Doug Mathews welcomes in  27-year CBS Sports veteran Dennis Dodd  to discuss why media days represent the true start of the football season. Then, an inside look at how reporter access has evolved in the modern era. He notes that despite an influx of different media outlets being allowed into the room, building in-person relationships remains crucial for securing stories.

Doug Mathews welcomes in&nbsp; 27-year CBS Sports veteran Dennis Dodd&nbsp; to discuss why media days represent the true start of the football season. Then, an inside look at how reporter access has evolved in the modern era. He notes that despite an influx of different media outlets being allowed into the room, building in-person relationships remains crucial for securing stories.

Not many analysts in the midsouth have as much football expertise as Doug Mathews brings to the microphone every Saturday morning. It’s Forklift System’s Football Saturday on 104-5 The Zone.

Mathews, best known for his 10 seasons as Running Backs Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, tells it like it is and lets you take show where you want to go every weekend.

Forklift Systems Football Saturday covers all the big games across the nation, including all the action within the Southeastern Conference. It’s the perfect preview before you catch your favorite team play Saturday afternoon. Featuring long-time college football writer Tony Barnhart and NFL analyst Charles Davis.

Forklift Systems Football Saturday

Full Shows And Interviews From Nashville's #1 Sports Station

Zone Podcasts

Inside 2026 CFB Media Days and Shifting Collegiate Regulations with Dennis Dodd

Doug Mathews is joined by 27-year CBS Sports veteran Dennis Dodd  to discuss why media days represent the true start of the football season. Then, an inside look at how reporter access has changed.

Then, College Football insider Tony Barnhart joins discussing a number of different topics including the Cruz-Cantwell bill addressing the NIL Clearinghouse, SEC Media Day taking place starting on Monday, and as new era in the SEC with six coaches set to begin their first season's in charge. 

Doug Mathews is joined by 27-year CBS Sports veteran Dennis Dodd&nbsp; to discuss why media days represent the true start of the football season. Then, an inside look at how reporter access has changed.
Then, College Football insider Tony Barnhart joins discussing a number of different topics including the Cruz-Cantwell bill addressing the NIL Clearinghouse, SEC Media Day taking place starting on Monday, and as new era in the SEC with six coaches set to begin their first season's in charge.&nbsp;

Forklift Systems Football Saturday - 7-18-26

With the 2026 college football season rapidly approaching, Doug and college football insider Tony Barnhart dive deep into the off-field politics and on-field storylines dominating the sport.

First, a break down of the Cruz-Cantwell bill addressing the NIL Clearinghouse. They discuss the revelation that $355 million in NIL deals were approved while $90 million were rejected during the first year of the clearinghouse. They also analyze the bill's 19-9 committee vote, its upcoming path to the full Senate, and why the SEC and Big Ten are pushing back to protect their ability to pool television resources.

Then, SEC Media Days kicks off Monday, July 20th, making its first-ever appearance in Tampa, Florida. The guys preview what to expect from the event's 16 participating schools.

Finally, the new era of the SEC brings six new head coaches to the podium, including Will Stein at Kentucky, Alex Golesh at Auburn, and Ryan Silverfield at Arkansas. Tony also highlights the pressure facing Kalen DeBoer and expectations for Arch Manning's upcoming season.

 

With the 2026 college football season rapidly approaching, Doug and college football insider Tony Barnhart dive deep into the off-field politics and on-field storylines dominating the sport.
First, a break down of the Cruz-Cantwell bill addressing the NIL Clearinghouse. They discuss the revelation that $355 million in NIL deals were approved while $90 million were rejected during the first year of the clearinghouse. They also analyze the bill's 19-9 committee vote, its upcoming path to the full Senate, and why the SEC and Big Ten are pushing back to protect their ability to pool television resources.
Then, SEC Media Days kicks off Monday, July 20th, making its first-ever appearance in Tampa, Florida. The guys preview what to expect from the event's 16 participating schools.
Finally, the&nbsp;new era of the SEC brings six new head coaches to the podium, including Will Stein at Kentucky, Alex Golesh at Auburn, and Ryan Silverfield at Arkansas. Tony also highlights the pressure facing Kalen DeBoer and expectations for Arch Manning's upcoming season.
&nbsp;

SEC Media Days Head to Tampa & The Future of NIL w/ Tony Barnhart

Today Coach talks to Jim Bonds and Tony Barnhart discuss the evolution of sports media, college football, and the impact of NIL and transfer portals. They share insights from their extensive careers, highlighting key moments and changes in the industry. Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer joins the show to preview the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Fulmer reflects on the incredible careers and legacies of several of his former players being honored, including the late sweep-running standout Reggie Cobb, dominant top-ten draft picks Antone Davis and Charles McCray, and future NFL Hall of Famer Jason Witten—famously recounting the story of how Witten was convinced to switch from defensive end to tight end. The discussion also touches upon softball phenom Monica Abbott’s induction, the tight-knit bond and impending reunion of former Volunteer offensive linemen in town for the event, and the remarkable growth of the Hall of Fame celebration over the years, we explore college football's current landscape, including coaching, transfers, and team evaluations, with expert Chris Lowe. We discuss the impact of transfer portals, coaching changes, and the future of SEC teams.

 

Today Coach talks to Jim Bonds and Tony Barnhart discuss the evolution of sports media, college football, and the impact of NIL and transfer portals. They share insights from their extensive careers, highlighting key moments and changes in the industry. Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer joins the show to preview the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Fulmer reflects on the incredible careers and legacies of several of his former players being honored, including the late sweep-running standout Reggie Cobb, dominant top-ten draft picks Antone Davis and Charles McCray, and future NFL Hall of Famer Jason Witten&mdash;famously recounting the story of how Witten was convinced to switch from defensive end to tight end. The discussion also touches upon softball phenom Monica Abbott&rsquo;s induction, the tight-knit bond and impending reunion of former Volunteer offensive linemen in town for the event, and the remarkable growth of the Hall of Fame celebration over the years, we explore college football's current landscape, including coaching, transfers, and team evaluations, with expert Chris Lowe. We discuss the impact of transfer portals, coaching changes, and the future of SEC teams.
&nbsp;

Inside 2026 CFB Media Days and Shifting Collegiate Regulations with Dennis Dodd

In 2 playlist(s)

Forklift Systems Football Saturday

Follow podcast

Recent clips