In the inaugural episode of Fans First A Sports Podcast, Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell welcomes legendary college football writer Tony Barnhart, famously known as "Mr. College Football." They discuss Barnhart's illustrious career, the state of college football, including the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and the challenges faced by coaches. Barnhart also delves into his latest book, The 19 of Green, reflecting on the integration of a small-town Georgia football team.This episode is packed with insights, humor, and deep reflections on the evolving landscape of college football, along with special segments "Flip the Switch" and "Get off my Lawn”.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:42] Tony Barnhart’s career overview and how he earned the nickname "Mr. College Football"
• [05:00] The evolution of college football media and Tony's transition from print to TV and podcasting
• [07:00] Discussion on NIL, the transfer portal, and the changing landscape of college football
• [14:00] The impact of these changes on coaches and the sustainability of the current model
• [17:00] Preview of the upcoming college football season, focusing on the Georgia vs. Clemson matchup
• [18:22] Flip the Switch on Tony
• [19:00] Tony talks about his book, The 19 of Green, and the integration of his high school football team
• [19:36] Get off my Lawn with Fan Andrew Gibbons
• [22:13] Closing thoughts: Reflecting on Tony’s career and the future of college football

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Tony Barnhart reflects on how journalists need to adapt to survive in the modern media landscape, highlighting the importance of versatility.
• Barnhart discusses the challenges NIL and the open transfer portal pose to the integrity and stability of college football, especially from the fans' perspective.
• Coaches face increasing pressure to constantly recruit and re-recruit players, leading to discussions about potential contracts and the NFL model for college sports.
• Tony’s latest book offers a personal and historical perspective on the integration of a high school football team in Georgia, emphasizing the societal impacts of sports beyond the field.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Tony Barnhart is a former reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution who currently appears as a college football insider for CBS Sports on their college football coverage.

Barnhart graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia in 1976. He began his career as a reporter for the Greensboro News & Record. He moved to Atlanta in 1984, where he covered mostly ACC action. In July 1987, he started as the college sports editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Before going to CBS, he was a reporter for ESPN's