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.

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