Blazer Victory Podcast

Previewing the American Conference w/ Darrien Starling (7/13/26)

Welcome back to the Blazer Victory Podcast! On this episode, John Duncan, Darion Smith, and Jimmy Marion are joined by Darrien Starling, one of the fastest-growing independent voices covering the American Conference. A former UTSA football player and creator of the Before Saturday Substack, Darrien shares his unique perspective on the state of the AAC, explaining how coaching, roster continuity, resources, revenue sharing, and administration are reshaping college football. We discuss: * Why the American Conference is more competitive than ever * Which teams are legitimate championship contenders * Sleepers and surprise teams for the 2026 season * How Darrien evaluates teams in the transfer portal era * Why continuity matters more than ever in college football * UAB’s outlook entering the 2026 season * What the Blazers must overcome to exceed expectations * Why the American remains the premier Group of Six conference * + Before Saturday’s AD Survey and Darrien’s Initial Interaction w/ the UAB Administration Whether you’re a UAB fan or simply follow the American Conference, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of the most unpredictable seasons the league has seen. Be sure to subscribe to Darrien’s Before Saturday Substack for outstanding American Conference coverage and follow him on X: ➡️ https://x.com/DarrienStarling ⸻ 🏈 Follow Blazer Victory 🌐 Website: https://blazervictory.com 🐉 X: https://x.com/BlazerVictory 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlazerVictory 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/BlazerVictory 🎙️ Support Blazer Victory Join our Patreon for exclusive podcasts, recruiting coverage, film breakdowns, and bonus content: https://patreon.com/BlazerVictory If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment with your predictions for the 2026 American Conference season. Which team do you think will win the AC?

UAB Football 2026 Preview: Can the Blazers Beat the Odds?

The guys take a look at the daunting schedule and give predictions at the end.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

 

UAB Football: Spring Showcase Recap (4/19/26)

Darion and Jimmy recap UAB football's spring game.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

 

Spring Check-In with Coach Mort (3/23/26)

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys get to talk with UAB Football Head Coach Alex Mortensen about how spring practice is going. This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

The Cost of Winning: UAB Basketball's Budget Problem (3/16/26)

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys give their thoughts on the UAB basketball budget problem.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

American Championship Preview (3/10/26)

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys talk about what's it going to take for UAB basketball to take home another trophy. Watch the episode below and please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

The Curse is Lifted! UAB Basketball Wins at Memphis (2/24/26)

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the curse is lifted! UAB basketball defeats Memphis 78-67 for the first time since 1999. UAB has won 9 straight road games! Watch the episode below and please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

UAB Football Portal Heating Up - Defense (1/19/26)

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys give their thoughts on how the UAB football is heating up. Watch the episode below and please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

UAB Football Portal Heating Up - Offense (1/19/26)

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys give their thoughts on how the UAB football is heating up. Watch the episode below and please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

Macro Analysis of the State of UAB Football

Darion reviews many aspects of Jimmy's Patreon episode. From "investments", to the state of the transfer portal for the G6.