Former Alabama Crimson Tide and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Mike Johnson joins The Next Round for a wide-ranging football conversation ahead of another massive college football weekend.

Johnson breaks down the changes he’s seeing from Alabama’s offensive line, why the unit is playing with more toughness and physicality, and whether the Crimson Tide has finally fixed the running game that struggled last season. He also explains why Alabama has made significant progress—but believes there’s still work to do before calling the rushing attack championship caliber.

The guys also examine Kirby Smart and Georgia, debate whether Lane Kiffin can become a championship-level head coach, and discuss the changing expectations facing college football players in the NIL era.

Plus, Johnson weighs in on the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation, Michael Penix Jr.’s opportunity and the college quarterbacks who could emerge as future NFL Draft targets.

Then, The Next Round looks ahead to a huge weekend of college football with potential bounce-back games for LSU, Texas A&M, Oregon, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin, before asking whether Oregon’s matchup with USC could have major College Football Playoff implications.