Defining SUCCESS in 2026: Texas Tech, Michigan, & LSU | Will Kentucky and Nebraska make a jump?

While college basketball is a driving conversation topic this week, Andy & Ari take a dive into five college football programs and define what success looks like for each program. Watch here as the guys dive deep into Texas Tech, Michigan, LSU, Nebraska, and Kentucky. What are your thoughts for each of these teams? Let us know in the comments below!

 

(0:00) On Today's Episode

(1:15) Presenting Sponsor

(3:24) Intro: Defining Success

(9:15) Success for Texas Tech in 2026

(21:20) Success for Kyle Whittingham and Michigan in 2026

(33:45) LSU in Lane Kiffin's first year

(44:10) Nebraska's Success in 2026

(58:35) Kentucky ahead of Will Stein's first season

(1:09:38) Conclusion: First Four tonight!

 

As Texas Tech ran its way through the Big 12 conference in 2025, how do the Red Raiders and Joey McGuire sustain success in 2026? Bringing in Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati, Texas Tech looks to return to the College Football Playoff. Will the Red Raiders run the Big 12 again in 2026?

 

While Michigan tasted success a few years ago with Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines are eager to get back to the College Football Playoff. With the arrival of Kyle Whittingham in Ann Arbor, can Bryce Underwood lead UM to be a top competitor?

 

LSU has been a topic of discussion all offseason, and they likely will continue to be. As Lane Kiffin prepares for his first season in Baton Rouge, do the Tigers have to make the College Football Playoff in year one? What are real and fair expectations for Lane Kiffin at LSU?

 

Over in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Husker fanbase is looking for signs of optimism and hope entering Matt Rhule's 4th season. While the Huskers have struggled in recent memory, Matt Rhule and company just need to continue to stack successful years together. What should fans expect in Lincoln?

 

As Kentucky is typically regarded as a basketball school, the support in Big Blue Nation runs deep on the gridiron as well. Bringing in Will Stein from Oregon, what are reasonable expectations for the Wildcats in Kroger Field this year? Andy & Ari debate.

 

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Make this college football season one for the history books. Make it legendary.

 

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Hosts: Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman

Producer: River Bailey

 

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