Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd"

Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd, along with co-hosts Matt Hasselbeck and Jason McIntyre, delves into a diverse array of sports topics. From golf's rising stars to intricate NFL roster strategies and the evolving landscape of the WNBA, the trio offers insightful commentary, backed by data and personal perspectives.

Golf Majors: Scotty Scheffler vs. Tiger Woods

Discussion Highlights:

• Dominance in Majors: The hosts compare Scotty Scheffler's current performance in golf majors to the legendary Tiger Woods.
• Technical Analysis: Emphasis on differences in driving distance and iron play between Tiger and Scheffler.
• Mentality and Influence: Exploring how Tiger's personality influenced both the game and aspiring golfers, contrasting it with Scheffler's more reserved demeanor.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Hasselbeck [03:15]: "Scheffler doesn't intimidate other golfers. He just beats them."
• Colin Cowherd [05:50]: "Tiger revolutionized golf. He was like MJ or Mike Tyson in his prime."

NFL Roster Rankings and Analysis

Discussion Highlights:

• ESPN's NFL Roster Rankings: Analysis of top and bottom NFL teams based on data-driven metrics.
• NFC vs. AFC: Examination of the NFC's dominance in the rankings and the implications for the upcoming season.
• Key Player Insights: Focus on quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams, discussing their potential and areas for improvement.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [10:45]: "The NFC has overtaken the AFC as the best program. Penn State being rated higher than Ohio State says something significant."
• Matt Hasselbeck [18:30]: "Seven of the top twelve NFL rosters are NFC. That's something we've been talking about for a year."

Caleb Williams and Quarterback Development

Discussion Highlights:

• Coachability of Caleb Williams: Delving into Caleb Williams' strengths and areas where coaching can refine his game.
• Comparison with Other QBs: Drawing parallels with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen's development under coaching.
• Pressure and Expectations: Addressing the heightened scrutiny on Williams as his peers advance in their careers.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [27:00]: "Caleb has everything he needs. The pressure will mount as his draft class peers excel."
• Colin Cowherd [35:38]: "Caleb's flaws are correctable. Look at how Lamar Jackson evolved—Caleb can do the same."

WNBA Negotiations and Growth

Discussion Highlights:

• Player Negotiations: Insights into the ongoing negotiations within the WNBA, highlighting the demands and strategies of the players.
• Impact of Star Players: Discussing how players like Caitlin Clark are instrumental in the league's growth and attractiveness to investors.
• Future Projections: Speculating on the long-term financial and popularity trends of the WNBA based on current negotiations.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Hasselbeck [14:05]: "The growth of the WNBA due to Caitlin Clark is sensational. What are you going to do? Bail on your investment?"
• Jason McIntyre [15:05]: "There's a real argument that the WNBA players are going to win negotiations."

Big Ten vs. SEC: The Shift in College Football Power

Discussion Highlights:

• Economic Factors: Exploring how the Financial aspects, like NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, are influencing the power dynamics between the Big Ten and SEC.
• Recruitment and Facilities: Assessing how Big Ten schools with robust economies and facilities are attracting top talent.
• National Championship Predictions: Colin predicts the Big Ten securing its third straight national championship, citing Penn State's strength.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Hasselbeck [19:31]: "The Big Ten is going to win its third straight national championship."
• Colin Cowherd [20:33]: "If you took the Longhorns and the Aggies out of the SEC, the gap in spending between the Big Ten and the SEC would be even larger."

NFL Coaching Strategies and Team Performance

Discussion Highlights:

• Coaching Styles: Comparing different NFL coaches like Andy Reid, Sean Payton, and Mike Tomlin, and their impact on team performance.
• Team Roster Management: Discussing how teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are handling their rosters post free agency.
• Case Study: Denver Broncos: Analyzing Sean Payton's potential impact if he were to coach in the NFL, highlighting the team's strengths and areas of concern.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [28:19]: "Sean Payton knows exactly what it takes. Everyone believes in him."
• Matt Hasselbeck [32:23]: "Denver is a major threat in the AFC West. Sean Payton could make a Belichick-esque impact."

WNBA Growth and Player Influence

Discussion Highlights:

• Caitlin Clark’s Impact: Highlighting how Caitlin Clark has become a pivotal figure in elevating the WNBA's profile.
• Investment Decisions: Debating the financial decisions of companies investing in the WNBA despite initial losses, given the league's upward trajectory.
• Player Advocacy: Discussing the strategic moves by WNBA players to advocate for better contracts and conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Hasselbeck [14:05]: "Even if you lose money for a company for 10 years, if your investment starts paying off now, it's a smart move."
• Jason McIntyre [15:05]: "We're talking about a real argument that the WNBA players are going to win negotiations."

College Football NIL Impact

Discussion Highlights:

• Financial Disparities: How NIL deals are creating financial disparities between Big Ten and SEC schools.
• Recruitment Edge: The Big Ten's advantage in attracting elite players due to better NIL opportunities.
• Long-Term Implications: Predicting how continued NIL growth will shape the future of college football powerhouses.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [20:41]: "The Texas economy is a monster. It's a whole different ballgame."
• Matt Hasselbeck [21:42]: "Big Ten has more elite players because they can pay more and consistently attract fewer players poached by others."

Final Thoughts and Predictions

Discussion Highlights:

• Future of College and Professional Sports: Speculating on future trends in both college football and the NFL based on current developments.
• Player Development: Emphasizing the importance of coaching and player adaptability in evolving sports landscapes.
• Economic Influences: Understanding how economic factors like NIL and team investments continue to reshape sports hierarchies.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [43:06]: "We're still paying attention to last year's class—we're still waiting to see if Pennix can play and if JJ McCarthy can play."
• Matt Hasselbeck [44:25]: "Aaron Rodgers has to change his game and rely more on his brain, his eyes, and his arm."

Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" offers listeners a comprehensive overview of current sports trends, blending statistical analysis with personal insights. Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide a nuanced look at the shifting power dynamics in college football, the strategic intricacies of the NFL, and the burgeoning growth of the WNBA. Their discussions underscore the importance of adaptability, economic influence, and leadership in shaping the future of sports.

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the main content discussions of the podcast episode.