Best Todd Blackledge Podcasts (2025)

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The Wildest Week of the Season Has Arrived 51:50

Play Pause

5d ago51:50

51:50

This week on Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor 76®—keeping you on the GO-GO-GO so you never miss a beat—I sat down with Jim Thornby to sort through one of the craziest weeks of the season: firings, rumors, rivalry games, and a playoff picture that refuses to settle. We started with the news out of Berkeley: Cal moving on from Justin Wilcox a…

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Jimmy Rogers Is Building Washington State’s Future 23:41

9d ago23:41

23:41

There’s something raw and revealing about sitting down with a first-year head coach in the middle of a season that refuses to sit still. Schedules shift, emotions swing, and every week feels like both a marathon and a sprint. That’s the space Jimmy Rogers is living in right now at Washington State, and it’s the backdrop for the latest conversation …

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Gary Danielson and the Craft of Calling the Game 27:15

18d ago27:15

27:15

Gary Danielson loves to compete. And like all elite competitors, what is never seen, or heard is the how they talk to themselves when all else is quiet. When doubters show up, they remind themselves they are playing a completely different game. Rather, an infinite one. That’s Gary. For decades we have heard his voice: coaching viewers and celebrati…

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Football and Fatherhood: Lessons from Locker Rooms to Living Rooms 31:22

25d ago31:22

31:22

For two seasons now, I’ve shared a broadcast booth with Guy Haberman—a voice built for Saturdays and a friend built for life. This week on Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor 76 — keeping you on the GO-GO-GO so you never miss a beat, I sat down with Guy for one last conversation before his world changes forever. In a few weeks, he and his wife…

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Jared Goff: The Process of Perspective 49:28

1M ago49:28

49:28

Every quarterback can be guaranteed one thing in their football life—that the path they envision will NOT go as planned. For Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions nothing could be more spot on. The former Cal Bear, #1 overall NFL Draft pick and Los Angeles Rams QB joined Rhett Lewis and myself on THE PROCESS, a limited series within Y-Option fueled by 76…

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Luke Falk: The Playbook Between the Ears 49:08

1M ago49:08

49:08

There’s a golf course in Pullman where dreams tend to get spoken into existence.That’s where a young Luke Falk once told his dad, “I want to do what Wayne Dyer does. I want to write books, speak, and help people live to their full potential.” He hadn’t even started a full season yet. Today’s guest on Y-Option, fueled by 76 — keeping you on the GO G…

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Mid Season Reality Check 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Mid-October feels like a mirror. Half the season gone, and suddenly every program is staring back at itself asking: Who are we, really? This week on Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, Jim Thornby and I sat down to take stock of a college football season spinning faster than ever — c…

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Double Down: Dan Lanning and the Daily Discipline of Growth 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

By Yogi Roth

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Wonderment in the Big Ten: Dave Revsine’s Story 33:07

2M ago33:07

33:07

As a sophomore at Pitt, I met Dave Revsine and if anyone told me that we would be colleagues 20 years later I would have signed up for it. Today, that is our reality at the Big Ten Network. As a host, Dave has always been impressive. Sharp questions, elite awareness and always seeking humanity. This week on Y-Option, presented by 76 keeping you on …

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"White Out" Energy with Todd Blackledge 22:53

2M ago22:53

22:53

There are certain Saturdays that feel like they were built for college football: the lights, the noise, the choreography of a crowd that feels like it’s part of the playbook. This week’s conversation at Y-Option, presented by 76–keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, welcomes back Todd Blackledge. On Saturday night, Todd will have th…

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The Obstacle is the Way: Scott Barnes 1:02:33

3M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

It’s Rivalry Week…kind of. Two of the West Coast’s fiercest rivalries take center stage: Washington–Washington State in the Apple Cup, and Oregon–Oregon State to kick off this Saturday in college football. So this week at Y-Option, we welcome Oregon State Athletics Director Scott Barnes, on behalf of our presenting sponsor, 76®, keeping you on the …

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Peyton Manning: A Masterclass in Process, Preparation & Leadership 31:24

3M ago31:24

31:24

Today on THE PROCESS, a limited series within Y-Option, Rhett Lewis and Yogi Roth welcome one of the greatest players, and minds, football has ever known: Peyton Manning. Fueled by our founding sponsor 76®, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, today’s conversation with a Hall of Fame quarterback will impact your life. When we creat…

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The Most Interesting Coach in College Football 1:04:23

3M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Luke Del Rio is the most interesting coach in college football. And today’s conversation at Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, is one that will inspire, enlighten and may get you on the next flight to Paris. Every quarterback has a story. Few are as layered and compelling as Luke De…

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Texas is getting one of the most intriguing QBs in the nation 15:00

3M ago15:00

15:00

Every once in a while, a conversation reminds you that greatness isn’t just about stats, stars, or accolades--it’s about clarity. In this week’s episode of Y-Option, I sat down with one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the country, Dia Bell, inside the Threads Lounge during the Elite 11 Finals. What unfolded was less an interview and mo…

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Chris Fowler: The Process Behind the Voice of College Football 44:25

3M ago44:25

44:25

There are voices in our game that instantly transport you to a moment. A Saturday night. A top-ten clash. A National Championship. The chaos of a rivalry. The afterglow of a season. For so many of us—that voice is Chris Fowler. While broadcasting some of the most iconic moments in sports may not seem relatable to many of us, the process that Chris …

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From Camp to Kickoff, life on the road 1:01:25

3M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Training camp is winding down, and game week is almost here (with Week Zero kicking off Saturday!). That means it’s time for a recap from the road. On the latest episode of Y-Option, presented by our founding partner 76 — keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat — Jim Thornby and I sit down to unpack everything learned while traveling c…

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Old Friends, New Seasons: Mike Yam on Belichick, Stanford, and the Pac-12 1:14:50

4M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Old Friends, New Seasons When Mike Yam and I sit down together, it never feels like an interview. It feels like slipping back into a rhythm we’ve had for over a decade — back when we were in the Pac-12 Network studio, swapping stories between segments, wondering where the game might take us next or driving through the country roads in Oregon on the…

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From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George Talks NIL, Money, and Mindset 49:54

4M ago49:54

49:54

We’ve all heard the term student-athlete, but in today’s college football landscape, you’d better be a financial-athlete too. This week’s Y-Option episode is a special one—recorded LIVE at the Elite 11 Finals, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76®, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat. Joining me on stage: * Dane Burkholder, founder o…

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“No Plan B” – Inside Minnesota OC Greg Harbaugh’s Grind to the Top 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

It’s Monday morning. The sun isn’t up yet. Coffee’s barely hot. But there I am, watching tape of Minnesota and texting my broadcast partners. That became a weekly ritual last season. Why? Because Greg Harbaugh Jr's offense caught my eye. Every red zone call. Every third down plan. Every subtle shift in the run game—it all felt intentional. It felt …

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How He Went From Blue Collar Kid to Big Ten Athletic Director | The Process With Northwestern AD Mark Jackson 37:44

4M ago37:44

37:44

It was 2001.I still remember the email: [email protected]. It came from Mark Jackson—someone I knew from working summer camps at USC that summer. “Give me a call,” it read. That call changed my life. It opened a door—not just professionally, but personally. It gave me a glimpse of what a grounded, intentional, meaningful family life could look like. Since…

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A New Era for the Pac-12 Begins — With CBS at the Helm 30:53

5M ago30:53

30:53

This morning, the Pac-12 officially announced a historic partnership with CBS Sports — marking a bold new chapter for a conference on the rise. And today on Y-Option, presented by our founding partner 76, we welcomed back Commissioner Teresa Gould for her first full-length conversation since the deal was made public. Make no mistake — this is a mon…

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A Night with Cougar Athletics & Jimmy Rogers 1:15:56

7M ago1:15:56

1:15:56

This past weekend, I found myself back in Seattle for the 10th straight year, hosting A Night with Cougar Athletics. While every year has its own unique vibe, this one stood out - it was truly unlike any of the previous 9. Welcome to this week’s episode of the Y-Option Podcast, presented by our founding partner, 76. We're thrilled to welcome new Wa…

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The Humanity Behind the Headset: Lincoln Riley’s Journey 30:54

7M ago30:54

30:54

We all know Lincoln Riley: the head coach, the play-caller, the quarterback developer. But do you know how his work ethic was formed? How his father taught him that no detail is too small? Or why he’s savoring the small wins as he rebuilds USC? If not, today’s episode of the Y-Option Podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, is the perfect lis…

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NFL Draft Recap & the Dawgs After Dark 50:50

7M ago50:50

50:50

As spring football heads to the final weekend, today’s episode of the Y-Option podcast - presented by our founding partner 76 - takes a deep dive into the 2025 NFL Draft plus a preview of the Washington Huskies' Spring Game. While Shedeur Sanders’ slide to the 5th round dominated headlines, we celebrate Cam Ward’s rise from the FCS to the #1 pick, …

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Betting on Himself: Will Stein’s Rise from Walk-On to Elite Play Caller 1:16:19

7M ago1:16:19

1:16:19

Imagine growing up dreaming of playing quarterback in college football, betting on yourself, and then turning that dream into reality. Fast forward a decade, and you're calling plays for one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, wearing the colors of one of the most iconic brands in all of sports and coaching two of the most experienced qua…

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Mastering the Mental Game with Dr. Michael Gervais 1:06:57

7M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

"How much of the game is mental... and how much are you training it?" That simple question from Dr. Michael Gervais, the world’s leading high performance psychologist, rang in my ears back in 2011. Its impact has echoed through my life ever since. Today, Best Coast Media is proud to welcome back Dr. Gervais to the Y-Option podcast, presented by our…

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From Elite 11 to the Horseshoe: Tavien St. Clair 39:59

8M ago39:59

39:59

It’s Game Week! Okay, not a real game, but a spring game. And I’m on a flight to Columbus, Ohio to call my first ever game at The Horseshoe for Big Ten Network. Spring football always brings excitement. It’s a time of hope, opportunity, and fresh beginnings for every player on the roster. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, this spring is about the 2025 t…

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Maalik Murphy, Oregon State & the QB Journey 35:25

8M ago35:25

35:25

In my 20 years living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed a pattern. If you grow up on the West Coast, there’s always a pull to return to the Pacific time zone. For Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, coming back West wasn’t what he initially envisioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2022 out of Serra High School in Gardena, California…

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2025 NFL Draft Preview with Daniel Jeremiah 1:16:30

8M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

Ever met someone who just makes the room feel right? Someone who can blend into any crowd, be the ultimate teammate or wingperson, and put others at ease while making them better? I’m sure a few names come to mind as you read this. And as you listen to today’s episode of the Y-Option podcast with Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, presented by our…

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Washington's New Era & Christian Caple's Independence 57:14

8M ago57:14

57:14

Spring has officially arrived, and with it, most college football programs have kicked off or are about to begin spring practice. As I’ve often said, spring ball is one of the most critical times for an athlete. This year it’s even more pivotal, with the second transfer portal window opening in late April, giving coaches a crucial opportunity to ev…

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Troy Taylor Fired. What's Next for Stanford Football 7:12

8M ago7:12

7:12

Tuesday morning, Stanford football GM Andrew Luck released the following statement: "Since beginning my role as General Manager, I have been thoroughly assessing the entire Stanford football program. It has been clear that certain aspects of the program need change. Additionally, in recent days, there has been significant attention to Stanford inve…

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How a Coaching Sabbatical Shaped Arizona State's Marcus Arroyo 1:15:50

8M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

The Power of a Coaching Sabbatical Years ago, I learned that Nike offered sabbaticals to employees after 10 years of service. It made perfect sense - stepping away allowed them to recharge, gain new perspectives, and pour into their families. In the coaching profession, I’ve always believed sabbaticals should be the norm. Every coach I’ve met who h…

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Chess Moves: Max Brosmer’s Journey from 2-Star Recruit to NFL Prospect 1:07:49

9M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

To believe in oneself is a powerful thought. We've seen it drive elite athletes for centuries. It's been the foundation of one of the most successful shows in recent history, Ted Lasso. And for over 25 years, I’ve heard quarterbacks use that word - belief - time and time again. At my core, I trust that the best coaches, players, and performers must…

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Todd Blackledge on the Evolution of College Football & Storytelling in the Booth 46:53

9M ago46:53

46:53

If you love college football, you know the voice of Todd Blackledge - today’s guest on the Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner, 76. Growing up in Pennsylvania, a few things were constant: Friday night high school football, postgame pizza with the team, and Saturday afternoons in front of the TV watching college football. My friends …

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Adam Breneman Building an Online Empire & Oregon Locks in Lanning 53:45

9M ago53:45

53:45

It’s a B1G week here at Y-Option both with our guests and on the news front. Thanks to our founding partner 76, today’s guest is the founder of Breneman Media and host of the “Next Up” podcast, Adam Breneman. More on Adam in a moment, but first the big news… Last Friday, the Ducks made a statement - not just to the Big Ten, but to all of college fo…

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NFL Insider Jordan Schultz on Fatherhood, Football & the Future 34:11

9M ago34:11

34:11

This week, we sit down with Fox Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz for a conversation fueled by our founding partner 76. We cover football, family, fatherhood, and a news-packed week at the NFL Combine. Jordan, son of Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, shares how his upbringing shaped his career, work ethic, and journey to becoming an NFL insider. He off…

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Rollin' with the Tide - Kalen DeBoer 55:32

9M ago55:32

55:32

Hello from Tuscaloosa! Well, not today - but that’s where I recently sat down with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer inside the Crimson Tide football facility. I’ve known Coach DeBoer since his days at Fresno State. I first met him in the Fall of 2021, when his Bulldogs visited the Rose Bowl to take on UCLA. That night, I was in the booth alongside T…

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Dual Mentality - Roddy Jones 38:52

9M ago38:52

38:52

The NFL Combine is underway with players arriving and the on-field workouts beginning Thursday, and as always, the spotlight is on the quarterbacks. While Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders won’t be throwing, he’s still expected to be the talk of the week in Indianapolis. This week on Y-Option fueled by our founding partner 76, ESPN and SiriusXM broadcaste…

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Mark Sanchez - Quarterback Options 57:06

9M ago57:06

57:06

I met Mark Sanchez in the fall of 2005. It was my first season at USC and our team was regarded as the best in the history of the game. Mark was a rising star in Southern California as a freshman quarterback with a rocket arm and an infectious personality. I was a 22-year-old transplant from Pennsylvania who fell in love with the Pacific, the USC f…

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Dillon Gabriel - Finding "It" 43:08

10M ago43:08

43:08

Years ago, I was on the Elite 11 quarterback camp tour and kept hearing coaches talking about QBs having the “It Factor.” It was as though everywhere I turned that phrase was being thrown around. As time would pass, it felt as though that became the most overused and undefinable phrase in football. So in the summer of 2016, a few of us set out to t…

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Kenjon Barner - 2 Birds, 3 Rings 1:08:27

10M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Fly Eagles Fly! The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs to win this year's Super Bowl. As a Pennsylvania native, I’ve seen the passion from Philly fans since I was a child. Watching them dominate this past Sunday, I had Randall Cunningham memories flooding my mind. For former Eagle and Oregon Ducks’ Hall of Famer Kenjon Barner, he …

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Y-Option Extra: Pete Carroll Butterfly Effect 0:45

10M ago0:45

0:45

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.y-option.com The butterfly effect was popularized by a meteorologist in the 1960s while studying weather patterns. His discovery proved that a tiny change in the weather could lead to a variety of different outcomes. The same could be said for the coaching profession. Last year, Nick…

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Mack Brown - Lessons in Leadership 1:00:36

10M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

I can recall the moment like it was yesterday. USC vs Texas. The Rose Bowl. Burnt orange filling up one half of the iconic stadium and cardinal and gold filling up the other. A sunset for the ages. Keith Jackson. Pete Carroll. Mack Brown. Matt Leinart. Reggie Bush. And of course, Vince Young. I’ve yet to watch that game back, as it was the finale o…

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Sleeping Giant No More - ASU AD Graham Rossini 56:14

10M ago56:14

56:14

Fresh off of an epic football season, Arizona State Athletics Director Graham Rossini joins the Y-Option podcast for the 2nd time, thanks to our founding partners at 76. I can recall my first year coaching at USC and our game at ASU. It was an epic back-and-forth showdown and while the Trojans were able to win it late, I left ASU with the feeling t…

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Coming Full Circle - Ben Hartsock 56:56

10M ago56:56

56:56

In the afterglow of the CFP National Championship Game, former Ohio State Buckeye Ben Hartsock joins Y-Option to share his joy, insight and analysis on the best team in the 2024-25 season, as well as answer the question of “What wins?” when it comes to building a team in college football. As the season concluded, both Jim Thornby and I reflect back…

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Y-Option Extra: Transfer Portal Shrinking? 1:13

10M ago1:13

1:13

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.y-option.com Dear Y-Option Community, We’re excited to bring you the first bonus podcast of the season. In this insightful conversation for paid subscribers only, we dive into the recently proposed changes surrounding the transfer portal and the college football calendar—topics that …

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A B1G Moment coming on Monday? 52:49

11M ago52:49

52:49

The CFP National Championship Game is a few days away and Big Ten expert Anthony Herron joins Y-Option, thanks to our founding partner 76, to dive into the key matchups in the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State game. A long-time friend, Anthony has such a unique lens on the game, covering high school all-star games, college football and the NFL for his home…

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Will Irish Eyes be Smiling? 59:31

11M ago59:31

59:31

There are many experts offering insight into the National Championship game with Notre Dame facing Ohio State on Monday, January 20th. Among them all, one person stands out. Meet Gerry DiNardo, a former Notre Dame All-American & 1973 National Champion, now a long-time analyst at the Big Ten Network. I call him “Coach” as his vibe, presence and comm…

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Brian Stumpf - Elite Evaluator 1:21:49

11M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

The CFP semifinals are upon us! Thanks to our founding partner 76, Elite 11 President and close friend Brian Stumpf joins the show to take a deep dive into the quarterback position among the four teams remaining in the College Football Playoff. His recall into what Quinn Ewers, Will Howard, Riley Leonard and Drew Allar were in high school is fascin…

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CFP Quarterfinal Preview 52:20

11M ago52:20

52:20

LIVE from Rose Bowl Media Day, Ashley Adamson of the Big Ten Network joins the show to offer her insight into the all-Big Ten Quarterfinal matchup of Ohio State and Oregon. Thanks to our founding partner 76 - fresh off of the BTN set, Ashley and I offer our immediate takeaways, what we read between the lines during our interviews and our biggest ta…