In this week’s “State of Affairs” episode, John Barban and Jeff Dover dive deep into the gridiron battleground that is California. From the NFL elite to the unpredictable college scene, the Golden State is packed with drama, roster shake-ups, and sky-high expectations heading into the 2025 football season.We start with the USC Trojans and the curious case of Jaden Maiava. Is he the weakest QB Lincoln Riley has ever started a season with? John and Jeff debate the pros and cons of USC’s new signal caller, the still-leaky Trojan defense, and whether this team can finally be more than just fireworks on offense. It’s Riley’s second year with DC D’Anton Lynn—will that continuity be enough to make the defense serviceable in the Big Ten?Then it’s over to UCLA, where the most talked-about offseason saga featured former Tennessee star Nico Iamaleava transferring west. The guys discuss the bizarre path that brought him to Westwood, the impact of losing continuity, and whether Nico can elevate a UCLA roster that’s good—but not great—in a tough Big Ten draw. Spoiler: there’s skepticism.Shifting to the pros, the debate heats up: 49ers or Rams—who’s the top team in California? Jeff makes the case for San Francisco, praising Brock Purdy’s development and the return of defensive guru Robert Saleh. But John thinks the Rams might be the best team in the NFC, citing their loaded young defensive line led by Jared Verse—who John boldly predicts will become the highest-paid non-QB in the league.Speaking of Verse, the guys break down his game-wrecking potential, comparing him to a bigger, more powerful version of Micah Parsons. Add that to a healthy Matthew Stafford, the addition of Devonte Adams, and a quietly dangerous Rams draft class, and you’ve got a team that’s way more than a wild card contender.The Chargers round out the pro talk—and not in a good way. Jeff questions what, if anything, they’ve done to improve beyond adding running back Omarion Hampton. Ladd McConkey is an intriguing weapon, but with Bosa gone and a brutal three-division-game start to the season, Harbaugh’s squad is already on the brink before September ends.Finally, they touch on the forgotten programs: Cal and Stanford. Cal’s mass exodus and Stanford’s lame-duck coaching situation offer little optimism, despite deep institutional resources and past quarterback success stories.If you’re trying to make sense of the California football landscape, this episode has it all—hot takes, deep dives, and a fair share of skepticism. Whether you’re an NFL fan, a college die-hard, or just love a good football debate, you’ll come away knowing exactly where each program stands—and what’s at stake this fall.

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