EP 12: Keith Carter & Pete Thamel

What does it take to lead with vision—and navigate the shifting landscape of college athletics? Episode 12 of The CALS Report brings together two of the most respected voices in the industry for timely insights and perspective. In The Big Interview, Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter joins host Ryan Bradley for a candid conversation on leadership, decision-making, and building momentum in Oxford. From the bold hire of Lane Kiffin to the rise of Rebel football and beyond, Carter reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and relationships that have shaped his tenure—and what it takes to align coaches, administrators, and fans behind a shared vision. Then, ESPN’s Pete Thamel stops by with a special segment on the state of college football. With the season kicking off in earnest, Thamel breaks down the storylines he’s watching most closely, shares his perspective on the future of the CFP, and reflects on what makes College GameDay such an iconic stage—and discusses Lee Corso's final episode. Episode 12 is a front-row seat to leadership in action and storytelling at its best—reminding us that the conversations shaping college athletics are as dynamic as the game itself.