Coaches Are Ducking Big Nonconference Games?!

Coaches Are Ducking Big Nonconference Games?!

From ESPN College GameDay by ESPN, Rece Davis, Pete Thamel

February 23, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

The episode discusses the trend of schools avoiding big nonconference games and the implications of CFP panic on scheduling decisions, along with a preview of an upcoming historic quarterback class.

Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Dan Wetzel break down why schools are playing it safe with nonconference scheduling, how CFP panic is shaping those decisions, and whether a targeting rule change could be coming. The guys also preview a historic quarterback class to watch next season. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Pete’s snowstorm side quest 4:35 - Schools fear big nonconference games? 9:52 - CFP panic and scheduling safer games 13:58 - How to become an elite team 17:55 - Give the fans what they want 23:31 - Hockey vs college football 28:22 - Targeting rule change coming 38:03 - The historic QB class to watch next year 41:59 - The top dual-threat QB is… 44:48 - The top QB with a size advantage is… 48:00 - The top QB with a high growth curve is… 50:58 - The top QB who’s an anomaly is… 54:22 - Which QBs will elevate this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Rece Davis, Pete Thamel

Guest: Dan Wetzel

Topics covered

  • nonconference scheduling
  • CFP panic
  • targeting rule change
  • quarterback class
  • college football

Keywords

  • nonconference games
  • CFP
  • targeting rule
  • quarterbacks
  • college football

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CFP

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