2026’s First Best Bets Unveiled! College Football Playoff Reactions, Upset Picks & Betting Resolutions — Coach and Company | January 1st, 2026 |

Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped) [00:05:40] – [00:07:15] Happy New Year & Show Intro The Coach introduces the first live show of 2026, welcomes new and returning listeners, and plugs the YouTube subscription for notifications on future live shows. Coaching Company is set to dominate the Stadium Network and other platforms, followed by Coach and Bro, dedicated to pro wrestling. [00:07:16] – [00:10:03] Panel Introductions & Resolutions The full team checks in: DG vows to double down on innovative sports betting research, DG resolves to focus on fan enjoyment, and DG aims to be present as a sports fan with his family—setting the stage for a balanced season of analysis and fandom. [00:10:03] – [00:14:20] First Best Bets of 2026 Roundtable of early best bets: DG : Texas Tech +2.5 vs Oregon, Celtics team total over 118.5 DG : 76ers first quarter team total over 29.5, Tyrese Maxey props, UCSD -8.5 vs Cal Poly The Coach : Sixers/Mavs over 231.5, Jazz/Clippers over 233.5 DG : Alabama team total over 19.5, Clippers team total over 123.5 Also, some fun with Clippers fan gear policies and home-field playoff discourse. [00:17:50] – [00:18:52] NIL, Transfer Portal, and CFB Format Changes Panel reacts to NIL chaos, coaches’ frustrations, and Dan Lanning’s proposals for College Football Playoff improvement (home-site playoff games, consolidating schedule). [00:20:10] – [00:22:21] Michigan, Texas & College Football Playoff Reactions Deep dive into Michigan vs Texas, praising Arch Manning’s leadership and approach. Speculation about portal moves, NIL, and the ripple effect on other big programs. [00:23:00] – [00:27:00] Miami Proves the Critics Wrong & CFB Playoff Structural Debates Miami’s dominant win and defensive prowess, criticism of Ohio State’s offense, and a critical discussion about the impact of byes in a 12-team CFB playoff scenario. [00:27:12] – [00:34:34] Ole Miss vs Georgia: SEC Showdown Preview Breakdown of the much-hyped rematch: spread, point totals, player props, and the possible media chaos if Lane Kiffin joins ESPN’s broadcast. Predictions for defensive intensity and home/away fan energy. [00:35:11] – [00:36:59] CFB Playoff Structure: Should Games Be On-Campus? Panel debates having quarter- and semi-final playoff games at campus sites, with arguments for maximizing fan experience vs. maintaining bowl tradition. [00:38:16] – [00:43:42] Oregon vs Texas Tech: The NIL Bowl Full betting breakdown: betting action, money movement, team identities, strengths of Texas Tech’s defense, predicted totals, and live betting strategy advice. [00:43:56] – [00:48:45] Alabama vs Indiana: Proving Belonging & Spreading the Love Panel debates Indiana’s surprising rise, Alabama’s chances, whether SEC teams still deserve default respect, and how public perceptions affect lines. Differing views on Aggression vs. “Get In/Get Out” scoring. [00:50:10] – [00:59:01] NBA Quick Hits: Timberwolves Drama, Showcase Games & More Best Bets Anthony Edwards drama, predictions for Heat vs Pistons and Jazz vs Clippers, favorite player prop targets, and additional NBA best bet locks for the night. [00:59:01] – [01:02:35] Locking in Best Bets & Final Thoughts Rapid-fire recap of everyone’s official best bets, weather impacts on betting totals, a quick Q&A on Rockets-Nets, and closing with what College Football Playoff game each panelist is watching most closely. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.