The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Best of The Herd
Date: March 26, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Dan Hurley (UConn coach), Dave Roberts (Dodgers manager)
Episode Overview
This packed episode of "The Herd" focuses on the latest developments in baseball’s opening days, the NFL draft and quarterback strategies, the evolution of college basketball, and in-depth interviews with headline-making sports figures. Colin delivers his hallmark sharp takes on Yankees' new approach, deciphers NFL draft smoke screens, breaks down college basketball’s increasing talent pool, and previews marquee NCAA matchups with UConn’s Dan Hurley. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joins to discuss the club’s pursuit of continued excellence.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Yankees Opening Day: Signs of a New Offensive Identity
[03:54 – 06:47]
- Colin’s Take: Yankees have historically been one of the most home-run reliant teams (50% of runs from HRs), heavily dependent on Aaron Judge.
- “Yankees scored 50% of the runs on home runs, tops in baseball. They're unbalanced. Nobody relies on the home run and they're very Aaron Judge reliant.” — Colin Cowherd [04:29]
- Game Recap: In their season opener, despite Aaron Judge striking out four times and being the only Yankee not to reach base, the team produced 9 singles, with 8 different players getting hits, especially from the bottom of the order.
- “Five through nine hitters hit .412. So it was what they don’t normally do.” — Colin Cowherd [05:59]
- Manager’s View: Aaron Boone praised the team’s approach against a tough pitcher:
- “Logan Webb's one of the best and to put up a five spot there in the second with just a lot of really good at bats… we were able to do that against a really good one.” — Aaron Boone [06:27]
2. Decoding NFL Draft Smoke Screens: Ty Simpson’s Pro Day
[06:47 – 13:42]
- Draft Landscape: Colin analyzes how teams conceal their intentions for quarterback prospects like Ty Simpson (Alabama). Only Bears GM Ryan Poles visibly attended Simpson’s pro day, which Colin interprets as a “smoke screen.”
- “If you really like him, you don’t want to go to the pro day...that tells you it’s a smoke screen.” — Colin Cowherd [08:25, 09:19]
- Strategic Positioning: Predicts Simpson being picked mid-to-late first round (15–21), with Jets and Steelers as possible landing spots.
- Prospect Self-Pitch:
- “I'm tough, I'm resilient, I love football and I want to make other people better...I lead it better than where I left it.” — Ty Simpson [09:45]
- Expert Analysis (Todd McShay):
- “It's transferable. It's NFL stuff...everything's clockwork, the decision making, it's precise. I know he has the mind. I know he's got a dad who was a coach...” — Todd McShay [11:17]
- FR QB Risk: JMAC points out drafting QBs can end careers for GMs if they whiff, hence so much subterfuge and caution:
- “If you whiff on the quarterback...good chance in a couple of years you’re gone.” — JMAC [12:23]
- Tank for 2027 QBs?: JMAC speculates teams may be angling to secure picks for the more talented QB class next year (“race to the bottom”). Colin pushes back, arguing tanking is harder in football due to roster realities.
- "I don't think because of the physicality you can tank in football." — Colin Cowherd [14:10]
3. Experimentation and Innovation in Sports Rules
[19:45 – 22:36]
- Baseball’s ABS (Automated Balls and Strikes) System: Colin lauds MLB for effectively experimenting with rule changes in the minor leagues before implementing at the top level.
- “This game was slow pondering four years ago. It's cool, it's fun, it's watchable, it's quick.” — Colin Cowherd [20:16]
- NBA Comparison: Wishes the NBA would use college basketball as a testing ground for rule changes, noting current gameplay is too three-point centric and late-game situations drag too long.
- Fan Impact: Modern pace tweaks cater to fans’ limited attention spans.
4. College Basketball & the Sweet 16 Preview: Interview with UConn Coach Dan Hurley
[26:16 – 37:59]
Talent Level & Team Identity
- Seeding Logic: UConn’s dominant season (31 wins) rendered them a controversial #2 seed, but Hurley asserts they stack up as a championship-level program.
- “We feel like we're as dangerous as any team in the country...We had as good a non conference performance as anyone and then we went 19 and 3 in the Big East.” — Dan Hurley [27:49]
- Michigan State Matchup: Highlights physicality, calls it a “real manly contest,” and singles out Cohen Carr’s athleticism as a key threat.
- "If you're not dialed in...he's gonna put you on a highlight reel." — Dan Hurley [29:38]
- Rise in NCAA Talent: Credits international recruitment and NIL changes for an influx of high-quality players who now stay in college longer.
- “We're getting more of those high level international players...players are now staying longer.” — Dan Hurley [31:07]
Coaching Philosophies & Career Choices
- Why Stay in College: Hurley reflects on turning down NBA offers and values the organizational control available to college coaches.
- “You really do control your own destiny as a college coach. And that's something I would never want to give up.” — Dan Hurley [32:51]
- Officiating & Tourney Mindset: Acknowledges he gets fewer technicals in March, as stakes and scrutiny increase, making him more relaxed during the postseason.
- “You’re more relaxed this time of year...you don’t worry about picking the pieces up. If you go down, it’s over." — Dan Hurley [34:47, 35:30]
- Mutual Coaching Respect: Expresses deep respect for Tom Izzo, calling him a friend and mentor.
5. Dodgers’ Season Outlook: Interview with Manager Dave Roberts
[38:11 – 46:27]
- Closer Stability: Addition of Edwin Diaz changes bullpen dynamics and creates confidence in late-game management.
- “Now you get Edwin Diaz...you can work from the back end and have your guy at the back end and then fill in the gaps.” — Dave Roberts [39:07]
- Kyle Tucker’s Fit: Emphasizes Tucker’s low-key “hard hat” mentality, aligning well with star-studded but professional clubhouse culture.
- “He just wants to play baseball. Just had a baby...he left money on the table to play for the Dodgers.” — Dave Roberts [40:30]
- Power vs. Small Ball: Colin challenges whether the Dodgers can manufacture runs amidst a power-heavy lineup. Roberts says this group is better suited than past teams for situational hitting.
- “That was more of an indictment probably on teams we had a few years ago...now our guys know how to get on base.” — Dave Roberts [42:09]
- Ohtani’s Integration: Shohei Ohtani will start as a pitcher and DH; management will be flexible based on his health and communication.
- “We’re not going to be holding...like he has to DH every time he pitches. We'll kind of manage that, see how he feels.” — Dave Roberts [43:42]
- Leadership Message: Roberts stresses focus (“get the blinders on”) and constant pursuit of the trophy, referencing the “greyhound” analogy.
- “The lure is right there, that trophy, and we're chasing that trophy and it doesn't matter who's beside us, who's behind us, who's chasing us. Keep the focus on ourselves.” — Dave Roberts [44:43]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Colin on Yankees:
“Balance is going to win you trophies, not winning home run titles.” [06:01] - Ty Simpson’s Self-Assessment:
“I'm tough, I'm resilient, I love football and I want to make other people better...If you draft me...I'm looking after the whole team.” [09:45] - Dan Hurley on College Basketball Evolution:
“You're going to develop better at college than you will in the G League...you're going to live better, travel better, stay in nicer hotels.” [31:07] - Hurley on Coaching Control:
“You really do control your own destiny as a college coach. That’s something I would never want to give up.” [32:51] - Dave Roberts on New Closer Edwin Diaz:
“Now you can work from the back end and have your guy at the back end and then sort of fill in the gaps there. So it's huge, man.” [39:07] - Roberts on Leadership:
“Even when you watch us...how we play the game, run the bases, play defense, it matters how we practice...get the blinders on, look forward...” [44:43]
Important Timestamps for Segments
- Yankees Opening Day Analysis: 03:54 – 06:47
- Ty Simpson/NFL Draft Discussion: 06:47 – 15:22
- Baseball Rule Innovation Segment: 19:45 – 22:36
- Dan Hurley, UConn Interview: 26:16 – 37:59
- Dave Roberts, Dodgers Interview: 38:11 – 46:27
Flow & Tone
Colin’s tone remains vibrant, candid, and laced with quick wit, blending detailed game analysis and business-of-sports insights with direct, personable interviews. The conversations with Hurley and Roberts are conversational, respectful, and introspective, offering listeners both tactical X’s and O’s and broader context on leadership and sports culture.
For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode is a lively and comprehensive journey through the week’s biggest sports stories, illustrated with inside access and top-tier interviews.