Ryan Williams Talks EA SPORTS College Football 26 + Is The CFP's 5+11 Model The Best?

Pete Thamel and ESPN senior writer Dan Wetzel break down the SEC’s push to have its grueling schedule factor more heavily into the College Football Playoff. They dive into whether the new 5+11 format truly rewards the best teams, especially with strength of schedule still a murky metric. The duo also weighs in on the uncertain future of the USC–Notre Dame rivalry, growing frustration from Ohio State fans over noon kickoffs, and Michigan’s looming NCAA meeting in the Connor Stalions case. Then, Alabama star Ryan Williams joins the show to talk EA SPORTS College Football 26, training with DeVonta Smith, and his bond with coach Kalen DeBoer. 04:33 - SEC gauntlet schedule deserves CFP reform 07:15 - Will the CFP 5 + 11 playoff format deliver? 16:21 - The State of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry 18:06 - Why USC-Notre Dame Matters in 2025 20:28 - Ohio State fans are over Noon kickoffs 28:49 - Michigan Connor Stalions update 37:38 - Alabama’s Ryan Williams CFB 26 cover star 39:35 - Inside Ryan Williams CFB 26 cover shoot 44:28 - Ryan Williams on training with DeVonta Smith 55:22 - Ryan Williams interview reaction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices