We open with a look at the National League standings, where the Chicago Cubs have jumped out as an early surprise. Is it sustainable, or is a correction coming? That sets the tone for a bigger conversation about momentum, expectations, and how quickly things can shift over a long season. Then it’s a pivot to the gridiron, where the American Football Coaches Association is floating major changes to the college football structure, everything from eliminating conference title games to expanding the playoff and moving up the calendar as early as 2027.

This isn’t just schedule talk, it’s a potential reshape of the sport. We dig into what those changes could mean for tradition, revenue, and the path to a championship, with examples like Alabama Crimson Tide football showing how the current system has already been gamed at times. There’s also a look at ESPN’s offseason rankings, spotlighting who actually won the transfer portal and recruiting battles, and which fanbases might need to reset expectations heading into the season.

We open with a look at the National League standings, where the Chicago Cubs have jumped out as an early surprise. Is it sustainable, or is a correction coming? That sets the tone for a bigger conversation about momentum, expectations, and how quickly things can shift over a long season. Then it&rsquo;s a pivot to the gridiron, where the American Football Coaches Association is floating major changes to the college football structure, everything from eliminating conference title games to expanding the playoff and moving up the calendar as early as 2027.
This isn&rsquo;t just schedule talk, it&rsquo;s a potential reshape of the sport. We dig into what those changes could mean for tradition, revenue, and the path to a championship, with examples like Alabama Crimson Tide football showing how the current system has already been gamed at times. There&rsquo;s also a look at ESPN&rsquo;s offseason rankings, spotlighting who actually won the transfer portal and recruiting battles, and which fanbases might need to reset expectations heading into the season.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won – Springfield’s Sports Hub

Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won — your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.

-Local Coverage, Local Voice — In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about.
-Live Sports Odds & Boards — View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
-Pro Picks & Betting Insights — Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game.
-On-Air Shows & Podcasts — Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more.
-Alerts & News — Get notified on big games, breaking scores.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won &ndash; Springfield&rsquo;s Sports Hub
Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won &mdash; your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.
-Local Coverage, Local Voice &mdash; In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about. -Live Sports Odds &amp; Boards &mdash; View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. -Pro Picks &amp; Betting Insights &mdash; Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game. -On-Air Shows &amp; Podcasts &mdash; Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more. -Alerts &amp; News &mdash; Get notified on big games, breaking scores.