Episodes

  • Episode 192- The Brendan Sorsby Saga: How College Football Reached Its Breaking Point

    Episode 192- The Brendan Sorsby Saga: How College Football Reached Its Breaking Point
    Jun 18 2026
    In one of the most controversial stories in recent college football history, Anthony Smith breaks down the complete Brendan Sorsby saga—from the NCAA's ruling of permanent ineligibility over sports gambling violations, to a courtroom injunction, involvement from multiple state attorneys general, the Big 12's unprecedented legal action against Texas Tech, and ultimately Sorsby's decision to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.
    This episode takes listeners through the timeline of events, examines what could have happened had Sorsby taken the field in 2026, and explores the larger questions surrounding gambling, player accountability, conference authority, and the future of NCAA enforcement.
    Plus: 🏈 How the controversy unfolded step-by-step
    🏈 Why the Big 12 decided to take legal action
    🏈 The backlash Texas Tech could have faced
    🏈 What Sorsby's NFL Supplemental Draft decision means
    🏈 The growing influence of courts and state governments in college athletics
    🏈 Why gambling may be the biggest threat to college football's integrity moving forward
    Is this a story about redemption, accountability, or protecting the integrity of the game? Anthony Smith dives into all sides of the debate.
    Subscribe, follow, and share In The Zone with Anthony Smith wherever you get your podcasts. Listen live and join the conversation on The Ride with A-Train Sports Talk.

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    33 mins
  • Episode 191- "The NCAA's Power Struggle, The Cost of Sports, and the Wemby Factor"

    Episode 191- "The NCAA's Power Struggle, The Cost of Sports, and the Wemby Factor"
    Jun 9 2026
    🏈🏀 IN THE ZONE WITH ANTHONY 🎙️

    Who really controls college sports anymore?

    In this episode of In The Zone with Anthony, we break down the controversial court ruling that restored Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's eligibility and discuss why many believe the NCAA is losing its grip on college athletics. From legal battles and conference concerns to the changing landscape of college football, we examine what these developments could mean for the future of the game.

    Plus, we shift to the NBA and explore why Finals ticket prices are dropping despite the league's biggest stage, raising questions about affordability and fan access. Then we take a closer look at Victor Wembanyama, the future of the San Antonio Spurs, and why Karl-Anthony Towns may have revealed an important blueprint for slowing down one of basketball's most unique talents.

    It's a conversation about power, change, money, and the future of sports.

    Listen now on Spreaker and wherever you get your podcasts. Download the FREE Spreaker Podcast App and join the Supporters Club to help support the show and gain access to exclusive content.

    #InTheZoneWithAnthony #CollegeFootball #NBA #SportsPodcast

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    22 mins
  • Episode 190- Spats, Bags, and the End of an Era

    Episode 190- Spats, Bags, and the End of an Era
    Jun 4 2026
    Welcome back to another blockbuster edition of In The Zone with Anthony Smith! The sports world is moving fast, and we are tracking every single headline.
    ​On today's slate:
    ​WNBA Shake-Up: Paige Bueckers sets a massive new memorabilia record before her sophomore season even gets rolling. Meanwhile, we look at the internal tension with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever after a fiery sideline moment and a massive two-hour air-clearing meeting.
    ​NBA Finals Game 1: Jalen Brunson plays the hero as the New York Knicks mount a gritty second-half comeback against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. We also break down the courtside fan incidents and Adam Silver's pressure on the Clippers' cap investigation.
    ​NFL Blockbusters & Training Camp News: End of an era—Russell Wilson officially retires after 14 seasons on the gridiron. Plus, Christian Watson secures a massive $110M bag from Green Bay, George Pickens keeps the rumor mill spinning in Pittsburgh, and Jared Verse brings a brand-new swagger to Cleveland.
    ​Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, rate, review, and follow In The Zone on all platforms so you never miss an episode!

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    33 mins
  • Episode 189 - Rodgers' Last Dance, AFC North Chaos, and Historic Postseason Masterclasses

    Episode 189 - Rodgers' Last Dance, AFC North Chaos, and Historic Postseason Masterclasses
    May 21 2026
    ​On this packed, hard-hitting edition of In The Zone, host Anthony Smith breaks down a week of seismic shifts, historic comebacks, and ruthless front-office execution across both the gridiron and the hardwood.
    ​First, we head to the NFL where the football world is still reeling from Aaron Rodgers' announcement that the 2026 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers will officially be his last ride. Anthony dives deep into the numbers of a legendary career, the poetic reunion with Mike McCarthy, and what this farewell tour means for the black and gold. Staying in the AFC North, we look at the quiet confidence brewing in Baltimore as new head coach Jesse Minter shrugs off early voluntary absences, while Joe Burrow issues a terrifying warning to the rest of the league, declaring the Bengals have "everything they need" to take over.
    ​Then, we transition to the court for a wild look at the NBA postseason and executive shakeups. Jalen Brunson puts on a superhero cape to lead the New York Knicks back from a grueling 22-point deficit against the Cavs, exposing a glaring defensive weakness in the process. Finally, we break down the ultimate luxury-tax power move down in Texas, where new Team President Masai Ujiri ruthlessly clears out the old regime, cutting ties with Jason Kidd to build a brand-new empire centered entirely around the future of rookie phenom Cooper Flagg.
    ​No filler, no filters—just pure sports analysis. It’s time to get In The Zone.
    ​Timestamps:
    ​0:00 – Intro: Grids, Courts, and Final Runs
    ​2:15 – Segment 1: Aaron Rodgers' 2026 Retirement Bombshell
    ​8:45 – Segment 2: Voluntary OTA Drama & Joe Burrow's Loaded Deck
    ​16:30 – Segment 3: Jalen Brunson's Historic 22-Point Comeback Masterclass
    ​24:15 – Segment 4: Masai Ujiri Cleans House in Dallas for the Cooper Flagg Era
    ​31:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing: The Myth of Longevity in Modern Sports
    ​Make sure to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and let us know in the comments: Can Aaron Rodgers capture one final ring before heading to Canton?

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    29 mins
  • Episode 188 - Pressure, Power Moves & Playoff Separation

    Episode 188 - Pressure, Power Moves & Playoff Separation
    May 8 2026
    Young stars are taking over the playoffs as the Thunder and Pistons grab commanding 2-0 leads, while the Sixers face questions over their playoff ticket giveaway strategy against invading Knicks fans. Plus, the Jets reward Breece Hall with a major extension as In The Zone with Anthony Smith breaks down the pressure, power moves, and playoff intensity shaping the sports world today.

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    28 mins
  • Episode 187 - Boston Backlash, NBA Playoff Madness & The Big 12’s Big Money Shift

    Episode 187 - Boston Backlash, NBA Playoff Madness & The Big 12’s Big Money Shift
    May 5 2026
    “Chaos in the NBA. Pressure on Boston. And a money move that could change college football forever.
    We’re breaking down the Celtics’ collapse without Jayson Tatum, the rise of new playoff contenders, and the Big 12’s billion-dollar play.
    This is In The Zone with Anthony Smith — where the game meets real insight.”

    Cover art photo provided by Davide Aracri on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@davieees?utm_source=spreaker&utm_medium=referral

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    44 mins
  • Episode 186 - Contracts, Controversy & Playoff Pressure

    Episode 186 - Contracts, Controversy & Playoff Pressure
    Apr 24 2026
    In this episode of In The Zone with Anthony Smith, we break down a packed slate of basketball headlines shaping both the present and future of the game.
    The Las Vegas Aces make history by locking in A'ja Wilson to the largest contract in WNBA history, while the Indiana Fever invest big in rising star Aliyah Boston—signaling a major shift in player value and league growth.
    Over in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons finally snap a historic home playoff losing streak, while tensions rise as Devin Booker calls out officiating in a heated postseason matchup.
    We also dive into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant 37-point performance powering the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Suns—and what that means for the balance of power in the West.
    Plus, we discuss the potential impact of Jalen Williams’s hamstring injury and how it could shift the momentum of the series moving forward.
    From historic contracts to playoff intensity, this episode delivers sharp analysis, real conversation, and everything you need to stay

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    26 mins
  • Episode 185 - "65-Game Snubs & WNBA Draft Fire: Fudd to Dallas, Johnson Trade Drama & Big Grades"

    Episode 185 - "65-Game Snubs & WNBA Draft Fire: Fudd to Dallas, Johnson Trade Drama & Big Grades"
    Apr 15 2026
    In this jam-packed episode of In The Zone, Anthony Smith breaks down the NBA’s controversial 65-game rule and which superstars got left out of end-of-season awards contention — including Luka, LeBron, Giannis, Cade Cunningham, and more.
    Then we go full WNBA Draft mode: Azzi Fudd taken No. 1 by the Dallas Wings, the Flau’jae Johnson pre-draft trade to the Seattle Storm, Olivia Miles to Minnesota, Lauren Betts to Washington, full ESPN report card grades, winners & losers, and why several teams aced this draft.
    Plus, listener Q&A, Azzi Fudd’s perfect fit analysis with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, and closing thoughts on where the league is headed.
    🎧 Tune in for sharp hoops analysis, draft breakdowns, and real talk on the biggest stories in basketball right now.
    Drop your thoughts in the comments — who had the best draft? Should the NBA change the 65-game rule?
    New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, rate, and stay In The Zone! 🏀
    Available now on all platforms.

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    26 mins