Best of The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Ryan Day, Ohio State Football Coach
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth conversation with Ryan Day, the esteemed head coach of Ohio State University’s football team. The discussion delves into various aspects of college and professional sports, including player management, coaching strategies, recruitment challenges, and comparisons between legendary athletes like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The episode offers insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of sports management and the intricacies of building a successful team.

Key Discussions

1. LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: A Comparative Analysis

The conversation kicks off with a debate on the enduring legacy of basketball icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Colin presents a critical view of LeBron’s impact compared to Michael Jordan's unparalleled influence.

• Colin Cowherd (02:15):
  “Michael Jordan’s legacy is untouchable. Six championships, unmatched brand value, and he still sells more shoes than LeBron.”

• Ryan Day (02:45):
  “While LeBron has impressive stats and versatility, Michael Jordan’s ability to generate emotion and a dedicated fanbase sets him apart.”

The discussion highlights Michael Jordan's emotional resonance with fans versus LeBron’s consistent performance and business acumen, emphasizing that while LeBron is a phenomenal athlete, Jordan’s cultural impact remains unparalleled.

2. Ohio State Football: Navigating Challenges and Building a Winning Team

Ryan Day provides insights into managing a top-tier college football program amidst challenges such as player turnover and the evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape.

• Colin Cowherd (08:58):
  “At Ohio State, you lose about 15 players to the pros each year. How do you maintain team chemistry with such turnover?”

• Ryan Day (09:05):
  “It’s about fostering a strong culture and quickly integrating new talent. Developing young players to step up is crucial.”

The conversation underscores the importance of cultivating a resilient team culture and the continuous development of players to sustain success despite losing key athletes annually.

3. Recruitment Strategies in the Age of NIL

The episode explores how NIL deals are reshaping recruitment strategies, with a focus on balancing high school recruiting with the new opportunities arising from NIL.

• Colin Cowherd (32:53):
  “How do you balance traditional recruiting with the new dynamics introduced by NIL deals?”

• Ryan Day (33:10):
  “We focus on recruiting the right individuals and ensuring they align with our program’s values. NIL is an additional tool, but the core remains strong recruitment and player development.”

Ryan emphasizes that while NIL provides additional incentives, the foundation of successful recruitment lies in identifying and nurturing talent that fits the program’s ethos.

4. Player Spotlight: J.J. McCarthy vs. Jaden Daniels

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the comparison between promising quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Jaden Daniels, analyzing their readiness and potential impact in the NFL.

• Colin Cowherd (34:03):
  “I believed Jaden Daniels was more NFL-ready than J.J. McCarthy due to his performance under pressure and athleticism.”

• Ryan Day (35:52):
  “Jaden has demonstrated remarkable discipline and resilience, traits that are vital for success at the professional level.”

The dialogue highlights Ryan’s support for Jaden Daniels, citing his superior performance in high-pressure situations and overall athletic prowess as key indicators of his potential success in the NFL compared to J.J. McCarthy.

5. Impact of Coaching Decisions on Team Performance

The episode touches upon the ramifications of coaching decisions, referencing how overstepping roles, as seen with Bill Belichick, can adversely affect team dynamics and performance.

• Colin Cowherd (08:56):
  “When coaches start handling multiple roles, it can lead to mismanagement and poor team performance.”

• Ryan Day (09:07):
  “Specialization in coaching roles is essential. Trying to do too much can dilute a coach’s effectiveness.”

This segment underscores the importance of defined roles within coaching staff to maintain focus and optimize team performance.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd (02:15):
  “Michael Jordan’s legacy is untouchable. Six championships, unmatched brand value, and he still sells more shoes than LeBron.”

• Ryan Day (09:05):
  “It’s about fostering a strong culture and quickly integrating new talent. Developing young players to step up is crucial.”

• Colin Cowherd (34:03):
  “I believed Jaden Daniels was more NFL-ready than J.J. McCarthy due to his performance under pressure and athleticism.”

• Ryan Day (35:52):
  “Jaden has demonstrated remarkable discipline and resilience, traits that are vital for success at the professional level.”

Conclusions

The episode offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of sports management, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining team culture, effective recruitment, and adapting to industry changes such as NIL. Colin Cowherd and Ryan Day provide thought-provoking insights into what drives success both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of leadership, strategic decision-making, and the continual development of talent. The comparative analysis of sports legends serves to underline the multifaceted nature of athletic legacy and influence.

For more in-depth discussions and expert insights, tune into The Herd with Colin Cowherd on iHeartPodcasts and The Volume.