Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: James Franklin Joins The Herd
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction to the Episode
The second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" kicks off live from Chicago, setting the stage for an engaging discussion centered around key sports topics of the day. The highlight of this episode is the upcoming interview with James Franklin, the esteemed head coach of Penn State University’s football team, scheduled to join the show shortly.
2. Spotlight on the WNBA All-Star Game and Caitlin Clark’s Impact
Timestamp: [03:38] – [05:15]
The hosts delve into the recent WNBA All-Star Game, analyzing its viewership and the influence of star player Caitlin Clark. Despite Clark's absence due to injury, the game achieved impressive ratings, securing 2.2 million viewers—a slight dip from the previous year’s 3.4 million but still marking it as the second-highest-rated All-Star Game in WNBA history.
Notable Quote:
"This All-Star rating is proving, despite losing a million viewers from last year, that she has risen the entire league."
– Jason McIntyre [04:45]
The discussion highlights how Clark's popularity has significantly elevated the league's profile, drawing parallels to Tiger Woods' transformative effect on the PGA Tour. The hosts emphasize that the WNBA’s increased visibility has enhanced franchise valuations by 168%, with Clark alone boosting her value by 273%.
3. Analyzing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Coaching and Offensive Struggles
Timestamp: [11:49] – [17:00]
The conversation shifts to the Pittsburgh Steelers, focusing on their offensive woes despite a strong defensive lineup. The hosts critique the Steelers' offensive performance over the past six seasons, noting that their offense ranks among the league's worst despite having a solid defense and quality players.
Notable Quote:
"The Steelers offense in the last six seasons... is bad, like bottom of the league."
– Jason McIntyre [15:22]
They discuss potential reasons for the Steelers' struggles, including issues with the offensive line and quarterback performance. The hosts also provide their AFC power rankings, placing strong teams like Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens at the top, while relegating the Steelers to the lower end due to their persistent offensive inefficiencies.
4. AFC Power Rankings and Team Evaluations
Timestamp: [17:00] – [22:34]
Continuing the analysis, the hosts present their AFC power rankings, highlighting teams they believe are poised for playoff success. Key points include:
- Top Contenders: Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
- Teams with Potential: Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, noted for their coaching and potential improvements.
- Struggling Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars, with the latter two receiving particular skepticism regarding their roster and coaching effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
"All negotiations in business in all sectors... are all about timing. The WNBA is hot and the contract’s up. Now, if the contract was up one hour before Caitlin Clark was drafted, that's a different ballgame."
– Jason McIntyre [05:00]
5. Exclusive Interview with James Franklin, Penn State Head Coach
Timestamp: [26:45] – [36:21]
James Franklin joins "The Herd" to discuss Penn State's football program, his coaching philosophy, and the evolving landscape of college football.
a. Big Ten vs. SEC Debate
Franklin asserts that Penn State now stands as a formidable contender within the Big Ten, challenging the traditionally dominant SEC.
Notable Quote:
"In years past everybody was talking SEC, SEC. And then after what we've been able to do the last two years, obviously I think that's changed that conversation."
– James Franklin [27:59]
b. Recruiting and Development
Franklin emphasizes the importance of a strong recruiting strategy, highlighting the team's ability to attract top talent like Drew Allard. He underscores the significance of creating an environment where players choose to stay and commit wholeheartedly, rather than leveraging offers for financial gain.
Notable Quote:
"He was a three-star recruit when we first started recruiting them. Ends up being based on what rankings you look at the number one recruit in the country."
– James Franklin [35:04]
c. Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal
Discussing the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, Franklin acknowledges initial concerns but believes they ultimately benefit players by allowing them to earn from their personal brands. He also touches on the transfer portal's impact, emphasizing the importance of coaching stability to retain players.
Notable Quote:
"Some Programs have more money than others, so that creates some issues... The transfer portal has got as much of an impact on that as anything."
– James Franklin [30:10]
d. Stadium and Community Engagement
Franklin speaks passionately about Penn State's campus and its role as a quintessential college town. He highlights the university's strong community support, including sold-out games and robust attendance across various sports programs.
Notable Quote:
"This is a place where football matters, the athletic department matters, the university matters, and everything revolves around some of these schools that are in cities."
– James Franklin [33:21]
6. Future Prospects and Coach Recommendations
Timestamp: [36:19] – [53:49]
The hosts transition to discussing the future of quarterback prospects and coaching in college football. They analyze the potential of players like Drew Allard and Arch Manning, debating their draft prospects and the importance of staying within a supportive program rather than chasing higher financial offers.
Notable Quote:
"All these quarterbacks bouncing around to get the best deal. Now, in some instances, like a coach gets fired or there's a new coach that doesn't want you... Drew Aller and Arch Manning would have gotten more money leaving."
– Jason McIntyre [43:05]
They also touch upon the challenges of balancing player development with financial incentives, emphasizing the long-term benefits of a stable and supportive environment over immediate monetary gains.
7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics
As the episode nears its end, the hosts preview upcoming segments, including an imaginative take on NBA teams transitioning into Hollywood-themed movies. They maintain a light-hearted tone, blending sports analysis with entertainment insights.
Notable Quote:
"The Nuggets' new film could be a blockbuster. We're calling it 'Here You Go, Winners.' Better supporting cast allows Jokic to go from Joker to Jordan."
– Jason McIntyre [47:00]
8. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a recap of key discussions and a teaser for the next hour, ensuring listeners remain engaged and eager for more insightful sports analysis. The live broadcast format from Chicago adds an energetic dynamic, especially with the anticipation of James Franklin’s upcoming interview.
Overall Insights:
- WNBA Growth: Caitlin Clark's influence has substantially elevated the WNBA, mirroring the transformative impact of Tiger Woods on golf.
- Steelers' Offensive Challenges: Despite a strong defense, the Steelers struggle offensively, highlighting issues with their offensive line and quarterback performance.
- Big Ten Ascendancy: Penn State, under James Franklin, has become a competitive force in the Big Ten, challenging the SEC’s dominance.
- Recruiting Philosophy: Emphasizing stability and environment over financial incentives leads to sustained success and player retention.
- Future Quarterback Prospects: Stability within a strong program is favored over seeking higher financial gains, as exemplified by the experiences of Drew Allard and Arch Manning.
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports dynamics, blending in-depth analysis with engaging discussions, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking nuanced perspectives.