Episode Details

As we approach Week 1 of the college football season, eligibility remains a major topic.

Used to be, these things were settled long before the season began, but as Missouri Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said last week, the eligibility system is an “absolute embarrassment” and a “complete clown show” as players are using the courtrooms to get injunctions to play.

On the field, the 2026 season arrives this week, too, with the Tigers, Kansas State and Kansas all opening at home. Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell preview the season and try to make sense of what’s happening with the sport.

Also, actor Brendan Hunt discusses his role as Coach Beard on the popular TV series “Ted Lasso.” Hunt was in town recently to accept an award on behalf of Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis and shared thoughts on his career and filming this season’s first episode in Kansas City.

Then, Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney breaks down the team’s cuts and waiver-wire acquisitions to finalize a 53-man roster ahead of KC’s Sept. 14 opener against the Denver Broncos.

SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.