Kings of the North

College football rivalry week continues on Kings of the North with 10 new rivalries that the sport could give us in the next decade, thanks to the College Football Playoff and the occasional appropriate push from conferences when needed. What could new rivalries like Notre Dame-Clemson, Ohio State-Oregon, BYU-Colorado and West Virginia-Cincinnati mean for college football? Then it's time for Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis to take some questions and comments from the Ask KOTN mailbag. Finally, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

What is college football's perfect plan for protecting rivalries, especially those rivalries that are not protected by conference affiliations? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis identify the 18 most important non-conference rivalries, starting with Iowa-Iowa State and Pitt-West Virginia, and then create a plan to keep them alive and thriving. Then it's the next-tier rivalries -- what should be done with them? And which teams are getting it right and wrong with how they go about rivalry planning right now? Then it's time for another KOTN Showdown -- and it's the Hawkeyes and Cyclones that Doug and Bill pit against each other. Who would you rather be in 2025, Iowa or Iowa State? Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Ohio State vs. Oregon, the defending national champion Buckeyes vs. the Ducks, the only undefeated regular season team of 2025. Which college football program would you rather be in 2025? On this KOTN Showdown, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis run through the Buckeyes vs. the Ducks at quarterback, skill positions, offensive line, defensive front seven, secondary, coaching and intangibles. And then they decide who they would rather be this season. After that, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Is college football's coaching hot seat a real thing? KOTN has always wondered about the talk around coaches in danger of getting fired, and dove in to investigate how coaching pressure really works, and which coaches should be worried or not in 2025. Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis will give you three categories of coaches who get fired, and candidates for each label, while reminding you there are always firings you don't see coming. And how many coaches should you expect to be fired this season? They have the number. Plus, another KOTN showdown as two teams with coaches on the hot seat are paired up and go head-to-head: It's Mike Locksley and Maryland and Scott Satterfield and Cincinnati. Thanks as always for joining Kings of the North.

It's time for another round of College Football Playoff picks as Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis offer their updated predictions for the first time since the end of spring football. Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Florida, Texas -- which SEC teams are they picking? Who's the Big 12 champ? Will Notre Dame be back in the playoff? Which Big Ten teams will be in the postseason? Plus, a look at the odds to make the playoff and the eight teams that are odds-on favorites to be there. Then it's another KOTN Showdown, this time of two Northern ACC teams -- Boston College vs. Pitt. Which team would you rather be in 2025? Finally, join the guys for Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for being part of Kings of the North.

What does the House vs. NCAA settlement that will allow the direct payment of college players mean for fans? Doug Lesmerises looks at the new world of college football from the fans' perspective to open Kings of the North. Then Doug and Bill Landis talk about the hiring process of Northern coaches -- how they got to their jobs, what hires made sense and didn't, how many were head coaches before. That's a prelude to a Jonathan Smith vs. Luke Fickell coaching discussion as Doug and Bill get into their latest KOTN Showdown -- Michigan State vs. Wisconsin. Would you rather be the Spartans on Badgers in 2025? Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

It's Michigan vs. Utah on this KOTN Showdown, as Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis examine two winning programs with new quarterbacks and new offensive coordinators who are looking to bounce back into College Football Playoff contention after down seasons in 2024. Then the guys dive into the history of major NCAA penalties to provide some context as Michigan prepares for its hearing before the Committee on Infractions this weekend. How many Division I teams have actually had championships vacated? Maybe not as many as you think? How many power conference football teams have been banned from the postseason at least once? Maybe more than you think. Finally, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

The Big Ten and SEC are in control of college football - one silent partner and one very loud partner. After the SEC popped off all of last week, and the Big Ten stayed in the shadows as usual, Kings of the North is here to ask -- is the Big Ten losing the PR war to the SEC? On this episode Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis discuss how the Big Ten should handle itself, how this PR battle matters, the continuing disagreements over auto bids for the playoff and why the Big Ten is hanging out with the SEC to begin with. Then Steven Godfrey joins the show to discuss why the SEC acts this way and how far the conference is willing to push things. And then it's a wrap up with some Ask KOTN questions and comments from viewers and listeners. Thanks for joining Kings of the North, and expect some calls to cram it in this one.

Can the Ohio State Buckeyes repeat as national champions in the 2025 college football season? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis go inside the numbers on attempted title repeats since the start of the BCS. That includes how many champs returned starting quarterbacks, lost coordinators and would have made an expanded 12-team playoff. There's a big picture discussion here about the challenges of repeating, and a smaller picture investigation of what the Buckeyes have back and need to navigate to do it. Also, time for another KOTN Showdown. This time it's a Big Ten vs. Big 12 battle as the guys decide if they'd rather be Rutgers or Kansas in 2025. Plus Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Can teams jump up to college football blue blood status, and can programs not considered blue bloods win national titles? That's one of the questions in this Ask KOTN mailbag on Kings of the North. This Monday show is not live because of the holiday, but we are glad you're here as Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis take questions and comments, analyze feedback on Ohio State noon games, and entertain suggestions for making the show even better. Thanks for joining Kings of the North, which will be back live on Wednesday at noon eastern on YouTube.

In the expanded College Football Playoff era, will conference depth matter more than it did before? And is the Big Ten ready to compete with the SEC when it comes to not only elite teams at the top, but better teams in Tiers 2 and 3? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look at the playoff history of conference depth, and come up with some surprising answers. Then it's 16 showdowns of the Big Ten and SEC, running from the top to the bottom of those conferences, to determine which has more elite teams and better depth. From Ohio State vs. Georgia, to Oregon vs. Alabama, to Michigan vs. LSU, to Illinois vs. Ole Miss, to Indiana vs. Tennessee, how does the Big Ten stack up? Finally, Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking wraps up the show. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Which college football teams won the offseason? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises is joined by Adam Rittenberg to run through offseason winners from Oregon to Utah, from Penn State to Illinois. Then it's onto another KOTN Showdown, as Doug and Bill Landis debate two teams with sophomore quarterbacks who could be ready to break out. That's Washington and Demond Williams Jr. and Nebraska and Dylan Raiola. Who would you rather be in 2025? But to start the show, Doug looks at the history of FOX broadcasting big games at noon, and what could or should be done about Ohio State fans feeling like the Buckeyes are on at noon too much. Doug has the numbers and a solution. Thanks as always for joining Kings of the North.

It's time for another college football KOTN Showdown as Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis pit BYU and Indiana against each other as upstarts from 2024 who are trying to, and could, continue their program momentum with runs at the playoff in 2025. Who would you rather be this season? But first, Doug is joined by Connor O'Gara of Saturday Down South. O'Gara has to admit that Doug is a genius for one of his takes last season, then it's a discussion of whether the South can admit that the North is now on the same level when it comes to college football winning and depth. Then a couple Southern teams to watch are discussed, including Alabama, Georgia and LSU. Finally, Doug and Bill wrap things up with Whatcha, including society's difficulty with Uranus. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

College football is considering a 16-team playoff, and to start this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis break down what that would mean for the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and ACC, and how it would affect fans from when it comes to scheduling and getting more great college football games in a season. Then it's the first KOTN Showdown of the offseason, as Doug and Bill compare two similar Northern programs and decide who they would rather be in 2025. To kick it off, it's a rematch of a College Football Playoff semifinal from 2025 and two programs with real national title goals -- Notre Dame and Penn State. Finally, the Bill Belichick mess at North Carolina leads to a discussion about what other teams can learn from it, and the audience chimes in on some Perfect QB and All-Transfer team picks from last week. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Which players from the 2025 transfer portal will be the stars that help shape Northern college football this fall? On this Kings of the North, Bill Landis and Doug Lesmerises look at the most impactful Northern transfers from 2024 to help get a handle on 2025. And then they run though the 23 Northern portal additions they think will make the biggest differences for their teams this season. That's receivers for Penn State and Iowa State, safeties for Oregon and Notre Dame, defensive linemen for Ohio State and Michigan, offensive linemen for Colorado and Michigan State, and more. Plus Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore will be suspended for two games in the 2025 college football season, ESPN reported Monday. What's it mean for the Wolverines? Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis discuss it to open this Kings of the North. Then it's onto the heart of the show -- has your Northern college football team had a perfect QB in its history? Based on winning, stats, big plays and legendary aura, has the title of the best QB in your program's history been locked down? Or is it there for the taking? For our 28 Northern teams, the show theorizes that 15 of them have in fact had a perfect quarterback, 9 of them maybe have, and 4 of them have not and are wide open for that title to be taken. From Doug Flutie at Boston College to Marcus Mariota at Oregon, from debates at Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan to open opportunities at Illinois and Indiana, join KOTN for the search for the perfect QB.

Four offensive lines in Northern college football are primed for great seasons in 2025. Another three are in pretty good shape. And then a lot of them are under pressure, as Kings of the North dives into the trenches on this episode. You'll learn: • Which teams are working the transfer portal for O-linemen • What kind of transfers have the most success on the offensive line • Which teams handled offensive line injuries last year and which struggled • How important is great offensive line play to winning What teams have major questions at the position group heading into this season Plus an early look at the 2026 NFL Draft and how many Northern players are projected in the first round, plus Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Shedeur Sanders was the biggest story of the 2025 NFL Draft, but Quinn Ewers was the quarterback lesson that should have the greatest lasting effect on college football. On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look at the one thing that did NOT happen in this draft for college quarterbacks and what that means for the future of third-year college football quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Sam Leavitt and for second-year quarterbacks like Julian Sayin and C.J. Carr. Is the entire landscape for college football quarterbacks changing even more than we realized? Then Doug and Bill look at the full numbers for the NFL Draft: That includes how the North did overall and some position groups where the North surprisingly won the draft and others where the South had the edge. Finally, it's some other lessons, including one about what happened with draft picks, or lack of picks, for BYU and Utah and what that means for the 2025 season. It's what the draft means for college football, not what college football means for the draft, and it's all here on Kings of the North. Thanks for joining us.

The SEC and the South used to dominate the NFL Draft. But those days are over -- though not many people will tell you the truth about that. On Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis explode Southern draft myths while explaining how the Northern talent wave is already here and will continue. From development to keeping North talent home, they dive into the reasons this is happening. Then from Michigan and Ohio State to Iowa State, Penn State and Notre Dame, they look at the biggest stories in the 2025 NFL Draft in the North -- including a run of very interesting quarterbacks. Bradley Locker of PFF.com also stops by to explain some of his recent research that revealed SEC draft busts. Then the guys run through the most productive Northern draft teams of the last decade, and those that are in a drought. Finally, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

The transfer portal window for the spring is wide open in college football, and Kings of the North isn't looking just at what's happening, but at what are the right ways to go about winning in the portal. On this KOTN, from Oregon, Indiana and Colorado relying heavily on transfers last year, to Iowa, Utah and Iowa State barely doing anything in the portal a year ago, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis run through all the numbers and results from Northern teams in the portal in 2024 to find what lessons should be learned. Who's doing the same thing this year, and which teams are changing their portal strategies? Plus Max Olson of ESPN.com visits to share his portal knowledge on how important the spring widow really is, what teams are doing the best job in the portal, which positions have the most value and whether the Nico Iamaleava transfer from Tennessee to UCLA is a one-off or a sign of things to come. As always, thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Michigan true freshman Bryce Underwood seems poised to seize the starting job for the Wolverines in 2025, and if he does, where might he fit in the hierarchy of best college football quarterbacks? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look at and take apart the consensus rankings of the best returning quarterbacks in college football. Southern QBs are overrated and too many Northern quarterbacks are left out. But more importantly, young quarterbacks across the North from Michigan to Notre Dame to Ohio State to Oregon to Maryland are poised to potentially make big leaps this year and shake up the quarterback landscape. Underwood tops that list, and the guys then dive into the recent history of true freshmen starting quarterbacks and find eight in the last decade that might serve as the best comparisons for Underwood. Among them -- Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson. Finally, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Ohio State has created an receiver pipeline and it's a huge part of the Buckeyes' success. How do they do it, what can other teams learn from it, what other teams have been elevated by great receiver play, and do your NEED great receivers to win at the highest level in college football? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis dive into the stats and strategies of dominating a position group, while looking at teams like Penn State, Notre Dame, BYU, Iowa State, Syracuse, Clemson and others in the process. Then it's a visit with Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, who talks about the Gophers' playoff aspirations, how much Koi Perich might actually play on both sides of the ball, the development of the quarterback room, and their strategy for retaining and developing talent in the NIL and portal world. Finally, it's a discussion of which Northern teams should possibly be interested in adding Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava and whether his move is a huge shift in college football or a one-off. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

What college football teams are already locks for the 2025 College Football Playoff? What teams are the greatest contenders to be the next Indiana, SMU or Arizona State to come from off the radar? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis each drop three locks and three dark horses for this season. Plus, there's news from around college football on a 5-star receiver prospect reaffirming his pledge to Ohio State, a couple teams beefing up in the trenches, BYU wrapping up spring football, and Kirby Smart complaining about something else. Finally, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Frauds or Fearsome? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis play that game with college football teams across the South. Gotta keep an eye on those guys. From Georgia to Miami, from Clemson to Texas, from LSU to USC, the Doug and Bill run through 14 Non-Northern teams in rapid fire succession and decide whether anyone in the North needs to worry about them this season. Plus it's the conclusion of the bracket for the Most Important Person in Northern College Football. The Final Four is Penn State coach James Franklin, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Minnesota safety Koi Perich. Who will take home the crown? To start the show, it's a roundup of Northern college football news, including the new contract for Colorado's Deion Sanders. And should we have done an April Fool's Day prank? Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • News around the north (03:00) • Fearsome or fraud of southern teams (32:00) • Most important northern person final four and champion (1:19:10)

From quarterback play at Syracuse to offensive line action at Pitt, from young stars at Oregon to a receiver search at Utah, from Nebraska offensive plans to Indiana pass protection, Kings of the North takes you around Northern spring football on this episode. Then it's the fourth region of our Most Important Person in Northern Football bracket. This time, Bill Landis has 16 seeds for Defensive Players in The North, and he and Doug Lesmerises have to pick a winner. Finally, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Penn State coach James Franklin is entering Year 12 leading the Nittany Lions, with his best chance at a national title yet. But there haven't been many modern coaches who won their first national title in Year 12. Is Franklin ready to lead a natty run this season? Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis discuss that. They also open the show with their latest region for their Most Important Person in Northern College Football bracket -- and it's coaches. Franklin is in there, but what other Northern coaches -- head coaches and assistants -- will most define this season? They run through 16 options. Finally, it's a look at several issues around college football from the legal problems of a former Michigan assistant, the continuing arrests of Georgia players, and the departure of the Maryland athletic director. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Most important northern coach region (09:00) • Can James Franklin win a title after being at Penn State for over a decade? (01:06:30) • News around the north (01:40:48)

Where will your college football coach be in five years? Only 11 of our 28 Northern coaches were in their current jobs five years ago, so on this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look to 2030 and guess who the head coaches will be then. Will your coach be around? If not, who might be a replacement? Then it's the second region in our bracket of Most Important People in Northern College Football in 2025. Last show we did quarterbacks. This show, it's all the other offensive players, from running backs to offensive linemen to receivers. Who are our 16 seeds? Who will win the region? And to finish, it's Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • News around the north (03:40) • The 5-year coach test - will each coach still be at their northern school in 2030? (12:30) • Non-QB offensive player region for most important northern player (01:02:00) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (1:35:40)

Which college football quarterbacks will have the greatest impact on the North in the 2025 season? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis unveil their first bracket of the spring, and it's the 16 Northern quarterbacks with the chance to affect this season the most. With the help of the audience, they'll produce a bracket winner. But first, it's a look at which teams are having spring football games and which aren't. Are that many teams really doing away with them? What about an interesting suggestion from Colorado head coach Deion Sanders? How would Bill and Doug save spring football? Finally, it's a look at which Northern football powers are doing it best on the basketball court? And why is the South kicking the North's butt there? Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • What to do with spring games? (09:20) • Should teams play against each other (10:30) • Spring game solutions (35:30) • Most important quarterback for 2025 season bracket (46:10) • Football-basketball power balance (1:33:00)

It's a college football recruiting reset for the Class of 2026, from a Clemson invasion to Oregon's national reach, from Northern victories in the South to Kansas wins in its homestate, from Maryland five-stars to quarterback commits at Penn State, Michigan State, Notre Dame and more. Join Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis for a spin through Northern recruiting on this Kings of the North. Then, all win totals are now set for the 2025 season, which gives Doug and Bill time to fully dive into all Northern squads, including the glut of teams with an over-under of 7.5 wins: BYU, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah and Washington. Plus Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking, where Doug brings a visual aid. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Class of 2026 recruiting trends (03:30) • Maryland looking for two 5-star prospects (14:00) • Clemson invading the north (24:00) • Early QB commits (28:24) • North-south recruiting trends (34:30) • Kansas locking down its home state (37:25) • Oregon recruiting around the country (40:00) • Breaking down every northern team and their win total (50:10) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (1:24:45)

It's college football trades on Kings of the North, as the rosters of teams like Michigan, Pitt, Kansas State, Iowa, Texas, Ohio State, Clemson, Penn State and Oregon are examined and some tweaks found ... if only college football allowed trades. It's a version of transfer portal movement where teams on both sides get something. But Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis had more trouble with the trades this season than they did a year ago, and they think they know why. Plus, Eddie George was introduced as the new head coach at Bowling Green on Monday morning. The guys examine what the former Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner might do for the Falcons and the MAC. Will a MAC team ever make the College Football Playoff? Will the best coaches in that league move on the way so many did in the past, from Brian Kelly to Dino Babers? What's the state of the MAC and what can George do about it? Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Bowling Green hires Eddie George (01:15) • What can Eddie George do for the MAC? (09:00) • Will the MAC ever make the college football playoff? (39:30) • College football trades (50:00)

The 2025 College Football Playoff is less than 10 month away, so how could Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis not have playoff picks on the board yet? They are fixing that on this episode of Kings of the North, putting their first 12-team brackets on record. How many North teams? How many South? How many locks? Who are the off-the-radar contenders like Indiana and Arizona State turned out to be last year? They also review their five different playoff projections through the course of 2024 to help you figure out how much you should trust them. And there's a discussion of the new College Football Playoff committee members, and Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Six new members of CFP selection committee (03:30) • Look back at Doug and Bill predictions for 2024 CFP before spring football last year (22:00) • Doug and Bill top 4 seeds for 2025 CFP (53:40) • Doug and Bill first CFP bracket for 2025 (1:05:45) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (1:19:45)

Spring football has started at West Virginia, BYU and Kansas, with other Northern schools starting this week. On Kings of the North, that means a dive into 10 potential breakout players to watch this spring. Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis chose players from Oregon, Nebraska, Maryland, Kansas State, Penn State, Ohio State and Syracuse, among other schools. Should you trust their spring breakout picks? A year ago, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith were two of the players they discussed. Plus a look at some Northern players who stood out at the NFL Combine, including a couple of Iowa State Cyclones. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • ACC agreement update (06:45) • First 5 players to watch during spring football (14:00) • NFL Combine notes (36:05) • Recapping our 2024 players to watch during spring football (55:40) • Final 5 players to watch during spring football (01:04:00)

Which Northern college football teams are bringing back the most and the least from last season? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look at the teams returning a lot (Illinois, Rutgers, Michigan, Cincinnati) and a little (Syracuse, Oregon, West Virginia). Plus more talk of changes to the College Football Playoff seeding, some NFL Combine updates, and Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Northern news (01:30) • 2025 returning production - who has the most returning production? (21:30) • Who has the least returning production for 2025? (53:40) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (1:05:25)

College football changes on moments, from wins and losses to coaching swaps, from transfers to conference realignment decisions. On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis decide to Change One Thing with recent Northern college football history, from Texas joining the Big Ten to Brian Kelly staying at Notre Dame to Michael Penix staying at Indiana to big wins for Kansas State, West Virginia, Michigan and others with title implications. Thanks for joining Kings of the North for this quick version of some alternate histories. Chapters: Change one thing - • The Pac-12 stays alive (05:00) • Nick Saban stays at Michigan State in 1999 (14:10) • BYU beats Arizona State in 2024 (22:20) • Oregon or Kansas State make the 2012 title game (28:00) • 2024 is still a 4-team college football playoff (36:40) • Texas joins the big ten in 2010 (43:55) • Iowa hires Bob Stoops instead of Kirk Ferentz (50:55) • Michigan beats Ohio State in 2016 (59:20) • Justin Fields attends Penn State (1:06:41) • West Virginia beats Pitt in 2007 (1:11:00) • Michael Penix stays at Indiana (1:18:15) • Ohio State makes the 2017 CFP over Alabama • Wisconsin beats Ohio State in 2017 big ten title game (1:22:50) • Brian Kelly stays at Notre Dame (1:31:25) • Ohio State beats Georgia in 2022 CFP semifinal (1:36:25)

From head coaches on the hot seat to college football teams that should be happy with their head coaches; from college football seeding changes to the number of true national title contenders; from Northern first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to the best first-year coach of 2025; Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis face 10 college football truths on this episode of Kings of the North. Plus Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking to wrap up the show. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • True or false on 10 statements about college football (02:15) • Statement 1 (02:44) • Statement 2 (25:20) • Statement 3 (31:00) • Statement 4 (35:30) • Statement 5 (45:05) • Statement 6 (48:35) • Statement 7 (59:00) • Statement 8 (1:03:05) • Statement 9 (1:06:50) • Statement 10 (1:10:15) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (1:15:00)

Big Ten and SEC leaders are meeting again this week to discuss (and determine) the future of the College Football Playoff. From guaranteed bids to the size of the field to adjusting conference championship weekend, more changes are on the table. Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis break down all the possibilities and discuss how much freaking out is in order. Then it's a draft of the best Northern quarterbacks, plus some possible Southern quarterbacks to fear. From returning starters like Penn State's Drew Allar, Kansas' Jalon Daniels and Michigan State's Aidan Chiles, to ready-made transfers like Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Iowa's Mark Gronowski and Wisconsin's Billy Edwards, to rising young QBs like Ohio State's Julian Sayin, Michigan's Bryce Underwood and Minnesota's Drake Lindsey, Doug and Bill discuss and draft what the North has to offer in 2025 at QB. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Inbounds/out-of-bounds: SEC and Big 10 should lead the CFP discussion (09:00) • Inbounds/out-of-bounds: The playoff should move to 16 teams in 2026 (14:20) • Inbounds/out-of-bounds: Conference championship weekend should change (20:30) • Inbounds/out-of-bounds: SEC should play 9 conference games (30:00) • Inbounds/out-of-bounds: SEC/Big 10 should play a series (34:40) • Inbounds/out-of-bounds: ACC and Big 12 should play a series (39:45) • Drafting the best QB situations in the North (52:00) • Drafting the best QB situations in the South (1:57:50)

College football win totals are the topic of the day on Kings of the North, including a discussion of four Northern teams that are projected at 10.5 regular-season wins. Among Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Penn State, which teams will go over and which will go under that number? Plus other win total predictions on Michigan, Iowa, Alabama and more. And Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking to wrap up the show. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Four northern teams with win totals set at 10.5 (02:45) • Review of 2024 win total picks (44:10) • Doug's 2025 college football win total picks (49:30) • Doug and Bill's 2025 college football win total picks (56:00) • Bill's 2025 college football win total picks (1:05:00) • Matt Patricia hired as Ohio State's defensive coordinator (1:08:20)

Starting with Kansas State-Iowa State in Ireland, through Ohio State-Michigan, Oregon-Washington and Nebraska-Iowa to end the season, Kings of the North gives you its Ultimate Northern Schedule on this episode. Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis run through the best game each week of our 28 Northern teams, finding the greatest variety of great Northern action. There are 25 of the teams represented on this schedule (sorry to the other three) as Doug and Bill plot out what could be some of their travel schedule this season and let you know how the college football season will unfold. Plus, Northern news including more coaching movement involving Penn State, Notre Dame, Kansas State, Colorado and more. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • News around northern football (03:00) • Ultimate northern schedule for 2025 season weeks 0-7 (40:30) • Ultimate northern schedule for 2025 season weeks 8-14 (1:09:15)

What's the best way to hire an offensive or defensive coordinator in college football? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look at Ohio State's coordinator decisions to dive into a deeper discussion of the best strategies, with some lessons learned from Nick Saban. And yes, there seems to be a plan that has the most success. Also, the full Big 12 schedule is out and the guys look at the biggest and best games. Plus some other news from around Northern football, and Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

From Travis Hunter to Mason Graham, from Jeremiah Smith to Jeremiyah Love, from Abdul Carter to Tez Johnson, Kings of the North names its All-North first and second teams on this episode. That also includes a debate over the King of the North award for the best Northern player. Also on this show, final Performance Review rankings for all 28 teams, and news around Chip Kelly leaving Ohio State, Nebraska maybe canceling its spring game, Senior bowl standouts and the future of the ACC. Plus, a South Cram-o-Meter Year in Review. Thanks for joining Kings of the North Chapters: • Ohio State losing 3 assistant coaches (03:30) • Nebraska to cancel their spring game? (10:15) • ACC agrees to new network deal with ESPN (13:45) • Who stood out at the senior bowl? (18:30) • Performance Review recap (21:30) • Cram-o-meter season in review video package (29:55) • KOTN first team defense (54:00) • KOTN second team defense (57:50) • KOTN first team offense (1:04:00) • KOTN second team offense (1:11:55) • King of the North debate (1:29:00) • King of the North winner is (1:42:00)

Oregon, Penn State, Indiana, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, BYU, Illinois and Iowa State finish off the Kings of the North 2024 College Football Performance Reviews on this episode. Those are the KOTN teams that put together the best seasons, so corporate headquarters should be pleased. But first, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis take a moment to compare the 2023 Michigan and 2024 Ohio State National Championship teams. How did they stack up statistically, in talent and on their paths to titles? Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • Comparing Ohio State to Michigan championship teams (01:40) • Oregon 2024 season performance review (30:45) • Syracuse 2024 season performance review (39:13) • Penn State 2024 season performance review (45:00) • BYU 2024 season performance review (52:30) • Notre Dame 2024 season performance review (01:00:00) • Ohio State 2024 season performance review (01:08:20) • Iowa State 2024 season performance review (01:14:40) • Indiana 2024 season performance review (01:20:30) • Illinois 2024 season performance review (01:26:45)

It's Part 2 of College Football Performance Reviews on this Kings of the North, as Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis rate the seasons of Iowa, Kansas State, Utah, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pitt, Boston College, Northwestern and Maryland. But first, Michigan has responded to the NCAA over the allegations of sign stealing. Doug and Bill discuss what Michigan said in its response, how the rest of The North is reacting, and the important item that relates to the start of the investigation. Thanks as always for being part of KOTN. Chapters: • Michigan's response to the NCAA (01:20) • Who was the tipster? (03:00) • Sherrone Moore deleted texts (08:21) • What advantage gained? (14:44) • Kansas State 2024 Performance Review (39:40) • Minnesota 2024 Performance Review (47:30) • Nebraska 2024 Performance Review (54:30) • Pitt 2024 Performance Review (01:01:40) • Utah 2024 Performance Review (01:08:30) • Maryland 2024 Performance Review (01:14:00) • Iowa 2024 Performance Review (01:19:00) • Boston College 2024 Performance Review (01:23:30) • Northwestern 2024 Performance Review (01:30:00) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (01:35:50)

The ACC released its schedule Monday night, and Kings of the North looks at the biggest games and most important weeks for Notre Dame, Syracuse, Boston College and Pitt. Then it's the start of 2024 Performance Reviews, as Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis will review and rate all 28 of their Northern teams, starting on this episode with Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Kansas, Rutgers and Colorado, among others. Then it's a quick look at other Northern college football news. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • ACC schedule release (02:30) • Washington 2024 performance review (21:30) • Michigan 2024 performance review (27:10) • Colorado 2024 performance review (33:10) • Wisconsin 2024 performance review (40:10) • Michigan State 2024 performance review (45:36) • Kansas 2024 performance review (52:40) • Rutgers 2024 performance review (59:37) • Cincinnati 2024 performance review (1:06:40) • Purdue 2024 performance review (1:13:15) • West Virginia 2024 performance review (1:15:26) • Ryan Day on Jimmy Fallon (1:22:00)

Penn State hired defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State and made it official on Monday. On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis look at what this move means for both schools -- and their November matchup in Columbus. But then the guys go beyond that, looking at every coordinator move this offseason for their 28 Northern teams. That's 56 coordinators -- how many do you think have changed? And what do we learn from the idea that the offensive coordinators were fired and the defensive coordinators were stolen away? Thanks for joining Kings of the North -- it's great to be back! Chapters: • Jim Knowles leaves Ohio State and heads to Penn State (06:00) • What does this mean for Penn State? (25:36) • What does this mean for Ohio State? (35:30) • Defensive coordinator changes in the north (57:15) • Offensive coordinator changes in the north (1:36:00)

Ohio State and Notre Dame completed a Northern takeover of Atlanta on Monday for the College Football Playoff National Championship. On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis come to you live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with postgame reaction and on-the-scene team celebrations from a second straight Northern national champ. If you're talking Buckeyes, Fighting Irish and Northern college football, you want to do it with Kings of the North. Thanks for being part of it with us, and what a way to end this season.

Ohio State and Notre Dame battle for the National Championship on Monday night and Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis are here with final thoughts, capes and crowns on KOTN. Nine other media members swing by to give quick keys for the game and picks. And there's an emotional final Cram-o-Meter for the season. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. And see you after the game for a live postgame show.

Will the Ohio State Buckeyes or Notre Dame Fighting Irish claim College Football's National Championship on Monday night in Atlanta? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis, after gathering news and vibes in Atlanta for two days and checking out both teams for more than a week, finally make their picks. It's a Big Game Breakdown on both sides of the ball, with the key offensive and defensive matchups. But first, Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman gave a final check-in on where their teams stand, and KOTN brings you their most interesting thoughts. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • News and vibes from head coaches news conferences Sunday morning (04:00) • Ohio State offense vs Notre Dame defense (24:00) • Notre Dame offense vs Ohio State defense (47:00) • National championship game picks (1:25:40)

Ohio State and Notre Dame went through media day on Saturday in Atlanta, and Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis were there to gather all the news and vibes from the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish. On this Kings of the North, catch everything you need to know to get ready for Monday's National Championship. Thanks for joining Kings of the North.

Ohio State's Ryan Day and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman were both young, internal hires with no head coaching experience. What does it mean for college football coaching that they are meeting in the national title game? And how does Jim Tressel affect both of them? And where does Dabo Swinney fit in that conversation? Doug Lesmerises delves into that on this Kings of the North. Then Indiana center Mike Katic joins the show to break down the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish — the only two teams the Hoosiers lost to this season. Plus, life in a tiny visitors locker room. Then Tyler Shoemaker and Doug suggest their bets for the title game, as TShoe has been on top of Notre Dame all season. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • How Ryan Day got here (02:20) • How Marcus Freeman got here (16:20) • Mike Katic joins KOTN to breakdown Ohio State and Notre Dame (38:15) • Tyler Shoemaker gives his best championship bet suggestions (1:12:25)

From recruiting to coaching hires, from big wins to injuries overcome, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish did a lot right to get to Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship Game. On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis pick the 10 key moves and moments for the Buckeyes and the Irish on their paths. It's inside the building of championship teams. Plus, the latest news from Notre Dame interviews. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • How Notre Dame got to the national championship game (06:30) • How Ohio State got to the national championship game (43:30)

The College Football Playoff has seen seven of our 28 Northern teams the last two years -- Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Oregon and Indiana this season and Michigan and Washington last season. Which of the other 21 Northern programs will be next to make the playoff? And of the seven that have made it, how often should we expect to see them in future playoffs? On this Kings of the North, Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis each pick five Northern teams for Who's Got Next, and give their thoughts on the staying power of other Northern teams. Plus a report on the latest National Championship interviews at Ohio State, and Whatcha Watching, Eating and Thinking. Thanks for joining Kings of the North. Chapters: • News and notes from Ohio State coach and player interviews (03:00) • Teams we should expect to be College football playoff regulars (27:05) • Teams that we think could be next to make the College football playoff (42:50) • Whatcha watching, eating, thinking (1:22:40)