Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Scottie Scheffler Dominates The Open Championship! Scottie vs. Tiger? Nick Saban Comeback? Barstool + FOX Sports Release Date: July 20, 2025

1. Scottie Scheffler's Dominance at The Open Championship

The episode opens with a celebration of Scottie Scheffler's impressive performance at The Open Championship. Both Colin Cowherd and guest John Middlekauff commend Scheffler's early dominance in the tournament, highlighting his consistent play and mental fortitude.

Colin Cowherd [05:11]: "Today was the icing on the cake of this guy. He's a complete rocket ship, way more accomplished at the same age than Phil Mickelson."

2. Comparing Scottie Scheffler to Golf Legend Tiger Woods

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around comparing Scheffler to the legendary Tiger Woods. While acknowledging Scheffler's remarkable achievements, the hosts emphasize Tiger Woods' unparalleled legacy and unique skill set.

John Middlekauff [05:11]: "I've never seen anything like Tiger in his prime. I think if Scheffler was in his prime with Tiger, he would be like Mickelson. He'd be on him, he'd win majors. But I don't think you can compare anything to Tiger."

They delve into the differences in their game styles, with Woods' superior driving distance and exceptional iron play contrasted against Scheffler's strengths and recent improvements in putting.

John Middlekauff [05:11]: "Tiger was the best iron player in my life... whereas Scheffler, to me, the weakness has been putting. He's better now than he used to be."

3. Nick Saban's Potential Comeback to Coaching

Transitioning from golf to football, the hosts explore the rumors surrounding Nick Saban's possible return to coaching. They analyze the financial and organizational challenges associated with such a move, considering the evolving landscape of college football and coaching contracts.

John Middlekauff [31:50]: "With Nick, he's not going to college because nobody's buying out their coaches anymore. Nick's not coming back for 12 million. Two years. Nick's coming back, I want four years guaranteed."

The conversation highlights the complexities of high-stakes coaching contracts and the significant financial commitments required to lure a coach of Saban's caliber back into the college football arena.

4. Barstool Media's Partnership with Fox Sports

The episode delves into the strategic partnership between Barstool Media and Fox Sports, dissecting its implications for sports broadcasting. The hosts discuss how Barstool's digital prowess complements Fox Sports' traditional media strength, aiming to attract a younger, more engaged audience.

John Middlekauff [62:15]: "They solve a Fox Sports problem. Secondly, they are going to do a two-hour show and then the replay, which is not necessarily dynamic, but it's cost-effective and makes us younger."

They examine the potential benefits and challenges of integrating Barstool's unfiltered, opinion-driven content with Fox Sports' structured programming, anticipating shifts in viewer demographics and engagement.

5. The Rise and Challenges of the WNBA, Highlighting Caitlin Clark

A substantial segment is dedicated to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the transformative impact of star player Caitlin Clark. The hosts assess how Clark has spotlighted underlying issues within the league, from marketing inefficiencies to officiating controversies, while also sparking increased interest and investment.

John Middlekauff [45:13]: "Caitlin Clark has brought a relevance to the league that it's impossible to quantify. It's like, hey, we've been investing for years, and now we have a catalyst."

They discuss the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, emphasizing the players' leverage in securing better terms as the league gains prominence, and reflect on the broader implications for women's sports.

John Middlekauff [55:11]: "As an investor, I'd say we've finally got about a 10-year runway. Let's not give up now."

6. Insights on Modern Media and Sports Broadcasting

The hosts provide a critique of traditional media's evolution, particularly focusing on the decline of late-night television and the rise of authentic, unfiltered platforms like podcasts. They argue that podcasts offer a more genuine connection with audiences, free from the constraints and politicking often seen in mainstream media outlets.

John Middlekauff [73:20]: "Podcasts are more authentic, more raw, more real. Late night TV feels neutered, sanitized, and edited."

They also touch upon the shifting dynamics in sports media, advocating for more opinion-driven and personality-centric content to engage today's diverse and digitally-savvy audience.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [05:11]: "Today was the icing on the cake of this guy. He's a complete rocket ship, way more accomplished at the same age than Phil Mickelson."

• John Middlekauff [05:11]: "I've never seen anything like Tiger in his prime. I think if Scheffler was in his prime with Tiger, he would be like Mickelson. He'd be on him, he'd win majors. But I don't think you can compare anything to Tiger."

• John Middlekauff [31:50]: "With Nick, he's not going to college because nobody's buying out their coaches anymore. Nick's not coming back for 12 million. Two years. Nick's coming back, I want four years guaranteed."

• John Middlekauff [45:13]: "Caitlin Clark has brought a relevance to the league that it's impossible to quantify. It's like, hey, we've been investing for years, and now we have a catalyst."

• John Middlekauff [73:20]: "Podcasts are more authentic, more raw, more real. Late night TV feels neutered, sanitized, and edited."

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth analysis of current sports dynamics, from golf and football to emerging movements in women's basketball and the evolving landscape of sports media. Through insightful discussions and engaging commentary, Colin and John provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the key stories shaping the sports world today.