The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd

Date: August 26, 2025
Hosts: Jason McIntyre, Rachel Nichols (filling in for Colin Cowherd)
Guests: Bruce Feldman (Fox Sports college football analyst), John Machota (The Athletic, Cowboys reporter)

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Herd" covers the latest NFL debates, college football’s biggest opening matchup, and major sports-culture news. Jason McIntyre and Rachel Nichols, stepping in for Colin Cowherd, deliver sharp takes on Jalen Hurts’ underrated place in recent NFL player lists and analyze the opening weekend of college football, focusing on Arch Manning and the Texas vs. Ohio State clash. The episode also features in-depth conversations with Bruce Feldman about top college games and storylines, and with John Machota regarding the Dallas Cowboys’ contract dramas and roster prospects. The sudden engagement of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift also sparks a lively and humorous segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jalen Hurts: NFL List "Disrespect"

Segment: [03:17 – 10:44]

• Main Point: Jason McIntyre expresses frustration over Jalen Hurts’ low ranking (38th on ESPN's Top 100 and 19th on NFL.com's list) despite his recent MVP performance and historic dual-threat numbers.
  • "Jalen Hurts has the single most unstoppable move in professional football... goal line situations. Just go ask Josh Allen if he could use that." – Jason McIntyre [05:31]
  • Lists are a hot topic because they generate engagement and debate; Hurts' place ignites Eagles fans and broader questions about how player value is measured in the media.
• Hurts vs. Other QBs: Discussion on how Hurts’ consistent excellence and unique skill set (especially short-yardage efficiency and consistent TD production) get overlooked for “flashier” QBs like Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Burrow.
  • "He's not swagged out... meanwhile, you've got Joe Burrow walking the Runway in Paris... That's going to go viral. Hertz is just boring and dull." – Jason McIntyre [07:40]
• Eagles’ Dynasty Potential: The lack of buzz around the Eagles' strong returning roster and excellent drafting is seen as a media oversight, in contrast to constant Chiefs coverage.

2. Arch Manning and Texas vs. Ohio State Preview

Segment: [10:44 – 17:08]

• The Arch Manning Hype: Is Manning actually great, or just the product of family legacy hype?
  • "I don't think we know if he's good yet, and that's okay." – Bruce Feldman [10:45]
  • Despite high school flashes, minimal college reps (about 100 passes), and no significant action in Texas’ biggest games.
  • McIntyre and Nichols discuss the Manning family's “long game” strategy, prioritizing slow development and legacy over immediate stardom.
• Texas Hype and Pressure: Manning and Texas are heavily hyped (Heisman favorites, early #1 rankings); pressure is immense given his limited actual college play.
  • "That is a lot of pressure on a guy who's been on campus for three years and has barely played football." – Jason McIntyre [14:34]
• Ohio State Matchup: Skepticism from McIntyre and Nichols that Texas can win in Columbus, especially with a rebuilt offensive line and Manning’s inexperience. Both expect a bumpy first start for Arch but frame it as part of a long developmental arc.
  • "They see this as a decade and a half longer project... so one game this weekend, it's just a pittance." – Rachel Nichols [15:58]

3. Super Bowl Contender Tiers Reveal

Segment: [22:52 – 27:39]

• Jason McIntyre unveils his four-tier Super Bowl contenders list, surprising Rachel Nichols (wearing “Taylor Swift red” – a running joke connected to the day’s pop culture news).
• Top Tier (“For Sure”): Ravens, Bills, Eagles, 49ers – cited as the elite, with no need for justification.
• Second Tier (“For Real”): Packers, Falcons (noting Vegas bets), Broncos (defense/Nix-Payton combo), Rams (Stafford upgrade), Bengals.
• Third Tier (“For Now”): Chiefs, Lions, Commanders, Chargers.
• Lowest Tier (“For Your Consideration”): Cardinals (playoff pick), Texans, Jaguars (surprise team prediction), Vikings (buying JJ McCarthy’s rookie impact).
• Chiefs not at the top, with skepticism about their defensive performance and Travis Kelce’s durability.

4. In-Depth College Football Preview with Bruce Feldman

Segment: [27:39 – 44:21]

• Ohio State vs. Texas:
  • Matt Patricia’s new role as Ohio State DC, and the challenges posed for Texas’ offense, particularly a green offensive line and the “hard launch” of Arch Manning.
    • "They have two elite linebackers... but it's four new starters on the offensive line for Texas in a tough road environment." – Bruce Feldman [28:38]
• Why Arch Didn’t Play in Big Games Last Year:
  • Not necessarily a lack of faith; possibly strategic, waiting for true readiness (“wouldn’t read too much into it”).
• Notre Dame vs. Miami:
  • Notre Dame brings a deep RB room and stout defense but faces a tricky road test with a new QB.
  • Miami’s defensive upgrade under Corey Heatherman is highlighted.
    • "I would not at all be surprised if Miami beats them this weekend." – Bruce Feldman [33:11]
• LSU vs. Clemson (and Playoff Picks):
  • Two smart but unproven QBs, both behind new offensive lines.
  • Clubnick (Clemson) and Nussmeier (LSU) need to prove themselves vs. ranked opponents; Clemson’s revamped defense and receiver room could spur a national title run.
    • "This defensive line Clemson has... three other guys on the defense who I think will be top 40 picks next year." – Bruce Feldman [35:29]
• Surprise Playoff Teams:
  • Feldman picks Iowa State as a playoff sleeper, citing head coach Matt Campbell’s culture-building and the play of Rocco Becht.
  • Arizona State and Texas Tech discussed as dark horse contenders.
  • Michigan’s new QB Bryce Underwood is seen as talented but lacking support; McCarthy era is over, and the Wolverines project as “an 8 and 4 kind of team.” [42:29]

5. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Engagement

Segment: [44:23 – 54:04]

• Major “Seismic” News Drop:
  • The show erupts with news of the Kelce-Swift engagement, prompting jokes, social media references, and light-hearted banter.
  • "Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, engaged. Unbelievable... this is going to be the next royal wedding." – Jason McIntyre [50:30]
• Rachel Nichols on "Shooting Your Shot":
  • Praises Kelce’s boldness in pursuing Swift; encouragement for listeners to be equally bold in their own love lives. [46:00]
• Discussion about the cultural significance and the viral appeal of Kelce's transformation and high-profile relationship.

6. Dallas Cowboys Insights with John Machota

Segment: [54:04 – 64:07]

• Micah Parsons Contract Drama:
  • Like previous Cowboys contract sagas, tension remains, but the team always pays, eventually.
  • "Ultimately, Micah Parsons isn't going anywhere, and he will eventually get a new contract from the Dallas Cowboys." – John Machota [54:41]
• Cowboys’ Offense Outlook:
  • The addition of George Pickens gives Dak Prescott another big target, but major questions persist about the running game (committee approach, heavy turnover).
  • "The run game’s a major problem, is it not?" – Jason McIntyre [56:49]
• Jerry Jones’ Management Style:
  • Final say on contracts; lets situations get “ugly” before resolution, not likely to change as long as he’s in charge.
  • "Jerry has an ability to hold a grudge like very few others." – John Machota [58:31]
• Micah Parsons’ Preseason “Body Language”:
  • Micah's visible frustration during the preseason (lying on the bench during games, from [61:47]) is indicative of a player unhappy with his contract status, but not an unusual development for the team.
• Week 1 Status Odds:
  • Parsons is likely to play (80% chance) but may do so without a new deal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hurts’ Personality and Image:
  • "He shows up in a business suit and the briefcase... Hurts is just boring and dull. And that doesn’t register on these lists." – Jason McIntyre [07:40]
• On The Manning Family's Approach:
  • "They see this as a decade and a half longer project...they are looking at this as the longest of long games." – Rachel Nichols [15:58]
• On Kelce-Swift Engagement:
  • "This is a reminder to shoot your shot, okay?... he went on his own podcast and put out the call... and it worked." – Rachel Nichols [45:39]
• On Cowboys' Contract Culture:
  • "The players always end up getting their money. It might even get uglier... but ultimately, Micah Parsons isn't going anywhere." – John Machota [54:41]

Timestamps Index

• [03:17] – Jalen Hurts and NFL player lists debate
• [10:44] – Arch Manning’s status and Texas-Ohio State preview
• [14:34] – Hype and pressure surrounding Arch Manning
• [15:58] – Rachel Nichols on Manning family's long game
• [22:52] – Jason McIntyre reveals his Super Bowl contender tiers
• [27:39] – Bruce Feldman joins: Texas-Ohio State, ND-Miami, LSU-Clemson
• [33:11] – Miami's defensive overhaul and upset potential
• [35:29] – Clemson’s defense and playoff prospects
• [42:29] – Michigan’s new QB outlook
• [44:23] – Breaking: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift engagement
• [46:00] – Rachel Nichols: “Shoot your shot” advice
• [54:04] – John Machota: Cowboys contract negotiations, offense, Jerry Jones’ style
• [61:47] – Micah Parsons’ preseason frustration/body language analysis

Episode Summary

This “Best of The Herd” episode is loaded with lively and insightful sports discussion, from NFL list hot takes (specifically, the underappreciated Jalen Hurts case) to a detailed big-picture preview of the college football season’s opening showdowns, especially the Arch Manning era at Texas. The hosts and guests blend stats, storytelling, and pop culture (Kelce-Swift engagement) for a highly engaging listen, capped by in-depth coverage of the Cowboys’ latest contract saga and strategic challenges. The mix of hard sports analysis, fan culture observations, and light-hearted moments make this episode essential for sports fans seeking both depth and entertainment without the usual sports talk “fluff.”