Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast - Top 10 Quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels Sophomore Slump? Trade TJ Watt? Best College Football Programs
Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with former NFL scout John Middlekauff. The conversation traverses critical topics in the world of football, including the ranking of the top ten quarterbacks in the league, concerns surrounding Jaden Daniels' performance in his sophomore year, the potential trade of star defensive player T.J. Watt, and an evaluation of the best college football programs based on recruiting, NIL commitments, and coaching staff.

1. Top 10 Quarterbacks

Discussion Highlights: Colin and John delve into an ESPN survey identifying the top 10 quarterbacks, reflecting on personal rankings and the evolving landscape of quarterback performance in the NFL.

• ESPN Top 10 List:
  Colin references an ESPN survey listing Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Jared Goff, Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, and others. He remarks, “[21:19] 'It's about as close is any top 10 quarterback list I've ever seen.'”

• Mahomes' Consistency:
  Colin emphasizes Mahomes' reliability in high-stakes moments, stating, “[22:07] 'Mahomes is one, then you can argue the ranking of the next three. I think what makes Stafford unique… he could outdo anyone.'”

• Joe Burrow vs. Patrick Mahomes:
  A debate arises over whether Burrow surpasses Mahomes in clutch situations. John asserts, “[25:52] 'Joe Burrow is as good as anybody I've ever seen in the last 10 years.'” However, Colin counters with Mahomes' unparalleled big-game performance.

• Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield:
  Both quarterbacks are discussed regarding their leadership and performance metrics. Colin notes Hurts' Super Bowl MVP status as a significant factor in his ranking, “[22:07] 'He won, literally won the Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP.'” Meanwhile, Mayfield's transformation in Tampa is acknowledged for revitalizing his career.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: “[21:19] 'If you want to argue Burrow second, Josh Allen second. I don't care. But like Mahomes is one… we have full faith in him in the biggest moments to get it done.'”
• John Middlekauff: “[25:56] 'Jaden Daniels, this is gonna, everyone's gonna take them seriously. So I got a lot of respect for Dan Campbell and the Lions…'”

2. Jayden Daniels Sophomore Slump?

Discussion Highlights: The conversation shifts to Jaden Daniels, focusing on his performance trajectory and whether he's experiencing a sophomore slump after a stellar rookie season.

• Performance Assessment:
  Colin praises Daniels’ playoff performance, comparing him to legends like Tom Brady during his prime. “[23:55] 'Jaden Daniels, this is gonna, everyone's gonna take them seriously. So I got a lot of respect for Dan Campbell and the Lions…'”

• Comparative Analysis:
  John compares Daniels to a blend of Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, suggesting his potential to elevate despite defensive coordinators finding his weaknesses. “[25:08] 'I think Jaden Daniels was… a bit of a trash can… but he's surpassed Andrew Luck in being the best rookie quarterback.'”

• Statistical Projections:
  They discuss hypothetical future stats for Daniels, forecasting high touchdown numbers with minimal interceptions, reinforcing his potential elite status.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: “[23:10] 'He has an element that Goff'…'”
• John Middlekauff: “[26:33] 'I think what Makes Stafford unique…'”

3. Trade TJ Watt?

Discussion Highlights: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating the potential trade of T.J. Watt, one of the NFL's premier defensive players.

• Trade Viability:
  Colin and John analyze the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive spending and whether trading T.J. Watt is a feasible option despite his impact on the team. “[41:08] 'He stands for everything that that franchise is.'”

• Leadership and Team Impact:
  They emphasize Watt's leadership qualities and his role as the "heartbeat" of the Steelers, making the trade less likely. “[42:15] 'He brings to the table in terms of leadership… he's the heartbeat.'”

• Financial and Performance Considerations:
  The conversation touches on the challenges of matching Watt's salary demands and the risks associated with trading a player of his caliber. “[43:09] 'Once he is traded, what do you deploy?'”

• Comparative Player Valuation:
  Comparisons are made between Watt and other star players, discussing how aging affects performance and trade value. “[44:37] 'TJ Watt, like, what are you going to do, play without me?'”

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: “[43:09] 'It's like Rob Brady's, what would you put the percentage chance… he's been a domino for the Steelers.'”
• John Middlekauff: “[45:58] 'I think getting buddy buddy with Kevin Warren over the last 12 plus months…'”

4. Best College Football Programs

Discussion Highlights: The duo transitions to evaluating the top college football programs over the past five years, considering factors like high school recruiting, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) commitments, and coaching quality.

• Top Programs Identification:
  John initially ranks Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State as the leading college football programs based on recent performance and infrastructure. “[62:32] 'Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas have kind of separated…'”

• Impact of NIL and Recruiting:
  They discuss how NIL commitments and elite high school recruiting have reshaped the competitive landscape, benefiting programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame. “[66:58] 'They have massive universities… they become graduates…'”

• Financial Dynamics and Program Sustainability:
  The conversation explores how financial resources influence program success, with mentions of Texas Tech's billionaire-funded program and the challenges faced by SEC schools in keeping up. “[68:25] 'Having a nice locker and having $25,000 in your pocket…'”

• Chemistry and Team Cohesion:
  Emphasis is placed on the importance of team chemistry, especially in the age of the transfer portal and increased player movement. “[73:51] 'It's hard to build that chemistry and that cohesion…'”

Notable Quotes:

• John Middlekauff: “[72:04] 'I wouldn't go as dire as Clemson, which is like anti portal, but I'd be like 75% recruiting.'”
• Colin Cowherd: “[81:21] 'The Harris' was mentioned in the context of team building and dynamic.'”

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff provide insightful analysis into the current state of NFL quarterbacks, evaluating both established stars and emerging talents. They thoughtfully consider the complexities surrounding a potential trade of a key defensive player like T.J. Watt, weighing leadership and financial implications. Additionally, their evaluation of college football programs sheds light on the evolving factors that contribute to a program's success, emphasizing the importance of recruiting, NIL commitments, and coaching excellence. The episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of both professional and collegiate football landscapes, enriched by expert opinions and strategic perspectives.

Notable Final Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: “[82:21] 'All right. John Middlekauff, former NFL Scout 3 [sic], we chopped it up for an hour. Good stuff, buddy.'”
• John Middlekauff: “[83:07] 'Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself.'”

Key Takeaways:

• Quarterback Rankings: Patrick Mahomes remains atop due to his consistent high-level performance, while players like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson are close contenders, each bringing unique strengths.
• Jaden Daniels' Future: Despite potential challenges, Daniels shows promise to become an elite quarterback, drawing comparisons to NFL Greats.
• Trading Star Players: Trading a pivotal player like T.J. Watt involves significant considerations beyond performance, including team leadership and financial ramifications.
• College Football Dynamics: Elite college programs leverage strong recruiting pipelines and NIL deals to maintain competitive advantages, though team chemistry remains a critical factor amidst increased player mobility.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a must-listen for football enthusiasts seeking expert analysis on key NFL and college football topics, delivered through engaging dialogue and informed insights.