Sep 14, 2026 · 41 min
Cruz links college sports reform to a fight over Islamism
A Game for the Ages: Texas STUNS Ohio State, plus CNN Pretends to be Bewildered by Islamism
The episode moves from Texas football and Senate-backed college sports legislation to a contentious argument over how political Islam should be described.
- 1Texas’s comeback over Ohio State sets the episode’s energetic opening and revives the online joke about Cruz bringing teams bad luck.
- 2Cruz says the Protect College Sports Act would bar schools from recruiting coaches during an active season or playoff run.
- 3Cruz defends distinguishing Islam from Islamist political extremism after criticism of his convention speech and media coverage.
Don't miss
Cruz forcefully distinguishes Islam from Islamist political extremism while responding to criticism of his convention speech.
The brief
Texas’s comeback against Ohio State, capped by a goal-line drive, gives Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson an unusually vivid opening before politics takes over.
Cruz recounts appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay, rushing the field with longtime friend David Panton, and enduring the online “Cruz curse” joke.
The conversation turns to the Protect College Sports Act, including a proposed Lane Kiffin Rule barring in-season coaching recruitment during seasons or playoff runs.
Cruz says support for the college sports bill now spans conferences, universities, professional leagues, players’ associations, coaches, and other organizations.
The sharpest dispute concerns Cruz’s convention speech: he says criticism of Islamism targets theocratic political radicals, not Muslims generally, while opponents see conflation.
Books & mentions
Some links are affiliate links — PodLume may earn a commission if you buy.
