Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: The Wow Factor

Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the discussion delves deep into the "Wow Factor" surrounding top NFL quarterbacks, transitions into NBA analyses, and explores the evolving landscape of college football. Hosted by Colin Cowherd and featuring insights from co-hosts Joel Klatt, Greg Cosell, J. Mac, and Joy Taylor, the episode provides a comprehensive look at current sports narratives.

1. The NFL Quarterback Debate

Timestamp: [02:50] – [11:26]

Colin Cowherd initiates a passionate debate about the current generation of NFL quarterbacks, emphasizing the evolving criteria that define their greatness. He challenges the traditional metrics by introducing a "Wow Factor," highlighting attributes beyond mere statistics.

• Colin Cowherd asserts, "Mahomes' arm talent… Josh Allen is the wow quarterback of my life" ([03:49]).

• He contrasts modern quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow with legends such as Tom Brady and Joe Montana, arguing that the current era demands more versatility and athleticism.

• Joel Klatt counters, pointing out that historically great quarterbacks like Brady and Montana didn't necessarily have the "Wow Factor" as defined by Colin but are still revered for their achievements. He remarks, "Tom Brady and Joe Montana… are basically considered two greatest quarterbacks in NFL history" ([05:04]).

• The discussion intensifies as Colin criticizes Jalen Hurts, questioning his place among elite quarterbacks despite his athletic prowess. He states, "Jalen Hurts is not a great quarterback" and challenges his standing compared to peers like Mahomes and Burrow ([07:04]).

• Greg Cosell supports Colin's viewpoint, echoing skepticism about Hurts' abilities, while Joy Taylor interjects with differing opinions, sparking further debate.

2. Evolution of Quarterback Evaluation

Timestamp: [11:26] – [16:00]

The conversation shifts to the evolution of quarterback evaluation and team dynamics.

• Colin Cowherd highlights the importance of coaching and management in quarterback success, mentioning, "There are no great quarterbacks without great coaches" ([06:45]).

• He discusses Philadelphia’s strategic advantages, praising Howie Roseman and the franchise's management for building a robust roster that compensates for quarterback inconsistencies ([14:21]).

• The role of Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, and other coaching legends is examined, emphasizing their influence on their quarterbacks' performances and team success.

3. NBA Insights: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Team Chemistry

Timestamp: [32:04] – [35:03]

Transitioning to the NBA, the focus centers on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and his impact on the league.

• Colin Cowherd praises SGA's leadership and teamwork, noting, "He is such a likable personality and he is such a collaborative kid" ([33:47]).

• Joel Klatt and Greg Cosell discuss the Lakers' offseason strategies and the challenges faced by other NBA teams in building competitive rosters.

• Emphasis is placed on SGA's ability to balance individual excellence with team success, differentiating him from other stars like LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

4. College Football: Big 12 Media Days and Conference Dynamics

Timestamp: [39:01] – [51:24]

The discussion shifts to college football, featuring insights from Joel Klatt and Tim Tebow.

• Joel Klatt previews notable Big 12 matchups, including Texas vs. Ohio State and Auburn vs. Baylor, discussing the potential impact of high-profile games on the season's outlook ([40:19]).

• Tim Tebow analyzes the effects of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the transfer portal on team rosters and competitive balance. He states, "The dispersion of talent is going to be greater because now it's legal" ([44:22]).

• The conversation explores how these changes have leveled the playing field, allowing traditionally dominant conferences like the SEC to face increased competition from Big Ten and other conferences.

• Colin Cowherd expresses his observations on teams like Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State, attributing their recent successes to strategic recruiting and effective management amidst the evolving college football landscape ([43:37]).

5. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Highlights

Timestamp: [52:58] – [55:18]

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts recap key points and highlight upcoming sports events.

• Colin Cowherd reflects on the importance of roster management in both the NFL and NBA, stressing that championships require more than just star players.

• Discussion includes the Pittsburgh Steelers' struggles post-Big Ben and the impact of coaching changes on team performance.

• The conversation wraps up with a preview of upcoming college football games, emphasizing matchups that could define the season's trajectory.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: "Mahomes' arm talent… Josh Allen is the wow quarterback of my life." ([03:49])

• Joel Klatt: "Tom Brady and Joe Montana… are basically considered two greatest quarterbacks in NFL history." ([05:04])

• Tim Tebow: "The dispersion of talent is going to be greater because now it's legal." ([44:22])

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: "They make the NBA not feel like a job… it’s just fun." ([32:04])

Conclusion

In this hour, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a robust analysis of current sports trends, challenging traditional perspectives on quarterback greatness, celebrating emerging NBA talents, and dissecting the transformative changes in college football. Through spirited debates and expert insights, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the dynamic sports landscape in 2025.

Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections have been excluded to focus solely on the substantive discussions within the episode.