The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Instant Reaction - Oregon Cruises To Win Over USC, Lane Kiffin to LSU?

Date: November 23, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd

Episode Overview

In this episode, Colin Cowherd delivers an instant reaction to Oregon's dominant win over USC, dissecting both teams' strengths and shortcomings, especially within recruiting, coaching strategy, and program identity. He also explores Lane Kiffin’s potential move to LSU, what makes for great head coaches, and touches on the allure and challenges of top college football jobs. Colin ends with an enthusiastic recommendation for the new UFO documentary “Age of Disclosure”.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Oregon’s Statement Win over USC (02:30–18:30)

• Oregon as a Top Program: Colin notes Oregon, with “Phil Knight’s NIL money,” superb recruitment by Mario Cristobal and Dan Lanning, and state-of-the-art facilities, is “now a top six or seven program” nationally—with remarkable consistency despite limited in-state talent.
• USC’s Ongoing Challenges:
  • USC's defense: “Their defense has major holes. It did today.” (03:15)
  • Talent Development: Despite being based in Los Angeles, USC is “not close to Oregon” in terms of depth and roster talent.
  • Special Teams: “An awful special teams day. Short kicks, hitting the upright. Give me a break.” (06:00)
  • Limited offensive weapons: Makai Lemon and Jaden Mayava are praised, but “that’s it, that’s the offense.”
• Game Analysis: Oregon won, “cruised” even when sloppy with penalties, while USC failed to capitalize on opportunities or perform on the road.
• Program Contrasts: Oregon is depicted as forward-moving and adaptable; USC appears static and lacking identity.

Notable Quotes

• “West of Denver, Oregon’s been the best football program for a long time.” (04:22)
• “USC is a good college team… Oregon is an exceptional college football program.” (05:11)

2. Lincoln Riley’s Head Coaching Evaluation (10:00–18:50)

• Year Four with Little Progress:
  • “Four years in, the defense is still at best mid. And against elite teams, less than mid... Special teams, come on. It was an awful special teams day.” (06:40)
  • Offensive improvement with Jaden Mayava is acknowledged, but “it’s not his fault” that so much is lacking elsewhere.
• Recruiting Missteps and Identity Crisis:
  • Lambasts USC for virtually ignoring local recruiting early in Riley’s tenure.
  • Compares Brent Venables at Oklahoma (successfully built an identity), versus USC’s lack of multidimensionality and consistency.
• Critique of Riley:
  • “The critics on Lincoln Riley, four years in, have every right to say ‘we were right’.” (11:35)
  • “Is he a great culture builder? ... Lincoln Riley at this point’s a great scheme guy. He hasn’t proven he is a great head coach.” (15:32)

3. Oregon’s Program Advantages and Dan Lanning’s Tenure (16:00–20:50)

• Recruiting and Roster Management:
  • Even missing top three receivers, “Oregon scored in the 40s”—Colin marvels at their depth and resilience.
  • Lanning and previous coaches (Kelly, Cristobal) are credited. Mistakes happen, but “by and large they hire good head coaches.”
• Brand and Culture:
  • Facilities, fan loyalty, and commitment to upgrades set Oregon apart.
  • “Oregon football in the Pacific Northwest... It’s the coolest brand in the Pacific Northwest, including the Seahawks, including the Mariners.” (18:15)
• Dan Lanning’s Fit:
  • Initial skepticism about Lanning’s lack of West Coast ties, but he’s “a go-getter, optimistic and tough but supportive. He’s just everything you want.”

Notable Quotes

• “If you’re going to make a mistake... hire a great recruiter.” (19:42)
• “Everything about [Oregon] reeks of cool and smart and thoughtful.” (18:27)

4. Lane Kiffin Rumors & the LSU Job (20:55–24:20)

• SEC’s Coaching Carousel:
  • “The SEC is a different ballgame; nobody loses any sleep taking somebody else’s head coach.” (21:12)
• Career Mobility vs. Loyalty:
  • Colin defends Kiffin’s mobility, calling loyalty overrated, “Be loyal to your family. If there’s a great opportunity... take it.”
  • Lane’s priorities: better recruiting at LSU, a higher salary, bigger stage.
• Job Fit Analysis:
  • “Ole Miss is a good job. LSU is a great job. LSU, the governor stepping in would be a huge turnoff for me.”
  • “Lane’s not short on cash. LSU is short on patience.” (21:58)
• Recruiting Reality:
  • “Offensive guys follow the wizard, defensive guys go to the big schools.” (23:05)
  • Picks LSU as likely: “My gut today—he’ll probably take the LSU job.”

Notable Quotes

• “Being a legend at Ole Miss... That’s not a discussion anybody has. That’s what fans say.” (24:35)
• “Show me the lettuce and let’s pursue trophies.” (25:07)

5. Bonus: UFO Documentary Recommendation (24:40–25:20)

• “Age of Disclosure” on Amazon Prime:
  • Colin is visibly excited and recommends the new UFO documentary, especially a “captivating, utterly fascinating five minutes” about one hour in.
  • “I literally rushed upstairs, found my wife... you just get to an hour in… this is mind-blowing.” (25:15)

Major Takeaways

• Oregon’s Consistency and Identity: Oregon’s consistent recruiting, adaptability, and strong program culture make them a national powerhouse, while USC lags in both talent and identity despite inherent advantages.
• Lincoln Riley Under Fire: Four seasons into Riley’s tenure at USC, the Trojans haven’t progressed beyond “good quarterback play.” Defensive woes and poor special teams persist—leaving fair grounds for critics.
• Kiffin’s Career Calculus: Lane Kiffin is likely to leave for LSU due to greater resources, recruiting upside, and winning potential, with Colin explaining that career ambition, not fan legacy, drives top coaches.
• Coaching Matters: Recruiting and culture-building trump scheme alone in college football leadership.
• Pop Culture Moment: Given Colin’s signature curiosity and enthusiasm, he closes with a diversion into UFO documentaries—pointing listeners to “Age of Disclosure” for a mind-blowing segment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “West of Denver, Oregon’s been the best football program for a long time.” —Colin Cowherd (04:22)
• “Four years in, the defense is still at best mid… Special teams, come on… awful special teams day.” —Colin Cowherd (06:40)
• “The critics on Lincoln Riley, four years in, have every right to say ‘we were right’.” —Colin Cowherd (11:35)
• “Oregon football in the Pacific Northwest... It’s the coolest brand in the Pacific Northwest, including the Seahawks, including the Mariners.” —Colin Cowherd (18:15)
• “Lane’s not short on cash. LSU is short on patience.” —Colin Cowherd (21:58)
• “Show me the lettuce and let’s pursue trophies.” —Colin Cowherd (25:07)
• “There is a five-minute segment that is the most captivating, utterly fascinating five minutes that I’ve ever seen in any UFO documentary… It is mind-blowing.” —Colin Cowherd (25:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Oregon-USC instant reaction: 02:30–12:00
• Lincoln Riley Evaluation: 10:00–18:50
• State of Oregon’s Program & Dan Lanning: 16:00–20:50
• Lane Kiffin & the LSU Job: 20:55–24:20
• UFO Documentary Recommendation: 24:40–25:20

Colin’s detailed, opinionated breakdown offers both immediate postgame insights and broader reflections on college football’s shifting power dynamics. This episode is a must-listen for fans interested in coaching philosophies, recruiting battles, and the mindsets behind elite program management.