It’s a loaded Friday on SportsIQ with Larry Smith as we dive into the chaos, parity, and rising programs shaking up college sports.

First, Hondo Carpenter joins the show to break down why Michigan State basketball is playing some of the best ball in the country — and how Tom Izzo continues building elite teams by embracing brutal non-conference schedules, player development, and refusing to take shortcuts. Hondo also unpacks why parity has completely reshaped the NFL, the hidden value of coaches like Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, and why the league’s biggest threat… might be itself.

Then, Illinois legend Deon Thomas returns to talk about the Illini’s razor-thin loss to Alabama, the massive upside still ahead, and why this year’s international-heavy roster may be Brad Underwood’s most complete unit yet. From Petrovic’s flashes to Kovich’s scoring bursts, Dion lays out why this team’s ceiling keeps rising — especially once the full roster gets healthy.

Finally, Steve Kornacki of the Wolverine Report stops in to evaluate Michigan Football’s playoff odds and the looming showdown with Ohio State. He explains why Michigan remains one of the nation’s most dangerous two-loss teams — plus an inside look at Dusty May’s 4–0 start with Michigan Basketball, including standout freshmen, key transfers, and early-season chemistry.

We wrap with a great Moment of Awe — the Charlotte Hornets bonding over a home-cooked meal in Milwaukee thanks to rookie Con Knueppel’s family… and 25 pounds of fajitas.