John discusses the Packers Monday Night Football win over the Lions, and why it doesn't convince him that Green Bay has recovered from a drama filled offseason. He also looks at the continued injury problems plaguing Carson Wentz, why the Colts season could be over before it starts, why he's impressed with the early turnaround for Sam Darnold in Carolina, and what the Steelers/Raiders matchup revealed about Big Ben and Derek Carr. He also looks ahead to the upcoming Eagles/Cowboys matchup, its NFC East implications, why he's not convinced the Cardinals can be a serious playoff threat, and answers listener questions in the Middlekauff Mailbag.

Make sure you follow John and The Volume on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest content and updates and check out FanDuel for the best wagering and daily fantasy action!

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

John discusses the Packers Monday Night Football win over the Lions, and why it doesn't convince him that Green Bay has recovered from a drama filled offseason. He also looks at the continued injury problems plaguing Carson Wentz, why the Colts season could be over before it starts, why he's impressed with the early turnaround for Sam Darnold in Carolina, and what the Steelers/Raiders matchup revealed about Big Ben and Derek Carr. He also looks ahead to the upcoming Eagles/Cowboys matchup, its NFC East implications, why he's not convinced the Cardinals can be a serious playoff threat, and answers listener questions in the Middlekauff Mailbag.Make sure you follow John and The Volume on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports">Twitter</a>, Instagram and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheVolume">YouTube</a> for the latest content and updates and check out <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/">FanDuel</a> for the best wagering and daily fantasy action! Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Packers Problems, Out on Wentz, Darnold Resurrection, Carr vs. Big Ben, NFC East, Cardinals Doubts, Mailbag

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/fb2ac1e8-6071-42f8-8330-ae330048cb8b/transcript

NFL is Back

PolyMarket

Ad Marker

Aaron Donald

NFL International Games

Baker Mayfield gets paid

Lane Kiffin

Florida State

Middlekauff Mailbag

The NFL is officially back, and on this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the biggest storylines heading into the new season, from player news and international games to the latest developments across college football.

John breaks down Aaron Donald and the latest surrounding one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. He also looks at the NFL's continued push to expand its global footprint with more NFL International Games and what the league's international strategy means for the future of the sport.

The quarterback market is also in focus as Baker Mayfield gets paid. John discusses the significance of the deal and what it says about how NFL teams value quarterbacks who have established themselves as franchise-level players.

John then shifts to college football, discussing Lane Kiffin and Florida State and the latest storylines surrounding the Seminoles as the college football season gets underway.

Finally, John opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag, answering listener questions and tackling a wide range of NFL, college football, roster-building, coaching, and football-related topics.

From the return of the NFL and Aaron Donald to Baker Mayfield's new deal, international games, Lane Kiffin, Florida State, and the Middlekauff Mailbag, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

#Volume

The&nbsp;NFL is officially back, and on this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff dives into the biggest storylines heading into the new season, from player news and international games to the latest developments across college football.
John breaks down&nbsp;Aaron Donald&nbsp;and the latest surrounding one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. He also looks at the NFL's continued push to expand its global footprint with more&nbsp;NFL International Games&nbsp;and what the league's international strategy means for the future of the sport.
The quarterback market is also in focus as&nbsp;Baker Mayfield gets paid. John discusses the significance of the deal and what it says about how NFL teams value quarterbacks who have established themselves as franchise-level players.
John then shifts to&nbsp;college football, discussing&nbsp;Lane Kiffin and Florida State&nbsp;and the latest storylines surrounding the Seminoles as the college football season gets underway.
Finally, John opens up the&nbsp;Middlekauff Mailbag, answering listener questions and tackling a wide range of NFL, college football, roster-building, coaching, and football-related topics.
From the return of the NFL and Aaron Donald to Baker Mayfield's new deal, international games, Lane Kiffin, Florida State, and the Middlekauff Mailbag, it&rsquo;s all covered on this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1788377353812000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VCskAmMlnRy5_ss18Vg0W">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
#Volume

2026 NFL Kickoff: Patriots-Seahawks Predictions, Baker Mayfield gets PAID, Aaron Donald OUT for Week 1

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f7389291-fcbf-4926-8f79-b4c0009e0c24/transcript

Predictions

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the latest NFL news before making his 2026 NFL predictions, including his picks for division winners and the teams he believes will make the playoffs.

John starts with Tua Tagovailoa starting for the Atlanta Falcons, discussing the quarterback situation and what expectations should be heading into the season. He also breaks down Deshaun Watson being named a captain by the Cleveland Browns and what that says about his standing within the organization.

The Patriots and Christian Gonzalez are also on the agenda, as John examines the latest surrounding New England and one of the team's most important players. Plus, John discusses Tony Romo and the latest NFL storylines around the league.

Then it’s prediction time. John gives his picks for the AFC and NFC division winners, before laying out his AFC Wild Card and NFC Wild Card selections. Which teams are positioned to make a run, and which playoff contenders could surprise?

From Tua and Watson to Christian Gonzalez, Tony Romo, and John's full NFL playoff predictions, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

#Volume

On this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff dives into the latest NFL news before making his&nbsp;2026 NFL predictions, including his picks for division winners and the teams he believes will make the playoffs.
John starts with&nbsp;Tua Tagovailoa starting for the Atlanta Falcons, discussing the quarterback situation and what expectations should be heading into the season. He also breaks down&nbsp;Deshaun Watson being named a captain by the Cleveland Browns&nbsp;and what that says about his standing within the organization.
The&nbsp;Patriots and Christian Gonzalez&nbsp;are also on the agenda, as John examines the latest surrounding New England and one of the team's most important players. Plus, John discusses&nbsp;Tony Romo&nbsp;and the latest NFL storylines around the league.
Then it&rsquo;s prediction time. John gives his picks for the&nbsp;AFC and NFC division winners, before laying out his&nbsp;AFC Wild Card and NFC Wild Card&nbsp;selections. Which teams are positioned to make a run, and which playoff contenders could surprise?
From Tua and Watson to Christian Gonzalez, Tony Romo, and John's full NFL playoff predictions, it&rsquo;s all covered on this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1788377353812000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VCskAmMlnRy5_ss18Vg0W">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
#Volume

NFL Futures: Division Winners, Wild Card Picks, NFL MVP + Major Award Predictions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ac0322ee-3434-41fd-9bf5-b4bf000fc4c6/transcript

Western Michigan-Michigan

Clemson-LSU

Boise State-Oregon

Dabo Swinney

Indiana has dominated NIL

Others college news

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into another loaded week of college football, breaking down the biggest games, programs, and storylines making headlines around the sport.

John starts with Western Michigan vs. Michigan, examining the Wolverines' performance and what the game tells us about where Michigan stands as the season continues.

The conversation then turns to Clemson vs. LSU, one of the marquee matchups of the week. John breaks down the game, the pressure on both programs, and what the result could mean for their College Football Playoff hopes.

John also discusses Boise State vs. Oregon, looking at Oregon's continued rise and whether the Ducks are firmly in the conversation among the nation's elite programs.

Plus, John weighs in on Dabo Swinney, the changing landscape of college football, and how Indiana has become a major player in NIL. What are the Hoosiers doing differently, and can their approach continue to work?

The episode also covers Miami vs. Stanford and the latest surrounding Arch Manning, as the Texas quarterback continues to draw massive attention every time he steps on the field.

From Michigan and Oregon to Clemson, LSU, Indiana, and Arch Manning, John breaks down the biggest storylines across college football on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

#Volume

On this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff dives into another loaded week of&nbsp;college football, breaking down the biggest games, programs, and storylines making headlines around the sport.
John starts with&nbsp;Western Michigan vs. Michigan, examining the Wolverines' performance and what the game tells us about where Michigan stands as the season continues.
The conversation then turns to&nbsp;Clemson vs. LSU, one of the marquee matchups of the week. John breaks down the game, the pressure on both programs, and what the result could mean for their College Football Playoff hopes.
John also discusses&nbsp;Boise State vs. Oregon, looking at Oregon's continued rise and whether the Ducks are firmly in the conversation among the nation's elite programs.
Plus, John weighs in on&nbsp;Dabo Swinney, the changing landscape of college football, and how&nbsp;Indiana has become a major player in NIL. What are the Hoosiers doing differently, and can their approach continue to work?
The episode also covers&nbsp;Miami vs. Stanford&nbsp;and the latest surrounding&nbsp;Arch Manning, as the Texas quarterback continues to draw massive attention every time he steps on the field.
From Michigan and Oregon to Clemson, LSU, Indiana, and Arch Manning, John breaks down the biggest storylines across college football on this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1788377353812000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VCskAmMlnRy5_ss18Vg0W">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
#Volume

CFB Week 1 Reaction: Western Michigan-Michigan, Clemson-LSU, Boise State-Oregon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d3a8879b-c6ef-4ede-9351-b4be00cf8fb4/transcript

Packers Problems, Out on Wentz, Darnold Resurrection, Carr vs. Big Ben, NFC East, Cardinals Doubts, Mailbag

In 1 playlist(s)

3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips