On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the latest NFL news before making his 2026 NFL predictions, including his picks for division winners and the teams he believes will make the playoffs.

John starts with Tua Tagovailoa starting for the Atlanta Falcons, discussing the quarterback situation and what expectations should be heading into the season. He also breaks down Deshaun Watson being named a captain by the Cleveland Browns and what that says about his standing within the organization.

The Patriots and Christian Gonzalez are also on the agenda, as John examines the latest surrounding New England and one of the team's most important players. Plus, John discusses Tony Romo and the latest NFL storylines around the league.

Then it’s prediction time. John gives his picks for the AFC and NFC division winners, before laying out his AFC Wild Card and NFC Wild Card selections. Which teams are positioned to make a run, and which playoff contenders could surprise?

From Tua and Watson to Christian Gonzalez, Tony Romo, and John's full NFL playoff predictions, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

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Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” on The Volume.

They start with Michigan’s rocky start in their first game under coach Kyle Whittingham and the regression shown by quarterback Bryce Underwood (2:30), they also discuss the crazy ending to their game against Western Michigan (7:30).

They pivot to Clemson being humiliated by LSU and Colin questions whether it’s time for head coach Dabo Swinney to go (12:15), and they make their  predictions on how LSU will fare under Lane Kiffin (17:30).  

Colin argues Miami’s Darian Mensah looks like the best quarterback in college football, and could have a special season now that he’s paired with dynamic wide receiver Malachi Toney (26:00). They also discuss the growing disparity between the power conferences and the mid-majors despite Boise State putting a scare into #2 Oregon (29:30).

They move to the mess at UNC under Bill Belichick and why hiring a “friends and family” staff has hamstrung the program (37:00). 

They pivot to the NFL and make their Super Bowl predictions and preview Seahawks vs. Patriots to open the NFL season (49:00).

They preview the Rams vs. 49ers this Thursday on Netflix and Colin believes the Rams will become the target for everyone’s best shot since they’re the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl… and that it’s no guarantee the Rams even win their division (56:00).

Finally, they react to Tua Tagovailoa winning the starting quarterback job for the Falcons (1:07:00) 

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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into another loaded week of college football, breaking down the biggest games, programs, and storylines making headlines around the sport.

John starts with Western Michigan vs. Michigan, examining the Wolverines' performance and what the game tells us about where Michigan stands as the season continues.

The conversation then turns to Clemson vs. LSU, one of the marquee matchups of the week. John breaks down the game, the pressure on both programs, and what the result could mean for their College Football Playoff hopes.

John also discusses Boise State vs. Oregon, looking at Oregon's continued rise and whether the Ducks are firmly in the conversation among the nation's elite programs.

Plus, John weighs in on Dabo Swinney, the changing landscape of college football, and how Indiana has become a major player in NIL. What are the Hoosiers doing differently, and can their approach continue to work?

The episode also covers Miami vs. Stanford and the latest surrounding Arch Manning, as the Texas quarterback continues to draw massive attention every time he steps on the field.

From Michigan and Oregon to Clemson, LSU, Indiana, and Arch Manning, John breaks down the biggest storylines across college football on this episode of 3 & Out.

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On this episode, John Middlekauff and Jackson Groff take a deep dive into the biggest storylines in college football, with plenty to debate as the season begins to take shape.

They kick things off with the ongoing Big Ten vs. SEC debate. Which conference is truly the best in college football, and which league has the strongest collection of teams capable of competing for a national championship?

The conversation then turns to Arch Manning and the enormous expectations surrounding the Texas quarterback. Is the hype justified, and what should we realistically expect from Manning as he steps into the spotlight?

John also breaks down Notre Dame, including the Fighting Irish's place among the nation's elite and whether they can compete with the Big Ten and SEC powerhouses.

Plus, Oregon and USC, two programs with massive expectations and even bigger recruiting footprints, before diving into Oklahoma and Indiana and what their seasons could look like.

The episode wraps with a look at Cal and the evolving college football landscape, where conference realignment continues to reshape the sport.

From conference supremacy and superstar quarterbacks to Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Cal, The Return of Kauff on Campus has you covered with John Middlekauff's perspective on the biggest stories in college football.

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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the shocking return of Aaron Donald to the NFL. After stepping away from football, the future Hall of Famer is back—and John breaks down what motivated the comeback, what Donald can still bring to the field, and what his return means for the league.

John also dives into the incredible story of Jalon Daniels, who went undrafted but battled his way toward earning an NFL roster spot. John discusses Daniels' journey, the obstacles he overcame, and why stories like his are what make the NFL so compelling.

The conversation then shifts to college football, where Bill Belichick and UNC picked up a statement win over TCU. John breaks down what the victory says about Belichick's transition to the college game and whether UNC could become a legitimate factor under the legendary coach.

Plus, USC dominated its opponent, but the performance came with a surprising storyline: the stadium was practically empty. John discusses the atmosphere surrounding the Trojans, what the lack of attendance says about the program, and why winning isn't always enough to capture a fan base.

From an NFL legend making a comeback and an undrafted player fighting for his dream to Bill Belichick's college debut and USC's attendance problem, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

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It’s a massive Middlekauff Mailbag on this episode of 3 & Out as John Middlekauff tackles your biggest questions and debates from around the NFL with the regular season right around the corner.

John takes a wide-ranging look at the league’s biggest storylines, from quarterbacks  to coaches, front offices, roster construction, young players, and the teams facing the most pressure heading into the season.

Which teams are ready to make a run? Who is being overhyped? Which quarterbacks are poised to break out, and which ones have something to prove? John brings his former NFL front-office perspective to the biggest questions facing teams across the league.

With the preseason winding down and Week 1 approaching, there’s no shortage of questions surrounding the NFL. John gives his honest takes, challenges popular narratives, and answers questions submitted by listeners.

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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff covers a loaded slate of NFL and college football storylines, including the latest around Lane Kiffin and the evolving landscape of college football.

John also takes a closer look at the Pro Bowl and what the event being canceled by the NFL means, before turning his attention to J.J. McCarthy and what his future looks like.

The episode also covers the Seattle Seahawks' sale, plus, John introduces a new segment: “John Is Concerned,” where he highlights the teams, players, and situations around football that are raising legitimate red flags.

And finally, John reacts to the Good Good Golf ad controversy, discussing the fallout and the broader conversation surrounding sports media, advertising, and online personalities.

From quarterback debates and NFL ownership to college football, rising stars, and a brand-new segment, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into some of the most interesting storylines across football and the sports world.

John starts with the college football decision to ban NFL players, discussing the implications of the rule, where the line should be drawn between college and professional football, and what it could mean for the future of the sport.

With the NFL season right around the corner, John also identifies the teams that could be wild cards to make the playoffs. Which teams are being overlooked? Who could surprise everyone and make a run into January? John breaks down the potential sleepers and why they're worth keeping an eye on.

John also takes a moment to discuss the passing of Dolly Parton, reflecting on her incredible career, cultural impact, and why her legacy extends far beyond music.

To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering listener questions and diving into even more NFL, college football, and sports topics.

From college football rules and NFL playoff sleepers to the legacy of an American icon and your questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the latest news surrounding 49ers owner Jed York, who was arrested, and discusses the fallout and what it could mean for the organization.

John also dives into the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback, breaking down the decision and what it means for Watson, the Browns, and the team's plans heading into the regular season.

With roster decisions heating up around the NFL, John takes a look at the latest preseason cuts and discusses some of the biggest names and toughest decisions facing teams as they work toward finalizing their rosters.

The episode also features another edition of Dad Diaries, where John shares the latest stories from life away from football.

To wrap things up, it's a massive Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering listener questions and diving into the biggest topics across the NFL and college football.

From ownership drama and quarterback decisions to roster cuts, Dad Diaries, and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

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On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the latest preseason developments around the NFL, starting with Ashton Jeanty suffering an ankle injury. John discusses the potential impact of the injury and what it could mean for the highly anticipated rookie as the regular season approaches.

John also dives into the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson and his future in Cleveland. What should the Browns do at quarterback, and can Watson still be counted on to be the answer for the franchise?

Plus, there's positive news for San Francisco as George Kittle is on the mend and nearing a return. John breaks down just how important Kittle is to the 49ers' offense and what his return could mean for the team.

The conversation then turns to J.J. McCarthy, with John taking a critical look at the young quarterback's preseason performance and discussing whether the concerns surrounding his play are legitimate.

Finally, John examines the growing number of preseason blowouts. Should fans and analysts actually take anything away from lopsided preseason games, or do the results mean very little once the regular season begins?

From rookie injuries and quarterback uncertainty to star players returning and preseason evaluation, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

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Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” on The Volume.

They start with the Browns & the stark contrast between Shedeur Sanders having an affable sideline interview and Deshaun Watson’s disaster of a press conference, and they agree that the Browns should start Shedeur (2:00). They also agree the Brown’s deal for Watson is the worst in league history (13:00).

They move to JJ McCarthy’s disastrous performance in the Vikings second preseason game and Colin believes that if McCarthy can’t succeed with Kevin O’Connell… he isn’t going to succeed (14:30). They also revisit past quarterback draft classes and Colin finds that only 10% of them are franchise guys… showing the NFL may have a development problem with quarterbacks (21:30).

They pivot to college football and the story of Dae’Quan Wright going from the Cleveland Browns back to LSU as proof that the NCAA is diminishing in power and keeps losing in court (30:00).

They poke holes in the NFL Top 100 and the Athletic’s Top 25 Players Under 25, and Colin marvels at the Seahawks being overlooked as a potential back-to-back champion (40:00). 

They react to Joe Burrow’s comment about being tired of talking about “next year” and Colin argues that the Burrow could be burning out while languishing in Cincinnati, and that he shouldn’t sign with them again… but John offers some defense of the Bengals (55:00).

Finally, Colin highlights all the amazing undrafted players who have popped in the preseason and marvels at the amount of football talent in America (1:04:00).

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