Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth

Every season leaves clues.About players. About coaches. About the direction of the sport. And about what matters mast when the noise fades and the games are done.As the calendar turns and the postseason lights up, we wanted to pause—just briefly—to recognize four individuals who didn’t just post numbers or win games. They embodied the spirit of 2025 here at Y-Option.So welcome to our 2025 Awards show as Jim Thornby and I reveal the Y-Option GO GO GO Awards, presented by our founding sponsor 76®, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.My 5-Star Quarterback of the YearFernando Mendoza — IndianaThere are recruiting rankings. And then there are journeys.Fernando Mendoza’s path—from two-star recruit to Heisman Trophy winner—may be one of the most compelling quarterback stories the sport has ever produced. As a starter, Mendoza had a different offensive coordinator each season with a new systems and new expectations. Yet what never changed was his preparation, inner belief and competitive edge.What stood out all season—and in New York over the weekend—wasn’t just the arm talent or the efficiency. It was his awareness. Of moments. Of teammates. Of the responsibility that comes with leading a program that hadn’t stood on this stage before.He prepared like a pro long before the hardware arrived. He bet on himself when others didn’t. And now there’s a new generation of quarterbacks—somewhere in middle school, some headed to Elite 11—who will study him the way he once studied Tom Brady.That’s impact.Fernando Mendoza is our 2025 Five-Star Quarterback of the Year.Go Go Gone AwardMakai Lemon — USCThe best receivers don’t just get open.They rise.Makai Lemon did exactly that in 2025—turning big moments, tight windows, and constant attention into production and presence. He led all Power Four receivers in yards, earned the Biletnikoff, and became only the second Trojan ever to take home that honor.But what separated him wasn’t just what he did—it was how he did it.Humility. Precision. Reliability. When defenses knew the ball was coming his way, he still delivered. When USC needed answers, he provided them.That’s why every touch felt dangerous. And why every defense felt pressure.Makai Lemon didn’t just stretch the field. He elevated it.He is our 2025 Go Go Gone Award winner.Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.That Dude! AwardKenyon Sadiq — OregonEvery defensive coordinator asks the same question on Sunday night preparing to face the Ducks:* Where is Kenyon Sadiq on every snap?For Oregon, the answer was clear. He’s everywhere.Kenyon Sadiq wasn’t just productive. He was positional chaos. Tight end. H-back. Slot. Backfield. Seam. Red zone. Motion. Mismatch.Linebackers couldn’t run with him. Defensive backs couldn’t handle his size. And when injuries hit the Ducks’ receiver room, his impact only grew.But this award has always been about more than stats.It’s about presence. Professionalism. And setting the standard.Sadiq followed the blueprint laid down before him—then elevated it. From how he entered practice, to how he prepared, to how he competed.Which is why Kenyon Sadiq is That Dude! for Y-Option in 2025.Headset HeroCurt Cignetti — IndianaGreat coaching isn’t loud.It’s consistent.What Curt Cignetti has built at Indiana defies modern precedent. 24 wins and 2 losses in two seasons at a program that won 23 games in the previous 5 years combined! IU is a program reborn through evaluation, development, and unwavering standards.I’ve known about Coach Cignetti for a while and getting to know him it’s clear - he leads with independent thoughts, uncommon consistency and elite communication.Those are the pillars of great leadership. And few have embodied them like Coach Cignetti.He didn’t chase trends. He didn’t lower expectations. He spoke belief into existence—and demanded that others rise to meet it.In a season full of worthy candidates, this one was clear.Curt Cignetti is Y-Option’s 2025 Headset Hero, presented by 76.Final WhistleFour awards. Four stories. One shared thread.Preparation. Belief. Standards. Fearless.As the College Football Playoff unfolds and the sport continues to evolve, these are the examples worth holding onto. The ones that remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.From all of us at Y-Option, thank you for riding with us through another season and enjoying today’s episode around our Awards and the first round of the College Football Playoff. Whether you’re here every week or just checking in, we don’t take it lightly.We’ll keep going.We’ll keep asking better questions.And we’ll keep celebrating the people and who compete to make those around them better.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

Fernando Mendoza win the Heisman! Join Rhett Lewis, Galen Clavio and myself as we talk about an incredible night in NYC.Also - be sure to subscribe to Y-Option’s YouTube Channel.Much love and stay steady,Yogi This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

Hey Y-Option Community,Thank you for joining our Y-Option LIVE conversation as we dove into the simple question of “Why is College Football so Angry?”Off to NYC for the Heisman and expect more content right here in your inbox.Be sure to subscribe to get all content as the CFP gets underway in a matter of weeks.Much love and stay steady,Yogi This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

Each week Todd Blackledge and I get to sit down with head coaches, coordinators and players in advance of our games. It’s a time where analysts glean insight into scheme, players and the game. This week at Y-Option, Todd joined me to dive into the Big Ten Championship Game as we discussed what questions we would be seeking answers to if we were calling the Ohio State vs Indiana match-up. As always, our conversation is podcast is fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.It’s a fun conversation as Todd has called championship games before and both of us have recently called Ohio State and Indiana games so we try to paint a full picture of what each side is carrying into the biggest stage of their season.We take a detailed look at Fernando Mendoza vs Matt Patricia’s defense and Brian Hartline’s offense against Bryant Haines’ defense, as well as the mental elements led by Ryan Day and Curt Cignetti.The conversation evolves into a deeper look at Indiana’s rapid rise under Coach Cignetti, the disciplined way he has built the roster, and what his journey—from Alabama to IUP to James Madison to the Big Ten—reveals about evaluation, culture, and belief. From there, the episode widens into the broader chaos of the sport: championship picks, coaching dominoes, portal season, and the looming sprint toward the Heisman and the College Football Playoff. At its core, this episode is also a window into the fraternity of broadcasting—the camaraderie, the mentorship, and the genuine support that makes the profession special.Be sure to subscribe to Y-Option as we have a lot of detailed analysis behind the paywall coming soon.I’m off to Eugene to watch the title games and spend some time with the Ducks this weekend.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 after nine seasons. We unpacked what he meant to that program, the stability he brought through COVID and realignment, and the bigger question that now defines every open job—does the school have the alignment and NIL resources to truly compete, or are they just hoping to be bowl-eligible?From there, the conversation moved to the coaching carousel at large: Lane Kiffin’s decision and the pull of blue blood jobs, what’s at stake at places like LSU, Florida, Penn State, UCLA and beyond, and how one move could set off a chain reaction across multiple conferences.We then zoomed out to the CFP race. Who’s basically in regardless of what happens next, who needs chaos, and how the committee might view late-season momentum versus full-season resume. We hit on SEC scheduling, Notre Dame’s surge, Oregon and Washington’s collision course, and why rivalry week is going to make everything even messier.Finally, we looked west: USC’s loss at Oregon, UCLA’s pending transition, and how the expanded playoff and portal era will shape the future of the sport.It’s a full tour of where college football is right now—and where it might be headed in the next two weeks.I’m off to call a huge rivalry as Purdue hosts Indiana in the Old Oaken Bucket on NBC on Friday night.Much love, stay steady and Happy Thanksgiving all!YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 on Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.This week, the Cougs stand at 5–5 and pack their bags for a cross-country trip to face James Madison—a program that’s earned national attention and Cinderella CFP conversation. Washington State has been in the fight in nearly ever big road game this year, and the timing felt right to bring their new leader onto the show. And being an honorary Coug, it just had to happen! What followed was a look behind the curtain at what it truly means to take over a program in this new era of college football and a man who truly understands the Role of a Coach.Rogers stepped into Pullman facing a landscape that had been reshaped by change. A new staff. More than 75 newcomers. A handful of veterans who had lived through multiple coaching transitions. The question looming over all of it was simple but daunting: How do you take all those pieces and build a culture that can withstand the long haul?That’s where this conversation lives.I heard a man who’s absorbed every challenge—roster turnover, expectation resets, the pressure to win immediately—and continued to build forward. It was clear how he views leadership in a time when the portal never closes, when continuity is rare, and when the identity of a program has to be crafted at full speed. And you see why Washington State believed he was the one to steady the program, set its direction, and carry it into the next era in the re-imagined Pac-12.Two games remain in year one: the trip to James Madison and a finale against Oregon State, a matchup steeped in the uniqueness of this final Pac-12 year. What comes next—bowl eligibility, momentum into recruiting, the foundation for year two—will unfold quickly. But after spending real time with Coach Rogers, it’s clear he’s planted something meaningful. A vision. A plan. A belief system. Year one is rarely smooth, but you can hear the clarity in how he’s navigating every step.For Cougs fans, this conversation paints a roadmap into the future.For anyone curious about what it’s really like to take over a program in 2025, it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, leadership, and the grind of big-time football.The AfterglowI first connected with Coach Rogers after he took the job, at an event in the Pacific Northwest. Even in a crowded room it was obvious—this guy has presence. And presence matters when you’re tasked with reshaping a roster and reestablishing a program’s pulse.Listening to him lay out the chaos and the clarity of year one reminded me how difficult this job is, especially now. But it also reminded me why certain coaches break through: they see the road ahead before anyone else does.Two games remain. A bowl berth is within reach. And if everything breaks right, maybe the Cougs even end up in Los Angeles—selfishly, I’d love that. There’s something special about this version of Washington State, something that feels like it’s sharpening week by week.No matter how the final stretch goes, year one under Jimmy Rogers has delivered something every program wants: direction.And that’s why you hire him.This weekendI’ll be on the West Coast again this weekend, closing out your Saturday night on the call for Washington at UCLA from the Rose Bowl—potentially the final matchup of its kind in that historic venue. There’s a lot happening in college football right now. Jobs opening. Decisions looming. Seasons turning.But before all that unfolds, spend some time with the Cougs. And as always, if you want every interview, insight, and Y-Option story delivered straight to your inbox—multiple times a week, especially as the CFP run heats up—please subscribe to Y-Option as we value our community on so many levels.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 celebrating the game. Today he joins the Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.I met Gary in 2018. I was calling pre-season games for the short lived Alliance of American Football League (AAF) and he was set to be the main voice on the air for the regular season. As the broadcast began I looked over my left shoulder and there he was. A legend in the business and a man studying the game, honing his craft.At halftime I said hello but was too nervous to ask legit questions, gain advice and lean into his welcoming nature.This past July that all changed. We had a profound conversation at Big Ten Media Days, one that impacted me on so many levels, and since then have been able to forge a relationship. I learned that Gary, much like the giants in college football media, are kind, thoughtful and when in the twilight of their careers—only want to help.He did. He has.When I sat down with him for this week’s episode of Y-Option, I found a man who still sees the game the way a quarterback does—scanning the field, anticipating pressure, staying calm in chaos.Gary has spent decades calling the biggest games in college football—his voice layered into the sport’s history like a soundtrack for fall Saturday’s. But beneath the broadcast polish is a story about grit, belief, and what it means to compete when the odds say otherwise.He began as an overlooked college player who refused to give up. When the NFL didn’t call, he made his own calls—writing letters to every team in the league until one gave him a shot. That moment defined him. It wasn’t luck. It was conviction.And that same conviction carried him through an extraordinary second act—not as a player, but as a broadcaster who treated every assignment like a game that mattered. Week after week, year after year, he studied film, built edges of puzzles, and trusted his instincts once the lights came on. He never coasted. He never took a play off.What stands out most about Gary isn’t his longevity—it’s his consistency. Whether he was breaking down a play on CBS or in a production meeting with players, he has approached each moment with respect for those who play, coach and watch. He saw broadcasting as a responsibility—not just to inform, but to teach and reveal the deeper beauty of the game.Now, in his final few games on CBS, there’s a grace to how he talks about walking away. He’s proud, but not boastful. Competitive, but grounded. What drives him is the same thing that fueled him as a player: doing the work, earning trust, and honoring the craft.At 74, he still sees himself as a player—not because he misses the roar of the crowd, but because the mindset never left him. Compete. Prepare. Respect the game. Elevate your teammates. Finish strong. Inspire others. And always believe in yourself. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.No planes this week as have a home game with Iowa visiting USC in a game that will be won at the line of scrimmage and what should be a sold out Coliseum. Hope you enjoy another week in college football, as the regular season is almost over.As always—much love and stay steady,YogiThanks for reading Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 Alyssa will welcome their first child.So before football, before anything else, we talked about that.Our job as broadcasters is to notice—to study body language, tone, and timing. So I asked him what he’s noticed most about his wife through the journey to parenthood. What followed was a reflection on steadiness, partnership, and what happens when the people closest to you reveal their best traits in the hardest moments. It reminded me that even in a profession obsessed with highlights, the most meaningful growth often happens quietly—off-camera, between breaths, in the spaces life gives us before everything changes.We also dove into the lessons learned from production meeting with head coaches, off-line chats on the sideline and the principles that are shared between a locker room and a living room.Guy not only works Saturday’s in the fall but also Sunday’s as one of the radio voices for the San Francisco 49ers. And once his son arrives he will be back on the hardwood calling basketball games for Big Ten Network, Fox and NBC/Peacock. When we talked about the craft of broadcasting, Guy described the last two seasons as an exercise in presence. Each week he focused on getting a little bit better—on one small thing—knowing this would be a shorter season before he turned his attention to fatherhood. That kind of intentional growth struck me. It’s easy to talk about chasing big dreams; it’s harder to live in the details of daily improvement. And as someone who studied film with him each week, he’s right and he lived with a growth mindset all summer and fall.The theme that echoed throughout our time together was simple: the best performers—whether in football, broadcasting, or life—operate with clarity, humility, and consistency. They don’t get caught up in what’s next. They just keep showing up, refining their process, trusting the people around them, and letting time reveal the result. From Kyle Shanahan to Ryan Day to PJ Fleck and everyone in between—there is a red thread that ties success together.This episode isn’t about highlights or hot takes—it’s about friendship, discipline, and the beauty of life’s little gifts. It’s about learning to Chase What Matters, on and off the field and if you get a little lucky, you’ll get a few great games along the way.I’m off to Madison, Wisconsin this weekend for Washington, finally ranked and in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, as they visit Camp Randall for the first time in 57 years. More on the CFP this weekend and as the old saying goes, "the games they remember are the ones in November.”Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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—keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.During the Lions bye week, Jared discussed his process under center, life as a new father and how he navigates the weight of being a star quarterback in the NFL.A decade into his NFL career, Jared reflects on the transformation from big time recruit, freshman at Cal going 1-11, top draft pick to Super Bowl starter—and then to being traded and reborn in Detroit. What emerges is a portrait of a competitor who’s learned to carry less weight, see the game more clearly, and find purpose beyond the scoreboard.I’ve known Jared since he was 16 years old at the Elite 11 and while the jersey on his back has changed three times since then he has remained humble, kind, competitive and most importantly—a man who is always giving back to the game and those who also have a passion for it. For all of us who are navigating our own process in life around family, fatherhood, our profession and more this conversation is for you as Jared Goff reminds us all that resilience, awareness, and the art of staying grounded are ingredients for success internally even when the world expects perfection.For past episodes of THE PROCESS be sure to subscribe to our YouTube page to watch Mark Jackson, Chris Fowler, Peyton Manning and Dan Lanning.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 GO GO so you never miss a beat, is Luke Falk — the former Washington State walk-on turned Pac-12’s all-time passing leader and NFL QB, who’s now the author of The Mind Strength Playbook. I have called a handful of games when Luke was the signal caller for WSU and as an ‘Honorary Coug’ I’ve always felt like the edge that is curated in Pullman is something unique. Luke’s edge was cultivated by Mike Leach and the style in which Coach Leach taught Luke left an imprint on the QB.When Mike Leach told him, “Play with house money,” Luke didn’t fully get it.But Coach Leach was right — freedom creates flow. The moment you stop gripping outcomes so tight, you play loose again. You stop chasing approval and start trusting preparation.That idea anchors his new book, The Mind Strength Playbook: Master your Mind, Elevate Your Game, learning to train the mind the way athletes train their bodies. It’s not therapy — it’s prehab for your thoughts. He calls it mind strength — a daily discipline of clearing, visualizing, and forgiving so the real you can compete freely.Luke was an elite player, rising coach who has recently transitioned to his life’s calling. Our conversation is one that will leave you curious, reflective and for the fans of Luke Falk over the years, extremely proud. For Luke, it’s more than football. It’s about the evolution from playing scared to playing free. From needing validation to giving yourself permission.Because when you stop playing for approval and start playing with house money, life — and the game — open up again.You can grab Luke’s book, The Mind Strength Playbook, on Amazon or through his link supporting Hilinski’s Hope.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 — coaches out, CFP contenders adjust week to week , and patience from fan bases are on life support.What we found wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about identity, timing, and the impossible math of modern college football: boosters, buyouts, and the transfer portal colliding into a single decision point.The Coaching Carousel Spins AgainThree jobs gone in a single weekend — Penn State, Oregon State, UAB — bringing the national total to eight. Each one for a different reason, but all part of a similar pattern.* Penn State went from preseason No. 2 to unemployed head coach in three weeks.* Buyouts north of $50 million are now normalized, which means emotions move faster than logic.* As Jim said, “If you’re going to get rid of Coach A, you better have a damn good Coach B coming in next year.”The bigger question: do buyouts start to disappear? As the Playoff expands and the calendar stretches, schools may no longer afford impatience. Or will they only grow?Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Oregon State’s Tough ResetTrent Bray’s exit hurts because it was homegrown. He played there, grew as a coordinator there and loved being the Beavers Head Coach more than anything. Watching head coaches get dismissed from their alma mater is simply brutal.* Why is it an attractive job? Because the Beavs next head coach inherits a program with a playoff path in the new Pac-12 structure. We dive into that and more.* Corvallis has the resources and loyalty to rise again — if they get the hire right.I said it on the pod: sometimes the game moves faster than your rebuild. But when a team loses hope, change follows.The Human Cost We Don’t SeeWhen a coach is fired, the headline reads “$50 million buyout.” But the story from this lens is about the 300 people whose lives change by Monday morning.* The $17K QC coach.* The $45K assistant with a newborn.* The family wondering about health insurance in February.* The 4th grader who has to walk into school knowing EVERYONE knows his Dad just got fired, and likely boo’d the previous weekend.So to every player on a team in transition: you’ll remember this season forever. Compete. Connect. Choose uncommon effort over easy excuses.Teams That Define the Moment* Indiana: Stunned Oregon in Autzen with six sacks and a line-of-scrimmage win few saw coming. A top-3 résumé right now.* USC: Looked like a Big Ten team vs. Michigan — 224 rush yards, physicality, command. If they win at Notre Dame, Jayden Maiava’s in the Heisman conversation.The West Coast Snapshot* Washington is quietly dominant again with Demond Williams Jr. Too quiet in my eyes.* Arizona has made big strides this season and were a snap away from a huge upset over BYU.* UCLA, under interim Tim Skipper, looks reborn.* And Stanford’s new $50M donation just made their future way more interesting than their record. And their head coaching vacancy more attractive.Some Conversation Starters * The expanded playoff will test how fast schools act — and overreact.* Buyouts will shrink. They have to.* The West is rising again — maybe not in one conference, but through identity, talent, and physicality.It’s the season’s halfway point, but the sport’s heartbeat is racing. And each Saturday, ours is too.As always, much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

There’s a theme that echoes through Dan Lanning’s program at Oregon in 2025: Double Down.But for the defending regular season Big Ten champs and one of the nation’s top teams “Doubling Down” is not just about repeating as Champs or getting to the College Football Playoff, it’s about daily growth.Dan Lanning is the latest conversation on THE PROCESS, a limited series within Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat. In a detailed conversation with Rhett Lewis and myself, the Ducks head coach opened up about being exposed to the GOAT of Process, Nick Saban, and how that has impacted his life and the core DNA Traits of his program.After a statement win on the road at Penn State two weeks ago, Lanning didn’t allow the emotions of an epic White Out win to linger. “Every one of our players has an improvement plan,” he told us. “One thing they must get better at.” And that goes for every unit, every coach, every staff member.That kind of clarity doesn’t come from chasing results. It comes from the process that Lanning learned years ago at Alabama and Georgia which began with a simple phrase: evaluate everything. The good calls, the bad ones, the moments that worked out for the wrong reasons. As he put it, “Good process, bad result–that can happen. Bad process, good result–that can happen too.” Regardless of result, his knows he and his staff still have to fix it.And then he took it further and shared something with Rhett and I that we have never heard from a football coach.He has his players self-reflect each week. Not just verbally, but he has them write it down. And not just what worked, but what didn’t and how they’ll respond. Coach Lanning reads each players essay and their words give him a window into their self-awareness, and that’s where real growth starts.When Coach Lanning spoke about self-awareness for his players, it landed. Because that word sits at the center of his life too. The man who once drove from Kansas City to Pittsburgh just to chase a coaching job now balances the same fire at Oregon with grounded perspective. His wife’s battle with cancer reshaped how he sees the world. “There is no balance in this profession,” he admitted. But when he gets a moment to have dinner with his wife or watch his son’s football game–Coach Lanning is all in.In a sport where everyone’s watching the scoreboard, Dan Lanning is focused on the present while building a culture that values honesty over hype, process over panic, and connection over control.And if you walk into his locker room, he says, you’ll see that the rest of the world could learn from the young men in it.That’s The Process. That’s Growth. And it’s working in Eugene.For past episodes of THE PROCESS be sure to check out Peyton Manning, Chris Fowler and Mark Jackson as their process as professionals, husbands and fathers may impact your life.Much love and stay steadyYogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, welcomed Dave Revsine so get to know the story behind one of the core voices of Big Ten Network.For Dave, it all began in Chicago. A kid turning down the TV volume, writing out the White Sox lineup, and calling the games into a tape recorder. It detoured through a year on Wall Street (his most miserable), then on to Texas, where he ran his own camera to cover the Cowboys of Aikman, Irvin, and Smith. Eventually, ESPN came calling. Then, in 2007, the Big Ten Network.On launch night, BTN handed Dave 45 seconds of live airtime. No one edited his script. No one vetted his words. They just trusted him. Two days later, BTN aired Appalachian State’s upset over Michigan—and the network made history.In our conversation, Dave reflects on expansion, coast-to-coast Big Ten football, and what he trusts most as we head into Week 6. His answers are simple and powerful: Ohio State’s defense, Oregon’s completeness, Indiana’s rise.Thanks for reading Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth! This post is public so feel free to share it.But what struck me most wasn’t the analysis, it is the lens in which Dave sees the world of sports media. After decades in this business, Dave still lives with wonder. He hasn’t lost the gratitude for doing what he once dreamt about as a kid with a tape recorder. He hasn’t lost the kindness he was shown as a small-market reporter trying to cover the Cowboys.That’s why this episode feels bigger than Week 6 in the Big Ten. It’s about trust, preparation, and joy. Hope you enjoy.I’m off to Purdue for the first time to call a game on campus.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 the best seat in the house as he broadcasts the Oregon v Penn State game in Happy Valley during the Nittany Lions annual White Out.We dive into what it is like to broadcast a White Out, the match-ups he is looking forward to seeing play out and analyze both Drew Allar and Dante Moore.Todd shared the origin of his own career and how there is a unique connection between the start of his illustrious career and the famed White Out. He also shared how he prepares for a game like this, as he has known for months that NBC and his crew would be on the call.He also shared his truth on what Drew Allar needs to do in this environment and what this top 6 match-up will come down to.I’ve known Todd since he was calling Big East games back when I was playing and he’s been a constant source of inspiration and support since we met in the early 2000s. Be sure to tune into the White Out this Saturday night as this rematch of the Big Ten Championship game from last season may be a classic. And to both fan bases, win or lose, your season is neither complete or ruined. Yes, it’s a massive data point but it’s only week 5, and we have a lot of ball left to play.I’m off to Minnesota to call one of the most intriguing games of the weekend as Rutgers and Greg Schiano visit P.J. Fleck, who once worked on Schiano’s staff. I have a feeling we will kick off your Saturday with a four quarter game that will come down to a few plays, a few decisions.Enjoy Week 5 and as always, much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.I’ve known Scott for over a decade. He’s present, connected, and deeply committed to student-athletes. And what he’s navigated the past few years around the near collapse and rebuild of the Pac-12 is a masterclass in leadership.A few things that stood out from our conversation were:* The Obstacle is the Way: In April 2023, Scott was supposed to receive an award in Fresno. Instead, he found himself in the ER with a blood clot. Months later, the Pac-12 as we knew it dramatically changed shape. Two obstacles that could have stopped him in his tracks instead became catalysts. He leaned on a favorite book of both of ours, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, and reframed both challenges. Health brought perspective. Conference realignment brought energy. “How do we turn this into a positive?” became his mantra.* Leadership as a Conductor: This was a brilliant analogy as he referenced that leaders can be soloists or conductors. Scott chooses being a conductor to empower his team while balancing urgency with patience, and making sure everyone’s playing the same sheet music.* Rebuilding the Pac-12: Alongside commissioner Teresa Gould, Barnes helped stabilize the Pac-12. The result: a challenger brand closer to the ACC/Big 12 than any “Group of Five.” Fans responded. Instead of revenue decline, OSU set attendance records. Beaver Nation leaned in.* Rivalries Matter: Scott was clear: rivalries like Oregon–Oregon State matter. They’ve built the soul of college football, and they must be preserved. * “There’s another move or two” - We spoke about July 1, 2026 and the formal launch of the reimagined Pac-12 and that quote stuck with me.Overall, what Scott Barnes and Oregon State have had to navigate over the past few years is nothing anyone could have predicted when he took the job but as he referenced many times: while the obstacles are clear, going through them with thoughtful and intentional leadership is the way.Thank you for all of the support and enjoy the weekend!Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 created THE PROCESS, Peyton Manning was one of the first names that came to mind. While he admittedly rarely outran defenders or had the strongest arm, he had an edge that all of us can learn from and apply to our lives–his process around preparation.From the yellow notepads he filled as a freshman at Tennessee to the way he elevated teammates in Indianapolis and Denver, Peyton has always been defined by the unseen hours–the tape study, the details, the conversations that made Sunday’s look effortless.Highlights from Our Conversation* Preparation as a competitive advantage: Peyton shares how film study became his weapon at Tennessee and why counting your hours of preparation misses the point. If you love something, you will pour into it.* Leadership is earned, not given: Being the No. 1 pick didn’t make him a leader overnight. He had to meet adversity, look it in the eye and compete through it as a rookie.* Chase What Matters: Peyton turned down commercials early in his career, choosing football first. His advice to young QBs today: be patient. Find clarity around the thing that matters most, and for QBs, it’s mastering your craft. Then be disciplined as the opportunities will still come.* Advice to Parents in the stands: From watching Eli as a camper at the Manning Passing Academy to now watching his own kids play sports, Peyton reminds us the role of parents is to support, not coach from the bleachers.* Life after football: His neck surgeries forced him to reinvent himself and in doing so, he discovered resilience, perspective, and the truth that identity is more than a position. We all likely struggle with that and his lens on identity is powerful.* The Next Chapter: Whether it’s the ManningCast or winning Emmy’s, Peyton’s second act still leans on THE PROCESS he built as a player: ask questions, surround yourself with great people, and maintain a Growth Mindset.So, What’s Your Process?Every coach and athlete talks about “trusting the process.” Peyton Manning lived it. And in this conversation, you’ll see how his habits, mindset, and humility apply far beyond the football field.This isn’t just a look back at a Hall of Fame career. It’s a masterclass in preparation, leadership, and life. And we guarantee you will laugh, learn and hopefully share this conversation with someone else who is navigating their own Process in life.Much love and stay steady,Yogi and RhettY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 Del Rio’s. I’ve known Luke since he was 16 years old and watching his path as a signal caller, friend and coach has been fascinating.Luke is currently on Jedd Fisch’s staff at the University of Washington and his last year in football may one day be a part of a best-selling book. Luke grew up in NFL locker rooms, learning from his father, Jack, a long time NFL head coach. As a player, Luke would spin the ball in Tuscaloosa, Corvallis and complete his playing career as the starting quarterback at Florida.This past summer his journey took an unexpected turn, where he was the offensive coordinator for the Paris Musketeers in the European League of Football.We re-traced that journey on his final night in Paris before he and his family flew back to Seattle to begin the season with the Huskies.We talk about what it means to run your own room for the first time, how the seat feels different when you’re the play-caller, and what it was like to share the sideline with his father. We dive into the tension and beauty of that father-son dynamic, the lessons learned from coaching in a foreign land, and the emotional goodbye that brought Luke to tears after their final game.Yet what resonated most was the humanity: the afterglow of nights in Paris spent with family, teammates, and friends–the reminder that football is the vessel, but the people are the payoff.Luke Del Rio is back in the States now, primed for what could be a special season at UW, but his story is proof of what Chris Petersen once told me: your path will never go as you envision it…and that’s often the point.Off to State College and to those of you who have sent over notes about the piece on George Raveling, thank you.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 more a workshop as Dia began the long journey toward mapping out his mission, vision, and values as both an athlete and a human being.The 2025 Elite 11 MVP and I had an intimate conversation which was fueled by a partnership with Threads and Y-Option’s founding sponsor, 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.Dia opened up about what truly matters to him:* Integrity: staying grounded in who he is and how he was raised.* Leadership: not just on the field, but as the oldest sibling and a role model for those around him.* Community: giving back to the place and people who shaped him.* Lonely Work: the willingness to do the boring, unglamorous things longer and create value for his teammates.* Emotional Intelligence: a gift he’s already carrying at such a young age.As a Texas commit and the son of NBA player, Raja, there are many eyes on Dia. We talked about being the man in the arena, blocking out the noise, and navigating the balance between chasing “all-time” greatness and carrying the weight of expectations. He shared how an injury that kept him out of a championship game forced him into a different role–one that revealed his capacity to lift others when he couldn’t physically compete.By the end, Dia articulated a mission, vision and his values for his life that reaches far beyond football.MISSION: To impact and uplift others.VISION: To lead, excel, and thrive in all areas of life—on and off the field—with integrity.VALUES: Growth mindset, give back to his community, live with emotional intelligence and more.This conversation was a reminder that clarity creates freedom, and freedom creates discipline. Dia Bell is already living that truth and as his career evolves so will his philosophy in life. And I can’t wait to watch him thrive as a young man.Enjoy week 1 and Texas fans, think you’ll enjoy learning about your future QB as you watch the most anticipated opener in recent college football history.Much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 utilizes as a professional, husband, mentor and friend is extremely relatable. Most importantly, it’s one we can all learn from.In the latest episode of THE PROCESS, presented by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, Rhett Lewis and I sat down with Chris Fowler not just to talk about games, but about how he prepares, how he sustains, and how he’s evolved into one of the most trusted voices in our sport.We explored many facets in his life and among the many principles he shared, 10 stood out around The Process of Chris Fowler:* Balance Ego & Humility: Confidence fuels you, humility keeps you learning.* “I believe in directions more than destinations.” Focus on daily improvement, not long term trophy’s.* Set Your Own Standard: Hold yourself accountable; avoid perfectionism but never throttle back. The best broadcasts are lived, not recited.* Relaxed Intensity: Do the work with relentless discipline, but don’t over-cram at the finish line as confidence comes from preparation, not from last-minute panic.* “You can’t be overprepared, but you can overuse your preparation.” The act of making charts and notes is what embeds the knowledge in your mind. Once the game begins, you rarely look at the page as you’ve already internalized it.* Trust Is a Performance Edge with Kirk Herbstreit: Fowler and Herbstreit succeed because they trust each other completely. A reminder that true trust in a booth (or any team) allows you to fall back and know someone will catch you.* Cadence Matters: A season is long so find the rhythm of preparation and rest as over-prepping can be as damaging as under-prepping.* Identity Beyond Work: Don’t let your job define you; find fulfillment in health, nature, and life outside the booth or your craft.* Joy Fuels Longevity: Fowler leans on reminders that this is his dream job. Thus, he brings fun, humor, and perspective daily to his craft so his work will be sustainable year after year.* Lessons from Lee Corso: “It’s entertainment baby!”Yes, we were sure to celebrate Coach Lee Corso! After all, this is HIS weekend in college football.Chris Fowler’s reverence for him is beautiful and his message of “it’s entertainment, baby” still echoes every Saturday in the booth for him. It’s a reminder to laugh, to play, to not take ourselves too seriously even in the most serious of settings.With that, let’s all enjoy week 1 and channel the lessons from Chris and the spirit of Coach Corso.As always–much love and stay steady,Yogi and RhettY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe

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 coast to coast.What stood out:* Penn State: The Nittany Lions have earned the right to be in the national title conversation. I’m a big believer in Drew Allar, as QBs need scars and every Penn State fan knows he has them. I think his maturity and work off the field will lead him to his most successful season in Happy Valley and I would bet in January he will say he played with the most joy in his young career. * Oregon: Despite losing a ton of production, their competitive depth is elite. Dante Moore (not yet named the starter) looked like one of the most impressive QBs I’ve seen in years. His ability to layer the ball, locate his wideouts and throw a catchable ball is as good as I’ve seen on the tour. * The Midwest stops: Illinois (my CFP sleeper), Wisconsin, and Iowa. Three places I’d never been to and each visit revealed growth and momentum. Walking away, my takeaway was simple: everybody has gotten better from a year ago. Another takeaway, Bret Bielema is one of the nation's most underrated head coaches. His experience as a head coach, an assistant with the Patriots & more has tangible depth to it and will only help this team if they can get through September undefeated. I think his team will be one of the biggest storylines of the season.* Back West: Our tour out West began in Eugene and then headed north to Seattle to see Jedd Fisch’s team in his second year. Demond Williams, Jonah Coleman, Denzel Boston are all stars. With an improved OL this group is going to give teams fits. Add in two 6’4’’ corners and UW will be a must see team this fall. We concluded in LA for some Big Ten Network crew fellowship and after watching DeShaun Foster’s Bruins and Lincoln Riley’s Trojans one thing is certain–the West Coast schools all look like B1G programs on the offensive and defensive lines. * Overall: the best part of the tour was time with my colleagues. Gerry DiNardo, Kyle Coughlin, Ashley Adamson and all of our Big Ten Network colleagues - it was an absolute blast and we made sure to make the most of it. And our Coach found himself with more slips than he knows what to do with!In addition, we dive into Cal naming a starting QB, Utah’s opinions on public injury reports, Stanford in Week Zero and the Cougs and Beavs. Overall, this episode is a full rundown of training camp takeaways, the storylines that matter most, and what’s ahead as the season kicks off.So with that, let’s get after it!! We appreciate you riding along and as always, much love and stay steady,YogiY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe