Will Levis makes NFL picks, talks Florida win with ESPN Radio

After a standout performance in Kentucky’s win over Florida in Gainesville, Will Levis was chosen as the celebrity guest picker on ESPN Radio’s Countdown to Kickoff.

(It doesn’t hurt that KSR’s Matt Jones hosts the show, but the point remains.)

Before he went game-by-game picking the Week One slate of NFL matchups, he discussed the importance of beating the Gators at The Swamp.

“It was great, a lot of fun going on the road and playing in tough environments like that, embracing the energy from the fans and coming out with a win,” Levis told ESPN. “We also got Coach Stoops a win to make him the school’s winningest coach of all time, so that’s really special.”

How much motivation did the team have going into the game, especially considering the Wildcats were called soft leading up to the matchup? The team heard the buzz, to put it simply.

“Yeah, I try to not pay attention to that stuff at all, but whenever we can get some extra motivation like that, that’s always good,” Levis said. “Just some special motivation. I was really proud of our offensive line and the way they responded in the second half, they really took that to heart. The defense showed they are definitely tough. Every time we got punched, we got up and fought right back.”

To close out the game, Levis was shown looking at the crowd during Matt Ruffolo’s game-clinching field goal. Was he nervous about the kick? Eh, not really. He was really just wanting to see sad Florida fans leaving the field.

“I wanted to see the fans, get their reaction when they saw the game was over,” Levis said.

What are Levis’ picks for Week One? Check out his game-by-game breakdown below:

• 49ers at Bears — “I saw them squeegeeing the field, looks like they’re ready to play. I’m going to go with the Niners, especially with all of the tape I’ve been watching of them all offseason with the offense we run.”
• Saints at Falcons — “I’m going with Jameis (Winston). They’re going to go in there and eat that W, get it done.”
• Steelers at Bengals — “I think the Bengals are going to get it done. Joe (Burrow) is going to take a step up from last year. As great as they were last year, I think they’re going to be even better this year.”
• Eagles at Lions — “I’m going to drink the Kool-Aid, going with the Lions.”
• Patriots at Dolphins — “It’ll be interesting to see on the coordinator situation with the Patriots. I’ve been a Patriots fan my whole life, so I’m going to ride with my Pats.”
• Ravens at Jets — “I think Lamar (Jackson) is going to go out there with some motivation after the contract negotiations didn’t go as planned. Believe they’re going to win this game.”
• Jaguars at Commanders — “I’m going with (Carson) Wentz, he’s got some Lexington ties. Talked to him a few times, think he has a good season ahead of him. Trevor (Lawrence) plays well, but the Commanders come out with a win.”
• Browns at Panthers — “Baker (Mayfield), for sure. He’s got that dog in him, and he’s going to bring it against the Dawg Pound.”
• Colts at Texans — “I think I’m good (not picking against the Colts).”
• Giants at Titans — “Gotta go with Wan’Dale (Robinson), can’t go against my guy. Giants get the win.”
• Packers at Vikings — “I am going with the Vikings. (Justin) Jefferson was the first pick in my fantasy league, so I need him to go ball out and get the win.”
• Chiefs at Cardinals — “Patty (Mahomes) has always been hot in season-openers, 13 touchdowns, no picks, 4-0 in his four starts. He gets the job done.”
• Raiders at Chargers — “Give me the Chargers. Love Justin (Herbert), think they’ve got a great team around him this year. They make it happen.”
• Buccaneers at Cowboys — “Will never pick against Tom Brady. Never have, never will. Bucs get the win. Always been a Brady fan, always will be.”
• Broncos at Seahawks — “I’ve got to go with Russ (Wilson), his preparation is unmatched. He’s going to go the extra mile going against his old team. I don’t think he lets this game get away from him, they get the dub.”

Levis has a future in media, certainly. First? The rest of his senior campaign, then a bright career in the NFL.