Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Where Colin Was Right and Wrong

Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

Introduction

In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Matt Hasselbeck and Jason McIntyre delve deep into contemporary sports topics, analyzing where Colin Cowherd’s predictions and opinions hit the mark and where they fell short. The conversation covers a wide range of subjects, from collegiate athletics dynamics to intricate NFL strategies, providing listeners with insightful commentary and expert opinions.

Big Ten vs. SEC: The Shift in Collegiate Athletics

Matt Hasselbeck opens the discussion by addressing the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly the shifting power dynamics between the Big Ten and the SEC.

"If you look at the top two teams in the SEC now, NIL spending, it's Texas and Texas A&M. That's not the SEC, that's Texas economy."
(04:10)

Hasselbeck argues that the Big Ten's financial robustness, driven by larger campuses and more graduates, positions it to dominate collegiate athletics, especially with the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. He contrasts this with the SEC, highlighting that Texas-based programs are benefiting more from their state's substantial economy.

Colin Cowherd concurs, emphasizing the economic disparities:

"If you took the Longhorns and the Aggies out of the SEC, the gap in spending between the Big Ten and the SEC would be even larger. The Texas economy, It's one of the biggest economies in the world. It's a monster."
(04:37 – 05:19)

Both hosts predict a Big Ten surge, potentially securing a third straight national championship, citing the league's ability to consistently attract and retain elite players through better financial incentives.

NFL Team Strategies: Offense vs. Defense Spending

The conversation shifts to the NFL, where Hasselbeck critiques the Pittsburgh Steelers' spending habits.

Matt Hasselbeck remarks:

"The Steelers... they paid TJ Watt... yet they can't get their offensive line right. They let Najee Harris go. It's not that Mike Tomlin's not a good coach. This organization spends too much money."
(05:19 – 05:57)

He contends that Pittsburgh's heavy investment in defense hampers their ability to build a balanced team, particularly on the offensive side.

Conversely, when discussing the NFC's dominance:

Matt Hasselbeck states:

"NFL executives, scouts and coaches last week ranked J. Jalen Hurts 9th best quarterback in the NFL. That's what I've said. Character, leadership, playmaking, strength. Excellent."
(06:44 – 07:24)

He praises Jalen Hurts for his multifaceted skills and underscores the NFC's overall strength, noting that seven of the top twelve NFL rosters are from the NFC.

Player Evaluations and Team Predictions

Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams

Hasselbeck evaluates quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement.

"Hertz is dealing with like a different offensive play caller every single season. Colin, yeah."
(08:13 – 09:09)

He acknowledges Hurts' leadership and adaptability but criticizes the lack of elite pocket play. On Caleb Williams, Hasselbeck sees potential for growth, comparing his trajectory to Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Discussing the Steelers again, Hasselbeck mentions:

"He is the new Dak. He's literally perfect at the podium... I don't think he's top six or seven in the league. I think he's probably somewhere between nine and thirteen."
(36:28 – 37:36)

This reflects a nuanced view of Hurts' capabilities, balancing his leadership with critiques of his performance metrics.

Coaching Dynamics: Can Nick Saban Succeed in the NFL?

A major segment revolves around the possibility of Alabama’s Nick Saban transitioning to the NFL.

Matt Hasselbeck posits:

"I buy into that [Saban coaching in the NFL]. They didn't say pro football. I did because I think with NIL, there's just no possible way...."
(47:56 – 48:51)

He explores the challenges Saban would face, such as adapting his coaching style to the professional level and managing franchise quarterbacks differently than in college.

Colin Cowherd adds:

"In terms of respect, knowledge of the game, the staff that he could acquire, I mean, it would be Belichick-esque in my mind if you were to get him as an NFL head coach."
(20:02 – 21:02)

Cowherd highlights Saban's expertise but notes the significant adjustments required for success in the NFL environment.

Denver Broncos: A Rising Contender

The Denver Broncos are spotlighted as a team to watch, with both hosts expressing optimism about their prospects.

Colin Cowherd asserts:

"Denver, I think is a major threat in the AFC West... their defense might be the best defense in the NFL."
(13:18 – 14:05)

He praises Sean Payton's coaching, the acquisition of quarterback Russ, and the overall roster strength.

Matt Hasselbeck echoes this sentiment:

"But they make the playoffs in year two with a rookie quarterback and a great division... it's Sean Payton."
(44:30 – 45:27)

Both agree that Denver’s strategic moves and robust roster place them as serious contenders in the AFC.

NBA Focus: Los Angeles Clippers’ Veteran Strategy

Transitioning to basketball, the conversation turns to the Los Angeles Clippers' recent acquisitions of veteran players like Chris Paul and Bradley Beal.

Matt Hasselbeck expresses admiration for Chris Paul:

"You will never hear a bad word about Chris Paul. I think he's one of the great point guards ever."
(38:57 – 39:53)

He believes Paul's addition strengthens the Clippers both on and off the court, enhancing their leadership and gameplay intelligence.

Colin Cowherd comments on the Clippers' aging roster:

"They added 37-year-old Brook Lopez, resigned 36-year-old Nick Batum... They are an old team."
(40:11 – 41:19)

Despite concerns over the team's average age, Hasselbeck remains optimistic about their potential success due to high-profile signings.

Key Takeaways and Predictions

• Big Ten Dominance: With stronger financial backing and effective NIL strategies, the Big Ten is poised to outpace the SEC in collegiate sports.

• NFC Superiority: The NFC showcases superior rosters and quarterback performance, potentially leading to more national championships.

• Denver Broncos' Ascendancy: Bolstered by strategic coaching and player acquisitions, Denver emerges as a formidable force in the AFC.

• Challenging Coaching Transitions: While Nick Saban’s potential move to the NFL is intriguing, significant adjustments are necessary for success.

• NBA Veteran Moves: The Clippers’ strategy of integrating veteran talent like Chris Paul may pay dividends, despite concerns over roster age.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Hasselbeck on Big Ten vs. SEC:
  "Facilities used to matter. Now it's about paying the players."
  (04:10)

• Colin Cowherd on Nick Saban’s NFL Prospects:
  "Understanding how to deal with a franchise quarterback in the NFL is going to be very different than college."
  (20:02)

• Matt Hasselbeck on Jalen Hurts:
  "He is a total adult... but he's not my guy. I don't think he's top six or seven in the league."
  (37:36)

• Colin Cowherd on Denver Broncos:
  "Sean Payton knows exactly what it takes. Everyone believes in him."
  (13:18)

Conclusion

Hour 2 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth exploration of current sports trends, emphasizing the shifting power structures in college athletics, strategic team-building in the NFL, and veteran acquisitions in the NBA. Through expert analysis and candid discussions, Matt Hasselbeck and Colin Cowherd provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of where the sports landscape is headed, highlighting both the triumphs and pitfalls of prominent figures and teams.

For those interested in the full conversation, The Herd with Colin Cowherd continues to provide engaging and insightful sports commentary daily on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app.