Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (July 3, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the top sports stories of the day. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on July 3, 2025, host Colin Cowherd, along with guest contributors Greg McElroy, LaVar Arrington, and Jonas Knox, delve into significant developments in football, baseball, and the NBA. This detailed summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.

1. College Football and Matt Rule’s Transition to Coaching (02:37 - 15:32)

The episode opens with a focus on college football, specifically discussing Nebraska head coach Matt Rule, a former teammate of Greg McElroy at Penn State. Greg shares his admiration for Rule, highlighting his intelligence and impactful coaching methods.

Greg McElroy [04:15]: "Matt Rule did an excellent job of sitting with me and us learning... which translated into him being a really, really fine football coach as well through the year."

Colin Cowherd and Greg McElroy further explore how Rule’s NFL experience, particularly with the Carolina Panthers, equips him for the evolving landscape of college football. They discuss the increasing complexities introduced by financial valuations and contractual similarities between the NFL and college football, emphasizing the challenges schools face with the transfer portal and the need for structured management akin to professional teams.

Greg McElroy [05:31]: "There is a lot of gray area that still exists at the college level. And I think that it makes it very difficult for coaches and administrators."

The conversation underscores the shift towards a more professional approach in college sports, with Rule’s insights serving as a precursor to broader organizational changes within universities.

2. Clayton Kershaw's Milestone and Dodgers' Performance (03:18 - 05:16)

Transitioning to baseball, Colin Cowherd celebrates Clayton Kershaw's achievement of reaching 3,000 strikeouts, marking a significant milestone in his career. Despite early struggles in the game against the White Sox, Kershaw demonstrates resilience, culminating in the Dodgers' comeback victory.

Colin Cowherd [25:32]: "Clayton Kershaw gets strikeout number 3,000 against the White Sox... It was quite the scene there for the LA Dodgers at Dodger Stadium."

Greg McElroy and Colin reflect on Kershaw's performance, noting the historical significance and its impact on the Dodgers' prospects as championship contenders. They also touch upon injuries affecting key players like Max Muncie, adding complexity to the Dodgers' season outlook.

3. The LA Lakers’ Acquisition of DeAndre Ayton and NBA Implications (25:05 - 61:47)

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to the NBA, centering on the LA Lakers' acquisition of DeAndre Ayton from Portland. Greg McElroy provides an optimistic view of Ayton's potential impact, emphasizing his elite abilities as a big man and his fit within the Lakers' roster.

Greg McElroy [29:27]: "I honestly believe as a player, when DeAndre Ayton is playing the game, he can be one of the more elite bigs in the game."

However, Colin expresses skepticism regarding the overall effectiveness of this move in propelling the Lakers toward a championship, especially within the competitive Western Conference.

Colin Cowherd [30:07]: "I'm still not sold that it brings him any closer to a title, especially in the Western Conference with that gauntlet."

The discussion shifts to the broader implications for LeBron James and potential trade rumors involving the New York Knicks. The hosts speculate on the possibility of LeBron moving to New York, especially with the Knicks hiring Mike Brown as their head coach. They explore how this move could influence LeBron's legacy and the dynamics within the NBA.

Greg McElroy [56:55]: "Is LeBron James the next domino in line to fall, to end up as a New York Knick?"

Colin and Greg debate the "ring chasing" narrative surrounding LeBron, comparing it to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who were brought championship opportunities by their organizations.

Colin Cowherd [38:36]: "LeBron James is, is widely considered arguably the greatest basketball player of all time and yet maybe be the only one in the category of having to go chase the rings elsewhere."

The conversation also touches on the potential challenges of integrating LeBron and his son, Bronny James, into a new team environment, reflecting on team dynamics and media perceptions.

4. Organizational Dysfunction in Sports (11:32 - 15:32)

Greg McElroy and Colin Cowherd delve into the theme of organizational dysfunction, drawing parallels between professional sports teams and college athletic departments. They discuss how financial pressures and the blending of academic institutions with professional-like management structures can lead to internal conflicts and operational challenges.

Greg McElroy [12:15]: "It's the cash cow for these universities... you're the head of school, president of the school board of trustees... minimizing athletics is no longer viable."

This segment highlights the evolving nature of sports management, emphasizing the necessity for universities to adopt more structured and financially informed approaches to athletics, mirroring the professional sports industry.

5. Speculations and Future Outlook (61:00 - 63:59)

Towards the end of the episode, Colin and Greg engage in speculative discussions about future sports trades and organizational strategies. They ponder the potential movements of high-profile athletes and coaches, considering market dynamics and personal relationships within the sports community.

Greg McElroy [61:47]: "I think he has a better chance of trying to win in New York right now today than what he would here in LA with the Lakers."

The hosts conclude by reiterating the complexity and unpredictability of sports trades, emphasizing the ongoing nature of these discussions as the sports seasons progress.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg McElroy [04:15]: "Matt Rule did an excellent job of sitting with me and us learning... which translated into him being a really, really fine football coach as well through the year."

• Colin Cowherd [25:32]: "Clayton Kershaw gets strikeout number 3,000 against the White Sox... It was quite the scene there for the LA Dodgers at Dodger Stadium."

• Greg McElroy [29:27]: "I honestly believe as a player, when DeAndre Ayton is playing the game, he can be one of the more elite bigs in the game."

• Colin Cowherd [38:36]: "LeBron James is, is widely considered arguably the greatest basketball player of all time and yet maybe be the only one in the category of having to go chase the rings elsewhere."

• Greg McElroy [56:55]: "Is LeBron James the next domino in line to fall, to end up as a New York Knick?"

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of significant sports narratives across multiple leagues. From the nuanced shifts in college football management to landmark achievements in baseball and transformative moves in the NBA, the hosts deliver insightful commentary backed by expert opinions and speculative discussions. This episode serves as a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive overview of current sports dynamics and future trends.