Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (July 17, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the episode titled "Best of The Herd," released on July 17, 2025, Colin delves into several pivotal topics in the sports world, featuring in-depth analysis and a notable conversation with renowned college football coach Urban Meyer. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. LeBron James Trade Speculation

Timestamp: [02:27]

Colin begins the episode by addressing the swirling rumors surrounding LeBron James' potential trade. He emphasizes the significance of LeBron's no-trade clause, highlighting his unprecedented control over his career compared to NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.

Colin Cowherd [02:45]: "LeBron's in year 23. He's the only NBA player with a no-trade clause... He's still in control here."

He argues that trade talks are largely speculative, given LeBron's autonomy in decision-making and his satisfaction with the Los Angeles Lakers' management.

2. Nick Saban’s Potential Return to NFL Coaching

Timestamp: [05:30]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Nick Saban, the esteemed college football coach, and the rumors of his potential move to the NFL. Colin discusses insights from Greg McElroy, a prominent radio star in Alabama, who suggests that Saban might take up a coaching role in the NFL.

Colin Cowherd [06:15]: "I believe Nick Saban is going to come back and coach. That he is going to come back and coach."

Colin critiques the feasibility of Saban returning to Alabama due to financial constraints, noting that major programs like Texas and Ohio State have substantial funding that Alabama lacks.

3. Impact of NIL on College Football Coaching

Timestamp: [12:00]

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has significantly impacted college football, particularly concerning coaching salaries and staff retention. Colin posits that NIL has inadvertently protected coaching staffs by limiting universities' ability to buy out high-priced coaches.

Colin Cowherd [14:20]: "I think NIL actually protects the staff. You probably get a year or two more than you used to."

Urban Meyer concurs, expressing concerns about budget shortfalls due to NIL, which could lead to reduced funding for coaching staffs.

Urban Meyer [38:42]: "I think you're absolutely right that you're going to see the Texas A&M payout coaches like they used to. I don't think you can do that anymore. There's not enough money."

4. College Quarterbacks Analysis: JJ McCarthy and Arch Manning

Timestamp: [35:07]

The discussion shifts to the evaluation of college quarterbacks, specifically JJ McCarthy from Ohio State and Arch Manning, the highly anticipated newcomer. Colin critiques McCarthy’s suitability for the NFL, citing his limited exposure to high-pressure scenarios.

Colin Cowherd [34:50]: "I don't have to be diplomatic. I like JJ. I think he's a tremendous athlete. But there's a lot of question marks."

Conversely, Arch Manning garners high expectations, with Colin expressing enthusiasm about his potential impact in top-tier competitions.

Colin Cowherd [41:35]: "I want to see Arch Manning. What will you need to see? How are you going to view that game? I want to see what happens when he faces pressure."

Urban Meyer echoes these sentiments, comparing Manning's pressure-filled environment to that experienced by Tim Tebow, emphasizing the immense expectations placed upon him.

Urban Meyer [41:35]: "I think this will be the player with the highest expectations in the last decade. I put it at the Tebow level."

5. National Championship Contenders and Bubble Teams

Timestamp: [37:00]

Colin outlines his predictions for the upcoming college football season's national championship contenders, identifying five to six teams he believes are in the running. He highlights traditional powerhouses like Clemson and Alabama, while also mentioning LSU as a potential dark horse.

Colin Cowherd [43:31]: "I like their coach and quarterback, Bama, Notre Dame... they look different to me."

Urban Meyer adds to the conversation by endorsing LSU's chances, praising their coaching and defensive prowess.

Urban Meyer [44:03]: "They were the one team... When I coached in the SEC, them and Georgia came walking out of that tunnel, they looked different."

6. Interview with Urban Meyer

Timestamp: [30:00 - 44:12]

A highlight of the episode is the interview with Urban Meyer, a three-time national champion coach. The discussion covers various topics, including Saban's potential NFL move, the evaluation of quarterbacks, and the broader implications of NIL on college sports.

• On Nick Saban’s NFL Prospects:

  Urban Meyer [32:45]: "There's very little to no chance he would get involved in college, but I think he would take phone calls from the NFL."

• On JJ McCarthy’s NFL Potential:

  Urban Meyer [35:07]: "I think if they surround him with great players, I think he'll be successful... There's a lot of question marks about JJ McCarthy."

• On Arch Manning’s Future:

  Urban Meyer [41:35]: "I’m thinking, I think he'd have a great career if he's surrounded properly."

7. Final Thoughts and Predictions

Timestamp: [44:12]

Concluding the episode, Colin reiterates his bold predictions for the season, including potential trades and coaching changes in the NFL, emphasizing his confidence in his analysis despite differing opinions from others.

Colin Cowherd [44:10]: "Great to see you, Urban Meyer on our show... Things happen on that show. From what I hear... May want to pull up a stool and sit down and read about it."

Key Takeaways:

• LeBron James remains a central figure in trade discussions, but his no-trade clause and control over his career make actual trades unlikely without his consent.

• Nick Saban is speculated to potentially transition to the NFL, bringing his unparalleled coaching expertise to professional football, although financial and logistical barriers exist.

• NIL deals are reshaping the landscape of college football, particularly affecting coaching salaries and the ability to retain top-tier coaching staff.

• College quarterbacks like JJ McCarthy and Arch Manning are under scrutiny for their readiness and potential impact in the NFL, with varying levels of optimism from pundits.

• National championship predictions highlight traditional powerhouses and emerging teams, with strategies and player performances being critical determinants.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a deep dive into current sports narratives, enriched by expert insights and forward-looking predictions. Whether you're a seasoned sports enthusiast or a casual fan, Colin's analysis provides valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of sports leadership and talent development.