Best of the Week on The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of the Week on The Herd" Release Date: July 26, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Colin delves into a comprehensive analysis of the past week's top sports stories, offering his candid opinions on various leagues and teams. The episode is structured around segments where Colin evaluates his own insights, highlighting where he was right or wrong, and culminates with an engaging conversation featuring special guest Sark, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns.

---

1. NFL Defensive Spending: Where Colin Was Right

Timestamp: [03:04]

Colin begins by critiquing the Pittsburgh Steelers' financial strategy, particularly their substantial investment in defense. He states:

“They’ll once again dominate the NFL in defensive spending. It’s not the player but they paid Jalen Ramsey. They played Darius Slay, they paid TJ Watt, yet they can’t get their offensive line right.”
- Colin Cowherd [03:04]

He contrasts Pittsburgh’s approach with teams like Philadelphia and the Rams, emphasizing that excessive spending on defense has hindered their offensive capabilities.

---

2. WNBA Player Dynamics: Where Colin Was Wrong

Timestamp: [03:44]

Colin reflects on his earlier support for WNBA player Caitlin Clark as the league's face, which faced backlash from teammate Kelsey Plum. He acknowledges his misjudgment in the situation:

“Every time LeBron goes to a new team for two years, it’s like, wow. Whereas in LA, it’s like Lucas T. And everybody knows it.”
- Colin Cowherd [03:44]

He admits that he underestimated the complexities of team negotiations and player dynamics within the WNBA.

---

3. Jalen Hurts and NFL Quarterback Evaluation: Where Colin Was Right

Timestamp: [04:28]

Colin discusses Jalen Hurts’ ranking and performance, affirming his belief in Hurts' capabilities despite some limitations:

“Character, leadership, playmaking, strength, excellent. Love him, but from the pocket.”
- Colin Cowherd [04:28]

He points out that Hurts’ ability to reduce pass attempts per game has improved the Eagles' offense, contrasting this with other elite quarterbacks who haven’t adapted similarly.

---

4. College Football: Penn State vs. Ohio State – Where Colin Was Right

Timestamp: [05:12]

Analyzing the Big Ten media poll, Colin argues that Penn State has emerged as the top team over Ohio State:

“My prediction is Penn State, Texas national championship.”
- Colin Cowherd [05:12]

He credits Penn State’s consistent performance and superior media ratings, suggesting that the Big Ten has surpassed the SEC in program strength.

---

5. Cincinnati Bengals’ First-Round Pick Holdout: Where Colin Was Right

Timestamp: [06:22]

Colin criticizes the Cincinnati Bengals for not signing their first-round pick, highlighting the franchise’s consistent financial constraints:

“The Cincinnati Bengals. That's why Joe Burrow's always picked off.”
- Colin Cowherd [07:37]

He underscores the negative impact of ownership decisions on the team’s performance and player development.

---

6. Dodgers’ Hitting Slump: Where Colin Was Wrong

Timestamp: [07:40]

Colin addresses his overly optimistic view of the Dodgers' batting lineup, which hasn't panned out as expected:

“Mookie Betts is in the worst slump of his career. They moved Ohtani out of the leadoff spot.”
- Colin Cowherd [07:40]

He admits that his assessment was premature, citing recent poor performances and injuries that have compromised the team's offensive output.

---

7. Clippers’ Bradley Beal Acquisition: Where Colin Was Right

Timestamp: [08:12]

Colin evaluates the Clippers’ decision to acquire Bradley Beal, recognizing that despite high expectations, the move hasn't significantly bolstered their prospects:

“The Bradley Beal acquisition did not make a dent in the Clippers' futures despite the admiration of one Jason McIntyre.”
- Colin Cowherd [08:12]

He notes that the heavy investment didn't translate into improved team performance, aligning with his initial skepticism.

---

8. In-Depth Conversation with Texas Longhorns Coach Sark

Timestamp: [27:03]

The latter part of the episode features an insightful discussion between Colin and Sark, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. Topics covered include:

• Season Predictions: Sark shares his optimism for the Longhorns' chances in the upcoming season, particularly in the College Football Playoff.

  “We’re going to play well throughout the entirety of the season.”
  - Sark [28:03]

• Team Dynamics: They discuss the challenges of integrating new offensive line starters and the importance of team chemistry.

  “Putting them in really good position so they can execute and play as a unit.”
  - Sark [29:53]

• Arch Manning’s Impact: Sark highlights Arch Manning's exceptional work ethic and leadership qualities that have positively influenced the team.

  “His work ethic is incredible. He walked in the door, was a great teammate and has worked his tail off from day one.”
  - Sark [36:09]

• Coaching Philosophy: The conversation delves into Sark’s approach to coaching, emphasizing the role of a coach as a CEO and the challenges of maintaining team culture amidst the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) dynamics.

  “We’re a production-based industry... how you perform ultimately is how you get compensated.”
  - Sark [34:58]

Colin and Sark also touch upon the competitive nature of coaching and the influence of prominent figures like Nick Saban on Sark’s coaching style.

---

9. Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [38:46]

Colin wraps up the episode by expressing his anticipation for the upcoming season’s opening games, particularly highlighting the Texas Longhorns’ matchup against Ohio State as a marquee event.

“That is going to be as good an opening game as we've ever had on that Labor Day weekend.”
- Colin Cowherd [38:46]

He underscores the significance of high-profile games in setting the tone for the season and engaging fans.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Colin on Steelers’ Spending:
  “They’ll once again dominate the NFL in defensive spending. It’s not the player but they paid Jalen Ramsey.”
  - Colin Cowherd [03:04]

• Colin on Jalen Hurts:
  “Character, leadership, playmaking, strength, excellent. Love him, but from the pocket.”
  - Colin Cowherd [04:28]

• Sark on Team Chemistry:
  “Putting them in really good position so they can execute and play as a unit.”
  - Sark [29:53]

• Sark on Arch Manning’s Work Ethic:
  “His work ethic is incredible. He walked in the door, was a great teammate and has worked his tail off from day one.”
  - Sark [36:09]

---

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a balanced mix of Colin’s sharp sports analysis and an engaging dialogue with a prominent college football coach. Listeners gain valuable insights into NFL spending strategies, WNBA dynamics, quarterback evaluations, and the intricacies of college football team management. Colin’s ability to self-reflect on his predictions adds depth to the discussions, making the episode both informative and entertaining for sports enthusiasts.

---

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were omitted in accordance with the provided instructions to focus solely on the podcast's content.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Unknown Advertiser]

The herd is brought to you by Grainger. If you work as a maintenance manager, your facility is your home turf and your home field advantage is having a partner like Grainger. They offer trusted professional grade products for every industry from lighting and electrical to safety and everything in between. Plus next day delivery. Which is why they always come through in the clutch. Just like you. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. Wasabi Technologies is purpose built to free businesses from skyrocketing storage costs and unpredictable egress fees from those old and top heavy legacy providers.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know the big guys.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Wasabi is the go to provider for professional and collegiate sports teams around the world. From Wasabi's AI enabled intelligent media storage Wasabi Air to the industry's only cloud storage service with triple protection against cybercriminals, Wasabi is driving innovation in data storage. All for up to 80% less than the other guys. Triumph for [e-mail], wasabi Hot Cloud Storage. Proud partner of the Voluum Podcast Network.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hi, it's Colin.

[Unknown Advertiser]

I've been around long enough to know quality when I see it. Or in this case, when I taste it. Tito's Handmade Vodka. Good stuff. No flash, no gimmick. Smooth, clean tasting, made the right way. Tito's made in Austin, Texas. Real attention to detail. I like to keep it simple. Tito's Soda, one lime, lot of ice. Refreshing, easy. Summer, winter, spring. Totally versatile. Always works.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, baseball season's here. 3.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Perfect time to kick back with some Tito's.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's what I pour.

[Unknown Advertiser]

You should too. Distilled and bottled by 5th Generation Inc. Austin, Texas. 40% alcohol by volume. Savor responsibly. Every once in a while you get the chance to make a real difference. And this is one of those moments. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. It's a powerful mission, honoring their sacrifice through the Gift of Education. But last year, about 7,000 qualified students didn't receive funding and that number is expected to grow to nearly 10,000. Don't let financial needs stand in the way of their future. Visit foldsofhonor.org to donate. Any amount helps. Together we can close that gap one scholarship at a time. Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch us live every.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

This is the best of the Herd with Colin Cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here we go on a Monday. Colin right. Colin wrong. Let's roll it.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Where Colin was right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, the offensively tone deaf Steelers. Mike Tomlin can't help himself. Gave TJ Watt the biggest non quarterback contract in the league. They will once again the NFL in defensive spending. It's not the player but they paid Jalen Ramsey. They played Darius Slay, they paid TJ Watt, yet they can't get their offensive line right. They let Najee Harris go. It's not that Mike Tomlin's not a good coach. This organization spends too much money. Philly doesn't. Rams don't. Niners let defensive guys go. Kansas City doesn't pay defense. Pittsburgh does.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Where Colin was wrong.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just when I gave the WNBA players credit for in a private poll naming Caitlin Clark as the face of the league going forward. And then Kelsey Plum comes out, takes a shot at Caitlin Clark because her team wasn't present for, you know, the meetings they're having regarding the negotiations. She said it was a very powerful moment wearing those T shirts. But she said, you know, nobody from team Caitlin Clark was present. Can we stop? You guys are flying private. There's one reason Caitlin Clark somebody joined the band that's really popular. You're traveling in style. Give it a break.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Where Colin was right.

[Colin Cowherd]

NFL executives, scouts and coaches last week ranked Jalen Hurts ninth best quarterback in the NFL. That's what I've said. Character, leadership, playmaking, strength, excellent. Love him, but from the pocket. After a Week 5 by the Eagles coaching staff reduced the number of passes thrown per game to 24. And they were a better offense. Nobody's doing that for Mahomes or Josh Allen. I can like a player but say yeah, there's, there's limitations. Greg Cosell's been saying this for years. I love Jalen Hurts. He's not an elite pocket thrower consistently.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Where Colin was right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I said Penn State I've set up for the last month is the best team in the Big Ten. It's not Ohio State. Even though the Buckeyes have the best offensive player and the best defensive player and Ryan Day, Penn State was just awarded the media poll over Ohio State as the best team in the conference. My prediction is at Penn State, Texas national championship. I'll figure out at the time who wins it, but I think the Big Ten, we've been on it for a year, has overtaken the SEC as the best program. And the fact that Penn State gets higher rated by the media that knows those programs over the Buckeyes who bring back the best two players in the.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Sport says something where Colin was wrong.

[Colin Cowherd]

I sold my Shador Sanders stock after two speeding tickets. I'm like bro, you're a quarterback and you're a fifth round pick. You gotta have more self awareness. But Mary Kay Cabot reported this week that because he performed so well at camp, he has a legitimate chance to win the starting job. So perhaps I bailed a little early.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Where Colin was right.

[Colin Cowherd]

The ESPN rankings of the top rosters this year in the NFL seven of the top 12 are NFC. This is something we started talking about last year. There was about a three year period where the gap between the AFC and the NFC was noticeable. But if you watch the NFL last year roster composition, I thought the NFC had more elite rosters. I thought Philadelphia's roster was the best. Detroit's was second, Baltimore's third. Seven of the top 12 are NFC and oh by the way, the NFC 48 and 33 against the AFC last.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Year where Colin was right.

[Colin Cowherd]

What a shocker. Only one NFL team hasn't signed their first round pick and it's the always cheap Cincinnati Bengals. Shemar Stewart is the holdout. I've said it for years. Zach Taylor gets criticized by a lot of people in the NFL it's all Joe Burrow. He's got the cheapest owner. There are owners. I don't love the guy down in Miami, but he spends. The facilities are amazing. Free agents love Miami. One team can't finalize their deal with a first round pick. The Cincinnati Bengals. That's why Joe Burrow's always picked off.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Where Colin was wrong.

[Colin Cowherd]

The Dodgers have hit.198 as a team in their last 10 games. Last in baseball they're 2 and 10 in their last 12. Just swept by the Brewers. Mookie Betts is in the worst slump of his career. They moved Ohtani out of the leadoff spot. The pitching, too many injuries. I thought this lineup. I believed it at the time. I said you can make an argument after Ohtani. Mookie bets the best player in baseball. This is the best batting order I have seen since the 75 Reds.

[Unknown Advertiser]

They officially can't hit where Colin was right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Bradley Beal went to the clippers and Jason McIntyre said it's the kind of move that will shift the paradigm of the NBA well, I looked at the odds makers. They were plus 2000 pre trade plus 2000 Clippers post trade. Oldest roster in the NBA with Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal just got older. The Bradley Beal acquisition did not make a dent in the Clippers futures despite the admiration of one Jason McIntyre.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Covino]

Hey, we're Covino and Rich, Fox sports radio every 5 to 7pm Eastern. But here's the thing. We never have enough time to get to everything we want to get to.

[Rich]

And that's why we have a brand new podcast called Over Promised. You see, we're having so much fun in our two hour show. We never get to everything honestly because this guy is over promising things we never have time for.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Yeah, you blubber lips blaming me.

[Covino]

Well you know what it's called Over Promise. You should be good at it because you've been over promising women for years.

[Rich]

Well, it's a Covino and Rich after show and we want you to be a part of it. We're gonna be talking sports, of course, but but we're also gonna talk life and relationships and if Rich and I are arguing about something or we didn't have enough time, it will continue on our after show called Over Promised.

[Covino]

Well, if you don't get enough Covino and Rich, make sure you check out Over Promise. And also uncensored by the way, so maybe we'll go at it even a little harder. It's gonna be the best after show podcast of all time.

[Rich]

There you go. Overpromising. And remember, you could see it on YouTube, but definitely. Join us Listen to Over Promised with Covino and rich on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pod.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Be real. Life happens. Kids spill, pets shed and accidents are inevitable. Find a sofa that can keep [e-mail] Starting at just $699, our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. It's time to upgrade to a stress free mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save.

[Colin Cowherd]

Save.

[Unknown Advertiser]

That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

Introducing the new Dell AI PC powered.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the Intel Core Ultra processor. It's not just an AI computer, it's.

[Unknown Advertiser]

A computer built for AI.

[Colin Cowherd]

That means it's built to help do your busy work for you so you can fast forward through editing images, designing presentations, generating code, debugging code, running lots.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Of apps without lagging, summarizing meeting notes, extending battery life, finding that file you were looking for, managing your schedule, meeting your deadlines, responding to Jim's long emails.

[Colin Cowherd]

Leaving all the time in the world.

[Unknown Advertiser]

For more you time and for the things you actually want to do.

[Colin Cowherd]

No offense Jim. Get a new Dell AI PC starting at [e-mail] aipc how those ahead Stay.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Ahead if you're an inventory specialist in a warehouse, Grainger knows you've probably faced a situation like this before. Your forklift, your facility's workhorse, is leaking hydraulic fluid, and with a full schedule of shipments on the docket, this has the potential to cause a major delay of game. But you're not worried. You're prepared for this type of situation and you have an ace in the hole. Grainger Grainger offers professional grade products for every industry from hydraulic oils and hoses. So much more, plus fast, dependable delivery so you can be confident that you'll have the product you need on hand to fix that forklift and get it back in the game. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. American Public University where service members like you can access high quality, affordable education built for your lifestyle. With online programs that fit around deployments, training and unpredictable schedules, APU makes it possible to earn your degree no matter where duty takes you. Their preferred military rate keeps tuition at just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's tuition.

[Colin Cowherd]

And with 24.

[Unknown Advertiser]

7 mental health support plus career coaching and other services, APU is committed to your success during and after your service. Learn more at APU Apus Edu Military. That's apu Apus Edu Military.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here we go. It is a Tuesday. We are really, really rolling today. Ryan Day Ohio State football coach Nick Wright stops by today. It is a Tuesday. We're live. It's the Herd. J. Mac Interesting story. The athletic kind of broke an interesting story. John Hollinger where there were whispers in league circles that LeBron James and we talked about it on this show was looking at Dallas as a landing spot. We've talked about this great front line. Here comes Cooper Flagg, better coach. And you know, let's be honest, if he went to Dallas, he would be the centerpiece, even though he's older. LeBron in Dallas, every time he goes to a new team for two years, it's like, wow. Whereas in la, it's like Lucas T. And everybody knows it. New owners. It kind of feels like nothing against LeBron, but he's not the future. But this is interesting. This is really interesting. So the athletic does report we've been saying this now. I have been saying this for three to four weeks. Dallas is a better place to go. I mean, I get Cooper Flag or Austin reaves, I get AD or Deandre Ayton. But LeBron wasn't willing and this is what killed it. According to John Hollinger, he wasn't willing to leave 52 million on the table for a mid level exemption. So don't think about that. LeBron's a billionaire. He's a billionaire. And my take is with LeBron. Rich Paul told us it was all about winning. It's not anymore. I think Michael Jordan still in his head. He knows in the basketball community, with basketball fans, he's never going to catch MJ. MJ is six for six. MJ is more memorable. MJ's got the logo, the brand, and sells more shoes. He's more romanticized. Michael Jordan. There are a dozen plays to this day that you close your eyes and think about and you can see Michael Jordan do it. Unless you're driving with LeBron. There's one, that chase down block against the warriors. That's it. And so I think at LeBron at this point, he's never going to catch him. He's never going to catch him. In net worth. MJ's net worth is $3.5 billion. LeBron, even with the massive money he's paid, is 1 billion. That's why he wants to own a basketball team. I think he's chasing Michael. And here's the difference. Michael Jordan makes you feel something and LeBron doesn't. MJ, and I mean high level salespeople will tell you you want to trigger emotion in advertisers and consumers. You want to make people feel something about a product. Michael has that. You wear his shoes, you feel cool, you like being on that side of the argument. So Michael's richer, more memorable, bigger brand and he makes you feel something and LeBron doesn't. LeBron has kind of bounced around to the best basketball opportunity every chance he gets. He's been the great basketball opportunist and I've never criticized him for that. I understand it. His first stop, he got drafted to Cleveland. Seven years in, they couldn't get him another all Star. I was on the bandwagon, get to Miami. But my take, he should probably, should have stayed in Miami. In fact, I'd argue the only time LeBron has ever made us feel something was when he went back to his hometown. When he went back to Akron and he won in Cleveland. Remember that letter? I'm going back home. Made you feel something. Then he won in Cleveland. Made you feel something. But he's sort of been the great basketball opportunist and he's got more points and more assists and he's been to more finals, but he's never made us feel anything. I said this the other day. Tiger woods made you feel something. Scotty Scheffler's just great. That's the difference. Arnold Palmer was more beloved than Jack Nicklaus. People loved Arnie. Why made you feel a certain way. Works in politics, works in sports. Michael Jordan still sells more shoes than LeBron. Just to give you the influence of Michael Jordan, he got Derek Jeter in his prime to wear his logo. Football jerseys all over this country, the Jordan logo. And I Look at this. LeBron not taking for one time in his career giving up money. Mid level exception to play with Cooper Flag. Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Derek Lively. Better coach now. I'm not going to do it in 2016. LeBron said it quote, my motivation is the ghost I'm chasing. He played in Chicago. Even with this, I think Michael's still in his head. So NFL camps are underway, including the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard. They've had a pretty rough 29 years, haven't been to a single NFC championship. So yesterday or the day before, Jerry Jones was asked, I think a very reasonable and appropriate question about remaining as general manager.

Stepping away as general manager. Ever been even a momentary consideration for you Gribby eggs?

[Jerry Jones]

Yes. Momentary.

[Colin Cowherd]

How long A moment.

[Jerry Jones]

Now we're getting down to it. Small fractions of seconds. I promise you that as you know, you see it, I'm in senior bowls. Combines all of that, all of that melds into a real good feeling about where we are so that I'm not sitting up there throwing darts about a player.

[Colin Cowherd]

The downside to wealth is that it starts to make you feel you're great at everything. The Cowboys had a great draft in 2020. That's their last great one. The Eagles last great draft was the last four. Their first two picks last year, home run, home run, position of need, corner. They nailed both. I think the minute you start thinking you can do two to three things exceptionally well, you get into trouble. Bill Belichick six years ago was the greatest coach in the world. But then he started taking over the draft and personnel and New England became the slowest team in the league offensively. He was tone deaf to offense as the league pivoted and he got rushed out of town and couldn't get another job. Bill o', Brien, I think a good coach. Houston Texans made him GM and coach. Bad drafts trades were worse. Remember they gave D Hop away for like, you know, a bag of Doritos. Like it was brutal. And I think, I think the way to do it is the way Brad Stevens in with the Celtics, very, very good coach. But he's like, you know, this coaching thing is hard and a lot of travel and I love basketball. I'm just going to move upstairs, be a gm, eventually a great one, and give it to the new guy. That's the way to do it. You're seeing it in college football. The smart coaches, they don't want to be gm. They make their school hire one. Elon Musk. Brilliant, dabbled in politics. Tesla stock still down 15%. It's hard to just do a bunch of stuff really well unless you're Shohei Ohtani. The Cowboys don't draft well. The Cowboys overpay for good players and they're non existent last couple of years in free agency. I said this a couple years ago. How in the hell could they not pay $8 million for Derrick Henry? And the Eagles with a stacked, often veteran, expensive roster, pay for Saquon Barkley. How is that possible? Philadelphia is paying their quarterback, a receiver, tight ends, three offensive linemen, everybody but Jalen Carter, linebackers, safeties, and they still have room. Dallas is like I don't know if we can afford. I, I'm not sure if we can afford 8 million to improve the worst running back room in the league. And they couldn't. And Baltimore could. Another well run team. So. But you know, sometimes with Dallas it feel, it feels like nobody's clapped in Dallas since Jason Garrett. I was looking this morning. NFC championship games, most recent appearances. The Bears, Giants, Panthers, Cardinals, Falcons, Saints, Bucks have all been to a conference championship game and the Cowboys haven't since 1995. And Jerry will never give up control. If you don't believe me, believe him.

[Jerry Jones]

Listen, I gave every friggin thing in my life and then exposed probably two or three times that to get to set up here. And I danced with that devil and I've danced with it a few other times along the way. So if you think a little bit of what you write is going to deter me from sitting up here doing what I want to do, you're wrong. It's just not going to do it because I've danced with the devil, the financial devil, and lived to tell about it.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's the downside to wealth. You convince yourself you're great at everything. And I mean, think about this just in coaching Forget personnel. They let Dan Quinn walk to retain Mike McCarthy. A year later, McCarthy walks off out of Dallas and Quinn becomes the coach of the rival and the next superstar quarterback in the nfc. Coaching, free agency, drafting, developing the cap. He's convinced he knows how to do all of it.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app Life's Messy.

We're talking spills, stains, pets and kids. But with Annabe, you never have to stress about messes again. At WashablesOfAs.com, discover Anabe sofas, the only fully machine washable sofas inside and out, starting at just $699. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, that means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, our sofas feature changeable fabric covers allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flex Flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus, they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Upgrade your space today. Visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

Introducing the new Dell AI PC.

[Colin Cowherd]

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor. It's not just an AI computer, it's.

[Unknown Advertiser]

A computer built for AI.

[Colin Cowherd]

That means it's built to help do your busy work for you, so you.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Can fast forward through editing images, designing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Presentations, generating code, debugging code, running lots.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Of apps without lag, summarizing meeting notes, extending battery life, finding that file you were looking for, managing your schedule, meeting your deadlines, responding to Jim's long emails.

[Colin Cowherd]

Leaving all the time in the world.

[Unknown Advertiser]

For more you time and for the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Things you actually want to do. No offense, Jim Get a new Dell.

[Unknown Advertiser]

AI PC starting at [e-mail] aipc how.

[Colin Cowherd]

Those ahead Stay ahead.

[Unknown Advertiser]

If you're an inventory specialist in a warehouse, Grainger knows you've probably faced a situation like this before. Your forklift, your facility's workhorse, is leaking hydraulic fluid and with a full schedule of shipments on the docket, this has the potential to cause a major delay of game. But you're not worried. You're prepared for this type of situation and you have an ace in the hole. Grainger Grainger offers professional grade products for every industry from hydraulic oils and hoses. So much more. Plus fast, dependable delivery. So you can be confident that you'll have the product you need on hand to fix that forklift and get it back in the game. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done. American Public University is the number one provider of education to our military and veterans in this country. They offer something truly unique. Special rates and grants for the entire family, making education affordable not just for those who serve, but also for their loved ones. If you have a military or veteran family member and are looking for affordable, high quality education, Apu is the place for you. Visit Apu Apus Edumilitary to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu Military.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, there were 13 and three last year before losing to the Buckeyes. One of the reasons I love the College Football Playoff is that you can play big games early and even if you lose 35, 30, it's okay. You can grow as a team. You don't have to go undefeated the rest of the way to play for the college football national championship. The Buckeyes last year lost as a 20 point favorite at home after losing to Oregon and Knotson and they still made it. That's why I love Texas and Ohio State plan. My buddy Sark's joining us, coach of the Horns, Texas Longhorns, who I have playing in the national national championship this year against Penn State. The two best teams I think are Penn State and you guys. I want you to go back, Sark, to your USC days, your Washington days, the Alabama days and now at Texas. This is a, this is a lot to chew on in week one road game, Ohio State. You guys, Pete Carroll and you guys, you played some tough games early. Go back in your career. Is this, is there anything that reminds you of this kind of game as an opener?

As an opener? No. The only one I could think Of Colin is when we went to Auburn, I want to think, I want to say it was 02 and it was Leinert's first career start. Reggie, Reggie and Lindell were true freshmen and we went into Auburn and they were, they were pretty highly ranked team, but I don't know of anybody, you know, going on the road playing the defending national championship after having played them in the semifinals. They ended our season last year. Then we turned around and opened with them this year. It's going to be a heck of a game. But that's, you just touched on it. That's the beauty of this format now that you can afford to play these games. It's great for the fans, it's great for college football. Everybody's talking about it and I was jokingly saying, you know, it's so different than the NFL. Nobody's talking about Week 1 matchups in the NFL. Everybody's talking about this game. And the idea that I don't think either of us get punished playing this game. Obviously we all, we both need to play well throughout the entirety of the season. But, but sure, it's what, what a spotlight it puts on both programs and as well as college football.

Yeah. And also it's a litmus test. You'll know a lot about your team that you couldn't, you wouldn't know if you played a lesser opponent. So here's the, here's what I worry about. Four new offensive line starters. Now you've got, this is a position you have recruited very, very well. And Arch Manning, I, I bet just like dad and Eli and Archie is good at the line of scrimmage. He' way quickly, but it does to go on the road. Stark, you know this better than anybody. The O line, you don't have a preseason. These are 19, 20 year old guys. That is a cohesion chemistry unit, not just a talent unit. Are you concerned? Four new starters on the road, not the Arch thing, that's fine. But you don't, you don't have an exhibition game to start. That's a lot to ask.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Does it worry you?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think that's why training camp is going to be so important. And you know, the beauty for the offensive line is they have to compete against our defensive front every day. And I think we've got one of the premier defensive fronts in the country. They're very talented players, but also a really good scheme, a difficult scheme. But to your point, them all playing together as one is going to be critical. And Arch does play a part in that. You know, we're fortunate D.J. campbell's a returning starter. Cole Hudson rotated with D.J. played a bunch of football. Trevor Goosby, really, at the end of the season, he was playing against all sorts of high, high caliber opponents from Georgia to Texas A and M to Clemson. So he got a lot of experience at tackle. But there'll be a couple new faces in there and I do think that's going to be one of the keys for us in the ball game is I don't want to say protecting them, but putting them in really good position so they can go out and execute and play as a unit.

So Jeremiah Smith is on a short list of the most talented college football players I've ever seen. Reggie Bush, I can remember seeing him as a sophomore and thinking, oh, he could probably play in the NFL right now. Javon Curse was kind of like that. When you play a guy like Jeremiah Smith, do you bracket him? Do you double him? Do you trust your corners? He is so physically strong that I, I, it's one of those, you contain him. Do you, I mean, what, how, what is a game plan? Is there a perfect one? Do you just mix coverages?

You know, it's interesting. I had a chance to coach Julio Jones for two years in Atlanta. Reminds me a lot of him. So big and physical, but yet fast. I mean, cover ground so strong at the point of attack, when the ball's in the air, you see that, you see that, you know, just the ability to make contested catches. And I do think at the end of the day, a, that's where your attention needs to be. But hey, they got really good coaches. He's going to be moving around. He's not going to be lining up in one position all the time. Ideally, you've got multiple people with eyes on him and guarding him, but you can't. You still have to play great team defense and you got to have the ability to stop the run and you got to cover the two other wideouts they have or two really good players too. So I do think a multitude of things that you can do well, but you better know where number four is at all times.

So it's interesting when you get quarterbacks that I've always kind of felt like ideally I was talking to an NFL GM about this. He goes, I'm not really hiring coaches, I'm hiring CEOs. A coach should be a CEO. I don't want him on the headset constantly. Now at college it feels a little bit different. But you are a CEO at Texas. You have a great athletic Director, but I mean nil transfer portal building a staff players. So how much I know, I know it's Arch's biggest start yet. How much freedom does he get at the line of scrimmage in the opener?

Well, I mean there naturally there's going to be some, you know and we're still formulating that game plan. That thing is nowhere near set in stone and we're going against a really good defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, which I don't think people are talking a whole lot about of. Here's a guy who's been an elite defensive coordinator at the NFL level and worked under coach Belichick's, been a head coach with the Detroit Lions. And so that that poses its own challenges too. There's not a lot of tape, no no tape of him coaching in college football. And so putting a plan together that we feel good about also gives Arch a little bit of freedom to get us in and out of some things that you know, as looks present themselves in the game because there's so many unknowns I think is going to be critical and he's more than capable of doing that. You know, he's the guy's, you know he's been been raised watching tape with Eli and Peyton and his dad and his GR and everybody. So we're going to feel good about that. And he's got great composure and he's been in some fires with us already. So we'll feel good about it. Do we want to major in him having to audible on the road? That's a difficult thing to do. But we're going to give him some opportunities to do those things, especially at some critical moments.

So I, you know I was thinking about this, I talked to Urban Meyer about this is that I nil's tricky. Lincoln Riley's done a lot, Brian Kelly's done a lot, Deion Sanders has done a lot. And those, I would argue those three, there's value to it, but it is hard to create culture and chemistry when you're bringing in a player and paying them three times what you you're paying a third year starter. Like in the NFL, everybody understands there's the salary cap and there's certain guys that get it and it's the quarterback in college, I think the nil, I'm for it, but there is a danger in the transfer portal not screwing up chemistry. Where do you land on. I mean have there been guys that you really like but you're like, you know what man, I'm not going to pay this receiver that and bring him into our room. Like, is that something you have to think a lot about with the nil? For sure.

I think he hit the nail on the head. It happened this off season. We ended up not going on a player because I didn't feel comfortable about what he would have had to, what it would have cost us to get him in comparison to other players on that side of the ball. And we love our culture and we've exhausted ourselves in building the culture here at the University of Texas and it's really good. And we're navigating. The NIL space I think is good or better than anybody. I think there's a lot of respect in our locker room. We believe in. This is a production based industry, right. How you perform ultimately is how you get compensated. And so I think our players understand that. And so when you bring somebody in from the outside that all of the sudden is making more than everybody else, I think that's when you can run into some problems. And so you got to make those decisions because we're a really good football team. That's the beauty of our sport. I think teams win championships, not just a bunch of talented individuals. And we've got a really good team. And I'm very cautious to do anything to cause any type of feud or disruption to that. What we have going right now, finally.

What is Arch Manning's best trait? Something that you didn't even have to coach. It's just intuitive. There is something he just did well the minute he got on campus.

Work ethic. His work ethic is incredible. Whether it's, you know, studying tape, studying film, studying the playbook, working at his craft, you know, in the weight room like that is whether it's innate and him or it was, you know, handed down from his uncles, whatever, whatever it was, his work ethic is really pretty incredible. And that lends itself to the teammate that he is too. And again, that's not to take away. The arm talent, the deep ball, the athleticism, all that. I think all those things are a byproduct of how hard he works at his craft and how hard he works at being a great teammate. Those things. I've never had to coach him on it. He walked in the door, was a great teammate and has worked his tail off from day one.

You know, you're a coach, you could do tv, you did a little tv, but in the end you're a coach. You just love coaching. You're an X's and O's guy, one of the smarter guys. I've ever met that does that. And I watch Nick Saban on TV and I think he's such a coach. Nick's such a coach. I don't think he's coming back to college. Let me ask you, if somebody in the NFL called him, maybe the team that got Arch Manning or got a great quarterback, do you think Nick Saban would take the call? You know him. You know him well.

You already have him in Cleveland. I heard you yesterday. You already have me. Cleveland. He's coaching Arch. I got. I only have Arch for one year. Shoot, I thought I was going to have him for two. I don't know. You know, hey, he is a great coach and I loved my time working for Nick. I mean, he really is a fantastic coach. I think he feels really comfortable to me. You know, he's really good on tv. I think he enjoys what he gets to do. He's playing a ton of golf, which, which, which he loves doing, I'm sure, I'm sure, you know, Ms. Terry loves having him at home. So I don't know, you know, that that's obviously a personal thing. As he grows, I know he's one of, if not the most competitive person I've ever been around, so I'm sure those competitive juices get flowing pretty good. But man, he looks like he's having a lot of fun doing television. He looks relaxed and he's great for our sport. You know, I know people are love tuning into to hear his insight on all the stuff.

Yeah, you know, it was just speculation on my part. I, you know, I just. That's what I do. Steve, great seeing you.

You too, man. You too.

All right. One of my favorite guys, Sark, who's had just a fascinating journey. I mean, I'm telling you, right? Texas, Ohio State. I mean, I am parked pregame game, post game on Fox. That, that is going to be. That's as good an opening game as we've ever had on that Labor Day weekend. That's as good as it gets. It's the herd. Okay. Have you heard about this?

[Unknown Advertiser]

Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant and their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Degree listens. That doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and they're.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one.

[Colin Cowherd]

Men'S any perspirant and it's back in.

[Unknown Advertiser]

Walmart, Target and other stores now for under four bucks. So try and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG degree. Cool rush for yourself. Every once in a while you get the chance to make a real difference, and this is one of those moments. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. It's a powerful mission honoring their sacrifice through the Gift of Education. But last year, about 7,000 qualified students didn't receive funding, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 10,000. Don't let financial needs stand in the way of their future. Visit foldsofhonor.org to donate. Any amount helps. Together we can close that gap one scholarship at a time. Balancing work, family and education isn't easy, but American Public University makes it possible with online courses, monthly start dates and flexible schedules. APU is designed for busy professionals who need education that fits their lives. And Affordability matters too. APU offers the opportunity grant, giving students 10% off undergraduate and master's level tuition, helping you reach your goals without breaking the bank. Plus, they provide career services and 24. 7 mental health support at no extra cost. Visit Apu Apus Edu to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu this message brought to you by the official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward Green River Whiskey Green River Whiskey is the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky and was once the most expensive Whiskey purchased when 20 barrels were traded for shares in a gold mine. From single barrel bourbons to straight rye, Green River's the perfect combo of rich flavor and richer history. Visit greenriverwhiskey.com to discover a Legend in a Bottle. A product of Green River Distilling Company Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey. Com Please drink responsibly.

This is an iHeart podcast.