Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Ryan Day Joins The Herd

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd welcomes Ryan Day, the esteemed head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, to discuss a variety of pressing topics in the world of sports. The conversation delves into collegiate football strategies, NFL quarterback dynamics, NBA superstars, and current events surrounding major sports teams.

1. Jason Tatum and the Elite NBA Shooters Debate [23:10 - 28:00]

Colin Cowherd initiates the discussion by addressing the status of Jason Tatum, questioning whether Tatum belongs in the same echelon as legendary figures like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Cowherd posits that true superstars are rare and must possess not only exceptional talent but also global recognition and significant commercial presence.

• Notable Quote:

  Colin Cowherd [23:35]: "Superstars are like... there's always fewer than you think. Always fewer than you."

Ryan Day concurs, emphasizing the scarcity of genuine superstars and highlighting the importance of having players who can carry teams similarly to how elite quarterbacks function in the NFL.

2. Ohio State Football Strategies and the Impact of Modern Changes [28:00 - 35:00]

The conversation shifts focus to collegiate football, with Colin Cowherd praising Ryan Day's leadership and strategic decisions at Ohio State. They discuss the challenges posed by recent changes in the NCAA, including the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, transfer portals, and conference realignments.

Cowherd criticizes the current NFL teams for overspending on wide receivers, arguing that it distracts from the core importance of quarterbacks in professional football. He draws parallels between football team management and real estate investments, suggesting that prioritizing the right positions is crucial for long-term success.

Ryan Day responds by highlighting Ohio State's commitment to unselfish play, hard work, and fostering a team-oriented culture. He underscores the importance of identifying players who fit the team's ethos, especially in an era where athletes have more autonomy and opportunities outside the traditional structures.

• Notable Quote:

  Ryan Day [35:16]: "So buying into the team is critical."

3. NFL Quarterback Market and Raiders' Search for a QB [35:00 - 38:00]

The discussion transitions to the NFL, specifically the Oakland Raiders' ongoing search for a new quarterback following the release of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell's inability to secure the position alongside Matthew Stafford's decision to stay with the Los Angeles Rams.

Cowherd and Jason McIntyre debate potential candidates, including Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, and Sam Darnold, assessing their fit and performance metrics. Cowherd expresses skepticism about Geno Smith's interception rates despite his mobility and work ethic, while McIntyre advocates for Smith's traits that align with the Raiders' needs.

• Notable Quote:

  Colin Cowherd [37:00]: "Pete likes him. I know Pete likes him a lot."

4. Knicks' Jalen Brunson Injury and Team Prospects [38:00 - 44:00]

Shifting to the NBA, the panel discusses Jalen Brunson's recent ankle injury while playing for the New York Knicks. Concerns revolve around his potential absence for up to two weeks and the implications for the Knicks' playoff aspirations.

Ryan Day emphasizes the necessity of Brunson's health for the Knicks to sustain a competitive edge in the remaining 20 games of the season. Cowherd speculates on the Knicks' ability to navigate the playoffs without significant losses to dominant teams like Boston or Cleveland, highlighting the depth and resilience of the roster.

• Notable Quote:

  Ryan Day [43:00]: "You need him healthy if you want to have any kind of run."

5. NBA Rivalries and Superstar Impact [44:00 - 51:00]

The conversation delves into the dynamics of NBA rivalries and the role of superstars in shaping team fortunes and viewership. Cowherd argues that rivalries in professional sports are often transient and heavily influenced by the presence of marquee players like LeBron James and Steph Curry.

He contrasts this with the enduring rivalries found in college sports, which are rooted in institutional history and regional pride. The panel also touches on the fluctuating popularity of teams based on their success and star power, noting that global recognition plays a crucial role in maintaining a team's status as a franchise.

• Notable Quote:

  Colin Cowherd [50:00]: "College rivalries are based on the institution. Pro rivalries are based on the player."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Colin Cowherd expresses admiration for Ryan Day's openness and leadership, particularly highlighting Day's personal reflections on his late father and the profound impact of coaching at a prestigious program like Ohio State. The discussion underscores the complexities of modern sports management, where athletic performance intertwines with cultural and economic factors.

Colin Cowherd concludes by reaffirming Ohio State's position as a premier football program, adeptly navigating the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. He commends Ryan Day for his contributions and leadership, cementing Ohio State's reputation as a powerhouse in American sports.

Key Takeaways:

• Elite Status in Sports: True superstars are rare and defined by both exceptional talent and global recognition.

• Collegiate Football Dynamics: Ohio State's success hinges on unselfish play, strategic recruiting, and adapting to changes like NIL and transfer portals.

• NFL Quarterback Market: Teams like the Raiders face tough choices in selecting quarterbacks who balance mobility, decision-making, and leadership.

• Injury Impact in NBA: Key player injuries, such as Jalen Brunson's ankle sprain, can significantly influence a team's playoff potential.

• Rivalries and Star Power: While pro sports rivalries are often player-driven and transient, college rivalries maintain their intensity through institutional legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Colin Cowherd [23:35]: "Superstars are like... there's always fewer than you think. Always fewer than you."

• Ryan Day [35:16]: "So buying into the team is critical."

• Colin Cowherd [37:00]: "Pete likes him. I know Pete likes him a lot."

• Ryan Day [43:00]: "You need him healthy if you want to have any kind of run."

• Colin Cowherd [50:00]: "College rivalries are based on the institution. Pro rivalries are based on the player."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership in sports, the intricacies of team management in the face of modern challenges, and the enduring quest for excellence both on and off the field.