Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: USC HC Lincoln Riley
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode Title: Hour 2 - USC HC Lincoln Riley
Description: A comprehensive discussion focusing on USC’s head coach Lincoln Riley, the evolving landscape of college football, NFL team analyses, and player performances.
1. Opening Remarks and Initial Discussions
The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd and co-host J. Mack delving into the impact of Deion Sanders on the Colorado football program. Highlighting Sanders' ability to sell out games and attract better players, they nod to his success in revitalizing Colorado's football reputation.
Notable Quote:
“If you're like me and love the action, DraftKings Sportsbook is where it's at.” – Colin Cowherd [00:03:10]
2. Carolina's Football Program and Bill Belichick
The conversation shifts to the Carolina football program under the prospective leadership of Bill Belichick. Colin discusses Carolina's impressive ticket sales for 2025, projecting the program's value at $572 million, emphasizing its strong brand and financial backing.
Notable Quote:
“Carolina is a really good... a real brand, Carolina is a real brand.” – Colin Cowherd [00:05:01]
3. NFL Team Predictions: Green Bay vs. Denver Broncos
Colin provides an in-depth analysis of NFL power rankings, particularly scrutinizing Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos. He expresses skepticism about Green Bay's projected performance, citing a lack of elite players compared to other top NFL teams.
Notable Quote:
“I dislike Green Bay... they don't have enough great players.” – Colin Cowherd [00:09:08]
The co-host challenges this view, questioning the absence of wide receivers or tight ends in Colin's top player rankings, leading to a spirited debate about team strengths and weaknesses.
4. Patrick Mahomes' Performance and Future
The discussion turns to Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, with Colin addressing Mahomes' recent struggles in throwing the ball downfield. Despite these challenges, Colin defends Mahomes' postseason performance, valuing his ability to perform in critical moments.
Notable Quote:
“I still think he is one of these guys. Big third, fourth down, postseason. I'll take him over everybody else except Hurts.” – Colin Cowherd [00:20:14]
5. Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers' Signing
Colin and his guest discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers' acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. Highlighting General Manager Omar Khan's strategic patience, they explore how Rodgers' move is expected to influence the Steelers' performance in the upcoming season.
Notable Quote:
“We wanted Aaron Rodgers, and Rogers wanted to be a Steeler, and it worked out.” – Colin Cowherd [00:22:34]
6. Baker Mayfield's Transition to Tampa Bay
The conversation moves to Baker Mayfield's recent signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Colin praises Mayfield's authenticity and confidence, speculating that his emotional leadership will be instrumental in Tampa's quest to win their division.
Notable Quote:
“He has incredible confidence. They're gonna win that division.” – Colin Cowherd [00:26:45]
7. College Football Playoff and Lincoln Riley's USC
Colin expresses enthusiasm for the College Football Playoff system, praising its ability to allow teams to take risks and for players' personal growth. The discussion sets the stage for the main segment featuring Lincoln Riley, USC's head coach.
Notable Quote:
“The College Football Playoff... allows coaches to take risks, schedule bigger games.” – Colin Cowherd [00:30:00]
8. Interview with Lincoln Riley, USC Head Coach
a. Adapting to the Big Ten
Lincoln Riley discusses USC's transition into the Big Ten, addressing the challenges posed by different playing styles and climates. He emphasizes strategic roster adjustments to meet the demands of their new conference.
Notable Quote:
“We want to be a team that's a national championship contender every single year... we have to be great on the line of scrimmage.” – Lincoln Riley [00:36:20]
b. Navigating the Transfer Portal
Riley shares insights on utilizing the transfer portal as a tool for rapid roster building, balancing it with traditional high school recruiting. He acknowledges the difficulties in evaluating short-term player commitments but remains optimistic about long-term program stability.
Notable Quote:
“The Portal is just another tool to build your roster... it's a great example of our first year at USC.” – Lincoln Riley [00:37:19]
c. Quarterback Competition
Discussing USC's quarterback room, Riley highlights the depth and competition among his quarterbacks, Jade Maeva and Hassan Longstreet. He stresses the importance of confidence and simplicity in coaching young quarterbacks.
Notable Quote:
“Simplicity is very important. It's such a confidence-driven position.” – Lincoln Riley [00:43:44]
d. Offensive Strategy and Future Goals
Riley outlines the offensive improvements needed to return USC to a top-tier performance, focusing on offensive line strength and quarterback consistency. He remains optimistic about USC's recruiting class and the potential for championship-caliber depth.
Notable Quote:
“We have championship caliber depth and a really strong starting group right now.” – Lincoln Riley [00:42:09]
9. Closing Remarks
Colin wraps up the episode by lauding Lincoln Riley's strategic vision for USC, affirming his confidence in the coach's ability to lead the team to national prominence. He also touches briefly on the evolving quarterback landscape in college football, anticipating exciting developments in the upcoming seasons.
Notable Quote:
“We have had Sarkon Lincoln, Ryan Day and James Franklin... the quarterback play in college is so much better than 10 years ago.” – Colin Cowherd [00:47:06]
Key Takeaways:
- Lincoln Riley's Leadership: Emphasis on adapting to the Big Ten, leveraging the transfer portal, and fostering quarterback competition to elevate USC's football program.
- NFL Insights: Critical analysis of team performances, particularly questioning Green Bay Packers' projected success and defending Patrick Mahomes' postseason impact.
- Player Movements: Examination of significant NFL signings, including Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers and Baker Mayfield to Tampa Bay, highlighting their potential influences.
- College Football Dynamics: Appreciation for the College Football Playoff's role in enhancing team strategies and player development.
This episode provides a deep dive into both college and professional football landscapes, offering listeners valuable insights from Colin Cowherd and guest experts, culminating in an exclusive interview with one of college football's prominent coaches, Lincoln Riley.