In The Trenches

In The Trenches

"In The Trenches" airs 10 a.m.-noon daily on SportsTalk790 (790 AM and 94.5-2 HD) with Ndukwe Dike "ND" Kalu covering Houston and national sports...Full Bio

OUTRAGE: Experts ENRAGED Alabama Made CFB Playoff! | Was SEC Championship Game DEVALUED?

DISRESPECTED: Did the CFP Screw Over the SEC with Seeding Matchups? | Big10 Gets More Favorable Draw

The SEC snags five playoff spots, but did the selection committee’s seeding set up the conference for early elimination? Georgia dominates Alabama for the SEC crown, avenging their season loss and fueling debate over playoff positioning. Should Alabama have even gotten in? Can Ohio State’s resume really top Georgia’s, or did key committee decisions create a tougher path for the SEC’s best?

Chris Gordy examines critical matchups: Alabama faces Oklahoma in a high-stakes rematch, Ole Miss prepares to battle Tulane without Lane Kiffin, and Texas A&M is set for a showdown against Miami. With Notre Dame, Texas and Vanderbilt left out despite strong seasons, questions arise about scheduling, conference advantages, and blue blood bias. Breakdown includes game odds, bowl locations, and path predictions for Georgia, Ohio State, and other contenders. Will SEC depth secure the national title, or does the bracket favor Big Ten supremacy?

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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STREAK: Will Alabama Crimson Tide HISTORY Decide the Game vs Georgia? – Can Trends Be Broken?

The Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide clash once again in the SEC Championship game, with championship pedigree and playoff stakes on the line. Can Kirby Smart finally break the Crimson curse, or will Kalen DeBoer and Alabama continue their domination? The matchup features key injuries for both teams, standout quarterback play from Gunner Stockton and Ty Simpson, and elite running back duos that could swing momentum.

Chris Gordy hosts a fast-paced breakdown of Georgia’s defensive resurgence, Alabama’s offensive adjustments, and what ESPN analytics suggest for this near-50/50 battle. Clint Shamblin of Locked On Bulldogs joins to deliver insider perspectives on Georgia’s season, player development, and psychological hurdles against Alabama. Key discussion points include Georgia’s improved havoc rate, running game analytics, playoff and National Signing Day implications, and whether offensive consistency can push Georgia to the top. Will special teams and deep playoff experience tip the scales?

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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HIRES: Key SEC Assistant Hires Buster Faulkner, Brad White, Joe Sloan | Jake Crain Joins The Show!

We're talking SEC assistant coach additions - The Florida Gators shake up the coaching carousel, snagging Buster Faulkner as Offensive Coordinator and Brad White as Defensive Coordinator under new head coach John Sumrall. Can these high-impact hires ignite a new era in Gainesville and reshape the SEC power dynamic? Meanwhile, Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer shuts down Penn State rumors as the Crimson Tide eye another College Football Playoff run, while Texas A&M braces for change with Collin Klein headed to Kansas State, while former LSU OC Joe Sloan is headed to Kentucky. Also South Carolina’s staff overhaul and Billy Napier’s return to coaching at James Madison.

Chris Gordy and Jake Crain of Crain & Company spotlight headline-grabbing moves across the SEC— Alex Golesh getting hired at Auburn, Sumrall to Florida, and Lane Kiffin’s transition from Ole Miss to LSU. Plus, they deliver insider takes on Auburn’s surprise hire of Golesh, Georgia’s injury concerns ahead of the SEC Championship, and what Lane Kiffin’s push for dominance means for Tigers fans. Don’t miss expert previews, strategic analysis, and predictions on this week’s SEC Championship showdown!

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And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

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For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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SEC SQUAD - What Analysts Think of the SEC Championship Game

SEC shakeup: blockbuster coaching hires and playoff drama headline championship week. With Lane Kiffin joining LSU, Alex Golesh on board at Auburn, and Jon Sumrall taking the helm at Florida, the conference landscape is primed for surprises—are these bold moves enough to shift power in the SEC?

Brandon Olsen and the Locked On Podcast Network squad debate the intrigue behind every new hire, break down Alabama vs. Georgia in the SEC Championship, and preview the playoff race as heavyweights like Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt jockey for position. Key topics include the pressure on rising stars like Will Stein at Kentucky, coaches on the hot seat, and playoff selection chaos—will head-to-head records even matter? Get the inside scoop on SEC playoff implications, Heisman frontrunners, and which teams could play spoiler down the stretch.


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SURGE: SEC RECRUITING Chaos UNFOLDS - Which Schools Have the Best Classes?

It's an SEC Signing Day Recap! SEC powers shift as LSU secures elite defensive recruits and Vanderbilt surprises by flipping five-star quarterback Jared Curtis from Georgia. Will these bold moves redefine the conference's hierarchy? Our Locked On recruiting insider Brian Smith joins Chris Gordy to spotlight LSU’s haul of Richard Anderson, the drama surrounding Mississippi’s Jace Mathews, and Vanderbilt’s unprecedented recruiting coup. The episode breaks down the impact of new hires like Lane Kiffin and Alex Golesh at LSU and Auburn, highlighting key athlete commitments and the ripple effects across Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss.

Recruiting rankings spark debate as Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia jostle for top spots. Hot topics include quarterback depth at Alabama, transfer portal intrigues, and the challenges new coaches face assembling competitive classes. Get expert analysis on Texas’s top-10 roster, Tennessee’s defensive focus, and Oklahoma’s edge rusher pipeline—plus real talk about NIL’s growing role in final-hour recruiting decisions.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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College Football Kickoff: Conference Championship Week Brings Elite Matchups in SEC, Big 10 Title Games

Alabama vs Georgia and Ohio State vs Indiana are must-see matchups this conference championship weekend.

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And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

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For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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GAMECHANGER: Auburn Retains DJ Durkin | Alabama in Good Playoff Spot | Ole Miss OC Returns?

Auburn secure massive momentum with the retention of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin after the hiring of head coach Alex Golesh. Could this be the spark that propels the Tigers back into SEC relevance and playoff contention? Chris Gordy and Zac Blackerby break down the impact of Durkin’s decision to stay, analyze Golesh’s track record as an elite recruiter and offensive innovator, and debate Auburn’s chances in a loaded SEC schedule in 2026.

Key insights include projections for star Auburn players like Cam Coleman and Deuce Knight, predictions for roster retention amid portal rumors, and how Golesh’s “football through and through” mentality could reshape team culture. Don’t miss the expert analysis on Auburn's potential for rapid success—can the Tigers become a legitimate playoff threat next season?

The episode also spotlights SEC playoff scenarios, conference championship implications, and intriguing coaching moves across Florida, Ole Miss, and LSU. Also, we discuss some of the other big SEC storylines, including LSU allowing new OC Charlie Weis Jr to return to Ole Miss for the playoff run. And Kentucky formally welcomes new head coach Will Stein. Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian takes shots at Miami as they are still hopeful for a playoff spot for Texas. 

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Omaha Steaks
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And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

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For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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SHAKEUP: Kiffin, Sumrall, Golesh Introduced! | Will Stein Takes Over at Kentucky | Steven Willis Talks Pete Golding Hire!

SEC football shakes up as Kentucky, Florida, Auburn, and LSU introduce new head coaches, igniting debate over the conference's shifting power dynamics. Could young offensive mind Will Stein rejuvenate Kentucky, as he takes over as their next coach following Mark Stoops' firing? Lane Kiffin's dramatic move to LSU and Jon Sumrall's fiery Florida debut raise questions about playoff impact, team culture, and what it takes to win fast in the SEC.

Chris Gordy breaks down Lane Kiffin’s emotional departure from Ole Miss, the aftermath in Oxford with Pete Golding’s ascension, and how Alex Golesh vows to transform Auburn’s offense. Key segments highlight John Sumrall’s bold promises at Florida, fan reactions across the conference, and the coaching carousel’s ripple effect on recruiting. 

Insightful commentary from Steven Willis of Locked On Ole Miss adds depth on team unity, staff shakeups, and what to expect in the College Football Playoff chase for the Ole Miss Rebels! Is Pete Golding the right hire for the Rebs moving forward? 

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Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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DISRUPTION: 5 New SEC Coaches Take Over - Kiffin vs Golding! | Mark Stoops Fired at Kentucky!

Lane Kiffin's shocking move to LSU sets the SEC on fire—can the Tigers get back into the National Championship picture under Kiffin? Rivalry stakes soar as Ole Miss promotes DC Pete Golding, raising questions about leadership, continuity, and the future of the Rebels football with the playoff looming. LSU fans buzz over a revamped staff and top-tier recruiting, while Ole Miss must quickly adapt to life post Kiffin.

Chris Gordy breaks down the SEC's head coaching carousel, from LSU's headline-grabbing hire to Auburn's bold pursuit of Alex Golesh and Florida landing John Sumrall. Insights cover rapid staff shakeups, fan reactions in Oxford, and why Arkansas and Kentucky are rolling the dice on rising stars. And Kentucky makes headlines Sunday evening as news broke that they are firing head coach Mark Stoops, hitting the reset button for the Kentucky Wildcats. 

Plus, get the latest on the marquee Alabama vs. Georgia SEC Championship matchup, high-stakes recruiting, and major portal moves transforming the Southeastern Conference. Will these power shifts determine the next SEC powerhouse?

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Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires 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)


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