their roster going into next season. Notre Dame, meanwhile, advances with a formula that works in the postseason. Their ability to control the clock and dominate defensively makes them a tough matchup for anyone moving forward.

Final Thoughts
The opening round of the College Football Playoff delivered dominance and a clear picture of teams that are true contenders. Ohio State's dismantling of Tennessee and Penn State's blowout of SMU reaffirmed their status. Texas showed flashes of what might be the most talented roster but left questions at quarterback, while Notre Dame has their own quarterback questions, their physicality on both sides of the ball proved too much for Indiana.

Ohio State appears to be the team to beat, but Texas, Georgia, Oregon, and Penn State have the talent to challenge them. The path to crown a national champion is heating up, and the best is yet to come.
-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

Welcome to the Pint Glass Football Podcast.
0:14
I'm your host, Brad Fowler. What's up, PGF Nation? The Eagles dominate the Steelers. Are they the best team in the NFL? Josh Allen proves once again he is unstoppable. Bill Belichick shocks the football world, but will he succeed in college football? And Travis Hunter wins the Heisman win. Where does he rank among the all-time greats?
0:40
We've got a lot to get to today, but first, joining me as always, my co-host, Alex Higdon. Alex, what is going on?
0:48
Nailed about it tonight. Got scared by my Raiders from them trying to win, but everything is all good. We lost to the Falcons, and first overall pick is still intact.
0:58
Really kind of a dud doubleheader. And these games were both pretty lackluster. So let's jump into it here. Eagles destroy the Steelers. The Steelers are a good team, but they were never a real contender. And I think this game really solidified that. George Pickens out of the game. Passing game falls apart.
1:18
I'm going to take a quick victory lap here on Pat Fryermuth. Because on the YouTube episode last week, I picked him to have a big game. But look, the Steelers defense, in this matchup, it was clear. The goal was to stop Saquon Barkley. And they did a pretty good job of that.
1:33
They really limited Saquon in this offense. But then Jalen Hurts, I think, had maybe the best game I've ever seen him play throwing the football.
1:41
Whatever has been going on between he and his, I would say just A.J. Brown, but I'll say his wide receivers got apparently worked out because A.J. Brown ate for 110 in a touch and then Devonta Smith 11 for 109 in a touch.
1:54
And then, you know, Jalen Hurts did have a key run in this game, too, that I thought was very key. Now, I won't say that they blew out the Steelers. This game was pretty tight. There was that mishap that they had where it was basically a 10-point swing with
2:09
the fumble by Najee Harris when they were driving down to basically make it a three-point game, and that was a 10-point swing. So I won't say that they blew them out or whatever. I did not come away impressed with Philly at all. I mean, I respect the fact that their defense made a play,
2:27
but I came away saying, you know what, a healthy Steelers, you know, injuries happen, so that's not an excuse. They'll take it away from their victory, but a healthy Steelers team, the Eagles are in trouble.
2:39
Yeah, I don't agree with you on this one. I think this was clearly a huge mismatch. I think Pittsburgh's a good football team, don't get me wrong, but Philly had their way. And anything, when you're talking a double-digit win in the NFL, it's a blowout because the average margin of victory is really only three, three-and-a-half points.
2:56
So anytime you're in that double-digit or more, to me that is a blowout. This game was never really that close. You're right. The Najee Harris fumble was big because if they're able to score there – Maybe they hang around in this game, but they really never put anything together in this game.
3:12
It never really felt like they had any chance to win this game. I mean, they never once felt like, okay, Pittsburgh can make something happen here. They were playing from behind the entire game. I think Philly really flexed in this game. Look, Russ... Russ is good, but he's not great.
3:30
And I think the Steelers are in a real predicament here because they're probably going to have to re-sign him because they're not going to have a shot at any of these real quarterback prospects in April unless they're going to take a flyer on a guy. But any one of those guys is probably not ready to start.
3:45
So you're probably bringing Russ back. But where does that leave you? I think it kind of leaves you right where you are. You're a good team. You're not a great team. And let's face it, Pittsburgh... doesn't hang AFC North banners. They hang Super Bowl banners.
4:01
This is a franchise that has a different level of standard for what they expect their teams to do. They expect their teams to be a contender, and I don't think this team is. Even though they're good, I don't think Russ puts them over the top. Now, he's clearly made them better.
4:14
There's no doubt about that because the quarterback situation has been a mess the last two years. But he's clearly not good enough to get over these elite teams like Philadelphia, these tier one teams, as I would call it, that are true contenders. And look, after this game, it really had me thinking.
4:31
So the Lions are kind of beat up now. And I'm starting to wonder, as good as they are, I think they might have peaked because they've just had too many injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But it's really got me questioning, is Philly the best team in the NFC right now?
4:47
Because this roster is loaded and they're playing some great football.
4:51
Yeah, and we'll get to that Detroit game later on. But yeah, I would have to say that Philly, as of right now, I guess followed by Minnesota, right? For the most part, in terms of the top two teams in the NFC, just because of the injuries and everything that happened to Detroit in this most recent game,
5:10
I'd have to look at Philly as number one. And then if I was ranking them, in terms of opportunity goes who i would say philly and then minnesota and then i would actually probably even go tampa bay before i get to detroit wow yeah we're
5:22
gonna have to talk about all these teams for a little bit here and let's jump into this bill's lines game this was a huge huge matchup definitely the game to circle last week we previewed this game made our picks for this game on the youtube podcast of course
5:37
Bill's offense, I mean, my goodness, Alex, they were absolutely unstoppable in this game versus Detroit. Josh Allen continues to pull away from everyone else at the quarterback position. He's become the toughest player to stop in this league, hands down. The dual threat ability of this guy, not a single turnover-worthy play In that game, 23 for 34,
6:00
362 yards, two touchdowns, 68 yards rushing, and two more touchdowns on the ground. He has really developed into a player that knows exactly when to use his legs, when to air it out. I mean, he went 9 of 15 on passes of 10 or more yards for 270 yards. So he's not just making the plays.
6:21
He's making those big strikes down the field that really kill defenses. I think what's even more impressive about this, look at this guy's wide receivers. Not a single one of them is a legit top 20 wide receiver. Now they're a decent group. They're not bad, but you don't have any legit top 20 guys.
6:41
He doesn't have a Justin Jefferson. He doesn't have a Jamar Chase and a T. Higgins. He doesn't have A.J. Brown and Devontae Smith. Look, he has two good tight ends, but they're not Kelsey. They're not Kittle. I mean, it's simply incredible the level of play we've seen from this guy this season and
7:00
where he's taken his game to.
7:02
I'm going to push back on that because he does have Amari Cooper. He's 1,000% a top 20 receiver, even though I'm not a fan of him. And I get that Josh Allen's doing everything that he did. And we'll have to save it for another conversation because what Lamar Jackson's doing is far exceeding what Josh Allen is doing.
7:19
That's the first thing. But the second thing is the Bills won this game. Josh Allen was on display doing Josh Allen type things. Nothing that we can't take any of that. Nice play by James Cook, too. I think there was a nice in this game.
7:31
That was a nice compliment to what Josh Allen was doing through the air and with his legs as well. But I will say what I've always said is Bill's defense is Swiss cheese. And when you get in the playoffs, you are not going to be able to play like this against the better teams.
7:46
It's not going to work. So I'm happy for Josh Allen. He's probably on track for this MVP. But Bills, no, sorry, don't believe in you. With the Bills, like I said, it's not that – this is not a Josh Allen thing. This is a team thing. And when I look at what they're allowing on defense,
8:02
they're just not – they're not going to be good enough. And they're not going to be good enough in the playoffs to get past teams by trying to outscore them when you don't even have a bend or don't break defense. You just have a broken defense. And it's just Josh Allen up to Josh Allen to outscore everybody.
8:15
And I just don't think he's going to be able to do that in the playoffs. On the other side of this, though, I mean, Jared Goff, I mean – This was basically the battle. This was basically a shootout, to be fair, across on both teams. You know, there was no defense in this game.
8:29
I mean, Jared Goff was out of control. He basically threw for 500 yards and five touchdowns. But the story of this game is really David Montgomery in terms of David Montgomery. And then on the defensive side, Aleem McNeil, who. really was coming along this season are now out for the season.
8:46
There's been a narrative that I've had around Jameer Gibbs. He is Tony Pollard. I know he's fast, but he's an east-west runner and not a north and south runner, which is that was the job of David Montgomery for when they got in tough games to
8:59
go out there and get tough yards and have a fight in the phone booth. Huge, huge loss, but they're going to be facing some tough games coming up, some tough matchups coming up. So we're going to see how this defense moves going forward.
9:11
some more advanced analytics on Amari Cooper. Not a chance he's a top 20 wide receiver. Right now, PFF has him 58th in the NFL. His stats are not very impressive. He's only 481 yards on the season. He's a bigger name than he is an actual playmaker at this point.
9:31
I don't think they're a great defense by any means. I'm with you there. That's definitely the biggest question mark for them. But when you've got a quarterback that nobody can stop and this guy can win in a shootout, They're still going to be a really, really tough out.
9:43
And look, a lot has been made about the Dan Campbell decision for the onside kick in the fourth. Look, do I agree with that decision? No, I wouldn't have done it. I think it was a big risk and it clearly backfired on him. But look, he was watching the same game we were.
9:59
And I think he was starting to realize their only chance to win this game was to steal a possession late.
10:04
I get what he was trying to do. He knew that he recognized this was a back and forth game. Defense was just completely out of it.
10:11
Don't get me wrong. I'm with you. I don't think the defense is great by any means. I just don't think it has to be. It's kind of similar to the Kansas City Chiefs. Their offense is terrible.
10:20
Mm-hmm. It's terrible.
10:22
And I don't think anybody wants to mention how bad it is because everyone has so much respect for Reed and Mahomes and everything.
10:28
Oh, no, we've mentioned it for sure. We're going to mention that.
10:31
Yeah, they're horrendous. I mean, but yet, you know, they keep winning because their defense and because they make just enough plays.
10:39
Right, and that's the key thing. It's like, okay, the bend-don't-break defense means that your defense comes to your aid and they make a play. So, for instance, Pittsburgh is a good defense, but just for argument's sake, let's just say they were around 18th. However, you have that one guy in T.J. Watt that can make a play.
10:57
The Bills don't have that guy. It ain't Von Millis, not Ed Oliver, overrated Ed Oliver. And Greg Rousseau doesn't seem to be the guy that he was last year. So they don't, that's the thing. To be a bend, don't break, you have to be making those key plays, which is conversely with the offense, with Kansas City,
11:14
the defense has been really good. But when they need Patrick Mahomes, who will throw an interception, who will make bad plays, when they need that third down play, that critical play in the fourth quarter, he makes that play. So as for all, how bad that offense is looking, the 1,000% has looked bad.
11:31
Patrick Mahomes is the X factor. When you need to put that cape on and you need to play, he's going to deliver that play, even though they've been terrible on offense.
11:40
I feel like... the Chiefs and the Bills are almost polar opposites in that way.
11:46
Yeah, they are.
11:46
Because, like, Josh Allen has been – Josh Allen on the offense has been so good. I mean, unbelievably good that when the defense gives up points, for the most part, he's kept them in those games and won most of them. Whereas with the Chiefs, it's the exact opposite. We're like, the offense has been so bad,
12:03
the defense keeps them in them, and then Mahomes and Reed dials something up late. Tampa Bay Bucs absolutely destroy the Chargers. This was a shocking outcome here because I think looking at this game, most people thought this would be close. Vegas had this line pretty close. Thought this should be a good game on paper.
12:20
But look, LA, look, they've been easily one of the most improved teams this year. I don't think there's any doubt about that. From where they were last couple years with Staley, Harbaugh has this team moving in the right direction. I don't think there's any doubt about that. I think maybe two...
12:34
I would say good, maybe one more great draft class, and I think this team could be really good. But when you look at Tampa Bay in this matchup, it was kind of obvious that Tampa Bay, when they're healthy, they're just sneaky good. I mean, they just won this game on both lines of scrimmage.
12:52
They had the better weapons. It was clear that they just could not slow down the weapons for this Tampa Bay's offense. And look, the Bucs are playing some good football now. They've won four straight. I don't think they're in the same class as Philly or even Detroit, who we both have admitted is really good.
13:07
But I think those injuries are catching up to them a little bit. But even with that, I wouldn't put them in that tier. But I do think they're good enough come playoff time. They might shock somebody in the playoffs and knock off one of these good teams.
13:20
Yeah, I agree with you. I think they're a team that you don't want to play. I mean, I wasn't too shocked with this loss because the Chargers are a running team that plays defense. They no longer have running. So now you're focused on Justin Herbert to throw, and Justin Herbert doesn't have weapons,
13:39
with the exception of Lab McConkie, right, who looks like an emerging weapon. Quinton Johnson was probably really a number two. They only ran for 32 yards. And this is what I kept saying about the charges and J.K. Dobbins is not about wishing anybody get hurt. I said, when this running game stops and I said, J.K.
13:54
Dobbins, I'm sorry, he has not played a full season over three years. Right. And he missed the whole season last year. So I said, coming back to put that type of load on this kid is not going to work. and he's eventually going to get run down,
14:06
and then that's when we're going to find out what this team is. So I wasn't surprised. They were due for a loss like this simply because they can't run the game and control the clock and play defense. So now you get into a shootout.
14:17
Now I want to unleash Justin Herbert to throw 33 passes, but 33 passes to who? Stone Smart? Anybody? Anybody start him on their fantasy team? Oh, okay. I'm just checking. So this was they were due for a loss like there's no different than how Detroit was due for a loss or at some point in time,
14:33
Philly's going to be due for a loss before the end of the season. But they were just due for this type of loss because of how their team is set up. But they don't have the horses, meaning the running backs, to complete the task against other teams like this.
14:45
When you have a Mike Evans and, you know, apparently a Bucky Irvin and Rashard and Rashad White. who were able to, you know, really, they ran for 223 yards on six yards per carry. And they were playing catch up the whole, the entire game.
14:58
So, I mean, I get it, but they were going to run out of gas. As soon as the running game ran out, they were going to run out of gas, but still a playoff team though. I think they still have enough to make the playoffs.
15:06
Like I said, I think they're clearly moving in the right direction. They just don't have the talent of this Tampa Bay team. And that was what really stood out to me in this game. Like I said, on the line of scrimmage especially, it was glaring. Herbert was under pressure constantly.
15:21
They were able to run the ball down their throat. They were winning on both sides. And like you said, The Chargers being a run-first team, you can't run on Tampa Bay. This run defense for Tampa Bay is so good. They just take away the running game.
15:35
And when you're a run-first team like the Chargers who are limited on the outside, it really puts a lot of pressure on you. And when your offensive line isn't giving your quarterback time, it's just a recipe for disaster. Kansas City gets a blowout win. But I'm still concerned with this offense.
15:51
And really, we've talked about this a lot on the show. The defense is winning these games for them. Only 21 points for this Kansas City offense. What has happened to Patrick Mahomes? Because, look, we know this guy is great. But 50% completions? 159 yards?
16:09
Two touchdowns is good, but look, he's played this year and really going all the way back to last year. He's really been like a borderline top 10 quarterback, top 10-ish quarterback. What happened to the guy that everybody put in the top three quarterback all-time list?
16:26
What happened to the guy that people were trying to push Brady aside for? Because I don't see that guy anymore. I mean, look, he makes plays when they matter. And I'll give him that. But this offense is not any good. And we're way too far into the season. And like I said, even going back into last year,
16:43
this is a big enough sample size now to realize this offense has some real issues. Now, they're lucky the defense is elite. They're lucky Spagnuolo is one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. Otherwise, I think this team would be in serious trouble.
16:57
Yep, I agree with you, and I'm going to continue to say something I said a few weeks ago, and it seems small to everybody. I'm telling you, the piece that's missing from this offense, and this is not to say that the offense is going to go back to Patrick Mahomes scoring 50 touchdowns.
17:10
I'm saying that the piece that's missing from this offense is that little outlet of a Jerick McKinnon, which will cause a line, which now causes your defense. You have to pay attention to him with one of those linebackers, and that opened up the middle a little bit more for Travis Kelsey. That's a piece.
17:27
They have a lot of hammers. They have Kareem Hunt, hammer. Isaiah Pacheco, hammer. Samaji Pirine, hammer. They're missing that James White, a la Jerick McKinnon, That little wrinkle kind of eases up for Patrick Mahomes because he doesn't have that check down. Who's the check down when he calls Hike? Doubling over on Worthy and they're bracketing Kelsey.
17:47
I know there's the 50-50 guy in terms of DeAndre Hopkins, but I think DeAndre Hopkins is not necessarily a good fit. He is a 50-50 guy, something that we talked about before, Brett. Him in Baltimore makes way more sense than Deontay Johnson in Baltimore. And then actually,
18:08
Deontay Johnson might actually fit Kansas City a little bit more because he's an intermediate guy. He's a slot guy. The things that they lost with Juju, Deontay Johnson can do. Now, his attitude is a whole other story, but we're just simply talking about fit. And that's not to diminish DeAndre Hopkins.
18:23
But I do want to thank Jameis Winston for continually giving us the Jameis Winston show, three interceptions. He made it very exciting for us and pregame speech. Thank you, Jameis Winston. You are a treasure in the NFL.
18:39
Yeah, I just I look at this offense and you're right. I don't know. Like on paper, D-Hop, we know that he's a guy that's really probably a borderline Hall of Fame player. He's had a great career. You would think they'd find a way to make it work. It hasn't really. And I'm with you.
18:54
It's not really the ideal fit for this type of offense. If Mahomes is really in the GOAT conversation, he has to find a way to elevate these guys. Because to the point I made earlier about Josh Allen, we've seen Josh Allen take a mediocre group of wide receivers and elevate them and
19:10
play like one of the best offenses in the NFL. We've got Mahomes, and we have the greatest play caller and the greatest offensive mind in the history of the game. And this is all they can do? I mean, a couple weeks ago, Derek Carr... shredded this Browns defense. The Broncos lit them up for 41 points.
19:26
Herbert passed for almost 300 yards on them. Jaden Daniels gave them all kinds of problems. Lamar Jackson carved them up. This isn't the Browns defense from last year. They can be had, and yet this is all we see from them. I know it was a convincing 21-7 win, and they haven't had many of those.
19:45
But I'm going to continue to say I have real concerns about Mahomes and this offense because unless that defense continues to play at a completely elite level, I don't know if they can win in a shootout. I don't know if they have that kind of firepower and that kind of offense nowadays.
20:01
And that's pretty hard to believe considering what we've seen from these two guys. Did you know that Pint Glass Football is more than just this podcast? We have an exclusive newsletter. Sign up for free at pintglassfootball.com to receive articles and insights delivered straight to your inbox. But wait, there's more.
20:21
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22:11
Download the SeatGeek app and remember to enter the code PGFPOD to grab your $20 discount. This is old news, but we haven't had a chance to discuss it. So I can't wait to get your thoughts here. Bill Belichick takes the UNC job. Absolutely shocking news.
22:30
I mean, this created a ripple effect throughout college football and the NFL, of course. Before we dive into this, I'm just going to ask you, do you think this hire works in North Carolina with Bill Belichick?
22:44
Well, according to the gunshots I heard, which happens after everything between the UNC and Duke game, I think they love it here because I am in the North Carolina area, and that is a thing. Whenever UNC beats Duke or vice versa, they let off a few rounds, legally, let off a few rounds.
23:01
But it was 4th of July over here when it was official that Bill Belichick took the job. We know we're going to hear a lot of... The comparisons to Deion, they're polar opposites in terms of their attitude. I mean, I can imagine it was even uncomfortable for Bill to be out there at UNC during the
23:18
basketball game and announcing that Bryce is going to still come to UNC and kind of rally up and rally the troops and things that we've seen Deion do. I can imagine it was very uncomfortable for him. for him to do that, the four-star recruit. That's actually about maybe 20 miles from me in Bryce Baker, East Forsyth,
23:37
and that's in North Carolina, and to still commit to North Carolina. So I think that's a big thing. But as I've said before, Brad, the number one thing I need to know is who are his recruiters, And who's going to be his staff?
23:50
I've seen everything from Josh McDaniels, but I think that's just people saying that's his guy. He's not working. But I've seen the most recent thing I've seen from Ian Rappaport is him poaching our, meaning the Raiders or current offensive coordinator, Scott Turner, to come to UNC. So I'm interested to see.
24:06
I'm not worried about the defensive side because he's got that. But I'm interested to see what he does on the offensive side to get this team together.
24:14
Yeah, I've been giving this a lot of thought the last few days, and I think college football, I think, has never really moved closer to what the NFL is than it currently is right now. We've seen this shift, and the two sports are more similar than they've ever been.
24:31
With the NIL, which, look, that's basically your salary cap, but with less restrictions. The transfer portal, which is basically free agency, but it's easier to navigate. So I think there's some things working in his favor here with his NFL background. Can he recruit? That's the big question mark. I don't know. And maybe, but will he want to?
24:56
Is he built to recruit? Because we've heard recently a lot of his former players and guys that know him have said in the media that this is really shocking. A lot of them have come out and said, look, I can't see him being a recruiter.
25:09
it's just going to be fascinating to see if he's really going to be the guy in living rooms of these high-profile players coming out of high school and trying to sell them on him and his program. But I think it's kind of an easy sell.
25:25
If you're talking to a kid and say, look, I know the NFL better than anybody. I know what it takes to get there. And my program is going to be closer to an NFL program than any other program in college football because I think it will be.
25:39
Now, is he going to lean into the transfer portal more than recruiting? I think most likely that'll be the case because I think about his history in New England. He was never great in the draft. We know that. A lot of swings and misses in the draft.
25:55
But the one thing he was always really good at is he could always evaluate talent once they've already played at the level that he's coaching at. So he was always great at finding guys that other teams cut or they didn't want, guys that he saw potential, guys that he coached against and would say, you know what,
26:14
let's bring this guy in because he could fit our system or he could find ways to utilize that player and to what they do well. And with all that being said, do I think it will work? I No, I don't think it'll work.
26:30
I think this is a big reach as far as what he's done in going into this college football world. I think it's very, very different. But this guy knows X's and O's, and we know that. He's one of the greatest football minds of all time.
26:45
It feels to me, Alex, like he wanted a new challenge, and maybe that's what this is about. And when you look at the ACC, this conference isn't very good. Alex, I don't know. I'm not saying it won't work. I'm saying if I had to bet, I would bet against it. But who knows?
27:01
In that conference and with his reputation, they might be in the mix quickly for a college football playoff because there's not a whole lot of big powerhouse teams that they really have to get through.
27:14
So I'll say this. I think the whole thing, which is why I mentioned specifically his recruiters, because Bill is going to he's in a position similar to Deion. Not that they're the same person because that's been a big mix up.
27:26
But similar to Deion is the type of person that he sends his recruiters out and then he closes the deal. I look at this as similar to Pat Riley. When it's like, okay, you want to go here, you want to go there, but look what I have.
27:38
And he throws his seven rings on the table, five rings, excuse me, his five rings on the table. And that's something that Bill Belichick can do is say, this is what I do. But North Carolina has a wealth of talent and they consistently lose it every single year to either to Florida, somewhere in Georgia, South Carolina,
27:59
or Clemson. They consistently lose those guys right now. Currently, right now, the 2020's number one quarterback in 2026 is playing at a high school in Grimbley, and he's committed to Tennessee, soft commit to Tennessee. You know what I'm saying? And I'm not saying anything about Bryce Baker,
28:14
but I'm just saying that there's a level of talent in North Carolina that consistently gets poached because this is a basketball area in terms of UNC, North Carolina, Duke, as well as NC State. It's a basketball. It's known as a basketball area. But if you're telling me now you're putting the money into football,
28:31
as we saw that they're now up to 20 million in terms of the NIL conglomerate or whatever you want to call it, and you're saying you're bringing in Bill Belichick and they're going to give him whatever coaching staff that he needs in three years, because I don't think he's here for the long haul.
28:44
I think he's gone in two to three years because I think the NFL is going to come calling again. But I think he can flip this university, which in the state, has a lot of talent alone because all he has to do is win the state. And excuse me, let me mention App State as well as ECU,
28:59
which poached a lot of people from the Raleigh and the Greensboro area where there are a lot of players that come out of this area.
29:06
The most fascinating story so far in the offseason. We're not even really in the offseason. We still got games being played, obviously. We got the college football playoff right around the corner. We've got the NFL heating up and headed towards the playoffs. And here we are talking about Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest...
29:23
NFL coach of all time, taking a college football job. The ratings for those Tar Heel games are going to be bigger than they've ever seen because people are going to be tuning in to see what this guy can do. I know I'm going to be watching closely. It's going to be so much fun this offseason to see,
29:39
like you said, what kind of staff does he put together? How does he do on the recruiting trail? What are his transfer portal rankings going to look like? It's going to be so fun to follow as we get closer to next year. I want to wrap it up with this, though, Alex. Travis Hunter wins the Heisman.
29:55
And look, it might be one of my better picks here. I take victory laps on this show. Alex, I know you like to take your victory laps as well. And look, we take L's all the time. That's part of the business. But I've been talking this guy up on this show for... quite a while now.
30:10
And really since I made him one of my dark horse Heisman picks when I wrote the article back in July, before we jump into it, I just want your thoughts on Travis Hunter winning this award because look, the Heisman is special every year. Absolutely. But this was a unique Heisman year for a guy that plays both ways.
30:31
We really haven't seen anything like this in really ever in the modern era.
30:35
Yeah, I mean, I think, well, I'll say this, we know that there's been a huge back and forth in our spaces, Brad, and probably through, I've seen a couple of podcasts on it as well, really with Gentie and Travis Hunter, like the debate, because Travis Hunter, I believe, I'm not sure,
30:49
you can probably tell me if he was a unanimous winner or not. But I think that I didn't have a problem with Travis Hunter winning. I thought the feat that he had was incredible. I think also what Jente is doing is incredible as well. But I wasn't dead set against one.
31:02
I mean, if you Jente to get it over Travis Hunter, I think he did some incredible things this year. I know that he wasn't the number one wide receiver. However, he was top three in every category. Most well, the important categories, catches, yards and touchdowns. He was top three.
31:18
In each one of those, he was third, I believe, third or fourth. There were a lot of people that had three interceptions. There were a lot of people that, you know, so there were a few people. So he's third, you know, amongst like maybe about,
31:28
I think I saw about 10 people that had three interceptions in all of college as well. And then there's, of course, the wonderful argument of who played the best talent and so on and so forth. You can play who you play. Colorado is not a powerhouse team.
31:40
where they're going to be able to get whoever you deem should be this team they should have played. And then Boise State, another team they got, they ended up playing Oregon. So I don't know about the talent level for each one of them, but each one of them did their job when it came to doing their job.
31:54
Of course, maybe Jinty got, you know, had a low yards per carry average and maybe Travis Hunter got scored on or he only had maybe 50 yards receiving or whatever it was. But I think overall, these were the two guys that should have been talked about. And Travis Hunter, excuse me, Travis Hunter,
32:10
ultimately won although there were bigger stories going off that stage than there
32:13
were on that stage if you know you know yeah Alex I think you know where I stand on this because I've been talking up Travis Hunter really this whole offseason and really during the entire season I've been talking about how special this guy was I
32:25
was saying he deserves this award he should win this award and I'm happy to see him win this award and you mentioned wondering how close it was actually look the vote was very close Very, very close. It was separated. Him and Gentry were only a couple hundred votes apart,
32:39
which is one of the closest races we've seen in a really long time. And look, I don't want to take anything away from Gentry because Ashton Gentry was a guy, if you guys remember, on week one, of college football I said circle this guy's name because he's going to be a good
32:54
one deserves all the recognition that he's gotten and I think he'll be a good pro by the way as well but we'll get into that more in April but here's my big takeaways we've seen what Alex at least a dozen guys in college football run for 2,000 yards and really if you go down that list we're
33:11
most of those guys did it in better conferences, by the way, too. And look, I'm not trying to take a shot at Mountain West and all that. I know people get upset about that stuff, but look, it is what it is. This is a conference that's only produced a small,
33:24
small number of NFL draft picks in the last couple of years. Now, you can say whatever you want about the Big 12. Are they the SEC? No. Are they the Big 10? No. But they are a heck of a lot better. Thank you. in the country, a guy who also plays special teams, returns kicks.
34:03
Look, Alex, I thought about this for a while, and I really racked my brain around this. I think he is the best college football player I've ever seen, period. And I'm saying that because, yeah, I know. I'm not trying to be a prisoner of the moment here,
34:21
but this guy played both sides of the ball and not only did it, but basically was a full-time starter on both sides of the ball and did it at this level to be one of the best in the country at both of his positions. It's completely unheard of, and it's unheard of for a reason.
34:42
And I think it deserves the kind of recognition that he got with this award because it's nothing short of absolutely incredible.
34:50
Yeah, that's big talk from Brad. I'm not sure if I was, I don't know if I would go there. That's something I would actually have to think about because I'm sure there's somebody I'm forgetting that I saw at some point in time. But he's definitely on the top. I would definitely say he's on the top.
35:07
He's on the top 10. But that's something I have to think about. But he would definitely be in the top 10. Hey, and before we close out of here, I know we're not talking about tonight's games, but there was, I think, an important moment and something that we don't really need to talk about. But, you know,
35:19
we just want to send out some prayers to Randy Morris, the one of the greatest, and to some of you, the greatest wide receiver of all time. We know he's battling liver cancer at this point in time. There was a nice tribute before tonight's Minnesota game.
35:32
Yeah, really sad news. Really, really sad news. I had heard that story recently too. So big prayers and our thoughts, of course. Not just one of the greatest players. I think he's one of the most fun analysts on ESPN. He's been so fun to watch these last several years since his playing days.
35:49
I miss seeing him on ESPN with the crew and all the things they do over there. Just a very, very likable guy. And so... Very, very sad news, of course. And we are all hoping and praying that this guy makes a recovery and can beat this. If you enjoy the podcast, do us a favor.
36:07
Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and of course, YouTube. Once again, I'm Brad Fowler. He's Alex Higdon. This is Pine Glass Football, and we'll catch you next time.
36:19
Thanks for listening to the Pint Glass Football Podcast. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Twitter at PGF Podcast.
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National Signing Day 2024 has delivered a surge of excitement for college football fans, and while the recruiting process isn’t entirely over with February’s late signing period still to come, this week set the stage for the 2025 class. Here, we spotlight three programs that emerged as big winners.

Oregon Ducks: A Recruiting Class for the Ages
No program had a better early signing period than Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks. Oregon not only dominated in terms of volume but also quality, securing commitments from some of the most coveted players in the nation.

The Ducks pulled off a series of jaw-dropping flips, including five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord from Ohio State, four-star quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele from Cal, and four-star linebacker Gavin Nix from Miami. They also solidified their offensive line by flipping in-state four-star Zac Stascausky from Washington and bringing in four-star offensive lineman Alai Kalaniuvalu.

Adding to their star power, Oregon landed the No. 1 wide receiver in the class, Dakorien Moore, and five-star wideout Dallas Wilson. Defensive reinforcements included four-star defensive end Tobi Haastrup, whose potential is sky-high. With this incredible haul, the Ducks are poised to challenge for the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class when all is said and done.

Florida Gators: Flipping the Script
Billy Napier and the Florida Gators delivered a statement with their meteoric rise in the recruiting rankings. Just weeks ago, the Gators were outside the top 50, but they now sit firmly inside the top 10—a remarkable turnaround for a program determined to make noise on the national stage.

Florida signed 23 players, including 14 four-stars and 11 ranked in the top 300 by the major recruiting websites. The Gators were especially active in flipping commitments, including offensive tackle Tavaris Dice from Auburn and running back Byron Louis from Florida State. On defense, Florida added four-star safeties Hylton Stubbs and Lagonza Hayward Jr., bolstering a unit that already included four-star linebacker Ty Jackson and cornerback Ben Hanks Jr.

Offensively, four-star wide receiver signees Vernell Brown III and Naeshaun Montgomery add explosive playmaking to the roster. With a well-rounded class, Napier has not only improved Florida’s immediate talent pool but also silenced critics following last year’s struggles.

Michigan Wolverines: Making a Statement
​Michigan’s recruiting efforts this cycle were nothing short of transformative under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore. The Wolverines stunned the recruiting world by flipping five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect, from LSU—a move that became the biggest story of the 2024 cycle.

Moore’s staff locked down the state of Michigan, signing the top four players within its borders. This class includes five-star defensive lineman Nathaniel Marshall and five-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. The Wolverines also added high four-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola to bolster the trenches.

On the defensive side, Michigan put together one of the most complete classes in the country, signing four-star safety Elijah Dotson, versatile safety Kainoa Winston, and top-100 athlete Jordan Young. Edge-rusher Julius Holly and defensive tackle Nathaniel Marshall round out a class that will keep opposing offenses on their heels for years to come.

-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

As we approach the 2024 college football season, several programs boast impressive depth and talent at the quarterback position. Here’s a look at the top three quarterback rooms in the nation, highlighting their key players and what makes them stand out.

1. Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks’ quarterback room is arguably the deepest in college football this season. Dillon Gabriel, a seasoned veteran, transferred from Oklahoma, bringing unmatched experience and a knack for big plays. Over five years, Gabriel has thrown 125 touchdown passes against just 26 interceptions, making him one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation. His ability to deliver explosive plays downfield addresses a key area where Oregon's offense lacked at times last season.

Backing up Gabriel is Dante Moore, a former five-star recruit who played as a freshman at UCLA. Moore’s talent and potential are undeniable, and he will benefit greatly from developing behind Gabriel this season. Moore’s presence ensures that the Ducks are not just thinking about the present but are also well-prepared for the future.

Completing Oregon's quarterback room is Austin Novasad, a four-star recruit with significant upside. Novasad’s potential further solidifies Oregon's depth at the position, making their quarterback room the deepest and most talented in college football.

2. Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs’ quarterback room is anchored by Carson Beck, who might be the best quarterback in college football this year. Beck's decision to return for another season was a game-changer for the Bulldogs. Known for his decisiveness, great pocket awareness, and ability to make plays with his legs, Beck looks like a potential #1 overall NFL Draft pick.

Behind Beck, Georgia has depth with Gunner Stockton, Arizona State transfer Jaden Rashada, and freshman Ryan Puglisi. If Rashada lives up to his high school hype, he will join Georgia as Beck's clear backup on the depth chart. In camp, Rashada will compete with Stockton and Puglisi for the backup position. Stockton, who served as Beck's backup last season, threw only 19 passes. Puglisi, a four-star recruit, was ranked as the No. 10 quarterback in the 2024 class.

This trio, along with Beck, ensures that Georgia is not only in good hands this season but also has a solid foundation for the future. Beck's combination of experience, talent, and leadership, coupled with the promising backups, makes Georgia's quarterback room one of the best in the nation.

3. Texas Longhorns
​The Texas Longhorns’ quarterback room features Quinn Ewers, who returns for his redshirt junior year. Ewers has shown the ability to make any throw on the field with above-average arm strength and exceptional accuracy. His big-game experience and knack for fitting the ball into tight windows make him a standout player.

Backing up Ewers is Arch Manning, the former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class and a member of the famed Manning quarterback family. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has indicated that Manning will see some in-game experience this season. The anticipation surrounding Manning’s potential and his performances in the spring game have fans eagerly awaiting his opportunity.

Texas' quarterback room is bolstered by the combination of Ewers’ experience and Manning’s immense potential, ensuring that the Longhorns are well-equipped to handle the rigors of their first season in the SEC.

Oregon, Georgia, and Texas boast the top quarterback rooms in college football for 2024. With a blend of experienced veterans and highly-touted recruits, these programs are well-positioned to compete at the highest level this season and beyond. The depth and talent at the quarterback position will be a critical factor as they each pursue conference titles and national championship aspirations.

​-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

As we approach the 2024 NFL season, several players are poised to rebound from disappointing campaigns. Let’s dive into the prospects of three key players who could make significant impacts for their teams this year.

​A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta FalconsA.J. Terrell burst onto the scene in 2021, establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. His exceptional coverage skills and ability to shut down opposing receivers made him a building block of the Falcons’ defense. However, his performance has dipped over the past two seasons, leading some to question if he can return to his elite form.

Enter Raheem Morris, the Falcons’ new head coach and one of the most respected defensive minds in the league. Morris has a proven track record of improving secondaries, and his arrival in Atlanta bodes well for Terrell. With Morris’s guidance, Terrell should benefit from a new defensive scheme and coaching that plays to his strengths. Expect Terrell to reclaim his status as a top-tier cornerback in 2024, revitalizing the Falcons’ defense.

Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay PackersJaire Alexander’s 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just seven games — the fewest of his career. Despite these setbacks, Alexander remains one of the NFL’s most talented cornerbacks. At 27 years old, he’s still in the prime of his career and is set up for a significant bounce back.

The Packers have bolstered their secondary by adding safety Xavier McKinney in free agency, which should allow Alexander to play more aggressively. With McKinney providing support over the top, Alexander can focus on his strengths in coverage and playmaking. After his first season without an interception, Alexander is due for a resurgence, and his return to form will be a critical factor for the Packers’ defense in 2024.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England PatriotsRhamondre Stevenson had an impressive start to his NFL career, averaging 4.6 and 5 yards per carry in his first two seasons. However, his production dipped to 4 yards per carry last year as he dealt with injuries and instability at the quarterback position. The Patriots’ offensive struggles allowed defenses to key in on Stevenson, limiting his effectiveness.


The addition of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who brings a dual-threat capability, along with two young wide receivers and improvements on the offensive line, should provide Stevenson with more opportunities to thrive. With defenses now having to account for multiple threats, Stevenson is well-positioned to bounce back in 2024. Look for him to return to his dynamic form, offering the Patriots a potent weapon in their backfield.


As the 2024 NFL season approaches, these three players have the potential to be game-changers for their respective teams. A.J. Terrell, Jaire Alexander, and Rhamondre Stevenson are all primed for bounce-back seasons, driven by improved health, coaching, and supporting casts. Keep an eye on these players as they aim to make significant impacts this fall.
-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

As the 2024 college football season approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation. From coaching changes to conference realignments, this season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Here are the top five storylines to keep an eye on:

​1. Deion Sanders’ Year Two at Colorado 
Deion Sanders took over a struggling Colorado program and led them to a 4-8 record last season. Despite the modest win total, the hype around Sanders' tenure remains strong, evidenced by the Buffaloes selling out their season tickets for the second straight year. Key players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, both with first-round NFL draft potential, will be pivotal. Sanders' brother, Shilo, also returns as a safety after a standout season. While the team faced significant losses via the transfer portal, the influx of new talent suggests that Colorado could double their win total in a softer Big 12 conference and surprise many.

2. Michigan vs. Ohio State: A New Chapter 
The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, one of the most storied in college football, enters a new era in 2024. Michigan has dominated the rivalry recently, but with Jim Harbaugh gone and Sherrone Moore stepping in as head coach, the Wolverines face uncertainty. Ohio State, on the other hand, is under immense pressure. Head coach Ryan Day has struggled against Michigan, and with a roster stacked with stars like Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and JT Tuimoloau, and key transfers like quarterback Will Howard, the Buckeyes are in a "now-or-never" situation. This season could redefine the dynamics of this historic rivalry.

3. The New Power 2: SEC and Big Ten Realignments
The 2024 season marks a significant shift in college football's landscape with Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC, and Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA moving to the Big Ten. These realignments will introduce mouthwatering matchups like Oregon vs. Ohio State, Georgia vs. Texas, USC vs. Michigan, and Oklahoma vs. Alabama. This new era promises more high-stakes games during the regular season, enhancing the sport's overall appeal and excitement.

4. Alabama Post-Nick Saban
Alabama enters the 2024 season under new leadership with Kalen DeBoer at the helm after Nick Saban's legendary tenure. DeBoer, who led Washington to a National Championship appearance last season, is known for his offensive acumen. However, he will need to elevate his recruiting efforts in the highly competitive SEC. The expectations remain sky-high for the Crimson Tide, and DeBoer faces the daunting task of maintaining Alabama's storied legacy of success.

5. The Expanded Playoffs
​This year, college football will debut its expanded 12-team playoff format. The top five conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams will compete for the national championship. This expansion aims to address the controversies of previous seasons where many deserving teams were left out. The inclusion of first-round games at home stadiums promises electric atmospheres and a thrilling postseason. With debates over rankings and potential dominance by the SEC and Big Ten, the expanded playoffs are set to be a major talking point throughout the season.

The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be a landmark year with transformative changes and high-stakes drama. Fans should buckle up for an exhilarating ride as these storylines unfold on Saturdays this fall.
-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

The Dallas Cowboys have had a challenging offseason, arguably one of the toughest in the NFL. After a relatively quiet free agency period, significant roster changes, and a draft that left many analysts questioning their choices, the Cowboys' prospects for the upcoming season seem uncertain at best. Here’s why the Cowboys' offseason decisions may hinder their short-term success and potentially set them back in their pursuit of a championship.

​Minimal Free Agency MovesThe Cowboys were notably inactive during free agency, with the only significant addition being linebacker Eric Kendricks, who was brought in to fill the void left by Leighton Vander Esch’s retirement. This inactivity in the free agency market is concerning, especially given the departures of key players like offensive tackle Tyron Smith, center Tyler Biadasz, and running back Tony Pollard. The defensive line, in particular, looks vulnerable after losing depth players like Dorance Armstrong and Johnathan Hankins. These losses create substantial gaps in both the offensive and defensive lines.

Questionable Draft ChoicesDallas' draft strategy raised several eyebrows. Their first-round pick, Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton, is seen as a major project. Originally a defensive end, Guyton’s development at offensive tackle is filled with uncertainty. This pick has been criticized, especially considering the immediate need for a more NFL-ready talent to replace Tyron Smith.

Their second-round selection, EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, and third-round pick, guard Cooper Beebe, offer promise but may require time to develop. In the fifth round, the Cowboys picked cornerback Caelen Carson, another player with potential but unlikely to make an immediate impact. Overall, Dallas received a B- draft grade from us, indicating a solid but unspectacular haul of new talent.

Running Back Situation and Financial ConstraintsOne of the most perplexing moves was the re-signing of Ezekiel Elliott after his brief stint with the New England Patriots. This decision underscores the dire situation in the Cowboys’ running back room, especially after failing to draft a running back. Elliott, while a familiar face, has shown signs of decline, making this move more like a stopgap than a solution.

Financially, the Cowboys were dead last in offseason spending, with just $20.7 million spent. This figure is $46 million less than the next lowest team, the New Orleans Saints. Such frugality is surprising for a team with playoff ambitions and highlights a potentially worrying lack of investment in upgrading the roster.

Dak Prescott’s Contract UncertaintyAdding to the turmoil is the unresolved contract situation of quarterback Dak Prescott. The uncertainty surrounding his extension is a cloud hanging over the team. Prescott's contract situation and the changing QB market may trigger a high-stakes negotiation, impacting the Cowboys' salary cap and future roster planning. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons are poised for lucrative contracts that could set new standards in the market. However, allocating funds to Dak Prescott's contract might impede the Cowboys' capacity to retain these pivotal players.

Challenges AheadWith significant roster holes, a questionable draft, and minimal free agency activity, it's hard to argue that the Cowboys have improved this offseason. Instead, they appear poised to start multiple rookies in key positions, a risky proposition for a team aiming to remain in championship contention.

The Cowboys still harbor legitimate playoff aspirations, but the path to improving on last year's performance looks steep. Relying heavily on young, unproven talent in critical roles is far from ideal for a team seeking to keep its championship window open. As the season approaches, the Cowboys must hope that their gambles pay off and that their young players can quickly adapt to the NFL. Otherwise, they may find themselves taking a step back in 2024.
-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

As we continue our 2024 NFL Draft preview, the spotlight shifts to another set of five underrated talents emerging to make their mark in the NFL. Join us as we uncover these playmakers ready to surprise fans and analysts alike in Part 2 of our series on NFL Draft Sleepers for the 2024 season.

Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Max Melton emerges with versatility at the cornerback position. He’s a high motor player with an insatiable competitive spirit, Melton leaves it all on the field, showcasing an uncanny ability to diagnose plays with quick precision. His knack for disrupting passing lanes, coupled with NFL size and speed, sets him up to be a dynamic defensive back. He showed he was capable of slowing down some of the Big Ten’s top receivers. Keep a close eye on Melton as he looks to carve out his place in the NFL.

Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State
Mohamed Kamara was a defensive force who wreaked havoc on opposing offenses while at Colorado State. With an NFL-ready frame and a lightning-quick first step, Kamara possesses all the tools necessary to dominate in the trenches. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback, combined with a diverse array of pass rush moves, makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen tasked with containing his ferocity. Kamara is capable of being a game-changer at the next level.

Xavier Weaver, WR, Colorado
In a deep wide receiver class, Xavier Weaver emerges as a dynamic playmaker with the ability to change the outcome of a game in an instant. Weaver’s explosive acceleration and exceptional route-running make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Whether lining up on the outside or in the slot, his high football IQ and innate understanding of the game set him apart from most prospects. Keep an eye on Weaver as he looks to make his mark on the NFL stage.

Mason Pline, TE, Furman
Mason Pline, a tight end with a rare blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability. As a former college basketball player, Pline brings a unique skill set to the game, highlighted by his soft hands and impeccable ball skills. His ability to high point and secure catches in traffic, coupled with his ability to gain yards after the catch, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain. Mason Pline possesses the athleticism and potential to become a high level NFL tight end.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
​Rounding out our list is Kimani Vidal, a stout running back with the ability to impose his will on opposing defenses. Armed with a short but muscular frame and a relentless running style, Vidal has the rare combination of power and agility that NFL teams covet. Whether running through defenders or making them miss in the open field, his versatility as a ball-carrier sets him apart as a true game-changer. In a running back class that is viewed as weak by most analysts, Vidal could be a late round steal.

The NFL Draft is a showcase of young talent, where the best of the best vie for a spot in the league. But beyond the obvious stars, hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. These additional five NFL Draft Sleepers have proven themselves on the field, displaying a rare combination of skill, versatility, and athleticism. They are ready to take on the challenge of the next level, and to make an impact on their future teams. Don’t sleep on these players, because they are about to wake up the league in 2024.

-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football

In NFL the running back position still remains crucial for many teams’ offensive strategies. As we continue to break down the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the spotlight shifts to five exceptional players poised to make a significant impact at the next level. Let’s explore the top five running back prospects, each bringing their unique blend of skills and potential.

​1. Jonathon Brooks — Texas
​Leading this year’s class is Jonathon Brooks from Texas. Regarded by many as the cream of the crop in this year’s running back class, Brooks combines agility, vision, and NFL-caliber burst. His standout quality lies in his patience, allowing blocks to form before exploiting openings with remarkable field awareness. As a first-time starter in 2023, Brooks showcased his explosive potential by amassing 1,425 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 11 games, cementing his status as a game-changer.

2. Jaylen Wright — Tennessee
Hailing from Tennessee, Jaylen Wright emerges as a formidable prospect with explosive athleticism and breakaway speed. Wright’s versatility shines through as he exhibits a keen eye for open space, complemented by his adeptness in pass protection against blitzing defenders. With a quick jump-cut and the ability to power through tackles, Wright poses a dual-threat capability, capable of altering the course of a game with his dynamic playmaking skills.

3. Trey Benson — Florida State
Florida State’s Trey Benson embodies the epitome of a tough, relentless runner who thrives on contact. His sheer power and acceleration make him a nightmare for defenders to bring down on initial contact, often dragging them for additional yards. Benson’s playmaking extends to the passing game, where his natural catching abilities and willingness to sacrifice his body add another dimension to his skill set, making him a coveted prospect for NFL franchises.

4. MarShawn Lloyd — USC
USC’s MarShawn Lloyd distinguishes himself with his patience and astute decision-making on the field. A smooth athlete with quick footwork, Lloyd excels in allowing plays to develop, but shows a sense of urgency when needed. Despite running behind a subpar offensive line, Lloyd consistently generated dynamic plays, highlighting his toughness and overall ability as a playmaker in adverse conditions. He accumulated 816 rushing yards on 115 carries, boasting an exceptional 7.1 yards per carry average.

5. Bucky Irving — Oregon
Rounding up our list is Oregon’s Bucky Irving, whose skills in the passing game set him apart. Exceptional foot quickness and agility in change of direction. He’s Capable of halting abruptly and redirecting smoothly. With excellent contact balance and leg drive, Irving has the ability to make defenders miss but also power through tackles. His knack for making defenders miss, coupled with an impressive yards-after-contact average, underscores his value as a creative runner capable of turning any play into a big gain.

As the 2024 NFL Draft draws near, these five running back prospects have the skills to shine in the NFL this fall. Each with their unique skill sets and unwavering determination, they are set to make an instant impact on the league, captivating fans and shaping the future of the running back position. Keep an eye on these young playmakers as they transition from college stardom to the NFL.
-Brad Fowler, Pint Glass Football