Locked On ACC - Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

Nick Saban as college football’s commissioner? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs debate whether the legendary Alabama coach could truly solve the sport’s biggest headaches—including NIL chaos, eligibility confusion, and the ever-expanding transfer portal. Would Saban’s wisdom and leadership be enough, or is collective bargaining and congressional oversight the missing piece for real reform?

Georgia Tech faces a quarterback conundrum as Alberto Mendoza, younger sibling of Heisman winner Fernando, battles redshirt freshman Graham Knowles for the starting job. Plus, the ACC basketball race heats up with Clemson, NC State, Miami, and Virginia jockeying for crucial...

Could conference realignment trigger a mass exodus from mega conferences like the Big Ten and ACC? Alex Dono, Brian Smith, and Kenton Gibbs explore the bold possibility of programs like Michigan and Ohio State leaving for independent riches, sparking hot takes on uneven revenue splits and the future landscape of college football. The squad dissects the ACC’s unique payout model, Title IX complications, and whether a “Super League” is more than just wishful thinking. Virginia Tech’s football future takes center stage—James Franklin’s debut season, Ethan Grunkmeyer at quarterback, and a daunting road schedule invite scrutiny. The crew deb...

The ACC coaching landscape is heating up as debate rages: has Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal surpassed Dabo Swinney as the conference’s top football architect? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down their top 5 ACC coaches, spotlighting program builders like Jeff Brohm (Louisville), Rhett Lashlee (SMU), and James Franklin, while dissecting the strengths—and pitfalls—of Pat Narduzzi, Manny Diaz, and Dave Doeren. Is roster construction more valuable than in-game decision-making, and which coach truly has their team poised for glory?

Shifting to ACC basketball, the battle for the coveted double-bye intensifies as Duke, Virginia, Miami...

ACC football faces a seismic shift as nearly half its teams welcome transfer quarterbacks vying for starting roles. Can Darian Mensah elevate Miami Hurricanes to their first ACC Championship, or will Teron Dickens’s record-shattering Western Carolina resume translate at North Carolina? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs rank the conference’s incoming QBs, highlighting Bo Pribula’s injury saga and Ashton Daniels’s talent lost in Tallahassee turmoil. Is Louisville’s Lincoln Keeneholtz the next breakout star under Jeff Brohm’s adaptive offensive schemes?

Confusion looms as the ACC announces staggered conference schedules, leaving teams like Clemson and Florida...

Jai Lucas' Miami Hurricanes take on Will Wade's NC State Wolfpack with a double bye in the ACC Tournament on the line. The Pack currently sit 4th in the conference with Miami nipping at their heels in fifth. 

The Hurricanes look to continue their momentum from a Quad 1 win over North Carolina mid-week. The Pack will try to bounce back from a blowout loss in Louisville. Hosts Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the matchups, the keys to the game, and the stakes.

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The ACC’s decade-long Heisman drought faces its biggest threat yet—can Darian Mensah finally bring the trophy back to the conference? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the top ACC Heisman candidates, including Miami’s new quarterback Darian Mensah, Louisville’s explosive running back Isaac Brown, and SMU’s dual-threat Kevin Jennings. They dissect FanDuel’s latest Heisman odds, explore the media hype around Arch Manning, and debate which non-quarterback could emerge as this year’s surprise contender.

The hosts also forecast ACC football win totals, spotlighting why Virginia Tech’s 7.5 over-under could be a betting trap, an...

ACC football contenders face massive shake-ups after Cinderella runs from Virginia and Duke. With Darian Mensah’s dramatic transfer to Miami, Duke’s outlook has plummeted, while Virginia confronts a potential free fall amid major roster and coaching losses. Can Georgia Tech or Louisville buck the trend, or will chaos reign in a league where over half the teams could finish 6-6 or 7-5? The hosts debate the toughest drop-offs and pinpoint the programs primed for surprise runs, with Miami, SMU, and Cal earning buzz.

Basketball takes center stage as ACC bubble teams jockey for NCAA Tournament spot...

Miami Hurricanes face soaring expectations after landing quarterback Darian Mensah and coming off a national runner-up finish—is ACC domination finally within reach? Pressure mounts not just in Coral Gables, but across the conference, as Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs debate contender teams like Virginia Tech, Clemson, and North Carolina. Can Dabo Swinney reclaim Clemson’s former glory, or has the transfer portal era left him behind? Is Bill Belichick destined for success or disappointment with the Tar Heels?

Florida State Seminoles shake up the college sports scene, securing a commitment from Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Wood...

Louisville Cardinals crush NC State Wolfpack in a stunning 118-77 blowout as Mikel Brown Jr. ties the program record with 45 points and 10 three-pointers. Is Louisville poised for a deep NCAA tournament run after this statement win?

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the Wolfpack’s defensive struggles, highlight Ryan Conwell’s impact, and debate the tournament implications for both teams. The conversation shifts to Miami Hurricanes’ must-win clash against North Carolina, college basketball’s unpredictable upsets, and Duke’s bounce-back challenge at Pittsburgh.

Also featured: a fiery discussion on upcoming changes to the College Football P...

North Carolina Tar Heels shock Duke Blue Devils with Seth Trimble’s buzzer-beating three-pointer, capping a stunning 9-0 run in Chapel Hill. Can UNC maintain this momentum, or will emotional highs lead to a letdown against Miami? Alex Donno, Kenton Gibbs, and guest Isaac Schade tackle the game’s thrilling finish, the impact of court storming—complete with $50,000 fines—and standout performances from Caleb Wilson and Derek Dixon.

The crew unpacks ACC basketball’s shifting landscape, spotlighting critical matchups like Miami vs. North Carolina, and NC State’s battle with Louisville for conference positioning. Plus, the spotlight turns to ACC...

G League and NBA veterans could be headed back to college—are NIL and transfer rules ushering in a new era of ACC basketball? The ACC Squad crew debate the impact of Charles Bediako rejoining Alabama from the G League and Amari Bailey’s attempt to return to NCAA play after 10 NBA games. Is college hoops poised for true free agency, and how could this seismic shift affect college football and the entire ACC landscape? The roundtable breaks down ACC men’s basketball at the midpoint: Can anyone challenge Duke for the top seed, and which teams will secure those...

Miami Hurricanes headline the ACC football power rankings, but is their dominance guaranteed? Alex Donno, Kenton Gibbs, and Kalia Butler dissect Miami’s roster strengths, key losses, and the emergence of contenders like SMU—whose stability at quarterback and coaching could pose the biggest threat. The crew questions whether Miami can break their historic streak of ACC underachievement and if teams like Virginia and Louisville might disrupt the narrative.

The conversation shifts to updated ESPN and CBS Sports bracketology, spotlighting Duke, Virginia, Louisville, North Carolina, and Clemson as March Madness locks, while NC State, SMU, and Miami rema...

Notre Dame’s uneasy alliance with the ACC takes center stage as conference independence, playoff access, and media drama ignite heated debate. Can the Fighting Irish continue to have their cake and eat it too, or will shifting playoff rules and conference expectations finally force a commitment? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down Jim Phillips’ latest stance, dissect the ACC’s new tiebreaker controversy after Duke’s wild season, and question if Notre Dame or the ACC benefits more from their unique partnership.

Conference realignment rumors, expansion talk, and looming threats to the ACC’s future stir the p...

Florida State Seminoles face major coaching upheaval as offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announces a surprise retirement, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s offensive future. Can new OC Tim Harris Jr. and head coach Mike Norvell restore stability and innovation, or will lingering internal conflicts and roster concerns derail their ACC campaign? Alex Donno, Kenton Gibbs, and Brian Smith debate the timing of Malzahn’s exit, its impact on recruiting, and the emerging leadership challenges within Florida State’s defensive lineup.

Exclusive insights highlight the offensive shakeup at FSU, predictions for how Tim Harris Jr. might revamp...

Miami Hurricanes capture the ACC spotlight with a national championship game run, but Virginia Cavaliers steal headlines as the best turnaround story—jumping from a hot seat to 11 wins under coach Tony Elliott. Can Miami build on its stunning success next season, and is Virginia’s revival a sign of lasting change in the ATLANTIC Coast Conference?

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the wildest ACC football storylines—debating Florida State Seminoles’ angry fan base after back-to-back disappointing seasons, Clemson Tigers' untapped potential, and Duke Blue Devils’ truly bizarre campaign featuring conference glory, quarterback lawsuits, and off-season...

ACC football retools rosters as Miami Hurricanes crush the transfer portal, but does portal success really guarantee wins on the field? Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs unpack Miami’s bold moves snagging Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate, debate how retention and high school recruiting compare to flashy portal signings, and spotlight NC State’s standout pickups—including Popo Aguirre and C.J. Bailey. Drama heats up as Dabo Swinney faces unprecedented tampering with Luke Forelli, raising questions about the wild-west atmosphere of college football’s transfer era.

On the court, ACC basketball rebounds from last year’s disappoint...

ACC football heats up as Darian Mensah spurns Duke to join Miami Hurricanes, instantly vaulting them into preseason title contention. Can Mario Cristobal turn his embarrassment of offensive riches—now including Cooper Barkate and Malachi Toney—into a national championship run? Isaac Shade and Brian Smith break down how Duke’s legal gambit to retain Mensah fell flat, what Miami’s explosive transfer portal activity means for the ACC, and why NIL money continues to upend college football’s power structure. CFP format shakeups, Notre Dame’s surprising auto-bid deal, and the fate of Group of Six teams spark debate about...

Duke Blue Devils and QB Darian Mensah reach a private settlement, sparking questions about the future of NIL contracts and college football’s legal landscape. Could this outcome signal a shift in how student-athletes, like those at Duke and Miami Hurricanes, negotiate their marketing rights—and will it push ACC football programs further from NCAA oversight?

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs examine the winners and losers of the Duke-Mensah saga, the impact on Duke’s quarterback situation, and the ripple effects across the transfer portal. The hosts also tackle the ACC’s surge in weeknight football games—are Friday...

ACC reveals 2026 football schedules with major storylines: Can Miami make a statement against defending champions Duke, and will Darian Mensah suit up in orange and green for the high-stakes November 14 clash? Rivalries heat up as Manny Diaz faces his former team, transfer drama unfolds, and Walker Eget looks to fill big shoes at quarterback for the Blue Devils.

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down key matchups, from Miami’s west coast opener at Stanford to Clemson’s early test at LSU and NC State's favorable road slate. The hosts analyze potential pitfalls, quarterback battles, and early play...

James Franklin stirs the ACC landscape by bringing a dozen former Penn State Nittany Lions to Virginia Tech, fueling speculation about the Hokies' rise and Penn State's future under new coach Matt Campbell. Will Virginia Tech become a surprise contender for the ACC Championship with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeier and key portal additions, or did the Hokies fall short of the expected Penn State exodus?

Alex Donno, Kenton Gibbs, and Zach Seyko break down the ripple effects of high-profile transfers, player retention battles, and coaching changes rocking Penn State, Virginia Tech, and the ACC at large. Hot topics...

Miami Hurricanes fall short in a nail-biter against Indiana Hoosiers for the national championship—can the ACC bounce back next season? Key moments, including Carson Beck’s costly interception and Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman-worthy touchdown run, define a hard-fought 27-21 showdown. With special teams mishaps and Miami's offense stifled by Indiana's stellar defense, the ACC squad break down what separated the contenders from the champions. The panel tackles seismic shifts in ACC football, from Clemson’s painful transfer portal woes and contract controversies at Duke to Syracuse’s uphill battle for relevance. Heated debate erupts over NIL contracts, lawsuits, and the es...

Duke Blue Devils take a bold stand in the Darian Mensah transfer saga, sparking debate around player empowerment, NIL contracts, and the legal chaos reshaping college football. With Miami Hurricanes aggressively targeting Mensah as their next starting quarterback, will contract disputes and NCAA loopholes derail Miami’s championship ambitions—and set a new standard for athlete movement across the ACC?

Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs break down the latest twists in the Duke-Miami saga, weighing in on NIL controversies, shifting ACC power rankings, and the financial arms race transforming roster building. Heated discussions highlight which teams—like NC Sta...

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Duke Blue Devils face a stunning quarterback shakeup as star Darian Mensah moves to enter the transfer portal, with Miami Hurricanes aggressively in pursuit—will Duke fight to keep their game-changing leader or risk fading into ACC irrelevance next season?

Jackson Holzer analyzes Darian Mensah’s contractual saga, explosive transfer drama, and the broader impact of NIL deals and ACC rivalries. Then, attention shifts to the National Championship: Miami Hurricanes look to upset the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, while Carson Beck must avoid turnovers and capitalize on Miami’s offensive strengths. Key topics...

Have the Miami Hurricanes just stolen their next star quarterback from the Duke Blue Devils?

In a shocking twist on Friday afternoon, Blue Devils standout Darian Mensah has announced his intention to leave Durham through the Transfer Portal. The Miami Hurricanes are his expected destination. Miami has been QB shopping but missed out on Brendan Sorsby, Sam Leavitt and Ty Simpson. 

Hosts Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs discuss the complications that come from Mensah’s revenue sharing agreement with Duke, and how he and Miami will try to work around it. Have the Hurricanes just fou...

Miami Hurricanes surge toward a national title after a playoff rollercoaster—can they topple the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and silence the ACC doubters? The ACC Squad break down Miami’s unlikely run, dissecting Carson Beck’s clutch performances, Mark Fletcher’s playoff heroics, and Mario Cristobal’s game strategy as Miami faces Indiana’s relentless, disciplined defense led by Fernando Mendoza. Debate heats up over whether Miami’s run validates the ACC, with spirited takes on conference pride, bowl records, and what it will take for ACC teams to sustain success. Panelists share bold predictions, raise questions about positional battles, and s...

The Indiana Hoosiers are hungry to win their first national title ever - but Miami stands in their way.

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Miami Hurricanes eye a sixth national championship as they prepare to battle the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers in a high-stakes college football showdown. Can Mark Fletcher and Marty Brown power Miami’s offense past Indiana’s vaunted run defense, which allows just 75 yards per game? Hosts Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down Miami’s keys to victory, emphasizing ball security, time of possession, and running behind their massive offensive line. Are Rueben Bane and Akheem Mesidor the defensive difference-makers Miami needs to pressure Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza?

With Indiana favored by 8.5 points and a potential title celebration in the...

Miami Hurricanes spark ACC football renaissance with a national championship run, raising questions about shifting power between the ACC and SEC. With Miami's postseason surge and the ACC's impressive bowl record, Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs debate media bias, highlight Clemson’s season struggles, and dissect whether conference strength is overrated or underestimated.

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs spotlight the fiery reaction to Notre Dame’s viral Pop-Tarts Bowl opt-out, questioning team culture and championship mentality in college football. The hosts also break down proposed seismic rule changes, including expanded redshirt eligibility and playoff expansion, and examine fan...

Miami Hurricanes charge into the national championship as heavy underdogs against the Indiana Hoosiers, who have been steamrolling opponents by 36 points per game. Can Miami's dominant offensive line and disruptive pass rush, led by Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, crack Indiana's relentless defense and pull off an upset for the ages?

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the stylistic matchups, injury updates, and keys to victory for Mario Cristobal's squad. The conversation heats up around Miami's O-line advantage, the targeting penalty affecting Xavier Lucas, and the confidence brewing among ACC contenders for next season, including Virginia...

Miami Hurricanes storm into the College Football Playoff national championship after outlasting Ole Miss in a nail-biting 31-27 showdown. Carson Beck silences critics, delivering the game-winning touchdown and proving his multi-million dollar value. Can Beck’s resilience and Miami’s clutch offense secure a title in their home stadium?

Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down Miami’s offensive surge, Mark Fletcher’s ground dominance, and big-play brilliance from Malachi Toney and Keelan Marion. Will Miami’s defense rebound after allowing Ole Miss its first playoff SEC touchdown? The hosts debate whether Oregon or Indiana poses a tougher ma...

Miami Hurricanes clash with Ole Miss Rebels in a Fiesta Bowl semifinal, with Carson Beck and Mark Fletcher aiming to power Miami’s dynamic offense against a high-octane Ole Miss led by Trinidad Chambliss. Can Miami’s elite run defense and pass rush contain Ole Miss’s improvisational playmakers to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff final?

Alex Donno leads rapid-fire analysis on Miami’s game plan, injury updates, and defensive keys. The panel debates Miami’s physicality, Carson Beck’s NFL draft prospects, and pivotal moments that could define the outcome. Breaking news on the ACC tran...

Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss and Miami battle in the CFP for a shot at a national championship. Who will advance? 

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Miami Hurricanes eye a home-field title as they face the explosive Ole Miss Rebels in a College Football Playoff showdown. Can Mark Fletcher and Carson Beck’s dynamic offense outmuscle an Ole Miss squad powered by Trinidad Chambliss and their relentless up-tempo attack? Alex Donno, Kenton Gibbs, and Brian Smith break down the keys to victory—Miami’s physical ground game versus Ole Miss’ track meet style—and debate which team can impose its will under playoff pressure.

The crew explores pivotal matchups, including Rueben Bane and Akeem Mesidor’s battle in the trenches, while spotlighting transfer portal shake...

Miami Hurricanes face off against Ole Miss in a shocking Fiesta Bowl Final Four matchup after both teams pull off major upsets—can Miami’s dominant trenches overpower Ole Miss’s explosive RPO attack for a ticket to the National Championship?

Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs break down the key battle between Miami’s formidable front and Ole Miss’s high-octane offense, exploring which team’s playing style will dictate the game. The quarterback carousel spins with CJ Bailey’s big decision to stay at NC State, DJ Lagway’s uncertain value on the transfer market, and which signal-cal...

Miami Hurricanes shock Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl, sparking questions about their new role as College Football Playoff favorites. With Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor dominating on defense and Carson Beck steering a low-ego offense, Miami bullied the defending champions and showcased physicality that few teams can match. Can the Hurricanes ride this momentum all the way to a national championship?

Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs break down Miami’s game-winning moments, including Keonte Scott’s pivotal pick-six and Carter Davis’ clutch field goal. Their analysis hits on the Hurricanes’ defensive strategy, the stakes of their ne...

Miami Hurricanes seek a Cotton Bowl upset against defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes—can their elite defense hold firm against Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and Carnell Tate’s explosive offense?

Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs preview the pivotal matchup, spotlighting Miami’s path to victory through explosive plays, mistake-free football, and red zone efficiency. Key insights unpack Miami’s ground attack led by Mark Fletcher, the necessity of a disciplined gameplan, and how pass rushers Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor must disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm. The discussion examines whether Miami can slow Bo Jackson and force Ohio...

ACC squads shake up bowl season with unexpected wins and wild finishes. Virginia shocks Missouri in the Gator Bowl, while Georgia Tech’s promising run stalls in a heartbreaking loss to BYU. Can Miami capitalize against Ohio State and push the ACC’s postseason record into elite territory?

Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs break down Georgia Tech’s quarterback transitions, Pitt’s puzzling bowl loss to East Carolina, and the implications of Tony Elliott’s physical style at Virginia. The debate heats up over Clemson’s decline under Dabo Swinney: is it time for a new direction, or can the T...

ACC basketball teams get their holiday wishes granted—or denied—as Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs hand out the ultimate Christmas presents, from Final Four dreams for the Duke Blue Devils to memory wipes for Clemson after a shocking loss to Georgetown. Which ACC squads find themselves on the nice list with NCAA tournament appearances, and who’s stuck with a lump of coal or even just a rock? The hosts’ creative gifts spotlight team needs like clutch free throw shooters for Duke and defensive help for SMU, while programs like Virginia Tech and Stanford get the spotlight for their un...

ACC basketball surges back into national relevance as Duke Blue Devils, North Carolina Tar Heels, Louisville Cardinals, and Virginia Cavaliers dominate the power rankings. Can Duke’s Cam Boozer and Louisville’s relentless guard play propel their squads into the Final Four spotlight? Jackson Holzer and Kenton Gibbs weigh in on title contenders, quality wins, and the adaptability needed to claim a national championship.

The conversation covers Miami Hurricanes and Clemson Tigers vying for top-tier status, challenges facing new conference members Cal, Stanford, and SMU, and the struggles of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Syracuse Orange to brea...