The college basketball season is heating up — and this episode of Sports IQ with Larry Smith hits every major storyline shaping the road to March.

We begin with one of the best stories in the country: Miami of Ohio’s 20–0 start. Associate Head Coach Jonathan Holmes joins the show to break down how the RedHawks have stayed undefeated, why culture and continuity matter more than ever in the transfer-portal era, and what last season’s near-miss taught this year’s team. It’s a masterclass in building a winning program the right way.

Later, Sports Illustrated senior writer Hondo Carpenter delivers a wide-ranging, no-nonsense conversation on Michigan State, Tom Izzo, and the Big Ten’s rise. Hondo explains why Izzo schedules the way he does, why March is always Michigan State’s time, and why elite coaching matters more now than ever in the NIL era. The discussion expands into the future of college sports — including why a breakaway from the NCAA feels inevitable and how the next wave of coaching hires may surprise fans.

Plus:

• Arizona moves to No. 1 in the AP Poll

• Nebraska’s historic rise into the Top 5

• Big nights across college basketball and the NBA

• Super Bowl 60 trivia and storylines

• Pro Bowl controversy and roster chaos

• Today’s Moment of Awe featuring an all-time freshman performance

Insightful, informed, and forward-looking — this is a must-listen episode for college basketball and college sports fans alike.