by Yogi Roth
A college football podcast through the lens of the West Coast. Yogi Roth brings a uniquely expert, curious, and western take on the game we love. Facts first, opinions second. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.y-option.com/s/podcast?utm_medium=podcast">www.y-option.com</a>
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/25/2016
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April 9, 2025
<p>It’s Game Week!</p><p>Okay, not a real game, but a spring game. And I’m on a flight to Columbus, Ohio to call my first ever game at The Horseshoe for Big Ten Network.</p><p>Spring football always brings excitement. It’s a time of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sUNa2qrNCOE">hope, opportunity, and fresh beginnings</a> for every player on the roster.</p><p>For the Ohio State Buckeyes, this spring is about the 2025 team beginning to write their own story following a thrilling College Football Playoff championship run. The energy around the program is electric, and this weekend gives us a first glimpse of what’s to come.</p><p>On today’s Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, we dive into a full preview of the Buckeyes. I break down critical position battles and explain why I believe Ryan Day’s squad is primed for another CFP run. And here’s a spoiler: it’s not just because of their talent-rich roster - it’s the competitive culture Day has built that could be the difference maker.</p><p>One of the young men immersed in that environment is freshman quarterback <strong>Tavien St. Clair</strong>, a hometown kid who grew up less than an hour from Ohio State’s campus. Now he’s living his dream, wearing scarlet and gray this spring. Tavien and I sat down last summer at the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles, and in today’s episode, you’ll hear that conversation—his journey, his mindset, and the legacy he hopes to build.</p><p>Reflecting on that conversation reminded me of how special the Elite 11 experience has been for me over nearly two decades.</p><p>Back in 2009, my first year on the Elite 11 staff, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nUB5Re09D0">MVP was Jake Heaps</a>. That class also featured Devin Gardner, Chandler Whitmer, Blake Bell, Nick Montana, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.elite11.com/2009elite11">others</a>. Meeting those athletes when they were 17 years old gave me a window into the unique world of top-tier quarterback prospects - a world filled with pressure, passion, and unpredictable journeys.</p><p>Now heading into my 17th year with Elite 11, we’ll share the same message with this year’s class that we gave to the ‘09 group and that we spell out in the best-selling book <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/5-STAR-QB-About-Stars-Journey/dp/B0B7QP7V99">5-Star QB</a>: “The only thing that’s guaranteed is that your path won’t go exactly as you envision it.”</p><p>Looking back on that 2009 class, that truth has played out in so many ways:</p><p>* <strong>Jake Heaps</strong> transferred three times before a run in the NFL and is now a head coach in high school & the head coach of Elite 11.</p><p>* <strong>Devin Gardner</strong> played both wide receiver and quarterback at Michigan and now shines as a broadcaster with FOX Sports.</p><p>* <strong>Chandler Whitmer</strong> played at Illinois and UCONN and now serves as the QB coach at Indiana and in my eyes, is a rising star in the coaching ranks.</p><p>* <strong>Blake Bell</strong> won three Super Bowls - as a tight end.</p><p>* <strong>Nick Montana</strong> went from Washington to Tulane and today, he’s the co-founder and CEO of his own company.</p><p>Every one of them, like every Elite 11 QB since, imagined a long NFL career. And while not all had the career of Tom Brady or Jared Goff, they each carry incredible stories, filled with grit, growth, and perspective.</p><p>It’s a reminder that behind every 4 or 5-star ranking is a real human story. And here at Y-Option, we’re committed to telling those stories and shining a light on who these young athletes are vs who they are told they should be.</p><p>Hope you enjoy today’s episode featuring Buckeye signal-caller Tavien St. Clair - and as we evaluate their talent this Saturday in their spring game, let’s all remember that each of the players also have a story worth sharing.</p><p>Much love, and as always… Stay Steady,</p><p>Yogi</p><p>This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren</p><p>This podcast is a Best Coast Media production</p><p><p>Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.y-option.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.y-option.com/subscribe</a>
April 3, 2025
<p>In my 20 years living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed a pattern. If you grow up on the West Coast, there’s always a pull to return to the Pacific time zone. For Oregon State quarterback <strong>Maalik Murphy</strong>, coming back West wasn’t what he initially envisioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2022 out of Serra High School in Gardena, California. But after stops at Texas and Duke, the gifted QB has found his way back, now leading the Oregon State Beavers.</p><p>With spring ball in full swing across the country, we’re excited to welcome Maalik to the Y-Option podcast for the first time, presented by our founding partner 76<strong>.</strong></p><p>Oregon State football has always been built on successful quarterback play complimenting a strong run game with a tough defense and an incredible fan base. Now, in Year 2 under <strong>Trent Bray,</strong> the Beavers are in position to make some serious noise out West.</p><p>I still remember my first trip to Corvallis. It was 2006, my 2nd year coaching at USC. We rolled into Reser Stadium as the No. 3 team in the country, only to leave <a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxajw4o5HbDXP-Ao5-2HhVPtW-yxNc-aSZ?si=Xqm64OMijYhS0dFB">with a 33-31 loss</a> and the sound of chainsaws ringing in our ears. That game wasn’t my first introduction to the Beavs, though. I had already faced them as a player in the 2002 Insight Bowl while starting for Pitt. We won, and freshman <strong>Larry Fitzgerald</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxUSXtKQXOa_pyNpsL-HKpLldldKgagxMv?si=haMjplbAeISmgeE-">became a household name that night</a>. But what stuck with me was Oregon State’s identity - tough, disciplined, and relentless.</p><p>Fast forward to today, and the man leading the Beavers is a familiar name<strong>.</strong> <strong>Bray</strong> was a linebacker on that 2002 team and now holds his dream job as Oregon State’s head coach. And this offseason, he might have landed his dream quarterback.</p><p>When the Pac-12 reshaped itself last season, skeptics doubted whether the Beavers could land an elite quarterback in the transfer portal. But Beaver Nation proved them wrong. Coach Bray, offensive coordinator/QB coach Ryan Gunderson, and the Oregon State staff made their pitch, and one of the hottest names in the portal chose them. As Maalik shared with me on Y-Option, he’s never been happier, or more confident.</p><p>Hearing that was special. Maalik Murphy is the type of leader young quarterbacks should look up to - a model of resilience and perseverance.</p><p>We hope you enjoy today’s conversation. And to those of you in our <strong>Y-Option paid community</strong> - thank you for your continued support.</p><p>Back to spring ball film study!</p><p>Much love and Stay Steady,</p><p><strong>Yogi</strong></p><p>This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren</p><p>This podcast is a Best Coast Media production</p><p><p>Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.y-option.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.y-option.com/subscribe</a>
April 1, 2025
<p>Ever met someone who just makes the room feel right? Someone who can blend into any crowd, be the ultimate teammate or wingperson, and put others at ease while making them better? I’m sure a few names come to mind as you read this. And as you listen to today’s episode of the Y-Option podcast with Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, presented by our founding partner 76, you’ll get that same feeling.</p><p>Daniel - or “DJ,” as he’s known in the industry - is a true master of his craft. As the lead voice on NFL Network during the NFL Draft, a constant presence in football media via his podcast <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfl.com/podcasts/move-the-sticks">Move The Sticks</a>, and the LA Chargers radio analyst since 2018, DJ thrives in every environment.</p><p>It makes sense. He was once a dual-threat quarterback who transitioned into media after an injury at Appalachian State set him on a new path. A chance encounter during that time changed his career trajectory, leading him to where he is today.</p><p>DJ and I go way back - over a decade. We’ve done annual home-and-home podcasts on Move The Sticks and Y-Option, sharing a passion for football and the people who make the game great.</p><p>In today’s episode, we take a trip down memory lane, break down this year’s QB class, and discuss why adversity often leads to success. We also dive into the NFL Draft prospects of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Tetairoa McMillan, and Ashton Jeanty. Plus, DJ shares powerful insights from 49ers QB Brock Purdy, on the toughness of Justin Herbert, and handicaps the AFC West - aka the Pac-10 from the early 2000s - under Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, and Jim Harbaugh.</p><p>I have no doubt you’ll enjoy today’s conversation and I bet you’ll walk away feeling like you just hung out with one of the coolest and most insightful football minds in the game.</p><p>While DJ is the elite voice of the NFL Draft, what I admire most is his humility, discipline in chasing what truly matters, and ability to elevate those around him. Be sure to catch him and his colleagues live from Green Bay on April 24-26 as the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on NFL Network.</p><p>As spring football heats up across the country, there’s some big news to report:</p><p>* <strong>Coach Prime’s Historic Extension</strong>: Deion Sanders has signed a five-year, $54 million extension to stay at Colorado through 2029. While his 13-12 record may not seem extraordinary, his impact is undeniable. He has sparked a national - and even global - resurgence of the Buffs brand. The proof? Colorado’s season ticket revenue jumped from $13M in 2022 to $31.2M in 2023, they trend every time he has a press conference and this April the Buffs will, once again, pack Folsom Field for their spring game. Coach Prime continues to redefine what’s possible in college football. And I’d imagine he will be in the news a little on NFL Draft night as well.</p><p>* <strong>Syracuse & Colorado Joint Spring Practices Denied</strong>: Not surprisingly, the NCAA shut down the idea of Syracuse and Colorado holding joint spring practices. While denied for now, expect the landscape to evolve as we move toward 2026, with more teams looking to collaborate. Jim Thornby and I discuss this during the preamble to my conversation with DJ and make a case for joint practices, just not like you might imagine.</p><p>* <strong>Stanford Makes Big Moves</strong>: The Cardinal have named Frank Reich as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Given Stanford’s unique recruiting challenges, this hire brings immediate stability. While they could have pursued a long-term solution, GM Andrew Luck likely prioritized continuity, choosing a coach he knows well—Reich coached Luck in 2018 with the Indianapolis Colts. Did they get it right? Let us know <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/yoptionfb">@Y-Option on social media</a> as we had a long discussion about this strategy as well on today’s podcast.</p><p>I met Coach Reich at a Super Bowl event a few years ago and he left a lasting impression. I imagine Stanford’s roster will feel the same way and I do not anticipate a mass exodus to the portal.</p><p>Additionally, Stanford hired Alden Mitchell as the interim Athletic Director. Having known Alden for over a decade from our time at the Pac-12 Networks, I can say this: she’s competitive, sharp, and fully committed to this role.</p><p>The next 4 months will shape Stanford’s football program for the next 5 years. Their success in adapting to the modern college football landscape hinges on the decisions they make now, and with Andrew Luck steering the ship, I’m optimistic they’ll get it right as a good Stanford squad is a great thing for college football.</p><p>As always, much love to all of you for supporting Y-Option. Enjoy spring ball.</p><p>Stay steady,Yogi</p><p>This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.</p><p>This podcast is a Best Coast Media production</p><p><p>Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.y-option.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.y-option.com/subscribe</a>
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