College football is now a global passion, with fans worldwide tuning in to follow the drama, rivalries, and traditions of NCAA teams. The energy of a packed stadium, the intensity of age-old rivalries, and the emergence of fresh talent make it one of the most dynamic sports communities.
Podcasts offer the easiest and most flexible way to stay updated, whether you’re commuting, working out, or new to the sport. With numerous shows available, finding the right one can be challenging.
This guide highlights the top college football podcasts of 2025, covering expert insights, fan favorites, and daily updates. Each pick includes what makes it special, where to listen, and who it’s best for.
Top 10 College Football Podcasts in 2025
In 2025, the world of best college football podcasts is more vibrant and diverse than ever. Whether you’re craving sharp analysis, spirited fan debates, or quick daily updates, there’s a show tailored to your interests.
Here’s a curated list of the top 10 best college football podcasts that are dominating the scene in 2025:
| Sr. No. | Podcast Title | Host(s) | What It’s About | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Solid Verbal | Dan Rubenstein, Ty Hildenbrandt | Fun, analytical takes with strong fan community vibes | The Solid Verbal, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify |
| 2 | The Joel Klatt Show | Joel Klatt | Expert analysis with global-friendly game breakdowns | Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify |
| 3 | Cover 3 Podcast | Chip Patterson, Fornelli, Elliott, Kanell | Daily news, betting, and recruiting updates | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| 4 | Late Kick with Josh Pate | Josh Pate | Bold opinions and insider recruiting insights | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| 5 | Athlon Sports’ Cover 2 Podcast | Steven Lassan, Braden Gall | Smart previews and structured weekly breakdowns | Athlon Sports, Apple Podcasts, Spotify |
| 6 | Locked On College Football | Spencer McLaughlin + team hosts | Fast daily updates with local team coverage | LockedOnPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| 7 | The Audible | Stewart Mandel, Bruce Feldman | Insider reporting and deep policy/coach coverage | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| 8 | Saturday Down South Podcast | Connor O’Gara, Will Ogburn | SEC-focused humor and cultural analysis | SaturdayDownSouth, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| 9 | Always College Football | Greg McElroy | Balanced commentary with rankings and strategic insights | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| 10 | College Football Unfiltered | Rotating guest panels | Open-format fan debates and unscripted discussions | Apple Podcast |
Below, we’ve provided detailed breakdowns of each of these top 10 college football podcasts to help you find the perfect match:
1. The Solid Verbal
| Theme | Analytical and humorous commentary with a fan-first approach. |
| Hosts | Dan Rubenstein and Ty Hildenbrandt |
| Listen On | Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube |
| Perfect For | Longtime fans who want both deep insights and entertainment. |
Known for its mix of humor and insight, The Solid Verbal balances deep college football analysis with light-hearted segments like “Reverbs,” featuring listener reactions. It’s ideal for fans who want to enjoy the game without taking it too seriously.
What truly elevates The Solid Verbal is its ability to make every episode feel like a conversation with friends who love college football just as much as you do. Their decades of podcasting experience show in their timing, pacing, and fan engagement, and the Verballerhood community thrives on Twitter, Reddit, and even Discord.
2. The Joel Klatt Show
| Theme | Expert-driven game analysis and college football storytelling. |
| Hosts | Joel Klatt (FOX Sports Analyst). |
| Listen On | Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube |
| Perfect For | International fans seeking high-level game understanding. |
Joel Klatt blends film breakdowns, analytical takes, and strong storytelling to give listeners a front-row seat to the week’s biggest moments. His delivery is clear, crisp, and made for fans who crave next-level understanding.
Beyond recapping games, Klatt dives into deeper topics like playoff expansion, transfer portal trends, and coaching philosophies. His network of industry insiders and his work with FOX provide access to conversations and intel that most podcasts just can’t reach.
3. Cover 3 Podcast
| Theme | Comprehensive coverage with betting, recruiting, and game previews. |
| Hosts | Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Bud Elliott, Danny Kanell. |
| Listen On | CBS Sports, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| Perfect For | Daily listeners and serious fans who follow every headline. |
Cover 3 Podcast is packed with energy and information. From weekly betting previews to deep recruiting analysis, this show delivers everything a serious fan needs.
It stands out thanks to its dynamic roundtable format and spontaneous chemistry between hosts. Whether it’s rapid-fire mailbag questions or real-time reactions to breaking news, this is one of the few shows that truly feels alive and in-the-moment.
4. Late Kick with Josh Pate
| Theme | Unfiltered opinions, inside scoops, and cultural commentary. |
| Hosts | Josh Pate (247Sports) |
| Listen On | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| Perfect For | Hardcore fans looking for next-level takes and recruiting intel. |
Late Kick offers bold opinions backed by credible sourcing and a sharp focus on recruiting. Josh Pate isn’t afraid to address the politics and passion that fuel college football.
His “Late Kick Live” YouTube segments are particularly popular for their interactive nature, allowing fans to shape the conversation through questions and comments. Whether you’re chasing behind-the-scenes gossip or game breakdowns, Josh delivers with passion and precision.
5. Athlon Sports’ Cover 2 Podcast
| Theme | In-depth breakdowns of the biggest games and storylines. |
| Hosts | Steven Lassan and Braden Gall. |
| Listen On | Athlon Sports, Apple Podcasts, Spotify |
| Perfect For | Analytical fans who love preview content. |
Rooted in the respected Athlon Sports brand, this podcast dives into rankings, coaching shifts, and future projections. It’s heavy on research and provides a polished, professional tone.
Braden and Steven bring decades of combined experience and a disciplined approach to previewing weekends, making this podcast ideal for bettors and fantasy players. You’ll get spreadsheets, stats, and schedule analysis delivered in a radio-smooth format.
6. Locked On College Football
| Theme | Fast-paced, daily updates on all things college football. |
| Hosts | Spencer McLaughlin + network of team-specific hosts. |
| Listen On | Locked On Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| Perfect For | New fans looking for consistent daily info or school-specific shows. |
Locked On uses a wide-reaching network to provide daily national and team-specific updates. The episodes are short, snappy, and perfect for quick listening.
What makes this show essential is its consistency and accessibility. With daily updates, fans can catch up on scores, drama, injuries, and recruiting changes without investing a full hour. If you’re loyal to a single team, the sub-shows are like insider briefings tailored to you.
7. The Audible with Stew & Bruce
| Theme | Industry-insider conversations and in-depth reporting. |
| Hosts | Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman (The Athletic). |
| Listen On | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| Perfect For | Media-savvy fans and aspiring sports journalists. |
With access to top coaches and insiders, The Audible provides smart, thorough reporting. Stew and Bruce mix hard news with smart opinions, making it a favorite among informed listeners.
The podcast frequently features thoughtful interviews, deep-dive features, and policy discussions like NIL regulations or transfer portal effects. It’s more than a fan podcast, it’s a masterclass in how the college football ecosystem works.
8. Saturday Down South Podcast
| Theme | SEC-focused banter and breakdowns. |
| Hosts | Connor O’Gara and Will Ogburn. |
| Listen On | SaturdayDownSouth, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| Perfect For | SEC fans and newcomers looking to understand the region’s culture. |
Saturday Down South Podcast taps into the soul of the SEC with smart banter, fan takes, and hilarious sidebars. It captures the culture of Southern football in a way few others do.
In between game previews and player profiles, Connor and Will explore topics like tailgating culture, rivalries, and coach soundbites. Their humor keeps things light, even during intense playoff debates, making it feel like hanging out at a BBQ with SEC superfans.
9. Always College Football
| Theme | Thoughtful analysis, rankings, and commentary. |
| Hosts | Greg McElroy (ESPN/ABC) |
| Listen On | Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify |
| Perfect For | Fans want sharp, unbiased, insightful breakdowns. |
McElroy provides well-rounded insights that balance the analytical mindset of a quarterback with behind-the-scenes knowledge. His tone is friendly but sharp.
He’s particularly skilled at framing conversations around rankings, coaching decisions, and quarterback play, and he rarely plays favorites. The show’s strength is its integrity, you get straight talk, not hype.
10. College Football Unfiltered
| Theme | Honest takes, hot-seat chatter, and fan-submitted questions. |
| Hosts | Rotating guest panels |
| Listen On | Apple Podcast |
| Perfect For | International fans who enjoy unscripted formats. |
With a laid-back format, this show emphasizes open discussion, listener-submitted topics, and unpredictable commentary. It’s great for international fans curious about fan culture.
Because of its rotating panel format, no two episodes are the same. Expect unexpected tangents, heated opinions, and a range of regional voices—making it an ideal “after dark” listen that captures the raw emotion of college football fandom.
How to Choose the Right College Football Podcast To Listen?
With so many formats and tones to choose from, picking the right college football podcast can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re a data-driven analyst, a casual listener, or somewhere in between, understanding what each show offers is key to enhancing your listening experience.
Stats-Driven vs. Entertainment-Focused
When choosing a podcast, think about whether you enjoy deep data analysis or prefer a lighter, more humorous tone. Stats-driven podcasts like Cover 3 Podcast and Always College Football focus on recruiting, matchups, and predictions using data.
Meanwhile, entertainment-first shows such as The Solid Verbal and Saturday Down South blend fun banter and storytelling with football talk, making them easier for casual listeners to enjoy.
Daily News vs. Weekly Recap
If you like to stay updated every day, pick shows like Locked On College Football or Cover 3 Podcast. They post frequent, bite-sized updates and react to news as it happens.
For those who prefer more reflective commentary and in-depth storytelling, weekly podcasts like The Joel Klatt Show and Athlon Sports’ Cover 2 offer richer discussions and breakdowns with more polish.
Team-Specific Coverage vs. National View
Some podcasts dive deep into specific college teams, which is great if you’re loyal to one school. Locked On College Football has a network of school-specific shows that keep fans dialed in on their team.
For broader coverage of trends, rankings, and national matchups, go with The Audible, Cover 3, or Late Kick with Josh Pate, which analyze the landscape from a national viewpoint.
Friendly for Newcomers or Die-Hard Only?
If you’re new to college football, start with podcasts like The Joel Klatt Show or Locked On College Football, which explain concepts clearly and avoid too much insider lingo.
On the other hand, if you’re a veteran fan looking for layered analysis or recruiting chatter, Late Kick, The Audible, and Always College Football go deeper and assume you’re already in the know.
More Great NCAA Football Podcasts (Honorable Mentions)
Beyond the top 10, several other podcasts bring fresh takes, regional flavor, and entertaining insights that college football fans will enjoy.
1. Eye on College Football:
A reliable option from CBS Sports, this podcast combines expert analysis with weekly picks and storylines. It’s perfect for fans who enjoy mainstream coverage with a professional tone.
2. The College Football Bros:
Hosted by three real-life brothers, this podcast offers playful debates, predictions, and trivia. Great for listeners who want an easygoing mix of facts and fun.
3. No Punts Allowed:
Known for its sharp opinions and strategic insight, this podcast dives into controversies and coaching dynamics. Best for fans who enjoy the analytical side of the sport with personality.
4. Punt & Pass Podcast:
Focused on Georgia football but still relevant nationally, this show mixes insider talk with game recaps and social commentary. A favorite for SEC enthusiasts and Southern football followers.
Where Can You Listen To College Football Podcasts?
College football podcasts are more accessible than ever, available on a wide range of platforms suited to every device and preference. Whether you prefer video, audio, or smart speaker convenience, there’s a listening option that fits your routine.
1. Spotify:
Accessible worldwide with a free or premium account. No sign-up required for basic listening, though premium offers ad-free playback and downloads. The algorithm helps discover similar shows based on your listening habits.
2. Apple Podcasts:
Built into all Apple devices and free to use. No registration needed unless subscribing to premium channels. Strong search and curated lists make it easy to find trending or niche college football podcasts.
3. YouTube:
Great for video podcasts and clips, and globally available with or without an account. No subscription is required to watch or listen, but signing in helps save history and customize recommendations. Bonus: Many podcasts include visuals, commentary clips, or live chats.
4. Google Podcasts:
Ideal for Android users and available without needing a Google account. It offers a clean interface and easy syncing with Google Assistant, making it useful for voice access and cross-device listening.
5. Smart Speakers & Podcast Apps:
Devices like Alexa and apps like Overcast, Pocket Casts, or Castbox let you listen hands-free. Most are free and available internationally. Some require linking accounts, but they’re perfect for multitasking or commuting listeners. Use Alexa, Overcast, or Pocket Casts for voice or advanced features.
Related Read:
Conclusion: The Solid Verbal Lead Best College Football Podcast
Following college football podcasts is one of the best ways to stay connected to the game, no matter your location or experience level.
Whether you’re a lifelong supporter, a curious international fan, or just getting started, there’s a podcast that matches your style and pace.
Try a variety of formats, from data-heavy analysis to lighthearted commentary, and don’t hesitate to switch it up during the season.
These shows make it easy to learn more about the teams, rivalries, and culture that define college football. Bookmark this guide to keep track of the best voices in the sport.
FAQs
Start with The Joel Klatt Show or Locked On College Football. They are fully clear, jargon-free, and great for learning the game basics.
Saturday Down South is perfect for SEC fans, while Cover 3 Podcast and Always College Football offer solid coverage of both the SEC and Big Ten.
Yes, most are free on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, with offline listening options available.
Some shows like Locked On College Football update daily, while others like The Solid Verbal post weekly with deeper analysis.
Late Kick with Josh Pate and Cover 3 provides expert takes on recruiting, matchups, and betting storylines.
