College Football Live - Week 0 Recap

Episode Date: August 25, 2025

Welcome into College Football Live with Tom Luginbill, Pete Thamel, and Jordan Reid, hosted by Zubin Mehenti. We Kansas State and Iowa State, plus all the other week 0 games. Plus we talk about Chad Powers and the most noteable walk on players in college. All that and more here on CFB Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you're flying Emirates business class, relaxing in an exclusive airport lounge, you'll see that your vacation isn't really over until your flight is over. Fly Emirates, fly better. And we'll begin college football live today with the developing story. Bryce Underwood has been named Michigan starting quarterback. They got New Mexico in week one. This time last year, he was getting set for his senior year with the Belleville Tigers. He won it.

square. He's earned the opportunity. It was not given to him. All the other quarterbacks had a really good camp as well. Bryce took the necessary steps and really took the position, you know, took ownership of his abilities and took ownership of the team and became a leader on the team and a guy that guys looked to. So, you know, just did the things the right way. For a young guy, very mature beyond his years and he's still only 18 years old. So he's going to make mistakes, but that's what we're here for. And by the way, number 19 just turned 18. Welcome inside college football live.

Tom Luginville, Jordan Reed, Pete Dammel. I'm Zuban Mahenty. Pete, I want to start with you. I just put it up on the Google Maps. There's under 20 miles between Belleville, Michigan, and Ann Arbor. But it wasn't exactly smooth sailing for him to get to Michigan. Remind us about this saga that really took over a couple of college football fan bases last November. Absolutely, Zubin. In January of 2024, Bryce Underwood's commitment to LSU as the number

one player in the country made headlines. It rippled through the South. It rippled through the SEC. LSU had gone into Michigan and gotten one of the biggest quarterback recruits in school history. Well, fast forward last season. It's not exactly breaking news that Michigan's pass offense was not elite. They finished number one 30 behind the three military academies. So as that pass off and sputtered and it was revealed that they had the worst quarterback room in major college football, Bryce Underwood's leverage, simply put, went up. And in November, under the headline hometown hero, he announced he was committing to Michigan. The price tag was significant. It's a four-year deal that's believed to be the biggest multi-year contract in the young history of college football

contracts being legal. The price tag is approximately $12 million for Bryce Underwood. That doesn't include all the local endorsements he's going to be slated to get playing in his hometown. So Michigan landed their guy and they need him in order to move the ball forward this season. Tom, to you and to Pete's point, we looked it up. Last year they threw for 1678 yards total. Think about that for a second. You've been evaluating prospects for 20 years. You're seen as the best in the business. This guy, Some people are saying is one of the best quarterback recruits of the modern recruiting era. From your eye, how do you see it?

Well, we've generally been very, very careful when we put a quarterback as the number one ranked overall player in the class. Because when you're evaluating 16, 17-year-old quarterbacks, there are so many unknown variables. But with this young man, it was more than just the physical attributes. And I thought Sharon Moore spoke on a couple of important things there. Number one, maturity. You could see that throughout his entire recruitment. This was a player that understood the magnitude of the position, didn't get caught up in the recruitment phase and the process. He just went about his business.

I think secondly, the ability to earn it. What that tells me is that this young man was focused on decision making, learning the playbook, absorbing, going out and playing consistently. You don't win this job as a true freshman unless you've shown a supreme level of consistency. So some of those things we're talking about right there have nothing to do with physical attributes. He's uber talented in the mold of, let's just say from a physical talent standpoint, he's going to be like a Joe Milton, but a better runner. However, I say that Bryce Underwood throughout the course of his high school career and now heading into the University of Michigan, far more of an accurate, consistent performer as a passer. So I commend him. Yeah, Loubs, I'm excited to see him on the field.

Now, what exactly are you getting with Bryce Underwood? We're talking about somebody that is 6'4, nearly 210 pounds. Very rare size for a true freshman. And him being a true freshman, that's something that is unseen in college football over the past 15 years or so with quarterbacks. Even going back to guys like Trevor Lawrence, it's very rare to see a quarterback come in and be named a starter as a true freshman. This is the first time Michigan is going to have a true freshman quarterback under center since 2009. And we have to remember, Coach Jerome Moore just talked about it. He just turned 18 years old a week ago.

So there are going to be some growing pains, but that is the part of the maturation process with a quarterback, specifically a true freshman. But you want to make sure those positive flashes outweigh the growing pains. It's a great point, Jordan, because the other way to look at it is simply, if he's as good as everybody says he is, he's only going to be there three years. So why sit him year one, just get the most out of him while you can. We certainly got the most out of one of the great rivalries,

the longest continuing rivalries in the country between Iowa State and Kansas State, The Cyclones won by going forward on a gutsy fourth in three late in the game to seal the deal and essentially run out the clock. Matt Campbell, no second thoughts about doing it. You know, I think that's how you got to win, right? I mean, this is team football. Nobody is going to care how it happened. You've got to win the game, and that's kind of why we went for it. We felt like if we had a chance to gain the first down, we could win the football game.

Great execution. You trust the guy next to you because, you know, you know what he stands for. Bottom of mind, we're disappointed. came here expecting to win and didn't win. But I'm proud of the guys, and we've got to go back, regroup, get some guys healthy, and get ready to go Saturday. It was a tale of two halves. Times, let's start with you.

If you saw the first half, you saw four fumbles. If you just tuned in for the second half, you're like, man, this is one of the cleanest games I've seen. It was just a wild situation. What's your biggest takeaway from this great finish in Ireland? Well, to add to that, it was wet versus dry. That was the difference between the first half and the second half. And listen, with a sloppy track of wet, heavy football,

I just felt that Iowa State handled the conditions better. It was very clear early on that Rocco Beck was more in control of throwing the football under adverse conditions than Avery Johnson was. And it gave them a two-dimensional offensive approach where Kansas State didn't have that in the first half. Fast forward to the second half, I think the biggest takeaway for me was Kansas State's inability to get off the field on defense. Iowa State took over the line of scrimmage and ran the football down. Kansas State's throat. And I think that's what led Chris Klein and Kansas State's head coach to make that decision on his own 29-yard line with eight minutes and 30 seconds to go,

to go for it as opposed to pun it away because I think he was worried they wouldn't be able to stop Iowa State. And so those two things stood out to me and you got to credit Iowa State for weathering the storm for no pun intended and being able to handle those adverse conditions that have nothing to do with X's and O's and execution and all of that stuff. Yeah, Luz, I just think Rocco Beck took the game over and put his stamp on this game in the fourth quarter. And even though the stats were not eye-popping, he finished 14 of 28 for 183 yards and two touchdowns. I thought the timely throws that he was able to make in this one really was the difference in this game. And that's really been the story of his career.

He is the engineer of the Cyclones' offense. And what was the big question mark coming to the game? Who was going to catch passes from Roccoe Beck this season? They lost two valuable day two drive picks in Jalen Noel and also Jaden Higgins. but who was going to step up on this wide receiver court. That didn't really matter for Rocco Beck. He trusts those guys on the perimeter, and I thought he was phenomenal in the second half. Pete, we should mention that we know Kansas State has heard of a dynamic backfield with their

quarterback, Avery Johnson. But when the second half of that dynamic duo got hurt, the tenor really changed. And I know you've got perhaps some thoughts here on what happened to Dylan Edwards and his progress moving forward. Well, Dylan Edwards started the season about as bad as you can, Zubin. He fumbled a punt and got hurt on the first play that he was that he was on the field. There's just an awful sequence of events for Edwards. I was told today by a source that we'll know more about Edwards tomorrow.

He's getting evaluated back in Manhattan. It takes about a day to get back from Dublin to Manhattan, Kansas. Look, K State plays North Dakota at home this week. And then they have Army who remember, I believe, went 12 and two last year and won the American Athletic Conference. So it does not get easy here. And they need Dylan Edwards and his 7.4 years. yards of carry and the diamondism he brings to the throw game and special teams for K-State to be fully functioning. Yeah, and if there's a silver lining to this for either

side, it could be that Iowa State and Kansas State could again meet in the Big 12 championship. It's certainly not out of the realm of possibility, competitive week one game. The conference as a whole is pretty darn competitive. You see the favorites there. One thing I just want to mention each of the last five years, there's been a different conference champion in the Big 12. Some of those teams are no longer in the Big 12. I sort of mention that as well. So let's look ahead. one game in, but Jordan knowing this is a league full of parity that Arizona State won a year ago after being picked to finish last. Let's go around the horn and start with you on who you think is in best position to win the conference. I know we're talking about parity and this probably

would have shocked everybody last year, but not this year, but I'm going to go with Arizona State. I just like the combination of Sam Levitt and Jordan Tyson on the perimeter, who was arguably the best quarterback Y receiver duo in the country. I think they're going to explode again. this season. They have to replace Camp Scadaboo, who was a big part of that offensive season to go. But I really like Kanye Udo, who's a running back from Army, who put up really good numbers for them a season to go. But I'm going to go with Arizona State here. I like what they have coming back defensively, but offensively, I think they're going to be very explosive. Jordan, I'm going to go with who in the hell knows. That's my answer, because I think that

this conference is so good and competitively balanced top to bottom. I also believe that this conference has the best quarterback play top to bottom. What does that mean? That means that you're probably going to be in a lot of one possession games in this league. And the quarterback position is going to become even more critical as the margin of error becomes razor thin. There's so much parity amongst all of these teams in terms of the caliber of player that they have. And then you throw in a Jalen Daniels. We just saw him dominate this past Saturday. Obviously, you mentioned Sam Levitt, Josh Hoover at TCU, Sawyer Robertson at Baylor. The list goes on and on and on about standing quarterback play.

And I just, I don't see a dominant team. I don't see a team that you look at and say, wow, this team is just going to run through there. I think it's going to be in any given weekend scenario, and you better bring your A game and you better be able to win close one possession games at the end. No doubt about it. And what a start we had in the Big 12 with a close one possession game. And I'll just remind people that Iowa State has never won the Big 12.

So they've got out there for them as well. On the way here on College Football Live, you know it. We're ready to go with a new era of quarterback. Some big names, the job is theirs. How will they fare? We'll discuss it. And a surprise scholarship. We know Arch is on scholarship, but one of his teammates not.

We'll explain that. College Football Live is brought to you by Fair Life. Enjoy great taste and nutrition with Fair Life Ultra Filtered Milk. We're back on college football live. Right out of the gate on this Labor Day weekend, it will start on a Thursday. Big group of five implications between Boise and South Florida. And then how about Alabama and Florida State Saturday with all the Costalanos trash talking and the Battle of the Tigers and the Battle of the Death Valley? And then, of course, you've got Notre Dame and Miami on Sunday. We are loaded. One of the greatest week ones we've seen.

Unprecedented five top ten matchups. We mentioned before the break we were going to spotlight some of the great guys that started, pretty humble, and ended up being amazing, including Brandon Burlesworth. The Burlesworth trophy is named in his honor for the most outstanding FBS player that started as a walk-on. He tragically passed too early. J.J. Watt went from being a walk-on to going to Wisconsin to being the three-time. defensive player of the year in the pros. Baker Mayfield, you know his deal. Texas Tech, Oklahoma, all the swag, top overall pick in 2017.

Hunter Renfro, same deal, ended up making one of the most consequential catches in the history of the college football playoff and Clemson program. And one of the most consequential quarterbacks that nobody saw coming for Georgia was the two-time national champion, Stetson, Bennett. Now, Saturday, when Ohio State takes on Texas, all eyes are going to be on Arch Manning. The last thing he would ever be described as is a walk-on. He's had the hype on him since he was about five years old. But as we go all-access inside the Longhorns camp, we take a look at a guy that had his dreams come true.

As a walk-on, moving up and on. But first, here's somebody that's even probably more famous than Arch. Glenn Powell here. This fall, I've got a new show coming to Hulu called Chad Powers, in which I play a disgrace college quarterback who disguises himself and joins a team as a walk-on. My name's Chad. To celebrate the show's release

and honor that underdog spirit, we've dropped in on the University of Texas Longhorns where an unsuspecting player is about to find out he's earned the free ride he's always dreamed of. What a day, huh? Favorite guys are you. Think about walk-ons, and I think about the role they play

in locker rooms and on teams, teams. You think about the selfless attitude that they have to have. They're not on scholarship. They're not earning any NIL, but they work every day. A lot of them knowing they're probably not going to play in the game. I like the demeanor. I like the demeanor. Being the guy at your high school team and to go from being the guy to the very bottom of a team and having to earn the respect and climb up the ladder all again. It's a hard thing to do. There it is. Give you a punch in the back. When I think of Walk-On, I really think of just a gritty player. The guy who shows up to work every day, regardless of their situation,

they want the best for the team at the end of the day, and they're going to do whatever role requires that. I'm putting Marshall on scholarship tonight. He deserves it. It's been here for five years. Glenn Powell's going to do it on a video. As he's doing that show, Chad Powers, on Hulu. I got a video I want to show you first, and then we'll get into the rest of the meeting.

So you can go hit that, let it do. role. What's up Longhorns? It's Glenn Powell, fellow Texas alum. I have a show coming out this fall called Chad Powers. I got something coming up. Something kind of big. So I have a newfound respect for what it takes to join a football team. It takes grit. It takes grind. And most importantly, it takes heart. Marshall. When I heard my name, my soul kind of like, it was like an out of body experience almost. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. That is why Texas is awarding you a scholarship this season.

I think I just kind of blacked out in my head. All of a sudden I look up and everyone's around me. Been doing this for five years. It doesn't get old. Keep working. It's the dream, man. Dude, I look it on. Oh, my God.

This is my God. This is my guy right here. Two walk-ons turn scholarship guys. We deserve it. Appreciate it. Appreciate it. Cool. Hey, Mom.

I appreciate y'all. I love y'all. Best day ever. If that didn't affect you, you don't have a pulse. College game day, coach's last show. I don't know, maybe Marshall runs off the sideline and makes a big fourth down stop. You never know. Texas and Ohio State and it's Coach Corso's final show.

What a weekend. On the way, you know the deal. We are ready to rock with new faces in big places with the pressure rising. Plus a look back at the best of week zero. That is next. College Football Live is brought to you by Popeyes. Love that chicken from Popeyes. Black Friday is here at IKEA and the clock is ticking on savings you won't want to miss. Join IKEA family for free today and unlock deals on everything from holiday must-haves to cozy at-home essentials, all the little and big things you need to make this season shine. But don't wait. Like leftovers at midnight, our Black Friday offers won't last. Shop now at IKEA.ca.ca.com slash Black Friday.

IKEA. Bring home to life. We're back. The all new ESPN app is here. All of ESPN in one place, over 47,000 live events. Anything you want to see, including all your college football. download the ESPN app on your TV today. Log in to start streaming. We've got a bit of SEC quarterback news. And for that, we go to Pete.

What do we have? Zubin, Kentucky today named Zach Kelsata, a seventh year senior transfer, the starting quarterback. He beat out Cutter Bowley, a sharp young prospect from nearby Lexington in a camp battle. Calzada has been at Texas A&M. Remember he upset Alabama back in 2021. It spent a year at Auburn. was that incarnate word before transferring to Kentucky.

He may or may not be older than Jordan Reed. Calzada's been around for a long time. Jordan, can you confirm or deny real quick? Can't confirm. Notable starters, here we go. A lot of these guys a lot younger and a lot less traveled than Calzada. Luges, let's start with you. Who are you most looking forward to seeing this weekend?

I'm saying, I think that both of those guys with the people around them have really got to take on the don't screw it up play within yourself mantra and go out there and just cut it loose listen these guys won the job particularly julian saying because he was the most consistent made the fewest errors protected the football best for ohio state walks into a huddle where he's got elite players in every direction and i think that archmanning is primed for success because of how they developed him how they brought him along didn't throw him to the wolves right out of high school, and he's better prepared now for. That's called player development.

I wish we'd see more teams and quarterbacks be willing to do that, and he's going to benefit from it. And you go on the road if you're Archmanning, you got Ohio State playing at home. Whichever quarterback makes the best decisions and protects the ball will be the quarterback of the winning team. Yeah, Lou's, I'm excited to see this matchup. What better environment for both of these quarterbacks

we're going to see arts tested early and often on the road. And now with Julian saying, And I don't think there's a better setup in the country for a quarterback to walk into, who I believe is the best player in college football in Jeremiah Smith. Cardinal Tate is no slouch either. He put up prolific numbers a season ago, even with being the third option. They do have some question marks in the back field along the offensive line, but this is a new team, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this year's Buckeyes

follow up the national title run from a season ago. Well, Jordan, what I'm looking forward to seeing in Atlanta in the Battle of the Orange, Syracuse versus Tennessee, are two transfer quarterbacks who just rolled into town. Joey Aguilar came over from UCLA after a spring there via App State to Tennessee. He earned the starting job there. And then Steve Angelly spent spring at Notre Dame before going to Syracuse. So you have two quarterbacks who just rolled in, won the job in summer camp. And it'll be interesting, as Luke said, to see how they manage the game, limit mistakes,

and see you can come out on top down in Atlanta. It'll be fascinating. Tennessee has won 30 games over the last three seasons. an average of 10. Syracuse off a 10-win season. Now embarking on new eras. For Tom, Jordan, and Pete, I'm Zubin. We'll see tomorrow for more college football live.