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Justin and Painter get right down to business and discuss what all they learned from Auburn football’s first scrimmage of fall camp. The quarterback performances — and the order they were listed by Bryan Harsin — take the headline spot, which flows into a conversation about development and what the Tigers’ staff needs to prove in the fall.The guys talk about the standout freshmen from the scrimmage, take a three-level look at where Auburn’s defense stands and points out the areas that could see some movement on the depth chart before Friday’s second scrimmage.The episode ends with some love for Takeo Spikes and the proud town of Loachapoka, Alabama.Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter.Photo Credit: Auburn Football/Twitter This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter discuss the merits of marching bands, the harmonica, relearning the trombone, the smaller buttons on Rock Band guitar controllers and #TheShirt. In more pressing matters, the guys recap what they learned from Auburn basketball’s three-game tour in Israel — opening with two blowout victories and closing with a hard-fought loss to the senior national team. Which players stood out the most? How much of this can be carried into the regular season? And why was K.D. Johnson screaming at that basketball? Then it’s a move over to the first weekend of Auburn football fall camp, including updates on a pair of true freshmen who are making serious waves and a breakdown of what could realistically be expected from a completely retooled passing attack. There’s also a discussion of SEC West schedules and why Mike Leach teams can get weird in Year 3. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories — including the Observations from football practices and basketball preseason games — and premium podcast episodes, subscribe with our current 25% fall camp deal by using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Wendell Green Jr. and Bruce Pearl via @icyywen on Twitter. Folks, we’re back. This time it’s forever. Pablo Escobarner and Dave McKinney join the Observer for good. Ohana means family. The boys talk about all the sports stuff happening right now. Follow Pablo (@PabloEscoburner), Dave (@DaveCMcKinney) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Christian Clemente of Auburn Undercover makes his Observer podcast debut to talk about what went down for Auburn football during Big Cat Weekend and what to expect in the near future on the trail. Christian breaks down the Tigers’ two 2024 commitments — cornerback A’mon Lane and quarterback Adrian Posse — and discusses which 2023 players could be the next to join the fold. What’s going on with Bryan Harsin and his staff’s recruiting strategy? Are the low numbers a reason to panic, or should there still be some optimism among the fan base? Christian answers all these questions and more. The episode concludes with a look at Auburn basketball’s upcoming tour of Israel, which tips off Tuesday with a matchup against the U-20 national team in Jerusalem. What are the guys wanting to see from the Tigers overseas, and what do they expect from the four newcomers in orange and blue? Follow Christian (@CClemente247), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including today’s newsletter on Yohan Traore — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: @AmonLane2/Twitter This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Note: Due to the Media Days schedule, we’re unlocking both our premium SECMD recap episode from Friday and our Roster Draft episode from a couple of weeks back, in place of the usual free Monday episode. Justin and Painter keep you up-to-date with the latest important football transnational news, then dive into what they learned from Auburn’s trip to SEC Media Days in Atlanta on Thursday. They talk about Bryan Harsin’s bluntness in his time on the main stage and the top-down message he’s sending about his 2022 team. They also discuss the Tigers whose stock rose this summer, led by a new wide receiver, a returning defensive lineman and — somehow — the most talented offensive player on the team. The episode wraps up with some basketball talk, as Auburn finalizes its plans for the upcoming Israel tour that will be televised on SEC Network and Bruce Pearl promotes a longtime support staff member to a new role. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this episode for free and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Jimmie Mitchell/SEC This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Note: This podcast was originally a premium, subscribers-only episode posted on July 14. We’re unlocking this episode, along with the SEC Media Days recap, for all of our free listeners. For the third offseason in a row, Justin and Painter give their thoughts on the Auburn football roster via a head-to-head snake draft — each coming up with their own first-team offenses and defenses for a hypothetical showdown in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Who got the edge in the early rounds? How did Justin fall victim to Painter’s early strategy? Who is Painter’s new favorite breakout candidate? Which newcomers for a specific position group were completely forgotten by one of the hosts? And who picked Landen King? Listen to find out the answers to all of these important questions. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter — who is *not* the PA announcer for the Birmingham Barons, by the way — discuss Auburn football’s hire of former Dallas Cowboys scout Drew Fabianich as its general manager and director of scouting and development. The guys look at the move from both sides and what kind of impact this new position could have on the Tigers’ longterm future. Then it’s a switch to the release of the latest Blue-Chip Ratio and how Auburn has made the cut once again, but the wiggle room is shrinking. What do the Tigers have to do to maintain their spot as one of college football’s top 15 or so recruiters, and how do they compete against the insane talent stockpiles at several SEC rivals? The guys also talk about the Summer League showings for Jabari Smith, Sharife Cooper and JT Thor before previewing Auburn’s turn at SEC Media Days in Atlanta later this week. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter open the show by looking back at the Nick Marshall-led 2013 squad and the lethal simplicity of the Tigers’ offense. They shout out the USFL, CFL and any other league that will pay players for being good at football — including the college game. Then it’s a look to Jabari Smith’s first weekend in the NBA Summer League in Vegas and why any hot takes about him are extremely premature. They also discuss Walker Kessler’s official addition to the Utah Jazz roster and why it could end up being a great spot for him to start his career. The back half of the show centers on Auburn football — first on a secondary that might be stronger than you think in 2022, then on the big-picture outlook for the Tigers ahead of SEC Media Days in Atlanta next week. What’s the right temperature for the program heading into the fall? Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This premium episode of the podcast has been unlocked for anyone to listen for free. Returning champion Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic joins Justin and Painter to give her insight on the Big Ten’s jarring additions of USC and UCLA and what Auburn’s neighborhood of the SEC might do next. They talk about the lack of big-picture leadership in college football, how everyone is basically looking out for themselves and why athletes and fans might be the biggest losers of this new era. In the second half of the episode — after a discussion of picking up golf as a worthwhile hobby — Justin and Painter look at the SEC’s next steps, Auburn football’s addition of Karmello English, Jabari Smith’s trash talking of the Houston Astros mascot and the levels of insanity for several SEC West fan bases. Follow Nicole (@NicoleAuerbach), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. To add the premium feed to your favorite podcast app — basically all of them except for Spotify — click the “Listen in podcast app” option and add the feed to your app of choice. This new feed will include both free and premium episodes, so you can unsubscribe from the free feed to avoid clutter in the app. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

(Note: This podcast was recorded before Auburn picked up a commitment on Monday from 4-star wide receiver Karmello English. Look for a newsletter on his addition to the class Wednesday morning.) Justin and Painter open the show with a discussion of USC and UCLA’s stunning move to the Big Ten and what that means for the future of power conferences in college football. Then they break down what they see in new Auburn running back commitment Jeremiah Cobb, the major impact of Cadillac Williams and Zac Etheridge on the trail, and how this could be the start of a much-needed big month for recruiting on the Plains. The episode ends with a deep dive into the scheduling news for Auburn basketball, starting with a look at the home and road splits in the SEC and wrapping up with a preview of the Atlanta showdown with Memphis in December. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter open the show by putting a bow on Auburn baseball’s memorable postseason and discussing the impressive progress Butch Thompson has made with the Tigers. Then it’s a switch over to the main topic — Auburn’s historic showing in the 2022 NBA Draft. They talk Jabari Smith surprisingly going No. 3 overall to the Houston Rockets and what exactly happened with the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder, plus Walker Kessler’s intriguing fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The guys close with a look at the last time Auburn football won double-digit games in back-to-back seasons and how that compares to the rest of the SEC. Can the Tigers get back there in the near future, even with the growing challenges on the shifting schedule? Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Jacob Taylor/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

After Painter shares his experimental idea for Chick-fil-A sauce and grits, Justin breaks down Auburn football’s new transfer addition of Western Kentucky graduate edge rusher Marcus Bragg. They discuss this much-needed addition to the roster and salute some rotational heroes of the past. Then it’s a conversation with Bennett Durando of the Montgomery Advertiser, who returns to recap Auburn baseball’s opening loss in the College World Series to Ole Miss and preview Monday afternoon’s elimination game against Stanford. The episode concludes with some basketball talk following a first look at Bruce Pearl’s 2022-23 squad during an open practice ahead of its upcoming overseas trip to Israel. There’s some NBA Draft chatter towards the end and, yes, Justin gets to brag on his Golden State Warriors for winning another title. Follow Bennett (@BennettDurando), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

As Painter wonders if the goatee is making a comeback in contemporary life, Justin takes the start of preview magazine season in college football to ask a question — is Auburn’s 2022 roster being undervalued, considering its returning star power, or are the major doubts in the passing game that big of a deal? The bulk of this episode is a discussion of Auburn’s nine All-SEC picks in the new Athlon preview and what it would take for the Tigers to overcome their question marks at quarterback and wide receiver. The episode opens with some baseball chatter — including a breakdown of antagonistic fan bases in the SEC in light of Tennessee’s Super Regional exit — and closes with a look at Jabari Smith’s growing odds to become the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

After a brief discussion of airports, Justin and Painter dive into Auburn football’s latest transfer addition — former LSU wide receiver Koy Moore. The guys discuss what Moore could bring to the Tigers’ offense in Year 1, Bryan Harsin’s transfer policy in this pivotal offseason and the state of the roster as summer workouts get rolling on the Plains. Elsewhere in the episode, there’s talk of Auburn baseball’s massive showing in a host regional, Allen Flanigan’s return to Bruce Pearl’s team, the positive vibes across plenty of athletic programs heading into the summer, the hold-up surrounding SEC football scheduling and what to expect from the basketball schedules once Texas and Oklahoma join the league. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Painter is joined by Blake Lovell of Southeastern Fourteen. They talk about the easiest coaches to like and who is most annoying. Blake agrees to play a made-up game of “Fill in the Blank.” Later in the show, they discuss Alabama’s commitment to staying ahead, Eric Musselman joining the upper crust of good and obnoxious coaches, Georgia hiring Mike White from Florida and Florida being OK with that. Then Painter wonders aloud why people are mean to Will Wade. They wrap up with a conversation about a growing restlessness at Kentucky, the duality of man in Rick Barnes and a brief examination of where Auburn should set expectations ahead of the next season. Follow Blake (@theblakelovell) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Matthew Shannon/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter open the show with a late (and lengthy) discussion of the war of words between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher over NIL and recruiting. They wonder what the reaction would be like if Auburn was the team drawing the attention of Alabama’s head man and look back on the discourse around the Cam Newton saga in 2010. The bulk of the episode centers on Auburn football’s newest transfer additions, what fans should expect from them, and what it all means as Bryan Harsin tries to build a program that can “consistently compete” with the likes of Alabama and Georgia. Toward the end, there’s some basketball talk — mainly about Allen Flanigan’s good showing at the G League Elite camp in Chicago and some new notes about Bruce Pearl’s 2022-23 roster. Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter open one of their longest episodes to date by roasting Mike Florio’s steak on Twitter and discussing the merits of K-Pop. Then it’s a switch over to the hardwood to break down what Auburn basketball might do next after Julian Phillips’ commitment to Tennessee. The football talk begins with a look at new Iowa State transfer safety Craig McDonald, followed by some appreciation for Colby Wooden. This week’s alternate universe journey takes the guys down a path where Russell Wilson picks Auburn in 2011, and the episode ends with a discussion of Nick Saban’s laughable claims of “parity.” Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Jacob Taylor/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Inspired by a couple of recent hit movies, Justin and Painter spend this episode examining some alternate universes from recent Auburn football and basketball history. Topics include: What if Auburn decided to hire Kirby Smart instead of Gus Malzahn in 2013? What would have happened if LSU had won the “Six Kicks” game in 2016? How far would the Tigers have gone if they would’ve avoided those two late fumbles against Texas A&M in 2014? And what if Auburn just left the SEC? On the hardwood, the guys discuss a few spinoff scenarios from the Final Four run in 2019 and somehow come to the conclusion that the Tony Barbee hire was ultimately a good thing in the long run for Auburn basketball. (Yeah, this episode gets crazy.) Feel free to send in your own alternate universe theories! Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

By popular demand, we’ve unlocked last week’s premium episode for all listeners. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and future premium podcast episodes subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Matt Brown of the excellent Extra Points newsletter joins Justin and Painter to talk about all the off-the-field matters that are important to Auburn and the rest of college athletics. The guys discuss Mark Emmert’s impending departure and who might make sense as the future president of the NCAA (besides Painter). Then it’s a discussion of NIL, collectives and what might be changing when it comes to college athletes getting paid. They also talk about conference realignment and when Texas and Oklahoma might be joining Auburn in the SEC. Towards the end of the episode, Matt shares some insight on what you probably clicked on this podcast to hear about — the EA Sports College Football video game. He shares a few #scoops about the game and what you might see next summer. Follow Matt (@MattBrownEP), Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. Photo Credit: @EASportsCollege/Twitter This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Painter discuss Auburn basketball’s big-time signing of Morehead State transfer center Johni Broome. They break down his game on both sides of the floor, examine how he fits into the Tigers’ frontcourt and talk about what his arrival will mean for others up front. The guys then turn their attention to Julian Phillips, the second 5-star former LSU commitment who could be finding his way onto the Plains. They discuss Phillips’ game and consider other options Auburn could target with its final open scholarship spot. The episode wraps up with a look back at a quiet NFL Draft for Auburn, featuring the lone pick of the Tennessee Titans-bound Roger McCreary. How much did the one-pick weekend matter for Auburn, and what does it mean for Bryan Harsin’s program moving forward? Follow Justin (@JFergusonAU) and Painter (@paintsharpless) on Twitter. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — including our full breakdown of Johni Broome — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link. Photo Credit: Jacob Taylor/Auburn Athletics This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe