THE CHAT: Wisconsin's Win Over USC | Ohio State's Quarterback? | College Football Playoff

Coaching hot seats and unexpected mid-season firings shake up the college football recruiting landscape. Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell appears to be off the hot seat after beating Lincoln Riley and USC, and now the latter coach is squarely on the chopping block. The conversation focused on job security for top coaches like Texas’s Steve Sarkisian and Oklahoma’s Brent Venables, and explored how contract buyouts and university budgets shape hiring decisions across major programs. A key theme that emerged was the impact of quarterback injuries–including Ohio State’s Julian Sayin–on playoff hopes for a team like Ohio State. The discussion explored potential award frontrunners like Jeremiah Smith, the future of Lincoln Riley at USC, and whether rumored coaching changes at Baylor and other programs might spark a new round of transfers. Several points were raised, including the strategic implications of altitude changes on performance and the rising profile of emerging coaches. Is your favorite team preparing for a shake-up—or slipping quietly under the radar? Please support our sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Wayfair Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home. ULTRA POUCHES Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. 5-Hour ENERGY Treat yourself to a crisp apple bite and smooth caramel delight with a Caramel Apple 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot, only available online for a limited time at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)