On today's show, we discuss the Cincinnati Bearcats officially hiring Jerrod Calhoun as their next head men's basketball coach. Also, Kelsey Conway reports that the Bengals have let DJ Turner and Dax Hill know the team would like to give them contract extensions + Cincinnati Reds bold predictions from The Athletic.

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The Cincinnati Bearcats’ decision to hire Jerrod Calhoun marks a pivotal moment for a program searching for renewed relevance in the Big 12. After parting ways with Wes Miller following five consecutive seasons without an NCAA Tournament appearance, Cincinnati prioritized a coach with both proven success and deep ties to the university—and Calhoun checks both boxes.

Calhoun arrives from Utah State, where he quickly established himself as one of the rising names in college basketball. In just two seasons, he compiled an impressive 55–15 record, led the Aggies to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, and even guided them to a tournament win in 2026. His teams were known for efficient offense and disciplined play, traits Cincinnati hopes will translate to success in a highly competitive conference.

Beyond his on-court résumé, Calhoun’s connection to Cincinnati makes this hire particularly meaningful. A graduate of the university, he previously served as a student assistant under legendary coach Bob Huggins and later worked with him at West Virginia. That background gives Calhoun a strong understanding of the program’s culture and expectations, something fans and administrators value as they attempt to restore the Bearcats’ identity.

Calhoun’s coaching journey also reflects steady program-building ability. He began at Fairmont State, where he found Division II success, then rebuilt Youngstown State into a Horizon League contender before elevating Utah State on the national stage. This track record suggests he is well-equipped to take on the challenge of revitalizing Cincinnati.

Ultimately, the hire signals ambition. With increased resources, including significant NIL backing, and a fresh voice leading the program, Cincinnati is aiming to reestablish itself as a consistent NCAA Tournament team. Calhoun’s blend of familiarity, momentum, and coaching acumen makes him a compelling choice to lead that resurgence.

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On today's show we discuss the Bengals letting Tycen Anderson walk in free agency as he has signed with the Denver Broncos. Also, Nick Lodolo suffered another blister injury during his final start of spring training and Wes Miller was hired as the next head coach at Charlotte.

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Nick Lodolo experienced a concerning setback during his final spring training appearance on March 22, 2026, when a recurring blister issue forced him out of the game almost immediately. The left-handed starter, who was expected to be a key part of the Cincinnati Reds rotation to begin the regular season, lasted only a handful of pitches before discomfort on his left index finger became too significant to ignore.

Lodolo’s outing against the Cleveland Guardians began shakily and ended abruptly. He walked the first batter he faced and then surrendered a two-run home run before trainers were called to the mound. After a brief discussion with coaching staff, Lodolo exited the game having faced just two hitters. Reports indicated the blister had already developed enough to require immediate attention, with team staff later draining it in the training room in an effort to prevent further complications.

While blisters might seem minor compared to other injuries, they are particularly problematic for pitchers, especially those like Lodolo who rely on grip and feel to command their pitches. This is not a new issue for him, either—he has dealt with similar blister problems multiple times in recent seasons, occasionally even requiring stints on the injured list. The recurrence raises concerns not only about his immediate availability but also about his long-term durability.

The timing of the setback is especially unfortunate. This appearance was meant to be Lodolo’s final tune-up before the regular season, where he had been projected to start one of the opening games. Instead, the Reds are now in a wait-and-see mode, evaluating how quickly the blister heals and whether he will be ready to take the mound as scheduled.

Fortunately for Cincinnati, the team has built some rotation depth heading into the season, which could help absorb any short-term absence. Still, Lodolo’s health remains a critical factor. When healthy, he has shown flashes of top-of-the-rotation potential, making his condition something the organization—and its fans—will be monitoring closely in the days leading up to Opening Day.

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On today's show, we break down our second 7-round Bengals mock after the first few waves of NFL free agency have come and gone. Also, we discuss the top 10 players in the NCAAM tournament, Maxx Crosby's return to Vegas and the USA coming up short in the WBC.

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The Cincinnati Bengals could find themselves in a dream scenario on draft night if Caleb Downs is available at No. 10 overall. Downs is widely viewed as one of the most complete defensive prospects in the class, bringing elite instincts, leadership, and versatility to the secondary. For a Bengals defense that has struggled with consistency on the back end, adding a player of his caliber could be transformative. He’s the type of prospect who not only fills a need but elevates the entire unit. If Cincinnati lands him, it would signal a major commitment to retooling the defense with high-end talent and long-term leadership.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens made headlines after backing out of a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, and Crosby didn’t hold back when addressing the situation. After initially being dealt for two first-round picks, the trade was voided due to what Baltimore described as concerns stemming from Crosby’s medical evaluation. However, Crosby later revealed that the “vibes were off” from the moment he arrived, noting that key figures in the organization were not present to greet him and that the energy surrounding the deal quickly shifted.

As more details emerged, it increasingly appeared that Baltimore may have gotten cold feet, potentially influenced by the falling market for pass rushers in free agency. Rather than commit major assets and a long-term deal to Crosby, the Ravens pivoted, ultimately keeping their draft capital. From Cincinnati’s perspective, this outcome is significant. While Crosby is an elite, game-changing defender, the alternative options Baltimore is now considering don’t present the same level of impact. That’s a win for the Bengals as they look to stay competitive in a loaded AFC North.

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