OutKick Hot Mic

Is the "Unwritten Rule" book officially dead? Hutt and Chad dive headfirst into the firestorm sparked by a viral 12U baseball celebration that has the sports world divided. Have celebrations finally gone too far, or is this just the new evolution of the game? Then, we transition from the diamond to the gridiron with SMU Head Coach Rhett Lashlee. Fresh off the news of his upcoming appearance in the 2026 Peach Bowl Challenge, Coach Lashlee joins us to discuss: why spring games are a thing of the past and how much actual time is spent coaching players. Finally, with the NFL Draft just days away, draft guru Todd McShay drops by to give us the ultimate insider "intel." Todd breaks down his latest Mock Draft 3.0, Jeremiyah Love's draft floor and which prospects are skyrocketing up team boards in the final 72 hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The headlines say she’s out, but the attitude says she’s digging in. Hutt and Chad break down the messy departure of Russini. Is this a legitimate career pivot, or a tactical retreat disguised as a moral high ground? Plus, OutKick Senior NFL Writer, Armando Salguero joins to do a deep dive into the "non-apology" heard 'round the media world and what to watch for during the NFL draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hot Mic pays tribute to a true titan of the sidelines and a beloved figure in the NFL community: Dave McGinnis. Known affectionately as "Coach Mac," he wasn't just a defensive mastermind; he was the heartbeat of every locker room he entered. With the draft board heating up, Matt Simms joins the show to dive deep into the film to find the signal-callers the mainstream media might be overlooking. Plus, MLB legend and 2x World Series Champion Johnny Damon discusses the seismic shifts happening across the league with the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS)—better known as "Robo-Umps." And with the league eyeing new markets, Johnny weighs in on which cities are truly ready for a franchise and how adding more teams might impact the talent pool and the grind of a 162-game season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2026 Masters wrapped up in legendary fashion, and Hutt and Chad break down Rory McIlroy’s historic back-to-back victory. But let’s be real—the golf is only half the story. Hutt and Chad dive into why Jim Nantz remains the undisputed GOAT of the broadcast. Whether he’s calling "a win for the ages" or just giving us that iconic "Hello Friends" at the top of the hour, we discuss why Nantz’s voice is the true soundtrack of April and the best thing about the Masters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hutt and Chad dive deep into the media firestorm surrounding NFL insider Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. After viral photos emerged of the two at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona, the internet has been in a frenzy—but Russini seems to be sticking to her playbook. The guys break down Russini’s decision to largely ignore the noise and continue her usual NFL reporting on X (formerly Twitter). Is this a masterclass in crisis management, or is the "business as usual" approach fueling the fire? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The birds are chirping, the azaleas are blooming, and... wait, is that a delivery drone hovering over Amen Corner? Hutt and Chad dive into the absolute madness of Amazon’s latest power move: securing early first and second round streaming rights to The Masters. Pluse OutKick Senior NFL Writer, Armando Salguero on Florida AG James Uthmeier looking to KILL the Rooney Rule and Crain & Cone Co-Host, David Cone on the Big Ten dominating college sports and how Michigan fell forward into a national championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The internet is in a full-blown meltdown after photos surfaced of Mike Vrabel and top NFL reporter Dianna Russini looking very comfortable at a luxury Arizona resort. We’re talking hand-holding, sunset hugging, and hot tub "source building." Hutt and Chad breaks down why a $2,000-a-night bungalow is a weird place for a "press conference," and if "interlocking fingers" is the new way to signal a blitz package. Is this the ultimate power play, or did the Patriots' coach just get caught in the ultimate coverage lapse? As the sports world shifts its gaze from the pool to the pines, Ned Michaels joins the program to preview The 2026 Masters. Can Rory McIlroy pull off the unthinkable and go back-to-back? Ned gives us the inside track on the lightning-fast greens at Augusta and tells us which dark horse is ready to ruin your betting slip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Holly Rowe is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. After a controversial podcast appearance during the Final Four, the ESPN veteran is caught scrubbing her social media. We break down the deleted take on Tennessee Women’s Basketball and why fans are calling her out for being on the "wrong side of history." Then, Hutt and Chad dive into the total shift in the college sports landscape. Michigan pummels UConn, and it’s becoming clear: the Big Ten isn't just participating—it’s dominating every single sport. From the gridiron to the hardwood, we discuss if anyone can actually stop the B1G's "galactic-scale" takeover. Plus, we check in on the latest from Barstool Sports. Kayce Smith joins the conversation as we look at the unfiltered state of LSU football and why seafood towers are all the rage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Geno Auriemma is an insufferable prick. Danny Hurley is as well but he is a more lovable version of Geno. Yet they both win and win a lot, Chad and Hutt discuss how this can be. Plus, Former LSU QB, Josh Booty on why Baton Rouge is on the Lane train and LSU has 40 incoming transfers next season, will this mean a slow start in Baton Rouge? And OutKick Senior College Writer, Trey Wallace joins from Indy with a preview of Michigan/Uconn and will there be opportunity for Dusty May in the NBA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lebron wants the Memphis Grizzlies to Move to Nashville, Kennesaw State Head Football Coach Jerry Mack Joins, and John McClain talks all things NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hutt and Chad sit down with one of the most efficient scorers to ever step foot on a college hardwood: Belmont Men’s Basketball icon and current coach, Evan Bradds. We take a trip down memory lane to discuss Bradds’ legendary career at Belmont, where he cemented himself as a cornerstone of the program’s NCAA Division I era. And how his on-court experience translates to his current role on the Belmont sidelines. Plus, OutKick Senior NFL Writer, Armando Salguero joins the fellas to discuss the possibility of Aaron Rodgers to the Broncos, why Todd Munken missed the coaches photo and the Titans signing QB Hendon Hooker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the "human element" killing baseball? Hutt and Chad dive deep into why the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) isn't just a gimmick—it’s the savior MLB desperately needs. From ending the framing era to restoring the strike zone's integrity, we break down why the "Robo-Umps" are a win for the game. Plus, Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Byington joins the show to discuss his vision for the Commodores, his high-octane offensive philosophy, and what it takes to rebuild a winning culture in Nashville. Finally, we go from the court to the stage—and the green—with American Idol Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. Taylor gives us exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Idol, and what it’s like to play 18 holes with the Godfather of Shock Rock, Alice Cooper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They say it’s impossible to pick your favorite kid but every parent actually has a favorite kid and would never admit it. Hutt and Chad break down why AD’s are the same and they all have their favorite sports with their favorite coaches and will now make the choice to over fund some programs while sacrificing others. Hutt and Chad are joined by a true March Madness legend, former St. Peter’s star point guard Doug Edert, to discuss the shifting landscape of college basketball and the "extinction" of the underdog. Plus, Hutt and Chad welcome Trey Wallace to dissect the wildest headbutt from the Elite Eight and the massive power shifts that may be on the horizon for college basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an atmosphere that felt more like a Final Four matchup than a regular-season clash, the University of Connecticut pulled off a victory for the history books. Hutt and Chad break down UConn's narrow triumph over Duke in what is already being labeled the game of the year. Plus, Big 10 Network Basketball Analyst, Brian Butch on why the Big Ten Conference might be the best in College Basketball and can Arizona v Michigan live up to the hype? And Tennessee Vols HC, Josh Heupel joins the show to discuss spring practice and the QB competition in Knoxville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most polarizing man in American soccer joins Hutt and Chad for a no-holds-barred conversation. Alexi Lalas doesn't do "quiet," and he isn’t holding back today. We dive into the current temperature of the USMNT and his unfiltered thoughts on the 2026 World Cup cycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apparently, the NFL has finally found the one thing Tom Brady can’t beat: a front office HR department. Hutt and Chad break down why the league is officially swiping left on a TB12 comeback. Plus, Just four years after a "strong-ass" exit, Wade is officially back as the head coach of LSU Men’s Basketball. But this isn't just a coaching hire—it's a case study in power, timing, and survival. LouisianaSports.net Publisher, Matt Moscona and the boys dive deep into the current state of LSU athletics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hutt and Chad discuss how it wasn’t long ago Wade didn’t just break rules he waged war with the system after the infamous FBI wire tap had him pissed about a player not taking the bag. Now he’ll have palm branches and cloaks covering the road paved with strong ass offers. Plus, On3 College Football Insider, Andy Staples joins the boys to discuss the bizarre "three-headed monster" dynamic in the LSU coaching offices and why the vibes in Baton Rouge are shifting. We also take a trip down memory lane to Andy’s pre-journalism days—specifically, his legendary (and slightly traumatizing) stint working at Wet 'n Wild. And now that Arch Manning has a full year of starting experience under his belt, are the Heisman expectations finally realistic, or is the hype train officially off the rails? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time in decades, the "Carolina Family" may have to look outward. After five roller-coaster seasons, North Carolina is officially searching for a new head coach. Hutt and Chad break down the "Hot Board," from heavy hitters like Billy Donovan and Brad Stevens to rising stars like TJ Otzelberger and Dusty May. Can the Tar Heels return to elite consistency, or is the blue-blood era at a tipping point? Plus, Mike LaTulip of Field of 68 joins to discuss who's next at UNC, what's the best college basketball conference and the Key to Brad Underwood’s Success. And "Kelly in Vegas" shares the Sweet 16 plays you should have on your board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is women’s basketball hitting a competitive ceiling? After a weekend of historic blowouts in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Hutt and Chad take a flamethrower to the current state of the game. We’ve seen No. 1 seeds like UConn and South Carolina winning by 40, 50, and even 60 points, leading many to ask: Where is the drama? The guys discuss the "Scoring Gap"—the reality that while the top 1% of teams are offensive juggernauts, the rest of the field is struggling to keep up. Plus, Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator Alabama-R discusses the Student Athlete Act which would allow students-athletes to have five consecutive years to play in five consecutive seasons. It would allow for a one-time transfer without penalty. Any subsequent transfers would result in the player sitting out a season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hutt and Chad discusses Rick Barnes and his masterclass performance leading the Tennessee Volunteers through the first two rounds. After a commanding 78–56 win over Miami (OH) and a gritty victory against 30-win Virginia, Barnes is silencing the critics who once labeled him a "tournament fader." With a star freshman in Nate Ament playing through injury and Ja’Kobi Gillespie catching fire, Barnes has the Vols looking like a legitimate national title threat. Is it time to admit he’s one of the greatest to ever do it? The mood shifts from Knoxville to Chapel Hill, where the "hot seat" has turned into a furnace. Following North Carolina’s devastating overtime loss to VCU, the Tar Heels have now suffered back-to-back Round of 64 exits. Former Vol and SEC analyst Dane Bradshaw joins to provide an insider's look at Tennessee's culture under Barnes and how they managed to neutralize Virginia’s defense. He also weighs in on the wider SEC performance and which teams are poised to make a Final Four run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices