Zac Jackson and Friends

PODCAST · sports

Zac Jackson and Friends

Zac Jackson from The Athletic and a rotating cast of his friends talk ball. Yes, a lot of Cleveland Browns -- but also the Ohio State Buckeyes, the NFL as a whole, the changing landscape of college sports and probably some Cavs and Guardians, too.

  1. 191

    Harden The Hero and Taylen Green, At Very Least Interesting

    Zac Jackson runs through the Cavs' chances of recovering from their debacles in Detroit and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Plus, some observations from Browns rookie minicamp and what's interesting about the NFL's upcoming schedule release. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 190

    What To Know About Browns Rookie Minicamp + The Sorsby Situation

    Zac Jackson has some quick thoughts on the Cavs, the NBA Playoffs airing on 47 different online platforms, a potential quarterback search via the supplemental draft and the days ahead for the Browns' 10 draft picks with their weekend minicamp Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 189

    Cavs' Last Call and More Browns Building(s)

    Zac Jackson is back from a post-draft break with a tepid (at best) vote of confidence for the Cavs and a reality check for the Browns, who are playing for 2027 and must proceed accordingly. The Zac Jackson and Friends Podcast is presented by Fully Loaded Chew. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. 188

    Parades, Overreactions and Other Ways To Grade The Cleveland Browns' Draft

    Zac Jackson and Friends is back to recap the three days of the Cleveland Browns' 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns made six trades and 10 selections and are understandably drawing rave early reviews for their draft work. What's left to do, obviously and not so obviously? And what's really been different about this offseason to this point? We explore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 187

    A Sensible Start To The Browns' Draft

    Zac Jackson weighs in late Thursday night (early Friday morning, actually) following the Browns' selections of Utah OT Spencer Fano at No. 9 and Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion at No. 24 in the first round of the NFL Draft. What's next? Who's next? How much upside do Fano and Concepcion have? Let's explore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. 186

    Tate > Tyson and Other Last-Minute NFL Draft Calls

    Zac Jackson delivers one final run-through of the Cleveland Browns' options, trade chances and potential targets on the morning of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Zac Jackson and Friends Podcast is sponsored by Fully Loaded Chew. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. 185

    A Minicamp in Berea + A Draft in Pittsburgh

    Zac Jackson has some brief thoughts and observations from the first day of the Browns' voluntary minicamp practice. Later, he digitally visits the home of the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh, for a talk with The Athletic's Mike DeFabo on the state of the Steelers, the draft ties between the Browns and Steelers and overall thoughts on the state of the AFC North. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. 184

    The All-Ohio Browns Mock Draft

    Zac Jackson conducts a full seven-round and nine-pick Cleveland Browns mock draft consisting only of players who played college football in Ohio or grew up in Ohio. Yes, this whole process just is too long for everyone. Later, he talks with one of those mock picks -- and one of the draft's most interesting prospects -- DT Landon Robinson of the Naval Academy and Copley High School. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  9. 183

    Cavs - Raptors (Mostly) And Other Basketball Talk with Joe Vardon

    Zac Jackson continues the countdown to the start of the NBA Playoffs with Senior NBA Writer for The Athletic, Joe Vardon. Are the Cavs confident? Are they fragile? Are we all headed for a wild ride? Later in the podcast, Zac is joined by Massillon basketball coach Josh Hose after Massillon won its first state basketball title last month. The ZJAF Podcast is presented by Fully Loaded and FullyLoadedChew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  10. 182

    Draft Talk: Speculation with Scott Petrak and Chasing Dreams with Max Tomczak

    Zac Jackson and Friends continues the countdown to next week's NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with a special episode. Scott Petrak of BrownsZone goes over scenarios, changing mock drafts and must-haves for the Browns, then former Youngstown State wide receiver Max Tomczak takes us through his college journey and path to landing an NFL roster spot later this month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  11. 181

    Do All Signs Point To Carnell Tate At 6?

    We have an NBA Playoff bracket. We have an NFL Draft in 10 days. Do we have any real hope and optimism for the Browns going forward? Can the Cavs make a real run? The Zac Jackson and Friends Podcast is presented by Fully Loaded. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  12. 180

    Linemen, Running Backs and Other Draft Arguments with Lance Reisland

    Zac Jackson is joined by Lance Reisland of Cleveland.com for a rundown of Lance's favorite offensive linemen in this year's NFL Draft, the case for (and against) taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 6 and some other avenues the Browns might travel when the draft begins on April 23. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  13. 179

    The Browns Begin Their Offseason Program Next Week

    Zac Jackson wraps up the NFL owners meetings from Phoenix. What impressions did the Browns make? What clues were offered? And what's next for the quarterback competition that sort of officially begins at the start of the offseason program? The Zac Jackson and Friends Podcast is presented by Fully Loaded. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  14. 178

    Myles Garrett Getting Traded? It Certainly Feels Possible

    Zac Jackson checks in from the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. Myles Garrett's future with the Browns isn't the only story this week, but it's one of the biggest -- in Cleveland and across the league. The new contract modification makes it much easier for the Browns to trade Garrett this summer, and that's the only explanation for why it was done. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  15. 177

    On Ohio State's Pro Day + Myles Garrett Trade Possibilities

    Zac Jackson recaps who and what he saw at Ohio State's pro day, then shares what he knows -- and doesn't know -- about the Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett changing contract language and deferred payment dates to make it easier for the team to trade Garrett eventually. Likely not soon, but the door is open. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  16. 176

    Pro Days, Sweet 16 and Football Discussion Resumes Soon

    Zac Jackson has some thoughts on the pro day circuit, the still-sad state of the Cleveland Browns offense and the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. The Zac Jackson and Friends Podcast is presented by Fully Loaded. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  17. 175

    Get Your Brackets Ready (And Right)

    Zac Jackson is joined by ClevTA of ClevAnalytics.com for some NCAA tournament bracket talk. Where should you pick your upsets? Which teams are underrated? What, besides luck, actually goes into winning your bracket pool? Let's explore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  18. 174

    Miami's In, The Browns Are Spending And Shedeur's The Guy (For Now)

    Zac Jackson has some thoughts from around the world of sports but most of them start in Cleveland, where Shedeur Sanders has a runway towards winning the Browns' starting job. Two MAC basketball teams are in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999, which is good, but shouldn't the Browns have added a wide receiver by now? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  19. 173

    Another Magical MAC March in Cleveland

    Zac Jackson cements his status as the stone-cold worst by spending almost an entire podcast reminiscing about past Mid-American Conference basketball tournaments and setting the stage for this one, where 31-0 Miami and Akron seem to be on a Saturday collision course (no jinxes). Later, Mike Petraglia joins to talk about the Redhawks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  20. 172

    Quick Thoughts On Two Days Of Browns Free Agency

    Zac Jackson goes over a wild day across the sports world and predictably unspectacular start to the free agency period for the Cleveland Browns, who are doing what they need to do in trying to rebuild the offensive line. What (and who) might be next? And HOW many points did Bam Adebayo score Tuesday night? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  21. 171

    The Actual (Re)Shaping of the Browns Begins Now

    Zac Jackson has some Cleveland Browns thoughts on the eve of the NFL's player movement period. Which quarterback names should Browns fan know? What does Joel Bitonio's decision mean? When will deals be announced? Soon, we'll have real answers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  22. 170

    March Traditions: Browns QB Talk + CBB Talk with Jim Root

    Zac Jackson shares some thoughts on the Browns' first step in the offensive line rebuild and some opinions on the quarterback situation. Later, he's joined by Jim Root of Three Man Weave and Basket Under Review for a preview of March Madness and the spotlight on Cleveland next week with unbeaten Miami headlining the MAC tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  23. 169

    Post-Combine Thoughts On The Browns' QB Situation

    Malik Willis? Anthony Richardson? Someone else? Zac Jackson is back from the NFL Scouting Combine and he lays out his thoughts on the Browns' offensive needs and targets with one week until the start of the NFL's player movement period. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  24. 168

    Todd Monken's 15 (Actually 35) Minutes of Combine Fame

    Zac Jackson checks in from Indianapolis and the NFL Scouting Combine after new Cleveland Browns Head Coach Todd Monken did his press conference and tried to best to boost a potential quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  25. 167

    Checking In From The Combine

    Zac Jackson checks in from the NFL Scouting Combine. He discusses the Browns' likely road map, the Malik Willis situation and some of the other interesting free agents who could fit the Browns' needs and parameters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  26. 166

    Combine Kickoff + AFC North Whiparound

    NFL business picks up this week with the start of the NFL Scouting Combine. Zac Jackson has some Browns-related combine thoughts, then it's an AFC North Whiparound podcast edition with Zac's AFC North colleagues from The Athletic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  27. 165

    Point Guards, QBs and Evolving Philosophies with Jerrod Calhoun

    Zac Jackson gives some pre-NFL Scouting Combine Browns thoughts then talks Browns, Cavs, NCAA tournament and more with Jerrod Calhoun, a native of Northeast Ohio whose Utah State basketball team is 23-3 and heads to the weekend having won eight straight games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  28. 164

    NFL Draft Preview: Offensive Tackles

    Zac Jackson is joined by former NFL scout Scott DiBendetto of the DiBrief Substack for a discussion on the top offensive tackles in the 2026 draft. Is Spencer Fano the best of the bunch? Are the Browns intending to take a tackle at No. 6 overall? A week ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, we dive into the tackle class. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  29. 163

    Hoop Talk with Akron Basketball Coach John Groce

    It's an Ohio college basketball edition of Zac Jackson and Friends. Zac Jackson shares some thoughts on the state of Ohio (and Ohio State) college basketball, then he's joined by University of Akron head coach John Groce for a discussion on the state of college sports, the magic of March, his goals for the program and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  30. 162

    Cleveland Browns Offseason Road Map

    Zac Jackson provides some dates, names and realities to know as the Browns go about the draft process, prepare for free agency and ultimately begin the process of rebuilding their offense over the next several weeks and months. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  31. 161

    Harden, Monken and Super Bowl Prop Talk

    Zac Jackson shares some thoughts on Todd Monken's formal Cleveland introduction, the Cavs' aggressive trade for James Harden and what's directly ahead for both Cleveland teams. Later, he's joined by ClevTA of ClevAnalytics.com for a discussion on Super Bowl props, trends and how to make your Super Sunday a winning one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  32. 160

    Talking Todd Monken (And Maybe A Big Cavs Trade)

    Zac Jackson is joined by Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens writer for The Athletic, for a discussion on Todd Monken's time in Baltimore, why Lamar Jackson thrived in Monken's offense and what's next after a wild January across the AFC North. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  33. 159

    Getting To Know Todd Monken (Plus Some SEC / Big Ten Talk)

    Zac Jackson and Seth Emerson, national college football writer for The Athletic, talk about Todd Monken and how Monken's time at Georgia shaped his journey back to the NFL. Plus, some more Monken tidbits and a discussion on the end of the SECs reign as college football's most dominant force. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  34. 158

    Too Much Monken (Talk)? Or Not Enough Monken?

    Zac Jackson has some follow-up thoughts on the Browns' hiring of Todd Monken as head coach, the immediate reaction to the hire and some thoughts on the necessary roster building that must follow. The Zac Jackson and Friends Podcast is sponsored by Fully Loaded Chew. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  35. 157

    Monken's The Man. And Your Initial Response Is...

    Zac Jackson discusses the anti-climactic end of the Browns' prolonged coaching search. Why Todd Monken? Why should Browns fans give him a chance? What's next? And why do so many feel like they wanted the Browns to go in another direction? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  36. 156

    So, About This Prolonged Browns Coaching Search...

    Zac Jackson checks in from Mobile, Alabama and the Senior Bowl with exactly zero answer to the big question: Why haven't the Browns finalized their coaching selection yet? What's the holdup? Will there be resolution by the time you actually listen to this podcast? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  37. 155

    Talking Coaching Searches and ... Brisket Tacos

    Zac Jackson goes over what we believe will be the final phase of the Browns' search for a new head coach. He also discusses some realities of the job, some reasons for optimism and discusses the beginning of another offseason quarterback search. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  38. 154

    Browns Search Stalled + Cavs Talk with Danny Cunningham

    Zac Jackson talks the plusses and minuses of the Browns' coaching job and prolonged search, then shifts to an in-depth discussion on the state of the Cleveland Cavaliers with Danny Cunningham of the Inside Shot Substack and LockedOn Cavs Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  39. 153

    Five In Line (Right Now) For The Browns Job

    Is it really Jim Schwartz or Grant Udinski? Will the Buffalo opening throw another curveball in the Browns' coaching search? What do you want to hear on future episodes of Zac Jackson and Friends? Let us know. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  40. 152

    Sensible Names and Coach-Search Puzzle Pieces

    Zac Jackson goes over the different ways to view the first 10 days of the Browns' coaching search and the most intriguing of the 10 names currently on the scheduled interview docket. With nine jobs open, don't expect much clarity until early next week -- but there are some clues lingering out there. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  41. 151

    Browns Questions and Realities with Scott Petrak

    Zac Jackson and Scott Petrak talk the state of the Browns' coaching search, what Mike McDaniel's inclusion might mean, where Jim Schwartz probably stands and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  42. 150

    Updates and Thoughts on the Browns' Coaching Search

    Zac Jackson has some thoughts on the first wave of Browns' coaching interviews, the next wave headlined by Rams DC Chris Shula, and the waiting game involved with the NFL's coaching-search rules and the realities of the Browns' situation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  43. 149

    Browns Coaching Search + NFL Playoff Talk with ClevTA

    Zac Jackson has some thoughts on the Browns' coaching search and the patience required -- for both the organization and the fanbase. Later, Zac is joined by ClevTA of ClevAnalytics.com for a discussion on the start of the NFL playoffs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  44. 148

    Do Browns Fans Feel Any Better About Things?

    Zac Jackson discusses the state of the Browns 24 hours past the announcement of Kevin Stefanski's firing. What makes sense? What absolutely makes no sense? Who should be on the coaching interview list? And why would anyone think this franchise can find and develop the right quarterback? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  45. 147

    Kevin Stefanski Is Out. Andrew Berry...Is Staying?

    Zac Jackson offers a quick reaction podcast following the Cleveland Browns news of Monday morning and team owner Jimmy Haslam's brief meeting with reporters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  46. 146

    Season's Over For The Browns. The Waiting Game Begins (And Ends Soon)

    Zac Jackson goes over the final Sunday of the season in Cincinnati, Myles Garrett breaking the sack record and the awkward uncertainty of what comes next. So, what is it? We'll soon find out -- and soon be talking and arguing about it, too. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  47. 145

    A Couple Football Nerds Talking Football

    Zac Jackson is joined by Lance Reisland for a discussion on the state of the Browns, the awkwardness of the final week of the season, Ohio State's Wednesday night CFP quarterfinal vs. Miami and the overall state of quarterback development at football's highest levels. Happy New Year from Zac Jackson and Friends and Fully Loaded Chew. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  48. 144

    One Magical Cleveland Sunday. What Does It Change?

    Zac Jackson recaps the Browns' upset of the Steelers, the pathetic offensive gameplan the Steelers employed and the deserved curtain call for the Browns defense in the final home game of the season. What's next for the Browns? Well, one game really shouldn't change the thinking going forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  49. 143

    Holiday Blessings, Greetings and Musings

    Zac Jackson discusses what's at stake for the Cleveland Browns should the Browns accidentally win Sunday's game at Pittsburgh and damage their draft positioning. He also has some Browns tales from Christmas Eves past on this shortened but special holiday edition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  50. 142

    Well, That Was Mostly Familiar

    Zac Jackson goes back over the Browns' 23-20 loss to Buffalo. Should we expect any different from this offense? Is there really any thought to the Browns keeping general manager Andrew Berry? What actually got accomplished and exposed in a competitive game vs. the Bills? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Zac Jackson from The Athletic and a rotating cast of his friends talk ball. Yes, a lot of Cleveland Browns -- but also the Ohio State Buckeyes, the NFL as a whole, the changing landscape of college sports and probably some Cavs and Guardians, too.

HOSTED BY

Blue Wire

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