Show notes
Ever met someone who just makes the room feel right? Someone who can blend into any crowd, be the ultimate teammate or wingperson, and put others at ease while making them better? I’m sure a few names come to mind as you read this. And as you listen to today’s episode of the Y-Option podcast with Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, presented by our founding partner 76, you’ll get that same feeling.Daniel - or “DJ,” as he’s known in the industry - is a true master of his craft. As the lead voice on NFL Network during the NFL Draft, a constant presence in football media via his podcast Move The Sticks, and the LA Chargers radio analyst since 2018, DJ thrives in every environment.It makes sense. He was once a dual-threat quarterback who transitioned into media after an injury at Appalachian State set him on a new path. A chance encounter during that time changed his career trajectory, leading him to where he is today.DJ and I go way back - over a decade. We’ve done annual home-and-home podcasts on Move The Sticks and Y-Option, sharing a passion for football and the people who make the game great.In today’s episode, we take a trip down memory lane, break down this year’s QB class, and discuss why adversity often leads to success. We also dive into the NFL Draft prospects of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Tetairoa McMillan, and Ashton Jeanty. Plus, DJ shares powerful insights from 49ers QB Brock Purdy, on the toughness of Justin Herbert, and handicaps the AFC West - aka the Pac-10 from the early 2000s - under Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, and Jim Harbaugh.I have no doubt you’ll enjoy today’s conversation and I bet you’ll walk away feeling like you just hung out with one of the coolest and most insightful football minds in the game.While DJ is the elite voice of the NFL Draft, what I admire most is his humility, discipline in chasing what truly matters, and ability to elevate those around him. Be sure to catch him and his colleagues live from Green Bay on April 24-26 as the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on NFL Network.As spring football heats up across the country, there’s some big news to report:* Coach Prime’s Historic Extension: Deion Sanders has signed a five-year, $54 million extension to stay at Colorado through 2029. While his 13-12 record may not seem extraordinary, his impact is undeniable. He has sparked a national - and even global - resurgence of the Buffs brand. The proof? Colorado’s season ticket revenue jumped from $13M in 2022 to $31.2M in 2023, they trend every time he has a press conference and this April the Buffs will, once again, pack Folsom Field for their spring game. Coach Prime continues to redefine what’s possible in college football. And I’d imagine he will be in the news a little on NFL Draft night as well.* Syracuse & Colorado Joint Spring Practices Denied: Not surprisingly, the NCAA shut down the idea of Syracuse and Colorado holding joint spring practices. While denied for now, expect the landscape to evolve as we move toward 2026, with more teams looking to collaborate. Jim Thornby and I discuss this during the preamble to my conversation with DJ and make a case for joint practices, just not like you might imagine.* Stanford Makes Big Moves: The Cardinal have named Frank Reich as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Given Stanford’s unique recruiting challenges, this hire brings immediate stability. While they could have pursued a long-term solution, GM Andrew Luck likely prioritized continuity, choosing a coach he knows well—Reich coached Luck in 2018 with the Indianapolis Colts. Did they get it right? Let us know @Y-Option on social media as we had a long discussion about this strategy as well on today’s podcast.I met Coach Reich at a Super Bowl event a few years ago and he left a lasting impression. I imagine Stanford’s roster will feel the same way and I do not anticipate a mass exodus to the portal.Additionally, Stanford hired Alden Mitchell as the interim Athletic Director. Having known Alden for over a decade from our time at the Pac-12 Networks, I can say this: she’s competitive, sharp, and fully committed to this role.The next 4 months will shape Stanford’s football program for the next 5 years. Their success in adapting to the modern college football landscape hinges on the decisions they make now, and with Andrew Luck steering the ship, I’m optimistic they’ll get it right as a good Stanford squad is a great thing for college football.As always, much love to all of you for supporting Y-Option. Enjoy spring ball.Stay steady,YogiThis episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.This podcast is a Best Coast Media productionY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe