What Lincoln Riley Must Prove + Big Ten Media Day Expectations

2026-07-28

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In today’s episode, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo break down a chaotic week in college football, starting with breaking news out of Chapel Hill, a massive Big Ten Media Day preview, and the sport’s latest labor shifts. First, the guys dive into North Carolina placing general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave. What does this mean for the Tar Heels' 2026 season, the program's structural future, and the long-term relationship between UNC and Bill Belichick? Bruce and Ralph evaluate Lomba...

First, the guys dive into North Carolina placing general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave. What does this mean for the Tar Heels' 2026 season, the program's structural future, and the long-term relationship between UNC and Bill Belichick? Bruce and Ralph evaluate Lombardi’s brief tenure as a CFB general manager and project what expectations look like for UNC moving forward.

Next, with Big Ten Media Days kicking off and USC head coach Lincoln Riley taking the stage tomorrow, the guys preview the biggest storylines, teams, and coaches they are chasing down. Plus, they break down the 2026 Preseason Big Ten Poll, discussing why predicting an order of finish is harder than the SEC this year and why Bruce is underwhelmed by the conference's running back rooms.

Finally, they tackle the latest massive labor news as Stanford football players move toward creating a collective bargaining unit. Does this bring college football closer to a CBA? To wrap up, Bruce and Ralph highlight college football’s 2026 "All-Geezer Team," spotlighting the 7th- and 8th-year players still dotting rosters, including names like Avery Johnson and Bear Alexander.

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TIMESTAMPS:

1:10 UNC places GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave due to HR complaint

6:13 - Another distraction for UNC

7:28 - What happens going forward?

16:36 - What is high on Bruce’s list for Big Ten media day?

20:36 - Oregon Ducks title contention?

23:31 - Last time Ohio State won the Big Ten

25:36 - Pressure on Lincoln Riley and USC

31:46 - The Big Ten RBs

34:35 - Stanford players and a CBA?