In today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, hosts John Longshore and Barry McKnight dissected Auburn’s recent recruiting woes as the Tigers lost two key commitments—linebacker Shidarius Toodle to Georgia and wide receiver Devin Carter back to Florida State. Auburn’s national ranking plummeted to as low as 73rd on some sites, raising concerns about Hugh Freeze’s tenure and the perception that the program lacks momentum. The show also spotlighted the opening week of the 2025 season, where Auburn will visit Baylor and Alabama will travel to Florida State—marking the first time both programs begin on the road against non-conference foes since 1976.

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Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos added fuel to the fire, boldly stating he “dreamed of moments like this” and doesn’t believe Alabama can stop him, comments the hosts called premature and risky. Meanwhile, discussion turned to SEC leadership, with pointed criticism of commissioner Greg Sankey’s indecision on expanding to a nine-game schedule and playoff realignment. The Braves also earned a mention after snapping a 31-game save drought with a 3–2 win over the Mets, powered by Dylan Lee’s ninth-inning finish. Despite being 10.5 games back in the NL East, the hosts questioned whether Atlanta could still make a wild card run.