Best of The Week: Michigan-WMU WILD ending, NFL Week 1 Primer, Season predictions

This week on the podcast John reacted to the crazy ending to the Michigan-Western Michigan game and gave his thoughts on if the officials made the right call. Later, he gets you ready for Week 1 of the NFL season and tells you the best games to have on your TV at one time. Finally he wraps up the week giving you his season oredictions. All that and more! Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the 49ers' win over the Rams in Australia and breaks down the biggest takeaways from the international matchup. With the Rams coming up short, all eyes are now on Los Angeles and how the team responds after its season-opening loss. John takes a closer look at the 49ers-Rams matchup, what stood out from both teams, and the biggest questions facing the Rams moving forward. He also recaps the biggest NFL stories from Wednesday, breaking down the news and developments that have the football world talking. John also discusses NBC's pregame and postgame broadcast team, sharing his thoughts on the network's coverage surrounding the NFL's international opener. Finally, John looks ahead to Sunday's best games, highlighting the matchups worth watching and the teams, players, and storylines that could define the first full Sunday slate of the NFL season. From the 49ers-Rams reaction and the pressure on Los Angeles to the biggest NFL news and Sunday's must-watch games, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out. All that and much more! Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NFL season is officially underway, and on this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the Seattle Seahawks beating the New England Patriots in the season opener and breaks down what stood out from the first game of the new NFL season. John takes a closer look at the Seahawks, what the win says about Seattle heading into the season, and the biggest takeaways from the Patriots as they begin their campaign. With the NFL finally back, John also looks at what we can and can’t take away from the opening-night matchup. Then, the focus shifts across the globe as John previews Rams vs. 49ers in Australia, the first NFL game of the season to be played internationally. John breaks down the matchup, the key players and storylines to watch, and what could make this game particularly important for both teams. From the Seahawks' season-opening win over the Patriots to the Rams-49ers showdown in Australia, John breaks down the biggest storylines from the opening week of the NFL season on this episode of 3 & Out. All that and much more! Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NFL is officially back, and on this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the biggest storylines heading into the new season, from player news and international games to the latest developments across college football. John breaks down Aaron Donald and the latest surrounding one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. He also looks at the NFL's continued push to expand its global footprint with more NFL International Games and what the league's international strategy means for the future of the sport. The quarterback market is also in focus as Baker Mayfield gets paid. John discusses the significance of the deal and what it says about how NFL teams value quarterbacks who have established themselves as franchise-level players. John then shifts to college football, discussing Lane Kiffin and Florida State and the latest storylines surrounding the Seminoles as the college football season gets underway. Finally, John opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag, answering listener questions and tackling a wide range of NFL, college football, roster-building, coaching, and football-related topics. From the return of the NFL and Aaron Donald to Baker Mayfield's new deal, international games, Lane Kiffin, Florida State, and the Middlekauff Mailbag, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the latest NFL news before making his 2026 NFL predictions, including his picks for division winners and the teams he believes will make the playoffs. John starts with Tua Tagovailoa starting for the Atlanta Falcons, discussing the quarterback situation and what expectations should be heading into the season. He also breaks down Deshaun Watson being named a captain by the Cleveland Browns and what that says about his standing within the organization. The Patriots and Christian Gonzalez are also on the agenda, as John examines the latest surrounding New England and one of the team's most important players. Plus, John discusses Tony Romo and the latest NFL storylines around the league. Then it’s prediction time. John gives his picks for the AFC and NFC division winners, before laying out his AFC Wild Card and NFC Wild Card selections. Which teams are positioned to make a run, and which playoff contenders could surprise? From Tua and Watson to Christian Gonzalez, Tony Romo, and John's full NFL playoff predictions, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” on The Volume. They start with Michigan’s rocky start in their first game under coach Kyle Whittingham and the regression shown by quarterback Bryce Underwood (2:30), they also discuss the crazy ending to their game against Western Michigan (7:30). They pivot to Clemson being humiliated by LSU and Colin questions whether it’s time for head coach Dabo Swinney to go (12:15), and they make their  predictions on how LSU will fare under Lane Kiffin (17:30).   Colin argues Miami’s Darian Mensah looks like the best quarterback in college football, and could have a special season now that he’s paired with dynamic wide receiver Malachi Toney (26:00). They also discuss the growing disparity between the power conferences and the mid-majors despite Boise State putting a scare into #2 Oregon (29:30). They move to the mess at UNC under Bill Belichick and why hiring a “friends and family” staff has hamstrung the program (37:00).  They pivot to the NFL and make their Super Bowl predictions and preview Seahawks vs. Patriots to open the NFL season (49:00). They preview the Rams vs. 49ers this Thursday on Netflix and Colin believes the Rams will become the target for everyone’s best shot since they’re the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl… and that it’s no guarantee the Rams even win their division (56:00). Finally, they react to Tua Tagovailoa winning the starting quarterback job for the Falcons (1:07:00)  (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!  #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into another loaded week of college football, breaking down the biggest games, programs, and storylines making headlines around the sport. John starts with Western Michigan vs. Michigan, examining the Wolverines' performance and what the game tells us about where Michigan stands as the season continues. The conversation then turns to Clemson vs. LSU, one of the marquee matchups of the week. John breaks down the game, the pressure on both programs, and what the result could mean for their College Football Playoff hopes. John also discusses Boise State vs. Oregon, looking at Oregon's continued rise and whether the Ducks are firmly in the conversation among the nation's elite programs. Plus, John weighs in on Dabo Swinney, the changing landscape of college football, and how Indiana has become a major player in NIL. What are the Hoosiers doing differently, and can their approach continue to work? The episode also covers Miami vs. Stanford and the latest surrounding Arch Manning, as the Texas quarterback continues to draw massive attention every time he steps on the field. From Michigan and Oregon to Clemson, LSU, Indiana, and Arch Manning, John breaks down the biggest storylines across college football on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, John Middlekauff and Jackson Groff take a deep dive into the biggest storylines in college football, with plenty to debate as the season begins to take shape. They kick things off with the ongoing Big Ten vs. SEC debate. Which conference is truly the best in college football, and which league has the strongest collection of teams capable of competing for a national championship? The conversation then turns to Arch Manning and the enormous expectations surrounding the Texas quarterback. Is the hype justified, and what should we realistically expect from Manning as he steps into the spotlight? John also breaks down Notre Dame, including the Fighting Irish's place among the nation's elite and whether they can compete with the Big Ten and SEC powerhouses. Plus, Oregon and USC, two programs with massive expectations and even bigger recruiting footprints, before diving into Oklahoma and Indiana and what their seasons could look like. The episode wraps with a look at Cal and the evolving college football landscape, where conference realignment continues to reshape the sport. From conference supremacy and superstar quarterbacks to Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Cal, The Return of Kauff on Campus has you covered with John Middlekauff's perspective on the biggest stories in college football. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the shocking return of Aaron Donald to the NFL. After stepping away from football, the future Hall of Famer is back—and John breaks down what motivated the comeback, what Donald can still bring to the field, and what his return means for the league. John also dives into the incredible story of Jalon Daniels, who went undrafted but battled his way toward earning an NFL roster spot. John discusses Daniels' journey, the obstacles he overcame, and why stories like his are what make the NFL so compelling. The conversation then shifts to college football, where Bill Belichick and UNC picked up a statement win over TCU. John breaks down what the victory says about Belichick's transition to the college game and whether UNC could become a legitimate factor under the legendary coach. Plus, USC dominated its opponent, but the performance came with a surprising storyline: the stadium was practically empty. John discusses the atmosphere surrounding the Trojans, what the lack of attendance says about the program, and why winning isn't always enough to capture a fan base. From an NFL legend making a comeback and an undrafted player fighting for his dream to Bill Belichick's college debut and USC's attendance problem, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a massive Middlekauff Mailbag on this episode of 3 & Out as John Middlekauff tackles your biggest questions and debates from around the NFL with the regular season right around the corner. John takes a wide-ranging look at the league’s biggest storylines, from quarterbacks  to coaches, front offices, roster construction, young players, and the teams facing the most pressure heading into the season. Which teams are ready to make a run? Who is being overhyped? Which quarterbacks are poised to break out, and which ones have something to prove? John brings his former NFL front-office perspective to the biggest questions facing teams across the league. With the preseason winding down and Week 1 approaching, there’s no shortage of questions surrounding the NFL. John gives his honest takes, challenges popular narratives, and answers questions submitted by listeners. Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.