Longshore and McKnight: Ty Simpson taking the reigns, Alabama and South Carolina season previews, CJ Duncan’s thoughts on transfer portal, and more…

On today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, quarterback chatter dominated the conversation with John and Barry commenting on Alabama’s firm decision to start Ty Simpson in 2025. The hosts framed Simpson and his role as a careful distributor, charged with avoiding mistakes while maximizing the Crimson Tide’s deep offensive arsenal. Alabama’s optimism has been fueled by the belief that Jalen Milroe’s departure could mark a turning point, but concerns linger over the running game and stability at middle linebacker. Jam Miller’s strong scrimmage performance drew praise, yet questions remain about whether a true feature back will emerge.

Catch live episodes of Longshore and McKnight daily on YouTube, Spotify, and on Yellowhammer News🎙️🔊

Away from the field, former Vanderbilt standout CJ Duncan reflected on the balance between academics and athletics, stressing veteran leadership in setting the tone for younger players. South Carolina’s 2025 outlook earned high marks from guest analyst Phil Kornblut, who cited roster upgrades and a favorable schedule despite some defensive losses. In broader terms, Duncan argued the transfer portal remains college football’s most pressing problem, calling for contractual obligations to curb constant roster churn and restore loyalty between players and programs.