In this episode of the Not-So Ball Knowers podcast, hosts Jonathan Toye and Jackson Beacham discuss the evolving landscape of college football and baseball. They explore the implications of older players returning to college sports, the impact of NIL on player dynamics, and the financial challenges faced by MLB teams. The conversation also highlights the recent hiring of Tony at the Giants and what it could mean for the team's future. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the evolving landscape of college and professional baseball, focusing on the impact of player freedom and authenticity, particularly in the context of Tennessee baseball under Tony Vitello. They analyze offseason moves of various MLB teams, highlighting the Dodgers and Cubs, while also discussing the challenges faced by the Nationals. The conversation shifts to the Lady Vols softball team, showcasing their potential for success this season. Finally, the hosts make predictions for the upcoming MLB season, including World Series contenders, emphasizing the unpredictability of the sport and the growing recognition of women's sports.

Jonathan Toye and Jackson Beacham break down the Super Bowl aftermath, from a forgettable game to a halftime show that sparked plenty of opinions, along with a few memorable commercials. As always, the conversation drifts into personal stories and that familiar, slightly existential hangover that comes after the season officially ends. From there, the hosts touch on everything from stress relief and heartburn to the excitement of baseball season, college basketball storylines, and local breweries. The episode wraps with talk of golf season on the horizon and a surprisingly passionate detour into architecture and development issues around Knoxville.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sam DeFord and get into a little bit of everything we love arguing about. We talk through some feedback from our first show, then jump straight into college hoops — including how chaotic this season feels and what’s going on with Tennessee under Rick Barnes. From there we shift to the NFL, break down the latest coaching hires, and make our (very unofficial) Super Bowl predictions.

We also take a step back and look at the future of the New England Patriots, and what the post-Bill Belichick / Tom Brady era really means. Somewhere in between, we go off on a few personal health tangents, get hyped for college baseball season, and talk golf — including Justin Rose’s big moment and why we’re already looking ahead to the Masters Tournament. As always, it’s a mix of lukewarm sports takes, side stories, and technical difficulties.