Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth

Welcome back or welcome to THE PROCESS, a limited series within Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth, hosted by myself and Rhett Kleinschmidt. This series exists for one reason: to study how high performers actually live. Not what they post. Not what they say at a podium. What they do when nobody’s clapping. The first 5 conversations delivered in powerful ways: Mark Jackson, Peyton Manning, Chris Fowler, Jared Goff, Dan Lanning and today, the final episide airs within this limited run.This conversation, fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, takes us to Bloomington, Indiana. We go inside the head coaches office. Inside the mind of the man who built one of the most relentless, standards-driven programs in America.Curt Cignetti. Indiana and Coach Cignetti are coming off a season that ended with hardware and history. Awards. Trophies. Headlines. The whole thing.And the first thing he made clear was also the most revealing.Inside the building, it is already time to start over.While the outside world is still celebrating, he is in development mode. New faces, teaching standards, sharpening the details, preparing for spring ball. The tone is not nostalgic. It is not sentimental. It is focused and the message is simple: what happened is real, and it is over.What Rhett and I loved most is that our conversation was not a performance from Coach Cignetti. It is who he is.The deeper we went, the more the through-line showed itself. His approach does not change because the circumstances do. Big game, small game, championship, rebuilding year—it’s all the same. The Process stays steady, but the improvement never stops. Coach Cignetti is always refining how his staff teaches, how they spend time, how they build schematically, how they communicate. That mindset shows up in how he evaluates players too. We have all heard his phrase production over potential and this conversation gave it real teeth.Yes, the portal makes evaluation easier in some ways—you have a body of work. You can see consistency. You can see how a player performed against real competition over multiple seasons. But he talked about something that matters more than highlight tape.Fit.When you sit across from a player, you learn a lot fast. How they carry themselves. How they talk. How they listen. First impressions are not perfect, but they are meaningful. Then comes the research. The calls. The trusted recommendations. The quiet intel. The stuff that never gets posted.He also got specific about what he looks for physically too, beyond the high school combine stats. * Flexibility in the lower half. The ability to stop, start, redirect, generate power. It is detailed. It is intentional. And it is consistent.* But toughness is still number one.Not the cartoon version. Real toughness. Day-to-day accountability. The willingness to work. The ability to be coached. The resilience to keep growing when it is hard, when it’s boring. What stood out most: even with more doors opening after a historic season, the standard does not bend.Most of us would imagine that there is a temptation after winning to widen the net, to take a few more chances, to rationalize why a guy might be worth it. Coach Cignetti made it clear that is how you quietly change the standard without admitting it. If you start accepting players below it, that becomes the new standard.And that is a reminder that goes well beyond football.Everything is earned. There are no promises. There are no guarantees. There are no shortcuts.We also spoke about pressure and how he manages it for his players and his staff.Coach Cignetti shared a story from early in his head coaching career that has become one of his quiet tools. In the tensest moments, when the game is tight and everything feels heavy, he will drop a simple line that changes the temperature. It is a reminder that the players are alive in the moment, not trapped by it. It is pressure relief and recalibration in one breath.With his staff, he is big on consistent messaging. He will step into a staff meeting and deliver one short, specific message. One or two things he believes the team must embody right now. Then he trusts his coaches to carry it. He trusts the message to trickle down and become action.He does not need to touch everything to control everything.That trust, built over time, is part of why the standard holds. And if something is off, he will step in and rattle chains. Not because he is emotional. Because he is protective of the level.The conversation closed where so many great ones do: family.I asked about his father, about adversity, about the moments that shape leaders before they ever wear the headset. He talked about his dad as a fighter. Competitive. Disciplined. Tough. A man with a relentless work ethic who never met a challenge he did not believe he could overcome.Those traits did not just stay in the family. They got handed down into the program.That might be the real story of why Indiana has been able to rise and sustain. Not just scheme. Not just recruiting. Not just facilities. Its identity. Its standard. The daily choice to do it the right way, even when nobody is watching.Coach Cignetti said he is proud of the team they had. Proud of the leaders. Proud of the closeness. And he made the point that matters most—whether you are building a program, a company, or a family:* You can win games, but you do not win big or win consistently if you are not doing it the right way. If you are helping people become the best they can be, football will carry them now, and it will carry them later when football ends.Then Rhett and I stayed in The Afterglow for a few minutes, because these conversations always leak into real life.We talked about standards at home. Non-negotiables. The idea that if you want your kids to live with discipline, you have to model it. If you want a standard, you have to set one, and then you have to live it. Nobody keeps you more honest than your kids.That might be the best accountability system on earth.So here is the takeaway I am sitting with today:Dig into your philosophy, your values, what matters most to you and your circle. And compete to keep the standard. Then attack the details, but do not attach to the outcome. Rather, and maybe even ironic, stay connected to The Process…Thanks for coming along for this ride with Rhett and me, as it’s been a blast.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

One of my college roommates is heading to Canton.That sentence still feels surreal.When I first met Larry Fitzgerald on his visit to the University of Pittsburgh, I had no idea I was meeting a future Hall of Famer. I just knew he had presence. Not hype. Not ego. Presence.When he arrived at training camp, the coaches quietly pulled me aside and asked me to help him learn the offense. What I didn’t fully grasp at the time was what they already knew: he wasn’t just there to compete. He was there to take over.And it took about two weeks.But here’s what most people miss about Larry’s story. Yes, he could high-point a football like nobody I’ve seen in 25 years around major college football. Yes, he tracked the deep ball with the instincts of a center fielder tracking a line drive into the gap. Yes, he could manipulate defensive backs, adjust stride length mid-route, and finish through contact with late, violent hands.But that’s not what made him an All American at Pitt.It was how he saw the game — and his life — from the beginning.So in the latest Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding partner 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat it’s just me, celebrating him.My 1st lesson from him.During the first game of his freshman year he, like the rest of us at Pitt, wore a suit and tie to the game. That was the rule our head coach, Walt Harris, mandated. I think we all liked it as it felt like a business trip. But postgame everyone was changing into warm-ups to leave the stadium.I noticed that Larry started to put his suit back on.I quickly told him that he doesn’t have to. He looked at me and said, at least this is how I remember it, “Yogi, they’re going to know what I’m about from the jump.”That wasn’t bravado. It was clarity.He came to college with a vision. Not just to be great at Pitt. Not just to make the league. But to be a pro — in habits, discipline, preparation, relationships. Small things, All things as the phrase goes.Larry grew up around it. His father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., covered sports in Minnesota. As a kid, Larry was a ball boy around legends and he saw how pros moved, trained and most importantly how they treated everyone around them. By the time he arrived on campus, Larry Fitzgerald wasn’t dreaming. He was executing.Talent Is Everywhere. Discipline Is Rare.I’ve been around Elite 11 quarterbacks for nearly two decades. I’ve been a broadcaster for 19 years and a coach for 4. Point being — I’ve seen first-round talent up close. Natural ability is not rare at that level.What’s rare is clarity.Larry didn’t drink. Didn’t party. Had a tight circle. Was early to bed. Lived in the film room. Lived in the weight room. And that playlist was on repeat daily.I remember visiting him during the season when he was with the Arizona Cardinals. It was 8:00 PM and he said, “You can hang out, I’m going to bed.”Why?“I’m trying to be my best.”That’s it. No drama. No speech. Just alignment between what he dreamt of and how he lived.When he decided to leave Pitt early for the NFL, I asked him if he’d considered coming back. He reframed it in a way that’s stayed with me forever: if a surgeon is offered his dream job early, he goes. If a musician gets the gig of a lifetime, she goes. He was a wide receiver being offered his dream.He wasn’t chasing status. He was honoring preparation.Playing Through LossDuring spring practice after his freshman season practice stopped and Larry left. News spread that his mom had passed away.I didn’t know then what that kind of loss felt like. I do now.What I remember most wasn’t just the grief — it was how he channeled it. He played for her. He carried her smile. He allowed the pain to sharpen his focus, not shrink his world. Or so it seemed. I know there was a lot of pain and I imagine that playing with his teammates allowed him to navigate through it. At least all of us hoped that we helped him out in the smallest of ways. After all, that’s what teammates do. And our roster was extremely close.Looking back he taught me a powerful lesson that season: that there’s a difference between playing for applause and playing with purpose. After he lost his Mom, it felt like Larry was playing for something deeper that just touchdowns and wins.And it showed.The Infinite GameRecently, I watched him receive his Hall of Fame invitation and greet Randy Moss — another all-time great. There was a knowing smile between them. A shared understanding of what it takes to get there.But when I think of Larry, I don’t first think of Pro Bowl’s or a Super Bowl run. I think of the freshman who chose the suit. The teammate who made everyone feel seen. The competitor who handed, or threw, the ball to officials after touchdowns like it was part of his joy.He played an infinite game.Not just to win on Saturdays.Not just to dominate on Sundays.But to become.He became one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.He became the greatest teammate I ever had.He became a father whose eldest son is now headed to University of Notre Dame to chase his own dream.And in a few months he officially becomes a Hall of Famer.I’ve never been to Canton before.This summer, I’ll go.Not just to celebrate a gold jacket.But to honor the habits.The discipline.The clarity.The compassion.Larry Fitzgerald didn’t just achieve greatness.He decided on it — early — and then lived accordingly.And if there’s one lesson in his story for any young athlete, entrepreneur, artist, or dreamer reading this, it’s simple:* Be clear about what you’re about. * Be truly confident around what Matters Most* Then let your daily discipline make it undeniable.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

The offseason is when football gets quiet enough to actually see it.In my recent Substack collaboration with Cody Alexander of Match Quarters, we didn’t just talk trends — we talked about the hidden language of defense, and why it’s still the hardest side of the ball for most people to truly understand. Offense has a few common dialects. Defense is a thousand little ones. The same concept can be taught five different ways, named five different things, and argued over like it’s personal. That’s part of why Cody’s work matters: he’s built a space that translates complexity into clarity without dumbing it down.As always, every conversation here at Y-Option is fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.Cody’s story is also a reminder of how quickly the game can redirect a life and one I have deep regard for. A former college coach who left to chase his passion is a lane I can get down with on so many levels.Coaching gave Cody the foundation, but instability — and the desire to protect time with his family — pushed him to create something sustainable. What began as writing on the internet turned into a full-time platform that now serves everyone from curious fans to coaches at the highest levels. He’s not just analyzing defense; he’s teaching it. And it didn’t happen overnight.So for the young coaches out there who are often whispering to me about life away from the office, this conversation may inspire you.Also, as former coaches, we zoomed out to the sport itself and trends that are coming to college football.The biggest takeaway: the NFL and college football are closer than they’ve ever been. As pro football fully embraced space, spread structures, and two-high solutions, defensive ideas that once felt “college” now live on Sundays — and NFL approaches are flowing back down into Saturdays. We spent time on what teams like Indiana, Oklahoma, Oregon and Ohio State represent: defenses that win with multiplicity, movement, and disguise without asking players to memorize a novel. It’s less about having one perfect call and more about building a system that can adjust at a premium level week to week. We closed with something I loved — an idea bigger than scheme. When you know the game deeply, it’s easy to turn into a critic. But Cody still watches with joy. He studies hard, teaches relentlessly, and still loves the sport for what it is.That’s the point of the offseason, too.To learn. To see. And to come back to the game with more appreciation than noise.Much love and so grateful for our community. Let’s stay steady folks, spring ball is right around the corner.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 certain kind of coach you can spot from a mile away.Not because of the headset or the scheme or the postgame soundbite. But because of the energy — the tone in the building, the way his players talk about the work, the way the staff carries itself on a Monday, the way the program feels when the season is done and the scoreboard is no longer speaking.Tim Plough is that kind of coach.Welcome to our Coaches Series, where this off season we will bring you in depth analysis, insight and conversations with coaches and GM’s in college football.Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To learn what Makes Coaches Great be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, podcast and YouTube channelRight now, leading UC Davis football, Tim Plough is building something that doesn’t fit neatly into the modern college football algorithm. It’s one that has almost nothing to do with chasing the next rung and everything to do with owning the one right in front of you. And for every head coach or aspiring head coach, this conversation will cut you deeply. (And if you’re a fan of Ted Lasso, Tim Plough will tee you up for this season) As always, every conversation here at Y-Option is fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.Coach Plough’s first two seasons as a head coach have been the kind that earn attention: postseason football, national visibility, and a growing sense that UC Davis isn’t just “a good program” — it’s a program moving toward something bigger.But what stood out most in our conversation wasn’t the resume line. It was the way he described his head coaching experience: the learning curve, the mistakes, the emotional toll of falling short late, and the obsession with getting better without letting the business turn him into someone he doesn’t recognize.In a profession that often equates “growth” with leaving, Plough has had to define the word differently.Because he’s lived the push-pull that every ambitious coach knows: succeed where you are, and the world starts telling you the only rational next step is to get out.“The two-box filter”This part of our conversation will be cut and pasted into my life and may impact yours. Coach Plough shared a simple framework he’s used to make career decisions — one that applies just as cleanly to players in the transfer portal as it does to coaches staring at the next offer.He evaluates opportunities through two essential questions:* Who will I be around every day?* Will this make me better—on and off the field? Essentially, will I grow holistically?If he can’t check both boxes, he stays.That’s it.No elaborate speech. No posturing. Just a disciplined refusal to trade daily environment and development for a temporary dopamine hit — whether that dopamine comes from money, visibility, or the illusion that “this leads to that.”It’s a filter built for a chaotic era. And it might be the most practical tool I’ve heard from anyone navigating modern football. And it hit me square in the face as I almost changed my life path last year due to a temporary dopamine hit.Joy isn’t soft. It’s the edge.If you’ve watched UC Davis this season, you’ve probably seen it: the “JOY” hat, the postgame interviews with his kids, the steady presence even when the stakes are real. That isn’t branding. It’s philosophy.Plough’s relationship with joy started years ago — through the influence of Jim Sochor, the architect of what so many still call the “Davis coaching tree.” Sochor didn’t offer him a playbook first. He offered a question: Have you found joy?Over time, that question turned into a guiding principle:* Happiness is outcome-driven (and fragile).* Joy is process-driven (and stable).Tim Plough’s point is simple: if your emotional state is tied to outcomes, you’ll live on a roller coaster — high after a win, hollow after a loss, never anchored long enough to actually develop.But if you can build a “neutral mindset,” where gratitude and daily craft define the work, you gain something most teams spend all year chasing: consistency under pressure.Joy, in this framing, isn’t softness. It’s durability.Quarterbacks, development, and the modern trapTim Plough is a quarterback coach at heart, even with the head coach title. And I had to present to him my philosophy on the QB position right now: * QB development in high school is as advanced as it’s ever been.* QB development in college—especially at the highest levels—is often the thinnest it’s ever been.He agreed and took it a step further. After all, he said the development of the quarterback postion is “Quest of my life right now.” His reasoning is not because coaches don’t care. It’s because the incentives have changed, at every level in college.When teams can buy experience through the portal, many stop investing time in the slow, messy, essential process of developing someone. Instead, they recruit ready-made résumés: starts, reps, game film.The problem? Most of the quarterbacks who ultimately thrive — at any level — aren’t always the ones who arrive as finished products. They’re the ones who get shaped somewhere, then explode when opportunity finally arrives.In other words: development still matters. But fewer people are willing to pay for it with patience.Plough’s counter is clear: if a player chooses a place where he can actually be developed, he can still end up on the biggest stages later — only now he’ll be ready for them.He pointed to the rare modern decision that reflects this mindset: a young quarterback willing to be a backup, to learn, to be built, instead of chasing instant stardom.That choice feels almost rebellious in 2026. Which probably tells you why it’s so valuable.Why players stay at UC DavisThis stat blew my mind. Since 2018, only 11 players transferred out of UC Davis compared to broader Division I trends where the number is over 200 per school. Think about that for a moment — only 11!In an age where movement is the default, Davis has become a place where continuity still exists.Plough’s explanation isn’t complicated:* Players feel coached.* Players feel developed.* Players feel valued.* The environment makes sense.* And the program’s identity is strong enough to hold people in place.It’s also worth noting: UC Davis operates without the financial weapons many programs now rely on. Which, paradoxically, helps clarify motives. If a player chooses Davis, it isn’t because the check is the loudest voice in the room.It’s because the work is. And now, it’s because they see the transparency with Tim Plough.Family as culture, not accessoryOne of the most telling parts of the conversation had nothing to do with third-down calls. We touched up on the latest news around the coaching profession with new Bills head coach Joe Brady sharing that he missed the birth of a child due to a game and reportedly the GM of the Vikings is being criticized for taking two weeks of paternity leave. Two things that made most of the sports world cringe.Plough talked about building a staff culture where being a dad and a husband isn’t something you squeeze in after the job — it’s part of the job. A program where kids are around, where life isn’t kept outside the facility doors, where coaches are expected to show up for their families with the same intensity they show up for game planning.He’s not naïve about the grind. He’s just clear about the cost.And he’s making a decision — publicly, structurally — that time is more valuable than a bigger number on paper.That’s rare. And if you’ve spent any time around football, you know how rare it is.Getting over the humpFor Oregon, Penn State, USC, Washington, Iowa, Nebraska fans — this one will resonate. Coach Plough opened up about the hardest part of building: getting over the hump and how to maximize a teams ability. That space between “we’re close” and “we did it” is where programs either fracture or evolve. And for him, the answer isn’t a magical speech. It’s a renewed commitment to the smallest details:* Situational mastery* Ball security* Incremental improvements across offense, defense, and special teams* And, maybe most importantly, playing your best football when your best is required. (Hello Indiana fans)He’s chasing the final step the same way he’s built everything else: by refusing to let the moment become bigger than the craft while still seeking joy.The essence of our conversationCollege football is louder than it’s ever been. More movement. More money. More urgency. More pressure to be “first” instead of thoughtful.And that’s why a coach like Tim Plough matters.Because he’s building something rooted in a different scoreboard.One that measures joy. Daily growth. Development. Family. Process. Environment. Identity.The Davis Way isn’t a throwback. It’s a counterpunch.And in this era, it might be the competitive advantage hiding in plain sight.Hope you enjoyed today’s conversation and hope you enjoy our Coaches Series this off-season as more are on the way here at Y-Option.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

College football doesn’t really end anymore.The clock hits :00. The trophy gets handed out. And almost immediately, the sport gets loud again. Portal moves, litigation, coaching changes, CFP debates and more. Oh, and by the way, we’ve also got a Super Bowl coming up with Seattle vs. New England. (Hello Elite 11 finalists Sam Darnold and Drake Maye)With everything seemingly happening all at once in football, there’s a race to be first instead of thoughtful.It’s the same in the content world. Instant reaction shows. Social posts fired off before the dust settles. Takes delivered as fast as possible.That’s not how we do it at Y-Option.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.After the Hoosiers hoisted their hardware, we took a pause. And today, we took a detailed look back at the season that was in 2025.Today’s episode of Y-Option, fueled by our founding sponsor 76® — keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, is with Jim Thornby. For nearly two hours, we just talked. No timer. No rush. Multiple cups of coffee. Dozens of teams. Real perspective.One hundred and five minutes later, the result was less of a “podcast” and more of a conversation. And as we talked, one thing became clear:* The biggest change in college football isn’t happening at the top. It’s happening in the middle.The 12-team Playoff didn’t just give more teams access, it changed the psychology of the sport. Suddenly, programs sitting fourth, fifth or sixth in their conference are making million-dollar decisions with almost no margin for error.Quarterbacks cost more. Mistakes cost more. One Saturday can swing an entire donor base’s belief.We talk about why that reality is both exciting and dangerous and why the sport still hasn’t figured out how to handle what comes after the final whistle.We went league by league—not to rank them, but to understand them.The Big Ten’s rise isn’t accidental, it’s legit and not going anywhere but up. The SEC isn’t broken, but it’s no longer bulletproof. The ACC looked chaotic… until Miami made a run that forced everyone to re-think the narrative. And the Big 12? Still searching for the moment that changes how the country sees it.Context matters. And it’s usually the first thing lost online.We also spent time on the Pac-12, a place that impacted both of us deeply, as it steps into a new reality.Looking back was a reminder that Oregon State and Washington State found ways to survive, even when the odds were stacked against them. And now, under the leadership of Commissioner Teresa Gould, they’re building something with substance: proven head coaches, programs with real momentum, and a league that still has a path to the CFP.That’s why we made this episode. To celebrate the game and coach the viewer.We know it’s “too long” according to the experts and the algorithms. But Y-Option wasn’t created to win an algorithm. It was built to serve the thoughtful college football fan, coach, and player.So before we sprint forward into the Super Bowl, Signing Day, and Spring Ball, let’s take one last look back at where we’ve been as a sport.As always, thank you for being here. This doesn’t happen without your support.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

The season may be over, but moments like the one in Miami linger because they tell us something deeper about the game.Fresh off the National Championship, I connected with the Big Ten Network’s Howard Griffith on the latest Y-Option podcast, presented by 76 - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.Howard spent the week in Miami, inside the emotion of the instant classic of Miami vs Indiana. He shared what stood out from the Hoosiers, and it wasn’t just how physical the game was, it was how complete Indiana looked. This was football built from the inside out, defined by line play, mental conditioning, and a team prepared to absorb pressure without flinching.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.As a 2-time Super Bowl Champion, Howard has lived championship moments at every level, and he recognized something familiar (see John Elway) when Indiana’s quarterback put everything on the line in the biggest moment of the game. Those plays don’t just move the chains, they unify a sideline and reveal belief. What followed the final whistle felt different too. It was the culmination of a two-year build by IU marked by road wins, discipline, and an ability to handle the invisible weight of being undefeated without talking about it.That’s the part that can’t be copied easily. Indiana didn’t win because of recruiting rankings or shortcuts. They won because everyone, from Curt Cignetti to the locker room as this team was aligned in message, intent, and daily habits. Indiana isn’t going anywhere in the Big Ten Conference. Neither is the standard they revealed on Monday night. And that may put even more teams in college football on the clock.Thanks for the support and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel as we hope to bring you thoughtful insight into college football.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

We just witnessed the greatest story in college football history as Indiana goes 16-0 and beats Miami to win the National Title.Welcome to a LIVE and instant reaction to the game and the conclusion of the season with Ryan McGrady of CBS Sports and 24/7 and the man who has helped shape Y-Option: Scouting. Ryan has worked in the NFL, College Football and MLB, let alone working at Pac-12 Network and currently at CBS Sports. Most importantly, he’s been a close friend and someone who has expertise in all things college football.Hope you enjoy our short conversation and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more insight and analysis within college football!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. 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

College football moves fast right now, but real leadership still takes time. This week on Y-Option, we sit down with Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard to talk about the long road, the responsibility that comes with the head coach’s chair, and what it means to build something real in a moment defined by change.Every episode of Y-Option is presented by our founding sponsor, 76®, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.This week’s conversation features Oregon State Beavers head coach JaMarcus Shephard and a leadership journey defined by patience, purpose, and earned opportunity.Coach Shephard’s path to Corvallis wasn’t fast or linear. It was built through years of service, curiosity, and taking on responsibility wherever it was available--inside and outside of football. That long-game perspective now shapes how he leads a program in an era dominated by speed, noise, and transaction.We dive into how a wide range of coaching influences helped him find an authentic voice, why consistency matters more than image in the head coach’s chair, and how care, discipline, and accountability coexist in his program. At the core is a belief in creating a family environment--one that moves players from serving themselves to serving each other.The conversation also explores the opportunity in front of Oregon State: a re-imagined Pac-12, a locker room with a chip on its shoulder, and a chance to build something lasting by setting a clear standard and living it daily.It’s a conversation about culture, belief, and building something real--one rep, one relationship, one day at a time.Enjoy today’s conversation, the national title game and by Tuesday morning the start of your off-season. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for insight all off-season long.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

One game remains and it’s a match up with one of college footballs most notable teams, the Miami Hurricanes, vs college football most beloved teams, the Indiana Hoosiers.It truly has everything a fan of the game could ask for and am sure Hollywood agents are lining up for the life rights to this years college football story. Thus, we welcome back Bruce Feldman, one of college football’s best storytellers, to Y-Option to dive into the National Championship game. As always, this podcast is fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.Bruce is an alum of Miami and an expert in college football with a detailed lens on the quarterback position. We dive into all of that in today’s conversation. Some of the details include:* Miami’s rise isn’t about re-creating the past but built in the trenches under Mario Cristobal.* Indian’s run is a brilliant story and if they win, they should be considered among the greatest teams of all time.* The Quarterback position: how should premiere recruits approach which school they attend.Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel as we will have LIVE content later this week. Also, we will have you covered all week long in advance of the title game with another Y-Option Scouting: Indiana vs Miami and more.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

Whenever I think of the Oregon Ducks my mind often goes to Dan Rubenstein, host of The Solid Verbal podcast and dear friend. So in advance of the the semi-final game with the Ducks vs the Hoosiers we had to bring him back on the Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.Dan and I dive into Oregon’s evolution over the course of the season, why this Ducks team feels different defensively, and how growth, resilience, and situational football have defined their path. We also zoom out on Indiana’s historic run—what makes it real, sustainable, and potentially one of the greatest stories college football has ever produced—before expanding the lens to Miami vs. Ole Miss, the chaos of January coaching calendars, and the CEO mindset required to navigate it all. We close with a candid look at the state of the game, quarterback development in the portal era, and why the 60 minutes on Saturdays have never been better—even as the sport itself continues to evolve.It’s part playoff preview, part philosophy, part film room, and part late-night conversation with someone who’s been watching this sport as long—and as closely—as anyone. Hope you enjoy today’s episode with Dan Rubenstein!A DEEP DIVE:If you’d like a deeper dive into the analytics around the game be sure to check out the latest edition of Y-Option Scouting: Indiana vs Oregon.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

Rhett Lewis (The Big Red Carpet) and Matt Fortuna (The Inside Zone) join me live for a wide-ranging, real-time conversation centered on the College Football Playoff national semifinals — including a detailed breakdown of the Oregon–Indiana rematch and what has changed since their first meeting. We also explore the question: “If Indiana wins out and finish 16-0, are they they best college football team ever?”We dive into matchups, margins for error, and momentum while also expanding the lens to Ole Miss vs. Miami.In a wild week in the College Football transfer portal we also the changes across the nation and in the Big Ten. You get three perspectives in a LIVE episode designed to unpack not just what’s happening, but why it matters as the stakes rise.The semi’s are almost here!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. 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 was an action packed Rose Bowl Media Day in downtown Los Angeles with Indiana and Alabama. Post Media availability Rhett Lewis and I sat down for a LIVE podcast collaboration with Y-Option and Big Red Carpet with our biggest takeaways after interviewing players and coaches from Indiana & Alabama.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.Each team will hit the practice field today as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for the Granddaddy of Them All. Rhett and I lay out what that prep could look like on game-day while assessing the biggest matchups and identifying the pathways to victory for both teams.Our collab also hit on major college football news, including Chip Kelly landing as the new Offensive Coordinator at Northwestern!Thanks for joining the LIVE and stay tuned to Y-Option for more insight and analysis in advance of the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff!If you missed our Y-Option: Scouting deep dive on Miami and Ohio State be sure to check it out for paid subscribers.Much more to come over the next few days!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

Kyle Whittingham was named the 22nd Head Coach at Michigan yesterday and all day I spent thinking about how college football continues to deliver storylines that none of us can predict.Here is a detail look at who I believe Kyle Whittingham to be based on covering his teams since the Fiesta Bowl 20 years ago.Hope you enjoy and looking forward to this week as we have a few things coming your way here at Y-Option.* Deep dive into a few quarterfinal games with Y-Option: SCOUTING* Full coverage from the Rose Bowl alongside Rhett Kleinschmidt The Big Red Carpet * And be sure to subscribe to our YouTube page for content as well.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. 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

Happy holidays—and I hope you enjoyed the first round of the College Football Playoff.With Christmas approaching and another college football season sliding toward its next chapter, Jim Mora is beginning one of his own.The new head coach at Colorado State joined the Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, to share the why behind his decision to lead CSU in the reborn Pac-12.What struck me most in our conversation wasn’t the résumé—NFL head coach, UCLA head coach, program rebuilder at Connecticut, mentor to generations—not even our long friendship.It was the choice.The decision to take on something unfinished. To step into uncertainty. To begin again—not because he had to, but because he wanted to.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.Jim Mora has lived inside football his entire life. Not as a job, but as an inheritance. A family calling that shaped him as a coach, a son, a father, a husband, and a leader. From the Pac-8 days of his father’s career, to playing in the Pac-10, to coaching in the Pac-12, his journey mirrors the evolution of the sport itself.Which is why this moment matters.Colorado State isn’t a nostalgia play.It’s a belief play.Jim is stepping into a re-imagined Pac-12. Into a conference finding its footing again. Into a program searching for identity and traction in a version of college football none of us could have fully imagined five years ago.NIL.The portal.Revenue sharing.An expanded College Football Playoff.Realignment.For some, that landscape feels overwhelming.For Jim Mora, it feels familiar.He sees today’s college football ecosystem as closer to the NFL than ever before. The portal functions like free agency. Recruiting resembles a draft. Financial realities echo a salary cap. The guardrails may differ, but the principles remain the same: roster construction, culture, alignment, and adaptability.That word—adaptability—came up again and again.You have to have a plan.You have to believe in fundamentals.You have to hold standards.And you also have to be willing to adjust—often daily—without losing your core.Coach Mora learned that from some of the greatest to ever do it: Hall of Fame coaches and executives who shaped how he views leadership, decision-making, and sustained excellence.But none of it works without people.Coach Mora has always been clear about that.Building programs. Scaling mountains. Taking on challenges without guarantees. College football continues to pull him in because of the impact—the opportunity to shape young people during some of the most formative years of their lives. To teach lessons not only through success, but through failure. To help players grow into men, not commodities.That perspective matters now more than ever.The mountain ahead is clear.A new program.A re-imagined conference.A legitimate—though demanding—path toward competing on the sport’s biggest stages.And a daily commitment to do the work required to turn ambition into reality.Jim Mora isn’t chasing legacy.He isn’t chasing comfort.He’s chasing alignment with the work.And maybe that’s the clearest lesson of all.After all this time, he finally feels like he knows what he’s doing—even as he embraces the truth that the climb never ends.I think you’ll enjoy this conversation as we all head into the holiday season, hopefully with a little time off, a good hike, or a fun surf.On behalf of all of us at Y-Option, thank you for your love, support, and community.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 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