Overview of Make-or-Break NFL QBs, a CFB Preview, and the WNBA Renaissance With Todd McShay and Diana Taurasi
This episode is split into two big conversations: Todd McShay joins to preview the upcoming NFL and college football seasons, identify the teams and quarterbacks most likely to define 2026, and explain why this college football quarterback class could be unusually volatile. Later, Diana Taurasi discusses the evolution of the WNBA, how the modern style of play has changed, and why the league’s current stars and teams are so compelling. The throughline of both conversations is simple: the sports are shifting, the talent is deep, and a handful of stars are at make-or-break moments.
NFL Preview: Contenders, Surprises, and Make-or-Break QBs
McShay and Simmons focus on which teams belong in the “real Super Bowl contender” tier. McShay’s list includes:
- Rams
- Seahawks
- Texans
- Ravens
- Broncos
- Eagles
- Chargers
- Cowboys
- Bills over the Patriots if forced to choose
Teams they think are being undervalued
- Chargers: McShay thinks Justin Herbert is primed for a big year under Jim Harbaugh, with better coaching, more confidence, and a more dynamic offense.
- Cowboys: He believes Dak Prescott is in position for one of the best seasons of his career and thinks Dallas has been overlooked nationally.
- Bills: If choosing between Buffalo and New England, McShay trusts Josh Allen and the coaching infrastructure more than the Patriots’ upside.
Quarterbacks in “make-or-break” territory
McShay points to a handful of quarterbacks who could swing their franchise’s direction:
- C.J. Stroud: Needs to rebound from regression after a brilliant rookie year. The Texans’ roster is strong enough that his play may determine whether they are a true contender or a cautionary tale.
- Bryce Young: Another important year for evaluation. McShay feels Carolina has stabilized around him, but this season will clarify whether he’s a long-term answer or something else.
- Michael Penix Jr.: McShay is skeptical that Atlanta’s current setup is sustainable if Penix doesn’t hit quickly.
- Joe Burrow: McShay thinks a healthy Burrow is still a guaranteed high-win quarterback, but if Cincinnati underperforms again, it may be time for a change of scenery.
- Matthew Stafford: The key question is legacy. Another Super Bowl could push him into the top-10 all-time QB conversation.
- Justin Herbert: McShay sees a major ceiling jump with Harbaugh and the Chargers’ offensive structure.
- Drake Maye: The Patriots quarterback gets some benefit of the doubt because of injuries to both himself and his left tackle in the postseason.
Key takeaway
The NFL feels unusually wide open because several teams have elite rosters but uncertain quarterback situations. McShay’s framing is that this season will reveal which QBs are actual franchise anchors and which ones are just occupying the job.
College Football: Deep QB Class and a Wide-Open 2026 Draft Conversation
McShay says this is one of the most fascinating college football quarterback groups in recent memory because several players could rise into first-overall-pick territory depending on performance.
Quarterbacks to watch
He highlights:
- Dante Moore: The early favorite for No. 1 overall type buzz. McShay compares him stylistically to C.J. Stroud: smooth, accurate, pocket-first, and efficient.
- LaNorris Sellers: A dynamic South Carolina QB with rushing ability and a big arm.
- Arch Manning: Still a major name, but McShay is more cautious than the public hype suggests.
- Sam Leavitt: Viewed as more dynamic than the archetypal “solid starter” and someone who could enter the No. 1 conversation.
- C.J. Carr: McShay loves his processing and accuracy.
- Nico Iamaleava: A talent he thinks many people still underestimate nationally.
The big draft idea
McShay stresses that a lot can change during the season. Players who are not currently viewed as elite prospects can become top picks by January, and vice versa. He notes that recent QB classes have shown that preseason reputation often matters less than performance, maturity, and big-game production.
Must-watch teams of the season
When Simmons asks for the most entertaining teams to follow, McShay gives:
- LSU as his top must-watch team
- Texas as a high-volatility, high-upside roster
- Miami as his pick to win the national championship
He also flags UCLA as a possible surprise team, especially with Nico Iamaleava and portal reinforcements.
Other standout non-QBs
McShay says this draft/class is loaded beyond the quarterback position too:
- Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver
- Cam Coleman
- Dylan Stewart
- Leonard Moore
- Colin Simmons
- Yhonse Pierre
His point: the 2026 draft could be so deep that a late first-round pick might still land a future All-Pro.
WNBA Discussion: Faster Pace, Guard Play, and a More Modern League
Diana Taurasi gives a broad perspective on how much the WNBA has changed since she entered the league in 2004.
How the game has evolved
Taurasi says the league used to be:
- much more physical
- center-dominated
- slower and more post-oriented
- shaped by older veteran players
Now it has become:
- faster
- more guard-driven
- more perimeter-oriented
- more dependent on shooting, passing, and pace
She credits early innovators like Paul Westhead and says rule changes, spacing, and a new generation of players have pushed the league toward a modern style.
What matters in the playoffs
Taurasi says the regular season may be more open and pace-heavy, but the playoffs still tighten into:
- half-court execution
- shot quality
- fewer turnovers
- more physicality
Her core basketball belief is that teams that can execute in the half court are the ones that win titles.
Current WNBA stars and teams she loves
Taurasi singles out several players and teams:
- A’ja Wilson: She says five straight MVPs would be beyond historic and would force the GOAT conversation.
- Paige Bueckers: Sees her as a complete player who can command a room and elevate a team.
- Olivia Miles: Calls her one of the most special talents in women’s basketball because of her handles, passing, and ability to create.
- Caitlin Clark and the Fever: Taurasi says Indiana has become one of the hardest teams to play because of Clark’s rhythm, confidence, and ability to take over games.
- Minnesota Lynx: She likes the balance and shot creation they have around Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride.
Expansion and league health
Taurasi is skeptical about adding teams too quickly, arguing that expansion can dilute talent. She also says the current media environment around the WNBA is better in some ways because it’s more real and less promotional, but it often lacks historical context.
Geno Auriemma, UConn, and Old-School Coaching
Taurasi also defends Geno Auriemma and explains why players who come through UConn tend to love him even if he’s difficult.
Her view of Geno
- He is a mastermind
- He pressures players until they either rise to the level or break
- He creates a demanding, nonstop competitive environment
- Players stay loyal to him because they understand how much he pushed them
Bigger coaching philosophy
Taurasi says she prefers coaches who are coaches, not friends. Her view is that the modern era has blurred the line too much between friendship and leadership. She thinks players need accountability, not constant emotional validation.
Notable Takeaways
- NFL: The Chargers, Cowboys, Texans, and Ravens are among the teams McShay sees as capable of making a serious run.
- Quarterbacks: C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Michael Penix Jr., Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, and Drake Maye are all at important inflection points.
- College football: This is a deep, messy, high-upside QB class with real No. 1 overall potential spread across multiple players.
- WNBA: The league’s style is faster and more guard-oriented than ever, but playoff basketball still comes down to execution, defense, and star shot-making.
- Taurasi’s core belief: Great teams are built on competitiveness, sacrifice, and structure—not friendship.
Memorable Quotes / Ideas
- “If you have shooting and passing, you can run whatever play you damn want.”
- “I need a coach, not a friend.”
- “Sometimes it’s your year.”
- “You have to execute in the half-court if you want to win a championship.”