Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball

Appalachian State football eyes a turnaround in Year Two under head coach Dowell Loggains.

Can the Mountaineers bounce back from a 5-8 season and reestablish themselves as Sun Belt contenders?

Dave Schultz breaks down the program’s storied coaching lineage from Jerry Moore to Eli Drinkwitz, reflects on last season’s close losses, and explores whether Loggains' leadership can restore the team’s winning culture.

Key topics include A.J. Swann’s departure, the quarterback battle featuring Malachi Singleton and Henry Hasselbeck, and the challenges posed by the transfer portal and NIL era. With a f...

Can Blake Anderson revive Southern Miss Golden Eagles football after years of inconsistency? With a tough Sun Belt slate ahead and a quarterback competition featuring Ethan Hampton, Jon White, and Landry Lyddy, the pressure is on to transform Hattiesburg’s fortunes and ignite the offense.

Dave Schultz breaks down Southern Miss’s challenging 2026 schedule, spotlights key matchups against Auburn, Tulane, and Troy, and questions whether Anderson can work his magic in year one.

The analysis explores the legacy of recent coaches like Will Hall, the critical need for offensive improvement, and the importance of Sun...

Marshall Thundering Herd enters year two under Tony Gibson with high expectations and a favorable Sun Belt Conference schedule.

Can quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson build on a breakout 2025 season and lead Marshall to upset contenders like James Madison and Old Dominion?

Dave Schultz spotlights Del Rio Wilson’s strong QB play—17 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and 6 rushing TDs—as a potential catalyst for Marshall’s rise in the East.

Key discussion points include Marshall’s resilient roster rebuild, Gibson’s transition to head coach in the NIL and transfer portal era, and the Sun Belt’s shifting pow...

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns eye their first bowl victory since 2021 under Head Coach Mike Desormeaux, but can Lunch Winfield lead the offense past new challenges?

Dave Schultz spotlights Desormeaux’s resilient coaching after a turbulent season that saw heavy injuries and shifting quarterbacks, praising the emergence of Winfield and the shift in offensive leadership.

With key departures like Zylan Perry and Bill Davis, questions loom over the Cajuns’ run game, while newcomer Omario Brown and returning talent Steven Blanco aim to fill the gaps.

Schultz breaks down Louisiana’s running back rotation, the wide receiver...

Georgia State Panthers face a pivotal season as Dell McGee enters Year Three with pressure mounting to elevate the program in the competitive Sun Belt Conference.

Quarterback Cameran Brown emerges as the clear leader after an impressive season, boasting a 13:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and dynamic playmaking ability. Can this experienced squad capitalize on their talent and finally break into the middle tier of the Sun Belt East?

The conversation focused on Georgia State’s upcoming schedule, key games to watch, and the necessity for progress to secure McGee’s future with the team.

Several poin...

Troy Trojans aim for Sun Belt dominance as Goose Crowder’s health becomes the key storyline—can Gerad Parker lead Troy back to the championship circle in his third season as head coach?

Dave Schultz examines Troy’s path back to contention, spotlighting the highs and lows from last season and what needs to go right in 2026 for a title run.

Key discussions include Crowder’s inconsistent play and injury history, the Trojans’ challenging slate featuring Missouri and James Madison, and expectations for the running game to support Crowder’s growth.

Schultz offers game-by-game...

JMU Dukes face a pivotal season: Are they reloading or rebuilding under new Head Coach Billy Napier?

With a near-total roster overhaul following last year’s Sun Belt Championship run and Bob Chesney’s departure to UCLA, all eyes are on the quarterback battle featuring Cam Coleman, J.C. Evans, Arrington Maiden, and Davi Belfort.

Can the Dukes sustain their championship momentum, or will the loss of key players prove too much to overcome?

Dave Schultz breaks down JMU’s 2026 outlook, scrutinizing Napier’s quarterback strategy and the impact of a grueling schedule—including...

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs eye a breakthrough as they join the Sun Belt Conference—can their run-heavy offense power them past established rivals?

Quarterback competition heats up between Blake Baker, Trey Kukuk, and Evan Bullock, as the Bulldogs look to improve on last year’s 8–5 record under Sonny Cumbie.

With a low passing touchdown total and a ground game that racked up over 2,700 yards, questions loom about whether La Tech can adapt to the Sun Belt's high-scoring, “Fun Belt” style of play.

The conversation focused on the challenges of a tough 2026 schedule, pivotal matchups against te...

Troy Trojans get a massive boost as star catcher Jimmy Janicki headlines a trio of key returnees, igniting hope for another standout season.

With Janicki opting to stay despite lucrative offers, head coach Skylar Meade gains a recruiting advantage and crucial roster stability. Can Janicki’s presence—fresh off a season with 21 home runs and 87 RBIs—make Troy the Sun Belt’s frontrunner, or will other contenders rise to challenge them?

Dave Schultz spotlights returning anchors Hayden Smith and Noah Thigpen, dissecting their roles and the Trojans’ championship prospects.

The episode dives into Sun Belt f...

West Virginia Mountaineers brace for a challenging season opener as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers—armed with new head coach Ryan Beard and explosive transfers like Jaden Allen-Hendricks—threaten to shatter expectations in Morgantown.

With an 18.5-point spread, bettors and fans alike wonder: could the Sun Belt’s “Fun Belt” offense and unpredictable playmaking put WVU’s home advantage to the test?

Mountaineer Paul and David Schultz dissect key storylines, from Rich Rodriguez’s revamped offensive line spearheaded by Rick Trickett and star running back Cam Cook, to the quarterback uncertainties facing both programs.

Can West Virginia’...

JMU Dukes make history, reaching the College Football Playoff and putting the Sun Belt Conference on the national map. Can this breakthrough fuel the next era of Sun Belt dominance?

Dave Schultz spotlights JMU's unforgettable run, Troy Trojans' dramatic win in Omaha, and Southern Miss clinching both regular-season and tournament baseball crowns. Plus, LA Tech's addition promises fresh rivalries—how will this shape the league’s future?

From Marshall’s WNIT women’s basketball championship to Troy’s back-to-back Sun Belt tournament titles and a wild six-way tie in men’s hoops, Sun Belt teams made headlin...

Troy Trojans’ Cinderella run comes to a crashing halt as West Virginia Mountaineers dominate 12-0 in the College World Series. Can Troy build on this historic postseason surge next year, or was this their one shot at glory?

Dave Schultz breaks down the Trojans’ postseason heroics, highlighting clutch performances from Jimmy Janicki, Tommy Egan, and Jabe Boroff, and analyzing West Virginia’s ability to cash in with runners in scoring position.

Discussion focuses on missed opportunities—Troy left runners stranded while West Virginia thrived with two-out hitting—and key decisions by coach Skylar Meade.

Plus, he...

Sun Belt Conference shocks college sports with unforgettable upsets and national spotlight moments. Can the league’s recent surge lead to long-term recognition on the national stage?

Dave Schultz spotlights the Top 10 Sun Belt moments from the past decade, from Louisiana’s upset over Iowa State and Coastal Carolina thwarting BYU, to Troy’s stunning win at LSU and Marshall’s dramatic Sun Belt championship under Charles Huff.

Key highlights include JMU’s NCAA Tournament run, five Sun Belt teams reaching the NCAA baseball tournament, and the triple-header of Appalachian State, Marshall, and Georgia Southern beating Po...

West Virginia Mountaineers and Troy Trojans gear up for a win-or-go-home showdown in Omaha, with elimination on the line and North Carolina waiting for the victor.

Can West Virginia beat Troy twice to keep their College World Series hopes alive, or will Troy’s postseason resilience and power lineup prevail again?

Key players like Armani Guzman, Jabe (Ruth) Boroff, and Jimmy Janicki take center stage as both teams look to capitalize on clutch pitching decisions and critical defensive plays.

Mountaineer Paul and Dave Schultz break down the intense matchup, highlighting Troy’s explosive offe...

Troy Trojans shock Ole Miss with a dramatic 12–8 comeback at the College World Series. Can the Sun Belt Conference’s rising star make an historic run in Omaha?

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s first-ever win in Omaha, spotlighting Noah Thigpen’s clutch relief pitching, Jay Boroff’s pivotal double, and Darnell’s five-time on-base performance.

Key analysis covers the relentless Troy lineup, decisive moments like Janicki’s game-tying homer, and the impact of Ole Miss’s defensive miscues.

Schultz also explores Troy’s pitching rotation challenges heading into crucial elimination games against North Carolina or...

Troy Trojans stare down elimination after a hard-fought loss to West Virginia—can their late-season magic fuel a bounce-back against Ole Miss in Omaha?

Dave Schultz examines Troy’s recent surge, the resilience that’s kept them from losing back-to-back games for over a month, and the high-pressure pitching matchups featuring Tommy Egan, Hunter Elliott, and Cade Townsend. Survival mode is on for both squads as worn bullpens and clutch bats set the stage for a College World Series thriller.

Key topics include strategic lineup adjustments, top-of-the-order needs for Piasecki and Pyne, and the mental edge g...

West Virginia Mountaineers outlast Troy Trojans in a dramatic 7-5 College World Series opener, seizing control late as both bullpens shine under pressure.

Did Troy’s costly errors gift the game to WVU, or did the Mountaineers truly earn the win?

Dave Schultz unpacks the back-and-forth battle, spotlighting Ian Korn and Zach Crotchfelt’s pitching efforts and the game-changing moments—like Sean Darnell’s infield mishap and Sean Smith’s pivotal home run—that defined the matchup.

Key discussion points include Troy’s struggles to post shutout innings after scoring, West Virginia’s relentless offen...

Troy Trojans seek to upset the West Virginia Mountaineers as the College World Series kicks off. Can Benjamin Stubbs' remarkable ability to shut down opposing base stealers slow down West Virginia's explosive running game and shift the momentum for Troy?

Dave Schultz breaks down the pitching duel between Troy's power lefty Stubbs and West Virginia's finesse righty Chansen Cole, analyzing how each team's offensive strengths, bullpen depth, and situational hitting could determine the outcome.

Key topics include Troy's late-season surge, West Virginia’s season-long consistency, and the significance of the game's day-time Omaha setting.

...

Coastal Carolina faces a stunning exodus as Kevin Schnall accepts the South Carolina coaching job—and takes nearly the entire roster with him. Did Schnall’s departure and player transfers leave the Chanticleers in ruins, or is this just a new era for college baseball?

Dave Schultz breaks down the seismic shift, examining Schnall’s legacy, his motivations for leaving, and the unprecedented wave of talent following him to the SEC.

Key topics include the rampant impact of NIL deals, Coastal Carolina’s depleted depth, and the controversial cutting of multiple players before Schnall’s exit.

Troy Trojans baseball ignites Troy, Alabama, with a historic College World Series run as Drew Nelson reveals the behind-the-scenes drive powering their postseason surge. Can this hometown squad keep its composure under Omaha’s brightest lights and topple West Virginia’s star pitching?

Dave Schultz spotlights Troy’s clutch performances—highlighting Jabe Boroff’s power surge, resilient at-bats with two outs, and Tommy Eagan’s breakout on the mound.

The conversation unpacks coach Skyler Meade’s leadership, the culture shift after crushing defeats, and how Troy’s relentless lineup keeps breaking through defensive strongholds.

Nelson shares...

Coastal Carolina faces a turning point as Kevin Schnall exits for South Carolina, triggering a wave of player departures and speculation about the future of the Chanticleers baseball program. Could Hayden Johnson, Walker Mitchell, and other key contributors follow Schnall to the SEC, or will this mass exodus reshape the Sun Belt landscape for seasons to come?

Dave Schultz breaks down the coaching search, exploring top candidates like Chris Lemonis, Chad Oxendine, Matt Schilling, and Nolan Cain, and examining their potential impact on Coastal Carolina’s winning tradition.

Analysis includes comparisons to the Gerry Glasco sa...

Brendan Sorsby’s NCAA eligibility after a massive betting scandal sends shockwaves through college football. With Georgia and Nebraska refusing to schedule Texas Tech, can Sorsby truly be trusted under center—or will controversy engulf the Red Raiders’ season?

Dave Schultz breaks down the legal chaos, the NCAA’s ongoing appeal, and mounting pressure from rival conferences.

Hot coaching rumors swirl as Coastal Carolina’s Kevin Schnall appears out of the South Carolina running, while star pitcher Luke Jones enters the transfer portal.

Schultz also previews Troy’s matchup against West Virginia, spotlighting the Mountain...

West Virginia Mountaineers face questions about a “soft” path to Omaha—do their Big 12 dominance and deep pitching rotation silence the doubters?

Troy Trojans surge into the College World Series as one of the hottest teams, powered by a high-octane lineup and a remarkable postseason turnaround. Can Troy’s power bats overcome the pitcher-friendly confines of Charles Schwab Field and challenge West Virginia’s trio of aces?

Mountaineer Paul and Dave Schultz break down the upcoming showdown, spotlighting star hitters like Gavin Kelly and the disruptive Armani Guzman, alongside Troy’s home run leader Jimmy Janicki.

Troy Trojans punch their ticket to Omaha, shocking the college baseball world and igniting hopes for a deep College World Series run. Can Skylar Meade’s resilient squad keep their momentum alive against West Virginia’s red-hot pitching rotation and dynamic base running?

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s remarkable journey, spotlighting Tommy Egan’s standout performance, the team’s ability to capitalize on Little Rock’s errors, and the significance of stringing together six straight wins at just the right moment.

Key topics include Troy’s recent pitching surge, their shift from power hitting to manufacturi...

Troy Trojans blow out Little Rock 12-2 as Jabe Boroff delivers another jaw-dropping performance, smashing two home runs and driving in six RBIs. Is a trip to Omaha now a near certainty for Troy after their fifth straight win and a dominating show on home turf?

Dave Schultz dissects Troy’s offensive firepower, spotlighting Boroff’s postseason tear and unexpected record-tying home run surge.

Key topics include Benjamin Stubbs’ resilience on the mound, Piasecki and Pyne’s timely blasts, and the electric crowd of over 6,400 packing Riddle-Pace Field.

The analysis covers how Troy’s lineup d...

Coastal Carolina baseball faces uncertainty as rumors swirl about head coach Kevin Schnall’s future—will he stay with the Chanticleers or jump ship to South Carolina for a major payday?

Dave Schultz examines the high-stakes coaching carousel, breaking down Schnall’s candid responses to job inquiries and the potential impact on Coastal’s roster and recruiting. With key players like Trace Mazon exiting and South Carolina seeking a proven leader, the pressure is on for Coastal Carolina to match SEC-level financial offers or risk losing their architect.

Additional coverage spotlights Troy vs. Little Rock’s looming...

Troy Trojans ride a red-hot surge to the NCAA Super Regional, powered by Jabe Boroff’s unprecedented hitting and a lineup firing on all cylinders. Can Troy’s culture of relentless positivity and clutch bullpen depth carry them to Omaha for the College World Series?

Dave Schultz and Barry McKnight break down the Trojans’ electrifying Gainesville Regional run, dissecting key moments like Boroff’s late-season breakout, elite on-base threats from Piasecki and Pyne, and how Skylar Meade’s leadership transformed Troy into a postseason force.

Spotlight topics include the transformation of Troy’s pitching staff, the strategi...

Troy Trojans and Little Rock Trojans set the stage for a thrilling Super Regional showdown, with a trip to Omaha on the line. Both teams face big questions on the mound—can Little Rock’s ace Brannon Westmoreland deliver under pressure, or will Troy’s deep bullpen step up after inconsistent starts? With the Troy home field favoring explosive offense and right-field power, every pitching decision could tip the series.

Dave Schultz spotlights key players like Benjamin Stubbs and Hayden Smith for Troy, breaks down recent games, and analyzes the strategic chess match between starting rotations.

Plus...

The Troy Trojans stun the Florida Gators with a dominant 10-2 win as Jimmy Janicki and Jabe Boroff deliver clutch performances. Is a trip to Omaha now within reach?

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s historic run to the NCAA Super Regionals, spotlighting Hayden Smith’s poise on the mound and Boroff’s breakout power surge in Gainesville.

The analysis covers Florida’s unraveling bullpen, Sklyer Meade’s energetic coaching style, and the shifting pressure as Troy prepares to host Little Rock for a shot at their first College World Series appearance.

Key topics inc...

Troy Trojans blow out the Florida Gators in Gainesville—can Jabe Boroff’s explosive hitting launch them to a Super Regional?

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s dramatic NCAA Regional run, spotlighting Boroff’s surge from .174 to .235 after back-to-back home-run performances, and Cooper Ellingsworth’s clutch six-inning pitching against a dangerous Florida lineup.

Insights on Aaron Piasecki, Janicki, and Markham’s contributions fuel conversation on whether Troy can continue their historic run.

Schultz also examines Louisiana’s battle through the loser’s bracket, fueled by standout showings from Blaze Rodriguez and Colt Brown, as they take on...

Southern Miss Golden Eagles suffer a gut-wrenching exit as Virginia eliminates them from their home regional. Can Coach Oz turn heartbreak into motivation for next season, or do the Golden Eagles face deeper questions about postseason performance?

Key players like Colby Allen and Graydon Harris falter under pressure, fueling debate about changes, sports psychology, and the need for facility upgrades.

Dave Schultz spotlights Sun Belt Conference drama as Ragin’ Cajuns and Troy bounce back in elimination games, Texas State eyes a shot against Lamar, and Coastal Carolina battles Florida State amid weather chaos. S

...

Texas State Bobcats shock USC Trojans as Chase Mora’s late-game heroics lift the Sun Belt. Can Texas State ride this momentum against Texas A&M for a potential Super Regional berth?

Dave Schultz breaks down Texas State’s dramatic 5-4 win, spotlighting Mora’s clutch ninth-inning homer and the bullpen’s resilience.

The show covers controversial pitching decisions that shaped the Sun Belt’s postseason—why did teams like Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina hold back their aces, and did it backfire?

Key topics include the struggles of Southern Miss against Little Rock, Coasta...

Can the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns pitching silence the red-hot Cincinnati Bearcats bats in a high-stakes NCAA regional showdown? Cody Brasch takes center stage, aiming to shut down a relentless Bearcats lineup featuring Quinton Coates, Derrick Pitts, and Jack Natili—all boasting impressive power stats and speed on the basepaths. Meanwhile, can the Cajuns’ offense rise to the occasion, or will Cincinnati’s Nathan Taylor set the tone on the mound?

Dave Schultz breaks down pitching matchups, standout hitters, and the keys for Sun Belt teams facing powerhouse opponents.

With insights on Texas State’s power game again...

Florida Gators dominate as Miami Hurricanes and Troy Trojans look for a path to Omaha—can anyone slow down Florida’s high-powered offense?

Miami’s potent lineup, led by Alex Sosa and freshman standouts, faces questions about defensive consistency and whether ace Rob Evans can provide the edge in Gainesville. Troy counters with battle-tested resilience, boasting one of the nation’s toughest non-conference schedules and heavy hitters like Jimmy Janicki.

Hosts Dave Schultz and Alex Donno break down pitching rotations, bullpen depth, and the importance of error-free baseball. Key discussions include Miami’s fielding woes, Troy’s rel...

Sun Belt football fans gear up as TV kickoff times are locked in for marquee matchups, with Coastal Carolina set for a high-profile opener at West Virginia on TNT and HBO Max. JMU faces Liberty in a nationally televised showdown, while Marshall battles Penn State, and Southern Miss draws Alcorn State. With early-season schedules favoring strong starts, will Sun Belt teams capitalize and notch key non-conference wins?

Host Dave Schultz breaks down Week 1 and Week 3 matchups, focusing on televised games, upset potential, and which squads—like South Alabama and the Cajuns—have the clearest path to early mome...

Sun Belt Conference surges past expectations with five NCAA baseball tournament bids—can they stake their claim as a true Power 4 force? Dave Schultz spotlights Southern Miss, Louisiana, Troy, Texas State, and Coastal Carolina as they challenge SEC and ACC powerhouses, dissecting regional draws and what it really takes for a “mid-major” league to break through traditional barriers.

Key storylines include Troy and Texas State’s scheduling advantage, Southern Miss’s battle-tested roster, and the fierce debate over snubs like Mercer in favor of Kentucky and NC State.

Schultz questions the NCAA selection committee’s criteria, ex...

Sun Belt Conference shatters expectations as five teams clinch NCAA Tournament berths for the first time ever. Can Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina make deep runs, or will surprise entrants like Texas State and Troy steal the spotlight?

Dave Schultz raises the stakes, spotlighting regional matchups against national powerhouses, tournament odds, and the potential for Sun Belt squads to advance to Omaha.

Key topics include Southern Miss’s path as regular-season and tournament champions, Cajuns’ rotation strategy, and Coastal Carolina’s pitching concerns.

Schultz details Troy’s strategic scheduling, the Sun Belt's RPI implicat...

Southern Miss clinched the Sun Belt tournament with back-to-back wins, fueling debate over their national seed chances. With power hitting from Matthew Russo, plus dominant pitching from Colby Allen, the Golden Eagles outclassed Troy and Louisiana, securing both regular-season and tournament championships.

But does their RPI and strength of schedule make them a lock for one of college baseball’s top eight seeds?

Dave Schultz breaks down Southern Miss’s postseason resume, the Sun Belt’s likely NCAA bids, and the bubble drama facing Troy and Texas State. Key topics include the committee’s approach to RPI...

Troy forces a dramatic winner-take-all showdown against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, keeping their Sun Belt Championship hopes alive as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns await in the finals.

Can Skylar Meade's squad complete their improbable turnaround after gutting out high-stakes battles and overcoming a crushing loss to Southern Miss?

Dave Schultz spotlights Troy’s relentless push, Southern Miss’s fading national seed hopes, and the wild swings in RPI rankings reshaping the NCAA tournament bubble.

Key topics include the Ragin’ Cajuns’ clutch performances from Sawyer Pruitt and Parker Smith, Texas State’s bubble trouble afte...

Southern Miss stuns Troy with Drey Barrett's bottom-of-the-ninth grand slam walk-off. Can the Golden Eagles ride this momentum to a Sun Belt title and a potential national seed?

Dave Schultz breaks down the heart-stopping Sun Belt Conference tournament drama, from Troy’s crushing four-run collapse to Louisiana’s Cajuns surviving Coastal Carolina's late rally.

Key insights include strategic bullpen moves, the pressure on Troy as their NCAA tournament hopes hang by a thread, and whether pitching depth can make or break contenders like Louisiana and Texas State.

Plus, candid reflections on tournament logistics, weat...