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

HYPE: Ole Miss and South Carolina SCORE Big—John David Baker & Kendal Briles REVAMP SEC Offenses!

DEBATE: Should Texas Have Been a Playoff Team?, Pavia 4 Heisman, SEC Guys Headed for the Portal

The Texas Longhorns were snubbed from the College Football Playoff—does strength of schedule really matter anymore? Chris Gordy and Brad Kellner break down the controversial bracket reveal, spotlighting Texas’s marquee wins over Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M, plus frustrations over three losses that overshadowed elite resume victories. Should elite wins count more than losses, and why did the committee reward Alabama after a similar slip? The playoff selection’s inconsistencies leave fans questioning the process. Should Texas have made the playoff? 

Big changes ripple across the SEC with transfer portal announcements from stars like CJ Baxter and updates to coaching staffs at Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, and Mississippi State. Hear insights on emerging recruits, position room shakeups, and which Texas wide receivers might seek new opportunities. Can Arch Manning charge Texas back to the top next season, or will schedule inequity hold them back again? Get expert takes on what’s next for Longhorns, Aggies, and the SEC elite.

Also we update news from around the conference as Tennessee says goodbye to defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Diego Pavia is announced as a Heisman finalist, and Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed announces he's coming back for 2026. 

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

Alabama secures a controversial College Football Playoff spot despite getting beat down by Georgia in the SEC Championship. Did the selection committee just turn conference titles into a glorified exhibition? Chris Gordy breaks down Georgia’s dominant 28-7 victory, Gunner Stockton’s MVP performance, and Kirby Smart’s squad clinching a first-round bye. Hot takes fly on whether Alabama deserved the playoff nod, as playoff rules and SEC favoritism stir debate.

Key discussion points include the SEC’s five playoff qualifiers, Alabama’s historic negative rushing yards, and Notre Dame’s decision to skip postseason play. Listen for breakdowns of bowl game matchups, questionable committee decisions, and insider analysis on coaches like Brent Venables, Kirby Smart, and Pete Golding. With playoff seeding, automatic qualifiers, and the future of conference championships in question, the stakes for SEC teams—and college football—have never been higher.

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Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.
 

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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.
 

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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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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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If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.
 

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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