Best of The Herd — March 23, 2026

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Colin Cowherd, with guest contributions from Chris Broussard and show analysts
Main Theme: A deep dive into the transformation of college basketball through NIL and the transfer portal, NBA trends (notably LeBron, Luka, and the Lakers’ hot streak), and NFL news, with additional insights on athlete legacies and leadership dynamics in pro sports.

Episode Overview

In this dynamic installment of The Herd, Colin Cowherd explores how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal have redefined college basketball, highlighting the increased competitiveness and global reach. The episode then shifts to the NBA, where the Lakers’ surprising defensive resurgence and NBA playoff implications are dissected, along with player legacy debates and NFL news, particularly Travis Kelce’s extension and what it signals for the Chiefs. The tone is classic Cowherd: opinionated, observational, irreverent—and always ready to shift from data to story to big-picture analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. College Basketball Rejuvenated by NIL and the Transfer Portal

NIL’s Impact:
“Three seasons ago, college basketball had no juice, no household names. And now it's better than ever and we have the nil to thank.” (03:59)
- Cowherd argues that the new era, where student-athletes can monetize their likenesses and transfer more freely, has transformed the sport. The ability to attract global talent and richer, more competitive rosters keeps the game fresh and unpredictable.
- College basketball is now “a global sport because the nil money—you can go buy 20 kids, 30 kids from Europe because our economy is so much bigger than Europe.”
- Players are “less loyal, not less passionate,” and Cowherd doesn’t see this as a problem: “If coaches can skip town, so can players.”
Winners in the New System:
1. Big Ten Programs:
  “Six of the final 16 teams. Six of 16 are Big Ten. They've got three straight football national championships and six quarterbacks next year that may go in the first round. Big Ten is rolling.”
2. Older Coaches:
  “Now you write a check...You can be in your late 60s or 70s. Lot of great older coaches and elder statesmen. They’re big winners here too.”
3. Players:
  “College basketball’s got better facilities, better exposure, you know, better coaching, better travel, better development.”
- He adds, “This is the most watched college basketball season in a decade.”
Parity and Unpredictability:
- Cowherd highlights upsets like Iowa beating Florida (“Iowa was middle of the pack in the Big Ten. They beat the defending champions...Iowa beat Florida. Wow.”)
- Indiana, long a basketball school, recently won the football national championship, a feat Cowherd says was impossible before NIL.
Memorable Quote:
“Players are going to go where they have the best opportunities. And I, you know, everybody told me about the nil. Well, the rich will get richer. I just watched Iowa...beat Florida last yesterday. Iowa was middle of the pack in the Big Ten. They beat the defending champions.” (07:40)

Timestamps:

NIL & transfer portal analysis: [03:59]–[09:29]
Big Ten ascendance & upsets: [06:20]–[08:30]
College coaches adapting: [08:30]–[09:29]

2. NBA: The Lakers’ Defensive Resurgence and League Trends

Lakers’ Hot Streak:
“Before I left on vacay, LeBron was a distraction...I go on a week vacation, I come back, they’re on a nine game heater. Luka is the MVP. LeBron’s now playing the best defense in probably half a decade for him and setting screens.” (09:32)
- Cowherd credits JJ Redick for softening his coaching approach and successfully managing superstar egos:
  “JJ’s messaging early in his career was a little harsh...He has softened it. It’s hard to get because the Lakers are not a great defensive team, but they’re playing very good defensive basketball.”
- He compares LeBron’s new team-first mentality to becoming “more supporting actor than leading man, but he's still good on the screen.”
LeBron & Luka Dynamics:
- LeBron “listens to his critics. He always has. And I don't think it's a bad quality...He’s moved into his Harrison Ford role, more supporting actor than leading man.”
- Luka’s growth: “Luka has stopped barking as much at officials and now is taunting and mocking fans and opposing players. I like that Luka.” (11:00)
NBA Playoff Realities:
- Cowherd reminds listeners that regular season momentum doesn’t always translate to playoff success due to drastically different officiating:
  “It’s the only professional league in America that's officiated differently in the postseason...So they hunt you down if you're a weak defender. And the Lakers have several of them.”

Timestamps:

Lakers and LeBron: [09:32]–[15:05]
JJ Redick’s impact: [11:20]–[13:56]
Regular season vs. playoffs: [13:30]–[15:05]

3. Colin Right, Colin Wrong — Sports Predictions Recap

In his signature segment, Cowherd reflects on his correct and incorrect takes from the previous week.

Where Colin Was Right:
- NIL benefiting Big Ten and older coaches ([20:56], [22:04])
- World Baseball Classic “massively undervalued as a property” ([23:21])
- JJ McCarthy lacks a defining ‘wow’ trait ([25:04])
Where Colin Was Wrong:
- Lakers’ elite defense and winning streak ([21:34])
- His tournament bracket picks, especially overestimating Florida ([22:01])
- Overrating the Ravens’ win total projection ([24:17])

Timestamps:

Colin Right/Wrong rundown: [20:53]–[25:46]

4. NBA Draft Prospects and Player Concerns

With Chris Broussard, Cowherd digs into scouting concerns about top NBA prospects and broader themes of player passion and durability.

Darren Peterson Discussion:
- Cowherd: “There's like a 10% Ben Simmons vibe. Like, I'm like, does he, does he love it? And also he's got durability issues...he kind of plays in a silo, no assists.”
- Broussard: “Yeah, some of the things you mentioned...the red flags are glaring.” (30:28)
- Both agree that while Peterson will be a top-five pick, concerns about passion and durability matter at the NBA level.
Passion and Translation to NBA:
- Broussard: “In the NBA, you've got to play hurt...You're just playing so many games. It's so taxing on your body.” (31:49)

Timestamps:

NBA draft/longevity talk: [29:28]–[31:49]

5. NBA Playoff Contenders, Team Construction, and Legacy Debates

Lakers’ Playoff Outlook:
- Broussard sees the Lakers as the “third best team in the west behind OKC and San Antonio. They're one in five against those two teams this season.” (33:02)
- Cowherd and Broussard explore how the Lakers’ playoff strengths could be their experience and leadership compared to the younger Spurs.
Knicks & Giannis Sweepstakes:
- Cowherd: “If they get to the Finals, you keep OG, you keep Hart, you keep. You run it back. If you don't, I think there's going to be a lot of heat to make a Giannis move.” (36:35)
- Broussard doubts the Knicks have enough draft capital and suggests Houston should push hardest for Giannis in the offseason.
Durant’s Legacy:
- Cowherd: “Do you think history...will be kind to Kevin Durant in a league where a lot of players don't want to make news? I mean, he'll come out and just tell you, I don't want to be a leader. I'm a baller.” (39:09)
- Broussard: “I think Kevin Durant is a top 20 player of all time...But it could have been much better had he stayed in Golden State.” (40:20)
- Broussard identifies Durant as “the evolution of Dirk Nowitzki. All right? He was like Dirk was that first seven footer that was primarily a perimeter player...That was Durant. Better shooter, better three point shooter, better scorer than Dirk. And guess what? I think Wemby...he's like the evolution of Durant.” (41:17)

Timestamps:

Lakers playoff construction: [31:49]–[35:39]
Knicks/Giannis trade speculation: [36:35]–[39:09]
Durant legacy discussion: [39:09]–[42:21]

6. NFL Leadership and the Travis Kelce Extension

Breaking News:
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs’ star tight end, signs a three-year, $55 million deal.
Leadership Over Sheer Talent:
- Cowherd emphasizes the critical role of leadership in NFL success:
  “This is a leadership league. We all think it's a talent league. It's a leadership league.” (44:00)
- Trust in Kelsey stems from his chemistry with Mahomes and situational excellence, not total yards or catches.
Chiefs’ Competitive Outlook:
- Cowherd and his co-host debate whether Vegas’ faith in the Chiefs is warranted given a potential decline and receiving corps uncertainty.

Timestamps:

Kelce extension/breaking news: [42:53]–[47:10]
Leadership talk: [44:00]–[47:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On NIL & the New College Hoops:
“It is different now. You know, players are less loyal, not less passionate. They still love the Spartans, they still love the Wolverines, they still love Alabama, Tennessee, but they're a little less loyal. And that's not a terrible thing.” – Colin Cowherd [07:00]
On LeBron’s Evolving Role:
“LeBron's moved into his Harrison Ford role, which he's more supporting actor than leading man, but he's still good on the screen.” – Colin Cowherd [10:55]
On Coaching in the NBA:
“The NBA is a tightrope. When you deal with stars in the NBA, you got to pander a little. You got to kiss some butt.” – Colin Cowherd [11:30]
On Kevin Durant’s Legacy:
“If Kevin Durant had stayed in Golden State, Colin, he would probably have what, four championships, maybe more, maybe five...But when Steph won it without him, after Durant left, he moved up into that top 10...That would have been Durant.” – Chris Broussard [40:20]
On Travis Kelce’s Value:
“I don’t think Travis Kelce is about thousand yard seasons. I think he's a third down, red zone, fourth down, situationally excellent player. He and Mahomes can read each other's minds.” – Colin Cowherd [45:43]

Major Segments & Timestamps

Introduction – “Best of The Herd”: [03:59]
NIL & College Basketball Breakdown: [03:59]–[09:29]
NBA: Lakers/LeBron/Luka/Redick Analysis: [09:32]–[15:05]
Colin Right, Colin Wrong Highlights: [20:53]–[25:46]
NBA Draft/Prospect Red Flags with Chris Broussard: [29:28]–[31:49]
NBA Playoff Picture/Knicks, Lakers, Giannis: [31:49]–[39:09]
Player Legacy Debate (Durant): [39:09]–[42:21]
NFL News: Travis Kelce and Leadership: [42:53]–[47:10]

Final Thoughts

This episode showcases Colin Cowherd’s expansive take on the evolving sports landscape: college sports’ rapid changes, evolving NBA dynamics, and the centrality of leadership in the NFL. With wit, skepticism, and analytical rigor, Cowherd welcomes debate and offers rich context, making this a can’t-miss listen for any sports fan looking for sharp opinions and a sense of the bigger picture in American sports.

Best of The Herd — March 23, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. College Basketball Rejuvenated by NIL and the Transfer Portal

NIL’s Impact:
“Three seasons ago, college basketball had no juice, no household names. And now it's better than ever and we have the nil to thank.” (03:59)
- Cowherd argues that the new era, where student-athletes can monetize their likenesses and transfer more freely, has transformed the sport. The ability to attract global talent and richer, more competitive rosters keeps the game fresh and unpredictable.
- College basketball is now “a global sport because the nil money—you can go buy 20 kids, 30 kids from Europe because our economy is so much bigger than Europe.”
- Players are “less loyal, not less passionate,” and Cowherd doesn’t see this as a problem: “If coaches can skip town, so can players.”
Winners in the New System:
1. Big Ten Programs:
  “Six of the final 16 teams. Six of 16 are Big Ten. They've got three straight football national championships and six quarterbacks next year that may go in the first round. Big Ten is rolling.”
2. Older Coaches:
  “Now you write a check...You can be in your late 60s or 70s. Lot of great older coaches and elder statesmen. They’re big winners here too.”
3. Players:
  “College basketball’s got better facilities, better exposure, you know, better coaching, better travel, better development.”
- He adds, “This is the most watched college basketball season in a decade.”
Parity and Unpredictability:
- Cowherd highlights upsets like Iowa beating Florida (“Iowa was middle of the pack in the Big Ten. They beat the defending champions...Iowa beat Florida. Wow.”)
- Indiana, long a basketball school, recently won the football national championship, a feat Cowherd says was impossible before NIL.
Memorable Quote:
“Players are going to go where they have the best opportunities. And I, you know, everybody told me about the nil. Well, the rich will get richer. I just watched Iowa...beat Florida last yesterday. Iowa was middle of the pack in the Big Ten. They beat the defending champions.” (07:40)

Timestamps:

NIL & transfer portal analysis: [03:59]–[09:29]
Big Ten ascendance & upsets: [06:20]–[08:30]
College coaches adapting: [08:30]–[09:29]

2. NBA: The Lakers’ Defensive Resurgence and League Trends

Lakers’ Hot Streak:
“Before I left on vacay, LeBron was a distraction...I go on a week vacation, I come back, they’re on a nine game heater. Luka is the MVP. LeBron’s now playing the best defense in probably half a decade for him and setting screens.” (09:32)
- Cowherd credits JJ Redick for softening his coaching approach and successfully managing superstar egos:
  “JJ’s messaging early in his career was a little harsh...He has softened it. It’s hard to get because the Lakers are not a great defensive team, but they’re playing very good defensive basketball.”
- He compares LeBron’s new team-first mentality to becoming “more supporting actor than leading man, but he's still good on the screen.”
LeBron & Luka Dynamics:
- LeBron “listens to his critics. He always has. And I don't think it's a bad quality...He’s moved into his Harrison Ford role, more supporting actor than leading man.”
- Luka’s growth: “Luka has stopped barking as much at officials and now is taunting and mocking fans and opposing players. I like that Luka.” (11:00)
NBA Playoff Realities:
- Cowherd reminds listeners that regular season momentum doesn’t always translate to playoff success due to drastically different officiating:
  “It’s the only professional league in America that's officiated differently in the postseason...So they hunt you down if you're a weak defender. And the Lakers have several of them.”

Timestamps:

Lakers and LeBron: [09:32]–[15:05]
JJ Redick’s impact: [11:20]–[13:56]
Regular season vs. playoffs: [13:30]–[15:05]

3. Colin Right, Colin Wrong — Sports Predictions Recap

In his signature segment, Cowherd reflects on his correct and incorrect takes from the previous week.

Where Colin Was Right:
- NIL benefiting Big Ten and older coaches ([20:56], [22:04])
- World Baseball Classic “massively undervalued as a property” ([23:21])
- JJ McCarthy lacks a defining ‘wow’ trait ([25:04])
Where Colin Was Wrong:
- Lakers’ elite defense and winning streak ([21:34])
- His tournament bracket picks, especially overestimating Florida ([22:01])
- Overrating the Ravens’ win total projection ([24:17])

Timestamps:

Colin Right/Wrong rundown: [20:53]–[25:46]

4. NBA Draft Prospects and Player Concerns

With Chris Broussard, Cowherd digs into scouting concerns about top NBA prospects and broader themes of player passion and durability.

Darren Peterson Discussion:
- Cowherd: “There's like a 10% Ben Simmons vibe. Like, I'm like, does he, does he love it? And also he's got durability issues...he kind of plays in a silo, no assists.”
- Broussard: “Yeah, some of the things you mentioned...the red flags are glaring.” (30:28)
- Both agree that while Peterson will be a top-five pick, concerns about passion and durability matter at the NBA level.
Passion and Translation to NBA:
- Broussard: “In the NBA, you've got to play hurt...You're just playing so many games. It's so taxing on your body.” (31:49)

Timestamps:

NBA draft/longevity talk: [29:28]–[31:49]

5. NBA Playoff Contenders, Team Construction, and Legacy Debates

Lakers’ Playoff Outlook:
- Broussard sees the Lakers as the “third best team in the west behind OKC and San Antonio. They're one in five against those two teams this season.” (33:02)
- Cowherd and Broussard explore how the Lakers’ playoff strengths could be their experience and leadership compared to the younger Spurs.
Knicks & Giannis Sweepstakes:
- Cowherd: “If they get to the Finals, you keep OG, you keep Hart, you keep. You run it back. If you don't, I think there's going to be a lot of heat to make a Giannis move.” (36:35)
- Broussard doubts the Knicks have enough draft capital and suggests Houston should push hardest for Giannis in the offseason.
Durant’s Legacy:
- Cowherd: “Do you think history...will be kind to Kevin Durant in a league where a lot of players don't want to make news? I mean, he'll come out and just tell you, I don't want to be a leader. I'm a baller.” (39:09)
- Broussard: “I think Kevin Durant is a top 20 player of all time...But it could have been much better had he stayed in Golden State.” (40:20)
- Broussard identifies Durant as “the evolution of Dirk Nowitzki. All right? He was like Dirk was that first seven footer that was primarily a perimeter player...That was Durant. Better shooter, better three point shooter, better scorer than Dirk. And guess what? I think Wemby...he's like the evolution of Durant.” (41:17)

Timestamps:

Lakers playoff construction: [31:49]–[35:39]
Knicks/Giannis trade speculation: [36:35]–[39:09]
Durant legacy discussion: [39:09]–[42:21]

6. NFL Leadership and the Travis Kelce Extension

Breaking News:
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs’ star tight end, signs a three-year, $55 million deal.
Leadership Over Sheer Talent:
- Cowherd emphasizes the critical role of leadership in NFL success:
  “This is a leadership league. We all think it's a talent league. It's a leadership league.” (44:00)
- Trust in Kelsey stems from his chemistry with Mahomes and situational excellence, not total yards or catches.
Chiefs’ Competitive Outlook:
- Cowherd and his co-host debate whether Vegas’ faith in the Chiefs is warranted given a potential decline and receiving corps uncertainty.

Timestamps:

Kelce extension/breaking news: [42:53]–[47:10]
Leadership talk: [44:00]–[47:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On NIL & the New College Hoops:
“It is different now. You know, players are less loyal, not less passionate. They still love the Spartans, they still love the Wolverines, they still love Alabama, Tennessee, but they're a little less loyal. And that's not a terrible thing.” – Colin Cowherd [07:00]
On LeBron’s Evolving Role:
“LeBron's moved into his Harrison Ford role, which he's more supporting actor than leading man, but he's still good on the screen.” – Colin Cowherd [10:55]
On Coaching in the NBA:
“The NBA is a tightrope. When you deal with stars in the NBA, you got to pander a little. You got to kiss some butt.” – Colin Cowherd [11:30]
On Kevin Durant’s Legacy:
“If Kevin Durant had stayed in Golden State, Colin, he would probably have what, four championships, maybe more, maybe five...But when Steph won it without him, after Durant left, he moved up into that top 10...That would have been Durant.” – Chris Broussard [40:20]
On Travis Kelce’s Value:
“I don’t think Travis Kelce is about thousand yard seasons. I think he's a third down, red zone, fourth down, situationally excellent player. He and Mahomes can read each other's minds.” – Colin Cowherd [45:43]

Major Segments & Timestamps

Introduction – “Best of The Herd”: [03:59]
NIL & College Basketball Breakdown: [03:59]–[09:29]
NBA: Lakers/LeBron/Luka/Redick Analysis: [09:32]–[15:05]
Colin Right, Colin Wrong Highlights: [20:53]–[25:46]
NBA Draft/Prospect Red Flags with Chris Broussard: [29:28]–[31:49]
NBA Playoff Picture/Knicks, Lakers, Giannis: [31:49]–[39:09]
Player Legacy Debate (Durant): [39:09]–[42:21]
NFL News: Travis Kelce and Leadership: [42:53]–[47:10]

Best of The Herd

Summary

Best of The Herd — March 23, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. College Basketball Rejuvenated by NIL and the Transfer Portal

Timestamps:

2. NBA: The Lakers’ Defensive Resurgence and League Trends

Timestamps:

3. Colin Right, Colin Wrong — Sports Predictions Recap

Timestamps:

4. NBA Draft Prospects and Player Concerns

Timestamps:

5. NBA Playoff Contenders, Team Construction, and Legacy Debates

Timestamps:

6. NFL Leadership and the Travis Kelce Extension

Timestamps:

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Major Segments & Timestamps

Final Thoughts

Transcript

Summary

Best of The Herd — March 23, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. College Basketball Rejuvenated by NIL and the Transfer Portal

Timestamps:

2. NBA: The Lakers’ Defensive Resurgence and League Trends

Timestamps:

3. Colin Right, Colin Wrong — Sports Predictions Recap

Timestamps:

4. NBA Draft Prospects and Player Concerns

Timestamps:

5. NBA Playoff Contenders, Team Construction, and Legacy Debates

Timestamps:

6. NFL Leadership and the Travis Kelce Extension

Timestamps:

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Major Segments & Timestamps

Final Thoughts