NIL lawsuits, SEC vs Big Ten playoff clashes, and explosive 2025 predictions take center stage in this must hear episode of Fans First: A Sports Podcast. Host Jim Powell sits down with legendary college football analyst Tony Barnhart, known nationwide as “Mr. College Football”—to break down the headlines, controversies, and behind-the-scenes power moves defining the next era of the sport.

From the legal chaos unfolding around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to the escalating conflict between the SEC and Big Ten over playoff expansion, Tony offers expert analysis on how money, media, and power are reshaping college football. He shares why the College Sports Commission could soon face an avalanche of lawsuits, why the locker room is becoming a hotbed of jealousy over NIL contracts, and what’s really at stake with new collective bargaining efforts.

The episode highlights key takeaways from SEC Media Days, including the most surprising team rankings and why powerhouse programs like Georgia and Texas could meet up to three times in 2025. Tony shares exclusive insights on Georgia’s quarterback drama, the underrated rise of South Carolina, and the serious questions surrounding the Bulldogs’ run game and receiving corps. He also reflects on Nick Saban’s post-retirement transition and why he’s thriving in the broadcast booth.

This conversation is packed with expert predictions, insider knowledge, and a deep understanding of how tradition, talent, and new rules are colliding in real time. Whether you’re a fan of the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, or just love the game, this episode is your front-row seat to the future of college football.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) NIL, market value battles & lawsuits looming
• (02:00) Georgia Advisory Group sponsorship
• (03:12) Introducing Tony Barnhart, “Mr. College Football”
• (04:30) Key takeaways from SEC Media Days
• (07:00) Nick Saban’s retirement & possible return?
• (09:30) SEC vs Big Ten: The playoff fight ahead
• (12:00) College Sports Commission: Useful or dangerous?
• (15:00) Locker room divide: NIL’s impact on team culture
• (17:42) Gunner Stockton vs. Carson Beck: Leadership & likeability
• (19:00) Media’s SEC predictions & Tony’s take
• (21:00) Big 10, ACC, Big 12: Who’s rising in 2025?
• (24:00) Can Georgia’s youth and recruiting keep them on top?
• (28:00) Kirby Smart’s leadership style in the NIL era
• (30:00) Retirement plans and spoiling grandkids

4 Key Takeaways

• NIL Lawsuits Are Coming – With the College Sports Commission attempting to cap market value, lawyers are lining up to challenge those restrictions.
• SEC Power Shifts – Texas and Georgia are leading media polls, but LSU and South Carolina are gaining momentum.
• Team Chemistry Threatened by NIL – Players driving Lamborghinis while others grind in silence is creating tension in locker rooms.
• Tony Barnhart’s Top Picks – Georgia, Texas, Penn State, and Clemson are the programs to watch as potential national contenders in 2025.

Guest Bio: Tony Barnhart

Tony Barnhart, affectionately known as “Mr. College Football,” is a veteran journalist and broadcaster who has spent decades covering the game’s most iconic moments. A mainstay on CBS, ESPN, and the SEC Network, Tony is one of the sport’s most trusted voices, known for his insider access and deep historical knowledge.

Resources & Mentions

• Fans First Sports Podcast Archive – https://fansfirstpodcast.com
• Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) –

Tom Glavine on 300 Wins, the Atlanta Braves, and the Future of MLB Pitching

Hall of Famer Tom Glavine breaks down the future of MLB pitching, why the 300-win milestone may never happen again, and what’s really going on with the 2025 Atlanta Braves. In this Fans First exclusive, Glavine shares insights on the evolution of Major League Baseball, how today’s pitchers compare to past generations, and his candid thoughts on automated strike zones.

Glavine opens up about his own journey to 300 career wins, how losing 17 games as a rookie shaped his mentality, and why modern pitching strategies make that level of success nearly impossible. From bullpen usage to innings restrictions, he explains why no one is being set up to repeat the kind of dominance he, Maddox, and Smoltz had.

The episode also dives into the Atlanta Braves' rollercoaster 2025 season. Glavine talks about Chris Sale’s injury, Spencer Strider’s development, the team’s inconsistent offense, and whether Brian Snitker is still the right manager to lead them.

Plus: what it’s like watching young MLB pitchers today, why mechanics matter more than radar gun readings, and how rule changes are reshaping the game of baseball.

If you’re a baseball fan, especially an Atlanta Braves fan, or just love listening to Hall of Fame pitchers talk shop, this episode delivers the ultimate insider perspective on MLB pitching, the pursuit of 300 wins, and the evolution of the sport.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (0:00) Glavine reflects on early struggles and lessons from losing 17 games
• (3:00) The rise to MLB and first impressions of the Braves
• (7:30) Insights on Atlanta’s rookie pitching phenom
• (11:00) What it really takes to reach 300 career wins
• (15:00) Why we may never see another 300-win pitcher
• (18:00) Pitchers Tom Glavine loves to watch today
• (21:00) The evolution of his pitch command and changeup mastery
• (24:00) State of the 2025 Braves: hopes, flaws, and playoff chances
• (29:00) Thoughts on Brian Snitker and fan reactions
• (34:00) Sid Bream, Barry Bonds, and that legendary slide
• (36:00) Bobby Cox: the ultimate player’s manager
• (38:00) Tom’s take on the automated strike zone
• (41:00) What rule changes Tom supports and which ones might break the game

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

300 Wins May Be Gone Forever

• Glavine breaks down why modern pitchers likely won’t hit this elusive milestone again, citing innings limits, injuries, and a new bullpen-first mindset.

Automated Strike Zones? Hard Pass

• Tom is not sold on the robo-ump trend. He says it could kill one of the game’s most essential and human elements.

The Braves Have a Path, but It's Narrow

• Despite a tough season, Glavine sees a window for a turnaround if Atlanta can start winning series consistently.

Pitching Philosophy Then vs. Now

• With fewer complete games and more velocity obsession, Glavine sees a widening gap between today's “stuff” and yesterday’s “craft.”

Tom Glavine is a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher, two-time Cy Young Award winner, 10-time All-Star, and 1995 World Series MVP. He spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves and finished with 305 career wins—making him one of the last pitchers to ever reach that mark. Glavine is also known for his off-field leadership, work with MLB broadcasting, and commitment to youth sports development.

• Fans First Sports Podcast Archive – https://fansfirstpodcast.com
• Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) –

The most versatile and skilled play-by-play announcer in sports, Brian Anderson, joins Jim Powell on Episode 18 of Fans First, a sports podcast. Together, they unpack what could go down as the greatest tennis match of all time: the epic five-set Alcaraz vs. Sinner showdown at the 2025 French Open.

Brian Anderson takes us behind the scenes of his transition from calling NBA, MLB, and March Madness to mastering the craft of tennis commentary. In this episode of the Fans First sports podcast, Brian shares how he prepared for seven months, training on the court, analyzing elite tennis strategies, and even taking 120mph serves, to bring authenticity and energy to the French Open broadcast.

With his trademark storytelling style, Brian explains how a great play-by-play announcer brings tennis to life for both diehard fans and casual viewers. Whether he’s calling a pitch in baseball or a winner on clay, Anderson knows how to connect the moment to the audience. His approach to the 2025 French Open, and especially to what many call the greatest tennis match of all time, shows why he’s one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.

This episode is packed with insights about pressure, preparation, and performance. Jim and Brian also explore the broader role of the sports podcast medium, and how Fans First aims to elevate fan voices across every game and every sport.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Brian Anderson reflects on French Open debut and imposter syndrome
• (04:04) Transitioning from MLB and NBA to French Open tennis coverage
• (07:15) Seven months of prep for calling the French Ope
• (16:15) Breaking down the Alcaraz vs. Sinner final—the greatest tennis match of all time
• (24:50) Communicating tennis to casual fans as a seasoned play-by-play announcer
• (29:22) How the Fans First sports podcast gives voice to sports lovers
• (35:07) Why Brian Anderson stepped away from football broadcasting
• (39:01) Lessons from elite sports moments across French Open, NBA, and MLB

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Brian Anderson’s preparation for the French Open was more demanding than any NBA or MLB assignment.
• The Alcaraz vs. Sinner final at the 2025 French Open could be the greatest tennis match of all time.
• A skilled play-by-play announcer translates the intensity of tennis, NBA, and MLB to fans everywhere.
• Fans First is a sports podcast committed to putting fans at the center of every conversation.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Brian Anderson is one of the most accomplished and versatile play-by-play announcers in sports. Known for his work on MLB, NBA, March Madness, and now the French Open, he blends preparation and instinct to deliver unforgettable broadcasts. His call of the 2025 French Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner was a career-defining moment that placed him firmly in tennis history and reinforced his standing as a go-to voice for elite sporting events.

RESOURCE LINKS

• Fans First Sports Podcast – https://fansfirstpodcast.com
• Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) – https://www.gaadvisorygroup.com/
• Brian Anderson Profile – https://www.instagram.com/bandersonpxp/