EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 51 MIN
NFL Playoff Parity, Coaching Crossroads & Why College Sports Is Broken
from SportsIQ with Larry Smith · host Rise Above Productions & Revision Sound
The NFL postseason field is set — and it looks nothing like last year. On this episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith breaks down a wild opening round of the NFL playoffs, where defense ruled, longtime powers fell, and league-wide parity took center stage.The Houston Texans make history with a dominant road win in Pittsburgh, raising serious questions about the future of the Steelers — and whether Mike Tomlin’s era is nearing a crossroads. NFL writer Shane Shoemaker (Heavy.com) joins the show to analyze Houston’s rise, Green Bay’s late-season collapse, coaching vacancies across the league, and which Divisional Round matchup deserves the most attention.Later, Yahoo Sports senior writer Dan Wolken returns with a must-hear conversation on college athletics. Wolken explains why the current college sports model is “broken in almost every way possible,” diving into NIL chaos, the transfer portal, donor influence, legal uncertainty, and why Indiana’s stunning rise to the national title game may represent a turning point for the sport.Plus:NFL Divisional Round previewsGreen Bay’s coaching dilemmaThe Bears’ breakthrough with Caleb WilliamsIndiana vs. Miami and the future of college footballA viral youth hockey incident that sparked controversyIt’s a jam-packed episode covering the biggest stories shaping football at every level — and where the games may be headed next.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeTexans’ historic playoff win over the SteelersPittsburgh’s seven-game playoff losing streakNFL coaching carousel & available candidatesPackers’ late-game struggles and Matt LaFleur’s futureNFL Divisional Round matchups to watchWhy college sports governance is failingNIL, the transfer portal, and legal gray areasIndiana’s unprecedented run to the national championship gameDonor power, billionaire involvement, and sustainabilityViral youth hockey controversy and league responseFeatured GuestsShane Shoemaker – NFL Writer, Heavy.comDan Wolken – Senior Writer, Yahoo Sports📲 Follow & Listen: Listen weekdays to Sports IQ with Larry Smith and join the conversation across social platforms.New episodes drop Monday through Friday.
What this episode covers
The NFL postseason field is set — and it looks nothing like last year. On this episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith breaks down a wild opening round of the NFL playoffs, where defense ruled, longtime powers fell, and league-wide parity took center stage.The Houston Texans make history with a dominant road win in Pittsburgh, raising serious questions about the future of the Steelers — and whether Mike Tomlin’s era is nearing a crossroads. NFL writer Shane Shoemaker (Heavy.com) joins the show to analyze Houston’s rise, Green Bay’s late-season collapse, coaching vacancies across the league, and which Divisional Round matchup deserves the most attention.Later, Yahoo Sports senior writer Dan Wolken returns with a must-hear conversation on college athletics. Wolken explains why the current college sports model is “broken in almost every way possible,” diving into NIL chaos, the transfer portal, donor influence, legal uncertainty, and why Indiana’s stunning rise to the national title game may represent a turning point for the sport.Plus:NFL Divisional Round previewsGreen Bay’s coaching dilemmaThe Bears’ breakthrough with Caleb WilliamsIndiana vs. Miami and the future of college footballA viral youth hockey incident that sparked controversyIt’s a jam-packed episode covering the biggest stories shaping football at every level — and where the games may be headed next.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeTexans’ historic playoff win over the SteelersPittsburgh’s seven-game playoff losing streakNFL coaching carousel & available candidatesPackers’ late-game struggles and Matt LaFleur’s futureNFL Divisional Round matchups to watchWhy college sports governance is failingNIL, the transfer portal, and legal gray areasIndiana’s unprecedented run to the national championship gameDonor power, billionaire involvement, and sustainabilityViral youth hockey controversy and league responseFeatured GuestsShane Shoemaker – NFL Writer, Heavy.comDan Wolken – Senior Writer, Yahoo Sports📲 Follow & Listen: Listen weekdays to Sports IQ with Larry Smith and join the conversation across social platforms.New episodes drop Monday through Friday.
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NFL Playoff Parity, Coaching Crossroads & Why College Sports Is Broken
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