The Sportsnaut Interview

Join host Evan Groat and Andy Patton, host of the Locked On Basketball Podcast, as they dive into the high-stakes matchups of the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. This episode features an in-depth analysis of the "de facto national championship" between Michigan and Arizona, the clash between Illinois and UConn, and the latest buzz surrounding North Carolina's search for a new head coach.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to the Sportsnot Interview0:40 - North Carolina Head Coach Search: Lloyd, May, or Donovan4:08 - Is the "Cinderella" Run Dead? The Impact of NIL & Transfer Portal7:12 - Game Preview: #1 Illinois vs. #1 UConn9:26 - The Danny Hurley Factor: Does Tournament Experience Matter?11:21 - The Main Event: Michigan Wolverines vs. Arizona Wildcats14:01 - Pressure to Win: Long Championship Droughts for Michigan & Arizona15:10 - Where to Follow Andy Patton#FinalFour #CollegeBasketball #CollegeHoops #UConn #Illinois #Michigan #Arizona

Get ready for Opening Day 2026! Baseball writer Zach Crizer joins the show to break down his most daring predictions for the upcoming season. From surprise division winners in the AL East and NL East to new faces in the MVP race, we dive into the rosters, pitching rotations, and major rule changes like the ABS challenge system that will define the year. Stick around to see which "team of destiny" is picked to take home the World Series trophy.Chapters:00:00 – Opening Day 2026 Kickoff01:02 – AL East: Why the Red Sox Take the Crown02:29 – NL East: Can the New-Look Mets Deliver?04:32 – Analyzing the Yankees & Phillies Offseason Moves06:56 – AL Central: The Royals' Case for the Division08:19 – NL Central: Cubs vs. Brewers09:32 – MVP Race: Bobby Witt Jr. vs. Aaron Judge10:45 – National League MVP: The Ohtani Factor11:18 – The New ABS Challenge System Explained12:45 – 2026 World Series Predictions#MLB #baseball

Join Evan Groat and college basketball insider Adam Zagoria for an in-depth breakdown of the NCAA Tournament bracket. This episode explores the controversial seeding of St. John’s and Connecticut in the "murderous row" of the East region, alongside Duke and Michigan State. Adam provides expert analysis on which powerhouse coaches are under the most pressure, potential 5-12 upsets like High Point and Akron, and the teams most likely to end long championship droughts for the Big 10 and West Coast. Stay tuned for Adam’s Final Four predictions and find out why he believes Tommy Lloyd and Arizona are poised to take home the national title.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: The Best Three Weeks of the Year0:30 – St. John's Seeding Controversy: Should the Big East Champs Be a 5 Seed?2:19 – The "Murderous Row" of the East Region: Duke, UConn, and Michigan State4:14 – Coaches Under Pressure: Can Michigan State or Arizona End the Drought?6:44 – Purdue’s Path: Are the Boilermakers a True Final Four Threat?8:01 – Dark Horses: Is John Calipari’s Arkansas Built for a Deep Run?8:50 – Cinderella Stories: Potential 5-12 Upsets and Mid-Major Spoils10:09 – Contenders vs. Pretenders: How Many Teams Can Actually Win It All?11:32 – Bracket Snubs and Selection Committee Gripes12:52 – Final Four and National Championship Prediction#ncaatournament #marchmadness #dukebasketball #arizonabasketball #michiganstate #arkansas #collegebasketball 

The NFL league year is officially underway, and the free agent frenzy is in full swing! Join host Evan Groat and Caroline Fenton (Yahoo Sports, SiriusXM) as they dive deep into the biggest headlines from the start of the new league year. From the shocking Maxx Crosby trade saga and the Baltimore Ravens' pivot to Trey Hendrickson to the Las Vegas Raiders' aggressive strategy to build a winning "ecosystem" for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.We also break down whether free-agent spending translates to Super Bowl success, analyze recent winners like the Seahawks and Patriots, and identify which players, like DJ Moore in Buffalo and Trent McDuffie with the Rams, will have the biggest impact on their new teams.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: Kickoff of the New NFL League Year1:02 – The Max Crosby Trade Saga: Why the Ravens Backed Out2:40 – Ravens' Pivot: Trading for Crosby vs. Signing Trey Hendrickson4:11 – Las Vegas Raiders' Free Agency Aggression: Building Around Fernando Mendoza5:30 – Key Raiders Signings: Tyler Linderbaum, Nico Dean, and Defensive Depth5:54 – Is a Veteran Bridge Quarterback Next for the Raiders?7:20 – Is Winning Free Agency Overrated for Super Bowl Success?8:38 – Lessons from the Seahawks and Patriots Super Bowl Rosters10:36 – The Role of "Schedule Luck" in a Super Bowl Run12:14 – High-Risk Contracts: Daniel Jones, Alec Pierce14:43 – Impactful Trades: DJ Moore to the Bills & Trent McDuffie16:03 – The Joe Brady Connection: Why DJ Moore Will Thrive in Buffalo17:50 – Which Super Bowl Contenders Are Being Too Quiet in Free Agency?

Sportsnaut host Evan Groat sits down with NFL Draft Analyst Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports and host of the "Best Available Podcast," who was at the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Roberts shares his firsthand insights on players who improved their draft stock, including running back Mike Washington from Arkansas and defensive back Chris Johnson from San Diego State. Roberts also discusses the consensus quarterback two in the class, Tai Simpson, the strength of this year's draft being on the defensive side of the ball, and why the combine is his favorite pre-draft event.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to Ryan Roberts0:39 - Why the NFL Combine is the favorite pre-draft event1:27 - About Ryan Roberts' "Best Available Podcast"2:25 - The Combine as a verification process3:42 - Prospect whose positive thoughts were confirmed: Traden Stokes (Arizona)4:58 - Prospect who could be a first-round pick: Chris Johnson (San Diego State)5:38 - Teams becoming too enamored with physical ability8:24 - Prospects who improved their draft stock10:56 - Biggest riser since the end of the season12:57 - Consensus quarterback 2: Tai Simpson15:16 - Strength of the 2024 NFL Draft class#NFLCombine #NFLDraft #Indianapolis #Sportsnaut #RyanRoberts #NFL #DraftProspects #BestAvailablePodcast #TradenStokes #MikeWashington #ChrisJohnson #TaiSimpson

MLB Analyst Tom Verducci joins host Evan Groat to discuss the latest in Major League Baseball, including the new ABS challenge system, the New York Yankees' offseason moves, the Los Angeles Dodgers' dominance, and the likelihood of a future work stoppage. Verducci also pinpoints teams he expects to bounce back this season.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction and Guest Tom Verducci0:57 - The New MLB ABS Challenge System1:30 - Verducci’s thoughts on the ABS System4:23 - The Future of Robo-Umpires5:15 - Reviewing the Yankees' Offseason7:46 - The Dominant Los Angeles Dodgers10:31 - Thoughts on the Dodgers' Spending and Dynasties12:43 - Likelihood of an MLB Work Stoppage15:31 - Teams Expected to Bounce Back in the Upcoming Season123456789#MLB #MajorLeagueBaseball #Baseball #TomVerducci #ABSChallengeSystem #RoboUmpires #Yankees #Dodgers #WorkStoppage #MLBSeasonPreview #Sportsnaut

College basketball insider Adam Zagoria (NY Times/Forbes) joins the Sportsnaut Interview to discuss the exceptionally talented freshman class, including the "big three"—Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cam Boozer (Duke), and AJ Debansa (BYU)—and how their potential draft stock is being impacted by issues like injuries and player eligibility debates. Plus, a deep dive into the most dominant conference in college hoops and mid-major teams like Miami (Ohio) and St. Louis.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to College Basketball Insider Adam Zagoria0:56 - The Talented Freshman Class and the NBA Draft1:41 - The "Big Three" Freshmen: Darren Peterson (Kansas), Cam Boozer (Duke), and AJ Debansa (BYU)2:25 - NIL, the Transfer Portal, and Building College Rosters4:02 - Schools Shifting Away from High School Recruiting5:05 - Darren Peterson's Availability and Toughness Concerns7:45 - Debates Over G League Players and Former Draft Picks Returning to College10:58 - The Most Dominant Conference: Big 10 vs. Big 1213:38 - Undefeated Mid-Majors: Miami (Ohio) and St. Louis NCAA Tournament Outlook#CollegeBasketball #NBADraft #AdamZagoria #FreshmanClass #MarchMadness #CBB #Big12 #Big10 #DarrenPeterson #CamBoozer #AJDebansa

Evan Groat sits down with NBA expert Mark Medina to break down all the major storylines as the league approaches the All-Star break and the dust settles on the trade deadline.Chapters:0:45 - Discussion on the James Harden trade to the Cavaliers and initial reactions.11:57 - Reasons why the Harden trade "makes sense" for Cleveland, who were looking for a "win now" player after flaming out in the playoffs.23:18 - Analysis of the Cavaliers' potential for a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference following the acquisition of Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroeder.35:11 - Discussion on the Utah Jazz and "extreme tanking" after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr..46:16 - The Jazz's strategy of sitting players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen for the entire fourth quarter to increase their odds of losing games, and how Danny Ainge is "milking the system".56:33 - The NBA's response to tanking, including the Play-In Tournament and the upcoming questions for Commissioner Adam Silver at All-Star Weekend.610:28 - The main story of the trade deadline: Giannis Antetokounmpo staying with the Milwaukee Bucks.710:46 - Why the Bucks didn't trade Antetokounmpo and the expectation that more teams, potentially including the Lakers, will be in the mix next offseason.814:49 - Mark Medina states the San Antonio Spurs are "the real deal" and ready for the big time, and could be on the path to an NBA Finals appearance.9 • • 15:13 - What the Spurs have shown this season with Victor Wembanyama, Stephen Castle, and Dylan Harper, and the potential for a new dynasty

Matt Harmon, NFL writer at Yahoo Sports, joins Evan Groat from Radio Row to break down Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Harmon shares his take on the quarterback matchup, the Patriots' key offensive attack, and the coaching storyline featuring Mike McDonald and Mike Vrabel.Chapters:0:40 The quarterback matchup (Drake May vs. Sam Darnold)1:10 Which quarterback to trust in the 4th quarter2:25 Patriots' running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson vs. TreVian Henderson4:08 Patriots offense's potential key matchup against the Seahawks defense5:26 The coaching storyline: Mike McDonald and Mike Vrabel8:46 Will the Seahawks win with offense or defense?10:01 Patriots' focus on the interior defensive line10:31 Patriots' blitzing strategy against Sam Darnold12:15 Does either coach have an edge?14:13 Matt Harmon's final score prediction and MVP pick

Sports Illustrated staff writer Matt Verderame joins the show to break down the Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, offering analysis on key players like Drake May and Sam Darnold, and giving his prediction for the big game! The conversation also covers the recent NFL coaching hires, including a look at the best new team/coach pairings this offseason.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Super Bowl Matchup Set00:26 Introducing Guest Matt Verderame, Staff Writer for Sports 00:53 Mike Vrabel's Job Turning Around the Patriots in One Season01:30 Thoughts on Vrabel and Patriots' Offseason Additions02:29 Reaction to Drake May's MVP-level Jump in Year Two03:17 Drake May is Second Youngest Quarterback to Start in a Super 04:22 Drake May Pushing to Join the Elite AFC QB Group05:00 New England's Advantage with Experienced Coaching Staff 06:23 Seattle is the Far Better Football Team06:43 The Redemption Story of Seattle QB Sam Darnold07:22 Sam Darnold's Unique Case in NFL History09:42 Discussing the Unlikeliest Super Bowl Matchup10:19 Super Bowl Prediction: Seahawks to Win by 14-17 Points11:09 New England Must Win the Cornerback Matchups12:10 Best New Coach/Team Marriage 12:36 Mentioning Minter and the Ravens, and Saleh and the Titans13:20 Thoughts on Hafley and the Dolphins, and Brady with Buffalo14:58 Where to Find Matt Verderame's Super Bowl Content#NFL #SuperBowl #Patriots #Seahawks #MattVerderame #DrakeMay #SamDarnold #MikeVrabel #NFLCoachingHires #SportsIllustrated

Sportsnaut sits down with USA Today baseball writer and MLB insider Gabe Lacques to break down the latest news in Major League Baseball as spring training approaches. We discuss the New York Mets' aggressive pivot following a slow start to the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays' focus on pitching, concerns about the New York Yankees' lack of major moves, and the impact of the Los Angeles Dodgers' massive spending on the future of collective bargaining and a potential work stoppage. The biggest winners and losers from the offseason!Timecode0:00 Welcome and Introduction of Guest Gabe Lacques0:50 New York Mets Offseason: Are they better on paper?1:54 Analysis of the Mets' new additions, including Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette.4:25 Freddy Peralta trade completes the rotation and makes the Mets a threat.7:57 Toronto Blue Jays Offseason: Strengthening the pitching staff.8:56 Analyzing Dylan Cease's stuff and numbers.9:42 The loss of Bichette or Tucker and reliance on young players11:24 New York Yankees Offseason: Concerns with running back the same team.14:07 Question marks for the Yankees' pitching staff (Cole and Rodón).15:02 The Dodgers' mega-deal for Kyle Tucker & possibility of a salary cap.15:53 Tucker's contract as a potential "straw that broke the camel's back."16:13 Dodgers operation and the impact of Shohei Ohtani's contract structure.17:38 The owners' push for a salary cap18:21 Winning without buying players and the potential effect of a salary floor.19:17 Advice to fans: Enjoy the season before the 2026 CBA expiration.

USA Today MLB columnist Bob Nightengale joins the Sportsnot interview to discuss the slow MLB offseason, predicting a "flurry of activity" soon. Nightengale shares his thoughts on the best offseason moves so far (Orioles, Blue Jays, Dodgers) and when the remaining top free agents like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Framer Valdez, and Zack Gallen might sign. He also discusses the likelihood of a work stoppage in 2027.Chapters:0:21 – Bob Nightengale joins; slow MLB offseason explained0:44 – Relievers signed fast; big position players & starters still available1:05 – Teams that improved most: Orioles (Pete Alonso), Blue Jays, Cubs, Dodgers (Edwin Diaz)1:32 – Quiet big spenders (Phillies, Yankees, Mets) expected to move soon1:59 – Alex Bregman started the dominoes; next: Kyle Tucker this week2:15 – Then Bellinger, Framber Valdez, Zach Gallen likely soon after2:36 – Most big free agents should sign before spring training (mid-February)3:00 – Bo Bichette: Phillies lead, but Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers as possible sleeper3:41 – 2027 work stoppage probable (Dec 2026 start) due to salary cap fight + TV/revenue issues5:19 – Stoppage likely short; sport is too profitable right now10:00 – Wrap-up & thanks

On this episode of The Sportsnaut Interview, we discuss the surprising departure of John Harbaugh from the Ravens after 18 years, noting that the season seemed "off" and that players appeared to no longer be "really buying into Harbaugh anymore". Our guest, Frank Schwab of Yahoo, also expresses surprise that the Browns let go of Kevin Stefanski, who is a good coach and has won Coach of the Year twice.

Sportsnaut sits down with Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 to break down the Buffalo Bills' hot streak, their massive comeback against the New England Patriots, and the AFC playoff picture.2345Sal Capaccio shares his biggest takeaways from the Bills' 21-point comeback win, which saw them score 28 points in the second half. He discusses what the win confirmed about the Bills: they can still beat anybody in the league when playing to their potential.67In this interview:Why this season might be the most opportunistic path for the Bills to reach the Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era.8The concern that this is also "probably [the] worst team" Buffalo has had during this run.9The tough road ahead, as the Bills will "probably have to go on the road for three straight games in the playoffs".10The high level of concern about the team's road playoff game struggles, as Josh Allen-led teams have lost all four road playoff games since 2019.11The inconsistencies of the Bills this year, including losses to teams like Atlanta and Miami.12Inconsistency on defense due to injuries and being undermanned.13The offensive inconsistency, specifically the ability to challenge teams on the outside at wide receiver.14Whether Coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane will face criticism from fans and ownership if the Bills fall short again.15Sal Capaccio is the sideline reporter and radio show host for WGR 550 in Buffalo, New York.#BuffaloBills #JoshAllen #NFLPlayoffs #BillsMafia #SalCapaccio #Sportsnaut #WGR550Chapters:00:00: Introduction to the guest, Sal Capaccio00:13: Discussion of the Bills' 21-point comeback win over the New England Patriots01:39: Discussion on the AFC playoff picture and if this is Buffalo's best opportunity to reach the Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era02:40: Balancing the most opportunistic path with the fact that this is "probably [the] worst team" the Bills have had in this run03:31: The concern about the Bills possibly having to play three straight road playoff games03:51: Discussion on Josh Allen-led Bills teams losing all four road playoff games since 201905:17: Why the inconsistencies with the Buffalo Bills this year05:36: Defensive inconsistency due to injuries and being undermanned06:27: Offensive inconsistency and the ability to challenge teams on the outside at wide receiver07:55: The Bills' success with their tight ends and running backs in the passing game09:18: The Bills' recent success, winning four of their last five games10:56: Will Coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane receive heat if the Bills fall short again, and is it fair?11:42: Heat from fans versus heat from ownership (Terry Pegula)

Sean Pendergast (SportsRadio 610) breaks down Houston’s 5-game win streak, the #1 defense carrying the team, why the O-line finally fixed CJ Stroud’s life, closing schedule vs Cards/Raiders/Chargers/Colts, and how Philip Rivers returning could decide the AFC South. Deep playoff run incoming? 🔥#Texans #HoustonTexans #NFLPlayoffs #CJStroud #DeMecoRyans #AFCSouth #NFL2025

Are the Chicago Bears actually legit? 🐻⬆️Alex Shapiro (FanSided) joins the Sportsnaut Interview to break down Chicago’s shocking 9-3 start, Ben Johnson’s Year-1 wizardry, Caleb Williams’ massive growth, and why the Bears are suddenly clutch in close games.Plus:Can they finally exorcise the Lambeau demon this Sunday?Will the #1 seed survive a brutal final stretch (2x Packers, Lions, 49ers)?How the defense is winning with duct tape and takeawaysIf you’re sleeping on the 2025 Bears… wake up.

Alex Shapiro, who covers the Chicago Bears for Fansided, joins Evan Groat to discuss the incredible resurgence the Chicago Bears have had under first-year coach Ben Johnson. Get the skinny from a Bears insider on one of the best stories of the 2025 NFL season.

We continue our conversation on the red hot Chicago Bears with Fansided's Alex Shapiro on the 9-3 NFC North leaders.

Is Shedeur Sanders the answer for the Cleveland Browns? 92.3 The Fan Cleveland radio host Andy Baskin joins the Sportsnaut Interview to break down Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start and win vs. the Raiders, why he looked sharper than his debut vs. Baltimore, the Myles Garrett game-ball controversy, Kevin Stefanski relationship rumors, Dillion Gabriel vs. Shedeur debate, Deshaun Watson’s possible return, and whether Stefanski’s job is now tied to the rookie QB’s final 6 games.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:23 Andy Baskin joins01:15 Shedeur vs. Raiders > Ravens performance02:11 Was starting Shedeur overdue?03:25 Why the Browns QB room was a mess all season04:10 Cleveland fans embracing Prime’s son?06:12 The game-ball drama & Stefanski conspiracy theories08:28 Is the job still Shedeur’s if he struggles? (Deshaun Watson wildcard)09:51 Is Kevin Stefanski’s job on the line these last 6 games?11:42 Where to find Andy Baskin & 92.3 The Fan#ShedeurSanders #ClevelandBrowns #NFL #BrownsNation #DeionSanders #KevinStefanski #DawgPoundLike & subscribe for more NFL interviews and instant reaction!

Dive into the Seattle Seahawks' electric 7-2 heater with Tacoma News Tribune beat reporter Gregg Bell! We unpack Sam Darnold's MVP magic, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's breakout bombs, a gritty run game grind, McDonald's defensive lockdown, and must-win trenches tactics vs. the Rams. Essential intel for every 12th Man diehard!