Josh Pate promised viewers a politics-free conversation when he announced Donald Trump would appear on his College Football Show. The 10-minute exchange that followed often drifted away from the sport itself.
Here are the seven questions Pate asked and how the answers unfolded in the conversation.
The State of College Football
Pate opened with a question about the sport’s structure and enforceable rules. Trump began by saying, “It’s too bad. I hate to see it,” before shifting to NFL kickoff rule changes.
He never directly addressed college football governance.
Game Selection Process
When asked how he chooses which games to attend, Trump name-checked teams he “likes.” He mentioned Georgia and South Carolina, then praised quarterback Gunner Stockton, who was in the room.
Trump then told the audience Pate had asked how he judges players. Pate hadn’t asked that question, leaving the original one unanswered.
Golf with Nick Saban and Urban Meyer
Pate asked what was discussed during Trump’s recent golf outing with the coaches. Trump said their conversations are “always” about politics.
This contradicted Urban Meyer’s prior claim that they discussed football.
Hiring Philosophy
After briefly mentioning Miami and Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Pate shifted to hiring philosophy. Trump launched into his standard talking points about instincts and staffing decisions.
Presidential Experience
Pate asked about lessons from Trump’s first term applied to his second. The response centered on instincts before detouring into praise for Herschel Walker.
Trump called Walker “maybe the greatest player ever.”
Realizing the Presidency
This question led to reflections about the Lincoln Bedroom rather than football.
Business vs Personal
The final exchange remained general. It touched only lightly on sports.
Interview Cut Short
Pate later explained that a planned 30-to-40-minute interview was shortened due to a scheduling conflict. What remained featured minimal politics but arguably just as little substantive college football discussion.
The conversation consisted largely of softballs and tangents.
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