The Herd with Colin Cowherd: "Best of The Herd" – March 24, 2026

Episode Overview

On this episode of "The Herd," Colin Cowherd and guests dive deep into the major sports storylines of the day, including top quarterback prospects ahead of the NFL Draft, the realities and misperceptions of late-season NBA winning streaks, red flags for college basketball stars heading to the NBA, the Lakers' current status, and contract talk around NFL stars. With his signature blend of sharp analysis and bold opinions, Colin is joined by regular contributors Jonas Knox, Jay, Nick Wright, and special guests Todd McShay, Tom Izzo, and Chris Broussard.

NFL Draft: Nitpicking Quarterbacks & The 'Silly Season'

[02:50 – 08:00]

Key Points

Colin discusses the annual over-analysis ahead of the NFL Draft, focusing on QB prospects Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza.
Media hype and "silly season" narratives are criticized, especially unsubstantiated claims about Ty Simpson’s upside.
Colin believes Fernando Mendoza is a straightforward, high-upside, strong-armed QB prospect, comping him to a stronger Matt Ryan or a more accurate Daniel Jones with some Andrew Luck-like aggression.

Notable Quotes & Analysis

Colin Cowherd [03:10]:
"We're one month away. There's been no football since the end of the season. It's time to nitpick the number one pick. At no time during the season, late in the season when they were both playing good teams, nobody thought Ty Simpson is better than Fernando Mendoza."
On Simpson vs. Mendoza:
"Ty Simpson had 15 college starts, and the more film defensive coordinators got on him, the worse he got. Fernando Mendoza had 35 college starts, and the more film people got on him, the better he got."
[03:25]
On QB Evaluations:
"I don't even think Mendoza is a hard evaluation... Think combine Matt Ryan, if he was bigger, stronger, and a little bit more mobility... more accurate than Daniel Jones... aggressive like Andrew Luck."
[05:08]

Todd McShay Soundbite

Todd McShay [07:23]:
"He doesn't have the physical trait. The other part is the 15 starts, man. It's real... I've been doing this two and a half decades. As we get closer without other quarterbacks, someone's going to rise. I could see Ty winning over a lot of coaches in those meetings."

NBA: Lakers, Regular Season Streaks, and Playoff Realities

[08:00 – 15:28]

Key Points

Colin calls for caution in overvaluing late-season NBA winning streaks, referencing recent history with teams like the Bucks and Lakers.
Lakers’ recent defensive issues are spotlighted, especially after a surprise loss to a Cade Cunningham-less Pistons team featuring G-league players.
Physical teams like the Pistons (4–0 against the Lakers in two years) "ugly up" games and provide a blueprint for exposing LA’s weaknesses.

Notable Quotes & Analysis

Colin Cowherd [09:30]:
"Be very careful about regular season, late NBA winning streaks. Milwaukee had an eight-game winning streak end of last year—bounced, first round. Lakers had an eight-game winning streak late in the regular season last year—bounced, rolled by Minnesota."
Colin explaining the Lakers' struggles [10:33]:
“Because the Pistons are physical and play ugly basketball and the Lakers are pretty... They push you around. They hang on you. Detroit is inartistic.”

JJ Redick on Lakers' Winning Streak

JJ Redick [12:42]:
"Our winning streak has also coincided with us being healthy. We need to finish the season strong, but we also need to finish the season healthy."

College Basketball: Red Flags & Player Personality

[19:29 – 29:55]

Key Points

Colin discusses red flags for Darren Peterson, a top college basketball player, ahead of the NBA Draft: Kansas had a better record without him, he's considered a "loner," and significant durability/injury concerns surface.
Draws historical parallels showing that major "red flags" almost always manifest in NBA/NFL draft picks.

Notable Quotes & Analysis

Colin Cowherd [20:00]:
"If you're getting hurt in college basketball, what happens when you triple your games and go NBA basketball and the guys are just bigger and stronger?"
On personality and teamwork [21:25]:
"You're going to find that basketball players who elevate others are usually social animals. LeBron gets along with everybody... Steph Curry is playful. Magic Johnson was playful. Darren Peterson's like, yeah, I'm a loner. I don't love that."
Chris Broussard [29:16]:
"Peterson's obviously got a bright future, but the red flags are glaring... just missing so many games for bizarre or hidden reasons..."

Colin's Red Flag Roster Comparison

NFL: Bryce Young (undersized), Jameis Winston (reckless), Sam Bradford (injuries), and others.
NBA: Zachariah Ricochet (not elite athlete), Deandre Ayton (not engaged defensively), Ben Simmons (can't shoot), Anthony Bennett (undersized), etc.

NBA MVP Race: Offense, Defense, and the Luka/Wemby Debate

[38:03 – 45:18]

Key Points

Colin and Nick Wright debate whether defense should be weighted more in MVP voting, with specific focus on Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama (Wemby).
Nick argues historically MVP is an offensive award, citing players like Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steph Curry as examples.

Notable Quotes

Nick Wright [39:00]:
“The MVP has never been 50% offense, 50% defense. We can't all of a sudden say Luka, who creates 55 points a game, and Wemby, who creates 32—that that's a wash in the MVP race.”
Colin Cowherd [38:03]:
"My point is with Wemby, stats do not tell the story. He literally changes the geometry... Teams don't attack them."

Lakers’ Playoff Prospects, LeBron’s Future & Roster Needs

[49:00 – 52:41]

Key Points

Colin and Nick Wright discuss LeBron James’ role and future with the Lakers, pondering if LA is a fit going forward.
Nick speculates LeBron could leave for Cleveland, New York, or Golden State.
Consensus is the Lakers are “live” in the playoffs but not the favorite, needing more youth and 3&D support around their stars.

Notable Quotes

Nick Wright [50:21]:
"I believe this is his last year with the Lakers. Now if they were to make the finals... If they were to win the championship, obviously, then you probably screw it, run it back. I don't think either of those is the likely outcome."
On LeBron's adaptability [51:02]:
“It's utterly remarkable to see LeBron in year 23... totally change his role in a way no other all-time great perimeter player ever has.”

NFL: Travis Kelce’s Contract & Chiefs Dynasty Window

[45:18 – 49:00]

Key Points

Colin defends the Chiefs' decision to keep Travis Kelce, noting his unique on-field connection with Mahomes and his situational importance.
Nick Wright critiques overreactions about the Chiefs’ “demise,” highlighting their consistent Super Bowl contention and sensible contract structuring.

Notable Quotes

Nick Wright [46:23]:
"The Kelsey deal is a one-year $12M deal. After next season, he is owed a $40M check—he's not going to get that check. So his agents can say 'we got him $18M a year' and the Chiefs can spread the money out."
"The downfall of the Chiefs has been a little over-exaggerated by some, in my opinion."

Coaching Styles in College Basketball: "Barkers" and Team Success

[33:14 – 36:41]

Key Points

Colin explains why “barkers” (vocal, intense coaches like Dan Hurley, Tom Izzo, Rick Pitino, John Calipari) are successful and why players need to adapt to their intensity.
Tom Izzo joins to add perspective on tough coaching and players' receptiveness to it, even in the transfer portal era.

Notable Quotes

Tom Izzo [36:12]:
"The great players want to be coached. Everybody's got to be pushed... That's the way it needs to be if you're really going to be successful."

Memorable/Notable Moments

Colin’s take on red flags:
“If you're a number one in a loaded draft, it worries me... It would keep me up at night as a GM.” [22:20]
JJ Redick on healthy rosters:
"Our winning streak has also coincided with us being healthy. We need to finish the season strong, but we also need to finish the season healthy." [12:56]
Colin’s summary of why late-season NBA winning streaks shouldn’t fool fans:
“Late season NBA winning streaks... that's not what a seven or an eight or a nine game NBA late season regular winning streak is.” [11:50]
Nick Wright's challenge to Colin about the Lakers:
“The Lakers are live. They're not my pick... But the Lakers... are live and you just got to accept it.” [45:00]

Summary Timestamps

NFL Draft QB debate: [02:50 – 08:00]
NBA: Lakers & regular season streaks: [08:00 – 15:28]
Darren Peterson NBA Draft red flags: [19:29 – 29:55]
NBA MVP offense vs. defense debate: [38:03 – 45:18]
Chiefs/Kelce contract segment: [45:18 – 49:00]
LeBron/Lakers future: [49:00 – 52:41]
Coaching styles in college basketball: [33:14 – 36:41]

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd" offered Colin at his best: challenging mainstream narratives, calling out lazy sports clichés, and combining analytics with insider perspective. Discussions around draft season misdirection, the true value of NBA late-season momentum, the interplay between team chemistry and personal red flags, and the delicate transitions of legendary players like LeBron James, are all handled with a mix of rigor and entertainment. If you missed it, you missed bold takes and classic sports radio storytelling—you’re now more than caught up.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: "Best of The Herd" – March 24, 2026

Episode Overview

NFL Draft: Nitpicking Quarterbacks & The 'Silly Season'

[02:50 – 08:00]

Key Points

Colin discusses the annual over-analysis ahead of the NFL Draft, focusing on QB prospects Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza.
Media hype and "silly season" narratives are criticized, especially unsubstantiated claims about Ty Simpson’s upside.
Colin believes Fernando Mendoza is a straightforward, high-upside, strong-armed QB prospect, comping him to a stronger Matt Ryan or a more accurate Daniel Jones with some Andrew Luck-like aggression.

Notable Quotes & Analysis

Colin Cowherd [03:10]:
"We're one month away. There's been no football since the end of the season. It's time to nitpick the number one pick. At no time during the season, late in the season when they were both playing good teams, nobody thought Ty Simpson is better than Fernando Mendoza."
On Simpson vs. Mendoza:
"Ty Simpson had 15 college starts, and the more film defensive coordinators got on him, the worse he got. Fernando Mendoza had 35 college starts, and the more film people got on him, the better he got."
[03:25]
On QB Evaluations:
"I don't even think Mendoza is a hard evaluation... Think combine Matt Ryan, if he was bigger, stronger, and a little bit more mobility... more accurate than Daniel Jones... aggressive like Andrew Luck."
[05:08]

Todd McShay Soundbite

Todd McShay [07:23]:
"He doesn't have the physical trait. The other part is the 15 starts, man. It's real... I've been doing this two and a half decades. As we get closer without other quarterbacks, someone's going to rise. I could see Ty winning over a lot of coaches in those meetings."

NBA: Lakers, Regular Season Streaks, and Playoff Realities

[08:00 – 15:28]

Key Points

Colin calls for caution in overvaluing late-season NBA winning streaks, referencing recent history with teams like the Bucks and Lakers.
Lakers’ recent defensive issues are spotlighted, especially after a surprise loss to a Cade Cunningham-less Pistons team featuring G-league players.
Physical teams like the Pistons (4–0 against the Lakers in two years) "ugly up" games and provide a blueprint for exposing LA’s weaknesses.

Notable Quotes & Analysis

Colin Cowherd [09:30]:
"Be very careful about regular season, late NBA winning streaks. Milwaukee had an eight-game winning streak end of last year—bounced, first round. Lakers had an eight-game winning streak late in the regular season last year—bounced, rolled by Minnesota."
Colin explaining the Lakers' struggles [10:33]:
“Because the Pistons are physical and play ugly basketball and the Lakers are pretty... They push you around. They hang on you. Detroit is inartistic.”

JJ Redick on Lakers' Winning Streak

JJ Redick [12:42]:
"Our winning streak has also coincided with us being healthy. We need to finish the season strong, but we also need to finish the season healthy."

College Basketball: Red Flags & Player Personality

[19:29 – 29:55]

Key Points

Colin discusses red flags for Darren Peterson, a top college basketball player, ahead of the NBA Draft: Kansas had a better record without him, he's considered a "loner," and significant durability/injury concerns surface.
Draws historical parallels showing that major "red flags" almost always manifest in NBA/NFL draft picks.

Notable Quotes & Analysis

Colin Cowherd [20:00]:
"If you're getting hurt in college basketball, what happens when you triple your games and go NBA basketball and the guys are just bigger and stronger?"
On personality and teamwork [21:25]:
"You're going to find that basketball players who elevate others are usually social animals. LeBron gets along with everybody... Steph Curry is playful. Magic Johnson was playful. Darren Peterson's like, yeah, I'm a loner. I don't love that."
Chris Broussard [29:16]:
"Peterson's obviously got a bright future, but the red flags are glaring... just missing so many games for bizarre or hidden reasons..."

Colin's Red Flag Roster Comparison

NFL: Bryce Young (undersized), Jameis Winston (reckless), Sam Bradford (injuries), and others.
NBA: Zachariah Ricochet (not elite athlete), Deandre Ayton (not engaged defensively), Ben Simmons (can't shoot), Anthony Bennett (undersized), etc.

NBA MVP Race: Offense, Defense, and the Luka/Wemby Debate

[38:03 – 45:18]

Key Points

Colin and Nick Wright debate whether defense should be weighted more in MVP voting, with specific focus on Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama (Wemby).
Nick argues historically MVP is an offensive award, citing players like Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steph Curry as examples.

Notable Quotes

Nick Wright [39:00]:
“The MVP has never been 50% offense, 50% defense. We can't all of a sudden say Luka, who creates 55 points a game, and Wemby, who creates 32—that that's a wash in the MVP race.”
Colin Cowherd [38:03]:
"My point is with Wemby, stats do not tell the story. He literally changes the geometry... Teams don't attack them."

Lakers’ Playoff Prospects, LeBron’s Future & Roster Needs

[49:00 – 52:41]

Key Points

Colin and Nick Wright discuss LeBron James’ role and future with the Lakers, pondering if LA is a fit going forward.
Nick speculates LeBron could leave for Cleveland, New York, or Golden State.
Consensus is the Lakers are “live” in the playoffs but not the favorite, needing more youth and 3&D support around their stars.

Notable Quotes

Nick Wright [50:21]:
"I believe this is his last year with the Lakers. Now if they were to make the finals... If they were to win the championship, obviously, then you probably screw it, run it back. I don't think either of those is the likely outcome."
On LeBron's adaptability [51:02]:
“It's utterly remarkable to see LeBron in year 23... totally change his role in a way no other all-time great perimeter player ever has.”

NFL: Travis Kelce’s Contract & Chiefs Dynasty Window

[45:18 – 49:00]

Key Points

Colin defends the Chiefs' decision to keep Travis Kelce, noting his unique on-field connection with Mahomes and his situational importance.
Nick Wright critiques overreactions about the Chiefs’ “demise,” highlighting their consistent Super Bowl contention and sensible contract structuring.

Notable Quotes

Nick Wright [46:23]:
"The Kelsey deal is a one-year $12M deal. After next season, he is owed a $40M check—he's not going to get that check. So his agents can say 'we got him $18M a year' and the Chiefs can spread the money out."
"The downfall of the Chiefs has been a little over-exaggerated by some, in my opinion."

Coaching Styles in College Basketball: "Barkers" and Team Success

[33:14 – 36:41]

Key Points

Colin explains why “barkers” (vocal, intense coaches like Dan Hurley, Tom Izzo, Rick Pitino, John Calipari) are successful and why players need to adapt to their intensity.
Tom Izzo joins to add perspective on tough coaching and players' receptiveness to it, even in the transfer portal era.

Notable Quotes

Tom Izzo [36:12]:
"The great players want to be coached. Everybody's got to be pushed... That's the way it needs to be if you're really going to be successful."

Memorable/Notable Moments

Colin’s take on red flags:
“If you're a number one in a loaded draft, it worries me... It would keep me up at night as a GM.” [22:20]
JJ Redick on healthy rosters:
"Our winning streak has also coincided with us being healthy. We need to finish the season strong, but we also need to finish the season healthy." [12:56]
Colin’s summary of why late-season NBA winning streaks shouldn’t fool fans:
“Late season NBA winning streaks... that's not what a seven or an eight or a nine game NBA late season regular winning streak is.” [11:50]
Nick Wright's challenge to Colin about the Lakers:
“The Lakers are live. They're not my pick... But the Lakers... are live and you just got to accept it.” [45:00]

Summary Timestamps

NFL Draft QB debate: [02:50 – 08:00]
NBA: Lakers & regular season streaks: [08:00 – 15:28]
Darren Peterson NBA Draft red flags: [19:29 – 29:55]
NBA MVP offense vs. defense debate: [38:03 – 45:18]
Chiefs/Kelce contract segment: [45:18 – 49:00]
LeBron/Lakers future: [49:00 – 52:41]
Coaching styles in college basketball: [33:14 – 36:41]